How can understanding how our brain works help us break free of the cycles of the past and finally allow us to live life on our own terms?

In this episode of All Aboard ADHD, Claire is joined by the legendary DJ Fat Tony, recovery advocate, and author of two books: 'I Don't Take Requests' and his upcoming ‘Recover Me’.

Tony shares a raw and deeply insightful look at his journey through addiction, the clarity that came with understanding his ADHD, and how he has designed a life that respects his needs rather than fighting against them.

Tony reflects on the "learned behaviors" we pick up in childhood and how, without self-awareness, we can carry these unhelpful coping mechanisms into adulthood.

From navigating the high-intensity world of international DJing to the vital importance of learning to "switch off," this conversation is packed with radical honesty and self-acceptance.

Claire and Tony discuss:

• Why recovery is about more than just overcoming an addiction, it’s about recovering your true self after years of trauma and learned self-serving behaviors.

• Working differently with an ADHD Brain, how Tony managed to record his audiobook by working in 20-minute bursts and being transparent with others about his "switch-off points."

• Sensory overstimulation and why a safe, quiet home environment is non-negotiable for Tony, even as someone whose career is built on loud music and crowded rooms.

• Why "finding your people" and realising you aren't the only one who behaves a certain way can be a game-changer for your mental health.

• Learning how you work best so that you can understand and let go of the urge to people-please and overcompensate

• The creative "superpower" often seen in children with ADHD, and how recognising where they excel can help them channel their natural ability and energy into what they do best

• Seeing your child for who they are, nurturing their strengths and the magic that happens when they feel understood and supported.

Whether you are navigating your own path of recovery, supporting a neurodivergent child through their own struggles, or simply looking for the permission to be exactly who you are, Tony’s story offers hope, acceptance and inspiration.

Further resources and links:

• Pre-order Tony’s new book: Recover Me

• Buy Tony’s book: I Don’t Take Requests

• Follow Fat Tony on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dj_fattony_/

• ADHD coaching and resources from Claire: https://allaboardadhd.com

• Follow Claire on Instagram & TikTok: @allaboardADHD

The views shared in this episode are those of the guest, based on their professional expertise and personal experience. This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, educational, or psychological advice. Please consult a qualified professional for personalised support relevant to your individual circumstances.

Why does GCSE revision feel such a challenge for teenagers with ADHD, and how can parents support them without the process turning into a battle?

In this episode of the All Aboard ADHD podcast, Claire is joined by Sarah Kennett, an ADHD coach, former head of science, and founder of Science Cafe. Sarah brings a unique dual perspective to this conversation: professional expertise as a long-term educator and lived experience of someone who was once the teen who couldn’t revise.

Together, Sarah and Claire unpack what’s going on for ADHD brains during exam season and offer parents practical, neuro-affirming strategies that they can put into place with their teens.

Claire and Sarah discuss the common pitfalls of traditional study methods and why "just sitting down and reading" is often a recipe for shutdown, rather than success. They discuss:

• Executive functioning overload and why revision can be a "perfect storm" for ADHD brains, requiring planning, prioritising, and memory all at once

• The ADHD "Sticky Note" Memory and how ADHD students often lose information "mid-process" during an exam due to working memory challenges

• The difference between activation and motivation, understanding that struggling to start is rarely about not caring, but often a challenge with task initiation

• How to use dopamine as a study tool, for example providing quick wins and interest-led learning, which can fuel the brain’s reward system

• Incorporating movement and the power of "human photocopying," standing desks, and audio revision for kids who think better when they’re active

• How to create a retrieval practice by revisiting information "little and often" which helps teens build long-term confidence and resilience

• Understanding the decompression gap - why jumping straight into revision after school can lead to burnout and how to prioritise nervous system regulation first

Whether your teenager is approaching their mocks, or you're planning ahead for GCSE season, this episode is packed with validation and creative tools to help your child show what they know without the mountain of stress.

Further resources and links:

• Learn more about Sarah Kennett: https://www.science-cafe.co.uk/

• Download Sarah’s Free Revision Guide: https://www.freeguide.sciencecafe.co.uk/

• Follow Sarah on Instagram: @science_cafe_uk

• ADHD coaching and Resources from Claire: https://allaboardadhd.com

• Follow Claire on Instagram & TikTok: @allaboardADHD

The views shared in this episode are those of the guest, based on their professional expertise and personal experience. This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, educational, or psychological advice. Please consult a qualified professional for personalised support relevant to your individual circumstances.

What is the Neurodivergence Bill and how could it help ensure practical, everyday adjustments that actually help children learn and thrive at school?

In this episode of the All Aboard ADHD Podcast, Claire is joined by MP Adam Dance to discuss the Neurodivergence (Screening and Teacher Training) Bill, which attempts to bring earlier identification and better support for ADHD, dyslexia, autism and other neurodivergent conditions into primary schools. Adam is the Liberal Democrat MP for Yeovil. He has ADHD and dyslexia himself, and his personal story deeply informs his campaign.

Claire and Adam discuss:

• How children continue to face stigma and bullying due to differences such as ADHD and why early universal screening will ensure they can access the right understanding and support at the right time

• How misunderstood children can internalise being “naughty” and disengage from learning, plus the potential impact of this on their longer-term life outcomes

• Adam’s personal experience being diagnosed with ADHD and why he’s so passionate about driving this bill forward

• The core elements of the Neurodivergence (Screening and Teacher Training) Bill including universal primary‑age screening, continuous SEN training for teachers, plus how classroom teaching can be adapted to better support children with additional needs

• The stark wealth gap that exists in access to diagnosis and support, and how universal screening could act as as a way to level the playing field

• The challenges of systemic underfunding, plus the need for a 10‑year SEND plan to address the current crisis which as Adam describes “shouldn't be political at all.”

• A message of hope and validation to parents supporting their neurodivergent children, reassuring them that their voices are being heard

This episode is a reassuring reminder to parents fighting for the right support for their children, that longer-term change is in motion and change is possible.

Please note Adam was in his busy parliamentary office when this episode was recorded, so you may hear some background noise as a result.

Further resources and links

Learn more about Adam and his work: https://www.libdems.org.uk/mps/yeovil

To read the Neurodivergence (Screening and Teacher Training) Bill: https://bills.parliament.uk/bills/4017

To order a copy of the book Unstoppable by Design which features chapters on both Adam and Claire’s ADHD stories: https://amzn.to/4qa0t2n

ADHD coaching and resources from Claire:https://allaboardadhd.com

Follow Claire on Instagram & TikTok:@allaboardADHD

The views shared in this episode are those of the guest, based on their professional expertise and personal experience. This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, educational, or psychological advice. Please consult a qualified professional for personalised support relevant to your individual circumstances.