Susie Verrill - My Parenting Story

Susie Verrill - My Parenting Story

From All Aboard ADHD by Claire Quigley Ward

May 15, 2026 · 41 min · Season 1 · Episode 61

About this episode

Susie Verrill shares her journey of raising a child with ADHD and autism, discussing the challenges and advocacy involved in navigating educational and healthcare systems.

What does it feel like to raise and advocate for a child with ADHD and autism, in systems that weren’t designed for them? In this episode of the All Aboard ADHD podcast, Claire is joined by Susie Verrill, Parenting and Lifestyle Influencer, writer, and mum of three. Susie shares her experience of raising a son with an AuDHD profile: from the early signs she noticed in preschool and the school’s dismissive response, to navigating the long NHS diagnostic process, adapting family life, and parenting in a way that works for her child, even when it doesn’t match other people’s expectations. They discuss: 🧩 Early Signs and Gut Instinct: emotional dysregulation in preschool, strong family “radar” for neurodiversity, and why the fact that “he has friends and makes eye contact” was enough for teachers to overlook him. 🏫 School Resistance and SENCO Support: the disappointment of being shut down by teachers, the harmful “just boy behaviour” narratives, and the turning point when Susie pushed for proper SENCO involvement. 🩺 Diagnosis Through the NHS: the long wait, “throwing everything at it” with practical supports, then how the diagnosis brought relief and validation, rather than shame…

People in this episode

Host: Claire Quigley Ward

Guest: Susie Verrill

Topics covered

  • parenting
  • ADHD
  • autism
  • diagnosis
  • family life
  • advocacy

Keywords

  • ADHD
  • autism
  • parenting
  • diagnosis
  • NHS
  • family
  • advocacy
  • SENCO
  • emotional dysregulation

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: NHS

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