What 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

Send us a text

Support the show

Welcome 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

Send us a text

Support the show

The 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

Send us a text

Support the show