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The Untypical OT Talks to Herself - Where did it all begin?
Manage episode 475873816 series 3657891
Content provided by Liz Evans - The Untypical OT. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Liz Evans - The Untypical OT or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://ppacc.player.fm/legal.
The Untypical OT Talks to Herself - Where did it all begin?
Episode 1
Join Liz, a dyslexic parent and occupational therapist, as she shares her experience of parenting in a neurodiverse family, navigating personal and professional challenges, and supporting parents and carers of children with additional needs. These solo episodes are part of the The Untypical OT Podcast which include inspiring guest interviews, where Liz talks about topics like parental burnout, navigating systems, embracing neurodivergence, and rethinking behaviour.
This podcast isn’t about perfection—it’s about real conversations, and practical strategies to help parents feel less alone and more confident in doing things differently.
This episode is all about where did The Untypical start.
You can find Liz on all the socials check out her Linktree account for all the links here.
17 episodes
ShareManage episode 475873816 series 3657891
Content provided by Liz Evans - The Untypical OT. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Liz Evans - The Untypical OT or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://ppacc.player.fm/legal.
The Untypical OT Talks to Herself - Where did it all begin?
Episode 1
Join Liz, a dyslexic parent and occupational therapist, as she shares her experience of parenting in a neurodiverse family, navigating personal and professional challenges, and supporting parents and carers of children with additional needs. These solo episodes are part of the The Untypical OT Podcast which include inspiring guest interviews, where Liz talks about topics like parental burnout, navigating systems, embracing neurodivergence, and rethinking behaviour.
This podcast isn’t about perfection—it’s about real conversations, and practical strategies to help parents feel less alone and more confident in doing things differently.
This episode is all about where did The Untypical start.
You can find Liz on all the socials check out her Linktree account for all the links here.
17 episodes
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The Untypical Parent™ Podcast
1 Safety In Plan! - You what?!? Why parents needs plans. 24:21
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedPlans can provide safety, reduce anxiety, and create a sense of control for parents in additional needs families when everything feels chaotic. They help reduce cognitive load and mental demand, giving us space to be more present with our children. • Plans work best when they're flexible and adaptable to changing circumstances • Written plans take pressure off our working memory, especially during stressful moments • Types of plans include burnout recovery, community outings, safety during dysregulation, and exit strategies • Planning ahead helps manage the constant "what if" thinking that comes with additional needs parenting • Having plans doesn't mean being rigid - it means being prepared while remaining adaptable • When we're in stress responses (fight/flight/freeze), our brains can't plan effectively • Parents are the family linchpin - if we don't take care of ourselves, everyone suffers • Start small with planning rather than trying to plan everything at once • Sometimes we need help creating plans when we're overwhelmed, and that's not failure If this episode had you going "that's so me" or feel a little less alone, why not buy me a coffee? Just click the link in the show notes. It's a small way to show your support and keep this podcast going. https://buymeacoffee.com/the.untypical.ot I'm Liz, The Untypical OT. I work with parents and carers in additional needs and neurodivergent families to support them with burnout, mental health and well-being. When we support parents, everyone benefits. 🔗 To connect with me, you find all my details on Linktree: https://linktr.ee/the_untypical_ot And if you'd like to contact me about the podcast please email at: contact@untypicalparentpodcast.com. I love to hear from listeners about the podcast and any ideas for the future. Take care Liz Click here to text the show Support the show…
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The Untypical Parent™ Podcast
1 Beyond Attendance: Parenting Through EBSA & Neurodivergence 1:16:10
