Nell, a bestselling children's author-illustrator, brings her refreshing perspective on neurodiversity to this heartfelt conversation about parenting, creativity, and breaking generational cycles. After receiving her own ADHD and autism diagnoses as an adult, Nell transformed her experiences into groundbreaking children's books that explain neurodivergent traits through feelings rather than clinical terminology.
"I grew up just wanting to be able to focus... just wanting to be the potential that everyone supposedly could see in me," Nell shares, describing the self-loathing that drove her to create resources ensuring her own children wouldn't face the same struggles. Her series—including "My Brain is a Race Car," "My Body Has a Bubble," and "My Feelings Are Waves"—presents neurodiversity as simply different neurotypes rather than conditions needing fixing, connecting with children through emotional experiences rather than diagnostic criteria.
The conversation beautifully explores how both hosts navigate parenthood with neurodivergent brains, teaching their children self-advocacy skills they never received growing up. From explaining personal boundaries through "hard bubbles" to helping children recognize when they need mindful days, Nell demonstrates how her lived experience translates into practical parenting tools. There's raw honesty about body image, communication challenges in relationships, and the powerful ways children perceive beauty differently than adults programmed by societal expectations.
Most striking is their shared commitment to breaking cycles of "children should be seen and not heard" parenting they experienced, embracing instead a model where feelings are validated, needs are met without shame, and neurodivergent traits are celebrated rather than suppressed. Nell's creative approach—developed through her own journey from tattoo artist to acclaimed author—offers hope and practical wisdom for parents navigating similar paths.
Curious about Nell's books or approach? Find her neurodiversity-focused children's books at www.nellharris.com or check out her social channels where she generously shares readings and resources for aspiring creators.

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