Episodes — SEND Parenting

EP 97: Effective Communication and Emotional Regulation with Dr. Gilly Kahn

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 practical strategies for navigating familial tensions, particularly when one parent is hesitant about seeking an ADHD evaluation for their child.

Navigate the complex world of parenting within neurodiverse families and learn how to tackle the unique challenges that come with it. From understanding the dynamics when both or just one parent is neurodivergent, to the hurdles faced by single parents, particularly mothers, in advocating for their children, our conversation offers a deep dive into these intricacies. We also explore how neurodivergent individuals often find a more forgiving and supportive environment among each other, fostering stronger family bonds.

EP 96: Empowering Neurodivergent Artists: Accessibility and Inclusivity with Stephen Bailey (Copy)

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 disabled-led theater company, he is committed to pushing the boundaries of accessibility and inclusivity in the arts, offering a fresh perspective on how neurodivergent individuals can thrive creatively.

EP 95: Understand Your Genetics & Improve Your Nutrition with Dr. Jill Crowfoot of Renude Health

What if you could unlock the secrets of your DNA to enhance the well-being of your neurodiverse child? Join us for an enlightening conversation with Dr. Jill Crowfoot a seasoned GP and founder of Renude Health, as she shares her groundbreaking insights on personalized nutrition and genetic testing. She explains how understanding your genetic makeup can guide you in making tailored nutritional and lifestyle choices, particularly for neurodiverse children. We discuss the limitations of traditional medicine that often focus on symptoms rather than root causes, and how this innovative approach can shift the focus from treating illness to fostering proactive wellness.

EP 94: Challenging Traditional Parenting: Low Demand Strategies for Neurodivergent Children with Dr. Naomi Fisher and Eliza Fricker

What if traditional parenting methods are doing more harm than good? Join us as we welcome Dr. Naomi Fisher and Eliza Fricker, co-authors of the enlightening new book "When the Naughty Step Makes Things Worse," to challenge popular parenting wisdom. This episode promises a fresh perspective on raising neurodivergent children and the liberation that comes from understanding each child's unique needs. Naomi and Eliza share their personal journeys, illustrating how low demand parenting can transform pressure-filled homes into nurturing environments.

EP 93: AI and Assistive Tech: A New Era in Education

Discover how assistive technology is revolutionizing education for neurodiverse children with our special guest, Brian Friedlander. From his dual expertise as a school psychologist and assistive technology consultant, Brian shares his incredible journey and the transformative tools he's encountered along the way. Learn about the progression from rudimentary assistive devices to the cutting-edge technologies now available, and hear real-life stories of how these innovations are changing the educational landscape for students with dyslexia, dysgraphia, and other learning differences.

EP 92: How hormones affect neurodiversity with Dina Siman, founder of Menopause Pilates

Can hormonal changes during puberty and menopause amplify neurodivergent traits? Join us as we explore this compelling question with Dinah Siman, founder of Menopause Pilates. With over 26 years of experience in teaching pilates and other movement methods, Dinah shares her profound insights on how movement and proprioception can be game-changers for neurodivergent individuals.

We dive into the intricate connections between neurodiversity, hypermobility, inflammatory bowel disease, migraines, and asthma, providing a holistic understanding of health beyond traditional medicine’s segmented approach. We discuss how pilates benefits core stability and back pain and highlight the evolving perspective of menopause specialists advocating for comprehensive health approaches.

EP 91: Legal Help for SEND Parents with Alex Stafford of charity IPSEA

Ever wondered how to successfully navigate the challenging world of SEND education? Join me, Dr. Olivia Kessel, alongside Alex Stafford from IPSEA, the leading charity for SEND law in England, as we unpack essential strategies and legal know-how to empower parents. Alex shares her personal journey as a SEND parent, shedding light on the common hurdles and misinformation even professionals face. Learn how understanding your rights and leveraging IPSEA's robust resources and helplines can make a significant difference in securing the education your child deserves.

EP 90: Back-to-School Hacks for Neurodiverse Children

Ever wondered how to ease the back-to-school jitters for your neurodiverse child? Join us as we celebrate the 90th episode of the Send Parenting Podcast with a heartfelt and insightful conversation with my daughter, Alexandra. She opens up about her anxieties and excitements as she faces a new school year, sharing her personal experiences with transitioning from year seven to year eight and participating in activities like Lambda. Alexandra’s candid reflections offer a unique perspective on the challenges of meeting new students and teachers, and the hope for smoother transitions in the future.

