This heartfelt conversation with accredited social worker, author, and equine-assisted psychotherapist Sarah Hayden dives deep into what it means to parent neurodivergent children with affirmation and compassion.
We explore Sarah’s personal and professional journey, including her late ADHD diagnosis, raising five incredible kids (including author and advocate Chloe Hayden), and how horses transformed her daughter’s life and led her to found Wild One Therapy.
From redefining success as a parent to reframing support as co-regulation, not correction, this episode is a must-listen for families and care teams navigating neurodivergence with love.
✨ Try Understanding Zoe free for 30 days – the neuroaffirming app turning every report, observation and meltdown into an actionable next step.
KEY TAKEAWAYS 👇
🧠 Neuro-sparkly > neuro-spicy: Why Sarah uses the term “neuro-sparkly” to affirm the brilliance and creativity of neurodivergent minds
🧠 Equine-assisted therapy isn’t about riding horses, it’s about nervous system regulation, safe connection, and opening communication
🧠 Parents often discover their own neurodivergence through their kids, and that diagnosis can be liberating, not limiting
🧠 Instead of fixing “weaknesses,” focus on strengths
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ABOUT THE HOST 👇
Laetitia Andrac (Autistic & ADHDer) is an award-winning entrepreneur, international speaker, and podcast host.
She is the bestselling author of Light It: How to Trust Your Intuition and Build a Thriving Business. With over 15 years of experience in consulting, strategy, and innovation, Laetitia has worked with industry leaders like Deloitte and Telstra.
Inspired by my journey as a neurodivergent parent, she co-founded Understanding Zoe, an AI-driven solution dedicated to supporting caregivers of neurodivergent children.
Her passion is creating a more neuroinclusive world, where everyone can thrive—whether in their homes, communities, or workplaces.
ABOUT THE GUEST 👇
Sarah Hayden is an accredited social worker and qualified equine-assisted psychotherapist, specialising in autism, neurodivergence, and complex family dynamics. She’s also mum to five neurodivergent kids, including actor, author, and autism advocate Chloe Hayden.
Diagnosed with ADHD herself at 48, Sarah brings lived experience and professional expertise to her practice. She’s the founder of Wild One Therapy and the bestselling author of Parenting Different: How to Raise Your Neurodivergent Kids to Be Their Authentic, Awesome Selves - a powerful, affirming guide for modern families.
📸 Follow Sarah on Instagram: @mama_slayden @wild.one.therapy
📖 Get her book Parenting Different: [Available via major booksellers].