Neuroshambles

Mark Allen

Neuroshambles is a UK parenting podcast about raising neurodivergent children. Hosted by lapsed comedian Mark Allen, this show explores autism parenting, ADHD, PDA, SEND, school struggles, family life and parental wellbeing through honest, relatable conversations – often with a healthy dose of humour, but always grounded in lived experience.

Mark is raising three neurodivergent children and chats with parents, carers, advocates and professionals about the everyday challenges some families face. These aren’t lectures or masterclasses, but candid tales from the front line of parenting neurodivergent kids, as guests swap stories about what works for them – and just as importantly, what definitely doesn’t. Topics range from meltdowns, PDA-related demand avoidance and dealing with authorities, to holidays, mealtimes and the logistical chaos of daily life.

Neuroshambles is for UK parents and carers who want something that feels human – supportive without being preachy, practical without being clinical. The aim isn’t to provide all the answers, but to shine a light on the absurdities and difficulties of a family life shaped by neurodivergence, offering connection, reassurance and the comfort of knowing you’re not the only one struggling to make sense of things.

New episodes are released fortnightly.

Check out more information on the Neuroshambles website: www.neuroshambles.com

Episode

Mark is joined by Sam Bayley – founder of mASCot, a Sussex-based parent-to-parent support network for families of autistic, ADHD and PDA children and young adults – for a warm and genuinely uplifting conversation about one of the most important things you can do as a neurodivergent parent: find your people.

They dig into why parenting a neurodivergent child can feel so isolating – especially in the early days before diagnosis, when you’re still trying to crowbar your kid into situations built for neurotypical families and slowly realising it isn’t working. Sam shares the story of how mASCot grew from a few breakout coffee sessions into a community supporting thousands of families, and Mark recounts the moment he first walked into Sunday Club and felt the blessed relief of a room with absolutely no judgement in it.

They also get into the thornier side of finding your people – namely, the bit where you have to let go of the ones who aren’t. From unsupportive friends who just aren’t listening, to family members who think it’s all a fad, this episode doesn’t shy away from how hard it can be to protect your energy when you haven’t got much of it to spare.

If you’re after a neurodivergent parenting podcast that feels human, honest and occasionally sweary, this one’s for you.

Neuroshambles

90 min

The importance of community | Sam Bayley

mASCot Autism Family Support

The charity and its cause

mASCot Autism Family Support

mASCot is a parent led peer to peer support network for families with autistic children, whether that's from the point of recognising it may be autism, being on the diagnostic pathway or with a full diagnosis. mASCot brings families together and enables them to connect with others in similar situations as themselves. We are all families from the Brighton and Hove area, but over the last couple of years our membership has spread more into East & West Sussex. We all benefit greatly from being able to share our experiences and swap strategies and knowledge as well as provide many projects, clubs and groups which benefit our families. mASCot is a resource that is always available; there are many opportunities for families to learn, socialise, access therapies and to take part in activities that are all specially geared for our families with autistic children & young adults. mASCot is all about celebrating our wonderfully diverse families and allowing our children to be themselves whilst learning the skills to grow and thrive in the world as well as supporting parents in this sometimes difficult journey .

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