31: From overwhelm to clarity: A parent’s journey with Understanding Zoe with Michael Coles

What happens when you’re navigating being neurodivergent while raising neurodivergent children… without the right tools?

In this powerful and grounded episode, Laetitia is joined by Michael (an autistic ADHDer, parent, speaker, and host of the Deep Dive podcast) who shares his lived experience of parenting, overwhelm, and finding new ways to make sense of it all.

Together, they explore what it really looks like behind the scenes: the unpredictability, the emotional load, and the constant need to problem-solve in real time.

This is an honest conversation about what changes when you finally have a tool that helps you connect the dots… not just for your child, but for yourself too.

✨ Try Understanding Zoe free for 7 days – the neuroaffirming app turning every report, observation and meltdown into an actionable next step.

KEY TAKEAWAYS 👇

🧠 Why parenting neurodivergent children can feel unpredictable and overwhelming

🧠 The challenge of understanding triggers without the right tools

🧠 How capturing patterns can support better planning and reduce stress

🧠 Why supporting yourself as a neurodivergent parent matters just as much

🧠 The power of connecting reports, lived experiences, and real-time insights

🧠 How communication between families, schools, and clinicians can be strengthened

💛 Love what you heard? Subscribe, share with your care village, and leave us a review so more families can find this support.

🔗 Try Understanding Zoe for free today

ABOUT THE GUEST 👇

Michael Coles is a neurodiversity advocate, public speaker, and podcast host based in Australia.

As the host of the Deep Dive Podcast and a Program Facilitator at Empower Autism, he brings both lived experience and professional insight to conversations about autism, inclusion, and what it truly means to create environments where neurodivergent people can thrive.

Michael’s work focuses on the topics that don’t always get enough airtime — including autistic burnout, unconscious bias, and the gap between awareness and genuine understanding. Through his speaking, podcast, and advocacy, he shares practical, honest perspectives that move beyond surface-level conversations into real, actionable change.

When he’s not behind the mic, Michael works alongside individuals and organisations to build inclusion that actually sticks.

🌐 Website: http://www.deepdiveau.net

📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560333886558

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-deep-dive-podcast

📸 Instagram: @thedeepdiveau

🎵 TikTok: @thedeepdiveau

▶️ YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@TheDeepDiveAU

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.