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Parenting Autism and ADHD

Parenting Autism and ADHD

By: Cliff Kilmister
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About this listen

 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
  • Beyond Labels: Person-Centred Support for Every Child with Andrew Baker

    Beyond Labels: Person-Centred Support for Every Child with Andrew Baker
    Sep 30 2025
    Cliff speaks with Andrew Baker of joined by Andrew Baker, trainer, podcaster and author, who's worked for over 25 years in health, social care and education, he specialised in behaviour management and neuro diversity. Today, they discuss executive function and what really helps children to thrive at home and school. Disclaimer : Please remember this podcast shares professional guidance and lived experiences, but it's not a substitute for personalised medical advice, so if you do have concerns, always consult your GP or healthcare professional, as every situation is unique, but hopefully there's lots of nuggets of information in here that you can extract what works for you and always leave what doesn't. I’d love you to join our new Discord community. Meta is shutting down Facebook Messenger community chats in Oct 2025— so this is where we’ll carry on the conversations. This isn’t just another chat room. It’s a space for parents raising kids with Autism and ADHD to connect, share, and support each other. 👉 Be quick if you want one of the first 10 spots. The first 10 parents who join will get a Founding Member badge in Discord — first 5 will get a private Zoom call with me. Just DM me a screenshot that you’ve joined first to unlock it. As a founding member, you’ll have a hand in shaping how this community begins — setting the tone, suggesting features, and helping build the kind of space we all need. EPISODE REVEALS Most kids with ADHD have a 30% deficit when it comes to executive function. Early support radically changes lives. Focus on strengths, not just struggles. Use tools like mood thermometers to help kids express emotions. Join your children where they are at, advocate for them, but also help them to understand the world that they live in and to make reasonable adjustments. BEST MOMENTS "Building self-esteem comes through mastery." "De-shaming is massive." "We want to praise the thing that we want repeated." "Go into “so let's look at the benefits.” What could be the actual benefits of treating people kindly?" Andrew Baker 📲 Instagram: @AbleTraining 📲 LinkedIn: Able Training 📲 TikTok: @AbleToCarePodcast 🌐 Website: http://linktr.ee/abletocare Andy’s book: "Targeting the Positive with Behaviours that Challenge: Empathic Strategies for Working with Children and Adults" https://amzn.eu/d/4s08NQT RESOURCES 👉 10% off your first order Vivanmn LINK - https://vivanmn.com/cliff “What To do when your child shuts down” book out now - https://amzn.eu/d/iOMsOrF New Parenting Autism and ADHD community - Because Meta is shutting down FB messenger community chats, we can continue the conversation here on Discord - https://discord.gg/SbXd34QV 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 3 mins
  • ADHD and Autism Pre-Assessment Mini Course Pt 3 of 3 with Connor Johnson

    ADHD and Autism Pre-Assessment Mini Course Pt 3 of 3 with Connor Johnson
    Sep 23 2025
    Cliff is joined by Connor Johnson for part three of their miniseries. Today, the focus is on sensory development. Does your child have shutdowns over clothing labels? Do they struggle with noise, busy environments, bright lights? Do they crave constant movement? If any of this sounds familiar, this episode is for you. Connor and Cliff discuss the different sensory issues a child can have and how to recognise the signs and help e.g. replacing unsafe stimming or using specific play activities. This episode is packed with practical techniques you can use anywhere to help your child. There´s far too many highlights to be able to include in these notes, so please listen. 💡 Disclaimer: This mini course shares professional guidance and strategies, but it’s not a substitute for personalised medical advice. If you have concerns about your child, please consult your GP or healthcare professional. EPISODE REVEALS You are not alone. Help is available. Sensory issues can affect not just sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell, but also a child’s sense of balance, body position, and internal signals like hunger or pain. They may be extra sensitive or less responsive in any of these areas. Encourage your child to describe their feelings. Be encouraging and patient, as it may take time to work out exactly what they are trying to tell you. You don´t need special equipment to use sensory circuits at home. Sensory diets are powerful. Movement breaks really help. Allow safe stimming but replace the unsafe ones. BEST MOMENTS “People (with sensory issues) can still go on to learn and do lots of different things. They just need a bit of support in certain areas.” “If you know your child is seeking a certain type of stimulation, provide it throughout the day or throughout the week.” EPISODE RESOURCES Part 1 of the course - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/adhd-and-autism-pre-assessment-mini-course-pt-1-of/id1810681675?i=1000725797148 GUEST RESOURCES Connor Johnson - Assistant Practitioner at NHS Snapdragons Centre https://www.medwaycommunityhealthcare.nhs.uk The Children’s Public Health Nursing Team at Snapdragons can give advice on: Eating issues: weight, dietary needs, healthy snacks, faddy eating, etc. Allergies, including anaphylaxis (severe reactions) Asthma Diabetes Epilepsy and other chronic conditions Behaviour Emotional well-being Supporting you and your child as they grow 🎧 Listen to the full series on Parenting Autism and ADHD: 👉 Apple Podcasts Also available on Spotify, YouTube, and all major podcast platforms. RESOURCES 👉 10% off your first order Vivanmn LINK - https://vivanmn.com/cliff “What To do when your child shuts down” book out now - https://amzn.eu/d/iOMsOrF New Parenting Autism and ADHD community - Discord because Meta is shutting down fb messenger community chats, we can continue the conversation here - https://discord.gg/SbXd34QV CONTACT ME Instagram: @cliff_kilmister08 ⁠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. Cliff offers practical advice, expert insights, and personal stories to help families facing similar struggles. He 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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    41 mins
  • ADHD and Autism Pre - Assessment Mini Course Pt 2 of 3 with Connor Johnson

