When Every No Feels Like a Never: Understanding Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria

The last time Kim Brown joined us on Neurolicious, How Big Is the Sky hadn’t yet been published. Now it’s on the bookshelves, and we’re welcoming Kim back to celebrate and revisit the story behind her book.Together, we chat about the magic that happens when we make room for creativity, storytelling and different ways of seeing the world. It’s a warm conversation about embracing unique minds and perspectives, nurturing imagination, and what we can discover when we open ourselves to someone else’s story.Join Emily for a catch-up with Kim that invites us all to stay curious and see where imagination can take us.📚 How Big Is the Sky is available to purchase  online from Booktopia and from other selected book shopsWe’re here for honest conversations, practical ideas and those “Oh thank goodness, it’s not just us!” moments.Want more Neurolicious?If you love the podcast and want to go a little deeper, come and join our growing Neurolicious community.As part of our community, you can access:✨ Our award-winning parenting programs — practical, neuroaffirming support designed to help you better understand your child and feel more confident navigating everyday family life.🎙️ Behind-the-scenes chats — this is where things get really real! The conversations that happen when the microphones should probably have been turned off… parenting wins, parenting fails, things we’re learning and the moments that remind us we're all figuring this out as we go.💛 Our private Facebook community — a supportive space to connect, ask questions, join conversations and be part of a community of parents who genuinely get it.Plus, we’ll be sharing extra resources, conversations, updates and opportunities to connect with us along the way.Come join usBecause parenting a neurodivergent child was never meant to be done alone.Listen. Learn. Laugh. Connect.Welcome to Neurolicious — we're r...

You love your kids. You’re also exhausted. Both can be true.When you’re juggling therapy appointments, school challenges, NDIS paperwork and the constant work of supporting your child’s emotions, being told to “just take a break” can feel impossible.In this episode of Neurolicious, Emily and Kylee get honest about parental burnout when raising neurodivergent children—and the extra demands of managing your own neurodivergent brain along the way.With personal stories, humour and practical ideas, we explore:The exhaustion of always being “on” and the pressure to keep pushing through.Why asking for help can be hard, and what meaningful support can look like.Finding small moments to recharge when time alone is limited.Sharing the household load through achievable tasks that match your child’s abilities.Letting go of perfection and making room for things to be done differently.If you’re running on empty, this conversation offers understanding, realistic starting points and a reminder that your needs matter too.Listen in, then join us on the Mummel Road Facebook page and tell us: what helps you when your tank is running low?We’re here for honest conversations, practical ideas and those “Oh thank goodness, it’s not just us!” moments.Want more Neurolicious?If you love the podcast and want to go a little deeper, come and join our growing Neurolicious community.As part of our community, you can access:✨ Our award-winning parenting programs — practical, neuroaffirming support designed to help you better understand your child and feel more confident navigating everyday family life.🎙️ Behind-the-scenes chats — this is where things get really real! The conversations that happen when the microphones should probably have been turned off… parenting wins, parenting fails, things we’re learning and the moments that remind us we're all figuring this out as we go.💛 Our private Facebook community — a supportive space to connect, ask questions, join conversations and be part of a community of parents who genuinely get it.Plus, we’ll be sharing extra resources, conversations, updates and opportunities to connect with us along the way.Come join usBecause parenting a neurodivergent child was never meant to be done alone.Listen. Learn. Laugh. Connect.Welcome to Neurolicious — we're r...

Welcome back to Season 2 of Neurolicious! 🎙️We’re kicking off the season with something we all know can make a huge difference for our kids… but can also be incredibly hard to actually do: conssitencyConsistency can help create predictability, support learning, build new skills and make everyday routines feel safer and easier. But here’s the thing — knowing consistency helps and actually being consistent are two very different things.When you’re juggling work, appointments, siblings, school, behaviours, exhaustion and everything else family life throws at you, consistency can quickly become another thing parents feel like they’re getting wrong.In this episode, we unpack why consistency can be so challenging, what consistency actually needs to look like, and some practical ways to make it work without adding more pressure to an already busy family.Because supporting our kids isn’t about getting it right every single time. It’s about finding approaches that are realistic, sustainable and work for your family.Grab a coffee, put the washing aside and join us for the first episode of Season 2. 💛Neurolicious is back — and we’re so glad you’re here.We’re here for honest conversations, practical ideas and those “Oh thank goodness, it’s not just us!” moments.Want more Neurolicious?If you love the podcast and want to go a little deeper, come and join our growing Neurolicious community.As part of our community, you can access:✨ Our award-winning parenting programs — practical, neuroaffirming support designed to help you better understand your child and feel more confident navigating everyday family life.🎙️ Behind-the-scenes chats — this is where things get really real! The conversations that happen when the microphones should probably have been turned off… parenting wins, parenting fails, things we’re learning and the moments that remind us we're all figuring this out as we go.💛 Our private Facebook community — a supportive space to connect, ask questions, join conversations and be part of a community of parents who genuinely get it.Plus, we’ll be sharing extra resources, conversations, updates and opportunities to connect with us along the way.Come join usBecause parenting a neurodivergent child was never meant to be done alone.Listen. Learn. Laugh. Connect.Welcome to Neurolicious — we're r...

