The Unfinished Idea | Autism Spectrum, ADHD, AUDHD, Neurodiverse parent

Have you ever stared at a simple decision and suddenly it feels weirdly massive? Like your brain is running every possible outcome at full volume, and now you are frozen. In this episode, we talk about why ADHD decision making can feel so heavy, how decision fatigue builds faster, and what to do when you hit that stuck loop. Greer is joined by Brooke Schnittman (ADHD coach and creator in the ADHD space) for a real, relatable conversation about decision paralysis, dopamine, and the day to day overwhelm that so many neurodivergent parents and adults carry. In this conversation, you will hear: Why ADHD can make every option feel equally urgent, especially with inattentive ADHD, and why even “small” choices can feel high stakes A simple way to sort “big vs small” decisions by anchoring back to your goals, plus why accountability matters when your brain forgets the goal exists (hello, object permanence) What Brooke calls the ADHD disruption spiral, and why you cannot logic your way out when you are emotionally dysregulated Brooke’s AIR reset (Acknowledge, Interrupt, Redirect) for getting out of freeze mode with a tiny next step that actually feels doable Decision fatigue explained in plain language: how hundreds of daily choices drain fuel faster, why it is not laziness, and how routines can reduce the load over time If you have ever felt shame about how long it takes you to decide, or you rely on “systems” just to stay afloat, this one will make you feel seen and give you something practical to try today. Find Brooke on instagram or her websiteSign up to our newsletter where we continue the conversation along with sharing helpful resources and techniques tried out by parents and professionals in the neurodiverse world. You can know get the episodes on YouTube! Click here to subscribe. Follow the show on all the socials @theunfinishedidea - look for the brain! Instagram Facebook LinkedIn TikTok Website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Motherhood changes everything — your routines, your energy, and especially your friendships. As life gets busier and capacity feels smaller, many moms wonder: how do I stay connected when I barely have time for myself? In this heartfelt and practical episode, Greer sits down with Stephanie May Wilson — author, speaker, and trusted friendship mentor — to talk about how friendships evolve during motherhood and why authentic community matters now more than ever. A mom of twin girls, Stephanie shares her real-life experiences of navigating the early, overwhelming days of motherhood, offering honest encouragement and simple, doable ways to nurture connection even when life feels full. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why friendship is essential for moms’ mental and emotional health How to stay connected when energy and time are limited Creative ways to blend motherhood and friendship Why “small moments” can sustain meaningful relationships How modelling healthy friendships benefits your children This episode is for every mom craving connection and reassurance that you’re not alone — real community is still possible, even in the busiest season of motherhood. LINKS Follow Stephanie May Listen to Girls Night Join the Unfinished Community WhatsApp. Where you can share your everyday joys, struggles, and differences! Click here to join. Sign up to our newsletter where we continue the conversation along with sharing helpful resources and techniques tried out by parents and professionals in the neurodiverse world. You can know get the episodes on YouTube! Click here to subscribe. Follow the show on all the socials @theunfinishedidea - look for the brain! Instagram Facebook LinkedIn TikTok Website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if one small moment of compassion could change an entire day for a neurodivergent child—or their parent? So many ND families live with daily overwhelm, meltdowns in public, invisible disabilities, and the feeling of not being understood. In today’s episode, we ask: What does it really look like to “see” neurodivergent families in a world that often doesn’t? I’m joined by Carlos Whittaker—author, speaker, storyteller, and champion of walking with people instead of standing on issues. Carlos shares how choosing compassion over judgement builds bridges and creates true community, especially for neurodivergent families. Together, we talk about: The power of being seen and why ND families need it most How to support a parent during a public meltdown (what to do + what NOT to say) What small actions look like when you want to “walk with people” Parenting differently, shrinking social circles, and finding your village Hope, healing, and why we don’t need to be “fixed” to move forward Simple ways anyone can make the world more inclusive for ND kids and parents Connect with Carlos Whittaker on Instagram: @loswhit Check out Carlos’s books, courses & community CTA: Please donate today at MercyShips.org/podcast Visit OmahaSteaks.com for 50% off sitewide during their Sizzle All the Way Sale. And for an extra $35 off, usepromo code FUN at checkout. Join the Unfinished Community WhatsApp. Where you can share your everyday joys, struggles, and differences! Click here to join.Sign up to our newsletter where we continue the conversation along with sharing helpful resources and techniques tried out by parents and professionals in the neurodiverse world. You can know get the episodes on YouTube! Click here to subscribe. Follow the show on all the socials @theunfinishedidea - look for the brain! Instagram Facebook LinkedIn TikTok Website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when the people around you don’t have honest conversations about your child’s needs — and what happens when they do? In this fun, real, and deeply relatable episode, Greer is joined by Natalie and Victoria, hosts of The Autism Mums Podcast, for a conversation packed with humour, lived experience, and practical wisdom. Both raising autistic children with unique needs, Natalie and Victoria share their perspectives on navigating school systems, managing family dynamics, and celebrating the special interests that bring their children joy. From school struggles and support gaps to honest conversations with educators and family members, this episode will resonate with every parent navigating autism parenting in a world that isn’t always built for their children. In This Episode, We Talk About: Navigating school challenges — routines, support gaps, and trust issues Joys of seeing children thrive through special interests and routine Meeting “your people” and finding community Honest conversations with schools and family members Hacks for family gatherings that actually work Embracing differences and recognizing autistic strengths LINKS: Listen to the Autism Mum Podcast Join the Unfinished Community WhatsApp. Where you can share your everyday joys, struggles, and differences! Click here to join.Sign up to our newsletter where we continue the conversation along with sharing helpful resources and techniques tried out by parents and professionals in the neurodiverse world. You can know get the episodes on YouTube! Click here to subscribe. Follow the show on all the socials @theunfinishedidea - look for the brain! Instagram Facebook LinkedIn TikTok Website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when the school supports disappear after graduation? For many autistic adults, the transition to adulthood brings new challenges — independence, employment, and identity — often without the same guidance schools once provided. But it doesn’t have to be that way. In this inspiring and practical episode, Greer sits down with Sandra Worth, mom of an autistic adult and leader at My Autism Connection (MAC) in Florida. Sandra shares how her organization empowers autistic adults through skill-building programs, community partnerships, and innovative initiatives that bridge the gap between school and real life. In this episode, you’ll learn: How MAC supports autistic adults through community and connection Real-world programs that teach driving, job, and life skills How partnerships with law enforcement are creating safer interactions The impact of autism ID cards and statewide officer training What late-diagnosed adults can gain from peer support networks Whether you’re a parent, professional, or autistic adult yourself, this episode offers hope, direction, and practical examples of what true inclusion looks like beyond the school years. LINKS: Check out MAC Join the Unfinished Community WhatsApp. Where you can share your everyday joys, struggles, and differences! Click here to join. Sign up to our newsletter where we continue the conversation along with sharing helpful resources and techniques tried out by parents and professionals in the neurodiverse world. You can know get the episodes on YouTube! Click here to subscribe. Follow the show on all the socials @theunfinishedidea - look for the brain! Instagram Facebook LinkedIn TikTok Website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices