The Neurodiverse Truth About Reading, Notes, and Forgetting Everything in Pivotal Moments

Neurodiversity doesn’t just show up in diagnoses - it shows up in “wrong” spoons, cupboards you can’t keep tidy, shouting “will you shut up” in class when the noise is too much, and sitting on your phone at parties because you can’t face small talk. In this episode, Eva and I share how ADHD and autism really feel in day‑to‑day life: popcorn reading that feels like torture, rereading the same line over and over, forgetting to turn the oven off for hours, racing through shops to escape the crowds, and struggling with interviews and eye contact even when you’re more than capable. If you’ve ever come home completely wiped out from normal social stuff or wondered why your child can talk nonstop about their special interests but forgets everything else, this episode will help you feel seen and understood. EPISODE REVEALS Neurodiversity often shows up in tiny details that look silly to others. For example, a spoon that is too heavy, the wrong shape or sounds wrong if it touches your teeth. Those micro‑sensory experiences can shape your whole day. Forgetting to turn the oven off, leaving doors open for now reason and struggling to keep cupboards organised aren’t laziness. They are examples of how ADHD/autistic brains juggle (and drop) multiple tasks at once. Popcorn reading, noisy classrooms and group support sessions can be genuinely distressing for someone who is neurodiverse even for chatty or confident kids who seem fine on the outside. Parties, shops, and boot fairs can swing from fun to unbearable in seconds. Hiding behind your phone or snapping “shut up!” are often signs of overload, rather than bad behaviour. Writing things down, moving your body e.g. stimming and leaning into special interests can all help soothe looping thoughts and social anxiety. BEST MOMENTS "You're neurodiverse, and you can turn anything into a stimming tool." "Make notes…. park it on that page and get it out of your brain." "If I'm overstimulated, it's not just my problem. It's now everyone's." "My brain has auditory processing issues. I only hear bits of a sentence sometimes" RESOURCES Evas channel: https://youtube.com/shorts/vX4xOtMG95w?si=uqWJ-TF8zzWrRMIS Famisafe Parental control App Link: https://wondersharesoftware.pxf.io/ParentingAUDHD My new sci fi book: https://amzn.eu/d/03OVCuJN Multiverse Vortex: The Mandela Effect Book 2 – Sci-Fi Thriller of Time Travel and Survival in Parallel Worlds (The Mandela Effect Series) What to Do When Your Child Shuts Down: Real-World Parenting Strategies for Neurodivergent Kids Who Shut Down, Refuse School, or Just Stop communicating with you: https://amzn.eu/d/0fBIfbhR 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 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/