SEND Parenting Podcast

Episode 93

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.

Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of voice technology and its impact on education. We discuss the game-changing capabilities of tools like Google Docs, Google Classroom, and Microsoft’s immersive reader, which are helping neurodiverse students express their creativity despite fine motor challenges. Gain practical tips on how to effectively incorporate voice technology in the classroom, and understand the pivotal role teachers play in guiding students through the cognitive demands of voice-assisted writing. The future of learning is here, and it's more accessible than ever.

Lastly, we navigate the complex landscape of educational support systems in the US and UK, with a particular focus on the revolutionary potential of AI. Brian highlights essential testing accommodations and shares invaluable insights on digital tools that assist high school and college students in organizing their materials. Discover how AI-powered resources like Magic School AI and Diffit AI can tailor learning experiences to meet individual needs, making education more inclusive and effective. Don't miss this enlightening conversation that underscores the importance of parental advocacy in securing the best possible educational outcomes for their children.

Click here for a list of all the AI and Technology that Brian talked about in this episode.

 Brians Blof Assistivetek 

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Episode 92

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.

Sharing personal experiences, we shed light on the intersection of hormones and neurodiversity, discussing the rising diagnoses of ADHD during menopause and the need for innovative solutions like family package deals for neurodiversity testing. Our conversation challenges the stigmas surrounding menopause, encouraging women to seek help and consider hormone replacement therapy (HRT) based on modern research.

Finding joyful movement from pilates to biking and even pigeon shooting, we talk about the importance of enjoyment in maintaining consistency in physical activities. Lastly, we emphasize the importance of maintaining bone health through load-bearing exercises and celebrate the vital role of movement and hormonal health for overall well-being. Tune in to gain valuable insights and practical advice for navigating the complexities of neurodiversity and hormonal health.

Menopause Pilates

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Episode 91

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.

Together, we tackle systemic issues such as inadequate staffing and financial pressures that often leave parents and carers feeling overwhelmed. Discover how parents can hold educational bodies accountable and the importance of complaint mechanisms like the ombudsman. Alex emphasizes the transformative power of volunteering and spreading accurate, law-based information, with inspiring success stories from IPSEA's website illustrating the positive impact of informed advocacy.

Moreover, this episode is packed with practical advice—from navigating school transport rights and securing appropriate school placements to understanding recent changes in school attendance guidance. We highlight the importance of addressing the root causes of non-attendance and advocating for comprehensive support that enhances student well-being. Plus, get actionable parenting tips for effective advocacy, including how tools like ChatGPT can help you craft constructive communication. Don't miss this insightful and empowering conversation that aims to equip you with the knowledge and confidence to advocate effectively for your child's educational needs.

Click here for link to IPSEA

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Join me as I celebrate the 90th episode of the SEND Parenting Podcast with a heartfelt and insightful conversation with my daughter, Alexandra. She opens up about her anxieties and excitements as she faces a new school year, sharing her personal experiences with transitioning from year seven to year eight and participating in activities like Lambda.

Alexandra’s candid reflections offer a unique perspective on the challenges of meeting new students and teachers, and the hope for smoother transitions in the future. Packed with practical advice, this episode is a treasure trove for parents looking to support their neurodiverse children through the back-to-school period. 

Learn about the benefits of creating a visual schedule, preparing the night before, and incorporating sensory tools to help your child self-regulate. We also touch on the importance of good sleep, nutrition, and having open lines of communication with both your child and their school.

Whether you’re dealing with school refusal or just looking to make the transition smoother, our strategies aim to create a positive and supportive school experience for your family. Don’t miss out on these invaluable tips and insights that could make a world of difference for your child!

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Episode 89

Unlock the tools to revolutionize neurodiverse education with our special guest, Davy Jones from OpenGenius. This episode unpacks how Ayoa, an AI-powered mind mapping, planning, and time management app, transforms the way neurodiverse individuals visualize projects, manage tasks, and collaborate. Listen as Davy reveals how Ayoa's features can break the barriers of linear thinking and boost dynamic problem-solving and decision-making.

Discover the real-life impact of assistive technology in education, especially for neurodiverse learners. We discuss the importance of proper training for both students and educators to fully leverage these tools. From personal anecdotes to expert insights, we highlight how AI and mind mapping can offer vital support to students with learning difficulties like dyslexia. Learn why schools need to adopt these innovations to enable all students to unlock their full creative potential.

Lastly, we explore the crucial transition to university life and how early access to assistive technology can make this shift smoother for students with disabilities. Davy shares essential tips for parents and educators, focusing on how Ayoa can enhance memory and productivity through creative mind mapping techniques. We also cover practical pathways for obtaining assistive technology support, whether through university assessments or workplace accommodations, ensuring a seamless academic journey for neurodiverse students. Don't miss out on understanding the powerful role of AI in unlocking educational success for all.

