This week, Mark is joined by Michelle Parton – a long-time Neuroshambles listener and parent of two neurodivergent children. They explore one of the more baffling challenges of raising our kids: why do so many of them flat-out refuse medical assistance?
From hiding lava lamp injuries to meltdown-inducing blood tests, Mark and Michelle swap tales of their kids’ iron-willed resistance to all forms of treatment – even when they’re clearly in pain, bleeding, or itching uncontrollably. Together, they explore the many reasons this might be happening – from sensory issues and PDA to past trauma, masking, and a fundamental lack of trust in strangers in latex gloves.
It’s funny, cathartic, at times heartbreaking – definitely one for anyone who’s ever tried (and failed) to administer Calpol to a deeply suspicious neurodifferent child.
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CHAPTER TIMESTAMPS (Estimated):
00:00 – Intro & Meet the Guest: Michelle Parton
03:00 – Topic of the Week: Refusing Medical Help
08:00 – Kids hiding injuries
13:00 – Dysregulation about the prospect of going to the doctor
17:30 – Trust issues with medical professionals
23:00 – Lyme disease and the unholy nightmare of blood tests
29:00 – Trying to administer medication
35:00 – The impact of sensory overwhelm: Plasters, creams & the taste of medication
42:00 – The added complication with PDA kids
47:00 – The role that masking might play
54:00 – How alexithymia and interoception can influence things
59:00 – The impact of past traumatic experiences
1:04:00 – The positives
1:06:00 – Neurodiversity Champions
1:10:00 – Tiny Epic Wins
1:14:00 – “What the Flip?” moments
1:18:00 – Wrap-Up & Where to Find Us
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LINKS TO STUFF WE MENTION IN THIS EPISODE:
Lyme Disease - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/lyme-disease/
Alexithymia - https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cg4ky5qgrlpo
Interoception - https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/professional-practice/interoception-wellbeing
Beyond Creative Education - https://www.beyondcreativeeducation.org.uk/
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CONTACT US
🌐 Website: www.neuroshambles.com
📧 Email: hello@neuroshambles.com
📸 Instagram: @neuroshambles
🎵 TikTok: @neuroshamblespod
📘 Facebook: Neuroshambles
🧵 Threads: @neuroshambles
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CREDITS
🎶 Theme music by Skilsel on Pixabay: pixabay.com
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