Episodes

  • 34. Navigating and Managing ADHD Medication During Interstate Travel in Australia with Rebekah Howard
    Oct 2 2024

    In this episode, we discuss the challenges of navigating and managing ADHD medication while travelling across different states in Australia. Rebekah Howard, a neurodivergent mum of two and teacher, shares her experiences of living on the road for eight months and dealing with ADHD medication rules and regulations between states.

    Free Guide: Travelling Interstate with ADHD Medication - download here

    We get real about the frustrations of navigating state-based medication regulations and the struggles of getting ADHD meds filled when you're far from home. If you’re a neurodivergent mum thinking of travelling interstate (even just for a family holiday), this episode is packed with practical advice and real-life experiences to help you avoid the stress of being caught without your meds.

    Time stamps (approx):

    • 3 mins: Rebekah’s ADHD Journey
    • 6 mins: Managing ADHD Medication on the Road
    • 11 mins: Regulation 49 Explained + State Restrictions
    • 18 mins: Why Is Getting Medication So Complicated?
    • 23 mins: Tips for Travelling with ADHD Medication (incl. Short trips)
    • 30 mins: Final Tips for Travelling Families

    Episode Mentioned: S1 E65 From Skeptic to Advocate: Medication for Children with Jane McFadden (listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify)

    Please Note: This episode is based on personal experiences and general advice. It does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or a qualified medical professional before making any changes to your medication, treatment, or travel plans. Rules and regulations around ADHD medication may vary by state, and it's essential to verify this information with your doctor and pharmacist before travelling.

    BOOK IN WITH JANE'S RECOMMENDED THERAPISTS

    If you're looking to connect with a parenting specialist or psychologist for expert advice on parenting, please check out www.adhdmums.com.au/services. Your journey to more confident and supported parenting starts here!

    CONNECT WITH ME...

    If you’ve got a question or want to connect with other ADHD mums, we’ve got a whole community on our Facebook group. Click here to join and post your question. Don’t worry if it’s been asked before! I love to answer everyone in a group format.

    FOLLOW FOR MORE...

    I post more content, insights and help on my social media accounts. Follow along for more ADHD mum content.

    - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adhd_mums

    - Facebook: https://facebook.com/100091850469503/

    - TikTok:

    Show More Show Less
    36 mins
  • 33. Preventing Autistic Burnout: Practical Tips for Neurodivergent Mums and Their Children [Solo Episode] with Jane McFadden
    Oct 1 2024

    In the second part of my series on autistic burnout, I move from personal reflection to practical strategies. This episode is all about helping you, as neurodivergent mums, prevent burnout before it takes over – both for yourself and your children.

    ***If you missed it, be sure to listen to Part 1 Realising Autistic Burnout: A Personal Story for Neurodivergent Mums on Apple Podcast or Spotify***

    We know how easy it is to keep pushing ourselves until there’s nothing left, especially when we’re balancing family, work, and life’s everyday demands. In this episode, I cover:

    • How difficulty in recognising internal signals like hunger, fatigue, and emotions can lead to burnout
    • Why some days we’re on top of it all, and other days even the basics feel impossible
    • The emotional toll of autistic burnout – it’s so much more than just feeling “tired”
    • Learning to plan around what actually works for you as a neurodivergent family
    • Self-care strategies that don’t feel overwhelming – finding small moments of rest and joy throughout your day
    • Teaching our children to recognise and respect their own needs so they don’t fall into the same burnout cycles we’ve struggled with

    This episode offers real, actionable advice to help you prevent burnout and create healthier patterns for yourself and your family.

    BOOK IN WITH JANE'S RECOMMENDED THERAPISTS

    If you're looking to connect with a parenting specialist or psychologist for expert advice on parenting, please check out www.adhdmums.com.au/services. Your journey to more confident and supported parenting starts here!

    CONNECT WITH ME...

    If you’ve got a question or want to connect with other ADHD mums, we’ve got a whole community on our Facebook group. Click here to join and post your question. Don’t worry if it’s been asked before! I love to answer everyone in a group format.

    FOLLOW FOR MORE...

    I post more content, insights and help on my social media accounts. Follow along for more ADHD mum content.

    - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adhd_mums

    - Facebook: https://facebook.com/100091850469503/

    - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@adhdmumsaus

    - YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCB0uYIHpFKFo6AdhQQaBr1w

    LEAVE ME A REVIEW

    Your review means the world to me! Your thoughts really help others discover my content that I genuinely (and passionately) hope could make a difference in their lives. Your support creates a ripple effect of spreading my show around and hopefully reaching the right people (especially Mum’s who may be at their wit’s end).

    WANT TO COLLABORATE?

    If you’re enquiring about a collaboration or speaking engagement – please email jane@adhdmums.com.au.

