In this powerful and deeply validating episode of Autism, ADHD and Us Three, Jenny is joined by TEDx speaker and bestselling author Taiba Bajar, whose personal and professional work has supported thousands of families navigating autism regression, burnout, and neurodivergent parenting.

Taiba shares her own son’s story of autistic regression which included a sudden loss of speech, connection, and developmental milestones, and the heart breaking gaslighting many parents face when they try to speak up about it. Together, she and Jenny explore the emotional toll of being dismissed, the grief of watching your child change before your eyes, and the quiet strength it takes to keep fighting for answers.

Taiba also breaks down her 7-Step Autism Action Plan, as featured in her book Unlock Autism: A Parent’s Guide to Help Your Child Recover Skills and Reduce Symptoms. From gut healing and oxytocin support to functional blood testing and nervous system care, she outlines practical, parent-led strategies that aim to reduce symptom severity without erasing identity.

This is not about fixing children. It’s about giving them the physiological safety and support to thrive and helping parents feel empowered instead of exhausted.

Keywords

• Autism regression

• Autistic burnout in adults

• Neurodivergent parenting

• Late autism diagnosis

• Gut-brain connection

• Unlock Autism book

• Functional autism support

• Symptom relief vs acceptance

• Trauma-informed parenting

• ADHD and sensory issues

• ---------------------------Website: www.autismbrainempowerment.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/autismbrainempowerment/LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/taibabajar

If you’ve ever found yourself whisper-screaming “Why won’t they just DO it?” in the hallway while your child refuses to put socks on for the tenth time… this one’s for you.

In this episode of Autism, ADHD and Us Three, Jenny sits down with Emma McDonnell, a neurodivergent mother navigating life, education, and holidays with children who have Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) which is a profile of autism that turns traditional parenting advice completely on its head.

Emma shares her real, raw journey from career woman to full-time carer, unpacking the WTF is happening?! moments that come with raising PDAers, and the mindset shifts that helped her move from panic to presence.

Together, they explore:
– Why compliance isn’t the goal
– How self-compassion might actually be your best parenting strategy
– The emotional landmines of holiday expectations
– And why “well-being” doesn’t have to mean spa days or 5am journaling

This episode is a permission slip for anyone parenting neurodivergent children through systems that don’t understand them and doing it while running on fumes.

Keywords

PDA parenting
Autism and demand avoidance
Neurodivergent motherhood
Holiday stress & family dynamics
Mental health and well-being
Education & unmet needs
Trauma-informed parenting
Self-compassion for mums
Autistic children and school
Emotional regulation in ND families

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Email: emma@emma-mcdonnell.comWebsite: emma-mcdonnell.comInstagram: @theemmamcdonnell

In this episode, Jenny Lucas discusses her newly launched book, 'Autism ADHD and Me: You're No Bullshit Guide to Life After Late Diagnosis.' Buy your copy here: https://amzn.to/4o58FQf

She shares her personal journey of writing the book, the challenges she faced during her late diagnosis of ADHD and autism, and the importance of self-love and acceptance.

The conversation delves into the themes of internalised ableism, navigating relationships, and the significance of community support.

Jenny emphasises the need for resources that resonate with neurodivergent individuals and the transformative power of understanding oneself post-diagnosis.-------------------------------

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Keywords

Autism, ADHD, neurodivergence, late diagnosis, self-love, internalized ableism, book launch, personal journey, relationships, community support

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Book Launch

05:42 The Purpose Behind the Book

11:23 Chapter Insights: Key Themes

16:44 The Importance of Self-Love

22:18 The Role of Community and Feedback