Swimming | Hatty Ashdown

2025-07-09

In this episode of Neuroshambles, Mark is joined by returning guest Hatty Ashdown - not only a parent of a neurodivergent child, but also a brilliant comedian, writer and host of the Funny Mummies podcast. Together they dive into the deceptively simple but totally chaotic world of swimming. For children with autism, ADHD, PDA, and other forms of neurodivergency, swimming can be simultaneously a magical sensory experience and an absolute logistical nightmare. From the infuriating act of trying to get them to swim in the first place, to negotiating the changing room...

For children with autism, ADHD, PDA, and other forms of neurodivergency, swimming can be simultaneously a magical sensory experience and an absolute logistical nightmare. From the infuriating act of trying to get them to swim in the first place, to negotiating the changing room routine, navigating the lockers and dealing with their antics in the pool, Mark and Hatty share candid and hilarious tales of what it’s like to take your neuro-exceptional brood swimming - and why we keep doing it, despite the enormous faff.

⸻

CHAPTER TIMESTAMPS (Estimated):

00:00 - Intro & Meet the Guest: Hatty Ashdown
06:00 - Topic of the Week: Swimming
09:00 - Why do neurodivergent kids love swimming?
15:00 - The challenge of teaching neurodivergent kids to swim
30:30 - The massive faff of a swimming trip: Hatty's routine
37:00 - The massive faff of a swimming trip: Mark's routine
42:00 - The chaos of changing rooms
46:30 - The stress of the lockers
53:00 - Shenanigans in the pool
59:30 - Losing their goggles
1:04:00 - The Positives: the joy of swimming
1:08:00 - Neurodiversity champions
1:12:00 - Tiny epic wins
1:15:00 - What the Flip? Moments
1:20:00 - Wrap-Up and Where to Find Hatty

⸻

LINKS TO STUFF WE MENTION IN THIS EPISODE:

• Hatty Ashdown’s Website – https://hattyashdown.com/

• Funny Mummies Podcast: Basics – https://pod.link/1451332466

• Funny Mummies Podcast: VIP (Patreon) – https://www.patreon.com/FunnyMummiesPodcast

• Bella Ramsey (Neurodiversity Champion) – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bella_Ramsey

⸻

🌐 Website: www.neuroshambles.com

📧 Email: hello@neuroshambles.com

📸 Instagram: @neuroshambles

🎵 TikTok: @neuroshamblespod

📘 Facebook: Neuroshambles