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 challenges. Together, they reveal their pioneering approaches that empower both families and educators in a landscape often fraught with obstacles.

Listeners will gain invaluable insights into navigating the complexities of Education, Health, and Care Plans (EHCPs) and the Individual Development Plan (IDP) system in Wales. These documents hold the key to ensuring the well-being of children with special educational needs, yet they come with their own set of challenges. Our new Welsh division is here to demystify these processes, providing parents with tools to assert their rights and advocate effectively for their children. We discuss the urgent need for transparency and accountability in local authorities, shining a light on the critical role of informed advocacy.

This episode also addresses the pressing issue of underfunding in special education and its impact on neurodivergent children, particularly those with autism and ADHD. From the financial strain of seeking appropriate educational environments to the systemic inefficiencies that misplace resources, we underscore the importance of collaboration and modernization in educational approaches.

Discover how building supportive communities, like our private Send Parenting WhatsApp group, can foster positive change and offer much-needed solidarity for families navigating these challenges. Join the conversation as we advocate for a reimagined education system that truly supports every child's learning journey.
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r 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." We tackle the intricate dance of parenting in a world where children are moulded by influences beyond our control, aiming to bolster resilience through the power of community support.

Traditional discipline methods often fail to equip children for real-world challenges. We promise a fresh perspective on parenting, focusing on replacing punitive measures with natural consequences. Learn how this approach fosters independent decision-making while nurturing a cooperative family environment. Dr Maryhan and I delve into practical examples, like making a bed, to illustrate how meaningful, value-aligned consequences can help cultivate responsibility in our children, turning their natural curiosity into a powerful tool for growth.

Parenting is undoubtedly a tough journey, but it's easier with self-care and a strong community. We explore personal strategies for managing stress, from the cathartic power of journaling to the refreshing benefits of outdoor activities. The "bucket" metaphor emerges as a shared language to gauge emotional capacity, emphasising the beauty in messy, imperfect parenting. This episode is a heartfelt nod to our collective journey with our supportive tribe, reminding us that every small victory is a stepping stone toward raising resilient, confident individuals. Tune in to discover how these insights can transform your parenting journey.

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 behaviors. Together, we unpack the importance of shifting our focus as parents from correcting our children's behaviors to understanding our own reactions, paving the way for more harmonious family dynamics.

Experience the power of parenting through connection and understanding as we explore how emotional regulation can lead to a calmer home environment. From personal stories of managing stress during menopause to handling holiday-induced challenges with neurodiverse children, this episode is packed with strategies for both parents and children to thrive. We emphasize the significance of reconnecting with our kids after conflicts, teaching them resilience and emotional management through lived experiences rather than mere words.

Our conversation touches on the evolving landscape of modern parenting, where emotional awareness takes center stage. Insights from our recent Connective Parenting conference underscore the benefits of a child-paced approach, allowing us to meet our children where they are and support their unique needs. We also delve into the challenges of gaining support from family and friends unfamiliar with this approach, sharing success stories that prove change is possible. Celebrate with us as we reflect on this journey and look forward to future discussions that promise continued growth and shared understanding within our Send Parenting community.

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 traditional schooling methods and the rise of home education as a viable alternative. Together, we unravel ways to tap into each child's unique potential, offering a fresh perspective on educational reform that champions inclusivity and the joy of learning.

In this landmark episode, we tackle the pressing issues faced by young learners navigating an education system that often shifts focus from intrinsic motivation to extrinsic pressures. Dr. Bagley dives deep into the consequences of this shift, such as marginalization and exclusion, urging for a reevaluation of what belonging and competence should look like in schools. We explore the empowering potential of alternative learning communities and democratic approaches, which prioritize student agency and redefine success beyond conventional metrics. It's a conversation that promises to challenge your views on what education should achieve.

With Dr. Bagley's insights, we explore the crucial role of consent and self-determination in education, advocating for systems that engage students on their terms. The pioneering work of States of Mind is highlighted as a beacon of hope, demonstrating the transformative impact of co-constructed learning experiences. This episode makes a compelling case for education systems that nurture a child’s autonomy and prepare them for the world they will inherit, sparking a necessary conversation about reimagining what it means to educate and empower the next generation.

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 margarita pizza waffles, Lucinda shares how nutritious meals can transform emotional regulation, anxiety, and sleep for children with conditions like ADHD, autism, and more.

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 daughter, welcomes a stellar lineup of experts ready to share insights and strategies tailored for the SEND community.

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 and somatics in nurturing behaviour patterns and resilience, as Amanda highlights the importance of understanding the whole body, including emotions and nutrition, for achieving well-being.

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 children’s repeated phrases hold profound meaning, serving as more than just mimicry.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.