Ever walked away from school pick-up mentally exhausted from awkward small talk, unspoken social rules, or overthinking what you said? You’re not alone.

For ADHD and autistic mums, pick-up isn’t just about collecting your child - it’s a social minefield that can leave you feeling wiped out, anxious, or like you somehow “got it wrong.”

But what if school pick-up didn’t have to be so exhausting?

In this episode:

• How to stop replaying conversations in your head for hours after pick-up.
• A simple way to handle small talk without draining your energy.
• When masking is helpful and when it’s just not worth it.
• How to know who’s worth your energy (and when to let go of the guilt).
• What to do when rejection sensitivity kicks in and you start spiralling.

If school pick-up feels awkward, exhausting, or just too much, this episode is for you.

👉 Grab my guide Navigating School Pick-Up: A Guide for ADHD Mums - it’s full of real-life scripts and strategies to help you feel more confident. Get it for $30 on my website.

JOIN THE COMMUNITY:

Have questions or want to connect with other ADHD mums? Join our supportive Facebook group here and dive into the conversation. No question is too small, and I love answering in a group format!

FOLLOW FOR MORE:

Get daily tips, insights, and relatable content for ADHD mums by following me on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok or YouTube

LEAVE A REVIEW:

Love this episode? Your review means everything! It helps other mums find this content and feel supported. Let’s spread the word and make a difference together.

COLLABS:

For collaborations or speaking engagements, email me at jane@adhdmums.com.au.

MORE RESOURCES:

Still unsure if ADHD or autism applies to you or your child? Take my recommended self-tests here.

Topics Covered in This Episode: School pick-up, ADHD mums, autistic mums, social exhaustion, overthinking social interactions, small talk anxiety, masking, rejection sensitivity, social burnout, managing social energy, neurodivergent parenting, awkward social situations, playground dynamics, navigating school pick-up, ADHD social skills, ADHD and masking, social overwhelm, avoiding small talk, decoding neurotypical communication, school pick-up anxiety, ADHD mum life, neurodivergent communication, ADHD-friendly strategies, ADHD and social interactions, ADHD and social anxiety, ADHD mum struggles, ADHD-friendly parenting tips.

Mentioned in this episode:

A Guide to Navigating School Pick-Up

If school pick-up feels like an Olympic sport you forgot to train for, this guide is for you. Packed with relatable stories, actionable tips, and easy-to-use scripts, Navigating School Pick-Up is designed to help...

Thousands of families are being blindsided by the latest NDIS cuts, with children losing essential support before new systems are in place. Parents are being told their child has “achieved their goals” - only to be left scrambling for therapy they still desperately need. If you’re feeling frustrated, exhausted, or just plain angry, you’re not alone.

In this episode, Nicole Rogerson joins me for a straight-talking, no-nonsense conversation about what’s happening, why it matters, and what we can do right now to fight for our children’s support.

Nicole is the founding director of Autism Awareness Australia, a trusted, independent source of information for our community since 2007. For over 18 years, she’s cut through misinformation, fought for real change, and helped families like ours navigate a system that too often leaves us behind.

She is one of Australia’s leading spokespersons for autism awareness and understanding. She has appeared on 60 Minutes, The 7.30 Report, Today, A Current Affair, Australian Story, and The Australian Women’s Weekly, using every platform possible to make sure our voices are heard.

But above all, Nicole’s an autism mum. Her eldest son, Jack, is the reason she does this work - and why she’s so committed to making sure we have the information and support we need.

📌 Learn more about Nicole and her work here: Autism Awareness Australia

If your family has been impacted by these cuts, submit your experience here:

👉 NDIS Changes Impact Form

Resources mentioned:

Autism Awareness Australia - email office@autismawareness.com.au

Nicole Rogerson on ABC News 24 | National Autism Strategy

Autism Awareness Australia - In the media

Email templates to local MP

ADHD Mums Facebook Group

Jotform - https://form.jotform.com/242968415771871

Related Episodes:

The NDIS Shake-Up and National Autism Strategy: What Jane Really Thinks. Listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Explaining ADHD to Your Child: Why It Matters (Part 1). Listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Episode

Ever feel like you're the default manager of every school-related task - lunches, library books, permission slips, and last-minute costume days? The mental load of the school year is relentless, and if you're a neurodivergent mum, it’s even harder.

This episode dives into why the school-year mental load feels so overwhelming and offers practical strategies to help lighten it - without burning out.