✨ Episode 2 of Season 2 of Neurolicious is live! ✨This week, we sit down with the incredible Kim Brown – a high school science and art teacher, and mum to two beautiful kids. Kim shares her family’s journey after her eldest son, Hudson, began showing signs of autism at age 2.Before Hudson lost his speech, he asked Kim a powerful question: “How big is the sky?” 🌌 That moment sparked her to write the children’s picture book “How Big Is The Sky” – a story born from curiosity, wonder, and love.In this episode, Kim opens up about the highs and lows of parenting on the spectrum. We dive into her family’s adventures camping in outback Australia, where tech detox meets nature – helping them reconnect by touching, feeling, and moving through the world around them. 🏕️🌿✨This is the first of two heartfelt interviews with Kim, and we know you’ll fall in love with her family’s story just like we did. 💛🎧 Tune in now on your favourite podcast platform!We have put a link to buy Kim's book in the notes below. https://www.simonandschuster.com.au/books/How-Big-is-the-Sky/Kimberly-Brown/9781923046368#:~:text=About%20The%20Book&text=Like%20the%20warmth%20of%20laughter,embrace%20our%20immeasurably%20wondrous%20world.#NeuroliciousPodcast #AutismAwareness #ParentingOnTheSpectrum #ADHDAwareness #ChildrensBooks #HowBigIsTheSky #AutismParenting #NeurodiversityCelebration #CampingWithKids #TechDetox #NatureTherapy #OutbackAdventures #FamilyJourney #PodcastSeason2We’re here for honest conversations, practical ideas and those “Oh thank goodness, it’s not just us!” moments.Want more Neurolicious?If you love the podcast and want to go a little deeper, come and join our growing Neurolicious community.As part of our community, you can access:✨ Our award-winning parenting programs — practical, neuroaffirming support designed to help you better understand your child and feel more confident navigating everyday family life.🎙️ Behind-the-scenes chats — this is where things get really real! The conversations that happen when the microphones should probably have been turned off… parenting wins, parenting fails, things we’re learning and the moments that remind us we're all figuring this out as we go.💛 Our private Facebook community — a supportive space to connect, ask questions, join conversations and be part of a community of parents who genuinely get it.Plus, we’ll be sharing extra resources, conversations, updates and opportunities to connect with us along the way.Come join usBecause parenting a neurodivergent child was never meant to be done alone.Listen. Learn. Laugh. Connect.Welcome to Neurolicious — we're r...

🎙️ Episode Title: When the Scripts Run Dry: Real Stories from the ADHD Medication CrisisIn this heartfelt episode of Neurolicious, Emily and Kylee unpack the real-life impact of the current Ritalin and Concerta shortage sweeping across NSW. With ADHD medication in short supply, families are facing disrupted routines, emotional upheaval, and a scramble for alternatives.Emily shares her personal journey as a mum of three—including her eldest son, who has autism, ADHD, and an intellectual disability—and reflects on how her family is preparing for life without medication. You’ll hear two powerful listener stories that highlight the challenges and resilience of children and parents navigating this crisis.We also clarify important facts for families: Ritalin is prescribed for ADHD, not autism, and using it without an ADHD diagnosis may be considered a restrictive practice under NDIS guidelines.Finally, we offer practical, strengths-based strategies to support children during this transition—like sensory play, movement breaks, quiet time, and rediscovering what truly brings your child joy.This episode is a reminder that while medication may be out of reach, connection, creativity, and compassion are always within grasp.https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/pharmaceutical/Pages/methylphenidate-shortage.aspxWe’re here for honest conversations, practical ideas and those “Oh thank goodness, it’s not just us!” moments.Want more Neurolicious?If you love the podcast and want to go a little deeper, come and join our growing Neurolicious community.As part of our community, you can access:✨ Our award-winning parenting programs — practical, neuroaffirming support designed to help you better understand your child and feel more confident navigating everyday family life.🎙️ Behind-the-scenes chats — this is where things get really real! The conversations that happen when the microphones should probably have been turned off… parenting wins, parenting fails, things we’re learning and the moments that remind us we're all figuring this out as we go.💛 Our private Facebook community — a supportive space to connect, ask questions, join conversations and be part of a community of parents who genuinely get it.Plus, we’ll be sharing extra resources, conversations, updates and opportunities to connect with us along the way.Come join usBecause parenting a neurodivergent child was never meant to be done alone.Listen. Learn. Laugh. Connect.Welcome to Neurolicious — we're r...

