26: Finding belonging in the chaos: The power of peer support for Neurodivergent families with Kristy Cartan & Eliza Hoare

What happens when neurodivergent families finally find a space where they don’t have to explain themselves?

In this heartfelt episode of Neurodivergent Pulse, Laetitia is joined by Kristy and Eliza from Belongside Families, a family-led organisation supporting parents and carers raising neurodivergent children.

Together they explore the profound impact of peer connection, lived experience and neuroaffirming support for families navigating the complex realities of raising autistic and ADHD children.

Kristy and Eliza share their own journeys of discovering their children’s neurodivergence — and their own — and how that experience led them to create spaces where parents can connect, share, learn and feel truly understood.

This conversation is a powerful reminder that community is not a luxury for neurodivergent families — it’s essential.

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KEY TAKEAWAYS 👇

🧠 Why family-led support spaces create deeper understanding and trust

🧠 The hidden isolation many neurodivergent families experience

🧠 How peer groups can reduce shame and rebuild confidence in parenting

🧠 Why neuroaffirming spaces allow parents to unmask and learn safely

🧠 The importance of connection for families in regional and rural communities

🧠 How lived experience and evidence-based practice work best together

🧠 Why belonging and community can be just as powerful as professional support

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ABOUT THE GUESTS 👇

Kristy is a peer facilitator and community engagement officer at Belongside Families. After 15 years in the corporate world, her journey into the neurodivergent space began when her child was identified as autistic at 2.5 years old — a moment that also led her to recognise her own AuDHD neurotype. Kristy now hosts virtual Autism MyTime groups, facilitates workshops and webinars, and is passionate about helping families feel supported and connected.

Eliza is a former primary school teacher who moved into the disability sector after recognising the neurodivergence within her own family. She and her three children are all AuDHD, and understanding her own neurotype has transformed how she advocates for her family and others. At Belongside Families, Eliza contributes to workshop facilitation, peer support, and resource development, helping families feel less alone and more empowered.

Together, Kristy and Eliza bring lived experience, compassion and deep understanding to their work supporting neurodivergent families.

💻 Website: https://belongsidefamilies.org.au/

📩 Join the mailing list: https://belongsidefamilies.org.au/joinourmailinglist/

💬 Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/belongsidecommunity

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.