Neuroshambles

Mark Allen

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 neurotypical. Each episode, he swaps stories with his guests about the challenges they’ve had dealing with seemingly simple events, such as birthday parties, holidays, mealtimes, and leaving the house. read less
Kids & FamilyKids & Family

Episodes

Family Games | Dan Clark
3d ago
Family Games | Dan Clark
Mark chats with the inspirational Dan Clark, of MindJam. Dan is dad to two neurodifferent kids -  one 17-year old girl (diagnosed Autistic) and a 14-year old boy (diagnosed autistic/ADHD with a PDA profile). They discuss the minefield that is playing family games with neurodivergent kids, from their desperate search to find a board game that doesn't end in full scale meltdowns and the strategies they employ to keep the peace. They also discuss the hugely beneficial role that both video games and Dungeons & Dragons can play in teaching our kids some of the skills they need to develop, in order to navigate a world teeming with neurotypicals.   LINKS TO STUFF WE MENTION IN THIS EPISODE: MindJam - https://mindjam.org.uk/ Monopoly - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monopoly_(game) Fast Show Competitive Dad - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h2x_DI7tzNQ Mario Kart - https://store.nintendo.co.uk/en/mario-kart Beat the Parents - https://amzn.eu/d/3xTCOg8 Cranium - https://amzn.eu/d/cVedUTu Scrabble - https://amzn.eu/d/f4ngyJW Dungeon Mayhem - https://amzn.eu/d/3Z0NFr8 Throw Throw Burrito - https://amzn.eu/d/3Z0NFr8 Ocean Bingo - https://www.laurenceking.com/products/ocean-bingo Exploding Kittens - https://amzn.eu/d/933z2FH Unstable Unicorns - https://amzn.eu/d/cDnUP80 Risk - https://amzn.eu/d/dc7h30w The Dice Saloon, Brighton - https://www.dicesaloon.com/ Chase The Ace - https://www.classicgamesandpuzzles.com/Chase-the-Ace.html Zelda: Breath of the Wild - https://www.ign.com/games/the-legend-of-zelda-breath-of-the-wild Boy beats Tetris - https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/67902380 Fortnite - https://www.ign.com/games/fortnite Candy Crush - https://www.ign.com/games/candy-crush-saga Dungeons & Dragons - https://dnd.wizards.com/ MindJam Adventure Guild - https://mindjam.org.uk/services/adventure-guild/ BAFTA Young Game Designers - https://ygd.bafta.org/ It Takes Two - https://www.ea.com/en-gb/games/it-takes-two/about Brighton Festival Children's Parade - https://samesky.co.uk/events/childrens-parade-3/ Jump Inc Trampoline Park - https://www.jump-inc.uk/locations/lincoln/ Kellie Bright EHCP Film (BBC One Show) - https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001z8w5   CONTACT US If you have any feedback about the show, ideas for topics or suggestions for neurodiversity champions you'd like us to give a shout out to, you can email: hello@neuroshambles.com   FOLLOW US Instagram: www.instagram.com/neuroshambles Facebook: www.facebook.com/Neuroshambles Threads: www.threads.net/@neuroshambles   CREDITS The Neuroshambles theme tune was created by Skilsel on Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/
Sensitivity to noise | Lauren Palfrey
May 8 2024
Sensitivity to noise | Lauren Palfrey
Mark speaks to Lauren, neurodivergent mother of three boys (One 11-year old diagnosed Autistic/ADHD with a PDA profile), a 9-year old (suspected autistic/ADHD) and a 5-month old (too soon to tell). They delve into the topic of noise sensitivity - from extreme reactions to loud noises and meltdowns when confronted with contrasting noises, to the fascinating topic of misophonia. They swap tales of hand dryers, bonfire night, cat scarers and an unexpected cavalcade of motorcycling Santas. This episode is best listened to with in a quiet place, with noise cancelling headphones!   LINKS TO STUFF WE MENTION IN THIS EPISODE: Ear defenders - https://amzn.eu/d/fIIDess Misophonia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Misophonia Cat scarer - https://amzn.eu/d/0U0SYMw Santas on a bike - https://www.facebook.com/groups/santasonabike/ Loop earplugs - https://amzn.eu/d/iNWzyws Lauren's noise cancelling headphones - https://groceries.asda.com/product/on-ear-headphones/asda-tech-bluetooth-noise-cancelling-headphones-black/1000370064193 Jay's noise cancelling headphones - https://amzn.eu/d/8hs4ToC White noise - https://open.spotify.com/album/7KbmHEKwEhKyeZT9xuYVco?si=L5-cYE1HSIiYsaqWs83F-A Brown noise - https://open.spotify.com/album/0onzJRO1vDBXmXqYy60qsR?si=xgwQCc0OSC-QfID0YOlycw Pink noise - https://open.spotify.com/album/5w3fCjBpzyGA6tW9mSfQmr?si=bqH-u1ySQzSYkHVPNjXG1w UK Misophonia Support Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/ShutUpWorld/?mibextid=K35XfP The Assembly - https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/m001xyj5/the-assembly Bloke Barbers, Allestree, Derbyshire (Sara) - https://www.blokebarber.co.uk/#our-prices Comfa Clothing Fidget-T - https://www.comfa.co.uk/product/fidget-t/   CONTACT US If you have any feedback about the show, ideas for topics or suggestions for neurodiversity champions you'd like us to give a shout out to, you can email: hello@neuroshambles.com   FOLLOW US Instagram: www.instagram.com/neuroshambles Facebook: www.facebook.com/Neuroshambles Reddit: www.reddit.com/r/Neuroshambles Threads: www.threads.net/@neuroshambles   CREDITS The Neuroshambles theme tune was created by Skilsel on Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/
