Sue Larkey Podcast - Autism (ASD), ADHD, ODD and PDA education
Published by Sue Larkey
Education
Kids & Family
Education for Kids
Sue Larkey enlightens, and entertains with valuable insights into Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, ODD and PDA. Covering strategies from the Early Years to Teens Years and Beyond. Visit https://suelarkey.com.au/podcast-listing/ to get access to the books, downloads and extra information provided with each episode To learn more about teaching or understanding ASD please visit my websites below. https://suelarkey.com.au Join Sue as she shares simple yet effective tips, supports and strategies on a range of topics including social skills, communication and positive behaviour support. Sue Larkey is uniquely positioned within the education system having taught both as a primary school teacher and a special education teacher. She combines this practical experience with extensive research, having completed a Masters in Special Education and currently undertaking a Doctorate of Education, focusing on inclusive education. Sue is unashamedly passionate about her mission – to inspire parents and educators and teach them how to Make it a Success.
Join Sue for an upcoming Live Virtual Workshop where you will learn from Sue practical tips & strategies to make a difference. ✅ Masking: Girls mimic peers, appearing fine while exhausted inside. ✅ After-School Meltdowns: Held-in stress erupts at home, not school. ✅ Perfectionism: Small mistakes trigger distress; girls avoid asking help. ✅ Playground Fatigue: Breaks drain autistic girls rather than energise them. ✅ Diagnosis Timing: Earlier understanding eases the transition into high school. ✅ Teacher Signs: Watch anxiety, possessive friendships, and end-of-day unravelling. ✅ Special Interests: Share her passion to build calm and confidence. Read more about this podcast in the show notes found via the link below suelarkey.com.au/masking-meltdowns-neurodiverse-girls Join the Facebook group specifically for this podcast www.facebook.com/groups/suelarkeypodcastcommunity/ Join my Neurodiversity Network suelarkey.com.au/neurodiversity-network/ Follow my Instagram account for regular tips www.instagram.com/sue.larkey/ To learn more about teaching or understanding ASD, please visit my website below. elearning.suelarkey.com.au
Join Sue for an upcoming Live Virtual Workshop where you will learn from Sue practical tips & strategies to make a difference. ✅ Behavior: Reflects unmet needs, not choice. ✅ Mistakes: Fear of errors triggers refusals, meltdowns. ✅ Support: Change structure, not the child. ✅ Being First: Often signals safety, not defiance. ✅ Rewards: Praise completion, not finishing first. ✅ Peer Play: Neurotypical kids can include neurodivergent peers. ✅ Reframe: Ask what support is missing. Read more about this podcast in the show notes found via the link below suelarkey.com.au/behaviour-strategies-for-neurodiverse-students Join the Facebook group specifically for this podcast www.facebook.com/groups/suelarkeypodcastcommunity/ Join my Neurodiversity Network suelarkey.com.au/neurodiversity-network/ Follow my Instagram account for regular tips www.instagram.com/sue.larkey/ To learn more about teaching or understanding ASD, please visit my website below. elearning.suelarkey.com.au
Join Sue for an upcoming Live Virtual Workshop where you will learn from Sue practical tips & strategies to make a difference. ✅ Individual Needs: Every child needs different calming tools. ✅ Teach Usage: Model and practice breaks when calm. ✅ Energy Breaks: Some kids need high-energy activities instead. ✅ Sensory Tools: Weighted blankets, fidgets, and body socks help. ✅ Space Setup: Avoid overload; keep areas simple, tailored. ✅ Non-Verbal Requests: Use tokens or cards to avoid talking. ✅ Returning Routine: Teach timed check-ins to exit calmly. Read more about this podcast in the show notes found via the link below suelarkey.com.au/sensory-tools-emotional-regulation Join the Facebook group specifically for this podcast www.facebook.com/groups/suelarkeypodcastcommunity/ Join my Neurodiversity Network suelarkey.com.au/neurodiversity-network/ Follow my Instagram account for regular tips www.instagram.com/sue.larkey/ To learn more about teaching or understanding ASD, please visit my website below. elearning.suelarkey.com.au
