Conversations with a SEND Mum

In episode 7 of season 1 of "Conversations with a SEND Mum," host Nicole Bateman engages in a candid conversation with Dani Gibbs, a resilient mother whose daughter is a double amputee with epilepsy. Together, they explore the nuances of hidden and visible disabilities, the challenges of managing epilepsy medications, the impact on parent mental health, and the importance of accessibility for those with physical disabilities.

Episode Highlights:

• Hidden and Visible Disabilities: Dani shares her journey as a mother of a child with both hidden and visible disabilities, shedding light on the complexities of navigating the world. They discuss the importance of raising awareness and understanding about both types of disabilities.
• Managing Epilepsy Medications: The conversation delves into the challenges faced by parents in managing epilepsy medications for their children. Dani offers insights into the daily struggles, concerns, and coping strategies involved in ensuring her daughter's well-being while managing her condition.
• Parent Mental Health: Both Nicole and Dani explore the impact of caring for a child with complex medical needs on parent mental health. They discuss the importance of self-care and seeking support.
• Accessibility for Physical Disabilities: The dialogue extends to the topic of accessibility for individuals with physical disabilities, highlighting the need for greater awareness, inclusivity, and accommodation in society to ensure equal opportunities for all.

You will find additional resources in our Conversations with a SEND Mum Pod Patreon community  at patreon.com/ConversationswithaSENDMumPod . Join the community for only £3.50 and get access to bonus content from our guests and sponsors The Super Sensory Squad, exclusive episodes and a monthly zoom chat.

Follow Nicole on www.instagram.com/conversationswithasendmum for exclusive peeks to weekly episodes. Please do send feedback and rate this podcast to help it reach those who would benefit. Nicole is The Friendly SEND Advisor for children's activity providers and tutors helping them create inclusive sessions for all children.

Check out our Season 3 and 4 sponsor Rachel's 3 R's Subscription Box: Dedicated to helping SEND mums feel calmer and more relaxed by providing a box of products and online support for self-care. Follow on www.instagram.com/rachelsthreerssubscriptionbox and use the code NICOLE10 for 10% off your first order at https://rachel-s-three-r-s.subbly.me/

Check out our Season 1 and 2 sponsor The Super Sensory Squad who support kids in understanding the eight sensory systems and emotional regulation using their penguin squad at: www.thesupersensorysquad.com and www.instagram.com/thesupersensorysquad

In this episode of "Conversations with a SEND Mum," host Nicole Bateman engages in a rich conversation with Karen Massey, a seasoned speech and language therapist and the owner of All About Speech Therapy and The Sensory Speech Box. Together, they explore the intricate world of speech and language development and delve into the unique perspective of being a SEND sibling.

Episode Highlights:

• Speech and Language Development: Karen Massey shares her expertise as a speech and language therapist, unraveling the intricacies of speech and language development in children. The conversation provides valuable insights into milestones, challenges, and the importance of early intervention.
• SEND Sibling Perspective: The dialogue takes a poignant turn as Karen, also a SEND sibling herself, offers a unique perspective on growing up with a brother with special educational needs and disabilities. They discuss the impact on family dynamics, relationships, and the role of understanding and support.

You will find additional resources in our Conversations with a SEND Mum Pod Patreon community  at patreon.com/ConversationswithaSENDMumPod . Join the community for only £3.50 and get access to bonus content from our guests and sponsors The Super Sensory Squad, exclusive episodes and a monthly zoom chat.

Follow Nicole on www.instagram.com/conversationswithasendmum for exclusive peeks to weekly episodes. Please do send feedback and rate this podcast to help it reach those who would benefit. Nicole is The Friendly SEND Advisor for children's activity providers and tutors helping them create inclusive sessions for all children.

Check out our Season 3 and 4 sponsor Rachel's 3 R's Subscription Box: Dedicated to helping SEND mums feel calmer and more relaxed by providing a box of products and online support for self-care. Follow on www.instagram.com/rachelsthreerssubscriptionbox and use the code NICOLE10 for 10% off your first order at https://rachel-s-three-r-s.subbly.me/

Check out our Season 1 and 2 sponsor The Super Sensory Squad who support kids in understanding the eight sensory systems and emotional regulation using their penguin squad at: www.thesupersensorysquad.com and www.instagram.com/thesupersensorysquad

In this empowering episode of "Conversations with a SEND Mum," host Nicole Bateman engages in a heartfelt conversation with Shelley Ensor, a passionate SEND Mum and the owner of Little Signers Club. Shelley shares her journey as a parent advocating for her child with Auditory Processing Disorder (APD). The conversation delves into the world of signing and the fight for the rights and needs of children with additional needs.

