Following a post-14 programme model Samera and her parent co-host Celeste, an NHS transitions coordinator, outline independence skills parents should consider when their young person is moving into adulthood. From how to forge independence, travel skills,  and money management to options for supported living. Celeste and Samera also compare an Occupational Therapist’s recommendations, of which household chores they've managed to get their children to do. All references in the podcast are in this episode's transcript [Transcripts with References - Frank Communications]. 

If you are new to autism and parenting, Quirky and Autistic Parenting podcast is just for you. The content of this podcast is for general information purposes only and does not constitute advice.

When should you start preparing your young person for adulthood? Following a post-14 programme model, Samera and her parent co-host Celeste, an NHS transition coordinator,  discuss what health considerations parents should be discussing with their young person moving into adulthood. From writing health and communication passports, understanding the Mental Capacity Act, to consent and STIs.  

All references in the podcast are in this episode's transcript [Transcripts with References - Frank Communications] If you are new to autism and parenting, Quirky and Autistic Parenting podcast is just for you. The content of this podcast is for general information purposes only and does not constitute advice.

Podcast Engineer: Paul  Henty  Theme music:  Alisdair Stirling

Samera and her parent co-host Michelle, a primary school teacher, answer a listener’s question ‘ Why does my son find the same transition going into school and even going to sleep everyday, so difficult? '  Transitions are a time or process of change and it is natural that change almost always brings uncertainty.  The hosts identify why autistic children may struggle with transitions and outline some successful strategies for home and school. 

All references in the podcast are in this episode's transcript [Transcripts with References - Frank Communications] 

If you are new to autism and parenting, Quirky and Autistic Parenting podcast is just for you. The content of this podcast is for general information purposes only and does not constitute advice.

Podcast Engineer: Paul Henty    Theme music:  Alisdair Stirling

As part of our  ‘pride not  prejudice’ series we wanted to give a voice to a cohort who can often be missed when talking about autism. Samera interviewed Jude a mum of three, who described parenting her non verbal 22 year old son, Marky. Jude outlined the joys and challenges they have shared as a family and his route into supported living. 

All references in the podcast are in this episode's transcript [Transcripts with References - Frank Communications] 

If you are new to autism and parenting, Quirky and Autistic Parenting podcast is just for you. The content of this podcast is for general information purposes only and does not constitute advice.

There is a Dynamic Support Register of people that are at risk of going into hospital if they do not get the right care and treatment in the community. Samera and her NHS colleague Les explain what parents should do if their child’s mental or physical health is deteriorating.  Samera and Les, who are part of the independent panel, walk parents through care, education and treatment reviews [CETRs],to know their rights and what should you ask a CETR panel. 

All references in the podcast are in this episode's transcript [Transcripts with References - Frank Communications] 

If you are new to autism and parenting, Quirky and Autistic Parenting podcast is just for you. The content of this podcast is for general information purposes only and does not constitute advice.

Podcast Engineer: Liv Bennett  Theme music:  Alisdair Stirling

What are the additional barriers when autistic and from an ethnic minority?  Samera and Hayley discuss  report findings from  2014 onwards where no discernable change seems to have occurred. Their guest Michelle, a teacher, works collaboratively with her students in a resourced provision and also as a parent to her autistic teen Tyler. 

All references in the podcast are in this episode's transcript [Transcripts with References - Frank Communications] 

If you are new to autism and parenting, Quirky and Autistic Parenting podcast is just for you. The content of this podcast is for general information purposes only and does not constitute advice.

Podcast Engineer: Liv Bennett , Theme music: Alisdair Stirling

The ‘ask Hayley episode’. Samera puts listeners' questions to our co-host and resident speech language therapist Hayley, whilst sampling regional cheeses.  Hayley explains what Total Communication is, Gestalt Language Processing and recounts her recent attendance at a summit by Carol Gray the founder of social stories.  There is a quick fire round and tips on how to communicate with autistic teens.  All references in the podcast are in this episode's transcript

If you are new to autism and parenting, Quirky and Autistic Parenting podcast is just for you. The content of this podcast is for general information purposes only and does not constitute advice.

Podcast Engineer: Liv Bennett, Theme music:  Alisdair Stirling

There are many reasons why a child is being looked after outside of their birth home. In the third episode of ‘pride not prejudice’ five foster carers share their quirky family stories wanting to make a difference. Samera enjoyed a frank discussion with the carers about the shape of their inclusive families.  Known for their clangers, expertly edited out, in this episode Samera and Hayley try the Bedfordshire clanger, recipe in the transcript.

If you are new to autism and parenting, Quirky and Autistic Parenting podcast is just for you. The content of this podcast is for general information purposes only and does not constitute advice.

Podcast Engineer: Liv Bennett, Theme music:  Alisdair Stirling

Samera and Hayley discuss Pathological Demand Avoidance or as they prefer to call it Pervasive Drive for Autonomy.  Autism can be seen as a disability of trust and their guest Tom, a trainer from the PDA Society outlines the features of PDA, identifying demands and how to build trust. Tom also shares his difficulties in getting a diagnosis for his PDAer daughter. Hayley brings her own vegetarian Worcestershire sauce for posh cheese on toast!

If you are new to autism and parenting, Quirky and Autistic Parenting podcast is just for you. The content of this podcast is for general information purposes only and does not constitute advice.

Podcast Engineer: Liv Bennett, Theme music:  Alisdair Stirling

Back for a second series titled ‘Pride not Prejudice’ with guest contributors, Samera is also creating regional foods for Hayley, this episode it’s vegetarian Betty’s hotpot  [#CoronationStreet]. Samera and Hayley discuss the most common co–occurring conditions associated with autism and what layering of diagnoses means, from gastrointestinal and sleep issues to ADHD and dyslexia. Their first guest Emma describes her life as mum to Mac, who has a learning disability, autism and Apert’s syndrome.  

If you are new to autism and parenting, Quirky and Autistic Parenting podcast is just for you. The content of this podcast is for general information purposes only and does not constitute advice.

Podcast Engineer: Liv Bennett, Theme music:  Alisdair Stirling