In this episode of the Neurolicious Podcast, hosts Emily and her step in co host  daughter Annabel, discuss two prevalent challenges faced by families: mealtimes in small homes and school refusal. They emphasize the importance of connection over the physical setting of meals and explore the complexities of school refusal through a neuroaffirming lens. The conversation highlights strategies for creating predictable environments and fostering emotional support, particularly for neurodiverse children. Mealtimes don’t require a perfect setting—they can happen anywhere, with connection at the heart. We appreciated the recent Mamamia Parenting Outloud episode, which explored the unique challenges faced by families navigating limited space during mealtimes. This is a conversation close to our hearts, as we support families in similar situations every day. At Mummel Road, we’re committed to breaking down barriers and thinking creatively to help families foster meaningful connection, no matter the size or layout of their home.Predictability in mealtimes helps build routine.We’re here for honest conversations, practical ideas and those “Oh thank goodness, it’s not just us!” moments.Want more Neurolicious?If you love the podcast and want to go a little deeper, come and join our growing Neurolicious community.As part of our community, you can access:✨ Our award-winning parenting programs — practical, neuroaffirming support designed to help you better understand your child and feel more confident navigating everyday family life.🎙️ Behind-the-scenes chats — this is where things get really real! The conversations that happen when the microphones should probably have been turned off… parenting wins, parenting fails, things we’re learning and the moments that remind us we're all figuring this out as we go.💛 Our private Facebook community — a supportive space to connect, ask questions, join conversations and be part of a community of parents who genuinely get it.Plus, we’ll be sharing extra resources, conversations, updates and opportunities to connect with us along the way.Come join usBecause parenting a neurodivergent child was never meant to be done alone.Listen. Learn. Laugh. Connect.Welcome to Neurolicious — we're r...

🎙️ In this episode of Neurolicious, we are pulling back the covers on one of the most common yet complex challenges faced by families of children on the autism spectrum: sleep.We’re diving into:Why sleep can be tricky for neurodivergent kidsThe role of melatonin and when it might help (or not)How to build bedtime routines that workSigns your child may be overtired—and how that shows up in their behaviourWhen it’s time to reach out to professionals for a sleep plan that actually sticksWhether your little one is wide awake at midnight or struggling with early morning meltdowns, this episode is packed with relatable insights, gentle guidance, and practical tools to support better sleep—for your child and your whole family.So grab a warm drink, get comfy, and let’s talk bedtime without the burnout. 🛏️💤We’re here for honest conversations, practical ideas and those “Oh thank goodness, it’s not just us!” moments.Want more Neurolicious?If you love the podcast and want to go a little deeper, come and join our growing Neurolicious community.As part of our community, you can access:✨ Our award-winning parenting programs — practical, neuroaffirming support designed to help you better understand your child and feel more confident navigating everyday family life.🎙️ Behind-the-scenes chats — this is where things get really real! The conversations that happen when the microphones should probably have been turned off… parenting wins, parenting fails, things we’re learning and the moments that remind us we're all figuring this out as we go.💛 Our private Facebook community — a supportive space to connect, ask questions, join conversations and be part of a community of parents who genuinely get it.Plus, we’ll be sharing extra resources, conversations, updates and opportunities to connect with us along the way.Come join usBecause parenting a neurodivergent child was never meant to be done alone.Listen. Learn. Laugh. Connect.Welcome to Neurolicious — we're r...

