In this episode of the Neurodiverse Voices Podcast, I’m joined by Richard Liverman, an ADHD entrepreneur and father to an autistic son. Richard runs his own business, Richer Solutions, and shares his deeply personal journey navigating the education system, which he believes fails neurodivergent children like his son. His son has not attended school for the past three years, and Richard emotionally recalls the day they both decided to walk away from school together, marking a bittersweet but liberating moment in their lives.
Richard encourages other parents to challenge societal expectations about what children “should” achieve, advocating for a shift in perspective and a more personalised approach to each child’s needs. He also reveals that, if he had a superpower, it would be to find lost car keys, something many ADHDers can relate to!
Richard also talks about his work with small businesses, supporting them in navigating neurodiversity, and shares how much he enjoys helping others in this space. For the past three years, he has practised daily gratitude, which he credits for helping with his mental health. He’s also incredibly proud of his son, who recently won a gaming competition.
Richard provides some useful resources, and I encourage you to check out the links below. Don’t miss this heartfelt and insightful conversation!
Access to Work:
https://www.gov.uk/access-to-work
The Lilac Review:
https://lilacreview.com/
SquarePeg:
https://www.squarepegparenting.com/
Not Fine in School:
https://notfineinschool.co.uk/
No School Fines Petition: https://www.change.org/p/updated-attendance-guidance-encourages-prosecution-and-fines-of-families-facing-barriers-to-attendance-undiagnosed-children-with-send-are-particularly-at-risk-please-don-t-criminalise-our-families
Positively PDA Support Group – Clubhouse https://www.pdasociety.org.uk/resources/positively-pda-support-group-clubhouse/
Julia's Story:
https://www.pdasociety.org.uk/resources/julias-story/
Outside the Box Coaching:
https://www.coachingoutsidethebox.net/