Épisodes

  • From Breakdown to Breakthrough: Overcoming ADHD Burnout with Jodie Steele
    Nov 19 2025
    Today, Cliff speaks with Jodie Steele about her experience with ADHD burnout, how it affected her health, her family and her life, and the steps she took to recover and rebuild. This episode is an honest look at what burnout really feels like when you have ADHD, and what can help you find your way back. EPISODE REVEALS True ADHD burnout goes far beyond exhaustion; it can trigger a severe, life-threatening neurological shutdown - Functional Neurological Disorder (FND). Physical symptoms can include stroke-level hypertension, adult-onset asthma, and fibromyalgia. If you have ADHD, it is particularly important to learn to listen to your body, ignoring can allow burnout to creep up on you. Once that happens it can take several years to recover. Teach your children to look after themselves, recognise the signs they are not doing well and what to do should that happen. Masking is not healthy. Bottling things up and burying who you really are puts a huge strain on your body, which makes burnout more likely. We spend a lot of time at work, so it is particularly important that you work in an environment in which you can flourish. Do everything you can to support your body: eat well, exercise, socialise, have interests and sleep enough. You are not going to get everything right 100% of the time but do make looking after yourself in these areas a priority. Getting back to nature massively helped Jodie. If you do get ill, having a strong support community (tribe) will make a huge difference. Make building your network of family and friends and finding a supportive partner a priority. It will also help to make burnout a lot less likely. BEST MOMENTS "A flower might not flourish in one corner of the house, but you just move it into the other side of the house, and suddenly it's big. It's beautiful." "If you don't pay attention to your body and what your body's saying to you, it will keep throwing extra things at you until you do." "Before I had the diagnosis, I used to beat myself up. Whereas now I can be a lot kinder with myself about everything. I'll giggle at my own sort of mishap." "Put yourself with the right people. Find, like you say, - find your tribe." GUEST RESOURCES https://alchemysoulstravel.com alchemysoulstravel@gmail.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodie-steele RESOURCES Cliff´s book “What To Do When Your Child Shuts Down” - ⁠⁠https://amzn.eu/d/3trk6pw CONTACT ME Instagram: @cliff_kilmister08 Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/cliff.kilmister/⁠ X - @KilmisterCliff YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@ParentingAutismandADHD HOST BIO Cliff Kilmister is a dedicated parent, advocate, and cat whisperer with firsthand experience raising a child with autism, ADHD, and Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). Having navigated the challenges of school refusal, meltdowns, and sensory sensitivities, Cliff brings an empathetic, real-world perspective to the podcast. When he's not helping his child thrive, he’s dodging the evil stares of his three cats, who are plotting to take over the world (fortunately, they still haven’t figured out how to use the tin opener). Cliff offers practical advice, expert insights, and personal stories to help families facing similar struggles. Cliff is focused on connecting with professionals and networks to raise awareness about the growing need for the education system to adapt to the increasing neurodiverse population. Join the community on Patreon to share experiences, access exclusive content, and work together for change!