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedIn this episode I talk with Clare Baker from Restlessminds UK. Clare and I go deep into the raw realities of parenting, neurodivergence, and the often unseen emotional toll of navigating a broken education system. Clare shares her powerful story of becoming a mum at 19, being diagnosed with ADHD later in life, and why she chose to remove her daughter from mainstream education to protect her mental health. We unpack: 💥 Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA) 💥 Advocacy for SEN children and neurodivergent families 💥 Clare’s experience with ADHD, and raising neurodivergent kids 💥 The problem with current attendance policies and the push for punitive "solutions" 💥 How empowerment starts with informed parenting and challenging outdated systems Clare also opens up about masking, burnout, and the importance of showing up authentically—as a parent, practitioner, and person. Her lived experience and fierce advocacy are a lifeline for families stuck in survival mode. 🔥 If you're a parent, educator, or practitioner walking the line between compassion and bureaucracy—this episode is essential listening. You can find Clare here: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/restlessmindsuk Website: https://restlessmindsuk.org/ I'm Liz, The Untypical OT. I work with parents and carers in additional needs and neurodivergent families to support them with burnout, mental health and well-being. When we support parents, everyone benefits. 🔗 To connect with me, you find all my details on Linktree: https://linktr.ee/the_untypical_ot ☕ If you’d like to support the podcast, you can buy me a coffee here: https://buymeacoffee.com/the.untypical.ot And if you'd like to contact me about the podcast please email at: contact@untypicalparentpodcast.com Click here to text the show Support the show…
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The Untypical Parent™ Podcast
1 It's Not That No One Is Helping.....Maybe We're Not Letting Them 25:20
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedThe Untypical Parent Talks to Herself Why we often say "no" even when we desperately need support? In this episode, I’m talking about something so many of us struggle with—accepting help. You know that pressure to have it all together and do everything ourselves? Yep, that. I get into how thinking of help as some kind of transaction can actually make it harder to let people in, and how sometimes we push support away so much that people stop offering altogether. I share what I’ve learned about figuring out the kind of help that actually feels supportive (and not just like one more thing to manage), and why having clear expectations with the people around us makes a big difference. I also look at why we were never meant to parent or live in isolation—there’s real history behind that! I’m working on seeing help as a form of connection, not failure, and I’ll share some practical ways I’ve been trying to get more comfortable with receiving it. Plus, a reminder that support comes in many forms—not just the obvious or practical stuff. The link for this month's parenting pause moment: The Sensory Side to Parenting: Unlock the Sensory Secret to Smoother Parenting and More Peaceful Moments https://info.the-untypical-ot.co.uk/sensory-side-of-parenting 🔗 To connect with Liz, find all the details on her Linktree: https://linktr.ee/the_untypical_ot ☕ If you'd like to support the podcast, you can buy me a coffee here: https://buymeacoffee.com/the.untypical.ot Topics: If you have a request for a particular topic when it comes to parenting in additional needs families, please just drop the podcast an email at contact@untypicalparentpodcast.com Click here to text the show Support the show…
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The Untypical Parent™ Podcast
1 When The Typical 9-5 Employment Doesn't Fit Your Family 57:05
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedWhat happens when your perfectly planned approach to parenting collides with the unpredictable reality and it doesn't end up fitting the job description! Helen Buzdugan knows this territory intimately. As a late-diagnosed ADHDer, careers advisor, and founder of True To You Careers, Helen shares her raw, emotional journey from parenting, discovering not only hers but her children's neurotype, from juggling work and parenting, to burnout and then recovery. Helen's story begins with a self-confessed perfectionist approach to parenthood, to her noticing the diverging paths between her experience of parenting and those of other parents, whose challenges seemed to ease while hers intensified. Helen's experience ultimately led her to create her business helping parents in neurodivergent families find employment that accommodates their complex lives. Helen brings a unique perspective to the workforce challenges facing parents and carers in neurodivergent households, highlighting the valuable transferable skills parents develop through advocacy, from research abilities to negotiation tactics honed in countless school meetings. Her practical advice includes understanding workplace rights like emergency leave for dependents, separating immediate crisis management from long-term career planning, and building essential support systems. Ready to transform your approach to balancing career and family? Connect with Helen's free resources and community support to discover work that truly works for your neurodivergent family life. You can find Helen on: Facebook , LinkedIn and her links page I'm Liz, The Untypical OT. I work with parents and carers in additional needs and neurodivergent families to support them with burnout, mental health and well-being. When we support parents, everyone benefits. To connect with me you'll find all my links on Linktree: The Untypical OT Linktree If you would like to contact me about the podcast please email me at: contact@untypicalparentpodcast.com Click here to text the show Support the show…
