Finding belonging in the chaos: The power of peer support for Neurodivergent families with Kristy Cartan & Eliza Hoare
Show notes
What happens when neurodivergent families finally find a space where they don’t have to explain themselves?
In this heartfelt episode of Neurodivergent Pulse, Laetitia is joined by Kristy and Eliza from Belongside Families, a family-led organisation supporting parents and carers raising neurodivergent children.
Together they explore the profound impact of peer connection, lived experience and neuroaffirming support for families navigating the complex realities of raising autistic and ADHD children.
Kristy and Eliza share their own journeys of discovering their children’s neurodivergence — and their own — and how that experience led them to create spaces where parents can connect, share, learn and feel truly understood.
This conversation is a powerful reminder that community is not a luxury for neurodivergent families — it’s essential.
✨ Try Understanding Zoe free for 30 days – the neuroaffirming app turning every report, observation and meltdown into an actionable next step.
KEY TAKEAWAYS 👇
🧠 Why family-led support spaces create deeper understanding and trust
🧠 The hidden isolation many neurodivergent families experience
🧠 How peer groups can reduce shame and rebuild confidence in parenting
🧠 Why neuroaffirming spaces allow parents to unmask and learn safely
🧠 The importance of connection for families in regional and rural communities
🧠 How lived experience and evidence-based practice work best together
🧠 Why belonging and community can be just as powerful as professional support
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🔗 Try Understanding Zoe for free today
ABOUT THE GUESTS 👇
Kristy Cartan
Kristy spent 15 years in the corporate world before stepping into her most important role — being a mum to her incredible young human.
When her child was identified as autistic at 2.5 years old, Kristy jokingly said, “he got it from his mamma.” As it turns out, that was true — she later recognised her own AuDHD neurotype.
Kristy now works as a Peer Facilitator and Community Engagement Officer at Belongside Families, where she hosts virtual Autism MyTime groups, facilitates workshops and webinars, and supports parents navigating similar journeys.
Through her work, Kristy brings deep empathy, lived experience and warmth, helping families feel seen, supported and connected.
Outside of work, Kristy is a curious creative who believes she can make almost anything she imagines. You’ll often find her reading, gaming, at the beach, or embracing her role as a whimsical silly goose.
Eliza Hoare
Eliza spent ten years working as a primary school teacher before her parenting journey prompted a shift into the disability sector.
As her children’s neurodivergences became clearer, Eliza pursued her own assessments. She and all three of her children were identified as AuDHD (Autistic and ADHD).
Understanding her own neurotype transformed how she cares for herself, supports her children and structures her work.
Eliza now contributes to workshop development, peer support, and resource creation at Belongside Families, including the development of the Count Me In guide.
Through her work, Eliza hopes families feel less alone, more understood, and empowered to see neurodivergence as one of many valid forms of human diversity.
Outside of work, Eliza prioritises rest, self-accommodation and gentle creative interests whenever capacity allows.
💻 Website: https://belongsidefamilies.org.au/
📩 Join the mailing list: https://belongsidefamilies.org.au/joinourmailinglist/
💬 Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/belongsidecommunity
ABOUT THE HOST 👇
Laetitia Andrac (Autistic & ADHDer) is an award-winning entrepreneur, international speaker, and podcast host.
She is the bestselling author of Light It: How to Trust Your Intuition and Build a Thriving Business. With over 15 years of experience in consulting, strategy, and innovation, Laetitia has worked with industry leaders like Deloitte and Telstra.
Inspired by my journey as a neurodivergent parent, she co-founded Understanding Zoe, an AI-driven solution dedicated to supporting caregivers of neurodivergent children.
Her passion is creating a more neuroinclusive world, where everyone can thrive—whether in their homes, communities, or workplaces.
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