In this episode:

• Why the mental load is so exhausting - the invisible, never-ending tasks that pile up
• Batch planning and automation tips to reduce decision fatigue and keep things running smoothly
• Sharing the load with partners, kids, and even external systems to avoid carrying it all alone
• Breaking free from perfectionism and letting go of unrealistic societal expectations
• Preventing burnout by setting boundaries, redefining priorities, and making space for you

ADHD Mums Facebook community

Follow ADHD Mums on Instagram

ADHD Planner and Personal Values Workbook

Stop People Pleasing episode

Dr Winnicott: “Good Enough” Parenting

The Fair Play Deck Game

A Guide to School Pick-Up for ADHD Mums

JOIN THE COMMUNITY:

Have questions or want to connect with other ADHD mums? Join our supportive Facebook group here and dive into the conversation. No question is too small, and I love answering in a group format!

FOLLOW FOR MORE:

Get daily tips, insights, and relatable content for ADHD mums by following me on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok or YouTube

LEAVE A REVIEW:

Love this episode? Your review means everything! It helps other mums find this content and feel supported. Let’s spread the word and make a difference together.

COLLABS:

For collaborations or speaking engagements, email me at jane@adhdmums.com.au.

MORE RESOURCES:

Still unsure if ADHD or autism applies to you or your child? Take my recommended self-tests here.

Topics Covered in This Episode: ADHD mums, mental load, school stress, executive dysfunction, decision fatigue, batch planning, school routines, working mum overwhelm, school organisation, ADHD parenting, school year survival, time management, mum burnout, shared parenting, invisible labour, emotional load, ADHD executive function, school admin stress, automation for mums, family calendar, school lunches, permission slips, neurodivergent mum, ADHD overwhelm, mum guilt, mental load strategies, household management, school planning hacks, ADHD-friendly...

If you’re constantly running on empty, dealing with chronic pain, weird health symptoms, or crushing fatigue - this isn’t just mum life, and it’s not all in your head. ADHD doesn’t just affect the brain; it impacts the entire body. Add the mental load of motherhood, and it’s no wonder so many ADHD mums feel like we’re barely hanging on.

In this episode:

• Why ADHD is linked to inflammation, chronic pain, gut issues, and immune dysfunction.
• How the mental load of parenting neurodivergent kids can physically impact your health.
• Why women with ADHD are more prone to conditions like fibromyalgia, hypermobility, and lipidemia.
• How stress, hormones, and burnout can leave you feeling broken - and what you can do about it.
• The real reason so many mums feel dismissed by doctors when they ask for help.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re falling apart while everyone else seems fine, this episode will help you understand why - and how to start advocating for your health.

From here:

Join the conversation in our private Facebook group where other ADHD mums share what’s worked for them.

Follow me on Instagram for updates on my personal journey with lipidemia and my upcoming surgery.

Amen Clinics (referenced in ep - not affiliated or sponsored)

LEAVE A REVIEW:

Love this episode? Your review means everything! It helps other mums find this content and feel supported. Let’s spread the word and make a difference together.

COLLABS:

For collaborations or speaking engagements, email me at jane@adhdmums.com.au.

MORE RESOURCES:

Still unsure if ADHD or autism applies to you or your child? Take my recommended self-tests here.

Topics Covered in This Episode: ADHD, ADHD mums, ADHD and health, ADHD and chronic illness, ADHD and inflammation, ADHD burnout, ADHD fatigue, ADHD and stress, ADHD and physical health, ADHD and emotional wellbeing, ADHD and chronic pain, ADHD and gut health, ADHD and autoimmune disorders, ADHD and hormones, ADHD and perimenopause, ADHD and menopause, ADHD and mental load, ADHD and motherhood, ADHD mum exhaustion, neurodivergent health, neurodivergent mums, ADHD and trauma, ADHD and immune system, ADHD and migraines, ADHD and hypermobility, ADHD and fibromyalgia, ADHD and lipidemia, ADHD and brain fog, ADHD and stress response, ADHD and nervous system, ADHD and mental health, ADHD and women’s health, ADHD and emotional burnout, ADHD coping strategies, ADHD self-care, ADHD and lifestyle changes.

Mentioned in this episode:

ADHD Pre-Diagnosis Workbook: A Guide for Women and Mothers

Wondering if it’s ADHD or mum life? The ADHD Pre-Diagnosis Workbook is your survival guide, helping you untangle your thoughts and explore ADHD traits - perfect for those curious about self-diagnosis or preparing for an assessment.