Join Sue for an upcoming Live Virtual Workshop where you will learn from Sue practical tips & strategies to make a difference. ✅ PDA Definition: Drive for autonomy, not pathological demand avoidance. ✅ Demand Types: Internal and external demands create cumulative pressure. ✅ Boiling Kettle: Anxiety builds quietly, small triggers cause big crises. ✅ Crisis Recovery: Children need time and space after overwhelm. ✅ School Environment: Flexible schools with strong relationships make huge difference. ✅ Safe Relationships: Authentic connections reduce anxiety and increase coping. ✅ Perfectionism: Self-sabotage maintains autonomy when fear of failure exists. Read more about this podcast in the show notes found via the link below suelarkey.com.au/pathological-demand-avoidance-in-the-classroom Join the Facebook group specifically for this podcast www.facebook.com/groups/suelarkeypodcastcommunity/ Join my Neurodiversity Network suelarkey.com.au/neurodiversity-network/ Follow my Instagram account for regular tips www.instagram.com/sue.larkey/ To learn more about teaching or understanding ASD, please visit my website below. elearning.suelarkey.com.au
Join Sue for an upcoming Live Virtual Workshop where you will learn from Sue practical tips & strategies to make a difference. ✅ Handwriting: Complex skill involving pencil grip and eye tracking simultaneously. ✅ Dysgraphia: Child knows what to write but cannot execute. ✅ Fine Motor: Spinning tops and squeeze balls strengthen children's grip. ✅ Accommodations: Pencil grips, shorter pencils, and color choice support students. ✅ Short Breaks: Alternate five minutes writing with gross motor activity. ✅ Visual Supports: Use topic sentences and mind mapping for structure. ✅ Whole Body: Posture, core strength, and eye tracking matter profoundly. Read more about this podcast in the show notes found via the link below suelarkey.com.au/handwriting-strategies-neurodiverse-learners Join the Facebook group specifically for this podcast www.facebook.com/groups/suelarkeypodcastcommunity/ Join my Neurodiversity Network suelarkey.com.au/neurodiversity-network/ Follow my Instagram account for regular tips www.instagram.com/sue.larkey/ To learn more about teaching or understanding ASD, please visit my website below. elearning.suelarkey.com.au
Join Sue for an upcoming Live Virtual Workshop where you will learn from Sue practical tips & strategies to make a difference. ✅ OCD vs Autism: autism celebrates identity, OCD only causes distress. ✅ Real Event OCD: invents false narratives around dim memories. ✅ The OCD Cycle: obsession, anxiety, compulsion, relief, then repeat. ✅ Breaking Compulsions: not doing them weakens the entire cycle. ✅ Compulsions vs Rituals: compulsions fear-based, rituals come from joy. ✅ Repetition Source: joy means encourage, fear means co-regulate. ✅ Living Around OCD: continue normal life despite intrusive thoughts. Read more about this podcast in the show notes found via the link below suelarkey.com.au/ocd-autism-classroom-strategies Join the Facebook group specifically for this podcast www.facebook.com/groups/suelarkeypodcastcommunity/ Join my Neurodiversity Network suelarkey.com.au/neurodiversity-network/ Follow my Instagram account for regular tips www.instagram.com/sue.larkey/ To learn more about teaching or understanding ASD, please visit my website below. elearning.suelarkey.com.au