Episode Highlights:

• Auditory Processing Disorder (APD): Shelley opens up about her experience as a SEND Mum navigating the complexities of Auditory Processing Disorder. She shares insights into the challenges faced and the importance of raising awareness about this often misunderstood condition.
• Signing as a Communication Tool: The conversation explores the significance of signing as a communication tool for children with additional needs. Shelley discusses how signing has become an invaluable means of expression and connection for her child.
• The Fight to Advocate: Both Nicole and Shelley delve into the challenges and victories that come with advocating for a child's needs within the educational and healthcare systems. They discuss the resilience required in the face of hurdles and the importance of building a supportive network.

You can access a code for a free signing picture book from Little Signers Club on the 'Conversations with a SEND Mum' Patreon Community. You will find additional resources in our Conversations with a SEND Mum Pod Patreon community  at patreon.com/ConversationswithaSENDMumPod . Join the community for only £3.50 and get access to bonus content from our guests and sponsors The Super Sensory Squad, exclusive episodes and a monthly zoom chat.

Follow Nicole on www.instagram.com/conversationswithasendmum for exclusive peeks to weekly episodes. Please do send feedback and rate this podcast to help it reach those who would benefit. Nicole is The Friendly SEND Advisor for children's activity providers and tutors helping them create inclusive sessions for all children.

Check out our Season 3 and 4 sponsor Rachel's 3 R's Subscription Box: Dedicated to helping SEND mums feel calmer and more relaxed by providing a box of products and online support for self-care. Follow on www.instagram.com/rachelsthreerssubscriptionbox and use the code NICOLE10 for 10% off your first order at https://rachel-s-three-r-s.subbly.me/

Check out our Season 1 and 2 sponsor The Super Sensory Squad who support kids in understanding the eight sensory systems and emotional regulation using their penguin squad at: www.thesupersensorysquad.com and www.instagram.com/thesupersensorysquad

In this dynamic episode of "Conversations with a SEND Mum," host Nicole Bateman engages in a conversation with Leona Burton, a powerhouse Mum of 6 and owner of Mums in Business International. Leona shares her unique journey as a young mum of neurodivergent children, discussing the whirlwind of appointments, the importance of trusting parental instincts in advocacy, and juggling mum life while building a business driven by passion.

Episode Highlights:

• Being a Young Mum: Leona reflects on her experience as a young mum, she shares insights into the unique challenges and joys that come with the territory.
• Chaos of Appointments: The conversation delves into the chaotic reality of managing numerous medical and educational appointments for neurodivergent children. Leona offers practical tips and strategies for navigating the demanding schedule while maintaining a sense of balance.
• Trusting Parental Instincts: Both Nicole and Leona underscore the importance of trusting parental instincts when advocating for a child's needs within the system. They share anecdotes and advice on embracing one's intuition in the face of challenges.
• Juggling Mum Life and Business: Leona's journey as a business owner is explored, highlighting the delicate balance of building and managing Mums in Business International while being a devoted mum. The discussion touches on the passion that fuels her business endeavours and the resilience required in navigating both worlds.

You will find additional resources in our Conversations with a SEND Mum Pod Patreon community  at patreon.com/ConversationswithaSENDMumPod . Join the community for only £3.50 and get access to bonus content from our guests and sponsors The Super Sensory Squad, exclusive episodes and a monthly zoom chat.

Follow Nicole on www.instagram.com/conversationswithasendmum for exclusive peeks to weekly episodes. Please do send feedback and rate this podcast to help it reach those who would benefit. Nicole is The Friendly SEND Advisor for children's activity providers and tutors helping them create inclusive sessions for all children.

