Navigating Neurodiverse Education Podcast
Episodes
Podcast 84 Motivation is the Key – What Makes Our Kids Tick?
04 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Send us Fan MailMotivation is the Key – What Makes Our Kids Tick?How do you get your child to do what they need to do—without the battles, resista...
Podcast 83 The Size of the Problem
01 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Send us Fan MailPodcast 83 The Size of the Problem!Why do some problems feel huge for our kids—when to us, they seem small?In this episode, we unpac...
Podcast 82 Connection + Expectations = Environment
22 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Send us Fan MailWhat happens when connection and expectations fall out of balance?In this episode, we explore one simple but powerful idea: 👉 Conn...
When Behaviour Strategies Don’t Work: A Neurodivergent Lens (Featuring the Ziggurat Model)
13 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Send us Fan MailIf you’ve tried reward charts, consequences, and every “strategy” you were told would work… but your child is still struggling...
Helping Your Neurodivergent child Take Care of Their Nervous System
06 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Send us Fan MailHelping Your Neurodivergent Child Take Care of Their Nervous SystemWhat if your child’s behaviour isn’t the problem — but a sign...
Mistakes = Learning: Reframing Failure for Neurodivergent Children
30 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Send us Fan MailMistakes = Learning: Reframing Failure for Neurodivergent ChildrenWhat if the way we respond to mistakes is shaping how our children s...
Podcast 78 When rigid Meets Rigid - Inflexible thinking in Neurodivergent Classrooms
23 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Send us Fan MailWhen Rigid Meets Rigid — Inflexible Thinking in Neurodivergent ClassroomsWhat happens when both the teacher and the student are neur...
Podcast 77 - Trust the Process of the School
16 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Send a textTrust the School Process: Why It Matters for Your ChildRaising a neurodivergent child in school can feel overwhelming, confusing, and at ti...
Podcast 76- How To Use Declarative Language for PDA's Successfully
09 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Send a textHow to Use Declarative Language for PDA SuccessfullyIf you’re parenting or teaching a child with Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), you...
Podcast 75 When Rigid Meets Rigid: Navigating Inflexible Thinking in Neurodivergent Families
02 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Send a text🎧 Podcast Blurb (show notes / website)Podcast 75 — When Rigid Meets Rigid: Navigating Inflexible Thinking in Neurodivergent FamiliesDo...
Podcast 74 What Schools Mean By “Testing” — And Why It Often Doesn’t Fit Our Neurodivergent Kids
23 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Send a textEpisode Title: What Schools Mean By “Testing” — And Why It Often Doesn’t Fit Our Neurodivergent KidsYou sit in a school meeting and...
Podcast 73 The Hardest Walk: Helping Your Child Transition From Home to School Without Escalating Anxiety
16 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Send a textEpisode 73 — The Hardest Walk: Helping Your Child Transition From Home to School Without Escalating AnxietyFor many families raising neur...
Podcast 72 The 3R's: Why Neurodivergent Kids Need Downtime (Recharge, Re-energise & Recoup)
09 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Send a textThe 3 R’s: Why Neurodivergent Children NEED Downtime (Recharge, Re-energise & Recoup)What if many of the behaviours we see at school ...
Podcast 71 - Growing Focus Together: Sensory Integration for Home and School
03 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textGrowing Focus Together: Sensory Integration for Home and SchoolCynthia is an Occupational Therapist with more than 25 years of experienc...
Podcast 70 Soft Starts Matter: Supporting Neurodivergent Students at the Beginning of the School Year
26 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textSoft Starts Matter: Supporting Neurodivergent Students at the Beginning of the School YearThe start of the school year is often describe...
Podcast 69 The Back-to-School Toolkit: Secondary Edition
19 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textThe Back-to-School Toolkit: Secondary School Edition Supporting Your Neurodivergent Teen Through the New School YearSecondary school can...
Podcast 68 The Back-to-School Toolkit: Primary Edition
19 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textThe Back-to-School Toolkit: Primary School EditionStarting a new school year can feel overwhelming — especially when your child is aut...
Podcast 67 How Can I Set My Child Up to Thrive Long-Term?
12 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textHow Can I Set My Child Up to Thrive Long-Term?So many parents of neurodivergent children worry about the future — self-advocacy, frie...
Podcast 66 When School Isn’t Working: What Are My Options for My Neurodivergent Child?
05 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textWhat Are My Options If the Current School Isn’t Working?When school isn’t working, parents are often left feeling trapped — unsure...
Podcast 65 Who Can Support My Child Beyond the Classroom?
29 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textWho Can Support My Child Beyond the Classroom?When school can’t meet every need — and it often can’t — parents are left navigati...
