The Parent Pod

Friendships can be tricky for any child, but for neurodivergent kids there can be extra layers to navigate. Social fatigue, sensory needs, rejection, conflict and different ways of communicating can all play a part.
In this episode of the Neurospice Girls, Rachel and Leisa talk about friendships and social life for children with ADHD, autism and other neurodivergent profiles. We explore making and maintaining friendships, understanding different ways of connecting, and why having one good friend can sometimes matter far more than fitting into a big social group.
We also get into the practical stuff. Birthday parties, sleepovers, family gatherings and activities outside school can bring their own challenges. How much should we encourage our kids to participate? When do we help them persevere, and when is it okay to step back?
It’s about helping our kids find connection, build confidence and navigate the social world without asking them to change who they are.

Parenting a neurodivergent child often means explaining their needs to teachers, schools, family and friends. But what should you share, who needs to know, and how do you advocate for your child while still respecting their privacy?
In Episode 3 of the Neurospice Girls series, Rachel and Leisa talk about communicating the needs of neurodivergent children, including children with ADHD and autism.
We explore how to explain your child’s strengths, sensory needs, emotional regulation, communication differences and support needs in ways that help others understand them. We also discuss communicating with teachers and schools, creating consistency between home and school, navigating judgement and misconceptions, and knowing when to educate someone and when to simply move on.
We also turn the conversation around. What should you do when a parent tells you their child is neurodivergent or shares their child’s support needs? Sometimes listening without judgement, asking respectful questions and offering support rather than advice is exactly what is needed.
A practical conversation about neurodivergent parenting, ADHD, autism, parenting support, school communication, advocacy, sensory needs, emotional regulation and helping your child feel understood and supported.

In Episode 2 of the Neurospice Girls series, Rachel and Leisa unpack the reality of parenting neurodivergent children in a world still heavily focused on compliance and “good behaviour”.
We talk about the social expectations placed on parents, grieving the parenting journey you thought you would have, unlearning traditional parenting advice, and making peace with where you and your child are right now.
From understanding behaviour as communication to recognising sensory and executive functioning needs, we explore what happens when we shift from trying to control behaviour to curiosity, connection and collaboration.
We also talk about backing yourself, trusting your intuition and becoming an advocate for your child — even when family, schools, professionals and society have different ideas about what parenting should look like.
A real conversation about neurodivergent parenting, ADHD, autism, behaviour, regulation, acceptance and raising children who don't always fit the mould.
Stay rad

Welcome to Season 4 of The Parent Pod!
This season is a little different. I'm joined by my good friend, colleague and fellow neurospicy human, Leisa Robertson. Together, we're the Neurospice Girls, bringing you honest, practical conversations about all things neurodivergence through the lens of parenting, education and social work.
Over the next 12 episodes, we'll be exploring the real-life challenges and wins that come with raising, teaching and supporting neurodivergent children. We'll talk about parenting, advocacy, boundaries, sensory differences, relationships, navigating school, supporting siblings, and looking after yourself along the way.
We're not here as clinical experts. We're mums who have lived this journey, professionals who work alongside children and families every day, and women who are neurodivergent ourselves. Everything we share comes from experience, curiosity and a genuine desire to help other families feel seen, understood and a little less alone.
In this first episode, we unpack what neurodiversity and neurodivergence actually mean, explore some of the more common neurotypes including ADHD, ASD, OCD and PDA, and discuss why every neurodivergent person is unique.
Whether you're a parent wondering if your child is neurodivergent, navigating a recent diagnosis, supporting a partner, or simply wanting to understand your child a little better, this season is for you.
Grab a cuppa, join the conversation and let's learn together.

Dr Justin Coulson is one of Australia’s most trusted parenting experts, an author, researcher and speaker, and the founder of Happy Families. He is the co-host and parenting expert on Channel 9’s Parental Guidance and has spent more than two decades helping families build stronger relationships and raise thriving children.
In this episode of The Parent Pod, Rachel sits down with Dr Justin Coulson to discuss his brand-new book, Boys: Building Strong Young Men From the Inside Out. Together, we explore what boys need to flourish in today’s world, the foundations of healthy masculinity, and practical ways parents can support boys to become confident, resilient and caring young men.