Check out our Season 3 and 4 sponsor Rachel's 3 R's Subscription Box: Dedicated to helping SEND mums feel calmer and more relaxed by providing a box of products and online support for self-care. Follow on www.instagram.com/rachelsthreerssubscriptionbox and use the code NICOLE10 for 10% off your first order at https://rachel-s-three-r-s.subbly.me/

Check out our Season 1 and 2 sponsor The Super Sensory Squad who support kids in understanding the eight sensory systems and emotional regulation using their penguin squad at: www.thesupersensorysquad.com and www.instagram.com/thesupersensorysquad

*Trigger Warning: Talking about seizures* In the first ever episode of "Conversations with a SEND Mum," host Nicole Bateman embarks on a heartfelt journey, sharing her personal motivations for launching this podcast and delving into her experiences as a SEND Mum after her son's first seizure. She sheds light on the misconceptions surrounding epilepsy and the impact it has on her mental health, navigating a life on high alert.

Episode Highlights:

• The Why Behind the Podcast: Nicole passionately discusses the driving force behind starting "Conversations with a SEND Mum," aiming to create a supportive space for fellow SEND parents. The podcast's foundation lies in fostering a sense of community, ensuring parents don't feel isolated in their journey.
• Personal Journey: Nicole shares her emotional journey following her son's first seizure, providing a candid insight into the shock, uncertainties, and challenges she faced in understanding and managing epilepsy within her family.
• Misconceptions About Epilepsy: She dismantles common misconceptions surrounding epilepsy, shedding light on the realities of living with a child who experiences seizures and the impact it has on daily life.
• Impact on Mental Health: Nicole opens up about the toll that living in a constant state of vigilance and risk assessment had on her mental health.

Check out resources in our Conversations with a SEND Mum Pod Patreon community  at patreon.com/ConversationswithaSENDMumPod . Join the community for only £3.50 and get access to bonus content from our guests and sponsors The Super Sensory Squad, exclusive episodes and a monthly zoom chat.

Follow Nicole on www.instagram.com/conversationswithasendmum for exclusive peeks to weekly episodes. Please do send feedback and rate this podcast to help it reach those who would benefit. Nicole is The Friendly SEND Advisor for children's activity providers and tutors helping them create inclusive sessions for all children.

Check out our Season 3 and 4 sponsor Rachel's 3 R's Subscription Box: Dedicated to helping SEND mums feel calmer and more relaxed by providing a box of products and online support for self-care. Follow on www.instagram.com/rachelsthreerssubscriptionbox and use the code NICOLE10 for 10% off your first order at https://rachel-s-three-r-s.subbly.me/

Check out our Season 1 and 2 sponsor The Super Sensory Squad who support kids in understanding the eight sensory systems and emotional regulation using their penguin squad at: www.thesupersensorysquad.com and www.instagram.com/thesupersensorysquad

In this episode of "Conversations with a SEND Mum," Nicole Bateman engages in conversation with Lou Plunkett, a visually impaired mum of two, whose eldest son is autistic. Together, they explore the unique challenges faced during lockdown learning, the complexities of masking at school, and delve into her son's passion for cars.

Episode Highlights:

• Lockdown Learning Challenges: Lou shares her experiences as a visually impaired mother navigating the abrupt shift to remote learning during lockdown. She discusses the hurdles and adaptations required to support her children's education at home effectively.
• Navigating Masking at School: Lou sheds light on her eldest son's experiences with masking at school, particularly addressing how masking impacted their family dynamics and daily life.
• Leaning into Passions: Lou shares how leaning into her son's passion of cars has helped him to thrive post 16.

Lou has kindly shared a resource in our Conversations with a SEND Mum Pod Patreon community  at patreon.com/ConversationswithaSENDMumPod . Join the community for only £3.50 and get access to bonus content from our guests and sponsors The Super Sensory Squad, exclusive episodes and a monthly zoom chat.

Please note that the clicking in this episode is a fidget that Lou is using to help her focus.

Follow Nicole on www.instagram.com/conversationswithasendmum for exclusive peeks to weekly episodes. Please do send feedback and rate this podcast to help it reach those who would benefit. Nicole is The Friendly SEND Advisor for children's activity providers and tutors helping them create inclusive sessions for all children.

Check out our Season 3 and 4 sponsor Rachel's 3 R's Subscription Box: Dedicated to helping SEND mums feel calmer and more relaxed by providing a box of products and online support for self-care. Follow on www.instagram.com/rachelsthreerssubscriptionbox and use the code NICOLE10 for 10% off your first order at https://rachel-s-three-r-s.subbly.me/

Check out our Season 1 and 2 sponsor The Super Sensory Squad who support kids in understanding the eight sensory systems and emotional regulation using their penguin squad at: www.thesupersensorysquad.com and www.instagram.com/thesupersensorysquad

In episode 3 of season 1 of "Conversations with a SEND Mum," host Nicole Bateman engages in conversation with Shelley Farnham, business owner of Complex Connexions and a parent to a child with ADHD. Together, they explore prevalent misconceptions surrounding ADHD, the impact of mum guilt, and the pivotal role of raising awareness and understanding of additional needs. They dive into the significance of co-regulation in supporting a child's nervous system.