ADHD Pre-Diagnosis Worbook

We tell ourselves we won’t do it again - won’t reach for that glass of wine after the kids go to bed, won’t fall into an hours-long scroll hole, won’t spend another $300 on a hyperfocus obsession we’ll drop in a month. And yet… here we are.

Our ADHD brains crave dopamine, and sometimes that means turning to habits that feel good in the moment but leave us stuck in a cycle. This episode isn’t about willpower or self-blame - it’s about understanding why ADHD makes these habits so sticky and what we can do to shift them for good.

In This Episode, We Cover:

• Why our ADHD brains chase instant gratification - and how to hack it
• How emotional regulation struggles fuel habits like binge eating, impulse spending, and avoidance
• The power of micro-delays, habit tracking, and reframing negative self-talk
• Simple dopamine-boosting alternatives that actually work
• How to make impulsive habits harder to access - so we don’t have to rely on willpower

Resources mentioned:

• Mummy Needs More Than Wine
• ADHD Mums FB Group
• ADHD Planner and Personal Values Workbook

JOIN THE COMMUNITY:

Have questions or want to connect with other ADHD mums? Join our supportive Facebook group here and dive into the conversation. No question is too small, and I love answering in a group format!

FOLLOW FOR MORE:

Get daily tips, insights, and relatable content for ADHD mums by following me on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok or YouTube

LEAVE A REVIEW:

Love this episode? Your review means everything! It helps other mums find this content and feel supported. Let’s spread the word and make a difference together.

COLLABS:

For collaborations or speaking engagements, email me at jane@adhdmums.com.au.

MORE RESOURCES:

Still unsure if ADHD or autism applies to you or your child? Take my recommended self-tests here.

Topics Covered in This Episode: ADHD, unhealthy habits, breaking bad habits, ADHD and impulse control, ADHD and addiction, ADHD and dopamine, ADHD binge eating, ADHD emotional regulation, ADHD and overspending, ADHD hyperfocus, ADHD and alcohol, ADHD and social media, ADHD habit tracking, ADHD-friendly strategies, ADHD procrastination, ADHD and executive function, ADHD self-sabotage, ADHD and willpower, ADHD and instant gratification, ADHD coping mechanisms, ADHD and routines, ADHD-friendly self-care, ADHD burnout, ADHD mindfulness, ADHD and cognitive behavioural therapy, ADHD and stress management, ADHD brain rewiring, ADHD and lifestyle changes.

Mentioned in this episode:

ADHD Planner & Personal Values Workbook: A System for ADHD Mums

Simplify your chaotic ADHD mum life with the ADHD Planner & Personal Values Workbook....

We tell ourselves it’s just one glass - we deserve it after a long day. But somehow, that glass turns into the easiest way to switch off. And if we’re honest, we’re not sure it’s working anymore.

ADHD mums aren’t drinking just for fun - we’re drinking to cope with the mental load, the overstimulation, the relentless pressure to do it all. And while a glass of wine might feel like a quick fix, it could actually be making everything harder.

This isn’t about guilt or never drinking again. It’s about understanding what’s really going on - so we can make choices that actually help, not just temporarily numb the chaos.

In this episode:

• Why ADHD mums are more likely to struggle with alcohol use
• The dopamine trap - why that first drink feels amazing but leaves you worse off
• Alcohol & anxiety - the connection no one talks about
• The role of perfectionism & stress in why we drink
• How to reset your brain (without feeling like you’re missing out)

If you’ve ever poured a drink and wondered, “Do I actually need this?” - this episode is for you.

JOIN THE COMMUNITY:

Have questions or want to connect with other ADHD mums? Join our supportive Facebook group here and dive into the conversation. No question is too small, and I love answering in a group format!

FOLLOW FOR MORE:

Get daily tips, insights, and relatable content for ADHD mums by following me on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok or YouTube

LEAVE A REVIEW:

Love this episode? Your review means everything! It helps other mums find this content and feel supported. Let’s spread the word and make a difference together.

COLLABS:

For collaborations or speaking engagements, email me at jane@adhdmums.com.au.

MORE RESOURCES:

Still unsure if ADHD or autism applies to you or your child? Take my recommended self-tests here.