Podcast 64 The Summer Holiday Survival Guide for Parents of Neurodivergent Kids
22 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textThe holiday season is meant to be joyful — but for many families with neurodivergent children, it can feel overwhelming, exhausting, a...
How to Make School Feel Safe: 3 Things Every Parent Needs to Know
16 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textHow Can We Make School Feel Safe?Safety is the number one concern for families of neurodivergent children — and it goes far beyond loc...
Preventing Family Burnout - Making School sustainable for Everyone
08 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textIn this episode of Navigating Neurodiverse Education, Ruth Smoker-Cornell tackles a topic every family needs to hear: burnout and how to...
Podcast 61 Preparing for Next Year: A Parent’s Guide to Smooth Transitions, Teacher Handovers & Setting Your Child Up for Success
01 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textThe start of a new school year can feel overwhelming for neurodivergent children — and for the parents supporting them. New teachers, ...
Podcast 60 End-of-Year School Reports: What Parents Really Need to Look For (and What to Ignore)
24 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textEnd-of-Year School Reports: What Parents Really Need to Look For (and What to Ignore)It’s report review season — and for parents of ...
Podcast 59 Surviving the End-of-Year Chaos: How to Support Your Neurodivergent Child Through Fatigue, Change, and Big Feelings”
17 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textTerm 4 is here… and for many neurodivergent children, the final weeks of school feel overwhelming. Sensory overload, unpredictable ro...
Podcast 58 The Future of Education Choice – Why hybrid models, microschools, and online learning are redefining traditional schooling and what this means for families
11 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textThis week, we sit down with Cassie Olguin — an inspiring mum of three and a passionate advocate for education choice. With 11 years of...
Podcast 57 When Teachers Stop ‘Getting’ Your Child: How to Rebuild Connection in 3 Practical Steps
03 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textHas Your Child’s Teacher Suddenly Stopped “Getting” Them?When teacher–student connection breaks, everything can feel harder — ...
Podcast 56 Tracking Your Child’s Growth – Academic, Social & Emotional Progress
27 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a text🎙️ Podcast Episode 56: Tracking Your Child’s Growth – Academic, Social & Emotional ProgressWondering how to know if your ne...
Podcast 55: Signals & Support – Early Mental Health Signs
20 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textDo you know how to spot subtle changes in your neurodivergent child that could signal emotional or mental health challenges?In this epis...
Podcast 54 Understanding PDA: Supporting Your Child to Thrive in Any Learning Environment
14 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a text “Understanding PDA: Supporting Your Child to Thrive in Any Learning Environment”Do you have a child who struggles with small reque...
Podcast 53 Transitioning Schools: What Parents Need to Know!
06 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a text Transitioning Schools: What Parents Need to Know!Changing schools can be stressful for both kids and parents—especially for neurodiv...
Podcast 52 Finding the Right Tutor for Your Neurodivergent Child
29 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textFinding the Right Tutor for Your Neurodivergent ChildKey questions to ask—and how the right tutor can build your child’s confidence....
Podcast 51 From Struggle to Success: How Tutoring Empowers Neurodivergent Kids
22 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textFrom Struggle to Success: How Tutoring Empowers Neurodivergent Kids Discover how personalised tutoring in Literacy & Numeracy, bu...
#50 Strengths First: A New Way to Support Your ND Child
15 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textInterview with Guest Speaker- Andrew Fuller Author of the book Neuroadvantage- The Strengthens-based Approach to Neurodivergence.In thi...
#49 Why We're Losing Neurodiverse Teachers - And Why We Can't Afford To
08 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textWhy We’re Losing Neurodiverse Teachers – And Why We Can’t Afford ToTeaching is tough—but for neurodiverse teachers, the system c...
#48 School Refusal or Survival Mode? Understanding Avoidant Behaviour in Neurodivergent Kids
01 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textIs it really refusal—or is it survival?If your neurodivergent child melts down at the school gate, begs to stay home, or simply shuts ...
#47 What Are Reasonable Adjustments for Our Neurodivergent Child?
25 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textDo you know what reasonable adjustments really mean—and how they can transform your neurodivergent child’s school experience?In this...
#46 The Social Puzzle: Why Socialising Helps Some Neurodivergent Kids—But Hurts Others
18 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textIs socialising always good for neurodivergent children? Not exactly.In this thought-provoking episode, we unpack one of the most misunde...
#45 Helping ND Kids with Big Needs Thrive — One Step at a Time
11 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textFor families raising children with multiple diagnoses, high support needs, or significant sensory and emotional regulation challenges, e...
#44 Not Just Grades: Raising Confident Kids Who Learn Differently
04 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textEpisode 44 – Not Just Grades: Raising Confident Kids Who Learn DifferentlySo many neurodivergent kids are judged by grades — but wha...
