In this podcast, we talk a lot about the hardships those with ADHD undergo - but what about those who have managed to harness the electric energy of hyperfocus and creativity? This week we have the privilege of hosting the incomparable British impressionist Rory Bremner, who provided an intimate view into his life post-ADHD diagnosis. 

We talk every angle of his journey with ADHD: from navigating the emotional rollercoaster that comes with a diagnosis as an adult, harnessing neurodiversity via comedy, giving yourself a break while keeping yourself accountable, and the personal decisions that go into taking medication or not.

We cap off this journey with heartfelt advice for parents raising children who march to the beat of their own hyperactive drum. Patience, love, and the right guidance are the cornerstones of supporting these vibrant minds. 

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Rounding out the holiday season we are releasing a final "Bitesize Summary" episode with Olivia and her guest co-host Tamsyn, this time revisiting episode 26 with Dr Maryhan. This episode was all about parenting advice, trusting your own instincts, and containing your child's emotional dysregulation. We underline the importance of self-care for parents, especially those with neurodiverse children, and connecting to your own gut instincts, as well as sharing changes in our own personal parenting journeys. 

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Ever wondered if neurodiversity might just be an evolutionary adaptation? This week we are diving into another "BiteSize Summary" episode as we revisit our enlightening conversation with Heidi Mavir, author of 'Your Child is Not Broken', from episode 13. Dr Kessel and her bitesize co-host Tamsyn discuss their favourite points from a wise and hilarious episode, including looking at the origins of neurodiversity, the blame of parenting in neurodiversity, and Dr Kessel and Tamsyn's everchanging parenting journeys.

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Happy Boxing Day! 

This is just a little festive message to say that you to all our listeners and to remind you that even if your holidays have been less than ideal, so often the unpredictable chaos of family gathers can lead to our most hilarious and treasured memories. 

Thank you so much for your support: the Send Parenting Podcast has grown into a thriving community of over 13,000 downloads and 2,000 online followers. I express my heartfelt gratitude to every listener, guest, and contributor for this beautiful growth. The journey ahead seems exciting and replete with fresh topics, solutions and expert insights. Amid the ups and downs of parenting and the challenges life throws our way, remember we are in this together, supporting each other in raising our wonderfully wired children.

Thank you for an unforgettable year, and here's to a hopeful and empowering 2024!

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This is an incredibly candid and honest episode in which they discuss the ways Dr Fisher's work has profoundly reshaped their own concepts of schooling and parenting. We talk about moments with our children we look back on with regret, changes we have made, illuminating the importance of self-direction, listening to our children's instincts, and getting rid of heavy expectations. 

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Have you ever stopped to consider that maybe our society discriminates against children? Together with gentle parenting expert Sarah Ockwell-Smith, we unpack this concept of childism and explore the urgent need for empathy, respect, and understanding in raising our children. 

We also talk all about the importance of changing the political as well as our personal behaviours if we want to elevate to change our parenting for the better. Sarah talks us through how neoliberalism is affecting parenting and the government's alarming tendency to prioritise the creation of efficient employees over children's welfare. We also talk about the importance of recognising children's legal rights, the outdated education system in England, and how to break harmful generational parenting cycles.

Last but not least, Sarah shares her son's journey with ADHD the challenges encountered, the societal pressures  faced, and the transformative power of empathy, structure, and an apology.

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You are about to embark on a journey to the heart of eSwatini (formerly Swaziland) with our extraordinary guests, Francis and Nqoubile to learn all about their dedication to improving lives some of the most impoverished areas of eSwatini. Despite the lack of resources and a struggling healthcare system, they continue to support disabled children, the elderly, and those who are hungry.

We talk about the varied nature of their work, doing what they must in lieu of a health system with resources: they even provide transport and wheelchairs, build houses, teach caring tips, and locate families for children who have been orphaned. We talk about the grim state of affairs in the work they do, but also the excellent work they do in helping the community towards self-sufficiency via the teaching of care giving at home, and linking orphans with the elderly of the community.

This episode is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and a call to action to lend a hand to those in need. Join us for this riveting conversation.

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Have you ever wondered why school detentions and exclusions are escalating in England while Scotland has managed to revamp its policies, significantly reducing such incidents? In this insightful conversation with Dr. Chris Bagley, an experienced psychologist in the education and youth justice sectors, we peel back the layers of the harmful ideologies shaping the uniquely punitive English education system.