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    1 h et 6 min
  • The Impact of Pre-Menstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) on Neurodiverse Women with Alison Kerr
    Nov 12 2025
    For today’s Parenting ADHD and Autism episode, Cliff sits down to chat with Alison Kerr, a mum who discovered her own neurodivergence through her daughter’s autism and ADHD diagnosis. She opens up about the hormonal and neurodivergent roller coaster that has shaped her life and the healing path that helped her find balance again. In particular, she talks about a condition that is far more prevalent in the neurodivergent community than it is in the neurotypical community - Pre-Menstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD). As you listen, please let Cliff know, in the comments, if any of this feels familiar and share your experience. EPISODE REVEALS · Pre-Menstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is more common amongst neurodivergent women. · If you notice your mood or behaviour changing, especially irritability, try tracking your menstrual cycle to see if there is a connection. · PMDD can cause suicidal thoughts that follow a woman´s menstrual cycle. · Parents of girls with ADHD need to keep an eye out for PMDD. · Look out for signs that you are self-medicating to deal with extreme mood swings. Alison was like Jekyll and Hyde depending on where she was in her cycle. · Alison found that traditional hormone-based solutions did not help here PMDD. In fact, it made things worse. She only got relief through homeopathy. BEST MOMENTS "I was a slave to my hormones, exacerbating the difficulties that already had because of the neurodivergence that I was unaware of." "It was just like, chalk and cheese, Jekyll and Hyde." "The more knowledge you have, the more you can support yourself through it, when support seems to be so lacking." "People who are neurodivergent, they're good leaders a lot of the time and we can make positive change." EPISODE RESOURCES SensItive The Untold Story - https://sensitivethemovie.com https://elizabethperu.com https://thetelepathytapes.com RESOURCES Cliff´s book “What To Do When Your Child Shuts Down” - ⁠https://amzn.eu/d/3trk6pw CONTACT ME Instagram: @cliff_kilmister08 Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/cliff.kilmister X - @KilmisterCliff YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@ParentingAutismandADHD HOST BIO Cliff Kilmister is a dedicated parent, advocate, and cat whisperer with firsthand experience raising a child with autism, ADHD, and Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). Having navigated the challenges of school refusal, meltdowns, and sensory sensitivities, Cliff brings an empathetic, real-world perspective to the podcast. When he's not helping his child thrive, he’s dodging the evil stares of his three cats, who are plotting to take over the world (fortunately, they still haven’t figured out how to use the tin opener). Cliff offers practical advice, expert insights, and personal stories to help families facing similar struggles. Cliff is focused on connecting with professionals and networks to raise awareness about the growing need for the education system to adapt to the increasing neurodiverse population. Join the community on Patreon to share experiences, access exclusive content, and work together for change!
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    47 min
  • Helping The Brain Through Connecting Instead of Correcting with Neuroscientist Dr Mohita
    Nov 5 2025
    Cliff speaks with Dr. Mohita the Founder & CEO of The Cognitome Program. During their conversation they explore an evidence-based approach to supporting children with ADHD and autism. If you're interested in helping your child build cognitive flexibility through mindfulness, movement and creativity, this episode is for you today. Dr Mojito explains how understanding the brain helps us connect, not correct, and shares practical strategies you can try at home. EPISODE REVEALS The Cognitone Program is a holistic, neuroscientific approach that is designed to gently train and strengthen cognitive functions for children with ADHD and autism The program uses techniques like mindfulness, neurokinetic exercises, art, and music that are designed to be enjoyable, flexible, and tailored to each child’s interests and needs. The programme is grounded in neuroscience and focuses on supporting each child´s unique brain wiring rather than attempting to fix perceived deficits. You can access the program from anywhere in the world and it can be delivered remotely. Parents are fully involved and treated as partners. Brain mapping/EEG and regular, supported sessions can also be arranged online. Simple routines like the stoplight practice give children tools for emotional self-regulation by engaging both their emotions and logical thinking. Use the Plan A Plan B game to help your children to problem solve, accept that plans change, prepare for the unexpected and stay engaged. BEST MOMENTS "ADHD and autism are not deficits. They are just different patterns of our neural connectivity." "The goal isn't to fix a child; it is to provide them with tools to understand their own magnificent brains." "When they feel safe and connected to you, their brain is far more capable of learning and adapting." "Mindfulness is far more than just relaxation, you know, it’s a form of focus, attention and cognitive flexibility training." GUEST RESOURCES https://cognitomeprogram.me https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-mohita-shrivastava RESOURCES Cliff´s book “What To Do When Your Child Shuts Down” - ⁠⁠https://amzn.eu/d/3trk6pw CONTACT ME Instagram: @cliff_kilmister08 Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/cliff.kilmister/⁠ X - @KilmisterCliff YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@ParentingAutismandADHD HOST BIO Cliff Kilmister is a dedicated parent, advocate, and cat whisperer with firsthand experience raising a child with autism, ADHD, and Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). Having navigated the challenges of school refusal, meltdowns, and sensory sensitivities, Cliff brings an empathetic, real-world perspective to the podcast. When he's not helping his child thrive, he’s dodging the evil stares of his three cats, who are plotting to take over the world (fortunately, they still haven’t figured out how to use the tin opener). Cliff offers practical advice, expert insights, and personal stories to help families facing similar struggles. Cliff is focused on connecting with professionals and networks to raise awareness about the growing need for the education system to adapt to the increasing neurodiverse population. Join the community on Patreon to share experiences, access exclusive content, and work together for change!
