Connected Dad: Supporting Fathers of Neurodivergent Children

In this episode, Dr. Inyang Takon talks with John Greenall, Consultant Community Paediatrician, coach, father of four and author of Connected Dad. Together they look at why dads can seem distant or reluctant during an autism or ADHD assessment, what is really going on underneath, and how parents and clinicians can bring dads back into the picture. In this episode you will learn: - Why dads often see their child's difficulties differently, and why that view still matters - What John means by "fatherhood is an identity before it's a performance" - John's three-step framework for dads: calm, confidence, connection - How to handle disagreements as parents: back each other publicly, talk it through privately - Why looking after your relationship as a couple is good for your child - The difference between being given advice and being coached to find your own answers - Practical ways clinicians can include dads before, during and after an assessment **ABOUT JOHN GREENALL**  John Greenall is a Consultant Community Paediatrician, author, coach and father of four, with over 20 years' experience working with children, young people and families. His clinical experience spans neonatal, acute and community paediatrics, with particular interests in neurodevelopment, behaviour, safeguarding and family stress. Alongside his clinical work, John writes and speaks about fatherhood, parenting and family life, particularly where neurodiversity and additional needs make family life more complex. His book, Connected Dad, helps fathers become calmer, more confident and more connected with their children. **TIMESTAMPS** 00:56 Introduction 01:58 Meet John Greenall 03:20 The dad who fainted: how Connected Dad began 06:28 When dads are missing from the clinic room 09:52 Fatherhood is an identity before it's a performance 12:13 Calm, confidence, connection 14:56 When parents disagree about what they are seeing 17:27 Looking after yourselves and your relationship 19:37 Coaching versus advice: you are the expert on your child 22:38 One or two questions clinicians can ask 24:10 Why dads are reluctant to ask for help 26:23 How clinicians can include dads in the assessment 30:08 John's book, Connected Dad 32:14 What's next: While You Wait 34:41 Where to find John 35:10 A message to dads: we do see you **RESOURCES MENTIONED** Connected Dad by John Greenall Are you a dad (or know a dad) who wants to make a difference but isn't always sure how? Rooted in real stories, clinical experience and evidence-based insight, 'Connected Dad' gives practical tools and a clear framework to help dads grow in confidence and strengthen their relationship with their child as they grow. Get the book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Connected-Dad-Becoming-Father-PublishU/dp/1917829906 Also mentioned: **While You Wait,** John's forthcoming co-authored book with Jessica Kingsley Publishers, for families waiting for an ADHD or autism assessment Dr. Takon's Waiting Well series for parents - find it on www.braindiverse.org CONNECT WITH JOHN GREENALL  Website: https://www.connected-dad.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjohngreenall/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tallmedic/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/john.greenall.357 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@johngreenall9461 Connected Dad on Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Connected-Dad-Becoming-Father-PublishU/dp/1917829906 Support the show **Resources & Connect with Dr. Inyang Takon:** (**NEW!): https://braindiverse.org**  A Resource Library of tools, tips, tutorials, Apps & Training for Parents, Teachers and Health Professionals Other links: Website: https://www.drtakon.com General Information for Parents and Teachers: https://www.school-doctor.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/inyang-takon-paeds/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/early\_interventionmatters/ Subscribe: https://neuropaeddoc.substack.com/ Read: https://braindiverse.substack.com/ Questions? Email: eim@drtakon.com Guest enquiries: podcast@drtakon.com