Tune in as we decode the convoluted dynamics at play, discussing how an overemphasis on authority, data generation, and metrics are contributing to a rising trend of disciplinary school environments.  We also look at the affects of these oppressive behavior policies on students’ mental well-being and how our neurodiverse children are often particularly victimised. Through a comparison with the Scottish education system, we expose the need for England to change its values. Be prepared for an enlightening exploration of the English education system, its impact on the students it serves, and possible solutions for change. You don't want to miss this episode!

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Unmasking a tale of neurodiversity with Eliza Fricker. As an illustrator, author, co-author, and mother to a neurodivergent child, Eliza has a wealth of insights to share from her personal experiences. Prepare to be inspired by her stories, from the struggles she faced while masking her neurodivergence, to her empowering exploration of it.

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So what is it exactly that speech and language therapists do, and how can they help neurodiverse individuals? We're shining a light on it in our latest episode with the insightful Cathy Schilling, founder of the Speech Den. We promise that you'll come away with a newfound understanding and appreciation for the importance of tailored speech therapy in unlocking the potential of children with speech and language difficulties. 

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This week we are joined by Instagram’s beloved Garden Fairy, Anya Lautenbach, to talk to her all about how she has found joy and power in her neurodivergency. Anya shares her journey with us: from growing up with ADHD in Poland, to reframing her view of neurodivergency after her son's diagnosis with dyslexia, and finally to growing her own hugely successful gardening business and online presence.

Anya shares with us all the wisdom she has learnt along the way, including the importance of not shying away from diagnosis, the healing role of nature in her life, and an enlightening metaphor about cashmere cardigans...

Whether you're seeking inspiring personal stories or valuable parenting tools, this is a delightful and uplifting episode for all! 

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In celebration of the final day of ADHD Awareness month this week's guest Dr Giovanni Giaroli joins us to talk us thoroughly through all the questions we could possibly have around ADHD medication and treatment.

A highly respected consultant and psychiatrist specialising in neurodevelopmental conditions, Dr Giovanni Giaroli shares his wisdom and expertise on a number of topics. From the controversy surrounding assessment and medication, the different types and how they work, the importance of personalised medication and dosage, and more! We also talk the comorbidity of anxiety with ADHD and autism, and why it's wise to try therapy before reaching for medication in these situations.

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Have you ever questioned the antiquity of our education system? Adele Bates, an esteemed behavior and educational specialist teacher and author, lends her expertise to this episode, illuminating the outdated nature of our education system, originally built during the Victorian era. Adele presents a compelling argument for a shift from traditional behavior policies towards a more interactive, relationship-based approach, advocating for an educational environment that promotes collaboration and mutual success.

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This week we are introducing an episode of our bitesize podcast in which our host Olivia and SEN advisor Tamsyn Hendry sit down for a short discussion of the top takeaways from some of our favourite episodes.
For this bitesize episode we're thrilled to discuss the significant themes from episodes 22 and 23 with Ellie Costello. We're reminding ourselves of some of our favourite wisdom from these episodes about dealing with the education system: dealing with the infamous label of "anxious mothers", the loss of identity and respect as parents, and the clashing medical and social models of education. 

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Get ready to be swept off your feet by Emma and Pippa, the brainy duet behind EWE Talk, a non-profit like no other. Armed with a flock of sheep and a passion for mental wellness, they're breaking barriers in the most heartwarming way. Their work is focused on using the calming nature of sheep therapy and the power of outdoor environments to help neurodiverse children and those grappling with mental health issues.

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What if we told you that happiness could be at the heart of our children's education? Join us for this eye-opening conversation with Adrian Bethune, teacher and founder of Teach Happy, as we explore the importance of well-being in schools and how this can lead to more engaged, motivated learners.

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Ever feel like you're wandering in a maze trying to understand the UK educational system for your neurodiverse child? Join us in this enlightening episode as Catherine, a fellow parent, and I take a deep dive into our personal journeys, grappling with the complexities of private assessments for children with special educational needs. We bring our experiences to the table, highlighting the process, the rational, cost, value and limitations of a private assessment. If you have been wondering if a private assessment is the right path for you and your child this is the podcast to empower you with information so you can make an informed decision.

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Join us for this enlightening discussion that offers a fresh perspective on the challenges and opportunities for neurodivergent athletes in the sports world. Don't miss out on this eye-opening conversation that could change how you view sports, coaching, and neurodiversity.

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