Swearing | Heidi Mavir
Show notes
Why do so many neurodivergent kids swear - loudly, creatively and often at the worst possible moment? Heidi Mavir returns for a lively and cathartic deep dive into swearing.
From F-bombs on the trampoline to grandparent-safe alternatives, they explore how language, context, and neurodivergent wiring all shape how (and why) our kids swear.
They explore the relationship between swearing and regulation, impulse control, PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance), sensory overload, and social context. Heidi shares her take on separating language from intent, and Mark talks about learning when it's best to simply look the other way.
Whether you’re a proudly sweary household or struggling to police your neurodivergent child's potty-mouth moments, this insightful autism parenting podcast episode is packed with nuance, honesty, and a surprising amount of empathy - even for those who hate bad language.
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CHAPTER TIMESTAMPS (Estimated):
00:00 - Welcome Back & Meet the Guest: Heidi Mavir
03:00 - School Turbulence, Burnout & Finding Your Flow
08:00 - Why Swearing Is This Week’s Topic
12:00 - What Is a Swear Word Anyway?
18:00 - Swearing, Context & Cultural Taboos
25:00 - Family Rules: “Nana Swears” vs “F-Bombs at Home”
33:00 - Parenting Through Swearing: Where Do You Draw the Line?
41:00 - PDA, Equalising Behaviour & Rage Rooms
50:00 - When the Swears Are Aimed at You
58:00 - Swearing as a Self-Regulation Strategy
1:03:00 - Should We Be Policing Swearing at All?
1:12:00 - Swearing and Impulse Control in ADHD
1:17:00 - Teaching Context Without Policing Expression
1:25:00 - Workarounds, Wordplay & Sweary Shenanigans
1:30:00 – Tiny Epic Wins
1:35:00 – What the Flip? Moments
1:40:00 - Wrap-Up & Where to Find Heidi
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LINKS TO STUFF WE MENTION IN THIS EPISODE:
- Heidi Mavir website - https://www.heidimavir.com/
- Heidi’s “Your child is not broken” book - https://amzn.eu/d/cjoih9W
- Eliza Fricker “Can’t not won’t” book - https://amzn.eu/d/91m7voc
- PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance) - https://www.pdasociety.org.uk/what-is-pda/
- “F*ck you I won’t do what you tell me”, song lyric by Rage Against The Machine - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bWXazVhlyxQ
Lindsay McGlone - https://www.instagram.com/rollinwithlindsay_/
- Reclaimed Means Business - https://lindsaymcglone.kartra.com/page/RMB2025
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CONTACT US
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📧 Email: [email protected]
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CREDITS
🎶 Theme music by Skilsel on Pixabay: pixabay.com