    ADHD and Autism Pre - Assessment Mini Course Pt 2 of 3 with Connor Johnson
    Sep 16 2025
    Does your child have shutdowns and meltdowns that feel impossible to manage? Does their anxiety creep in at school, or they mask and bring it all home to you, and nobody believes you in school? If any of this sounds familiar, this is for you. Cliff is once again joined by Connor Johnson, an NHS assistant practitioner supporting families with autism and ADHD. In this, the 2nd episode, they move beyond the foundations and focus on behaviours and anxiety. What's really happening beneath the surface? Why certain types of punishments don´t work, and practical strategies you can use to help your child regulate their emotions and navigate daily challenges. 💡 Disclaimer: This mini course shares professional guidance and strategies, but it’s not a substitute for personalised medical advice. If you have concerns about your child, please consult your GP or healthcare professional. EPISODE REVEALS If your child’s shutdowns and meltdowns feel impossible to manage, you’re not alone. Meltdowns are a sign that your child is overwhelmed and no longer in control, not that they are simply refusing to listen. Learn to spot the early signs and redirect. Most of the time punishments don’t work because they don’t address the root causes of behaviour. What you can do instead is covered, in detail, during the episode. Practical strategies like behaviour ABC logs, positive behaviour support plans, and sensory tools can help identify patterns, reduce anxiety, and support your child’s emotional regulation. Modelling healthy emotional responses and giving children time and space to process feelings really helps. BEST MOMENTS “Their behaviour is not your fault.” “You and the child will both be picking up new skills throughout this journey. Updating the plan regularly is really important for that child.” “If we are consistent in holding up that boundary, then that child knows what to expect from us and will therefore find it easier to process our decisions if we're consistent with it.” “Think, What do I do when I'm stressed? Do I shout and slam things? – If that's how I'm behaving, then obviously that's how the child's going to behave.” “Routine and structure are a big part of that predictability, that consistency from parents and caregivers.” GUEST RESOURCES Connor Johnson - Assistant Practitioner at NHS Snapdragons Centre https://www.medwaycommunityhealthcare.nhs.uk The Children’s Public Health Nursing Team at Snapdragons can give advice on: Eating issues: weight, dietary needs, healthy snacks, faddy eating, etc. Allergies, including anaphylaxis (severe reactions) Asthma Diabetes Epilepsy and other chronic conditions Behaviour Emotional well-being Supporting you and your child as they grow 🎧 Listen to the full series on Parenting Autism and ADHD: 👉 Apple Podcasts Also available on Spotify, YouTube, and all major podcast platforms. RESOURCES Cliff´s book - ⁠⁠https://amzn.eu/d/3trk6pw CONTACT ME Instagram: @cliff_kilmister08 ⁠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. Cliff offers practical advice, expert insights, and personal stories to help families facing similar struggles. He 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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    50 mins
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