In this episode, Jane is pleased to welcome back Tanya Hicks from Neurodivergent Empowered! Tanya is a neurodivergent woman and mum who brings a wealth of experience across many fields, from national management to neurodivergent-affirming therapy. She founded Neurodivergent Empowered to meet a real need in our community, creating a space that exclusively hires neurodivergent team members. Through her work, Tanya helps neurodivergent children, teens, and adults embrace their unique selves, build ...
Sep 16, 2024•52 min•Season 2Ep. 28
In this solo episode, I’m getting honest about what it’s like raising my own little “antagonist” – you know, kids who just can’t help but push everyone’s buttons, whether it’s poking their siblings, pushing boundaries, or always looking for that reaction. With an ADHD brain that’s always craving excitement, these kids often engage in “accidentally on purpose” disruptions to stir the pot. Key Topics Covered I’m sharing my personal stories (get ready for a laugh) and insights on understanding thes...
Sep 11, 2024•33 min•Season 2Ep. 27
In this episode, Jane chats with Alison Balson, a Family Dynamics & Neurodiversity Strategist, who offers her expert advice on navigating life in a neurodivergent family. With insights drawn from her experience as a former teacher, childcare centre owner, and mum of four neurodivergent children, Alison shares practical strategies for fostering a thriving, inclusive family environment. Key Topics Covered : What it means to have "twice exceptional" children who are both gifted and face challen...
Sep 09, 2024•34 min•Season 2Ep. 26
In this solo episode, I explore the complex relationship between PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder) and neurodivergence, including ADHD, autism, depression, and PTSD. Learn what PMDD is, how it differs from PMS, and why it disproportionately affects neurodivergent individuals. Bonus Free Resource: Download my free 14-page guide Is It More Than PMS? Understanding PMDD which includes a checklist to help you identify if your symptoms are PMDD or PMS. Download here. Key Topics Covered: The key s...
Sep 05, 2024•11 min•Season 2Ep. 25
In this solo episode, I discuss a hot topic that affects so many women: PMS and ADHD. If you’ve ever felt like your ADHD symptoms become a chaotic mess during certain times of the month, you’re not alone. Hormonal fluctuations can significantly impact mood, focus, and productivity, and we’re here to help you make sense of it all. Additional Free Resource: Download my free guide on PMS and ADHD: Making Sense of the Chaos for practical tips, insights, and tools to help you navigate the impact of P...
Sep 04, 2024•12 min•Season 2Ep. 24
In this episode, Jane is joined by Monique Mitchelson, a clinical psychologist specialising in autism, ADHD, trauma, chronic illness, and pain. Monique, co-director of Divergent Futures and co-host of the Neurodivergent Woman Podcast, shares her experiences of late diagnosis and the reality of self-advocacy for autistic and ADHD adults. Key Topics Covered: The need for neurodiversity-affirming care and shifting away from outdated practices Practical ways to support children with different brain ...
Sep 02, 2024•59 min•Season 2Ep. 23
In this solo episode, I take you on a personal journey, sharing my experiences of living with undiagnosed ADHD while juggling the demands of motherhood. Key Topics Covered: Life Before Diagnosis: I open up about the chaotic mornings, constant overwhelm, and the never-ending feeling of being behind. From missing library days to forgetting crucial school events, I share the realities of trying to manage a household and kids without understanding why everything felt so hard. The Turning Point: Disc...
Aug 28, 2024•33 min•Season 2Ep. 22
In this episode, Jane welcomes back Dr Jacinta Thomson, a beloved guest and Clinical Psychologist whose previous episodes on ADHD diagnosis and the distinctions between Autism and ADHD have resonated deeply with listeners. This time, Jacinta brings a unique idea to the table - an exploration of the shared language that has developed within the ADHD community. Key topics covered include: Jacinta quizzes Jane on ADHD-related terms like 'dopamining,' 'internest,' and 'side quests,' showcasing how l...
Aug 26, 2024•42 min•Season 2Ep. 21
In this episode, Jane dives into the complexities and frustrations of the ADHD diagnosis process with Dena Robertson, a 39-year-old widow and single mum of two girls. Dena shares her distressing journey through the assessment and diagnosis of ADHD - both for herself and her daughter, Ruby - highlighting the significant challenges they faced along the way. **Trigger Warning: This episode discusses sensitive topics, including self-harm and the loss of a loved one.** Key topics covered include: Den...
Aug 21, 2024•1 hr 13 min•Season 2Ep. 20
In this episode, Jane interviews Dr Justin Coulson, one of Australia's most trusted parenting experts and the co-host of Channel 9's Parental Guidance . Dr Coulson is also the founder of Happy Families and has a PhD in psychology from the University of Wollongong. He shares his lived experience with neurodivergence, offering valuable insights into the challenges of parenting ADHD children. Key topics covered include: The pros and cons of using iPads as a morning motivator for ADHD kids. Justin’s...
