Different Is Normal cover art

Different Is Normal

Different Is Normal

By: Dave & Emily
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Hosted by Emily and Dave, this show explores autism, ADHD, learning differences, mental health, parenting, education, work, identity, and everyday life through honest, grounded conversation. No fixing. No performative positivity. No expert jargon. Just real talk about what it actually means to live — or raise a child — in a neurodivergent world.

We’re trained education support staff and parents of neurodivergent children. This isn’t theory — it’s lived experience. That means we talk about the wins, the struggles, the misunderstandings, the systems that don’t work, and the moments no one prepares you for — with empathy, humour, and zero judgement.

Each episode blends story, reflection, and practical insight. Sometimes light. Sometimes heavy. Always human. Whether you’re neurodivergent, parenting a neurodivergent child, working in education, or trying to better understand someone you love, this podcast is a space where you can breathe, feel seen, and take something useful with you.

Different isn’t broken.

Different isn’t wrong.

Different is normal.

2026 Dave & Emily Hygiene & Healthy Living Psychology Psychology & Mental Health
Episodes
  • I Thought I Was Fine… Until I Wasn’t | Ep 12 - part 2

    I Thought I Was Fine… Until I Wasn’t | Ep 12 - part 2
    May 6 2026

    This is the part people don’t always see.

    Growing up… coping… doing “fine”.

    Until one day, you realise you weren’t.

    In this episode of Different Is Normal, Emily shares what it was like growing up without a diagnosis — and what happens when the expectations increase but the support disappears.

    We talk about:

    • growing up alongside a sibling with significant needs
    • being the “capable one” — and what that actually means
    • why school can feel manageable… until it isn’t
    • what happens when support fades in high school and adulthood
    • the pressure to succeed when you’re expected to cope
    • becoming a parent and seeing things differently
    • why so many people aren’t diagnosed until later

    This episode is about something many people recognise:

    You weren’t “fine”.

    You just learned how to survive.

    This isn’t theory.

    It’s real life.
    Real reflection.
    And the moment things start to make sense.

    ⏱️ CHAPTERS

    00:00 Finding a Common Language
    00:41 Growing Up Without a Diagnosis
    03:00 Living Alongside Complex Needs
    06:04 When Support Falls Away
    09:32 Becoming a Parent
    13:27 Understanding the Brain Differently
    16:19 Why This Podcast Exists
    18:34 The Power of Community
    20:54 Leaving the World Better

    🔗 MORE FROM US

    Watch more episodes here:
    https://www.youtube.com/@differentisnormal

    💬 JOIN THE CONVERSATION

    Did you ever feel like you were coping… but something still didn’t fit?

    #neurodiversity #adhd #autism #parenting #differentisnormal
    Show More Show Less
    22 mins
  • This Changed Everything for Our Family (And We Didn’t Expect It) | Ep 11 - part 1

    This Changed Everything for Our Family (And We Didn’t Expect It) | Ep 11 - part 1
    Apr 29 2026

    This episode is different.

    We’re not breaking down behaviour.
    We’re not talking about strategies.

    We’re answering a question we’ve been asked a lot:

    Why does this matter so much to us?

    In this episode of Different Is Normal, we share the story behind the podcast.

    From a life-changing accident…
    to an autism diagnosis…
    to completely rethinking what matters.

    This is where everything started.

    We talk about:

    • what happened to Dave before his son was born
    • the moment everything changed
    • the guilt, confusion, and questions that followed
    • what an autism diagnosis actually means for a family
    • how perspective shifts everything
    • why understanding matters more than labels

    This isn’t about theory.

    It’s about real life.
    Real experiences.
    And the moments that change how you see everything.

    ⏱️ CHAPTERS

    00:00 The Birth of a Podcast: Our Journey Begins
    00:56 Personal Stories: The Impact of Neurodiversity
    05:35 Navigating Autism: A Parent’s Perspective
    08:13 Life Changes: From Accident to Awakening
    17:45 Giving Back: Becoming an Aid in Education
    18:06 Perspective Shift: Understanding Neurodiversity
    26:52 Living with an Acquired Brain Injury
    30:12 Defining Moments: Friends, Family, and Support

    🔗 MORE FROM US

    Watch more episodes here:
    https://www.youtube.com/@differentisnormal

    💬 JOIN THE CONVERSATION

    What changed how you see neurodiversity?

    #️⃣ #neurodiversity #autism #parenting #adhd #differentisnormal
    Show More Show Less
    33 mins
  • Travelling with Neurodivergent Kids Is Hard — Here’s What Actually Helps | Ep 10

    Travelling with Neurodivergent Kids Is Hard — Here’s What Actually Helps | Ep 10
    Apr 22 2026

    Travelling with neurodivergent kids can feel overwhelming.

    Airports. Queues. Noise. Delays.

    And the pressure of trying to keep everything calm while everything keeps moving.

    It is hard.

    But there are things that actually help.

    In this episode of Different Is Normal, we break down what is really happening during travel and what makes the biggest difference in real situations.

    No theory. No vague advice.

    Just practical strategies that work in planes, airports, and everyday travel.

    We cover:

    • the sunflower lanyard and how it can reduce stress in public spaces

    • why preparation matters more than you think

    • how to reduce overwhelm before it starts

    • what to bring so things do not fall apart mid trip

    • how to advocate without feeling like you are causing problems

    • why flexibility matters more than the perfect plan

    This is not about perfect travel.

    It is about making travel possible.

    ⏱️ CHAPTERS

    00:00 Travelling with Neurodivergent Kids

    00:32 The Sunflower Lanyard Explained

    02:59 Why Preparation Changes Everything

    06:06 Making Flights Easier

    08:47 Managing Sensory Load

    11:28 Why Flexible Plans Work Better

    14:46 Advocating for Your Child

    17:35 What to Pack

    20:13 Safety and Backup Plans

    23:16 Final Tips That Actually Help

    🔗 LINKS

    Watch more episodes here:

    https://www.youtube.com/@differentisnormal

    What is the hardest part of travelling for you or your child?

    #neurodiversity #autism #adhd #parenting #traveltips
    Show More Show Less
    30 mins
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