The SEND Parents Survival Guide

Coping with change can be tough for autistic and other neurodivergent kids, but with the right strategies you can calm the chaos. In this episode, we'll explore simple and effective ways to help neurodivergent children adapt to change, whether it's a new school, a move to a new home, or a change in routine. From social stories to school strategies, we'll cover a range of practical techniques that...

In a panic because you’ve not got the school you want for a child? If you are in a crisis over your child’s education, stop! You can sort this. I’m going to tell you how in three easy steps. Are you wondering if it's possible to appeal the school named in your child’s EHC plan? As a parent, it's essential to ensure your child gets a education suitable to their needs. In this video, we'll explore t...

Are you a SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) parent struggling to build a support network? You're not alone! Having a strong network of supporters can make all the difference in your journey. In this video, we'll show you how to build a supporter network SUPER FAST! From identifying potential supporters to building meaningful relationships, we'll cover it all. By the end of this vid...

In this eye-opening episode, we're shedding light on the often-overlooked issue of bullying affecting special needs kids. It's time to talk about the importance of inclusivity matters and community support in creating a safe environment for our children.  As we explore the world of disability advocacy and empowerment tools, we'll discuss the significance of understanding disabilities, bu...

Are you tired of feeling overwhelmed during the holiday season with autistic children? Managing Christmas chaos can be a daunting task, but with the right strategies, you can create a more enjoyable and stress-free experience for everyone involved. In this week’s episode, we'll share valuable tips and techniques to help you navigate the challenges of Christmas with autistic children, from coping w...

Are you tired of feeling like you're walking on eggshells around your child, never knowing when they'll explode in anger? As a parent, it's heartbreaking to see your child so upset and frustrated, but it's even more concerning when that anger is directed towards you. This week, we talk with Matt from Capa First Response to explore the help available if you are experiencing child on parent violence...

Today is a teaser of from my Patreon episode. If you like what you hear then visit patreon.com/SENDParentsSurvivalGuide to sign up and listen to the full episode. Is your child refusing to go to school? Are you feeling frustrated and unsure of what to do? In this episode, we'll explore the common reasons why kids resist going to school and provide you with practical tips and strategies. From ident...

The SEND education system is facing a crisis, and it's time to address the problems and find solutions. This week, we speak with education expert, Becky Brooks, from Adoption UK to delve into the issues plaguing the education sector and ways to reform the system. From better teacher training to policy changes, we'll discuss the steps needed to ensure that all students receive a quality education t...

Are you tired of feeling helpless when your child has a meltdown? Do you want to regain control and respond to these situations with confidence? In this video, we'll explore effective strategie Welcome to The SEND Parenting Survival Guide podcast, guiding you through the SEND parenting maze. My name is Esther Freeman, and I teach people the techniques and principals that helped my daughter go from...

Meltdowns are not tantrums. They are far more intense, go on longer, and happen at any age. They also can’t be stopped with the usual parenting tactics. In fact those tactics make them a lot worse. Join me as I take on the challenge of calming down the chaos of meltdowns and finding some peace in the madness Welcome to The SEND Parenting Survival Guide podcast, guiding you through the SEND parenti...

What most people have not woken up to yet is that traditional parenting techniques do not work with autistic kids. Except you parents – you know it because you are living with it. But perhaps you are completely lost about what else to do. In this week’s episode I’m going to give you the answer to that question. Welcome to The SEND Parenting Survival Guide podcast, guiding you through the SEND pare...

Picking the right secondary school is one of the most important decisions your will make for your child. This is their pathway to GCSEs, so getting it wrong can have a major impact on their future. If you throw special education needs into the mix, it gets even more high risk and complicated. The good news is that a few simple steps can greatly reduce that risk, and get the best school for your ch...

There is no getting away from it – going to the SEND Tribunal is super stressful. Many parents understandably back away because they don’t feel they can cope. But if you do that then your child is not going to get the support they need and deserve. In this week’s episode I am going to help you understand what to expect at Tribunal and how to prepare emotionally. Welcome to The SEND Parenting Survi...

