Regulation and burnout
Nervous system states, meltdowns, shutdown and energy. How to spot burnout early and how to recover.
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Nervous system states, meltdowns, shutdown and energy. How to spot burnout early and how to recover.
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Autistic shutdowns and dissociation are nervous system survival mechanisms, not behaviour problems. In this episode with occupational therapist Stephanie Robertson, discover why neurodivergent brains are more likely to use dissociation, how trauma is shaped by post-event support rather than the event itself, and concrete strategies for offering felt safety when someone you love is overwhelmed. Learn the 'change the pot, not the plant' framework for adjusting environments instead of trying to fix people.
6 August 2026
In this solo episode of the Neurodivergent Pulse podcast, Laetitia Andrac shares her lived experience as an autistic, ADHD, PDA and twice-exceptional adult. She names the invisible parts of neurodivergent life: burnout from sustained masking, hygiene struggles driven by demand avoidance, and rejection sensitivity that shows up in boardrooms and on award stages. The episode explores what changes when you replace shame with self-understanding and discover that your challenges reflect a world built for neuronormative expectations, not personal failures.
23 July 2026
Living well with AuDHD and chronic illness isn't about pushing through until you crash. Saffron Canny-Smith shares how accepting the word 'disabled' unlocked her self-advocacy, why proactive rest is how you keep going, and what genuine belonging looks like when your body has changed. This conversation explores practical strategies for managing overlapping conditions, naming access needs without waiting to be asked, and building relationships with people who actually accommodate you.
10 July 2026
Pervasive Drive for Autonomy is a nervous system response, not a behaviour problem. In this episode, social worker and educator Sarah Middleton explores why behaviourist frameworks often make things worse for PDA children, and what changes when families and schools shift to curiosity, compassion and genuine autonomy. Discover practical strategies for recognising pressure triggers, creating space for real engagement, and building alignment across family, school and therapy teams.
2 July 2026
When a neurodivergent child is dysregulated, their frontal lobe is offline, making words inaccessible. This article, based on Episode 37 of the Neurodivergent Pulse podcast with speech pathologist Alana Cameron, reframes behaviour as communication and shows parents and educators how co-regulation actually works. Learn why "use your words" deepens dysregulation, how to recognise your own nervous system cues, and what neuroaffirming support looks like in practice, from meltdowns to classrooms.
23 June 2026
This article explores Kaya Lyons' concept of 'The Wilderness Within' and how understanding your child's nervous system transforms the way you respond to ADHD behaviours. Through polyvagal theory, you'll learn why 'wild' traits are signals, not flaws, and discover practical strategies like 30 seconds of presence, early cue recognition, and curiosity-based parenting to support both your child's and your own nervous system regulation.
24 February 2026
ADHD mornings aren't about laziness, they're about executive dysfunction, transitions, and sensory overload. This article explores why mornings feel impossible for ADHD brains and shares practical, compassionate strategies from clinical psychologist Johanna Badenhorst. Learn how to reduce demands, prepare strategically, use regulating music, prioritise ruthlessly, and lead with self-compassion. Discover that good enough is good enough and you're doing better than you think.
17 February 2026
Energy accounting treats your child's energy like a bank account, tracking what charges and drains their nervous system throughout the day. This practical framework helps families shift from reactive crisis management to proactive burnout prevention. Learn why school exhausts neurodivergent children, how to recognise early signs of burnout, and practical strategies for recharging - including modelling power pack language, offering simple recharging options, and planning rest days in advance.
11 November 2025
Explore the misunderstood world of rejection sensitivity in kids with ADHD through heartfelt stories and practical advice. This guide unpacks why everyday setbacks hit so hard, the unique challenges for culturally diverse families, and step-by-step neuroaffirming strategies to foster resilience and confidence. Whether you're navigating stigma or searching for support, discover how compassion and understanding can transform your family’s journey.
10 June 2025
Dive into a compassionate, action-packed guide for parents navigating emotional outbursts in neurodivergent children. Discover how to confidently distinguish meltdowns from tantrums, identify triggers, and apply neuroaffirming strategies that soothe big emotions. Through relatable stories and easy-to-use resources, this article empowers families to transform chaotic moments into opportunities for connection, resilience, and hope—reminding you that calm is possible, and you’re never alone.
10 May 2025
With Stephanie Robertson
With Saffron Canny-Smith
With Sarah Middleton
With Kaya Lyons
With Johanna Badenhorst
With Clement Baissat
With Sandhya Menon
With Corinne Smith
With Sarah Hayden