The Threads of Life

#1 Parenthood, for all of us, from the moment you fall pregnant and finish classes on how to actually have a baby, has no manual, you have to just figure it out, from teething all the way through school, puberty young adults the works. Having a neurodiverse/autistic/sen/disabled child adds a whole other layer of intensity and concern. As a SEN parent it is isolating, confidence sapping and so drai...

#1 A roughly 30 minute episode discussing being nonverbal or nonspeaking and what Apraxia is. What it means to be nonverbal, why a child still might be ale to use actual words and say speech whilst still being termed nonverbal. What being nonverbal does not mean, motor control and the literal mind. Frustrations and how we help at home day to day on our journey with our fully competent, fascinating...

#1 A lighthearted episode to lift parents in particular's spirits after a long and no doubt tiring school summer holiday. Choosing humour over distress or anxiety or embarrassment and laughing not at our child but celebrating the joy of who he is and how genuinely unique, hilarious, sometimes downright weird some of the things he does and says are. They make us love him even more so here are some...

#1 An honest and real episode talking as a parent about the broad areas in which autistic individuals struggle in varying and often very stressing ways ie anxiety, medication, self injurious behaviours. Looking at the advice on cognition, behaviour parents have been given/told to do from the top down to the more current learning from the bottom up, that is from autistic people themselves and the k...

#1 An episode at times emotional, at times funny, on what it takes to plan and go on holiday with autistic children. Feeling the strain as parents of the too long school summer holidays especially for autistic children. Why it is so hard, routines and regulation, not feeling guilty & remembering our own childhood memories of the family unit on holiday no matter where or what type. What exactly...

#1 Personal stories, anecdotes and experiences as a parent of an autistic, nonverbal, adhd boy called Henry. Talking about whether or not it is true that one cannot say 'no' to an autistic child, why that might be and what we and you and others can do about it & how we can help autistic individuals with overwhelm, disappointment and getting used to boundaries. #2 N/A #3 0:00 Intro 1:05(long ve...

#1 This podcast is not about telling anyone what they should or shouldn't do, what is or isn't right & bombarding you who information leaving you feeling deflated, tired, not good enough. This podcast does not provide any answers it's a just a conversation with a friend on the sofa with a coffee in hand, someone who knows what you are living & does not judge. Something to resonate with and...

#1 A light hearted episode on understanding non verbal versus verbal autism & what it's like to have a child who does not use words to communicate. The language, as in words we all choose to use & why they are so important. Tips for those who do not know how to ask a parent of an autistic child about their child's autism & always assuming full competence. The challenges parents of non...

#1 A parent's take & advice on finding the right school for your autistic child. Helping to set expectations ie your child is probably going to change schools more than the usual once; timings and lengthy delays/waitlists; the fight to both prove your child's special educational needs and then getting those needs met. Types of autism Specialist schools, a description of the EHCP and beginning...

#1 Acknowledging that we all judge. The type of judgement autistic individuals & their parents receive being largely socially related ie for having different, odd, unusual mannerisms, language, movement, social interaction skills. What we as parents to autistic children want others to do about it. Actual examples so that others can know what it feels like, empathise properly and want to then t...

#1 From a parents perspective, what the symptoms & criteria for an autism diagnosis are & how one goes about that. Reactions & comfort knowing how hard it is not to panic. Your child is going to be ok, they are exactly who they are meant to be. #2 n/a #3 0:00 Intro 1:33 Nothing is wrong with your child. 9:20 The backpack! 12:01 Criteria 22:42 Tips for parents struggling at home #4 don'...

Trish O'Dwyer largely solo hosts 20-30 min fortnightly on Fridays episodes about life as a parent to an autistic nonverbal or non-speaking adhd boy called Henry. It will be story telling in a very real, honest, sometimes funny and sometimes quite raw way. Topics will be things like autism diagnosis and beginnings; judgement & how that feels; EHCP's; relationships; transitions; sleep deprivatio...

Being a parent is a journey. Parenting an autistic child, of any age, makes that journey one of discovery, fascination & wonder. The highs & lows, challenges & joys can be unique & intense. We parents tend to have very little free time & can feel both exhausted & isolated. Bringing you Friday fortnightly 20 minute episodes to resonate with, feel validated by, find useful &a...