SEND Parenting Podcast

Two mothers, both podcast hosts, both raising neurodivergent children in the UK, come together for an honest conversation about the realities that many parents never see coming. Dr. Olivia Kessel (SEND Parenting Podcast) and Greer Jones (The Unfinished Idea) share their raw, unfiltered experiences navigating a system that often feels designed to exclude rather than support. From the moment Greer&a...

Dr. Olivia Kessel explores the essential yet often overlooked topic of caregiver self-care with behavior analyst Eleanor Magri, revealing how nurturing ourselves is not selfish but necessary for effectively supporting our neurodivergent children. • Neurodiversity family specialist Eleanor Magri introduces the concept of holistic support that includes caring for the caregiver • Parents often feel g...

Ross Jones shares his profound journey of discovering his ADHD at age 36 and how this diagnosis transformed his understanding of himself, his relationships, and his approach to parenting his neurodivergent children. • Learning to recognize the difference between tasks you don't like versus tasks that are genuinely challenging for your neurodivergent brain • Navigating the complex emotions tha...

We dive deep into sensory processing difficulties in neurodivergent children with Julie Davis, an occupational therapy expert with over 35 years' experience and founder of Future Steps. This conversation explores how sensory processing shapes development, influences behavior, and impacts daily functioning in ways many parents might not recognize. • Understanding the difference between sensory...

This episode provides a deep dive into the raw and insightful journey of Jessica Whalley  as a neurodivergent parent navigating the complexities of raising her nonverbal autistic son. Jessica's personal revelations about her own diagnoses of autism and ADHD offer a profound perspective into the world of neurodiversity while providing support for other parents facing similar challenges. - Jess...

We offer a deep dive into the innovative EOTAS framework, highlighting its vital role in reshaping education for neurodiverse children. The episode sheds light on practical insights gathering from real success stories shared by Joanna Gibbs of Sensational Tutors, equipping parents with actionable strategies. • Exploring the significance of the EHCP in tailoring educational needs  • Insights into r...

In this episode, we explore the complexities of EOTAS (Education Otherwise Than At School) and its significance for neurodiverse families navigating alternative educational routes. We unpack critical questions about the legal framework, EHCP requirements, and strategies to empower parents in advocating for their children's needs.  • Definition of EOTAS and its importance within SEND • Rising...

The episode features an engaging discussion on how parenting a neurodivergent child can lead to insights about one's neurodiversity. Amy White shares her experiences with her son Jack's autism diagnosis and how that journey prompted her own self-exploration.  • Exploration of intergenerational neurodiversity in families  • Amy's journey from her son’s diagnosis to discovering her ow...

This episode addresses the critical transition girls face when moving from primary to secondary school, especially concerning the challenges of puberty and neurodiversity. Experts share insights on the importance of community support and the role of mothers in empowering their daughters as they navigate these pivotal years. • Discussion of the transition to secondary school  • Insights on neurodiv...

This episode focuses on the underdiagnosis of ADHD in women and girls, exploring the emotional impact this has on their mental health. Rosie Turner shares her journey from misdiagnosis to understanding her ADHD, highlighting the unique challenges faced by women's evolving symptoms and the importance of exercise and self-acceptance. • Examining how ADHD presents differently in girls compared t...

This episode focuses on the alarming rise in anxiety and other mental health issues among teenagers, especially neurodiverse youth and how parents can provide support. Alicia Drummond shares insights from her Wellbeing Hub initiative, discussing practical strategies for fostering emotional resilience and maintaining open communication. • Discussion on increasing mental health referrals among child...

Imagine preparing for a family gathering while navigating the intricate world of parenting a neurodiverse child. The noise, the chaos, and the unsolicited advice often threaten to overwhelm. Through this heartfelt episode, we promise to equip you with strategies to create a compassionate and supportive environment for your family. We are thrilled to welcome Lisa Chan, a dedicated pediatric occupat...

Unlock the secrets to helping teenagers overcome burnout with insights from Dr. Naomi Fisher and Eliza Fricker, authors of "The Teenager's Guide to Burnout." Our conversation dives deep into the pressures faced by today's teens, examining how academic demands and societal expectations contribute to chronic stress. We question the traditional education system's role in this...