    EXTRA...

    Show More Show Less
    24 mins
  • 32. Realising Autistic Burnout: A Personal Story for Neurodivergent Mums [Solo Episode] with Jane McFadden
    Sep 30 2024

    In this first part of my two-part series on autistic burnout, I’m sharing how I came to realise the impact of burnout on my life – something that had been affecting me for years without my knowing.

    From reflecting on childhood conditioning to understanding how societal pressures pushed me into burnout, I unpack the key moments that shaped my experience. I also share why this realisation was life-changing for me and why I’m passionate about helping other neurodivergent women and girls avoid the same struggles.

    I talk about:

    • How the realisation of autistic burnout changed my life
    • Reflections on growing up in a world where “doing your best” meant pushing through exhaustion for external praise and validation
    • How societal expectations shaped my default settings of people-pleasing and pushing myself beyond my limits
    • Why I believe so many women feel the same way and how I hope sharing my experience validates yours too

    This episode is for anyone who feels like they’ve been running on empty, not realising the toll it’s taking. It’s about recognising the early signs and validating your experience, so you can stop the burnout cycle before it starts.

    Listen [HERE] to Part 2 - “Preventing Autistic Burnout: Practical Tips for Neurodivergent Mums and Their Children”

    BOOK IN WITH JANE'S RECOMMENDED THERAPISTS

    If you're looking to connect with a parenting specialist or psychologist for expert advice on parenting, please check out www.adhdmums.com.au/services. Your journey to more confident and supported parenting starts here!

    CONNECT WITH ME...

    If you’ve got a question or want to connect with other ADHD mums, we’ve got a whole community on our Facebook group. Click here to join and post your question. Don’t worry if it’s been asked before! I love to answer everyone in a group format.

    FOLLOW FOR MORE...

    I post more content, insights and help on my social media accounts. Follow along for more ADHD mum content.

    - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adhd_mums

    - Facebook: https://facebook.com/100091850469503/

    - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@adhdmumsaus

    - YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCB0uYIHpFKFo6AdhQQaBr1w

    LEAVE ME A REVIEW

    Your review means the world to me! Your thoughts really help others discover my content that I genuinely (and passionately) hope could make a difference in their lives. Your support creates a ripple effect of spreading my show around and hopefully reaching the right people (especially Mum’s who may be at their wit’s end).

    WANT TO COLLABORATE?

    If you’re enquiring about a collaboration or speaking engagement – please email jane@adhdmums.com.au.

    EXTRA RESOURCES:...

    Show More Show Less
    25 mins
  • 31. Executive Function Challenges in ADHD: Strategies for Success with Claire Britton
    Sep 25 2024

    In this episode, I’m joined by Claire Britton, an ADHDer, mum of two, and paediatric Occupational Therapist. Together, we dive into the often confusing and frustrating world of executive function. You know the feeling - struggling to keep it all together, constantly questioning why everything feels so hard. We’re breaking down what executive function really is, why ADHD mums feel like they’re always on the back foot, and how we can start managing the daily chaos with more compassion and less overwhelm.

    Key Takeaways:

    • Claire’s “Admin Team” Analogy: Claire describes executive function as your brain’s “admin team,” and for ADHD mums, that team is often understaffed and struggling to keep up. It’s not failure - your brain is simply overworked and needs help.
    • The Real Mental Load of Motherhood: ADHD mums carry an unseen, exhausting weight that goes far beyond school lunches and appointments. If you’ve ever ended your day feeling burnt out and wondering why you can’t do it all, this is for you - you’re not lazy, just carrying more than most can imagine.
    • Practical Strategies for Mums Who’ve Tried Everything: Claire shares real tips like body doubling, habit stacking, and visual schedules - simple yet powerful survival tools for ADHD brains trying to stay on track.
    • Medication, Self-Compassion, and Letting Go of Guilt: From Claire's personal perspective, she shares how medication can create mental breathing room, allowing you to manage more effectively, while self-compassion is key to releasing the guilt that so many ADHD mums carry.

    Why This Episode is a Must-Listen:

    This episode is a lifeline for mums feeling overwhelmed and like they're not measuring up, offering practical tools, a deeper understanding of your ADHD brain, and most importantly, the reminder that you are not alone in this journey.

    Resources Mentioned:

    • Follow Claire on Instagram: @neuroinclusion.au
    • Learn more about Claire's work at Neuroinclusion: https://www.neuroinclusion.com.au/

    Related Episode:

    Episode with Lael Stone on Building Resilience in a Neurodiverse Family: Apple | Spotify

    BOOK IN WITH JANE'S RECOMMENDED THERAPISTS

    If you're looking to connect with a parenting specialist or psychologist for expert advice on parenting, please check out www.adhdmums.com.au/services. Your journey to more confident and supported parenting starts here!

