Episode 64

This week I sit down with Matt Gupwell, founder of Think Neurodiversity and co-host of ADHD Talks, to discuss finding your passions and thriving within neurodiversity.

Diagnosed with ADHD and autism later in life, Matt unveils how this revelation reshaped his understanding of success and spurred his passion to help to make this journey easier for others than it was for him. We talk about medication, the profound effect a diagnosis can have, and learning to re-centre yourself after a diagnosis. As two people with a mutual passion for sharing reliable SEND information and resources, we discuss navigating misinformation online and highlight the necessity for individuals to proactively seek evidence-based resources. We also critique the deficit-laden narratives surrounding ADHD on social media and encourage neurodivergents to embrace their innate talents. And finally, we discuss the beautiful gift of relearning and redefining success for ourselves, and how to help our children find their own versions.

This is an uplifting and open minded conversation and I can't wait for you to hear it. 

Click here for Think Neurodiversity
Click here for Talk ADHD 

www.sendparenting.com

Episode 63

Join us this week as I am once more talking with the fantastic Chrissa Wadlow from Sunshine Support as we unravel the complexities of school attendance for neurodivergent children. 

From personal trauma to sensory overload, we analyse the reasons behind school avoidance and the essential trust between parents and children that must be preserved to prevent long-term psychological harm. We delve deep into the education system's outdated punitive measures surrounding attendance and the harsh interpersonal and societal impact on families they penalise.

We also remind parents of key legal protections for their children in school that they may not know about, like the fact that you do not need to provide medical proof of poor child mental health and the 15 day rule. By encouraging early recognition of individual needs and equipping parents with the knowledge to challenge systemic barriers, we aim to prevent disengagement and its far-reaching consequences for future generations.

Link to Sunshine Support
Mental health guidance - DfE

PDA Books:

Understanding PDA in Children – Phil Christie

The Educators Guide to PDA – Laura Kerbey

 Collaborative Approaches to Learning for Children with PDA – Ruth Fidler 

 PDA in the Family – Steph Curtis 

 PDA by PDA’ers – Sally Cat 

www.sendparenting.com

Episode 62

*CONTENT WARNING* This episode mentions suicidal ideation, gaslighting from social services, and child protective services.

This week I sat down with the indefatigable Chrissa Wadlow, founder of Sunshine Support, to talk to her about the journey that brought Chrissa to creating Sunshine. Chrissa's battle against the UK education system to get the support her autistic daughter needed will be both shocking and heartbreakingly familiar for fellow parents of SEND children. We talk about the infuriating and fraudulent bureaucracy that has been created by a deeply underfunded system, and how it very nearly cost her and her daughter's lives.

But this is not a sob story - Chrissa used her experience to go on and create Sunshine Support, a centre which works to empower and advocate for parents, carers, and professionals who support children and young people with SEND. They have free information resources, expert educational and legal advice, and community building for families at their wits end. This episode is a testament to power of never giving up, community, and how much easier the world is when we approach with curiosity, not judgement.


If you are struggling in your quest to get your child support, please click on link to Sunshine Support 

www.sendparenting.com

Episode 61

This week we are talking to the wonderful Lynn Greenberg who, along with her dyslexic son Jonathan, wrote the children's book "Robby the Dyslexic Taxi and the Airport Adventure". We talk today all about how the book came to be, its reception, and her journey with her son's dyslexia.

As her son is now an adult man, we reflect on how far neurodivergency advocacy has come in the past 15 years, and how much further there still is to go with early screening and intervention. We reaffirm the importance of educating yourself as a parent, and listening to your gut. And finally, we talk about empowering dyslexic children via the medium that often makes them feel excluded, and the importance of representation of neurodivergent people in books and stories.


Find Lynn and Johnathan at the Creative Cab Company
Purchase on Amazon Robby the Dyslexic Taxi

www.sendparenting.com

Episode 60

It's time for another bitesize summary episode! Ever witnessed the sheer joy and transformation a child experiences through the simple act of play? This week, Olivia and co-host Tamsyn Hendry review episode 25 with Anna Hodgson and Becky Hill from ClearSky charity. From the huge increases play therapy has in emotional growth and easing peer conflicts, to bridging communication gaps, to guarding child mental health, they recap the magical effects of play therapy. They also look inwards and reflect how they have been able to introduce play more in their own parenting, and talk about the importance of making time (even if it's just 15 minutes). 

 Whether you're a parent in the throes of child-rearing or a caregiver looking for fresh perspectives, this is a lovely digestible episode geared with insights and resources to guide you through the intricacies of nurturing our future generations.

www.sendparenting.com

Episode 59

As a parent, I've found myself navigating the stormy seas of emotional outbursts and fraught silences, frustrated at my child and disappointed in myself. Enter Sarah Fisher, the mind behind "Connective Parenting," who joins me this week to talk about the Nonviolent Resistance (NVR) approach.

Together we discuss how this methodology, inspired by leaders of peace like Gandhi and Mandela, can revolutionise parenting for those with children prone to extreme or even violent emotional outbursts. Our discussion is wide ranging: we talk about the importance of parental presence and self-care, triaging challenges, and the delicate balance of acknowledging children's emotions and setting the boundaries needed to guide them gently towards better self-regulation. We share some of our parenting missteps along the way and discuss the need to forgive ourselves to move on to better parenting.

This episode is a breath of fresh air for any parents who are struggling with this at the moment - just know you are not alone!


Link to Sarah Fischer's book Connective Parenting 

www.sendparenting.com

Episode 58

When the education system doesn't quite fit the mould of your children's needs, where do you turn and how do you change? Caro Giles, author of "12 Moons" and single  mother to four girls joins me this week to uncover the heart of this question. Together, we discuss the complexities of raising children who defy traditional expectations, from the isolating trenches of securing appropriate education to the balancing act of preserving one's identity. We also talk about Carol's memoir, in which her candid reflections provide solace to those feeling unseen in their caregiving roles.

The conversation takes a lot of turns  into the depths of advocacy, where we share war stories from the front lines of educational tribunals, the often invisible economic and emotional toll that comes with them, and the joyful moments in unconventional families. It's a cathartic conversation, full of personal anecdotes and an unvarnished look at the reality many families face, teeming with the grit and grace required to champion our children's right to a fitting education. This episode is a tribute to those parents championing neurodiversity, and a beacon for those finding their way in a world that's learning to embrace difference.

Link for Caro's book Twelve Moons A Year Under a Shared Sky
Support Caro on Substack (Unschooled by Caro Giles) here: https://carogiles.substack.com

www.sendparenting.com

Episode 57

Have you ever considered the hidden strengths within a dyslexic mind? This week we sit down with Russell Van Brocklen, a pioneer in dyslexia education. Russell, once challenged by his own dyslexia, now champions a technique that capitalizes on the dyslexic students' unique abilities, turning hurdles into triumphs and helping dyslexic people thrive in academia.

This is a fascinating episode in which we are afforded an inside scoop on the inner workings of this pioneering course. We discuss all sorts in this episode: both Russell and Olivia's traumatising school experiences with dyslexia, the future of AI in education with dyslexic students, and the powerful tool writing can be in helping organise our thoughts. This is a fascinating, technical episode perfect for those looking to tackle dyslexia in a new way!

Russell has also been kind enough to offer a discount on his course to listeners of the SEND Parenting podcast!

Find them on this link: https://dyslexiaclasses.com/podcast-offer/
Or by using the offer code Parenting2024 at checkout: dyslexiaclasses.com

www.sendparenting.com

Episode 56

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. 

www.sendparenting.com

Episode 55

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.

Click here for Dr Maryhan's website 

www.sendparenting.com