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The Untypical Parent™ Podcast
1 Parenting, Work, Pressure & Pushing Through: Why Boundaries Are Your Burnout Buffer 13:45
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedWelcome to The Untypical OT Talks to Herself—the mini podcast for typically untypical parents! Bite-sized episodes packed with real talk about parenting in additional needs families. No fluff, no judgment—just honest conversations about the stuff that truly matters. 💡 This week’s episode: My top tip for managing burnout, overwhelm, and stress at work. This also works at home. It's all about the boundaries! Do you know where your boundaries are? Are they hard boundaries or flexible ones? How easy are they to put in place? Join me for a mini podcast to think about your boundaries. 🎧 Are you ready? Come join me. 🔗 To connect with Liz, find all the details on her Linktree: https://linktr.ee/the_untypical_ot ☕ If you'd like to support the podcast, you can buy me a coffee here: https://buymeacoffee.com/the.untypical.ot Topics: If you have a request for a particular topic when it comes to parenting in additional needs families, please just drop the podcast an email at contact@untypicalparentpodcast.com Take care Click here to text the show Support the show…
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The Untypical Parent™ Podcast
1 Escaping the Box Society Built for Our Kids 1:01:27
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedWhat happens when we stop trying to fit neurodivergent children into a neurotypical world? In this eye-opening conversation, Helen Daniel—author, late-diagnosed neurodivergent, and sensory expert, —challenges everything we've been taught about "perfect parenting" and reveals how societal expectations create unnecessary struggles for neurodivergent families. Helen shares her theory of neurosensory divergence , which sees autism not as a deficit but as sensory abundance —a richer way of experiencing the world that brings unique ways of learning and thinking, moving away from stigma and highlighting the strengths of neurodivergent minds. She dives into the everyday struggles neurodivergent kids face in schools, where traditional methods often don’t work for different sensory styles. Whether a child focuses deeply on one sense or takes in everything at once, both can feel out of place in typical classrooms. This conversation is full of practical insights for parents, teachers, and professionals alike. By understanding sensory needs, we can create better learning environments, support self-advocacy, and build a world that embraces neurodivergence instead of trying to "fix" it. Helen's book Neurosensory Divergence: Autistic Languages: A Roadmap To An Equitable Life For Autistic Children, is available to buy. You can find Helen on her social media platforms: Facebook , Instagram and LinkedIn I'm Liz, The Untypical OT. I work with parents and carers in additional needs and neurodivergent families to support them with burnout, mental health and well-being. When we support parents, everyone benefits. To connect with me you'll find all my links on Linktree: The Untypical OT Linktree If you would like to contact me about the podcast please email me at: Helllo@the-untypical-ot.co.uk Click here to text the show Support the show…
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The Untypical Parent™ Podcast
1 Learning To Take A Pause - The Untypical OT Talks To Herself 13:13
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedWelcome to The Untypical OT Talks to Herself—the mini podcast for typically untypical parents! Bite-sized episodes packed with real talk about parenting in additional needs families. No fluff, no judgment—just honest conversations about the stuff that truly matters. 💡 This week’s episode: My top tip for managing burnout, overwhelm, and stress in the family home. If you’re feeling stretched thin, this one's for you! 🎧 Are you ready? Come join me. 🔗 To connect with Liz, find all the details on her Linktree: https://linktr.ee/the_untypical_ot ☕ If you'd like to support the podcast, you can buy me a coffee here: https://buymeacoffee.com/the.untypical.ot Topics: If you have a request for a particular topic when it comes to parenting in additional needs families please just drop the podcast an email at hello@the-untpical-ot.co.uk Click here to text the show Support the show…
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The Untypical Parent™ Podcast
1 I Thought I'd Be the Perfect Parent—Reality Had Other Plans! 1:01:34