    CONNECT WITH ME...

    If you’ve got a question or want to connect with other ADHD mums, we’ve got a whole community on our Facebook group. Click here to join and post your question. Don’t worry if it’s been asked before! I love to answer everyone in a group format.

    FOLLOW FOR MORE...

    I post more content, insights and help on my social media accounts. Follow along for more ADHD mum...

    Show More Show Less
    45 mins
  • 30. Could it be PDA? Exploring the signs and why it’s different from ODD with Prof Tony Attwood and Dr Michelle Garnett
    Sep 23 2024

    In this episode, I’m joined by internationally recognised experts in autism, Professor Tony Atwood and Dr. Michelle Garnett, to explore the often misunderstood condition known as Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA). Together, we dive into what PDA really is, how it differs from Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), and what it means for neurodivergent children and their families.

    Key Takeaways:

    • Understanding PDA vs ODD: Discover the critical differences between PDA and ODD. Tony and Michelle explain how PDA is rooted in anxiety and a need for control, rather than oppositional behavior. If your child’s refusal feels irrational or emotionally charged, it could be PDA, not ODD.
    • Why Neurotypical Parenting Methods Don’t Work: Traditional approaches like rewards and punishments often fail when dealing with PDA. Learn why neurotypical parenting methods can damage relationships and what strategies work better for children with PDA.
    • Real-Life Examples You Can Relate To: From the anxiety behind refusing simple tasks like brushing teeth or getting dressed to avoiding even activities they love, Tony and Michelle share real-life examples that will resonate with any parent navigating these challenges.
    • Support That Works: We discuss the importance of creating a safe and flexible environment for your child, reducing their anxiety, and building a relationship based on understanding and cooperation.

    This episode is a must-listen if you’ve ever struggled with a child who refuses simple tasks, even when they want to do them. Tony and Michelle’s insights will not only validate your experience but also offer hope and actionable strategies for managing PDA in a way that nurtures your relationship and reduces anxiety for your child.

    Resources Mentioned:

    • Season 2, Episode 5: What Every Mum Needs to Hear from Top Autism Expert with Prof Tony Attwood: Listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
    • Tony & Michelle's Course on PDA: Learn more here
    • Connect with Tony & Michelle on Instagram here

    BOOK IN WITH JANE'S RECOMMENDED THERAPISTS

    If you're looking to connect with a parenting specialist or psychologist for expert advice on parenting, please check out www.adhdmums.com.au/services. Your journey to more confident and supported parenting starts here!

    CONNECT WITH ME...

    If you’ve got a question or want to connect with other ADHD mums, we’ve got a whole community on our Facebook group. Click here to join and post your question. Don’t worry if it’s been asked before! I love to answer everyone in a group format.

    FOLLOW FOR MORE...

    I post more content, insights and help on my social media accounts. Follow along for more ADHD mum content.

    - Instagram:

    Show More Show Less
    26 mins
  • 29. 6 Practical Tips for ADHD Mums to Reduce Stress and Create a Calmer Home [Solo Episode] with Jane McFadden
    Sep 18 2024

    In this solo episode, I’m sharing 6 practical tips that have helped me reduce stress and create a calmer, more connected home as a neurodivergent mum. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the daily chaos or struggled to find a balance between parenting and navigating ADHD, this episode is for you. These strategies aren’t about perfection - they’re about finding what works for you and your family to bring a little more peace and ease into your days.

    Key Takeaways:

    • How to set up simple, consistent routines to make mornings less stressful and reduce daily friction.
    • Why natural consequences can be a powerful tool for teaching responsibility without constant power struggles.
    • Tips for managing big emotions with empathy, fostering stronger connections between you and your child.
    • The importance of setting clear, consistent rules to create a sense of stability and harmony at home.
    • Ways to involve your kids in problem-solving, helping them build independence and giving you more breathing room.
    • Proactive strategies to stay ahead of potential conflicts, making your home feel more peaceful and supportive.

    Don’t Miss an Episode!

    Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, so you never miss an episode. If you found this helpful, please leave a review - your feedback helps us reach more neurodivergent mums looking for support and connection.

    BOOK IN WITH JANE'S RECOMMENDED THERAPISTS

    If you're looking to connect with a parenting specialist or psychologist for expert advice on parenting, please check out www.adhdmums.com.au/services. Your journey to more confident and supported parenting starts here!

    CONNECT WITH ME...

    If you’ve got a question or want to connect with other ADHD mums, we’ve got a whole community on our Facebook group. Click here to join and post your question. Don’t worry if it’s been asked before! I love to answer everyone in a group format.

    FOLLOW FOR MORE...

    I post more content, insights and help on my social media accounts. Follow along for more ADHD mum content.

    - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adhd_mums

    - Facebook: https://facebook.com/100091850469503/

    - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@adhdmumsaus

    - YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCB0uYIHpFKFo6AdhQQaBr1w

    LEAVE ME A REVIEW

    Your review means the world to me! Your thoughts really help others discover my content that I genuinely (and passionately) hope could make a difference in their lives. Your support creates a ripple effect of spreading my show around and hopefully reaching the right people (especially Mum’s who may be at their wit’s end).

    WANT TO COLLABORATE?

    If you’re enquiring about a collaboration or speaking engagement – please email

    Show More Show Less
    20 mins
  • 28. Protecting Vulnerable Women: Addressing the Crisis of Sexual Assault with Tanya Hicks
    Sep 16 2024

    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 confidence, and find genuine happiness.

    **Trigger warning, this episode discusses sensitive topics, including sexual assault and domestic violence**

    Key Takeaways from this Episode:

    • Discover how early societal pressures cause neurodivergent women to disassociate, increasing vulnerability in relationships.
    • Learn why interpreting social and romantic cues is challenging for neurodivergent women, often leading to misunderstandings and harm.
    • Uncover how financial dependency and social isolation trap neurodivergent women in unhealthy relationships and explore ways to break free.
    • Get practical strategies to help neurodivergent children and teens build confidence, find their voice, and thrive.
    • Understand the importance of a supportive community where neurodivergent individuals can feel safe and valued.
    • Be inspired to challenge societal norms and advocate for greater inclusivity and acceptance.
    • Find reassurance in stories of solidarity, knowing there’s a community that understands and supports you.
    • Gain actionable advice for helping neurodivergent children trust their instincts, speak up, and build resilience.

    Links and References:

    • Listen to Tanya's previous episode on masking: Apple | Spotify
    • Learn more about Tanya's work at Neurodivergent Empowered: https://www.neurodivergentempowered.com/
    • Episode with Emma Rose Parson on problem solving and self-advocacy: Apple | Spotify

    BOOK IN WITH JANE'S RECOMMENDED THERAPISTS

    If you're looking to connect with a parenting specialist or psychologist for expert advice on parenting, please check out www.adhdmums.com.au/services. Your journey to more confident and supported parenting starts here!

    CONNECT WITH ME...

    If you’ve got a question or want to connect with other ADHD mums, we’ve got a whole community on our Facebook group. Click here to join and post your question. Don’t worry if it’s been asked before! I love to answer everyone in a group format.

    FOLLOW FOR MORE...

    I post more content, insights and help on my social media accounts. Follow along for more ADHD mum content.

    - Instagram:

    Show More Show Less
    51 mins
  • 27. 'Help, I Have an Antagonist in My House!' - Parenting ADHD Kids Who Love to Stir the Pot [Solo Episode] with Jane McFadden
    Sep 11 2024

    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 these behaviours and how to redirect that energy into something positive, like using "restarts" to hit reset and help create a calmer, happier home.
    • My favourite strategies for getting through those tough days, with practical tips to manage the chaos and turn things around when they’re spiralling out of control.
    • How to dodge sibling blow-ups and build stronger connections by staying ahead of their tricks and finding ways to keep them engaged in good ways.
    • Why leading with love and compassion (even when it’s tough) can transform the vibe in your home, and how small shifts in how we handle things can make a big difference.

    If you’re wrangling your own “stirrer” or just need a bit of solidarity on this wild ride of parenting neurodivergent kids, this one’s for you!

    Links Mentioned:

    • Check out my chat with Dr Justin Coulson about ADHD, iPads, and morning routines on Apple Podcasts or on Spotify
    • Find out more about our family psychologist at Body and Mind Online

    BOOK IN WITH JANE'S RECOMMENDED THERAPISTS

    If you're looking to connect with a parenting specialist or psychologist for expert advice on parenting, please check out www.adhdmums.com.au/services. Your journey to more confident and supported parenting starts here!

    CONNECT WITH ME...

    If you’ve got a question or want to connect with other ADHD mums, we’ve got a whole community on our Facebook group. Click here to join and post your question. Don’t worry if it’s been asked before! I love to answer everyone in a group format.

    FOLLOW FOR MORE...

    I post more content, insights and help on my social media accounts. Follow along for more ADHD mum content.

    - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adhd_mums

    - Facebook: https://facebook.com/100091850469503/

    - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@adhdmumsaus

    - YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCB0uYIHpFKFo6AdhQQaBr1w

    LEAVE ME A REVIEW

    Your review means the world to me! Your thoughts really help others discover my content that I genuinely (and passionately) hope could make a difference in their lives. Your support creates a ripple effect of spreading my show around and hopefully reaching the right people...

    Show More Show Less
    33 mins