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    57 min
  • Navigating Friendships and Dating On The Spectrum
    Oct 29 2025
    In this episode, Cliff dives into one of the most emotional topics for teens on the spectrum - friendships, dating and how to connect with others in a world that can feel confusing, overwhelming or even isolating. He is joined by Jeff Carroll, author, Comic Book Creator and dating coach, who brings humour, empathy and some seriously powerful advice for building confidence and communication skills. Eva is also back on the mic, sharing her own challenges and experiences navigating social life as a young autistic girl. Whether your child is already asking questions about relationships or they're still trying to figure out how to make that first friend. This conversation is full of ideas, laughs and real-life tools to help them take the next step. EPISODE REVEALS Bear in mind that all teens experience peer pressure and anxiety about fitting in, making friends and dating. You are not alone in your struggle. Dating, like any other life skill, takes practice. Face to face clubs are great places to hone the skills you need for dating. After school, church led, art, creative and gaming clubs are particularly good places to go. Be brave, volunteer or get a job that means you have to talk to people. Know what you want from someone you are going to date, make a contract with yourself, so you don´t end up dating people who are wrong for you. Understand the potential dangers and pitfalls of dating so you can spot red flags early and safely exit the relationship. Set boundaries and stick to them. BEST MOMENTS "Anything you can do to get you to talk to people is a step forward." "You might not like anybody in the club, but you're not there to like them. You're there to get your skills up on how to talk to people." "You don’t want peer pressure to guide you either. You want to naturally find somebody." ABOUT THE GUESTS JEFF CARROLL For one-on-one dating advice and coaching, contact Jeff via - coachyojeff@gmail.com https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_22asKR-3-Y https://www.facebook.com/CoachYoJeff The Hip Hop Dating Guide — available on https://a.co/d/gwDdKTH Fangernails (comic series) — available direct from Jeff The Last Harlemite (comic series) — available via Amazon and comic bookstores EVA KILMISTER Eva´s YT channel Inspire With Us - https://www.youtube.com/@InspireWithUsYT Eva Kilmister - Art Sketch Book - Blank Pages Sketch Pad - https://amzn.eu/d/i8v4VkA RESOURCES Cliff´s book “What To Do When Your Child Shuts Down” - ⁠⁠https://amzn.eu/d/3trk6pw Cliff Kilmister - The Mandela Effect - https://amzn.eu/d/0jWpc2H CONTACT ME Instagram: @cliff_kilmister08 Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/cliff.kilmister/⁠ X - @KilmisterCliff YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@ParentingAutismandADHD HOST BIO Cliff Kilmister is a dedicated parent, advocate, and cat whisperer with firsthand experience raising a child with autism, ADHD, and Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). Having navigated the challenges of school refusal, meltdowns, and sensory sensitivities, Cliff brings an empathetic, real-world perspective to the podcast. When he's not helping his child thrive, he’s dodging the evil stares of his three cats, who are plotting to take over the world (fortunately, they still haven’t figured out how to use the tin opener). Cliff offers practical advice, expert insights, and personal stories to help families facing similar struggles. Cliff is focused on connecting with professionals and networks to raise awareness about the growing need for the education system to adapt to the increasing neurodiverse population. Join the community on Patreon to share experiences, access exclusive content, and work together for change!