Join Sue for an upcoming Live Virtual Workshop where you will learn from Sue practical tips & strategies to make a difference. ✅ Core Understanding: Perfectionism in neurodivergent kids stems from anxiety, not standards. ✅ ADHD Perfectionism: Won't start, gives up quickly, fears failure intensely. ✅ ODD Perfectionism: Refusal and arguing mask deep vulnerability and control needs. ✅ PDA Perfectionism: Loss of control drives anxiety-driven demand avoidance. ✅ Autism Perfectionism: Rigidity and repetition needed for predictability and rightness. ✅ OCD Perfectionism: Checking behaviors prevent feared catastrophes from happening. ✅ Key Strategy: Tailor support by understanding each diagnosis's underlying drivers. Read more about this podcast in the show notes found via the link below suelarkey.com.au/perfectionism-in-neurodiverse-children Join the Facebook group specifically for this podcast www.facebook.com/groups/suelarkeypodcastcommunity/ Join my Neurodiversity Network suelarkey.com.au/neurodiversity-network/ Follow my Instagram account for regular tips www.instagram.com/sue.larkey/ To learn more about teaching or understanding ASD, please visit my website below. elearning.suelarkey.com.au
Join Sue for an upcoming Live Virtual Workshop where you will learn from Sue practical tips & strategies to make a difference. ✅ Emotional Regulation: Teach children to recognize and manage their emotions daily. ✅ Device Dependency: Screens prevent kids from learning to regulate emotions naturally. ✅ Developmental Gap: Kids with autism/ADHD are three years behind developmentally. ✅ Replace Behavior: Behavior serves a purpose; you can only replace it. ✅ Meltdown Stages: Understand buildup, survival, and meltdown/shutdown phases to intervene. ✅ Executive Function: Emotional control is a muscle requiring consistent practice. ✅ Whole-Class Approach: Teach emotional regulation to all children, not just struggling ones. Read more about this podcast in the show notes found via the link below suelarkey.com.au/teaching-emotional-regulation-children Join the Facebook group specifically for this podcast www.facebook.com/groups/suelarkeypodcastcommunity/ Join my Neurodiversity Network suelarkey.com.au/neurodiversity-network/ Follow my Instagram account for regular tips www.instagram.com/sue.larkey/ To learn more about teaching or understanding ASD, please visit my website below. elearning.suelarkey.com.au
Join Sue for an upcoming Live Virtual Workshop where you will learn from Sue practical tips & strategies to make a difference. In this episode, we will discuss: ✅ Medication Discovery: Different medications affect each child uniquely and require trial. ✅ Documentation Practice: Keep diary or voice memos tracking behavior and dosage changes. ✅ Team Approach: Collaborate with parents, teachers, and doctors for best outcomes. ✅ School Impact: Right medication enables children to concentrate and access therapies. ✅ Parental Alignment: Partners may need education to understand medication benefits clearly. ✅ Child's Voice: Listen to child's experiences and observations about medication effects. ✅ Transition Monitoring: Growth, hormones, and school changes require ongoing medication adjustment. Read more about this podcast in the show notes found via the link below suelarkey.com.au/neurodiverse-and-medication-strategies Join the Facebook group specifically for this podcast www.facebook.com/groups/suelarkeypodcastcommunity/ Join my Neurodiversity Network suelarkey.com.au/neurodiversity-network/ Follow my Instagram account for regular tips www.instagram.com/sue.larkey/ To learn more about teaching or understanding ASD, please visit my website below. elearning.suelarkey.com.au
Join Sue for an upcoming Live Virtual Workshop where you will learn from Sue practical tips & strategies to make a difference. In this episode, we will discuss: ✅ Staff Training: Workshops help preschools engage neurodiverse children effectively. ✅ Teaching Methods: Direct, engineered, and incidental strategies adapt learning. ✅ Backward Chaining: Children succeed by completing only the final step. ✅ Visuals & Communication: Picture exchange supports nonverbal and limited-speech children. ✅ Now-Next-Later: Visual schedules clarify activities and reduce child anxiety. ✅ Self-Regulation: Preventative breaks, sensory tools, and calm moments help. ✅ Toilet Training: Use routine timing, not waiting for readiness. Read more about this podcast in the show notes found via the link below suelarkey.com.au/early-childhood-classroom-strategies Join the Facebook group specifically for this podcast www.facebook.com/groups/suelarkeypodcastcommunity/ Join my Neurodiversity Network suelarkey.com.au/neurodiversity-network/ Follow my Instagram account for regular tips www.instagram.com/sue.larkey/ To learn more about teaching or understanding ASD, please visit my website below. elearning.suelarkey.com.au
