Imagine if you could follow your ambition without drowning in it – how much more fulfilling life would be? That’s what Pause Purpose Play is all about – finding balance over burnout by setting you free from needing to be perfect, so that you can take action and get started with what matters to you, instead of getting stuck in procrastination and holding yourself back with self-limiting beliefs your inner critic tells you. In this podcast, Michaela Thomas, Clinical Psychologist, Couples Therapist and founder of The Thomas Connection, shares bite-sized learning around psychology of performance, habits, self-confidence, stress, anxiety, perfectionism, parenthood and couples relationships. The podcast will mix solo episodes with guest interviews; diving deep into their professional zone of genius and learning about how they have found pause, purpose and play in their life and in their work. My new book, The Lasting Connection, is available now from all good bookshops.
Episodes
2 days ago
2 days ago
1hr 31 min
Have you ever looked at your child and thought, "They're incredibly bright... so why are they finding school, friendships or everyday life so hard?"
If so, this episode is for you.
I'm joined by Emma Hetherington, founder of Kind of Extraordinary, to unpack what it really means to be Twice Exceptional (2e) – when a child is both gifted and neurodivergent, such as ADHD, autism, dyslexia or another learning difference.
We talk about why these children are so often misunderstood, why their strengths can hide their struggles (and vice versa), and why so many bright neurodivergent children fall through the cracks.
As both clinicians and parents of twice exceptional children ourselves, this conversation is packed with practical examples, personal stories and plenty of reassurance that you're not imagining things.
In this episode we explore:
- What Twice Exceptional (2e) actually means
- How giftedness is also being differently wired, or neurodivergent
- Why gifted children can also have ADHD, autism or dyslexia as part of neurodivergence
- How bright children can mask their struggles at school
- Why schools sometimes miss both giftedness and neurodivergence
- The "spiky profile" that many 2e children have
- Perfectionism, anxiety and burnout in bright neurodivergent children
- Why 2e children ask "why?" about everything
- Parenting strategies that build connection instead of conflict
- How to better understand and advocate for your child
Whether you're parenting a gifted ADHD child, wondering if your autistic child is also highly able, or recognising parts of yourself in this conversation, I hope this episode helps you feel seen.
Resources & Links
✨ Join my free Nervous System Reset to help you move from overwhelm to calm (without having to sit still!): www.thethomasconnection.co.uk/reset .
Connect with Emma:
www.kindofextraordinary.co.uk
Instagram @kindofextraordinary
TikTok @emma_kindofextraordinary
💛 If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the podcast, leave a review and share it with another parent who needs to hear this conversation.
No comments yet. Be the first to say something!