Link to AYOYA 

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Episode 88

Meet the secret weapon that will transform your parenting journey, especially if you're raising neurodiverse children. Join Dr. Olivia Kessel as she shares invaluable insights on the absolute necessity of self-care, particularly  during the high-stress holiday season. Drawing from personal anecdotes, Dr. Kessel explains how neglecting your own well-being can diminish your ability to effectively meet your child's needs. You'll walk away with practical tips for seamlessly integrating self-care into your daily routine, from prioritizing sleep to finding those precious small moments to recharge.

But that's not all—this episode also tackles the insidious impact of alcohol on stress and sleep, offering healthier alternatives like tapping, breathing exercises, and nature walks. As we gear up for a new school year, Dr. Kessel introduces innovative AI tools, like those from OpenGenius, which are designed to help neurodiverse children organize their thoughts and conquer academic challenges. Don't miss next week's deep dive into these AI solutions with a representative from OpenGenius. Tune in to ensure you and your family have a calm and successful start to the school year.

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Episode 87

Ever wondered why your neurodiverse child struggles with sleep, especially during the holidays? Join Dr. Olivia Kessel on this week's SEND Parenting Podcast as she unpacks the complexities behind sleep issues in children with ADHD and autism. Learn how regular exercise benefits focus into your child's daily routine and mental health by boosting neurotransmitter levels, and get tips on reducing screen time before bed. 

She shares personal stories about her daughter's challenges and also delves into the reasons behind active brains, sensory sensitivities and delayed sleep phase syndrome. You'll gain valuable insights into how physical activity—or the lack thereof during holiday breaks—can disrupt sleep patterns even further.

Stay tuned for a sneak peek into our upcoming discussion on the importance of self-care for parents, because taking care of yourself is just as crucial as caring for your neurodiverse child.

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Episode 86

How can the holiday season turn a joyous time into a period of heightened stress for neurodiverse children? Join me, Dr. Olivia Kessel, as I share my personal journey with my daughter Alexandra, who has ADHD, and uncover some of the reasons behind increased emotional and violent outbursts during the summer holidays. We will dive deep into the science behind these behaviors, focusing on understanding these developmental challenges with practical strategies to identify triggers, maintain safety and emphasising the necessity of staying calm to prevent escalation.

Discover effective self-regulation techniques tailored specifically for neurodiverse children. From creating a designated calm space with soothing elements to exploring alternative methods like acupuncture and tapping, I'll share what has worked for Alexandra and countless others. You'll learn the importance of recognizing early warning signs of agitation and strategies to maintain your own calmness as a parent. Plus, I offer three practical tips for navigating the summer holidays: maintaining a consistent routine, incorporating physical activity, and ensuring clear communication and preparation. This episode is a heartfelt reminder that patience, self-care, and understanding are key to supporting a neurodiverse child’s growth and development.

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Episode 85

 Imagine planning a dream vacation only to face the unexpected challenge of your child melting down due to the overwhelming changes. Join me, Dr. Olivia Kessel, on the SEND Parenting Podcast as I share my personal experiences with my wonderfully neurodivergent daughter, Alexandra, and break down why seemingly simple changes can feel so monumental for kids with ADHD, autism, and dyslexia.

In the first episode of our summer holidays series, I unpack the medical reasons behind these struggles, discussing everything from heightened sensitivity to sensory input to the strong preference for routine. Learn practical strategies to help your child navigate these transitions more smoothly, starting with the critical step of preparation. This episode is a quick lifesaver for making your holiday break as relaxing and enjoyable as possible for you and your children. 

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Episode 84

Tamsyn and Olivia are back this week with a bitesize recap of one of our most unexpected topics from episode 42 - sheep therapy?!

This week we cover the surprisingly profound and transformative power of sheep therapy from our episode with Emma Redman and Pippa Ashton of Ewe Talks. This episode also explores how unexpected breakthroughs in therapy can occur outside traditional settings and the importance of creative thinking and open-mindedness in addressing the unique needs of neurodiverse children or those who have experienced trauma.

We talk the power of nature, and how integrating sheep therapy into activities like gardening or nature walks increases dopamine, leaving children more emotionally regulated and comfortable without even realizing the therapeutic benefits. Plus, we highlight the practical and cost-effective advantages of incorporating these therapeutic tools within schools, fostering a more engaged and supported student community. Listen in to understand how something as simple as interacting with sheep can make a profound difference in mental and emotional well-being.

www.sendparenting.com