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Parenting Autism and ADHD

Parenting Autism and ADHD

By: Cliff Kilmister
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Parenting Autism and ADHD is a podcast designed to support parents and carers of children with autism, ADHD, Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), and other neurodevelopmental challenges, as well as children struggling with school attendance, even if they haven’t yet been diagnosed. Each episode offers practical guidance on helping your child attend school with less stress, manage meltdowns, and navigate obstacles in the education system. Through expert advice, real-life stories, and actionable strategies, we aim to empower you to overcome school refusal, sensory sensitivities, and behavioural struggles with confidence. Our mission is to build a supportive community where parents and carers can connect, share experiences, and access the tools they need for their child’s success, while fostering collaboration between parents and teachers to create a strong, unified support system. Hygiene & Healthy Living Parenting & Families Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Relationships
Episodes
  • The Impact of Pre-Menstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) on Neurodiverse Women with Alison Kerr
    Nov 12 2025
    For today’s Parenting ADHD and Autism episode, Cliff sits down to chat with Alison Kerr, a mum who discovered her own neurodivergence through her daughter’s autism and ADHD diagnosis. She opens up about the hormonal and neurodivergent roller coaster that has shaped her life and the healing path that helped her find balance again. In particular, she talks about a condition that is far more prevalent in the neurodivergent community than it is in the neurotypical community - Pre-Menstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD). As you listen, please let Cliff know, in the comments, if any of this feels familiar and share your experience. EPISODE REVEALS · Pre-Menstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is more common amongst neurodivergent women. · If you notice your mood or behaviour changing, especially irritability, try tracking your menstrual cycle to see if there is a connection. · PMDD can cause suicidal thoughts that follow a woman´s menstrual cycle. · Parents of girls with ADHD need to keep an eye out for PMDD. · Look out for signs that you are self-medicating to deal with extreme mood swings. Alison was like Jekyll and Hyde depending on where she was in her cycle. · Alison found that traditional hormone-based solutions did not help here PMDD. In fact, it made things worse. She only got relief through homeopathy. BEST MOMENTS "I was a slave to my hormones, exacerbating the difficulties that already had because of the neurodivergence that I was unaware of." "It was just like, chalk and cheese, Jekyll and Hyde." "The more knowledge you have, the more you can support yourself through it, when support seems to be so lacking." "People who are neurodivergent, they're good leaders a lot of the time and we can make positive change." EPISODE RESOURCES SensItive The Untold Story - https://sensitivethemovie.com https://elizabethperu.com https://thetelepathytapes.com RESOURCES Cliff´s book “What To Do When Your Child Shuts Down” - ⁠https://amzn.eu/d/3trk6pw CONTACT ME Instagram: @cliff_kilmister08 Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/cliff.kilmister X - @KilmisterCliff YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@ParentingAutismandADHD HOST BIO Cliff Kilmister is a dedicated parent, advocate, and cat whisperer with firsthand experience raising a child with autism, ADHD, and Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). Having navigated the challenges of school refusal, meltdowns, and sensory sensitivities, Cliff brings an empathetic, real-world perspective to the podcast. When he's not helping his child thrive, he’s dodging the evil stares of his three cats, who are plotting to take over the world (fortunately, they still haven’t figured out how to use the tin opener). Cliff offers practical advice, expert insights, and personal stories to help families facing similar struggles. Cliff is focused on connecting with professionals and networks to raise awareness about the growing need for the education system to adapt to the increasing neurodiverse population. Join the community on Patreon to share experiences, access exclusive content, and work together for change!
