From school avoidance to food anxieties: navigating neurodiverse parentingFrom school avoidance to food anxieties: navigating neurodiverse parenting
All In The Mind
Long before Sarah's daughter Chloe Hayden became an award-winning actress starring in Netflix's Heartbreak High, she was a kid facing immense struggles. Chloe was sensitive to smells, lights and foods; she had no friends; she hated school. Sarah never suspected Chloe was autistic, but that’s only because her idea of what autism looked like came from the film Rain Man. Sarah is now a social worker and equine assisted therapist, working with neurodiverse families. In this episode, Sarah shares her family’s story, her advice for parents navigating school refusal and food aversion – and the shock of getting her own surprise ADHD diagnosis later in life. You can catch up on more episodes of the All in the Mind podcast with journalist and presenter Sana Qadar, exploring the psychology of topics like stress, memory, communication and relationships on the ABC Listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts. Guest: Sarah Hayden Social worker Equine assisted therapist Author, Parenting Different Credits: Presenter/producer: Sana Qadar Producer: Rose Kerr Senior producer: James Bullen Sound engineer: Roi Huberman Support services: Butterfly Foundation Lifeline More information: Eating disorders and autism Anorexia Nervosa and Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review Autism spectrum disorder and anorexia nervosa: Investigating the behavioural and neurocognitive overlap Personal essay: "I was unseen, even to myself" Adolescents With Autism Spectrum Disorder and Anorexia Nervosa Comorbidity: Common Features and Treatment Possibilities With Cognitive Remediation Therapy and Oxytocin Disability advocates say NDIS changes disregard alternative therapy benefits Effects of Equine Therapy on Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder: a Systematic Review Equine-Assisted Therapy for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: a Comprehensive Literature Review Equine assisted activities and therapies in children with autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review and a meta-analysis Autism and Equine-Assisted Interventions: A Systematic Mapping Review Effects of Equine-Assisted Activities and Therapies for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Effectiveness of Equine-Assisted Activities and Therapies for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: An Update A Scoping Review of Equine-Assisted Therapies on the Mental Health and Well-Being of Autistic Children and Adolescents: Exploring the Possibilities
29:37•18 Oct 2025
Parenting Neurodiverse Kids: Lessons from Sarah Hayden
Episode Overview
- Understanding autism requires breaking down media stereotypes.
- Creating supportive school environments is crucial for neurodivergent children.
- Food aversions are common among autistic kids; patience is key.
- Equine-assisted therapy can offer unique benefits for autistic individuals.
- Success is about being healthy and happy, not fame or wealth.
“"Normal is a setting on a washing machine, not a setting for a human."”
What drives someone to seek a life without alcohol? In this episode of 'All In The Mind', listeners are treated to an emotional journey with Sarah Hayden, mother of award-winning actress Chloe Hayden. Before Chloe's rise to fame, she faced a challenging childhood marked by school avoidance and food anxieties. Sarah, now a social worker and equine-assisted therapist, shares her family's story and provides invaluable advice for parents supporting neurodivergent children.
With a touch of humour and honesty, Sarah recounts her initial misconceptions about autism, influenced by media portrayals like 'Rain Man'. The episode takes a deep dive into the struggles Chloe faced, from sensory sensitivities to social isolation, and the transformative impact of her autism diagnosis. Sarah's candid reflections reveal the guilt she felt for not recognising Chloe's needs sooner. Yet, through their journey, Sarah found strength and purpose in helping other families navigate similar challenges.
Listeners will gain insights into practical strategies for supporting autistic children, such as creating accommodating school environments and understanding food aversions. Sarah also discusses the therapeutic power of equine-assisted therapy, which has been a source of healing for many children, including Chloe. This episode is a heartfelt exploration of embracing differences and redefining success.
As Sarah eloquently puts it, "Normal is a setting on a washing machine, not a setting for a human." Whether you're a parent, educator, or simply curious about neurodiversity, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge and inspiration. How can we better support those who see the world differently?
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