Navigating Emotions | Grace Lockrobin
Apr 10 2024
Navigating Emotions | Grace Lockrobin
This episode explores how we navigate the maelstrom of emotions in families with a mix of different neurotypes. Mark speaks to Grace Lockrobin, philosopher and fellow parent of neurodivergent boys (one 8-year old, diagnosed autistic, and a 5-year old with suspected ADHD), as they look at how members of their own households handle the contrasting ways that each of them understands, expresses and responds to emotions - both in themselves and in others. Mark and Grace also discuss how they deal with their own emotions as parents - from having to keep a firm lid on anger, to the often taboo subject of acknowledging the sadness in their own lives.   LINKS TO STUFF WE MENTION IN THIS EPISODE: The Apprentice - https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0071b63 Emotion cards - https://amzn.eu/d/1uT2Pru Alexithymia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexithymia Aquila Magazine - https://www.aquila.co.uk/ "The Explosive Child" book - https://drrossgreene.com/the-explosive-child.htm Beavers - https://www.scouts.org.uk/beavers/ Villa Real School - https://www.villarealschool.co.uk/ "All The Ways to Be Smart" book - https://amzn.eu/d/4Ssd6qF BBC Sport Article on Greg Halford - https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/68617366 Nick Ransom, Journalist - https://www.nickransom.co.uk/ Sapere - https://www.sapere.org.uk/   CONTACT US If you have any feedback about the show, ideas for topics or suggestions for neurodiversity champions you'd like us to give a shout out to, you can email: hello@neuroshambles.com   FOLLOW US Instagram: www.instagram.com/neuroshambles Facebook: www.facebook.com/Neuroshambles Reddit: www.reddit.com/r/Neuroshambles Threads: www.threads.net/@neuroshambles   CREDITS The Neuroshambles theme tune was created by Skilsel on Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/
Struggles with clothing | Steph Curtis
Mar 13 2024
Struggles with clothing | Steph Curtis
This episode focuses on the daily struggle to find clothing that our neurodifferent children will tolerate wearing. Mark talks to Steph Curtis, author and parent of two neurodivergent children (both teenagers, diagnosed autistic - one with a strong PDA profile). They swap tales of regular battles with labels and seams, the nightmare of school clothes and their children's preference for being naked - even in the most inappropriate moments.   LINKS TO STUFF WE MENTION IN THIS EPISODE: “PDA in the family” by Steph Curtis - https://amzn.eu/d/1j8KsYi Stephstwogirls on Instagram -www.instagram.com/stephstwogirls Steph Curtis’ blog - www.stephstwogirls.co.uk Bamboo socks - www.sockshop.co.uk/featured/kids-bamboo Crocs - www.crocs.co.uk/c/kids/footwear "Neuroshambles giveaway" shoes (size 3) - www.skechers.co.uk/foamies-guzman-steps---aqua-surge/91995L_BLK.html Skechers - www.skechers.co.uk/kids ASDA sensory school uniform -  https://direct.asda.com/george/collections/easy-on-easy-wear-school/D28M110G1C3,default,sc.html Marks & Spencers sensory clothing - www.marksandspencer.com/l/kids/easy-dressing Sensory Smart Clothing - www.sensorysmart.co.uk Fidget-T - www.comfa.co.uk/product/fidget-t   CONTACT US If you have any feedback about the show, ideas for topics or suggestions for neurodiversity champions you'd like us to give a shout out to, you can email: hello@neuroshambles.com   FOLLOW US Instagram: www.instagram.com/neuroshambles Facebook: www.facebook.com/Neuroshambles Reddit: www.reddit.com/r/Neuroshambles Threads: www.threads.net/@neuroshambles   CREDITS The Neuroshambles theme tune was created by Skilsel on Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/music/beats-energetic-hip-hop-8303/
Life as a social outcast | Samuel Wilson
Feb 28 2024
Life as a social outcast | Samuel Wilson