#43 Helping Not Hovering: 3 Tips to Raise a More Independent Neurodivergent Child
28 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textEpisode 43 – Helping, Not Hovering: 3 Tips to Raise a More Independent Neurodivergent Child We all want to raise confident, capable k...
#42 Turn Obsessions into Wins: How to Help ND Kids Learn Through Their Passions
21 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textTurn Obsessions into Wins: How to Help ND Kids Learn Through Their PassionsIs your child obsessed with trains, dinosaurs, Minecraft, or ...
#41 Support Workers: Direct vs Agency—Which is Best for Your Family?
14 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textOne of the biggest questions parents ask is: Should I hire a support worker directly, or go through an agency? In this episode, we brea...
#40 From School to Home: Starting Your Homeschool Journey
07 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textFrom School to Home: Starting Your Homeschool JourneyIs school no longer the right fit for your neurodivergent child? You're not al...
#39 Frustration to Focus: Motivation Tips for Parents of Neurodivergent Kids
01 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textIs your child constantly switching tasks, tuning out, or giving up before they even start? You’re not alone — and it’s not your fa...
#38 Different, Not Less: Supporting Neurodivergent Kids in Building Friendships
24 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textFriendships can be confusing, overwhelming, and even painful for neurodivergent children—unless we truly understand what makes them di...
#37 Praise the Process, Not the Poduct - for Neurodivergent Children
16 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a text 🎙️ Praise the Process, Not the Product — for Neurodivergent ChildrenLooking for a better way to boost your child’s confidence...
#36 Choice Overload: Why Less Choice Helps Neurodivergent Kids Thrive
09 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a text🎙️ Podcast 36: Choice Overload — Why Less Choice Helps Neurodivergent Kids Thrive at HomeDo you ever feel like your child shuts d...
#35 Anxiety: What Every Parent Needs to Know
02 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a text Why are neurodivergent kids more likely to experience anxiety—and what can we do to support them? In this episode, we unpack the s...
#34 Support Workers 101: What Every Parent of a Neurodivergent Child Needs to Know
26 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a text🎙️ Support Workers 101—What They Do & How to Find the Right One”Feeling overwhelmed by the idea of getting a support worker...
#33 The IEP Power Episode: Red Flag Words & Must-Ask Questions for Your Child's IEP Plan
19 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a text🎙️ The IEP Power Episode: Red Flag Words & Must-Ask Questions for Your Child’s IEP PlanFeeling overwhelmed walking into—o...
#32 You Can’t Pour from Empty: Burnout, Overwhelm & Self-Care for Parents of Neurodivergent Kids
12 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a text🎙️ New Episode: You Can’t Pour from Empty — Burnout, Overwhelm & Self-Care for Parents of Neurodivergent KidsAre you runnin...
#31 The Support They Deserve: Getting the Right Help for Neurodivergent Kids
05 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a text The Support They Deserve — Getting the Right Help for Neurodivergent KidsAre you tired of being told to "wait and see" whi...
#30 The Label Dilemma: What Every Parent Should Know Before Saying Yes (or No)
28 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a text🎧 New Podcast Episode – Don’t Miss This One! 🎙 Episode Title: The Label Dilemma: What Every Parent Should Know Before Saying Y...
#29 Part 2 - The Impact of Tech on Neurodivergent Kids: Benefits. Challenges & Solutions
21 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a text🎧 Tech & Screen Time Tips for Neurodivergent Kids!Hey parents—struggling to figure out the right tech balance for your neurodiv...
#28 Part 1 - The Impact of Tech on Neurodivergent Kids: Benefits, Challenges & Solutions
14 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a text🎧 Is Tech Helping or Hurting Your Neurodivergent Child? Let’s Talk About It.If you’ve ever found yourself wondering whether that ...
#27 The Power of Allied Health & Specialist Reports in Education
07 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textDon’t miss this episode, parents! We’re diving into an essential topic for families of neurodiverse children. Join us as we explore ...
#26 Helping Non-Speaking & Limited-Speech Kids Find Their Voice: Strategies for Parents & Teachers
31 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a text🌟 New Podcast Alert! 🌟Struggling to support your non-speaking or limited speech child? 🤔 Whether you're a parent or teache...
#25 Unlocking Success: Practical Strategies for Supporting Executive Functioning in Neurodivergent Children
24 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textThis episode of Unlocking Success: Practical Strategies for Supporting Executive Functioning in Neurodivergent Children is a must-listen...
# 24 Creating the Right Space: Why Environments Matter For Your Neurodivergent Child
17 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a text In this episode, we discuss why the right environment is crucial to your neurodivergent child's success, development, and well-be...
