Quirky and Autistic Parenting Podcast

Following a post-14 programme model Samera and her parent co-host Celeste, an NHS transitions coordinator, outline independence skills parents should consider when their young person is moving into adulthood. From how to forge independence, travel skills,  and money management to options for supported living. Celeste and Samera also compare an Occupational Therapist's recommendations, of which hou...

When should you start preparing your young person for adulthood? Following a post-14 programme model, Samera and her parent co-host Celeste, an NHS transition coordinator,  discuss what health considerations parents should be discussing with their young person moving into adulthood. From writing health and communication passports, understanding the Mental Capacity Act, to consent and STIs.   All r...

Samera and her parent co-host Michelle, a primary school teacher, answer a listener's question ' Why does my son find the same transition going into school and even going to sleep everyday, so difficult? '  Transitions are a time or process of change and it is natural that change almost always brings uncertainty.  The hosts identify why autistic children may struggle with transitions and outline s...

As part of our  'pride not  prejudice' series we wanted to give a voice to a cohort who can often be missed when talking about autism. Samera interviewed Jude a mum of three, who described parenting her non verbal 22 year old son, Marky. Jude outlined the joys and challenges they have shared as a family and his route into supported living.  All references in the podcast are in this episode's trans...

  There is a Dynamic Support Register of people that are at risk of going into hospital if they do not get the right care and treatment in the community. Samera and her NHS colleague Les explain what parents should do if their child's mental or physical health is deteriorating.  Samera and Les, who are part of the independent panel, walk parents through care, education and treatment reviews [CETRs...

What are the additional barriers when autistic and from an ethnic minority?  Samera and Hayley discuss  report findings from  2014 onwards where no discernable change seems to have occurred. Their guest Michelle, a teacher, works collaboratively with her students in a resourced provision and also as a parent to her autistic teen Tyler.  All references in the podcast are in this episode's transcrip...

The 'ask Hayley episode'. Samera puts listeners' questions to our co-host and resident speech language therapist Hayley, whilst sampling regional cheeses.  Hayley explains what Total Communication is, Gestalt Language Processing and recounts her recent attendance at a summit by Carol Gray the founder of social stories.  There is a quick fire round and tips on how to communicate with autistic teens...

There are many reasons why a child is being looked after outside of their birth home.   In the third episode of 'pride not prejudice' f ive foster carers share their quirky family stories wanting to make a difference. Samera enjoyed a  frank discussion with the carers about the shape of their inclusive families.  Known for their clangers, expertly edited out, in this episode Samera and   Hayley  ...

Samera and   Hayley   discuss Pathological Demand Avoidance or as they prefer to call it Pervasive Drive for Autonomy.  Autism can be seen as a disability of trust and their guest Tom, a trainer from the PDA Society outlines the features of PDA, identifying demands and how to build trust. Tom also shares his difficulties in getting a diagnosis for his PDAer daughter. Hayley   brings her own vegeta...

Back for a second series titled 'Pride not Prejudice' with guest contributors, Samera is also creating regional foods for   Hayley , this episode it's vegetarian Betty's hotpot  [#CoronationStreet]. Samera and   Hayley   discuss the most common co–occurring conditions associated with autism and what layering of diagnoses means, from gastrointestinal and sleep issues to ADHD and dyslexia. Their fir...

Quirky and Autistic Parenting is back with a second series of the  funny audience–driven show for parents and autism professionals alike. Samera and Hayley, both parents to autistic children, answer your fundamental questions with guest contributors for this series 'Pride and Prejudice'.  If you are new to autism and parenting, Quirky and Autistic Parenting podcast is just for you. Episodes are pu...

As the 'mighty Bruce', starts broadcasting at Greatest Hits radio, a chance to relisten to  Samera 's interview with Ken Bruce about his autobiography, career and as a father to his non-speaking autistic son, Murray.  Hayley and  Samera  will also discuss Chris Packham's BBC programme ' inside our autistic minds ', which Ken and Murray also feature in. If you are new to autism and parenting, this...

Samera and Hayley discuss why mainstream schooling is not always the right choice, parents are not failing their children and why 'one size does not fit all in clothing or schooling'. The hosts outline what are unlawful exclusions and suggest alternative educational provisions for parents to consider. This episode also includes consequences of lockdown correspondence and some TV and book recommend...

Samera and Hayley discuss the current education model. What practices would help all children in and out of the classroom? Why do we need to give children homewor? And which triangle are you? (See the accompanying blog.) They also cover a brief history of SEND legislation, Samera's mastermind subject and ask what your children's favourite subject would be if they too were on Mastermind.   If you a...

Samera and Hayley interview an autistic blogger Vicki and her ex SENDCo mother Ann, now an autism parent trainer. Vicki explains the importance of psychosocial and emotional development as Ann shares personal stories of Vicki's adolescence. Listener's correspondence includes what parents consider their super parent characteristics. 'Ask a question and Samera and Hayley will find the answer!' If yo...

Samera and Hayley discuss what a girl wants, her diagnosis, acceptance, and support. The missed diagnosis and misdiagnosis of girls and the consequences including mental health are covered in this episode. Following on from Hayley's pre-diagnosis letter in episode 3, Samera and Hayley share listeners' tips to their pre-diagnosis selves. 'Ask a question and Samera and Hayley will find the answer!'...

Samera and Hayley interview two leading psychologists Jo and Christine about their evidence-based parenting programme 'Riding the Rapids.' The ten-week course is designed to help parents feel empowered to raise their autistic children. 'Ask a question and Samera and Hayley will find the answer!' If you are new to autism and parenting, the first series of the Quirky and Autistic Parenting podcast i...

There are a number of reasons why parents of autistic children are more under pressure than most. In this episode Samera and Hayley discuss why parents should consider self care and how to train your mind. The hosts share wellbeing strategies they personally use including 'star trek yoga' and 'embroidery summits'. From habit forming to resilience and beyond, this episode also includes some great c...

Whether family is related or chosen, in this episode we take a look into family types, roles and dynamics. Lots of listeners' questions will be answered! Do parenting styles matter and can you change yours? An autistic child's diagnosis can cause ripples in family life, be it marital, emotional or financial. How to be a dadvocate?  'Ask a question and Samera and Hayley will find the answer!'  All...

The emotional impact of a child's autism diagnosis can affect parents in many ways. Samera and Hayley discuss post diagnostic support and share listeners' correspondence on the matter. They outline the social model of disability and Hayley reads a personal powerful letter to her pre diagnosis self, Hayley of 2015. 'Ask a question and they will find the answer!' All references on the podcast are in...

Understanding autism has changed over time from the internal neuroscience definition to the external early development definition, and all points in between. Labelling a child is a personal parental choice, Samera and Hayley discuss the advantages and disadvantages. The diagnosis process, from who is responsible, to the diagnostic tools used and what to expect on assessment day are outlined in thi...

Samera and Hayley in their inaugural episode discuss the 'shape of family' and answer listeners' questions. How do I know if my child is autistic? What are the common signs of autism? What causes autism? What sensory needs should you look out for? Share your food photos and stories in Quirky & Autistic Parenting's food club. 'Ask a question and they will find the answer!' All references on the pod...

If you are new to autism and parenting, the first series of the Quirky and Autistic Parenting podcast is just for you. It's about 'the shape of family' and is a funny audience–driven show for parents and autism professionals alike! Samera and Hayley, both parents to autistic children, answer your fundamental questions over ten fortnightly episodes. If you are new to autism and parenting, the first...