A fortnightly podcast about the ludicrous realities of being a parent of neurodivergent kids.
Lapsed comedian Mark Allen has three kids - two diagnosed autistic with ADHD and one suspected autistic.
Each episode, he speaks to a similarly frazzled parent and explores how other neurodiverse families deal with seemingly simple events, such as birthday parties, holidays, mealtimes, and leaving the house.
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A fortnightly podcast about the ludicrous realities of being a parent of neurodivergent kids.
Lapsed comedian Mark Allen has three kids - two diagnosed autistic with ADHD and one suspected autistic.
Each episode, he speaks to a similarly frazzled parent and explores how other neurodiverse families deal with seemingly simple events, such as birthday parties, holidays, mealtimes, and leaving the house.
Why can't they stick with a hobby? | Nicole Bateman
Neuroshambles
1 hour 30 minutes 25 seconds
5 months ago
Why can't they stick with a hobby? | Nicole Bateman
In this episode, Mark takes a typically sideways look at the idea of hobbies – those wholesome after-school activities that see neurotypical kids flourish… but which, for many neurodivergent families, are either a logistical nightmare, a sensory minefield, or a fast track to public meltdown.
Joining him is the brilliant Nicole Bateman – podcast host (Conversations with a SEND Mum), former teacher, trainer, and founder of The Friendly SEND Advisor and Super Sensory Squad. Together, they explore the myths, pressures and downright ridiculousness of what “having hobbies” means when your kids are autistic, ADHD or PDA.
They cover what actually works, what definitely doesn’t, and the benefits of learning to follow your neurodifferent child's lead, so you can meet them where they're at, rather than where you want them to be.
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STUFF WE COVER:
00:00 – Intro & Meet the Guest: Nicole Bateman03:00 – The fantasy of hobbies vs the reality08:00 – Issues with trust and accessibility13:00 – After-school clubs18:00 – The Summer holiday hobby void25:00 – Trying to force your neurodivergent children to have a hobby33:00 – Social disconnect in group settings39:00 – When your best intentions fail44:00 - Environmental barriers to adopting a hobby47:00 – Competitive Sport: Gift or Curse?53:00 – Caesar-or-Nothing syndrome & hobby avoidance59:00 – Drop-off disasters1:07:00 – What *does* work?1:12:00 – It's not all rubbish: A look at the positives1:15:00 – Neurodiversity Champions1:23:00 – Tiny Epic Wins1:26:00 – What the Flip? Moments1:29:00 – Wrap-Up & Where to Find Nicole
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LINKS TO STUFF WE MENTION IN THIS EPISODE:
Nicole Bateman’s Website – Friendly SEND Advisor and Super Sensory Squad: https://nicolebateman.co.uk/
Conversations with a SEND Mum – Nicole’s podcast: https://conversationswithasendmum.buzzsprout.com/
Super Sensory Squad Book – ‘Buzz’s Birthday’ and other penguin-based sensory tools: https://www.thesupersensorysquad.com/
Cub Scouts: https://www.scouts.org.uk/cubs/being-a-cub/joining-cubs/
Lisa Lloyd reel - Neurotypicals watching what their parents watch: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DIzCFBxNzxT
“Why Can’t I Just Enjoy Things?” by Pierre Novellie – Caesar-or-nothing brains and comedy insight: https://amzn.eu/d/dSZA4dC
Minecraft Club - Online Social Group for 7-14 year olds: https://minecraftclub.co.uk/
Press Play - Stop frame animation workshops in Sussex: https://pressplayfilms.co.uk/
Boogie Beat - Music and movement classes: https://boogiebeat.co.uk/
Sam Mills – Disability Tennis Brighton: Email smsportsolutions@gmail.com for information
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CONTACT US
📧 Email: hello@neuroshambles.com
📸 Instagram: @neuroshambles
🎵 TikTok: @neuroshamblespod
📘 Facebook: Neuroshambles
🧵 Threads: @neuroshambles
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CREDITS
🎶 Theme music by Skilsel on Pixabay: https://pixabay.com
Neuroshambles
A fortnightly podcast about the ludicrous realities of being a parent of neurodivergent kids.
Lapsed comedian Mark Allen has three kids - two diagnosed autistic with ADHD and one suspected autistic.
Each episode, he speaks to a similarly frazzled parent and explores how other neurodiverse families deal with seemingly simple events, such as birthday parties, holidays, mealtimes, and leaving the house.