This episode highlights the transformative power of Chicken Shed Theatre, a leader in inclusive theatre arts for 50 years. Susan shares her heartfelt journey as a mother of a neurodiverse child, while Charlotte delves into Chicken Shed's core mission to foster acceptance, understanding, and growth through artistic expression.  • The origins and history of Chicken Shed Theatre  • Personal stor...

What if you could transform the education system for neurodiverse children? Kelly Jarvis and Chrissa Wadlow from Sunshine Support are revolutionizing how we support neurodivergent children in schools. Kelly’s journey as an educator breathing new life into special educational needs and Chrissa’s relentless advocacy for her daughter form a compelling narrative of collaboration against systemic chall...

Dr Maryhan, a clinical psychologist and esteemed fellow podcaster, joins us to celebrate the 100th episode of the SEND Parenting Podcast. Have you ever wondered how to raise neurodiverse children within the UK education system without losing your mind? This milestone episode offers a treasure trove of insights as Dr. Maryhan shares wisdom from her upcoming book, "How Not to Screw Up Your Kids...

Ever wondered how to transform your parenting approach to better support neurodivergent children? Sarah Fisher, an adoptive mom and author of "Connective Parenting," joins us for our milestone 100th episode to share her insightful experiences. Sarah opens up about her journey with her son, revealing the remarkable impact of Non-Violent Resistance (NVR) techniques in managing challenging...

What if our education system could truly embrace individuality and foster genuine growth for every child? Join us for our 100th episode of the Send Parenting Podcast, featuring the astute Dr. Chris Bagley, who argues for revolutionary changes in how we perceive and implement education. Dr. Bagley, a educational psychologist and advocate for neurodiverse children, sheds light on the limitations of...

Episode 101 Unlock the secrets to nurturing neurodivergent minds with the wisdom of Lucinda Miller, founder and clinical lead of NatureDoc, as we celebrate our monumental 100th episode. Lucinda returns to discuss her groundbreaking book, "Brain Brilliance," a nutritional guide tailored for neurodivergent individuals. From her beloved Cherry Sleepy Smoothie to ingenious recipes like marga...

Episode 100 week long free event RSVP now to be part of this transformative event. What if there were ways to make the complex journey of parenting neurodiverse children a bit smoother? Join us for a week-long celebration of our 100th episode milestone on the Send Parenting Podcast, where we're offering just that. Dr Olivia Kessel, inspired by her own journey as a parent to a neurodivergent d...

Episode 99 Amanda Ashy's inspiring journey from television producer to a champion for neurodiverse children offers a unique perspective on parenting. Join us as Amanda, a clinical nutritionist, mindfulness expert, and yoga teacher, shares how she transformed her life and career to focus on family regulation, connection, and resilience. Get ready to uncover the profound impact of mindfulness a...

Click here for a link to sign up for the event . Hello, Neuro Nurturers, I am beyond excited to share this incredible milestone with you—the 100th episode of the SEND Parenting Podcast! 🎙 This journey has been one of connection, learning, and empowerment, and I could not have done it without you. Your stories, your resilience, and your love for your children have been the heart of everything we do...

Episode 98 Unlock the secrets of gestalt language processing as we sit down with Kathy Schilling, a leading speech and language therapist and the visionary behind the Speech Den. Cathy unravels the intricacies of this unique form of communication, especially prevalent among neurodiverse children, and how it contrasts with traditional language development. Dive into the world of echolalia, where ch...

Episode 97 Unlock the secrets of effective communication in neurodiverse families with invaluable insights from Dr. Kahn, a clinical psychologist and ADHD advocate. Discover how emotional regulation plays a pivotal role in shaping interactions between parents and children, and even between partners themselves. Dr. Kahn shares her personal journey with ADHD, diagnosed at the age of 33, and provides...

Episode 96 Award-winning neurodiverse director and producer Stephen Bailey joins us to share his compelling journey from history and law to the vibrant world of theater. Diagnosed with neurodivergence in his mid-20s, Stephen found his true calling in directing, creating powerful productions like "The Real Imagined History of the Elephant Man." As the artistic lead at Vital Exposure, a di...