Are you often being told you are letting your kids get away with it? Are you being given a lot of unsolicited parenting advice from friends and family. Maybe you are actually being blamed for your child’s behaviour by their school. Being special needs parent can be an incredibly lonely job. In this week’s episode I’m going to tackle the issue of parental isolation head on – so get listening becaus...

Whether it is a phone, tablet or gaming device, many modern parents battle endlessly with their child to reduce screen time. I’m here to tell you to stop. These battles are completely counter-productive and could create long term harm, especially if you have neurodivergent kids. I’ve got some better, relationships first techniques, which I want to share with you. Welcome to The SEND Parenting Surv...

If your child has started at a new school this September and your life has gone into meltdown, then this episode is going to be essential to you. My last episode was about helping a child transition back to school from the summer holidays, but I know if your child is going through a new transition phase (that’s education tech speak for moving up an education level) then there can be very specific...

Sending your kid back to school can sometimes feel like sending them to a war zone. And for some, their nervous system will react as strongly as if that were actually happening, because the brain of a child with PTSD from school is not. much different from the brain of a veteran with PTSD from war. But PTSD and other anxiety conditions are not permanent states, and there is a lot parents can do to...

Picking the wrong visitor attraction can turn your summer of memories into a summer of nightmares. And it is so easy to do when you have a special needs child, because so many attractions were not build with our kids in mind. To ease you into the summer, I’ve compiled a list of places you can trust to give an inclusive and accessible experience for your family. Welcome to The SEND Parenting Surviv...

If you think you just don’t have time for self care, I’m about to change all that. Word of warning, some of these mental health hacks might seem a little odd. All I ask is you keep listening, and give them a try. Welcome to The SEND Parenting Survival Guide podcast, guiding you through the SEND parenting maze. My name is Esther Freeman, and I teach people the techniques and principals that helped...

Are you one of those parents for whom summer fills with you with dread? The lack of routine and consistency sending your kids into a downwards spiral? With the school holidays fast approaching, I thought it would be a good moment to share some tips that will hopefully make your summer a little easier. Welcome to The SEND Parenting Survival Guide podcast, guiding you through the SEND parenting maze...

For generations, autism has been seen as a boy thing. which has come at a huge cost for girls. It’s estimated that twice as many girls may have autism than are currently diagnosed, but they are being missed because they are present differently. This gender bias in diagnosing has resulted in huge mental health issues for girls. So this week we are going to strip away the stereotypes and look at how...

I thought sleep issues were something you only had with newborns. When my daughter was six and still struggling, I realise how very wrong I was. Then I had a breakthrough, but it wasn’t with anything you read in those typical parenting books. Which makes sense, as I was not parenting a typical child. In this week’s episode I share some of the things I had success with. Welcome to The SEND Parentin...

An EHCP is only for the most severely disabled children. Your child is managing academically and will never get one. Have you ever been told this? Well it’s absolute BS and I am going to explain why. Welcome to The SEND Parenting Survival Guide podcast, guiding you through the SEND parenting maze. My name is Esther Freeman, and I teach people the techniques and principals that helped my daughter g...

Some say we are drugging a generation of children to make their behaviour more manageable for adults; while others say medication has changed their lives. What is the truth about medicating kids with ADHD, and what should you do? Welcome to The SEND Parenting Survival Guide podcast, guiding you through the SEND parenting maze. My name is Esther Freeman, and I teach people the techniques and princi...

From super nanny to the NHS, and probably your teachers at school, everyone will tell you that rewards and consequences are the way to manage your child’s behaviour. Yet have you ever noticed that they don’t actually work. So we are we still using them? Welcome to The SEND Parenting Survival Guide podcast, guiding you through the SEND parenting maze. My name is Esther Freeman, and I teach people t...