From Autism Diagnosis to Advocate: Martin Slyngstad’s Journey Every Neurodivergent Parent Needs to Hear

If you’re raising a child with ADHD or autism and wondering what their future might look like—stop what you’re doing and hit play.

In this unforgettable episode of Chaos & Caffeine, host Danielle Kelly sits down with Martin Slyngstad—autism advocate, public speaker, Special Olympics gold medalist, co-author of Chatter Box: My Life with Autism, and founder of Spire Autism. Diagnosed at age five and now in early adulthood, Martin opens up about his journey navigating school, bullying, diagnosis, and self-advocacy—and how his mother’s support helped him thrive.

This episode is a must-listen for parents of neurodivergent kids who want to:

• Understand what autism feels like from the inside
• Learn how to empower and advocate for their children
• Hear real hope from someone who’s lived it

Whether you're new to this journey or years in, Martin’s story is packed with wisdom, inspiration, and hard truths that every ADHD and autism parent needs to hear.

👉 Learn more about Martin’s work at Spire Autism
👉 Grab his book Chatter Box for more lived experience and honest advice
👉 Listen to ND Support Pod with Martin & Dan

🔥 Resources Mentioned:

This Month’s Sponsor: Play Therapy Supply! They offer incredible products designed to support ADHD families, from sensory tools to therapeutic games that help kids thrive. Check out their fantastic selection at playtherapysupply.com!

👜 Product of the Week: Bonding Health is a comprehensive support platform designed specifically for parents navigating the challenges of raising children with ADHD. Recognizing that traditional treatments often focus solely on behavior or medication, Bonding Health emphasizes the crucial aspect of emotional regulation.

Parenting Simply by Adina Soclof — a gentle, doable intro to positive parenting with rave reviews from parents, bloggers, and experts alike. Check the show notes for the link and why I recommend it to every ADHD parent I coach.

Could Therapy be the Answer? TalkSpace —because let’s be real, even superheroes like you need a sidekick. Get connected with a licensed therapist and start feeling like the rockstar parent you are.

📧 Have questions or ideas for future episodes? Email us at [e-mail].

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