This week, Mark is joined by Michelle Parton – a long-time Neuroshambles listener and parent of two neurodivergent children. They explore one of the more baffling challenges of raising our kids: why do so many of them flat-out refuse medical assistance?

From hiding lava lamp injuries to meltdown-inducing blood tests, Mark and Michelle swap tales of their kids’ iron-willed resistance to all forms of treatment – even when they’re clearly in pain, bleeding, or itching uncontrollably. Together, they explore the many reasons this might be happening – from sensory issues and PDA to past trauma, masking, and a fundamental lack of trust in strangers in latex gloves.

It’s funny, cathartic, at times heartbreaking – definitely one for anyone who’s ever tried (and failed) to administer Calpol to a deeply suspicious neurodifferent child.

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CHAPTER TIMESTAMPS (Estimated):

00:00 – Intro & Meet the Guest: Michelle Parton

03:00 – Topic of the Week: Refusing Medical Help

08:00 – Kids hiding injuries

13:00 – Dysregulation about the prospect of going to the doctor

17:30 – Trust issues with medical professionals

23:00 – Lyme disease and the unholy nightmare of blood tests

29:00 – Trying to administer medication

35:00 – The impact of sensory overwhelm: Plasters, creams & the taste of medication

42:00 – The added complication with PDA kids

47:00 – The role that masking might play

54:00 – How alexithymia and interoception can influence things

59:00 – The impact of past traumatic experiences

1:04:00 – The positives

1:06:00 – Neurodiversity Champions

1:10:00 – Tiny Epic Wins

1:14:00 – “What the Flip?” moments

1:18:00 – Wrap-Up & Where to Find Us

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LINKS TO STUFF WE MENTION IN THIS EPISODE:

Lyme Disease - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/lyme-disease/

Alexithymia - https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cg4ky5qgrlpo

Interoception - https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/professional-practice/interoception-wellbeing

Beyond Creative Education - https://www.beyondcreativeeducation.org.uk/

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CONTACT US

🌐 Website: www.neuroshambles.com

📧 Email: hello@neuroshambles.com

📸 Instagram: @neuroshambles

🎵 TikTok: @neuroshamblespod

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🧵 Threads: @neuroshambles

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CREDITS

🎶 Theme music by Skilsel on Pixabay: pixabay.com