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedThe Untypical OT Talks with Carla Berlin from Carla’s Classroom In this episode, I sit down with the insightful and passionate Carla Berlin, the founder of Carla’s Classroom. We cover so much in our conversation—cultural influences on parenting, the role of step-parents, recognising neurodivergence in children when they are older, and Carla’s own personal experiences of being parented. Carla brings her deep understanding and lived experience to the table, sharing valuable perspectives on how cultural background shapes parenting styles and expectations. We also explore the unique challenges and joys of blended families, diving into the complexities of step-parenting. Expect real talk, powerful insights, and plenty of relatable moments as we navigate these important topics together. 🔗 Connect with Carla on: I’m Liz, The Untypical OT. I work with parents and carers in additional needs and neurodivergent families to support them with burnout, mental health, and well-being. When we support parents, everyone benefits. Don't miss my free video and handout called "Worn Out or Burnt Out" —a guide to help spot the signs of parental burnout. 👉 Download it here 🔗 To connect with me, you find all my details on Linktree: The Untypical OT Linktree ☕ If you’d like to support the podcast, you can buy me a coffee here: Buy Me a Coffee And if you'd like to contact me about the podcast please email at: hello@the-untypical-ot.co.uk Click here to text the show Support the show…
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The Untypical Parent™ Podcast
The Untypical OT Talks with Teo from SendWise HubIn this episode, I sit down with the no-nonsense, straight-talking Teo from SendWise Hub to dive into the messy, beautiful, and often chaotic reality of parenting. Teo shares candid moments—when she got it right, when she got it wrong, and why the idea of a "perfect parent" is pure fiction. We talk about the highs, the lows, and everything in between, with plenty of laughs and hard-hitting truths along the way. Expect honesty, wisdom, and a reminder that doing your best is enough.🔗 Connect with Teo on:Facebook: SendWise Hub Instagram: @sendwisehub My is Liz and I am The Untypical OT. I work with parents and carers in additional needs and neurodivergent families to support them with burnout, mental health and wellbeing. When we support parents everyone benefits. Don't miss my free video and handout called "Worn Out of Burnt Out". A guide to help spot the signs of parental burnout. https://the-untypical-ot.co.uk/worn-out-or-burnt-out 🔗 To connect with Liz, find all the details on her Linktree: https://linktr.ee/the_untypical_ot ☕ If you'd like to support the podcast, you can buy me a coffee here: https://buymeacoffee.com/the.untypical.ot Click here to text the show Support the show…
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The Untypical Parent™ Podcast
1 Even the Strongest Voices Have Their Moments 1:09:51
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedThe Untypical OT Talks with Heidi Mavir In this episode, I sit down with the brilliant and unfiltered Heidi Mavir to talk all things parenting, self-trust, and surviving the education system with our sanity (mostly) intact. We tackle the stigma around disability, the emotional toll of advocacy, and why setting boundaries is an act of self-care. Expect real talk, hard-won wisdom, and a reminder that you are the expert on your child. You can connect with Heidi on: Facebook: Education Otherwise Than At School - EOTAS Matters supporting SEN Families Instragram: @heidimavir Website: heidimavir.com 🔗To connect with Liz please find all the details on her linktree: https://linktr.ee/the_untypical_ot If you'd like to buy me a coffee to help the podcast continue please use this link: buymeacoffee.com/the.untypical.ot Click here to text the show Support the show…
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The Untypical Parent™ Podcast
Podcast Series 1: Are You The Perfect Parent? Episode 5: Bracky from Supergood Bikers for Autism 🎙 The Untypical OT Talks with Bracky from Supergood Bikers for Autism In this episode, Liz sits down with Paul Brackstone, affectionately known as Bracky, the passionate founder of Supergood Bikers for Autism . Together, they explore the unique challenges and rewards of parenting neurodivergent children, with a special focus on reaching dads who might not always feel included in the conversation. Bracky opens up about his journey as a dad raising an autistic child, sharing raw and honest insights into the highs, the lows, and the moments in between. From navigating a diagnosis to finding his voice as a parent and advocate. How motorbikes became a lifeline for processing his son's diagnosis and building a supportive community for parents like him. From organizing charity ride-outs to designing a specially-built sidecar for individuals with mobility needs, Bracky is on a mission to make a difference. This episode isn’t just for dads and bikers—it’s for anyone any parent looking for support. Whether you’re a dad yourself or a mum listening in, this is an episode to share with your partner or grab your partner and listen together. You can connect with Bracky and Supergood Bikers on: Facebook Supergood Bikers - for Autism Instagram supergood_bikers_for_autismWebsite: https://www.supergoodbikersforautism.com/whyweride Apologies for the delay in the connection at the end of the podcast. Two boys gaming and the time of day - my internet was struggling! 🔗To connect with Liz please find all the details on her linktree: https://linktr.ee/the_untypical_ot If you'd like to buy me a coffee to help the podcast continue please use this link: buymeacoffee.com/the.untypical.ot Click here to text the show Support the show…