Packed with practical advice, this episode is a treasure trove for parents looking to support their neurodiverse children through the back-to-school period. Learn about the benefits of creating a visual schedule, preparing the night before, and incorporating sensory tools to help your child self-regulate. We also touch on the importance of good sleep, nutrition, and having open lines of communication with both your child and their school. Whether you’re dealing with school refusal or just looking to make the transition smoother, our strategies aim to create a positive and supportive school experience for your family. Don’t miss out on these invaluable tips and insights that could make a world of difference for your child!

EP 89: Using AI to help neurodiverse children with Davey Jones from Open Genius

Unlock the tools to revolutionize neurodiverse education with our special guest, Davy Jones from OpenGenius. This episode unpacks how Ayoa, an AI-powered mind mapping, planning, and time management app, transforms the way neurodiverse individuals visualize projects, manage tasks, and collaborate. Listen as Davy reveals how Ayoa's features can break the barriers of linear thinking and boost dynamic problem-solving and decision-making.

EP 88: Self-Care Strategies For Parents with Dr Olivia Kessel

Meet the secret weapon that will transform your parenting journey, especially if you're raising neurodiverse children. Join Dr. Olivia Kessel as she shares invaluable insights on the absolute necessity of self-care, particularly during the high-stress holiday season. Drawing from personal anecdotes, Dr. Kessel explains how neglecting your own well-being can diminish your ability to effectively meet your child's needs. You'll walk away with practical tips for seamlessly integrating self-care into your daily routine, from prioritizing sleep to finding those precious small moments to recharge.

EP 87: Summer Sleep Struggles & Solutions with Dr. Olivia Kessel

Ever wondered why your neurodiverse child struggles with sleep, especially during the holidays? Join Dr. Olivia Kessel on this week's SEND Parenting Podcast as she unpacks the complexities behind sleep issues in children with ADHD and autism. Learn how regular exercise benefits focus into your child's daily routine and mental health by boosting neurotransmitter levels, and get tips on reducing screen time before bed.

EP 86: Managing emotional and physical outbursts during the summer holidays with Dr Olivia Kessel

How can the holiday season turn a joyous time into a period of heightened stress for neurodiverse children? Join me, Dr. Olivia Kessel, as I share my personal journey with my daughter Alexandra, who has ADHD, and uncover some of the reasons behind increased emotional and violent outbursts during the summer holidays. We will dive deep into the science behind these behaviors, focusing on understanding these developmental challenges with practical strategies to identify triggers, maintain safety and emphasising the necessity of staying calm to prevent escalation.le as possible for you and your children.

Ep 85: Summer Holidays - Easing The Transition

Imagine planning a dream vacation only to face the unexpected challenge of your child melting down due to the overwhelming changes. Join me, Dr. Olivia Kessel, on the SEND Parenting Podcast as I share my personal experiences with my wonderfully neurodivergent daughter, Alexandra, and break down why seemingly simple changes can feel so monumental for kids with ADHD, autism, and dyslexia.

In the first episode of our summer holidays series, I unpack the medical reasons behind these struggles, discussing everything from heightened sensitivity to sensory input to the strong preference for routine. Learn practical strategies to help your child navigate these transitions more smoothly, starting with the critical step of preparation. This episode is a quick lifesaver for making your holiday break as relaxing and enjoyable as possible for you and your children.

EP 84: Sheep Therapy - Bitesize Summaries

Tamsyn and Olivia are back this week with a bitesize recap of one of our most unexpected topics from episode 42 - sheep therapy?!

This week we cover the surprisingly profound and transformative power of sheep therapy from our episode with Emma Redman and Pippa Ashton of Ewe Talks. This episode also explores how unexpected breakthroughs in therapy can occur outside traditional settings and the importance of creative thinking and open-mindedness in addressing the unique needs of neurodiverse children or those who have experienced trauma.

EP 83: Empowering Technology - Bitesize Summaries

We are back this week with another (not so) bitesize episode, which means that we are joined once more by our fantastic bitesize co-host Tamsyn. This week we are throwing all the way back to episode 8 with Sally Greenhalgh, academic and digital lead of the Unicorn School, with whom we discussed how schools can better embrace technology to empower neurodiverse children in education.

