If your child’s after-school meltdowns seem to come out of nowhere — they don’t. They’re just not being seen.

In this second episode of the School Series, Jane is joined again by neurodivergent educator and mum Millie Carr to unpack how burnout builds silently in classrooms and explodes at home. From sensory overwhelm and executive dysfunction to chronic invalidation and misread behaviour — this episode doesn’t just name the problem. It helps you understand what to look for, what schools can do differently, and what you can shift at home without burning yourself out too.

This is a must-listen for any parent hearing ‘they’re fine at school’ while watching their kid unravel every night.

💡 What We Cover:

The difference between academic fatigue and neurodivergent burnout
What school-based nervous system overload actually looks like
How masking, people-pleasing and perfectionism disguise distress
Why executive dysfunction + sensory chaos = a ticking time bomb
The impact of chronic invalidation on self-esteem and identity
Interoception struggles — why neurodivergent kids often don’t see their own crash coming
Simple school accommodations that reduce burnout without being performative
How parents can build structure and regulation into home life without adding pressure

Need support navigating school chaos?
Making School Work is your go-to advocacy guide for when your neurodivergent child isn’t coping — and the school says they’re fine. Packed with scripts, templates, and clarity for IEPs, school refusal, and shutdowns, it helps you hold your ground in the rooms that matter.
Get it here: https://adhdmums.com.au/product/making-school-work-parent-guide/ 

🎧Related episodes with Millie Carr: 

SCHOOL SERIES - When School Becomes the Trauma — What No One Tells ADHD Parents
Listen in Spotify
Listen in Apple

How to Tell Your Child About Their Diagnosis: Essential Do's and Don'ts.
Listen in Spotify\
Listen in Apple

Camouflaging ADHD and Autistic Traits in Girls
Listen in Spotify
Listen in Apple

The Neurodiverse Classroom 
Listen in Spotify
Listen in Apple

🔗 To find out more about Millie Carr or purchase her books please click on her website or check out her IG

🔗 Sign our Change Petition here

🎧Listener Questions please sendhere

🔗 Submit your experience with schooling here

🔗 ADHD Mums Free Guides and Resources here

📚 References & Further Reading


Disability Standards for Education 2005
Read via the Department of Education – Australian Government


Disability Discrimination Act 1992
View the full legislation on the Federal Register

This episode isn’t about blaming teachers—it’s about exposing the system that’s letting everyone down, especially our neurodivergent kids. If you’ve ever been told ‘they’re fine at school’, you need to hear this.

Hit play. Share with a friend. 

JOIN THE COMMUNITY:

Connect with other ADHD mums in our Facebook group – no question too small, no meltdown too messy.

FOLLOW FOR MORE:

Daily ADHD mum content on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube.

LEAVE A REVIEW:

Love this episode? Your review helps other mums find support that actually makes sense.

COLLABS:

Want Jane to speak or collaborate? Email jane@adhdmums.com.au.

MORE RESOURCES:

Still questioning ADHD or autism? Access recommended self-assessments and tools here.

