Navigating Neurodiverse Education Podcast
Welcome to the "Navigating Neurodiverse Education" podcast, where we offer strategies and insights to help parents create the ideal learning environment for their neurodiverent child. Whether you're a parent or a supportive family member, you'll find practical advice and inspiring discussions for the educational journey ahead.
Episodes
63 episodes
How to Make School Feel Safe: 3 Things Every Parent Needs to Know
How Can We Make School Feel Safe?Safety is the number one concern for families of neurodivergent children — and it goes far beyond locked gates and supervision.In this episode of Navigating Neurodiv...
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Episode 63
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19:41
Podcast 62 Preventing Family Burnout - Making School sustainable for Everyone
In this episode of Navigating Neurodiverse Education, Ruth Smoker-Cornell tackles a topic every family needs to hear: burnout and how to prevent it.Burnout doesn’t happen because families aren’t trying hard enough — it happens w...
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Episode 62
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26:52
Podcast 61 Preparing for Next Year: A Parent’s Guide to Smooth Transitions, Teacher Handovers & Setting Your Child Up for Success
The start of a new school year can feel overwhelming for neurodivergent children — and for the parents supporting them. New teachers, new routines, new expectations… and all the uncertainty that comes with Term 1.In this episode of N...
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Episode 61
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36:18
Podcast 60 End-of-Year School Reports: What Parents Really Need to Look For (and What to Ignore)
End-of-Year School Reports: What Parents Really Need to Look For (and What to Ignore)It’s report review season — and for parents of neurodivergent children, this time of year brings stress, confusion, and a LOT of questions.
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Episode 60
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26:20
Podcast 59 Surviving the End-of-Year Chaos: How to Support Your Neurodivergent Child Through Fatigue, Change, and Big Feelings”
Term 4 is here… and for many neurodivergent children, the final weeks of school feel overwhelming. Sensory overload, unpredictable routines, assemblies, excursions, tired teachers, and emotional burnout combine into the perfect storm —...
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Episode 59
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28:02
Podcast 58 The Future of Education Choice – Why hybrid models, microschools, and online learning are redefining traditional schooling and what this means for families
This week, we sit down with Cassie Olguin — an inspiring mum of three and a passionate advocate for education choice. With 11 years of homeschooling experience, including supporting a neurodiverse learner, Cassie has seen firsthand how tailorin...
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Episode 58
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1:16:30
Podcast 57 When Teachers Stop ‘Getting’ Your Child: How to Rebuild Connection in 3 Practical Steps
Has Your Child’s Teacher Suddenly Stopped “Getting” Them?When teacher–student connection breaks, everything can feel harder — behaviour escalates, confidence drops, and school starts to feel like a battle. But there a...
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Episode 57
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29:30
Podcast 56 Tracking Your Child’s Growth – Academic, Social & Emotional Progress
🎙️ Podcast Episode 56: Tracking Your Child’s Growth – Academic, Social & Emotional ProgressWondering how to know if your neurodivergent child is truly thriving — academically, socially, and emotionally?In this ep...
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Episode 56
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37:07
Podcast 55: Signals & Support – Early Mental Health Signs
Do you know how to spot subtle changes in your neurodivergent child that could signal emotional or mental health challenges?In this episode, Ruth shares both her own a real-life story and another of Emma and her 9-year-old autisti...
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Episode 55
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20:44
Podcast 54 Understanding PDA: Supporting Your Child to Thrive in Any Learning Environment
“Understanding PDA: Supporting Your Child to Thrive in Any Learning Environment”Do you have a child who struggles with small requests, sudden meltdowns, or school refusal? They might have a PDA profile — and it’s not defianc...
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Episode 54
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37:07
Podcast 53 Transitioning Schools: What Parents Need to Know!
Transitioning Schools: What Parents Need to Know!Changing schools can be stressful for both kids and parents—especially for neurodivergent children. In this episode, I share: ✅ Key steps to make the transition smoot...
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30:12
Podcast 52 Finding the Right Tutor for Your Neurodivergent Child
Finding the Right Tutor for Your Neurodivergent ChildKey questions to ask—and how the right tutor can build your child’s confidence.Finding the right tutor for your neurodivergent child can feel ove...