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    1 h et 11 min
  • Empowering, Not Fixing: Skills-Based Support for Neurodivergent People
    Oct 25 2025
    Today, Cliff is joined by two incredible ladies who know the world of neurodiversity inside and out. They share powerful personal stories, professional insights and practical tools to help families thrive without trying to fix anyone. Together, they explore the power of coaching and community, how mindfulness helps, why supporting neuro-divergent children starts with understanding and why labels should be celebrated, not feared. You will see from their real-world examples that lasting change happens when the triangle of support is in place, when parents, teachers and children all have a voice. EPISODE REVEALS It’s not about fixing what’s “wrong,” but about understanding, celebrating and directing your unique brain. Life skills coaching teaches practical tools and strategies that can be used right away to handle real-life challenges. Suicide rates are incredibly high amongst the neurodiverse, so connection with others is essential. With the right support and practical skills, you can gently reprogram your mindset, focus on your strengths instead of what you don´t have, and learn to thrive and function well in the world as it is. You are not alone. Having a coach makes a huge difference. It enables you to be a parent - to be the safe space for your child. BEST MOMENTS "We're not life coaches. We are life skills coaches.” "Accept your child for who they are, ok with a different brain. Celebrate them. Don't be ashamed, don't be embarrassed. Don't make it about you. This is about your child." "We've lived through it, and we really want to empower and equip parents and teachers who can really make a difference in our children´s lives." GUEST AND EPISODE RESOURCES Unlocking Potential: ADHD Through the Lens of Strengths This October, Neurodiversity Life Skills (for parents) and The School of Life SA (for teachers) are teaming up! Let’s celebrate ADHD for what it truly is — a source of creativity, resilience, and brilliance. ✨ Daily tips, 🤝 Support Group, 🎙️ podcasts, 🎤 live events, and 📚 free resources — all designed to celebrate ADHD strengths and uplift parents, empower educators, and support teens – All Free 👉 Join us this October to learn, connect, and thrive together. Just click here to join us, for free : https://www.neurodiverselifeskills.com/adhd-month-2025 Emails : Tracey@theschooloflife.org.za and hello@neurodiverselifeskills.com Websites - https://www.neurodiverselifeskills.com and https://www.theschooloflife.org.za RESOURCES Cliff´s book “What To Do When Your Child Shuts Down” - ⁠⁠https://amzn.eu/d/3trk6pw CONTACT ME Instagram: @cliff_kilmister08 Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/cliff.kilmister/⁠ X - @KilmisterCliff YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@ParentingAutismandADHD HOST BIO Cliff Kilmister is a dedicated parent, advocate, and cat whisperer with firsthand experience raising a child with autism, ADHD, and Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). Having navigated the challenges of school refusal, meltdowns, and sensory sensitivities, Cliff brings an empathetic, real-world perspective to the podcast. When he's not helping his child thrive, he’s dodging the evil stares of his three cats, who are plotting to take over the world (fortunately, they still haven’t figured out how to use the tin opener). Cliff offers practical advice, expert insights, and personal stories to help families facing similar struggles. Cliff is focused on connecting with professionals and networks to raise awareness about the growing need for the education system to adapt to the increasing neurodiverse population. Join the community on Patreon to share experiences, access exclusive content, and work together for change!
