Episodes
TRIGGER WARNING: This podcast series discusses topics that may be distressing to some listeners, including domestic violence, physical and sexual abuse, and emotional trauma. It includes real-life accounts from survivors that may be distressing. If you or someone you know is affected by these issues, please prioritise your well-being and consider listening to a different episode or proceed with caution. If you feel overwhelmed at any point, it's okay to take a break or seek support.
In this...
Published 11/13/24
In today’s episode, I welcome back Claire Britton, a neurodivergent OT with a wealth of experience supporting ADHD and neurodivergent families. Claire brings a unique, practical perspective on managing ADHD - think habit-stacking, body doubling, and dopamine menus! She shares insights on evidence-backed strategies that have helped her clients and breaks down why some popular approaches might not be the best fit for everyone.
Claire and I also explore her thoughts on:
Building ADHD-friendly...
Published 11/11/24
TRIGGER WARNING: This podcast series discusses topics that may be distressing to some listeners, including emotional trauma. If you or someone you know is affected by these issues, please prioritise your well-being and consider listening to a different episode or proceed with caution. If you feel overwhelmed at any point, it's okay to take a break or seek support.
This episode is part of our Domestic Violence Mini-Series, and today we focus on a critical and often overlooked topic: workplace...
Published 11/06/24
In this episode of ADHD Mums, I chat with Vanessa Anlezark, a 39-year-old Registered Nurse and Mum, about her experiences managing chronic health conditions, including EDS (Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome) and POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome).
Vanessa's journey highlights the importance of self-advocacy, finding the right healthcare team, and connecting with a supportive community. Her story sheds light on the realities of navigating multiple diagnoses and the resilience it takes to...
Published 11/04/24
In this Mini-Series, for this episode we dive deep into the painful reality of emotional abuse in families, especially in mother-child relationships. We speak with Jasmine (not her real name), who courageously shares her personal experience of enduring emotional abuse by her mother throughout her childhood and into adulthood.
TRIGGER WARNING: This podcast series discusses topics that may be distressing to some listeners, including child abuse, physical and sexual abuse, and emotional trauma....
Published 10/30/24
In this solo episode, I talk about a topic that's highly relevant for anyone navigating life as an ADHDer: the differences between stimulant and non-stimulant medications. Whether you're considering medication for yourself or your child, understanding your options and how they work is crucial.
For detailed info, check out A Guide to ADHD Medication on my website. This is for the mums who are fed up with the confusing advice and just want the facts about ADHD medication – no fluff, no jargon....
Published 10/29/24
In this episode of ADHD Mums, I chat with Georgia Poletti Moulds, co-host of the Going Loco podcast. Georgia candidly shares her journey with bipolar and her recent realisation that she likely has inattentive ADHD, discovered through her son's diagnostic process.
Jane and Georgia discuss the challenges of distinguishing between bipolar and ADHD, especially when symptoms like hyperactivity, hyperfocus, and mood fluctuations can appear similar. They also touch on the impact of family history,...
Published 10/28/24
TRIGGER WARNING: This podcast series discusses topics that may be distressing to some listeners, including lived experience recordings of attempted suicide. If you or someone you know is affected by these issues, please prioritise your well-being and consider listening to a different episode or proceed with caution. If you feel overwhelmed at any point, it's okay to take a break or seek support.
We cover the harrowing reality of maternal suicide, which tragically accounts for up to 20% of...
Published 10/23/24
*Be aware I mention suicidal thoughts briefly in this episode*
In this solo episode of ADHD Mums, I share my personal journey of how ADHD medication led to the unexpected discovery that I was Autistic. As more women receive an ADHD diagnosis later in life, many are realising there’s more beneath the surface. I discuss how stimulant medications like Vyvanse helped me manage ADHD symptoms, but also highlighted sensory sensitivities and social struggles that pointed to autism.
I open up about...
Published 10/22/24
In this episode, Kara Lynch, a neurodivergent mum and teacher from Sydney, shares her late ADHD diagnosis at 41, following her daughter's diagnosis. Kara opens up about her struggles with burnout, sensory overload, and the challenge of setting boundaries, which led to a breakdown late last year. Her candid account of how anxiety and sensory sensitivities affected her daily life, work, and parenting will resonate with neurodivergent mums navigating similar experiences.
Kara also discusses how...
Published 10/21/24
TRIGGER WARNING: This podcast series discusses topics that may be distressing to some listeners, including domestic violence, physical and sexual abuse, and emotional trauma. It includes real-life accounts from survivors that may be distressing. If you or someone you know is affected by these issues, please prioritise your well-being and consider listening to a different episode or proceed with caution. If you feel overwhelmed at any point, it's okay to take a break or seek support.
In this...
Published 10/16/24
In this episode, we’re exploring why so many ADHD Mums are drawn to entrepreneurship with Paula Maidens, a business consultant and a mum of two. Paula has been helping entrepreneurs build high-performing teams in her own business for over 14 years. Paula shares her personal experiences as an entrepreneur and a mum, offering practical advice on how ADHD entrepreneurs can thrive in business without burning out.
Key topics covered:
Jane and Paula discuss why ADHD brains are so suited to...
Published 10/14/24
TRIGGER WARNING: This podcast series discusses topics that may be distressing to some listeners, including domestic violence, physical and sexual abuse, and emotional trauma. It includes real-life accounts from survivors that may be distressing. If you or someone you know is affected by these issues, please prioritise your well-being and consider listening to a different episode or proceed with caution. If you feel overwhelmed at any point, it's okay to take a break or seek support.
In this...
Published 10/09/24
In this episode, I’m joined by internationally recognised experts in autism, Professor Tony Attwood and Dr Michelle Garnett, to explore the unique dynamics of friendships in neurodivergent families. We dive deep into the complexities of ADHD and autistic friendships, offering actionable advice for both children and adults. Whether you're navigating these challenges for your child or yourself, this episode provides valuable tools and insights to help you nurture and support meaningful social...
Published 10/07/24
In this episode, we discuss the challenges of navigating and managing ADHD medication while travelling across different states in Australia. Rebekah Howard, a neurodivergent mum of two and teacher, shares her experiences of living on the road for eight months and dealing with ADHD medication rules and regulations between states.
Free Guide: Travelling Interstate with ADHD Medication - download here
We get real about the frustrations of navigating state-based medication regulations and the...
Published 10/02/24
In the second part of my series on autistic burnout, I move from personal reflection to practical strategies. This episode is all about helping you, as neurodivergent mums, prevent burnout before it takes over – both for yourself and your children.
***If you missed it, be sure to listen to Part 1 “Realising Autistic Burnout: A Personal Story for Neurodivergent Mums” on Apple Podcast or Spotify***
We know how easy it is to keep pushing ourselves until there’s nothing left, especially when...
Published 10/01/24
In this first part of my two-part series on autistic burnout, I’m sharing how I came to realise the impact of burnout on my life – something that had been affecting me for years without my knowing.
From reflecting on childhood conditioning to understanding how societal pressures pushed me into burnout, I unpack the key moments that shaped my experience. I also share why this realisation was life-changing for me and why I’m passionate about helping other neurodivergent women and girls avoid...
Published 09/30/24
In this episode, I’m joined by Claire Britton, an ADHDer, mum of two, and paediatric Occupational Therapist. Together, we dive into the often confusing and frustrating world of executive function. You know the feeling - struggling to keep it all together, constantly questioning why everything feels so hard. We’re breaking down what executive function really is, why ADHD mums feel like they’re always on the back foot, and how we can start managing the daily chaos with more compassion and less...
Published 09/25/24
In this episode, I’m joined by internationally recognised experts in autism, Professor Tony Atwood and Dr. Michelle Garnett, to explore the often misunderstood condition known as Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA). Together, we dive into what PDA really is, how it differs from Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), and what it means for neurodivergent children and their families.
Key Takeaways:
Understanding PDA vs ODD: Discover the critical differences between PDA and ODD. Tony and Michelle...
Published 09/23/24
In this solo episode, I’m sharing 6 practical tips that have helped me reduce stress and create a calmer, more connected home as a neurodivergent mum. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the daily chaos or struggled to find a balance between parenting and navigating ADHD, this episode is for you. These strategies aren’t about perfection - they’re about finding what works for you and your family to bring a little more peace and ease into your days.
Key Takeaways:
How to set up simple,...
Published 09/18/24
In this episode, Jane is pleased to welcome back Tanya Hicks from Neurodivergent Empowered! Tanya is a neurodivergent woman and mum who brings a wealth of experience across many fields, from national management to neurodivergent-affirming therapy. She founded Neurodivergent Empowered to meet a real need in our community, creating a space that exclusively hires neurodivergent team members. Through her work, Tanya helps neurodivergent children, teens, and adults embrace their unique selves,...
Published 09/16/24
In this solo episode, I’m getting honest about what it’s like raising my own little “antagonist” – you know, kids who just can’t help but push everyone’s buttons, whether it’s poking their siblings, pushing boundaries, or always looking for that reaction. With an ADHD brain that’s always craving excitement, these kids often engage in “accidentally on purpose” disruptions to stir the pot.
Key Topics Covered
I’m sharing my personal stories (get ready for a laugh) and insights on understanding...
Published 09/11/24
In this episode, Jane chats with Alison Balson, a Family Dynamics & Neurodiversity Strategist, who offers her expert advice on navigating life in a neurodivergent family. With insights drawn from her experience as a former teacher, childcare centre owner, and mum of four neurodivergent children, Alison shares practical strategies for fostering a thriving, inclusive family environment.
Key Topics Covered:
What it means to have "twice exceptional" children who are both gifted and face...
Published 09/09/24
In this solo episode, I explore the complex relationship between PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder) and neurodivergence, including ADHD, autism, depression, and PTSD. Learn what PMDD is, how it differs from PMS, and why it disproportionately affects neurodivergent individuals.
Bonus Free Resource: Download my free 14-page guide Is It More Than PMS? Understanding PMDD which includes a checklist to help you identify if your symptoms are PMDD or PMS. Download here.
Key Topics Covered:
The...
Published 09/05/24