# 23 Sleep Without Struggles: Effective Bedtime Routines for Neurodivergent Families
10 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textIs bedtime a nightly battle in your home? For parents of neurodivergent children, winding down can feel overwhelming. But it doesn'...
#22 Co-Regulation: The Secret to Building Emotional Resilience in Neurodivergent Kids
03 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a text In this episode, we dive deep into co-regulation, the powerful tool that can transform how we support neurodivergent children. Discove...
#21 Mastering Self-Awareness: How Understanding Your Own Dysregulation Helps Your Neurodivergent Child
24 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textIn today’s episode, we dive into a transformative approach to parenting neurodivergent children—by mastering self-awareness and unde...
#20 Beyond the Standard: When a Child's Abilities Don’t Align with School Expectations
17 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a text In this episode, Ruth explores how to support neurodivergent children by meeting them where they are developmentally, not forcing them...
#19 Building Routine, Building Success: How Consistent Routines Help Neurodivergent Kids Thrive at Home and School
16 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a text In this episode, we dive into the transformative power of routines for neurodivergent children—whether at home or in school. Ruth ex...
#18 'Breaking Barriers: Why Inclusion Feels So Hard for Our Kids
03 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textIn this episode, we dive into the challenges of inclusion and why it feels so hard for our kids. We explore key factors that influence i...
#17 The Simple - Yet Impactful One-Page Profile of Your Child
27 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textIn this episode, we explore the power of the one-page child profile – a simple yet transformative tool that empowers educators, parent...
#16 The Power of Sensory Sensitive Classrooms for Student Inclusion
20 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a text Today’s episode builds on from last week's Podcast about sensory system. I’ll be diving deeper into how the classroom environ...
#15 Juggling Sensory Sensitivities: Understanding why it Matters
13 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a text In this episode, we explore the vital topic of sensory sensitivities in children and why understanding them is so crucial. Drawing fro...
#14 Individual Education Plans: Key Insights into Crafting the Optimal IEP for your Child
06 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textIn today’s episode, Ruth offers valuable and essential insights for parents navigating the world of IEPs (Individualized Education Pla...
#13 Holiday Prep: Fun & Effective Ways to get your Neurodivergent Child Back-to-School Ready
30 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textAs summer winds down, many parents are wondering how to support their neurodivergent child’s smooth transition back to school, ensurin...
#12 Play Unpacked: How Play Can Foster Neurodivergent Children's Success in School
24 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textIn this episode, we explore the powerful impact of play and how it can play a vital role in helping neurodivergent children succeed acad...
#11 Unlocking Fine Motor Success: The Key to School Readiness and Achievement
17 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a text In today’s episode, Ruth dives into the world of fine motor skills—What they are, why they matter, and how they play a crucial rol...
#10 Finding the Right Fit - 5 Essential Tips from Primary School Principal's
09 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a text When it comes to choosing the right school for neurodivergent children or those with complex needs, principals often stress the import...
#9 Choosing the Perfect School Package for you Child: A Mother's Journey to the School that 'Gets' her Child
02 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textInterview between Ruth and LeonieJoin Leonie on a heartfelt journey to find the perfect school for her neurodivergent son, Ned. With the...
#8 The Power of Smaller Classes Supporting Neurodiverse Students
25 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a text Welcome to The Power of Smaller Classes, the podcast for parents of neurodiverse children, where we explore how smaller class sizes ca...
#7 'Smooth Starts' - Navigating Transitions from Kindergarten to School
18 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textIn this episode, Ruth shares strategies to support your neurodivergent child through the exciting yet challenging transition from Kinder...
#6 Breaking Free from Adult Dependency
11 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textIn Breaking Free from Adult Dependency, I explore the complex issue of adult dependency in neurodivergent children and how it impacts th...
#5 What Does Inclusion Mean to You?
05 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a text In this thought-provoking podcast, I explore the true meaning of inclusion in schools, diving into what it should look like for studen...
#4 Behind the Scenes - The Vital Contributions of School Staff
28 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textJoin us in this enlightening episode as we dive into the essential roles that school staff play in shaping a child's educational ex...
#3 The Deep Dive into School Types
21 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a text Join us in this enlightening episode of "The Deep Dive of School Types," where Ruth explores the many different options pare...
#2 Advocating for your Child - Within the School System
14 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a text In this episode, Ruth delves into the vital role of advocacy in supporting your child’s educational journey. We’ll discuss common ...
#1 Understanding and Accepting your Child's Neurodiversity - So They Can Learn
07 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textIn this episode, I explore the transformative power of accepting your child's neurodiversity diagnosis. Embracing this journey not ...