Exploring and Tackling Anxiety in the Neuro Divergent World with Tash Hutcheson

I'm delighted to welcome back a returning guest to the show, Tash Hutcheson, a neuro diversity life coach who works with parents and individuals navigating ADHD, autism, and anxiety. In this conversation, we explore anxiety in the neurodivergent world, why it can feel so intense, and how things like environment, expectations and our inner dialogue can amplify that experience. We also talk about the idea of the mind bully, that voice in our heads that is often incredibly harsh, and how learning to recognise it is the first step toward turning it into something more supportive, and we explore simple tools, breathing, movement, awareness and understanding our own operating system that can help us regulate and navigate the world a little more gently. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by anxiety or found that your inner voice can sometimes be your toughest critic, this conversation is for you. Let's dive in. EPISODE REVEALS Noticing what drains you and what genuinely boosts you means you can catch anxiety earlier and choose tools—like movement, music, or nature—that actually refill your tank instead of slipping into overwhelm. Most neurodiverse people feel emotions very strongly. So, negative feedback really hurts. It is very easy to be over critical of yourself. Naming and externalising your “mind bully” makes it easier to challenge harsh self‑talk and start building an inner cheerleader instead. Learning to pause, listen and validate your child’s voices really helps to protect neurodivergent kids’ sense of worth. When you do this you break the negative cycle and ensure your kids don´t suffer in the way you did. BEST MOMENTS "We need to understand for ourselves, what triggers our anxiety, and what does anxiety feel like in our bodies when it first starts to show up?" " I'd rather get beaten up with a stick than what I do to myself sometimes with the inner thoughts....Find the kindness in your own inner thoughts." EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.neurodiverselifeskills.com/ Kathryn Lovewel episode - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/nurture-kindness-confidence-and-self-compassion/id1810681675?i=1000745971907 RESOURCES Cliff´s book “What To Do When Your Child Shuts Down” - ⁠⁠https://amzn.eu/d/3trk6pw CLIFF´S SERVICES Are you struggling with anxiety and want support from someone who has been there and come out the other side? - Message Cliff here and take advantage of his founding members offer: https://m.me/cliff.kilmister Are you feeling overwhelmed with EHCP paperwork or are you stuck? Cliff, who has personally been through the process offers body-doubling and step-by-step support. You can contact him here - https://m.me/cliff.kilmister 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! This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/