Neurodiversity and the utility of being "normal" with Lauren O'Carroll
Note: this episode contains some mildly coarse language.
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In this episode, I had the pleasure of welcoming Lauren O'Carroll from the United Kingdom. Lauren is a neurodivergent family specialist, speaker, founder of Positively Parenting, and author of the forthcoming book "You're Not a Shit Parent, You Have ADHD". After spending 10 years managing advocacy services and a further 10 years leading N.H.S. services, she left her leadership career to support parents navigating the realities of neurodivergent family life.
Drawing on specialist training in A.D.H.D., autism, and peaceful parenting, over 20 years of leadership experience, the latest evidence and neuroscience, and lived experience as a mum with A.D.H.D. raising neurodivergent children, Lauren helps families move beyond guilt, overwhelm, and survival mode, towards greater understanding, connection, and practical solutions that work in everyday life. She is passionate about challenging shame, making the science of neurodivergence accessible, and helping parents realise they were never meant to do this alone.
In this episode, we explored the nuances of our culture and perception of neurodiversity, pondering whether being "normal" actually has any utility, whether characteristics such as neurodiversity constitute our identity, whether autism and A.D.H.D. are mental illnesses, and more.
Find Lauren's work:
Website: https://www.positivelyparenting.co.uk
Book waitlist: https://positivelyparenting.co.uk/youre-not-a-sht-parent-you-have-adhd
Instagram: @positivelyparentingtogether
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@positivelyparentingloz
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LaurenParentCoach
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/positivelyparenting
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Location: Melbourne, Australia
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