Episode 30 🎧
In the NeuroDADverse this week, Ben and Dan return for the first episode of 2026, reflecting on the strange reset that comes with a new year, especially when neurodivergent family life doesn’t pause for calendars.
This week includes a significant medical scare, a broken foot, hospital visits, difficult sensory decisions, and the careful balance between safety, regulation, and trust. Alongside the challenges, the episode becomes a powerful reflection on how far their children and they as parents have come.
In this episode, we talk about:
\t•\tThe emotional weight of returning to routine after Christmas
\t•\tManaging medical situations with ND children
\t•\tPain stimming, safety concerns, and regulation trade-offs
\t•\tHospital visits, advocacy, and processing time
\t•\tWhen independence and vulnerability coexist
\t•\tHow injuries highlight both progress and ongoing support needs
\t•\tCalm wins after chaotic weeks
\t•\tReflecting honestly on the highs and lows of 2025
\t•\tWhy resilience doesn’t mean “finding things easy”
\t•\tHopes for 2026 that focus on joy, autonomy, and self-belief
\t•\tLetting go of pressure and trusting your child’s pace
🎙️ Two dads. One mission. Raising ND kids in a very NT world.
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TImestamps
00:00 – Welcome to Episode 30 & the Start of 2026
00:44 – Returning to Routine After Christmas
01:48 – Three Words of the Week: Reset, React & Rejoice
03:36 – Medical Updates & Subtle Worries
05:22 – Reframing Wins vs Challenges
06:00 – Stimming, Safety & Pain Feedback
08:56 – When Regulation Behaviours Become Concerning
11:58 – Balancing Acceptance With Protection
15:09 – Understanding Pain Stims & Sensory Feedback
17:33 – When You Just Need to Observe, Not React
20:13 – Family Gatherings & Unexpected Injuries
21:09 – The Fall, the Foot & Processing What Happened
22:49 – Hospital Decisions & Giving Thinking Time
24:54 – X-Rays, Uncertainty & Breaking the News
26:04 – The Walking Boot & Sensory Challenges
27:11 – Trust, Advocacy & Medical Trauma
28:41 – Independence Isn’t Linear
29:34 – Living With Ongoing Support Needs
30:33 – Break & Reset
31:23 – Wins of the Week & Finding Calm Again
33:58 – Shared Meals & Regulation Wins
38:20 – Quiet New Year Moments That Mattered
41:21 – Calm as a Win (Even If It’s Boring)
42:28 – Family Rituals & Flexibility
44:18 – Looking Ahead: School, Birthdays & Puberty
45:36 – Pride, Fear & Letting Go of Complacency
48:01 – Reflecting on 2025: Resilience & Growth
49:33 – Seeing Progress When Daily Life Is Hard
51:06 – Communication Beyond Words
53:18 – Hopes for 2026 Without Pressure
55:16 – Joy Over Achievement
57:31 – A Reminder of How Far You’ve Come
58:50 – Final Reflections & Community Thanks
59:22 – You’re Doing Great. You Are Enough.
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