Neurodivergent Conversations | Autism Spectrum, ADHD, AUDHD, Neurodiverse parent

Christmas is over… but your nervous system didn’t get the memo.  If you’re heading into January feeling fried, overstimulated, and like you’re already behind, this episode is your permission slip to reset realistically—emotionally, mentally, and practically. Laura and I talk about what’s actually going on underneath sensory meltdowns (hint: it’s communication), how to spot your own “I’m not okay” signs before you crash, and how to be more proactive than reactive when your child is dysregulated. My guest, Laura, has a background in teaching and now supports parents navigating the toughest parts of neurodivergent family life—especially sensory overload and meltdowns. She’s also the creator of The PAUSE Method, a practical digital course built for real life (because “accessible support” isn’t accessible when evenings are meltdown central). Here’s what we get into—like you’re sitting with us at the kitchen table: What a realistic reset looks like for overwhelmed parents: noticing what’s not working, celebrating the “tiny acts of courage” you forget you do daily, and spotting your own distress signals before burnout hits. A mindset shift for meltdowns: your child isn’t “being aggressive”—their body might be asking for sensory input (like proprioceptive/deep pressure needs). Practical sensory supports you can try: wall pushes, press-ups, throwing/catching, “indoor snowballs,” weighted blankets, deep pressure, and learning what your child’s movement is telling you. Why “proactive not reactive” matters (and what a sensory diet actually means). Laura’s PAUSE Method breakdown: physiology, adult awareness, unhelpful thoughts, stress & demands, and boundaries—so you’re not just surviving the meltdown, you’re changing what happens around it too. And the note I hope lands the deepest: nothing is broken—we just need different strategies (and sometimes a couple of recharge breaks). Join me for a 3 day Overwhelm Reset Workshop GUEST LINKS: The PAUSE Method GET THE LINKS⁠⁠Check out the refreshed website⁠⁠⁠ Learn about the ⁠Exhausted to Empowered Collective⁠⁠ Follow me on socials: ⁠⁠INSTAGRAM⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ FACEBOOK⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

New year, new name, same heart. On this New Year’s Day episode, it’s just Greer and Chris having a real, relaxed chat about what’s coming in 2026 for their neurodivergent family and the community they’re building. If you’re craving more calm, more support, and more “oh, it’s not just me” moments, this one is for you. You’ll hear from Greer Jones, podcast host and neuro-affirming coach, alongside Chris (Greer’s husband and co-builder behind the scenes) as they talk through what’s next for the podcast and the bigger mission: helping neurodivergent families feel less alone in the everyday. In this episode, we talk about: The podcast rename to Neurodivergent Conversations and why it helps more neurodivergent parents find this space The vision for 2026: more time as a family, more momentum, and more community-led growth A 3-day virtual summit planned for May (dates coming soon) with experts on the real-life topics neurodivergent families face The launch of the Exhausted to Empowered Collective, including the course, weekly calls, and an app-based community Why tiny, realistic changes matter, and how to actually apply what you learn to your own life Greer’s upcoming book for parents who feel like typical parenting advice just does not fit If you’ve ever thought, “Why does motherhood feel so hard for me?” or “I just want a plan that works for our family,” you’re in the right place. GET THE LINKS Check out the refreshed website Learn about the Exhausted to Empowered Collective Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever stared at a simple decision and suddenly it feels weirdly massive? Like your brain is running every possible outcome at full volume, and now you are frozen. In this episode, we talk about why ADHD decision making can feel so heavy, how decision fatigue builds faster, and what to do when you hit that stuck loop. Greer is joined by Brooke Schnittman (ADHD coach and creator in the ADHD space) for a real, relatable conversation about decision paralysis, dopamine, and the day to day overwhelm that so many neurodivergent parents and adults carry. In this conversation, you will hear: Why ADHD can make every option feel equally urgent, especially with inattentive ADHD, and why even “small” choices can feel high stakes A simple way to sort “big vs small” decisions by anchoring back to your goals, plus why accountability matters when your brain forgets the goal exists (hello, object permanence) What