Topics Covered in This Episode: ADHD mums, alcohol and ADHD, mummy wine culture, ADHD and binge drinking, ADHD and addiction, ADHD and dopamine, ADHD and anxiety, ADHD burnout, ADHD overwhelm, coping strategies for ADHD mums, stress and ADHD, perfectionism and ADHD, ADHD and self-medication, ADHD mental health, ADHD and emotional regulation, alcohol and dopamine crash, ADHD executive dysfunction, ADHD and social anxiety, ADHD and impulsivity, ADHD mum life, neurodivergent mums and alcohol, alcohol and overstimulation, ADHD-friendly coping strategies, breaking drinking habits, ADHD mums mental load, ADHD and self-care, ADHD and substance use, ADHD women and drinking, ADHD and habit change, sober ADHD mum, reducing alcohol ADHD, ADHD-friendly relaxation techniques.

Mentioned in this episode:

ADHD Planner & Personal Values Workbook: A System for ADHD Mums

Simplify your chaotic ADHD mum life with the ADHD Planner & Personal Values Workbook. Designed to help you brain dump the chaos, prioritise what truly matters, and stop the guilt spiral, these tools are 100% fluff-free and built for real-life use. Start anytime, pick up and put down as needed, and create a system that...

Feeling like you’re carrying the weight of the world? Whether it’s the invisible scars of trauma, the daily juggle of ADHD, or the pressure to hold it all together, this episode dives into what happens when life gets overwhelming - and how to start healing.

Jess shares her deeply personal journey from life in the ADF to facing PTSD, navigating ADHD, and rebuilding her life with the help of EMDR therapy. This isn’t just another survival story - it’s about breaking free from the cycle of burnout, asking for help, and relearning how to live a life that feels more like you.

The ADHD Pre-Diagnosis Workbook: A Guide for Women and Mothers for if you're curious about self-diagnosis or preparing for an assessment.

Important to note: This episode contains personal reflections on trauma, mental health, and brief mentions of suicidal ideation. Jess’s story is deeply personal and reflects her unique experiences in both her life and career. Please remember that individual journeys and circumstances vary. If you or someone you know is struggling, reach out to a trusted mental health professional or support service.

In this episode:

• How Jess went from military service to healing through therapy.
• The challenges of balancing ADHD and parenting after trauma.
• What EMDR therapy really feels like - and why it might help you too.
• Tips for recognising when it’s time to ask for help.

If you’ve ever felt stuck, exhausted, or unsure how to move forward, this episode is for you.

Listen to Next:

• Episode - Where does the trauma start and ADHD begin? Listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
• Episode - Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria - Listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
• Episode - How ADHD Medication Revealed My Autistic Traits - Listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

JOIN THE COMMUNITY:

Have questions or want to connect with other ADHD mums? Join our supportive Facebook group here and dive into the conversation. No question is too small, and I love answering in a group format!

FOLLOW FOR MORE:

Get daily tips, insights, and relatable content for ADHD mums by following me on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok or YouTube

LEAVE A...

For many ADHD mums, explaining ADHD to loved ones can feel like speaking another language. Partners and family members might try their best but don’t always grasp the full picture - or might even feel overwhelmed or unsure how to help.

This episode is for both ADHD mums and their loved ones - those who want to help but feel unsure about ADHD, feeling overwhelmed by what it means, or just want to provide better support.

In This Episode:

• Understanding ADHD: Why ADHD isn’t about effort or being disorganised - it’s about how the brain processes and manages information.
• Validation Matters: The incredible impact of simply acknowledging someone’s experience.
• Tools for Teamwork: Shared strategies like visual schedules, body doubling, and clear communication to reduce tension.
• Moving Past Misunderstandings: Practical ways to address challenges like unfinished tasks and miscommunication without blame.

Note: Every relationship and experience with ADHD is unique, and this episode is part of an ongoing conversation. The tools and insights shared here are designed to foster understanding and connection but are not a one-size-fits-all solution.

If you’re an ADHD mum, listen to this episode and share it with someone who needs to understand your journey. If you’re a partner or family member, hit play with curiosity - it's a chance to hear how small changes can make life easier for everyone.

Resources Mentioned:

• ADHD Planner & Values Workbook: Tools to help create routines that work for neurodivergent families.
• Episode - PMS and ADHD. Listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
• Episode - Feeling like PMS is taking over your life? It might be PMDD. Listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
• Episode - From Skeptic to Advocate: Medication for Children. Listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
• Join the ADHD Mums Facebook Community for support and connection.
• Barkley 2018: Executive Functions: What They Are, How They Work, and Why They Evolved linked HERE.

JOIN THE COMMUNITY:

Have questions or want to connect with other ADHD mums? Join our supportive Facebook group here and dive into the conversation. No question is too small, and I love...