How Autism and ADHD Impact Daily Life
Parenting is a journey filled with love, challenges, and moments of pure joy. But when you’re raising a child with autism or ADHD, that journey can feel even more overwhelming. Some days, it feels like you’re on autopilot – just surviving, running on empty, and wondering if anyone truly understands what you’re going through.
I know, because I live this reality every day.
As a parent of four incredible children with autism, ADHD, and dyslexia, I’ve spent over 20 years navigating the ups and downs of neurodiverse parenting. I’ve fought for the right support, completed countless forms for EHCPs, worked with charities to help other parents, and spent years as a therapist supporting families like mine. And through it all, I’ve learned that understanding how our children experience the world is the key to connecting with them.
What Does the World Feel Like for a Child with Autism or ADHD?
Imagine walking into a room where:
- The lights are flickering so brightly that they feel like strobe lights.
- Every background noise – fans, ticking clocks, footsteps – is amplified.
- Your clothes feel unbearably itchy, and the seams press against your skin like sandpaper.
- The smell of someone’s perfume is so strong it makes you feel sick.
Now, imagine being asked to sit still, focus, and respond “appropriately” while your brain is battling this intense sensory overload.
For many children with autism and ADHD, this is their daily reality. What looks like “acting out” or “being defiant” is often their way of coping with a world that constantly overwhelms them.
Understanding this changes everything. It shifts frustration into empathy, and confusion into clarity.
You’re Not Alone – And It Will Be Okay
I know how isolating this journey can feel. The exhaustion, the self-doubt, the endless advocacy – it’s a lot. But you don’t have to do it alone.
That’s why I created my podcast, Parenting with ASD & ADHD, to offer real talk, practical advice, and a space where parents feel understood and supported.
In my first episode, “Understanding the World Through Their Eyes”, I share:
- What daily life feels like for a child with autism or ADHD
- How sensory overload impacts emotions and behaviour
- Why reframing their struggles can strengthen your connection
- My personal journey – and why I know firsthand what you’re going through
If you’re looking for insights, encouragement, and someone who truly understands, I’d love for you to listen.
🎧 Listen to the full episode here: @innerfreedoms
💬 Have questions? Let me know in the comments or send me a message – I’d love to hear your thoughts and what topics would help you most.
You’re not alone in this. We’ll navigate it together. 💙/ContatMe
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