Brooke calls the ADHD disruption spiral, and why you cannot logic your way out when you are emotionally dysregulated Brooke’s AIR reset (Acknowledge, Interrupt, Redirect) for getting out of freeze mode with a tiny next step that actually feels doable Decision fatigue explained in plain language: how hundreds of daily choices drain fuel faster, why it is not laziness, and how routines can reduce the load over time If you have ever felt shame about how long it takes you to decide, or you rely on “systems” just to stay afloat, this one will make you feel seen and give you something practical to try today. Find Brooke on instagram or her websiteSign up to our newsletter where we continue the conversation along with sharing helpful resources and techniques tried out by parents and professionals in the neurodiverse world. You can know get the episodes on YouTube! Click here to subscribe. Follow the show on all the socials @theunfinishedidea - look for the brain! Instagram Facebook LinkedIn TikTok Website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Motherhood changes everything — your routines, your energy, and especially your friendships. As life gets busier and capacity feels smaller, many moms wonder: how do I stay connected when I barely have time for myself? In this heartfelt and practical episode, Greer sits down with Stephanie May Wilson — author, speaker, and trusted friendship mentor — to talk about how friendships evolve during motherhood and why authentic community matters now more than ever. A mom of twin girls, Stephanie shares her real-life experiences of navigating the early, overwhelming days of motherhood, offering honest encouragement and simple, doable ways to nurture connection even when life feels full. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why friendship is essential for moms’ mental and emotional health How to stay connected when energy and time are limited Creative ways to blend motherhood and friendship Why “small moments” can sustain meaningful relationships How modelling healthy friendships benefits your children This episode is for every mom craving connection and reassurance that you’re not alone — real community is still possible, even in the busiest season of motherhood. LINKS Follow Stephanie May Listen to Girls Night Join the Unfinished Community WhatsApp. Where you can share your everyday joys, struggles, and differences! Click here to join. Sign up to our newsletter where we continue the conversation along with sharing helpful resources and techniques tried out by parents and professionals in the neurodiverse world. You can know get the episodes on YouTube! Click here to subscribe. Follow the show on all the socials @theunfinishedidea - look for the brain! Instagram Facebook LinkedIn TikTok Website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if one small moment of compassion could change an entire day for a neurodivergent child—or their parent? So many ND families live with daily overwhelm, meltdowns in public, invisible disabilities, and the feeling of not being understood. In today’s episode, we ask: What does it really look like to “see” neurodivergent families in a world that often doesn’t? I’m joined by Carlos Whittaker—author, speaker, storyteller, and champion of walking with people instead of standing on issues. Carlos shares how choosing compassion over judgement builds bridges and creates true community, especially for neurodivergent families. Together, we talk about: The power of being seen and why ND families need it most How to support a parent during a public meltdown (what to do + what NOT to say) What small actions look like when you want to “walk with people” Parenting differently, shrinking social circles, and finding your village Hope, healing, and why we don’t need to be “fixed” to move forward Simple ways anyone can make the world more inclusive for ND kids and parents Connect with Carlos Whittaker on Instagram: @loswhit Check out Carlos’s books, courses & community CTA: Please donate today at MercyShips.org/podcast Visit OmahaSteaks.com for 50% off sitewide during their Sizzle All the Way Sale. And for an extra $35 off, usepromo code FUN at checkout. Join the Unfinished Community WhatsApp. Where you can share your everyday joys, struggles, and differences! Click here to join.Sign up to our newsletter where we continue the conversation along with sharing helpful resources and techniques tried out by parents and professionals in the neurodiverse world. You can know get the episodes on YouTube! Click here to subscribe. Follow the show on all the socials @theunfinishedidea - look for the brain! Instagram Facebook LinkedIn TikTok Website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices