Appearances in the media and on other autism, ADHD and PDA parenting podcasts
As well as my own podcast, I often pop up on other shows to discuss the joys and challenges of raising kids with special educational needs.
Here are some of the appearances I’ve made outside of Neuroshambles.
Everything is learning Podcast
Mark Allen is the creator and host of Neuroshambles, a podcast where he speaks with experts, advocates, and fellow parents in the neurodiversity community to unpack the realities, joys, and curveballs of raising neurodivergent kids. As a parent of three children, each with their own distinct neurodivergent profile, Mark’s journey began without a roadmap. But through years of research, open conversations, and plenty of trial and error, he’s become an “accidental expert” in understanding and accommodating each of his kids’ needs. Mark mixes every single day with a healthy dose of humour, humility, and heart.
With a focus on embracing the chaos with humour and compassion, Mark’s parenting philosophy is about more than managing the day-to-day - it’s about teaching his kids how to advocate for themselves and showing other parents that understanding and acceptance can completely transform family life. Whether he’s interviewing a guest on his podcast or swapping stories with other parents, Mark brings curiosity, candour, and the belief that we’re all still learning.
The Untypical Parent Podcast
Ever felt like you're the only parent struggling while everyone else seems to have it all figured out? Then this raw, honest conversation with Mark is exactly what you need. A self-described "undiagnosed neurotypical" dad raising three neurodivergent children.
Mark candidly shares when he stopped seeing his son's behaviour as defiance and started understanding it as communication. Mark talks about how he learned to meet his children where they are rather than forcing them to meet expectations.
We talk about the complicated emotions that come with diagnosis (both relief and grief), the freedom that comes from creating a home where neurodivergent kids can truly unmask, and why finding your tribe can be the key.
Listen now, and discover how letting go of "perfect parent" ideals might be exactly what your family needs.
What happens when you throw out the parenting rule book?
In this episode of the All Aboard ADHD podcast, Claire is joined by parent guest Mark Allen - a former stand-up comedian who juggles working in IT, with being a writer, podcaster, and dad to three neurodivergent children, who have a combination of diagnoses including ADHD, Autism and PDA.
Mark describes himself as an “undiagnosed neurotypical”, who navigates the competing needs of his family with humour and insight, which he channels into his podcast Neuroshambles, where he chats with guests about the lighter side of parenting neurodivergent children, including an episode with Claire.
Mark kicks off by describing how differently ADHD presents in his children, with Jay's early signs of ADHD manifesting as a need to move constantly, whereas Otto’s distractibility and inattentiveness provide challenges in terms of planning daily activities. Mark also shares some insight into how difficult it is to distinguish between ADHD and autism in his children, and the different pathways their family took to get diagnoses for their children. Mark speaks of the relief and understanding that came with the diagnoses, allowing them to better understand and support their children. He also shares some wonderful examples of how accommodations such as movement breaks and sensory-seeking activities support his children to learn and regulate themselves.
Claire and Mark also discuss the positive impact of allowing children to be themselves and how it can boost their self-esteem. In fact, Mark advises other parents to ditch the parenting rulebook altogether, along with their expectations of neurotypical children. He shares his own experience of how changing their approach to meal times has reduced stress and increased happiness for their family. He also shares a lovely take on his children's unique character and energy, particularly their strong opinions and eccentricity - fedoras and all!
This is a must-listen for any parent navigating the day-to-day challenges of raising neurodivergent children, particularly the dads!
Conversations with a SEND mum podcast
In episode 9 of Season 3 of Conversations with a SEND Mum, Nicole Bateman welcomes Mark Allen and Callum Galbraith, two of the 14 fathers featured in The Journey into SEND Fatherhood, a powerful new book by SEND Reform England. Together, they dive into the unique experiences of being SEND Dads, sharing the challenges, triumphs, and personal growth that come with raising children with additional needs.
Key Takeaways:
- Mark and Callum open up about their individual journeys into fatherhood, the initial struggles they faced, and how their perspectives evolved as they learned to navigate the world of SEND.
- The discussion highlights the emotional toll on dads, the importance of vulnerability, and how societal expectations often impact their roles. They emphasise the need for better recognition and support for fathers within the SEND community.
- Mark and Callum discuss the collaborative effort behind The Journey into SEND Fatherhood and how the book aims to provide solidarity and guidance for other fathers who may feel isolated in their experiences.
- Nicole, Mark, and Callum share actionable advice for dads, including finding a supportive community, advocating for their children, and the importance of understanding and acceptance.