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Episode 52
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29:46
Podcast 51 From Struggle to Success: How Tutoring Empowers Neurodivergent Kids
From Struggle to Success: How Tutoring Empowers Neurodivergent Kids Discover how personalised tutoring in Literacy & Numeracy, builds confidence, skills, and independence. Is your child bright, ...
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Episode 51
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15:59
#50 Strengths First: A New Way to Support Your ND Child
Interview with Guest Speaker- Andrew Fuller Author of the book Neuroadvantage- The Strengthens-based Approach to Neurodivergence.In this interview, I’m joined by my our guest speaker Andrew Fuller — ...
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37:03
#49 Why We're Losing Neurodiverse Teachers - And Why We Can't Afford To
Why We’re Losing Neurodiverse Teachers – And Why We Can’t Afford ToTeaching is tough—but for neurodiverse teachers, the system can be unbearable. More and more autistic, ADHD, dyslexic, and otherwise neurodivergent educators are l...
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Episode 49
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26:22
#48 School Refusal or Survival Mode? Understanding Avoidant Behaviour in Neurodivergent Kids
Is it really refusal—or is it survival?If your neurodivergent child melts down at the school gate, begs to stay home, or simply shuts down when school is mentioned, you’re not alone. In this powerful episode, we dive deep into sch...
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Episode 48
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22:10
#47 What Are Reasonable Adjustments for Our Neurodivergent Child?
Do you know what reasonable adjustments really mean—and how they can transform your neurodivergent child’s school experience?In this essential episode, we break down everything parents and educators need to understand about reasonable ad...
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Episode 47
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33:37
#46 The Social Puzzle: Why Socialising Helps Some Neurodivergent Kids—But Hurts Others
Is socialising always good for neurodivergent children? Not exactly.In this thought-provoking episode, we unpack one of the most misunderstood issues in neurodivergent support: why socialising helps some children thrive—but overwh...
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Episode 46
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28:10
#45 Helping ND Kids with Big Needs Thrive — One Step at a Time
For families raising children with multiple diagnoses, high support needs, or significant sensory and emotional regulation challenges, every day can feel like a battle between meltdowns and milestones. In this episode, we explore what progress ...
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Episode 45
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38:35
#44 Not Just Grades: Raising Confident Kids Who Learn Differently
Episode 44 – Not Just Grades: Raising Confident Kids Who Learn DifferentlySo many neurodivergent kids are judged by grades — but what they really need is to feel seen and safe in their learning.In this epi...
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Episode 44
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26:04
#43 Helping Not Hovering: 3 Tips to Raise a More Independent Neurodivergent Child
Episode 43 – Helping, Not Hovering: 3 Tips to Raise a More Independent Neurodivergent Child We all want to raise confident, capable kids — but how do we support without hovering?In this episode...
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Episode 43
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32:51
#42 Turn Obsessions into Wins: How to Help ND Kids Learn Through Their Passions
Turn Obsessions into Wins: How to Help ND Kids Learn Through Their PassionsIs your child obsessed with trains, dinosaurs, Minecraft, or Pokémon? Great! Those passionate interests—often called “special interests”—can be po...
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Episode 42
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30:35
#41 Support Workers: Direct vs Agency—Which is Best for Your Family?
One of the biggest questions parents ask is: Should I hire a support worker directly, or go through an agency? In this episode, we break down the pros and cons of each option to help you make the best decision...
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Episode 41
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28:07
#40 From School to Home: Starting Your Homeschool Journey
From School to Home: Starting Your Homeschool JourneyIs school no longer the right fit for your neurodivergent child? You're not alone—and you have options.In this empowering episode, we walk you through what it really look...
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Episode 40
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22:17
#39 Frustration to Focus: Motivation Tips for Parents of Neurodivergent Kids
Is your child constantly switching tasks, tuning out, or giving up before they even start? You’re not alone — and it’s not your fault.In this practical, validating, and strategy-packed episode, we dive into why foc...
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Episode 39
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16:47