Join Sue for an upcoming Live Virtual Workshop where you will learn from Sue practical tips & strategies to make a difference. In this episode, we will discuss: ✅ Timers and Schedules: Visual tools reduce anxiety and support transitions. ✅ Red Beast Workbook: Teaches anger regulation using dimmer switch concept. ✅ Emotion Picture Books: Help children identify and manage feelings. ✅ Self-Control Resources: Lauren Bruner books support regulation and writing. ✅ Sensory Tools: Tokens, morphs, and timers aid regulation. ✅ PDA Understanding: Books explain pathological demand avoidance effectively. ✅ Girls Neurodiversity: Resources help girls understand ADHD and autism. Read more about this podcast in the show notes found via the link below suelarkey.com.au/audhd-classroom-support-strategies Join the Facebook group specifically for this podcast www.facebook.com/groups/suelarkeypodcastcommunity/ Join my Neurodiversity Network suelarkey.com.au/neurodiversity-network/ Follow my Instagram account for regular tips www.instagram.com/sue.larkey/ To learn more about teaching or understanding ASD, please visit my website below. elearning.suelarkey.com.au
Join Sue for an upcoming Live Virtual Workshop where you will learn from Sue practical tips & strategies to make a difference. In this episode, we will discuss: ✅ AuDHD: Autism and ADHD diagnosed together in same person. ✅ RSD: 98% with ADHD experience hypersensitivity to negative feedback. ✅ Prevalence: 50-70% of autistic people also have ADHD. ✅ Contradictions: AuDHD students need routine some days, variety others. ✅ Sensory: Often overlooked in ADHD but highly impactful. ✅ Strategies: Use visuals, kinesthetic learning, movement breaks consistently. ✅ Management: Label emotions and take thoughts to court. Read more about this podcast in the show notes found via the link below suelarkey.com.au/audhd-classroom-support-strategies Join the Facebook group specifically for this podcast www.facebook.com/groups/suelarkeypodcastcommunity/ Join my Neurodiversity Network suelarkey.com.au/neurodiversity-network/ Follow my Instagram account for regular tips www.instagram.com/sue.larkey/ To learn more about teaching or understanding ASD, please visit my website below. elearning.suelarkey.com.au
Join Sue for an upcoming Live Virtual Workshop where you will learn from Sue practical tips & strategies to make a difference. In this episode, we will discuss: ✅ Masking: Girls mask autism symptoms making diagnosis difficult for teachers. ✅ Shutdowns: Shutdowns show quiet withdrawal meltdowns show overt emotional distress. ✅ Indicators: Watch for perfectionism anxiety comprehension gaps and excessive helpfulness. ✅ Communication: Parent teacher trust and communication identify masked symptoms effectively. ✅ Accommodations: Universal classroom accommodations help all students including masked neurodivergent children. ✅ Awareness: Diagnosis helps individuals understand how their brain works differently. ✅ Resources: Library books on neurodiversity help children self identify autism ADHD. Read more about this podcast in the show notes found via the link below suelarkey.com.au/audhd-girls-classroom-support Join the Facebook group specifically for this podcast www.facebook.com/groups/suelarkeypodcastcommunity/ Join my Neurodiversity Network suelarkey.com.au/neurodiversity-network/ Follow my Instagram account for regular tips www.instagram.com/sue.larkey/ To learn more about teaching or understanding ASD, please visit my website below. elearning.suelarkey.com.au