Aug 19, 2024•31 min•Season 2Ep. 19
In this episode, Jane interviews Lindsay Keating who is an ADHD Mum who has battled for over 20 years with Anorexia. **Trigger warning, this episode discusses Anorexia Nervosa** Jane and Lindsay tackles common misconceptions about eating disorders, specifically the tendency to minimise them as mere attention-seeking behaviors. The discussion emphasises that dismissing these signs can be harmful, and instead suggests giving the affected individuals the attention they may need. The conversation un...
Aug 14, 2024•1 hr 7 min•Season 2Ep. 18
In this episode Jane is joined by Tanya Hicks, a neurodivergent woman and founder of Neurodivergent Empowered. Tanya shares her journey with ADHD and autism, discussing the challenges of masking and the importance of authenticity. They explore societal pressures, the joy of pursuing passions, and the need for supportive environments for neurodivergent individuals. Tanya emphasizes the significance of creating safe spaces where people can unmask and be their true selves, without criticism or judg...
Aug 12, 2024•41 min•Season 2Ep. 17
In this episode of ADHD Mums, join for a deep dive into finding the right practitioner for yourself or your children. Covering essential criteria for practitioners, including professional development, individualised approaches, and neuroaffirming training. The discussion also focuses on the importance of using positive, inclusive language and understanding neurodivergent needs. Additionally, the episode explores societal shifts towards neurodiversity and practical advice for advocating for child...
Aug 07, 2024•47 min•Season 2Ep. 16
In this episode, Jane interviews Nikki Johnson, an HR consultant and ADHD mum diagnosed at 45 years of age. Nikki shares her personal journey with ADHD, discussing the challenges of disclosing ADHD in the workplace, legal protections, and the potential risks and benefits. Nikki explores her struggles with time management, impulsivity, RSD, and the impact of ADHD on her career and personal life. She shares about how important the environment of the workplace is regarding true inclusivity and the ...
Aug 05, 2024•53 min•Season 2Ep. 15
In this episode Jane interviews Leonie Dawson, an ADHD mum, bestselling author, and entrepreneur from the Sunshine Coast. Leonie shares her experiences with ADHD and autism, discussing her late diagnosis and how these traits have influenced her life and business success. She highlights her work-life balance strategies, managing a thriving business while working only ten hours a week. Emphasising the importance of setting boundaries to prevent burnout, Leonie offers insights into maintaining ment...
Jul 29, 2024•29 min•Season 2Ep. 14
This week Jane interviews Rebecca Torpie, an occupational therapist and ADHD mum, discussing the challenges of sensory overload in both parenting & children. They explore how sensory processing affects daily life, emphasising the importance of understanding individual sensory profiles. Jane shares her personal struggles with constant interruptions and the overwhelming demands of motherhood. Rebecca offers insights into creating a "sensory diet" and practical strategies for managing sensory o...
Jul 22, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Season 2Ep. 13
This episode of ADHD Mums features a deep, insightful conversation with the renowned Autistic and ADHD clinical psychologist, researcher, and advocate, Marie Camin. Jane and Marie dive into a variety of topics including the importance of neurodiverse representation, the challenges of autistic burnout and ADHD, and the intricate dance of balancing motherhood with neurodivergent traits. The discussion moves towards personal experiences with imposter syndrome and the journey to embracing an autism ...
Jul 15, 2024•1 hr•Season 2Ep. 12
In this episode of ADHD Mums, we welcome back Lucy, a super mum juggling life with ADHD, three neurodivergent kids, and the challenges of motherhood. Lucy shares her experience of building a successful business, studying nursing, and managing her family's daily routines, including the stress-inducing school mornings. Lucy and Jane delve right into hyperactive ADHD Mum life when hyper focus takes over and you don't know what is just a passing fad and what is real. The conversation delves into the...
Jul 08, 2024•50 min•Season 2Ep. 11
Jane invites Renee Dela Cruz to discuss the changing the perception around Positive Behaviour Support (PBS), emphasizing its importance and the impact it can have when approached correctly. Renee shares her insights on how PBS is misunderstood and provides a more empathetic and effective perspective on understanding and addressing behaviors. Key Points: Understanding PBS: Changing the lens on PBS, its roots in applied behavioural analysis and misconceptions around it. Toolkit Approach: Viewing P...
Jul 01, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Season 2Ep. 10
In this episode, I'm joined by Rodney Whyte, a highly experienced pharmacist specializing in the effects of medications on pregnancy, breastfeeding, pediatrics, and women's health. We dive deep into a topic that's close to the hearts of many of our listeners: ADHD medication and its impact during pregnancy and breastfeeding. We tackle your burning questions head-on: Is it safe to take ADHD medication during pregnancy? Rodney shares the latest research findings and dispels some common myths. Reme...