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    55 min
  • Protect Vulnerable Children: The Impact of Scottish Governments Changes threatening Scottish SEN Schools
    Oct 14 2025
    Cliff speaks with Karen-Jane (KJ), a parent from Falkirk, Scotland, whose autistic son stands to lose his vital support if the local council moves forward with its imminent plan to close enhanced provision units for the education of children with complex needs. KJ shares her family’s struggles to secure the right educational environment and their battle to fight the closure. The episode highlights the flaws in the consultation process, and how mobilising through a grassroots movement can be leveraged to protect these essential services. EPISODE REVEALS Every child in the UK has the right to an education. Yet, children with special needs are repeatedly failed. It is important to keep up to date with local policy changes and consultations that may affect your child’s support. Don´t rely on the authorities sending you a notification. Often, they act behind your back. Don’t hesitate to question and get involved as soon as you hear about changes. Joining together with other parents and professionals through petitions, support groups, or social media amplifies your voice and drives change. Don´t rely on the mandated consultation processes being followed. Stay alert. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed—seeking support from others who understand your journey can help you cope and persist. BEST MOMENTS "Typically, you would expect them to letter all these parents. No, they didn't letter them. They apparently did a group call, which is an email that goes out, that didn't actually reach any of the parents." "If we were forced back to our mainstream school, I don't think Gabe would cope." "Please join the fight and sign that petition and really make a difference." EPISODE RESOURCES Please sign the petition:- https://www.change.org/p/stop-the-closure-of-enhanced-provision-units-for-asn-kids About KJ KJ is a Mum who is leading the fight against the governments proposition to close Special Educational Needs units. All she is asking is for your support to sign and share the petition supporting these special educational needs centres staying open. Facebook group - Action Against Falkirk Council Enhanced Provision Proposals - https://www.facebook.com/groups/1292003289370470 No school places for 10 special needs pupils in Medway - BBC News - https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy9ngg0w4wdo RESOURCES Cliff´s book “What To Do When Your Child Shuts Down” - ⁠⁠https://amzn.eu/d/3trk6pw Join our free community on Discord: Because Meta is shutting down FB messenger community chats, lets continue the supporting conversations here on Discord - https://discord.gg/SbXd34QV CONTACT ME Instagram: @cliff_kilmister08 Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/cliff.kilmister/⁠ X - @KilmisterCliff YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@ParentingAutismandADHD HOST BIO Cliff Kilmister is a dedicated parent, advocate, and cat whisperer with firsthand experience raising a child with autism, ADHD, and Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). Having navigated the challenges of school refusal, meltdowns, and sensory sensitivities, Cliff brings an empathetic, real-world perspective to the podcast. When he's not helping his child thrive, he’s dodging the evil stares of his three cats, who are plotting to take over the world (fortunately, they still haven’t figured out how to use the tin opener). Cliff offers practical advice, expert insights, and personal stories to help families facing similar struggles. Cliff is focused on connecting with professionals and networks to raise awareness about the growing need for the education system to adapt to the increasing neurodiverse population. Join the community on Patreon to share experiences, access exclusive content, and work together for change!
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    48 min
  • When Mainstream School Doesn’t Fit: How to Find Belonging and Support
    Oct 7 2025
    How do you know if your child is truly thriving in their current school environment—and what can you do if they’re not? Cliff shares his family’s journey of navigating the challenges of mainstream education for Eva and the emotional and practical hurdles of transitioning to a special needs school. He explains how to effectively advocate for your child and navigate the assessment and support processes. I’d love for you to join our new Discord community. Meta is shutting down Facebook Messenger community chats in Oct 2025— so this is where we’ll carry on the conversation. This isn’t just another chat room. It’s a space for parents raising kids with Autism and ADHD to connect, share, and support each other EPISODE REVEALS Explore alternatives if your child is struggling. Open communication with schools, dressing formally for meetings, and presenting clear solutions can help parents advocate more effectively for their children. But be ready to meet and overcome resistance. Parents need to trust their instincts. Remember you are not alone in this journey. Transitioning to a special needs school can be life-changing, leading to improved happiness, confidence, and well-being for children who don’t fit in well into mainstream settings. BEST MOMENTS "We spent five or six years fighting for our daughter to have her diagnosis to start with, and then the HCP, which was continually declined." "I'd like to get across to anyone who's listening to this, always advocate for your child.” "If you control, try not to control with fear, all you will get is either a shutdown, a meltdown or a refusal to comply.” “Too many rules and too much strictness will break your children.” EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.senachieve.co.uk Episode 1 of Parenting Autism and ADHD podcast and access to all other episodes mentioned - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/what-needs-to-change-in-the-education-system-wendy/id1810681675?i=1000716399709 “What To do when your child shuts down” book out now - https://amzn.eu/d/iOMsOrF New Parenting Autism and ADHD community - Because Meta is shutting down FB messenger community chats, we can continue the conversation here on Discord - https://discord.gg/SbXd34QV CONTACT ME Instagram: @cliff_kilmister08 Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/cliff.kilmister/⁠ X - @KilmisterCliff YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@ParentingAutismandADHD HOST BIO Cliff Kilmister is a dedicated parent, advocate, and cat whisperer with firsthand experience raising a child with autism, ADHD, and Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). Having navigated the challenges of school refusal, meltdowns, and sensory sensitivities, Cliff brings an empathetic, real-world perspective to the podcast. When he's not helping his child thrive, he’s dodging the evil stares of his three cats, who are plotting to take over the world (fortunately, they still haven’t figured out how to use the tin opener). Cliff offers practical advice, expert insights, and personal stories to help families facing similar struggles. Cliff is focused on connecting with professionals and networks to raise awareness about the growing need for the education system to adapt to the increasing neurodiverse population. Join the community on Patreon to share experiences, access exclusive content, and work together for change!