Join Sue for an upcoming Live Virtual Workshop where you will learn from Sue practical tips & strategies to make a difference. In this episode, we will discuss: ✅ Five Key Strategies: Calm, time, space, communication, distraction deescalate meltdowns. ✅ Meltdown Type: Overwhelming loss of control, different from a tantrum. ✅ Prevention Strategies: Routines, visuals, timers, quiet spaces reduce meltdown occurrence. ✅ During Peak Meltdown: Treat like seizure—remove bystanders, ensure safety. ✅ After Meltdown: Move forward, avoid dwelling, focus on prevention strategies. ✅ Communication Method: Use "now, next, later" instead of saying "no." ✅ Self-Regulation: Teach emotional literacy so students manage their own emotions. Read more about this podcast in the show notes found via the link below suelarkey.com.au/de-escalation-strategies-for-meltdowns Join the Facebook group specifically for this podcast www.facebook.com/groups/suelarkeypodcastcommunity/ Join my Neurodiversity Network suelarkey.com.au/neurodiversity-network/ Follow my Instagram account for regular tips www.instagram.com/sue.larkey/ To learn more about teaching or understanding ASD, please visit my website below. elearning.suelarkey.com.au
Join Sue for an upcoming Live Virtual Workshop where you will learn from Sue practical tips & strategies to make a difference. In this episode, we will discuss: ✅ PDA vs ODD: PDA is autism-based; ODD recognizes authority. ✅ Authenticity Essential: PDA individuals instantly detect false or inauthentic behavior. ✅ Real Choices: Offer exactly two options, never open-ended. ✅ Structure Plus Autonomy: Combine routine with freedom like holidays. ✅ Shared Demands: Working together halves perceived anxiety and demands. ✅ Fresh Daily Starts: Each day deserves a clean slate. ✅ Emotional Honesty: Model feeling words and processing aloud. Read more about this podcast in the show notes found via the link below suelarkey.com.au/pda-odd-difference Join the Facebook group specifically for this podcast www.facebook.com/groups/suelarkeypodcastcommunity/ Join my Neurodiversity Network suelarkey.com.au/neurodiversity-network/ Follow my Instagram account for regular tips www.instagram.com/sue.larkey/ To learn more about teaching or understanding ASD, please visit my website below. elearning.suelarkey.com.au
Join Sue for an upcoming Live Virtual Workshop where you will learn from Sue practical tips & strategies to make a difference. In this episode, we will discuss: ✅ Choice-Making Complexity: requires problem-solving and understanding consequences. ✅ Anxiety-Problem Solving Link: higher anxiety lowers ability. ✅ Autism Strategies: offer two real choices always. ✅ PDA Approach: provide autonomy through indirect language. ✅ ADHD Support: time limits and visuals prevent overload. ✅ ODD Management: stay calm; avoid power struggle traps. ✅ Educational Outcome: define your goal before offering choices. Read more about this podcast in the show notes found via the link below suelarkey.com.au/choice-making-neurodiversity-classroom-strategies Join the Facebook group specifically for this podcast www.facebook.com/groups/suelarkeypodcastcommunity/ Join my Neurodiversity Network suelarkey.com.au/neurodiversity-network/ Follow my Instagram account for regular tips www.instagram.com/sue.larkey/ To learn more about teaching or understanding ASD, please visit my website below. elearning.suelarkey.com.au
Join Sue for an upcoming Live Virtual Workshop where you will learn from Sue practical tips & strategies to make a difference. In this episode, we will discuss: ✅ Executive Functioning: Brain's admin team managing planning, organizing, deadlines, emotions. ✅ Autistic Inertia: Difficulty shifting gears from rest to action or stopping. ✅ Environment Over Child: Modify structure, not the child—autism plus environment equals outcome. ✅ Neurological vs Behavioral: Executive functioning issues are can't-do, not lazy won't-do. ✅ Object Permanence Anxiety: Out-of-sight tasks create persistent worry about completion. ✅ Understanding Changes Adults: Why matters more than what for changing practitioner approach. ✅ Neurotypical Privilege: Neurotypical brains process less information; world designed for them. Read more about this podcast in the show notes found via the link below suelarkey.com.au/executive-functioning-classroom-strategies Join the Facebook group specifically for this podcast www.facebook.com/groups/suelarkeypodcastcommunity/ Join my Neurodiversity Network suelarkey.com.au/neurodiversity-network/ Follow my Instagram account for regular tips www.instagram.com/sue.larkey/ To learn more about teaching or understanding ASD, please visit my website below. elearning.suelarkey.com.au
Join Sue for an upcoming Live Virtual Workshop where you will learn from Sue practical tips & strategies to make a difference. In this episode, we will discuss: ✅ Executive Functioning: air traffic controller managing stimuli and focus. ✅ Seven Components: emotional control, impulse, planning, organizing, task initiation. ✅ Practice: Executive functioning improves with consistent practice like muscles. ✅ Emotional Control: Children struggle with emotions and negative feedback. ✅ Task Initiation: Five-minute warnings and rewards help start tasks. ✅ Organization: Minimize distractions and keep items in one place. ✅ Working Memory: Break tasks into visual steps with routines. Read more about this podcast in the show notes found via the link below suelarkey.com.au/executive-functioning-as-strategies Join the Facebook group specifically for this podcast www.facebook.com/groups/suelarkeypodcastcommunity/ Join my Neurodiversity Network suelarkey.com.au/neurodiversity-network/ Follow my Instagram account for regular tips www.instagram.com/sue.larkey/ To learn more about teaching or understanding ASD, please visit my website below. elearning.suelarkey.com.au
Join Sue for an upcoming Live Virtual Workshop where you will learn from Sue practical tips & strategies to make a difference. In this episode, we will discuss: ✅ Meeting Tone: Be mindful of tone and choose comfortable environments. ✅ Positive Feedback: Always share four positives for every negative. ✅ Collaborative Approach: Work together with parents, don't be adversarial. ✅ Gather Evidence: Keep detailed behavioral notes with dates and examples. ✅ Professional Boundaries: Never diagnose or recommend medication as teacher. ✅ Documentation Trail: Email meeting summaries, next steps, and follow-ups. ✅ Red Flags: Monitor social, emotional, and academic development areas. Read more about this podcast in the show notes found via the link below suelarkey.com.au/talking-to-parents-diagnosis Join the Facebook group specifically for this podcast www.facebook.com/groups/suelarkeypodcastcommunity/ Join my Neurodiversity Network suelarkey.com.au/neurodiversity-network/ Follow my Instagram account for regular tips www.instagram.com/sue.larkey/ To learn more about teaching or understanding ASD, please visit my website below. elearning.suelarkey.com.au
Join Sue for an upcoming Live Virtual Workshop where you will learn from Sue practical tips & strategies to make a difference. In this episode, we will discuss: ✅ Diverse Learners: use multiple strategies for each child's individual needs. ✅ Ultimate Guide: 500+ strategies from early years through adult life. ✅ Meltdown Types: distinguish behavior, sensory, and tantrum for effective plans. ✅ Visual Timers: time timers show children remaining time visually. ✅ Whole-Class Approach: teach social skills with entire class for support. ✅ Girls Underdiagnosed: girls show different traits; need recognition and support. ✅ Metaphor Tools: red beast and similar books help normalize emotions. Read more about this podcast in the show notes found via the link below suelarkey.com.au/neurodiverse-student-support-tools Join the Facebook group specifically for this podcast www.facebook.com/groups/suelarkeypodcastcommunity/ Join my Neurodiversity Network suelarkey.com.au/neurodiversity-network/ Follow my Instagram account for regular tips www.instagram.com/sue.larkey/ To learn more about teaching or understanding ASD, please visit my website below. elearning.suelarkey.com.au