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The Untypical Parent™ Podcast
Podcast Series 1: Are you the perfect Parent Episode 4: Dani Wallace While you might know Dani for her inspiring work as a public speaking coach and entrepreneur, this conversation takes a different turn. Dani talks about the realities of neurodivergence, parenting, and navigating life’s challenges with resilience and grace. Dani is raw, open and honest in this chat and is a must listen for any parent. This episode isn’t just for parents of neurodivergent kids; it’s for anyone navigating the complexities of parenting, self-care, and growth. You can find Dani on the socials: Facebook: I Am The Queen Bee Hive IATQB Instagram: The Queen Bee Dani To connect with Liz please find all the details on her linktree This episode is sponsored by: Something Profound Please use capital letters for the code, it's case sensitive Click here to text the show Support the show…
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The Untypical Parent™ Podcast
Podcast Series 1: Are You The Perfect Parent? Episode 3: Nicola Reekie from the PDA Space In this episode, we're joined by Nicola Reekie from The PDA Space, where Nicola's discusses with Liz the concept of the 'perfect parent', the importance of self-understanding and compassion and reflects on parenting of the past and the present. Nicola talks about parenting children with a PDA (pathological demand avoidance) profile and the overwhelm in the early days. Make sure to listen to Nicola's story and hear things she has learnt over time that might make a difference to your family. Connect with Nicola on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThePDAspace Insta: https://www.instagram.com/the_pdaspace/ Linktree: https://linktr.ee/nicolareekie To connect with Liz please find all the details on her linktree: https://linktr.ee/the_untypical_ot Click here to text the show Support the show…
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The Untypical Parent™ Podcast
1 The Untypical OT Talks to Herself - Where did it all begin? 25:45
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedThe Untypical OT Talks to Herself - Where did it all begin? Episode 1 Join Liz, a dyslexic parent and occupational therapist, as she shares her experience of parenting in a neurodiverse family, navigating personal and professional challenges, and supporting parents and carers of children with additional needs. These solo episodes are part of the The Untypical OT Podcast which include inspiring guest interviews, where Liz talks about topics like parental burnout, navigating systems, embracing neurodivergence, and rethinking behaviour. This podcast isn’t about perfection—it’s about real conversations, and practical strategies to help parents feel less alone and more confident in doing things differently. This episode is all about where did The Untypical start. You can find Liz on all the socials check out her Linktree account for all the links here . Click here to text the show Support the show…
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The Untypical Parent™ Podcast
Podcast Series 1: Are You the Perfect Parent? Episode 2: Cheryl Warren from Aperion Training In this episode, we’re excited to welcome Cheryl Warren from Aperion Training. Cheryl brings a wealth of personal and professional insight as she shares her experiences of parenting in a neurodivergent household. She opens up about the challenges and joys of her parenting journey and provides valuable perspectives on how early years settings can build strong partnerships with parents of neurodivergent children. This conversation is filled with heartfelt reflections and practical advice that will resonate with educators, parents, and anyone passionate about creating inclusive spaces. Connect with Cheryl and Aperion Training on social media: Cheryl's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/aperiontraining Click here to text the show Support the show…
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The Untypical Parent™ Podcast
Podcast Series 1: Are You the Perfect Parent? Episode 1: Badger Education In this episode, we’re joined by Charlotte from Badger Education, who shares her journey of parenting in a neurodivergent household. Charlotte dives into her personal experiences, reflecting on how her parenting has influenced her teaching methods and how her role as an educator has shaped her approach to parenting. Join us as Charlotte offers insights, practical advice, and heartfelt stories that resonate with parents navigating similar paths. Connect with Charlotte and Badger Education on social media: Facebook : Badger Education - Inclusive Support Instagram : @badger.education Charlotte also has two fantastic free resources to support parents and educators: https://badger-education.co.uk/5-Achievable-Adaptations https://badger-education.co.uk/calminthechaosofchristmas Click here to text the show Support the show…
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The Untypical Parent™ Podcast
Just a quick welcome and explanation. Series 1 - Are you the perfect parent Click here to text the show Support the show
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