Episode Highlights:

• Misconceptions About ADHD: Shelley shares her experiences confronting misconceptions often associated with ADHD, including the perception of 'naughtiness.' They discuss the importance of reframing these misconceptions and advocating for a better understanding of neurodiversity.
• Mum Guilt: The conversation delves into the emotional challenges parents face, unravelling the layers of guilt often experienced when navigating the complexities of raising a child with additional needs. Shelley opens up about her journey and strategies for managing this emotional burden.
• Raising Awareness and Understanding: Nicole and Shelley emphasise the significance of raising awareness and fostering understanding about additional needs within communities, schools, and society at large to create an inclusive environment.
• Co-Regulation and the Nervous System: They explore the concept of co-regulation and its impact on a child's nervous system. Discussing practical strategies and the importance of creating a supportive environment to help children regulate their emotions and behaviours.

Shelley has kindly shared a resource in our Conversations with a SEND Mum Pod Patreon community  at patreon.com/ConversationswithaSENDMumPod . Join the community for only £3.50 and get access to bonus content from our guests and sponsors The Super Sensory Squad, exclusive episodes and a monthly zoom chat.

Follow Nicole on www.instagram.com/conversationswithasendmum for exclusive peeks to weekly episodes. Please do send feedback and rate this podcast to help it reach those who would benefit. Nicole is The Friendly SEND Advisor for children's activity providers and tutors helping them create inclusive sessions for all children.

Check out our Season 3 and 4 sponsor Rachel's 3 R's Subscription Box: Dedicated to helping SEND mums feel calmer and more relaxed by providing a box of products and online support for self-care. Follow on www.instagram.com/rachelsthreerssubscriptionbox and use the code NICOLE10 for 10% off your first order at https://rachel-s-three-r-s.subbly.me/

Check out our Season 1 and 2 sponsor The Super Sensory Squad who support kids in understanding the eight sensory systems and emotional regulation using their penguin squad at: www.thesupersensorysquad.com and www.instagram.com/thesupersensorysquad

Hello and welcome to Conversations with a SEND Mum Podcast hosted by Nicole Bateman, a SEND mum of two, former teacher, author and co-founder of The Super Sensory Squad. 

Listen to this podcast for real conversations with parents who truly get it. We will be sharing the realities of the fight to advocate for the needs of our children to be met, the challenges and also the wins and the resilience of our amazing kids.

Nicole left teaching to support her autistic son after he was diagnosed with epilepsy and she is passionate about breaking stigma surrounding special educational needs and disabilities and raising awareness of the realities. Her hope is that sharing stories of parents who have kids with special educational needs and/or disabilities will help you, our wonderful listeners, to not feel so alone, because sometimes, even if you have supportive family and friends, you just don't know where to turn. 

Season 1 of Conversations with a SEND Mum podcast is proudly sponsored by The Super Sensory Squad who support kids, parents and educators to understand the eight sensory systems and emotional regulation using their penguin squad.

Listen in to the first 3 episodes on Wednesday 10th January 2024 and tune in for new episodes weekly. Don't forget to subscribe and share with other SEND parents you know who want to connect with others who truly 'get it'

Follow Nicole on www.instagram.com/conversationswithasendmum for exclusive peeks to weekly episodes. Please do send feedback and rate this podcast to help it reach those who would benefit. Nicole is The Friendly SEND Advisor for children's activity providers and tutors helping them create inclusive sessions for all children.

Check out our Season 3 and 4 sponsor Rachel's 3 R's Subscription Box: Dedicated to helping SEND mums feel calmer and more relaxed by providing a box of products and online support for self-care. Follow on www.instagram.com/rachelsthreerssubscriptionbox and use the code NICOLE10 for 10% off your first order at https://rachel-s-three-r-s.subbly.me/

Check out our Season 1 and 2 sponsor The Super Sensory Squad who support kids in understanding the eight sensory systems and emotional regulation using their penguin squad at: www.thesupersensorysquad.com and www.instagram.com/thesupersensorysquad