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    46 mins
  • Helping The Brain Through Connecting Instead of Correcting with Neuroscientist Dr Mohita
    Nov 5 2025
    Cliff speaks with Dr. Mohita the Founder & CEO of The Cognitome Program. During their conversation they explore an evidence-based approach to supporting children with ADHD and autism. If you're interested in helping your child build cognitive flexibility through mindfulness, movement and creativity, this episode is for you today. Dr Mojito explains how understanding the brain helps us connect, not correct, and shares practical strategies you can try at home. EPISODE REVEALS The Cognitone Program is a holistic, neuroscientific approach that is designed to gently train and strengthen cognitive functions for children with ADHD and autism The program uses techniques like mindfulness, neurokinetic exercises, art, and music that are designed to be enjoyable, flexible, and tailored to each child’s interests and needs. The programme is grounded in neuroscience and focuses on supporting each child´s unique brain wiring rather than attempting to fix perceived deficits. You can access the program from anywhere in the world and it can be delivered remotely. Parents are fully involved and treated as partners. Brain mapping/EEG and regular, supported sessions can also be arranged online. Simple routines like the stoplight practice give children tools for emotional self-regulation by engaging both their emotions and logical thinking. Use the Plan A Plan B game to help your children to problem solve, accept that plans change, prepare for the unexpected and stay engaged. BEST MOMENTS "ADHD and autism are not deficits. They are just different patterns of our neural connectivity." "The goal isn't to fix a child; it is to provide them with tools to understand their own magnificent brains." "When they feel safe and connected to you, their brain is far more capable of learning and adapting." "Mindfulness is far more than just relaxation, you know, it’s a form of focus, attention and cognitive flexibility training." GUEST RESOURCES https://cognitomeprogram.me https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-mohita-shrivastava RESOURCES Cliff´s book “What To Do When Your Child Shuts Down” - ⁠⁠https://amzn.eu/d/3trk6pw CONTACT ME Instagram: @cliff_kilmister08 Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/cliff.kilmister/⁠ X - @KilmisterCliff YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@ParentingAutismandADHD HOST BIO Cliff Kilmister is a dedicated parent, advocate, and cat whisperer with firsthand experience raising a child with autism, ADHD, and Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). Having navigated the challenges of school refusal, meltdowns, and sensory sensitivities, Cliff brings an empathetic, real-world perspective to the podcast. When he's not helping his child thrive, he’s dodging the evil stares of his three cats, who are plotting to take over the world (fortunately, they still haven’t figured out how to use the tin opener). Cliff offers practical advice, expert insights, and personal stories to help families facing similar struggles. Cliff is focused on connecting with professionals and networks to raise awareness about the growing need for the education system to adapt to the increasing neurodiverse population. Join the community on Patreon to share experiences, access exclusive content, and work together for change!
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    56 mins
  • Navigating Friendships and Dating On The Spectrum
    Oct 29 2025
    In this episode, Cliff dives into one of the most emotional topics for teens on the spectrum - friendships, dating and how to connect with others in a world that can feel confusing, overwhelming or even isolating. He is joined by Jeff Carroll, author, Comic Book Creator and dating coach, who brings humour, empathy and some seriously powerful advice for building confidence and communication skills. Eva is also back on the mic, sharing her own challenges and experiences navigating social life as a young autistic girl. Whether your child is already asking questions about relationships or they're still trying to figure out how to make that first friend. This conversation is full of ideas, laughs and real-life tools to help them take the next step. EPISODE REVEALS Bear in mind that all teens experience peer pressure and anxiety about fitting in, making friends and dating. You are not alone in your struggle. Dating, like any other life skill, takes practice. Face to face clubs are great places to hone the skills you need for dating. After school, church led, art, creative and gaming clubs are particularly good places to go. Be brave, volunteer or get a job that means you have to talk to people. Know what you want from someone you are going to date, make a contract with yourself, so you don´t end up dating people who are wrong for you. Understand the potential dangers and pitfalls of dating so you can spot red flags early and safely exit the relationship. Set boundaries and stick to them. BEST MOMENTS "Anything you can do to get you to talk to people is a step forward." "You might not like anybody in the club, but you're not there to like them. You're there to get your skills up on how to talk to people." "You don’t want peer pressure to guide you either. You want to naturally find somebody." ABOUT THE GUESTS JEFF CARROLL For one-on-one dating advice and coaching, contact Jeff via - coachyojeff@gmail.com https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_22asKR-3-Y https://www.facebook.com/CoachYoJeff The Hip Hop Dating Guide — available on https://a.co/d/gwDdKTH Fangernails (comic series) — available direct from Jeff The Last Harlemite (comic series) — available via Amazon and comic bookstores EVA KILMISTER Eva´s YT channel Inspire With Us - https://www.youtube.com/@InspireWithUsYT Eva Kilmister - Art Sketch Book - Blank Pages Sketch Pad - https://amzn.eu/d/i8v4VkA RESOURCES Cliff´s book “What To Do When Your Child Shuts Down” - ⁠⁠https://amzn.eu/d/3trk6pw Cliff Kilmister - The Mandela Effect - https://amzn.eu/d/0jWpc2H CONTACT ME Instagram: @cliff_kilmister08 Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/cliff.kilmister/⁠ X - @KilmisterCliff YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@ParentingAutismandADHD HOST BIO Cliff Kilmister is a dedicated parent, advocate, and cat whisperer with firsthand experience raising a child with autism, ADHD, and Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). Having navigated the challenges of school refusal, meltdowns, and sensory sensitivities, Cliff brings an empathetic, real-world perspective to the podcast. When he's not helping his child thrive, he’s dodging the evil stares of his three cats, who are plotting to take over the world (fortunately, they still haven’t figured out how to use the tin opener). Cliff offers practical advice, expert insights, and personal stories to help families facing similar struggles. Cliff is focused on connecting with professionals and networks to raise awareness about the growing need for the education system to adapt to the increasing neurodiverse population. Join the community on Patreon to share experiences, access exclusive content, and work together for change!
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    1 hr and 11 mins
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