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    50 min
  • Beyond Labels: Person-Centred Support for Every Child with Andrew Baker
    Sep 30 2025
    Cliff speaks with Andrew Baker of joined by Andrew Baker, trainer, podcaster and author, who's worked for over 25 years in health, social care and education, he specialised in behaviour management and neuro diversity. Today, they discuss executive function and what really helps children to thrive at home and school. Disclaimer : Please remember this podcast shares professional guidance and lived experiences, but it's not a substitute for personalised medical advice, so if you do have concerns, always consult your GP or healthcare professional, as every situation is unique, but hopefully there's lots of nuggets of information in here that you can extract what works for you and always leave what doesn't. I’d love you to join our new Discord community. Meta is shutting down Facebook Messenger community chats in Oct 2025— so this is where we’ll carry on the conversations. This isn’t just another chat room. It’s a space for parents raising kids with Autism and ADHD to connect, share, and support each other. 👉 Be quick if you want one of the first 10 spots. The first 10 parents who join will get a Founding Member badge in Discord — first 5 will get a private Zoom call with me. Just DM me a screenshot that you’ve joined first to unlock it. As a founding member, you’ll have a hand in shaping how this community begins — setting the tone, suggesting features, and helping build the kind of space we all need. EPISODE REVEALS Most kids with ADHD have a 30% deficit when it comes to executive function. Early support radically changes lives. Focus on strengths, not just struggles. Use tools like mood thermometers to help kids express emotions. Join your children where they are at, advocate for them, but also help them to understand the world that they live in and to make reasonable adjustments. BEST MOMENTS "Building self-esteem comes through mastery." "De-shaming is massive." "We want to praise the thing that we want repeated." "Go into “so let's look at the benefits.” What could be the actual benefits of treating people kindly?" Andrew Baker 📲 Instagram: @AbleTraining 📲 LinkedIn: Able Training 📲 TikTok: @AbleToCarePodcast 🌐 Website: http://linktr.ee/abletocare Andy’s book: "Targeting the Positive with Behaviours that Challenge: Empathic Strategies for Working with Children and Adults" https://amzn.eu/d/4s08NQT RESOURCES 👉 10% off your first order Vivanmn LINK - https://vivanmn.com/cliff “What To do when your child shuts down” book out now - https://amzn.eu/d/iOMsOrF New Parenting Autism and ADHD community - Because Meta is shutting down FB messenger community chats, we can continue the conversation here on Discord - https://discord.gg/SbXd34QV CONTACT ME Instagram: @cliff_kilmister08 Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/cliff.kilmister/⁠ X - @KilmisterCliff YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@ParentingAutismandADHD HOST BIO Cliff Kilmister is a dedicated parent, advocate, and cat whisperer with firsthand experience raising a child with autism, ADHD, and Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). Having navigated the challenges of school refusal, meltdowns, and sensory sensitivities, Cliff brings an empathetic, real-world perspective to the podcast. When he's not helping his child thrive, he’s dodging the evil stares of his three cats, who are plotting to take over the world (fortunately, they still haven’t figured out how to use the tin opener). Cliff offers practical advice, expert insights, and personal stories to help families facing similar struggles. Cliff is focused on connecting with professionals and networks to raise awareness about the growing need for the education system to adapt to the increasing neurodiverse population. Join the community on Patreon to share experiences, access exclusive content, and work together for change!
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    1 h et 4 min