Able to Care
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Able to Care episodes

  • Caring for those who care

    Join Andy in this compelling episode as he engages in a profound conversation with the esteemed Award-Winning Author, Sara Challice. Sara shares her personal journey as a carer after her husband's stroke, shedding light on the profound impact it had on her life and mental health, and how she navigated through external pressures and personal expectations.

    Get ready for heartfelt discussions and invaluable insights on the importance of self-care. Grab a cup of tea and tune in for an episode filled with wisdom and thoughtful advice.

    Sara Challice, renowned author of the bestselling book "Who Cares? How to Care for yourself whilst Caring for a Loved One," brings her expertise as a passionate advocate for caregivers. With 13 years of first hand experience caring for her husband, Sara empowers caregivers through her talks, webinars, and courses. Discover how to manage your caregiving role, prioritize your well-being, and reclaim joy in your life.

    Timestamps:

    0:00 - Introduction 02:18 - Sara’s Care Journey

    10:40- The Reality of Effects on Carers

    13:58- How to Practice Self Care

    19:20- Support Networks- Taps & Drains

    25:13- Managing Boundaries and Fear of Missing Out

    30:40- Tips for Being Kind to Yourself

    41:28- Loss of Identity

    47:52- Resources for Carers

    58:01- Quickfire Q+A

    Additional Resources + Links:

    Sara Challice “WhoCares4Carers” Website - https://www.whocares4carers.com/

    Carers UK Website- https://www.carersuk.org/

    Integrated Neurological Services Website- https://ins.org.uk/

    CTA’s, teasers and announcements:

    Enjoyed this episode? Don't miss out on future conversations! Make sure to subscribe to our podcast for upcoming episodes featuring insightful guests like Sara Challice. Stay connected! Follow us on social media [@abletraining on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram, @abletocarepodcast on TikTok) for behind-the-scenes content, updates, and community engagement. Want to delve deeper into topics discussed on the show? Visit our training website https://www.able-training.co.uk/ for valuable resources and courses to support caregivers on their journey. Thank you for listening! Your support means the world to us. Stay tuned for more inspiring conversations

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    1 hr 6 min
  • Men’s Mental Health

    In this weeks episode of the Able to Care Podcast, Andy and Nadine delve into the topic of men's mental well-being. They explore the shift in understanding and perception towards mental health among men, shedding light on the associated stigma.

    56 min
  • Understanding Epilepsy

    Andy and Nadine are joined by Joe, to share his experiences with epilepsy. Joe discusses overcoming the challenges of living with the condition, seizures, lone working and the long process of getting your driving licence when you suffer from epilepsy.

    44 min
  • Autism in Girls

    Episode Description:

    In this special episode of Able to Care, host Andy Baker is joined by co-host Nadine and special guest Alex Bond to discuss the often overlooked and misunderstood topic of autism in girls. Diagnosed with autism a year ago, Alex shares her journey alongside her daughter Ava’s diagnosis in 2019. Together, they delve into the distinct experiences of girls on the spectrum and the challenges around diagnosis, masking, and social expectations. This episode aims to raise awareness and understanding, offering insights that challenge common misconceptions.

    Key Topics Covered:

    The Challenges of Diagnosing Autism in Girls:

    Nadine highlights how autism in girls often goes undiagnosed or misdiagnosed due to differences in how symptoms present compared to boys. Girls may mask their traits or mimic others, leading professionals and parents to overlook key signs.

  • Alex’s Journey with Her Daughter’s Diagnosis:

    Alex shares the early signs she noticed in her daughter, Ava, and the difficulties she faced in getting her concerns taken seriously by her daughter’s school. She explains how Ava’s behaviours, initially seen as free-spirited and energetic, became more pronounced as she grew older.

  • The Impact of Masking and Misunderstandings:

    The conversation explores how many girls with autism develop masking behaviours to fit into social norms, often leading to burnout and mental health struggles. Alex candidly shares her own experience of masking and the emotional cost of trying to fit in, while Nadine expands on the friendship dynamics and vulnerabilities girls may face.

  • Alex’s Self-Discovery of Autism:

    Through her daughter’s journey, Alex began recognising similar traits in herself. She discusses how understanding autism in women and girls helped her make sense of her own experiences, such as her hyperfixation on subjects, sensory sensitivities, and difficulties with social interactions.

  • Benefits of Diagnosis and Acceptance:

    Alex talks about the personal transformation that came with receiving a diagnosis in her 40s, including being kinder to herself and challenging long-held misconceptions about her abilities. She shares the value of Ava’s diagnosis in enabling school support and helping Ava to understand and accept herself.

  • Positives of Autism and Embracing Differences:

    The episode wraps up with a reflection on the unique strengths that come with autism, like hypervigilance and deep interests. Alex shares her special connection with the natural world and her passion for museum curation. The discussion also touches on the complexities of identity and gender in neurodiverse individuals.

    Key Quotes:

    • "When your expectations are up here, they're always going to fall short, and unfortunately, that's one of the problems they see in themselves." — Andy Baker
  • "I'm not failing at this stuff, this stuff is harder for me than it is for other people. I'm not bad with people; I just don’t quite understand how to relax with people." — Alex Bond
  • Resources Mentioned:

    • ABLE Training's free course on autism awareness and understanding in girls. https://hub.able-training.co.uk/courses/autism-women-girls/

    Takeaway Message:

    This episode is an insightful exploration into the experiences of girls with autism and the journey of self-discovery and acceptance. It underscores the importance of awareness, understanding, and creating supportive environments where girls can thrive without feeling the need to mask their true selves.

    Connect with Us:

    Follow Able to Care on Instagram, TikTok, for more insights and discussions. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and share it with others who might find it helpful.

    51 min
  • Alcohol and Substance Misuse
    Andy is joined in this episode by Ian Peskett, who tells his story of alcohol and substance misuse, his journey to recovery and his role as a support worker helping those in recovery.
    55 min

About Able to Care

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Able to Care with Andy Baker helps caregivers, teachers, parents and people who care, better understand behaviour, care and connection. Hosted by Behaviour Specialist, author and trainer Andy…