EP 82: Dyspraxia Advocacy with Rosemary Richings

Have you ever wondered how dyspraxia affects day-to-day life from childhood into adulthood? Join us on this enlightening episode of the SEND Parenting Podcast, where we're excited to have Rosemary Richings, a talented writer and advocate, share her personal journey with dyspraxia, offering unique insights drawn from her book, "Stumbling Through Time." Together, we unpack the complexities of living with dyspraxia, its impact on daily activities, and how it intertwines with conditions like ADHD and autism.

Rosemary candidly shares personal anecdotes and discusses the ongoing challenges , from time management to misconceptions about "growing out" of dyspraxia to workplace self-advocacy, stressing the importance of educating others about the condition. With practical strategies for breaking down tasks and improving executive functioning, this episode is a valuable resource for anyone seeking to better understand and support those with dyspraxia, particularly for parents recognizing dyspraxia in children

This episode ends on a hopeful note, highlighting that with the right support, children with dyspraxia can achieve great things. Tune in for an episode filled with knowledge, compassion, and a message of perseverance.

EP 81: EHCP Implementation & School Choices with Jenny Hooper

So, you have an EHCP - now what? Join us this week as we continue our enlightening two-part conversation with Jenny Hooper, CEO of the Evolving Mind Clinic. Jenny uses her 39+ years of experience working in SEND education (both from a teaching and local authority perspective) to provide a comprehensive break down of anything and everything we may need to know about our EHCPs.

Tune in as we breakdown what each section of the EHCP document is for and how best to use it, red flags in EHCP language, negotiating school choices with your local authority, and legal requirements you might not know you are afforded.

This episode is truly a one-stop shop for empowering parents with the tools and knowledge they need to successfully navigate and use their EHCPs. We are so grateful to Jenny for lending her expertise and hope you find it as useful as we do!

EP 80: School support for SEND children with Jenny Hooper

Are you feeling lost, confused or unsure about getting an EHCP for your child? Join us this week on the Send Parenting Podcast as we welcome Jenny Hooper, CEO of the Evolving Mind Clinic, to share her 39 years of expertise in teaching and special education needs. Together, we cover the initial steps of identifying when your child requires additional assistance, the ins and outs of SEN support pre-EHCP, and strategies for obtaining an Educational Healthcare Plan (EHCP).

The system for obtaining EHCP's can be incredibly confusing and hard to navigate. In this episode, we deconstruct the whole system, explaining notional budgets for SEN needs and the complexities that schools are dealing with when it comes to student support funding. We demystify the role of local authorities, the significance of Individual Education Plans (IEPs), and the journey from SEND support to statutory assessments, with an emphasis on early intervention and parent-school collaboration.

Finally, we guide you through the EHCP assessment process from start to finish. Learn how to request an assessment, what to expect within the 20-week timeline, and tactics for overcoming challenges if your initial request is denied. This episode is packed with practical advice, empowering you to advocate effectively for your neurodivergent child. Tune in and prepare to navigate the UK education system with confidence.

Ep 79: ADHD Advocacy with Leanna Maskell

ADHD isn't just for hyperactive kids—Leanna Maskell's journey shows the broader spectrum. Diagnosed at 25, Leanna shares her struggles through school and the intense challenges she faced before and after her ADHD diagnosis. Her story is a powerful reminder of the misconceptions surrounding ADHD, and she illuminates the often-overlooked aspect of rejection-sensitive dysphoria. Leanna's experience calls for a deeper understanding and compassion for those navigating life with ADHD.

Ep 78: Neurodivergent Friendly Swimming with Nicole Martin

Teaching our children to swim is a vital part of preparing our children for the wider world, but for neurodivergent children it can be an uphill struggle. How can we make the world of water can be friendly and safe for children who don't fit the typical mould?

This week we are joined Nicole Martin from Core Aquatics who has dedicated her career to create and teach inclusive swimming programs that cater to neurodiverse children. We talk about how such initiatives can drastically reduce the worrying statistics of drowning in children with autism, what an autism-friendly swimming pool looks like, candid advice on easing kids into the water, overcoming fears, building confidence, and discovering joy.