You can’t ‘train’ a brain to enjoy being flooded with noise, light, smells, and chaos. You can only push it until it shuts down — or shuts you out. Yet families are told every day that ‘exposure therapy’ will fix sensory overwhelm. In this episode, we talk about why that’s not just wrong — it’s dangerous.

You’ll learn:
How to tell the difference between fear-based and processing-based struggles.
Why getting the label right matters for getting the support right.
The long-term impact on trust and resilience when supports are mismatched.
What meltdowns in public spaces really mean (hint: it’s not bad behaviour).
Practical ways to adapt environments so kids can thrive without being pushed past breaking point.



If you’ve ever dragged your child through a noisy, bright, overwhelming place and watched them unravel, this episode will make you feel seen — and give you the language to advocate for real change.

💛 Listen now:
Spotify: HERE
Apple Podcasts: HERE
Website: adhdmums.com.au

References & Related Resources
Amanda Moses Psychology – Upcoming Event: Understanding Masked Autism
Amanda Moses on Instagram: @amandamosespsychology
Related ADHD Mums Episodes:
S2E82 ADHD or PTSD? Why So Many Women Are Misdiagnosed (with Amanda Moses) – one of the most downloaded episodes referenced in this discussion
S2E20 The Worst Assessment Process Ever (with Dina Robertson) – story of a 10-year fight for a diagnosis
ADHD Mums Free Resource: ADHD & Autism Assessment Tool – check under the Free Resources section

JOIN THE COMMUNITY:

Have questions or want to connect with other ADHD mums? Join our supportive Facebook group here and dive into the conversation. No question is too small, and I love answering in a group format!

FOLLOW FOR MORE:

Get daily tips, insights, and relatable content for ADHD mums by following me on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok or YouTube

LEAVE A REVIEW:

Love this episode? Your review means everything! It helps other mums find this content and feel supported. Let’s spread the word and make a difference together.

COLLABS:

For collaborations or speaking engagements, email me at jane@adhdmums.com.au.

MORE RESOURCES:

Still unsure if ADHD or autism applies to you or your child? Take my recommended self-tests here.

Topics Covered

sensory overwhelm autismADHD and sensory processing exposure therapy for autistic child fear-based vs processing-based anxiety sensory overload in children autism and public meltdowns trauma from exposure therapy supporting sensory sensitive kids

You can&rsquo;t &lsquo;train&rsquo; a brain to enjoy being flooded with noise, light, smells, and chaos. You can only push it until it shuts down &mdash; or shuts you out. Yet families are told every day that &lsquo;exposure therapy&rsquo; will fix sensory overwhelm. In this episode, we talk about why that&rsquo;s not just wrong &mdash; it&rsquo;s dangerous.
You&rsquo;ll learn:
<ul>
<li>How to tell the difference between fear-based and processing-based struggles.</li>
<li>Why getting the label right matters for getting the support right.</li>
<li>The long-term impact on trust and resilience when supports are mismatched.</li>
<li>What meltdowns in public spaces really mean (hint: it&rsquo;s not bad behaviour).</li>
<li>Practical ways to adapt environments so kids can thrive without being pushed past breaking point. </li>
</ul>
If you&rsquo;ve ever dragged your child through a noisy, bright, overwhelming place and watched them unravel, this episode will make you feel seen &mdash; and give you the language to advocate for real change.
💛 Listen now:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Spotify: <a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/59xNRfiHEOWU9YVzBPCNlP?si=CzAVUs4NR3i5lUo655CvuA">HERE</a></li>
<li aria-level="1">Apple Podcasts: <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/34-is-it-social-anxiety-or-is-it-autism/id1686843092?i=1000723483737">HERE</a></li>
<li aria-level="1">Website:<a href="https://adhdmums.com.au"> adhdmums.com.au</a></li>
</ul>
References &amp; Related Resources
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Amanda Moses Psychology &ndash; Upcoming Event:<a href="https://www.amandamosespsychology.com.au/event-details/understanding-masked-autism-2"> Understanding Masked Autism</a></li>
<li aria-level="1">Amanda Moses on Instagram:<a href="https://www.instagram.com/amandamosespsychology"> @amandamosespsychology</a></li>
<li aria-level="1">Related ADHD Mums Episodes:</li>
<ul>
<li aria-level="2"><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/82-adhd-or-ptsd-why-so-many-women-are-misdiagnosed/id1686843092?i=1000704343540">S2E82 ADHD or PTSD? Why So Many Women Are Misdiagnosed (with Amanda Moses)</a> &ndash; one of the most downloaded episodes referenced in this discussion</li>
<li aria-level="2"><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/20-the-worst-assessment-process-ever-a-cautionary/id1686843092?i=1000666172775">S2E20 The Worst Assessment Process Ever (with Dina Robertson)</a> &ndash; story of a 10-year fight for a diagnosis</li>
</ul>
<li aria-level="1">ADHD Mums Free Resource:<a href="https://adhdmums.com.au/resources/"> ADHD &amp; Autism Assessment Tool</a> &ndash; check under the Free Resources section</li>
</ul>
JOIN THE COMMUNITY:
Have questions or want to connect with other ADHD mums? Join our supportive Facebook group <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/adhdmumspodcast">here</a> and dive into the conversation. No question is too small, and I love answering in a group format!
FOLLOW FOR MORE:
Get daily tips, insights, and relatable content for ADHD mums by following me on<a href="https://www.instagram.com/adhd_mums"> Instagram</a>,<a href="https://facebook.com/100091850469503/"> Facebook</a>,<a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@adhdmumsaus"> TikTok</a> or<a href="https://youtube.com/channel/UCB0uYIHpFKFo6AdhQQaBr1w"> YouTube</a>
LEAVE A REVIEW:
Love this episode? Your review means everything! It helps other mums find this content and feel supported. Let&rsquo;s spread the word and make a difference together.
COLLABS:
For collaborations or speaking engagements, email me at jane@adhdmums.com.au.
MORE RESOURCES:
Still unsure if ADHD or autism applies to you or your child? Take my recommended self-tests <a href="https://adhdmums.com.au/self-tests/">here</a>.
Topics Covered
sensory overwhelm autism ADHD and sensory processing exposure therapy for autistic child fear-based vs processing-based anxiety sensory overload in children autism and public meltdowns trauma from exposure therapy supporting sensory sensitive kids

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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