Autism, ADHD and Us Three

S3 E4 Navigating PDA: A Journey of Understanding and Support

If you’ve ever found yourself whisper-screaming “Why won’t they just DO it?” in the hallway while your child refuses to put socks on for the tenth time… this one’s for you. In this episode of Autism, ADHD and Us Three, Jenny sits down with Emma McDonnell, a neurodivergent mother navigating life, education, and holidays with children who have Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) which is a profile of autism that turns traditional parenting advice completely on its head. Emma shares her real, raw journey from career woman to full-time carer, unpacking the WTF is happening?! moments that come with raising PDAers, and the mindset shifts that helped her move from panic to presence. Together, they explore: – Why compliance isn’t the goal – How self-compassion might actually be your best parenting strategy – The emotional landmines of holiday expectations – And why “well-being” doesn’t have to mean spa days or 5am journaling This episode is a permission slip for anyone parenting neurodivergent children through systems that don’t understand them and doing it while running on fumes. Keywords PDA parenting Autism and demand avoidance Neurodivergent motherhood Holiday stress & family dynamics Mental health and well-being Education & unmet needs Trauma-informed parenting Self-compassion for mums Autistic children and school Emotional regulation in ND families ----------------------------- Email: emma@emma-mcdonnell.comWebsite: emma-mcdonnell.comInstagram: @theemmamcdonnell

S3 E3: Autism, ADHD and Me: Your No Bullshit Guide to Life After Late Diagnosis

In this episode, Jenny Lucas discusses her newly launched book, 'Autism ADHD and Me: You're No Bullshit Guide to Life After Late Diagnosis.' Buy your copy here: https://amzn.to/4o58FQf [https://amzn.to/4o58FQf] She shares her personal journey of writing the book, the challenges she faced during her late diagnosis of ADHD and autism, and the importance of self-love and acceptance. The conversation delves into the themes of internalised ableism, navigating relationships, and the significance of community support. Jenny emphasises the need for resources that resonate with neurodivergent individuals and the transformative power of understanding oneself post-diagnosis.------------------------------- 👉 ⁠Take the Free Confidence Quiz⁠ [https://welcome.audhdistically.me/confidence-block-quiz] 👉 ⁠Sign up for the Positivity Pause Newsletter⁠ [https://www.audhdistically.me/get-my-newsletter] 👉 Follow me on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook & LinkedIn @audhdistically.me Email Jenny @ audhdistically.me -------------------------------- Keywords Autism, ADHD, neurodivergence, late diagnosis, self-love, internalized ableism, book launch, personal journey, relationships, community support Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Book Launch 05:42 The Purpose Behind the Book 11:23 Chapter Insights: Key Themes 16:44 The Importance of Self-Love 22:18 The Role of Community and Feedback

S3 E2: Primitive reflexes 101: what they are and why they can matter for neurodivergent brains.

Welcome back! Before we dive in, if you’re enjoying the podcast, I’d love you to leave a quick review. It really helps more neurodivergent women like us find these conversations. In this episode, I’m joined by the brilliant Niki McGlynn, a neurodevelopmental therapist and trainer, who brings her personal story of late diagnosis and her deep expertise in primitive reflexes. We dig into what primitive reflexes actually are, why they matter for autistic and ADHD brains, and how retained reflexes can shape everything from emotional regulation to sensory processing and even people pleasing. Niki shares practical insights into reflex integration therapy, a movement-based approach that helps the nervous system let go of unintegrated reflexes. We talk about why movement is so powerful for brain development, how small exercises can make a big difference at home, and why advocacy in schools and clinical settings is essential. This episode is full of lightbulb moments, especially if you’ve ever wondered why you (or your child) struggle with focus, anxiety, or overwhelm, despite working so hard. Niki’s approach doesn’t “cure” neurodivergence (and why would we want it to?) but it does offer hope for reducing the struggles while keeping all the brilliance. 🌐 Find Niki here: Organised Mind [https://www.organisedmind.co.uk/] 📱 Instagram: @_organisedmind [https://www.instagram.com/_organisedmind] ✨ Ready to go deeper? Join my world here: * Sign up to my newsletter for weekly insights * Join the Facebook community [https://www.facebook.com/groups/audhdisticallyme] to connect with other late-diagnosed women * Join the book waitlist [https://www.audhdistically.me/book-waitlist] for Autism, ADHD and Me — launching 28 October 2025! Keywords: neurodivergence, ADHD, autism, primitive reflexes, emotional regulation, reflex integration therapy, sensory processing, late diagnosis, parenting, advocacy Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Neurodivergence and Personal Journeys 03:22 Understanding Primitive Reflexes and Their Impact 06:10 The Connection Between Reflexes and Neurodivergence 08:58 Reflex Integration Therapy: How It Works 11:25 Benefits of Reflex Integration Therapy 14:13 Addressing Sensory Processing and Emotional Regulation 17:01 The Role of Movement in Brain Development 19:45 Navigating Adult Life with Retained Reflexes 22:18 Advocacy for Neurodivergent Individuals 25:21 Practical Tips for Parents and Individuals 27:48 Conclusion and Resources