🎙 Episode #5: The Emotional Rollercoaster of RSDWelcome back to another episode of the Neurolicious Podcast with Emily & Kylee! In this episode, we unravel the complexities of Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD)—a phenomenon that can make even the smallest perceived rejection feel like an emotional earthquake.🔍 What’s Inside This Episode?What is RSD? We break down the symptoms, from intense emotional reactions to the lingering self-doubt that follows.Why is it so tough to navigate? Whether it’s avoiding social situations, overanalyzing interactions, or struggling with self-worth, RSD can feel like an invisible force shaping daily life.The ADHD & Autism Connection—why neurodivergent individuals often experience RSD more intensely.Real-life scenarios—ever felt like a casual comment ruined your whole day? We explore how RSD can amplify emotional responses.Coping strategies—from self-awareness to practical tools, we discuss ways to manage the emotional waves of RSD.💡 Why You Should Listen: If you’ve ever felt like rejection hits harder than it should, this episode is for you. Emily & Kylee bring insight, humor, and real talk to help you understand and navigate RSD with confidence.🎧 Tune in now and let’s unpack the emotional whirlwind together!We’re here for honest conversations, practical ideas and those “Oh thank goodness, it’s not just us!” moments.Want more Neurolicious?If you love the podcast and want to go a little deeper, come and join our growing Neurolicious community.As part of our community, you can access:✨ Our award-winning parenting programs — practical, neuroaffirming support designed to help you better understand your child and feel more confident navigating everyday family life.🎙️ Behind-the-scenes chats — this is where things get really real! The conversations that happen when the microphones should probably have been turned off… parenting wins, parenting fails, things we’re learning and the moments that remind us we're all figuring this out as we go.💛 Our private Facebook community — a supportive space to connect, ask questions, join conversations and be part of a community of parents who genuinely get it.Plus, we’ll be sharing extra resources, conversations, updates and opportunities to connect with us along the way.Come join usBecause parenting a neurodivergent child was never meant to be done alone.Listen. Learn. Laugh. Connect.Welcome to Neurolicious — we're r...

In this eye-opening episode of Neurolicious, we sit down with Antoinette Spear, General Manager of Autism Swim, to explore a crucial yet often overlooked topic—the relationship between autism and water safety.Antoinette dives deep into why children on the autism spectrum are more likely to be drawn to water and the alarming risks associated with wandering. She explains why ensuring these children are water-safe isn’t just beneficial—it’s imperative.We also discuss the challenges autistic children face in mainstream swimming lessons, from sensory sensitivities to communication barriers, and how these obstacles can hinder their ability to learn life-saving skills. Antoinette shares valuable insights into what makes autism-specific swim teachers different—their strategies, adaptive techniques, and specialized approaches that foster engagement and boost participation.This episode is a must-listen for parents, educators, and swimming instructors looking to create safer and more inclusive aquatic experiences for autistic children. Join us as we make waves toward greater awareness and action in water safety.We’re here for honest conversations, practical ideas and those “Oh thank goodness, it’s not just us!” moments.Want more Neurolicious?If you love the podcast and want to go a little deeper, come and join our growing Neurolicious community.As part of our community, you can access:✨ Our award-winning parenting programs — practical, neuroaffirming support designed to help you better understand your child and feel more confident navigating everyday family life.🎙️ Behind-the-scenes chats — this is where things get really real! The conversations that happen when the microphones should probably have been turned off… parenting wins, parenting fails, things we’re learning and the moments that remind us we're all figuring this out as we go.💛 Our private Facebook community — a supportive space to connect, ask questions, join conversations and be part of a community of parents who genuinely get it.Plus, we’ll be sharing extra resources, conversations, updates and opportunities to connect with us along the way.Come join usBecause parenting a neurodivergent child was never meant to be done alone.Listen. Learn. Laugh. Connect.Welcome to Neurolicious — we're r...

In this heartfelt episode, Kylee dives into the messy, beautiful world of kindness—especially when life gets tough. She opens up about the challenges of parenting with ADHD, shedding light on the mental load that comes with it and how it intersects with life’s everyday struggles.Through raw and honest storytelling, Kylee reflects on a moment with a client that deepened her understanding of grace and empathy. She reminds us that while everyone faces hardships, the weight of those challenges can look very different depending on personal circumstances and privilege.This conversation is an invitation to lean into compassion—not just for others, but for ourselves too. From the highs and lows of parenting to the power of community support, Kylee encourages listeners to step up, offer help where they can, and most importantly, extend grace to those who might need it most. A reminder that sometimes, the greatest gift we can give is understanding.Enjoy!!We’re here for honest conversations, practical ideas and those “Oh thank goodness, it’s not just us!” moments.Want more Neurolicious?If you love the podcast and want to go a little deeper, come and join our growing Neurolicious community.As part of our community, you can access:✨ Our award-winning parenting programs — practical, neuroaffirming support designed to help you better understand your child and feel more confident navigating everyday family life.🎙️ Behind-the-scenes chats — this is where things get really real! The conversations that happen when the microphones should probably have been turned off… parenting wins, parenting fails, things we’re learning and the moments that remind us we're all figuring this out as we go.💛 Our private Facebook community — a supportive space to connect, ask questions, join conversations and be part of a community of parents who genuinely get it.Plus, we’ll be sharing extra resources, conversations, updates and opportunities to connect with us along the way.Come join usBecause parenting a neurodivergent child was never meant to be done alone.Listen. Learn. Laugh. Connect.Welcome to Neurolicious — we're r...