Screen Time: Part 2 - The Downsides For Neurodivergent Kids | Hannah Woods - Neuroshambles

This week we're back with part two of a candid, deep dive into screen time. Last time we covered all the good stuff - the regulation, the social connection, the sense of mastery. This time, we're braving the darker side of the coin.

Mark is joined again by Hannah, mum to nine-year-old Henry (autistic, ADHD, PDA profile) and six-year-old Thea (suspected neurotypical). Together they work through the thornier aspects of neurodivergent parenting and screen time - addiction, in-game spending, safeguarding and parental controls. They also take an honest look at crushing guilt and the shame that often lies underneath it, as well as how to handle transitions off screens without descending into full-scale conflict.

For anyone trying to navigate neurodivergency parenting without a rulebook, this episode won't give you all the answers, but it will make you feel considerably less alone.

------------

CHAPTER TIMESTAMPS (ESTIMATED)

00:01:10 - Meet the Guest

00:02:34 - This Week's Topic: Screen Time - The Difficult Bits

00:03:48 - Screen Addiction, ADHD and the Dopamine Loop

00:16:12 - Managing Screen Time: Swapping One Dopamine Hit for Another

00:21:57 - In-Game Spending, Roblox and Robux

00:29:16 - Safeguarding and Online Safety

00:34:10 - Parental Controls: A Full-Time Job

00:46:52 - Are Screens Putting Our Kids Off Other Kinds of Play?

00:50:39 - Using Screens as a Tool for Transitions and Outings

00:56:38 - Getting Them Off Screens: Transition Strategies That (Sometimes) Work

01:01:45 - Parental Guilt, Shame and Societal Judgement

01:12:46 - It's Not All Rubbish

01:15:12 - Neurodiversity Champions

01:21:43 - Tiny Epic Wins

01:25:48 - What the Flip Moments

------------

LINKS TO STUFF WE MENTION IN THIS EPISODE

Neuroshambles Live, Brighton (23rd July 2026) - www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1988682312330/?discount=Neuroshamblers

Alternatively, search "Neuroshambles Live" on https://www.eventbrite.co.uk and use the access code “Neuroshamblers” for the discounted rate of £8 throughout May. After that, tickets go on general sale for £10.

Screen time: Part 1 episode - https://neuroshambles.com/episode/screen-time-part-1-the-benefits-for-neurodivergent-kids-hannah-woods

ADHD and dopamine - https://www.additudemag.com/brain-stimulation-and-adhd-cravings-dependency-and-regulation/

Roblox - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roblox

Grow a garden - https://growa-garden.io/

Apple parental controls - https://support.apple.com/en-gb/105121

Google parental controls - https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/15077835?hl=en

Microsoft parental controls - https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/microsoft-365/family-safety

Crunchyroll - https://www.crunchyroll.com/

Tech Smart Parenting book by Catherine Knibbs - https://amzn.eu/d/0iqIy0cv

Holidays Episode of Neuroshambles - https://neuroshambles.com/episode/holidays-dr-hildi-mitchell

Cards against humanity - https://amzn.eu/d/08Dn7YIt

Smartphone Free Childhood - https://www.smartphonefreechildhood.org/