S3 E1: Navigating friendships as a late diagnosed AuDHDer

✨ Show Notes: Autism, ADHD and Us Three Friendship can be one of the most complicated parts of life and when you add autism or ADHD into the mix, it often feels even more confusing. In this episode, I share my own experiences as a late-diagnosed woman navigating friendships: the longing for people who really “get” you, the heartbreak when connections fade without explanation, and the messy reality of figuring out who feels safe to be your unmasked self around. I talk about my own childhood memories of feeling different, how that shaped me as an adult, and what I notice now in my children’s friendships too. We’ll explore why making and keeping friends can feel so hard, why closure is often missing, and the universal desire to be truly known and loved anyway. Whether you’re reflecting on friendships that slipped away, searching for more authentic connections, or just wanting reassurance that you’re not alone in these struggles this episode will meet you right where you are. What you’ll hear in this episode: * Why friendships can feel so different when you’re late-diagnosed ADHD or autistic * The challenges children (and adults) face with social dynamics * How masking impacts connection and belonging * Why friendships evolve over time — and why that’s both hard and normal * The universal desire to be seen, accepted, and loved for who you are 🎧 Listen now and know you’re not alone. If this episode resonates, make sure you’re on the waitlist for my upcoming book launching in October 2025. You’ll get early updates and even the chance to win a signed copy. 👉 Join the Book Waitlist [https://www.audhdistically.me/book-waitlist] 👉 Take the Free Confidence Quiz [https://welcome.audhdistically.me/confidence-block-quiz] 👉 Sign up for the Positivity Pause Newsletter [https://www.audhdistically.me/get-my-newsletter] 👉 Follow me on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook & LinkedIn @audhdistically.me Email Jenny @ audhdistically.me Keywords: ADHD, autism, AuDHD, friendships, late diagnosis, parenting, social dynamics, relationships, connection, community

S2 E11 (Season finale) Unmasking the Lies: You were never broken, just unseen

Season 2 Finale. If this resonated with you, share with someone who needs it, get in touch with me or leave a review so others can find our community and get support too. Summary In this episode, Jenny Lucas reflects on the internalized lies that neurodivergent individuals often carry, particularly those diagnosed with autism or ADHD later in life. She discusses the impact of these lies on self-perception, emotional responses, and social interactions. The conversation emphasizes the importance of unmasking these beliefs to foster self-acceptance and understanding. Jenny also shares insights from her personal journey, highlighting the complexities of navigating life as a neurodivergent individual and the significance of self-compassion and communication in relationships. 💌 Want a weekly boost of positive psychology self-compassion and gratitude direct to your inbox. Sign up for The Positivity Pause: ⁠https://www.audhdistically.me/get-my-newsletter⁠ [https://www.audhdistically.me/get-my-newsletter] 📖 I’m writing a book for late-diagnosed autistic ADHD women. Join the waitlist to be the first to hear updates: ⁠https://www.audhdistically.me/book-waitlist⁠ [https://www.audhdistically.me/book-waitlist] 📅 Want to explore working together? Book a free 15-minute discovery call: ⁠https://tidycal.com/audhdisticallyme/15min20240410095342⁠ Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Season Wrap-Up 09:43 Understanding Sensitivity and Emotional Responses 17:30 Disorganization and Executive Functioning 27:39 Conclusion and Encouragement Keywords neurodivergence, unmasking, internalised lies, autism, ADHD, emotional responses, social interactions, self-perception, people-pleasing, masking, AuDHD