Jun 24, 2024•37 min•Season 2Ep. 9
Jane has Millie Carr joining for this episode on diagnosis. She is a passionate neurodivergent educator, coach and now published Author, who writes children's books about diagnosis. Recently diagnosed with ADHD at the age of 35, Millie was inspired to tell her story and spread the word to young girls. In this episode, we delve into the significance of early intervention, the need for open dialogue about neurodiversity, and the crucial role teachers play in identifying and supporting neurodiverge...
Jun 17, 2024•55 min•Season 2Ep. 8
Jane welcomes Emma Rose Parsons from Spectrum House in Melbourne. Emma, a psychologist and fellow ADHD Mum shares insights into building resilience in children while managing the urge to act as a problem-solver. This episode dives deep into practical strategies for teaching children to cope with challenging situations, the importance of feeling safe for resilience-building, and discusses the nuances of navigating neurodivergent children's needs in various environments. **Key Topics** - Definitio...
Jun 12, 2024•43 min•Season 2Ep. 7
I'm joined by Joe Peters, a husband and father who's discovered a whole new perspective on ADHD within his family. Trust me, you won't want to miss Joe's incredible story of supporting his wife through her recent ADHD diagnosis. He'll reveal the challenges, the breakthroughs, and the incredible growth they've experienced together. Joe will be opening up about his own "aha" moments when he started to recognize ADHD traits not just in his wife, but also within their family. It's a raw and honest c...
Jun 10, 2024•1 hr•Season 2Ep. 6
Biggest guest I've ever interviewed as I nervously welcome Professor Tony Atwood, a true pioneer in the field of Autism, for an intimate and revealing conversation about the complexities of understanding and diagnosing neurodiversity in children, with a particular emphasis on the often-overlooked experience by those who internalise rather than externalise (often experienced by girls and women). Tony shares his unparalleled expertise on how professionals can become more attuned to the subtle sign...
Jun 03, 2024•44 min•Season 2Ep. 5
Just tuned in to the latest ADHD Mums episode? It's a real gem! Jane McFadden had a fantastic chat with parenting expert Gen Muir about the ups and downs of raising neurodivergent kids. If you're looking for some honest, down-to-earth advice and strategies, this is the episode for you. Gen gets what it's like to be a parent in the trenches – she shares from both her personal experiences and her professional expertise. So if you're feeling overwhelmed with sibling squabbles (especially if you hav...
May 27, 2024•52 min•Season 2Ep. 4
This episode I reflect on my experiences shared over the past year in the ADHD Mums podcast, I am reminded of the challenges and success faced by neurodiverse families like mine. Throughout the episodes, I have emphasized the importance of neuro affirming approaches, acceptance, and understanding for individuals with ADHD and Autism. My journey has been marked by insights into the NDIS process, therapy fatigue, and the impact of medication on behavior and family dynamics. One key takeaway from m...
May 20, 2024•52 min•Season 2Ep. 3
This episode of ADHD Mums features Ceri Sanford, an ADHD compassion coach who shares her journey of self-discovery, acceptance, and how she embraces her neurodiversity. Ceri discusses the challenges and humorous mishaps she faced while attempting to schedule the interview, highlighting common ADHD traits like forgetfulness and lack of attention to detail. She delves into the importance of compassion towards oneself, particularly for those with ADHD, and provides insights on navigating life's dai...
May 13, 2024•45 min•Season 2Ep. 2
**Trigger warning: there is discussion of a child disclosing suicidal tendencies** This episode of the ADHD Mums Podcast features a heartfelt and enlightening conversation with Alana Mannix about the complexities of co-parenting children with additional needs, particularly in the face of diagnosis disagreements. Jane and Alana delve into their personal experiences with ADHD, the importance of seeking documented evidence and working collaboratively with schools, and the challenges of navigating r...
May 06, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Season 2Ep. 1
This episode of ADHD Mums features a conversation with Bessie Campbell, a typical Aussie Mum ADHDer who shares her journey of being late-diagnosed with a combined presentation of ADHD, Autism and complex PTSD. Bessie, a mother and a professional in social services, discusses the challenges of managing ADHD inattentiveness, incorporating rigorous systems to stay organized, and the identity crisis following her diagnosis. The conversation touches upon the intersectionality of autism, ADHD, and com...
Apr 29, 2024•42 min•Season 1Ep. 66
Jane is back with ALL the questions she gets in her DMs - why did she change her mind on medicating her kids? Jane discusses her personal experience with medication/paeds and her children and also discusses the WHY, WHY did she change her mind? Highlights What was the process to medicate a child? Why do you do it? Does that mean your child is short and won't eat food? Why give a child a stimulant who is hyperactive? Do these meds make children lose their personality? What side effects are there ...
Apr 22, 2024•51 min•Season 1Ep. 65