This episode discusses the lighter side of parents of SEND kids being treated as outcasts from polite society. Mark speaks to Samuel Wilson, author and parent of two children: an 8-year old daughter (on the autism pathway, with Cerebral Palsy, Cerebral Visual Impairment and Sensory Processing Disorder) and a 4-year old son (undiagnosed neurotypical). Mark and Sam shine a humorous light on being ostracised by the other parents at school, alienated from WhatsApp groups and treated as a social pariah at parties, before discussing how this social isolation can sometimes be used to our benefit. I know, I know, it all sounds a bit gloomy, but trust me, this is a surprisingly fun episode. And what better time to listen to it than when no-one else is around?   LINKS TO STUFF WE MENTION IN THIS EPISODE: Albion in the Community, Brighton - www.bhafcfoundation.org.uk/timetable/ Jumpin Fun - www.jumpinfun.co.uk/burgess-hill Gladiators - www.gladiatorstv.com/gladiators/bbc/ "Lend a Hand", Samuel Wilson's book - www.littlestepspublishing.co.uk/books/lend-a-hand Amaze, Sussex - www.amazesussex.org.uk Whoopsadaisy, Brighton - www.whoopsadaisy.org   CONTACT US If you have any feedback about the show, ideas for topics or suggestions for neurodiversity champions you'd like us to give a shout out to, you can email: hello@neuroshambles.com   FOLLOW US Instagram: www.instagram.com/neuroshambles Facebook: www.facebook.com/Neuroshambles Reddit: www.reddit.com/r/Neuroshambles Threads: www.threads.net/@neuroshambles   CREDITS The Neuroshambles theme tune was created by Skilsel on Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/music/beats-energetic-hip-hop-8303/
Walking with Neurodivergents | Angie Belcher
Feb 14 2024
Walking with Neurodivergents | Angie Belcher
Mark speaks to Angie Belcher - Comedian in Residence at University of Bristol and the proud owner of a neurodiverse 5-year old boy (diagnosed autistic, with suspected ADHD). In this episode, they discuss how something as seemingly straightforward as walking from A to B, can be an entirely different experience with neurodivergent children.   LINKS TO STUFF WE MENTION IN THIS EPISODE: Incredible Kids, Bristol - www.incrediblekids.org.uk Bristol Autism Project - www.facecharity.org.uk/our-work/bristol-autism-project Bristol Autism Support - www.bristolautismsupport.org Murmuration, Bristol - www.murmurationcommunitytherapy.com Flora, Bristol - www.bristolparentcarers.org.uk/2021/05/24/flora-bristols-send-local-offer National Trust Essential Companions - www.nationaltrust.org.uk/who-we-are/about-us/access-for-everyone "Walking With Toddlers" radio play - www.soundcloud.com/walking-and-re-creation/walking-with-toddlers?si=ca26f00080ee4a908347d0d3962b043c   CONTACT US If you have any feedback about the show, ideas for topics or suggestions for neurodiversity champions you'd like us to give a shout out to, you can email: hello@neuroshambles.com   FOLLOW US Instagram: www.instagram.com/neuroshambles Facebook: www.facebook.com/Neuroshambles Reddit: www.reddit.com/r/Neuroshambles Threads: www.threads.net/@neuroshambles   CREDITS The Neuroshambles theme tune was created by Skilsel on Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/music/beats-energetic-hip-hop-8303/
Trailer
Oct 3 2023
Trailer
A trailer previewing Neuroshambles - a fortnightly podcast about the ludicrous realities of parenting neurodivergent kids. If you want to hear a bunch of frazzled parents gleefully swapping tales from the trenches of parenting neurodiverse children and having a laugh at some of the nonsense we have to navigate, this is the podcast for you. Lapsed comedian Mark Allen has three kids - two diagnosed autistic with ADHD and one suspected neurotypical. Each episode, he speaks to other parents of neurodivergent children to find out how they deal with seemingly simple events, such as birthday parties, holidays, food, sleep, and leaving the house. If you’re a parent of a child with ASC, ADHD, PDA, ODD or any of those other acronyms that mean your child’s brain is wired differently, this podcast is for you. We also wholeheartedly encourage parents of neurotypical kids to listen in and hear what life is like in our secret world of chaos. It may open your eyes to some of the myriad challenges we face and, at the very least, it will give you an insight into what not to say when you see one of our kids having a meltdown in the supermarket!   ----more---- Contact us If you have any feedback about the show, ideas for topics or suggestions for neurodiversity champions you'd like us to give a shout out to, you can email: hello@neuroshambles.com   ----more---- Follow us Instagram: www.instagram.com/neuroshambles/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/neuroshambles Reddit: www.reddit.com/r/neuroshambles/ Threads: www.threads.net/@neuroshambles   ----more---- Credits The Neuroshambles theme tune was created by Skilsel on Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/music/beats-energetic-hip-hop-8303/