If your child&rsquo;s after-school meltdowns seem to come out of nowhere &mdash; they don&rsquo;t. They&rsquo;re just not being seen.
In this second episode of the School Series, Jane is joined again by neurodivergent educator and mum Millie Carr to unpack how burnout builds silently in classrooms and explodes at home. From sensory overwhelm and executive dysfunction to chronic invalidation and misread behaviour &mdash; this episode doesn&rsquo;t just name the problem. It helps you understand what to look for, what schools can do differently, and what you can shift at home without burning yourself out too.
This is a must-listen for any parent hearing &lsquo;they&rsquo;re fine at school&rsquo; while watching their kid unravel every night.
💡 What We Cover:
<ul>
<li>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">The difference between academic fatigue and neurodivergent burnout</li>
<li aria-level="1">What school-based nervous system overload actually looks like</li>
<li aria-level="1">How masking, people-pleasing and perfectionism disguise distress</li>
<li aria-level="1">Why executive dysfunction + sensory chaos = a ticking time bomb</li>
<li aria-level="1">The impact of chronic invalidation on self-esteem and identity</li>
<li aria-level="1">Interoception struggles &mdash; why neurodivergent kids often don&rsquo;t see their own crash coming</li>
<li aria-level="1">Simple school accommodations that reduce burnout without being performative</li>
<li aria-level="1">How parents can build structure and regulation into home life without adding pressure</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
Need support navigating school chaos? Making School Work is your go-to advocacy guide for when your neurodivergent child isn&rsquo;t coping &mdash; and the school says they&rsquo;re fine. Packed with scripts, templates, and clarity for IEPs, school refusal, and shutdowns, it helps you hold your ground in the rooms that matter. Get it here: <a href="https://adhdmums.com.au/product/making-school-work-parent-guide/">https://adhdmums.com.au/product/making-school-work-parent-guide/</a>&nbsp;
🎧 Related episodes with Millie Carr:&nbsp;
SCHOOL SERIES - When School Becomes the Trauma &mdash; What No One Tells ADHD Parents
<ul>
<li><a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/56TbhkRWhFJ0TZPsU6Z29k?si=OCdwy2Y5TjuWXcpwDWyS2g">Listen in Spotify</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/adhd-mums/id1686843092?i=1000708412804">Listen in Apple</a></li>
</ul>
How to Tell Your Child About Their Diagnosis: Essential Do's and Don'ts.
<ul>
<li><a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/5aMQrUiOugcNFJHG5OOizc?si=TRGYh8O2RHCTDZCKJAcEEw">Listen in Spotify\</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/adhd-mums/id1686843092?i=1000659319655">Listen in Apple</a></li>
</ul>
Camouflaging ADHD and Autistic Traits in Girls
<ul>
<li><a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/4bSNYX0Lpo315VB3ueVltS?si=BeB2Xf9YTbi07y3H2F1vcQ">Listen in Spotify</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/adhd-mums/id1686843092?i=1000681677159">Listen in Apple</a></li>
</ul>
The Neurodiverse Classroom&nbsp;
<ul>
<li><a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/2Q3lfxlmvcaFVRuYkaxzHl?si=tbZ5rj_6SFqe3u4Oto068g">Listen in Spotify</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/adhd-mums/id1686843092?i=1000627533779">Listen in Apple</a></li>
</ul>
🔗&nbsp;To find out more about Millie Carr or purchase her books please click on her&nbsp;<a href="https://milliecarrbooks.com/">website</a> or check out her <a href="http://instagram.com/unmasking.education/">IG</a>
🔗 Sign our Change Petition <a href="https://www.change.org/p/our-schools-are-in-crisis-why-are-we-still-ignoring-inclusive-education">here</a>
🎧 Listener Questions please send <a href="https://form.jotform.com/251238118486864">here</a>
🔗 Submit your experience with schooling <a href="https://form.jotform.com/251417656959875">here</a>
🔗 ADHD Mums Free Guides and Resources&nbsp;<a href="https://www.adhdmums.com.au">here</a>
📚 References &amp; Further Reading
<ul data-start="341" data-end="669">
<li data-start="341" data-end="519">
Disability Standards for Education 2005 <a href="https://www.education.gov.au/disability-standards-education-2005" data-start="391" data-end="519">Read via the Department of Education &ndash; Australian Government</a>
</li>
<li data-start="521" data-end="669">
Disability Discrimination Act 1992 <a href="https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/C2022C00356" data-start="566" data-end="669">View the full legislation on the Federal Register</a>
</li>
</ul>
This episode isn&rsquo;t about blaming teachers&mdash;it&rsquo;s about exposing the system that&rsquo;s letting everyone down, especially our neurodivergent kids. If you&rsquo;ve ever been told &lsquo;they&rsquo;re fine at school&rsquo;, you need to hear this.
Hit play. Share with a friend.&nbsp;
JOIN THE COMMUNITY:
Connect with other ADHD mums in our<a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/adhdmumspodcast/"> Facebook group </a>&ndash; no question too small, no meltdown too messy.
FOLLOW FOR MORE:
Daily ADHD mum content on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/adhd_mums/">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/people/ADHD-Mums/100091850469503/">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@adhdmumsaus">TikTok</a>, and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCB0uYIHpFKFo6AdhQQaBr1w">YouTube</a>.
LEAVE A REVIEW:
Love this episode? <a href="https://adhdmums.com.au/contact-us/">Your review </a>helps other mums find support that actually makes sense.
COLLABS:
Want Jane to speak or collaborate? Email <a href="mailto:jane@adhdmums.com.au.">jane@adhdmums.com.au.</a>
MORE RESOURCES:
Still questioning ADHD or autism? Access recommended self-assessments and tools<a href="https://www.adhdmums.com.au"> here</a>.

Welcome to The ADHD MUMS Podcast, a lifeline for Australian mums navigating ADHD and motherhood. Perfect for struggling, burnt out mums who want to drop perfectionism.

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