From Alarm to Action: The Four Rooms, Neurodivergence and Finding Your Momentum with Andy Baker

Discover my website, Books, YouTube channel, and more: ⁠https://helpanxiety.org/podcast In this episode I’m joined by returning guest Andy Baker and Eva to talk about entrepreneurship and finding a way of working and navigating the world that truly works for you. Andy shares his four-rooms model, that helps neurodivergent people to better understand how they, as an individual, respond to pressure, generate ideas, and taking action. Using Andy's model will help you to determine what mental state you are in at any particular moment so that you can adjust things to better navigate that task or situation. Enabling you to stop yourself from becoming stuck in overwhelm, able to take full advantage of your creative and productive periods and get into those states more often. EPISODE REVEALS Self-employment can provide autonomy and boost creativity, but it also involves boundaries and accountability. For many people with ADHD, worry or pressure pushes them to enter alarm mode. A state where everything feels urgent which leads to rushing and making mistakes. When they feel threatened many neurodiverse people withdraw. Entering the “cave room” in their mind, a state that can be difficult to emerge from. The "studio room" state is for ideas and planning; the "workshop room" state enables you to take action. Andy explains how to enter these productive "rooms" more often. Ask what your future self needs and try to respond with empathy rather than criticism. BEST MOMENTS "Everything's urgent. Everything's needs doing now - 1000 tabs open at the same time, multitasking all over the place, and generally struggling to be productive because you're too busy being busy." “It's not about beating you up. It's just about recognising where you are and which direction or what small step could I take to move me in the right direction” ABOUT THE GUEST https://www.andybaker.xyz/ https://www.able-training.co.uk/podcast/ https://www.able-training.co.uk/ Books – Targeting the positive - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Targeting-Positive-Behaviours-that-Challenge/dp/1839979003 The Momentum Room - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Momentum-Room-pressure-self-sabotage-high-performance/dp/1918283125 Previous episode with Andy Baker - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/beyond-labels-person-centred-support-for-every-child/id1810681675?i=1000729414484 RESOURCES Famisafe Parental control App Link: https://wondersharesoftware.pxf.io/ParentingAUDHD 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: https://www.instagram.com/cliff_kilmister08 X (Twitter): https://x.com/KilmisterCliff Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/cliff.kilmister 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/