Episode 54

Ever wondered if neurodiversity might just be an evolutionary adaptation? This week we are diving into another "BiteSize Summary" episode as we revisit our enlightening conversation with Heidi Mavir, author of 'Your Child is Not Broken', from episode 13. Olivia and her bitesize co-host Tamsyn discuss their favourite points from a wise and hilarious episode, including looking at the origins of neurodiversity, the blame of parenting in neurodiversity, and Olivia and Tamsyn's everchanging parenting journeys.

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Episode 53 

Happy Boxing Day! 

This is just a little festive message to say that you to all our listeners and to remind you that even if your holidays have been less than ideal, so often the unpredictable chaos of family gathers can lead to our most hilarious and treasured memories. 

Thank you so much for your support: the Send Parenting Podcast has grown into a thriving community of over 13,000 downloads and 2,000 online followers. I express my heartfelt gratitude to every listener, guest, and contributor for this beautiful growth. The journey ahead seems exciting and replete with fresh topics, solutions and expert insights. Amid the ups and downs of parenting and the challenges life throws our way, remember we are in this together, supporting each other in raising our wonderfully wired children.

Thank you for an unforgettable year, and here's to a hopeful and empowering 2024!

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Episode 52 *Bitesize*

It's time for the second in our 'bitesize' series of episodes in which our host Olivia and returning guest Tamsyn Hendry discuss and summarise past impactful episodes! This week they are revisiting Episodes 16 & 27 with Dr Naomi Fisher on the subject of self-directed learning. 

This is an incredibly candid and honest episode in which they discuss the ways Dr Fisher's work has profoundly reshaped their own concepts of schooling and parenting. We talk about moments with our children we look back on with regret, changes we have made, illuminating the importance of self-direction, listening to our children's instincts, and getting rid of heavy expectations. 

www.sendparenting.com

Episode 51

Have you ever stopped to consider that maybe our society discriminates against children? Together with gentle parenting expert Sarah Ockwell-Smith, we unpack this concept of childism and explore the urgent need for empathy, respect, and understanding in raising our children.

We also talk all about the importance of changing the political as well as our personal behaviours if we want to elevate to change our parenting for the better. Sarah talks us through how neoliberalism is affecting parenting and the government's alarming tendency to prioritise the creation of efficient employees over children's welfare. We also talk about the importance of recognising children's legal rights, the outdated education system in England, and how to break harmful generational parenting cycles.

Last but not least, Sarah shares her son's journey with ADHD the challenges encountered, the societal pressures  faced, and the transformative power of empathy, structure, and an apology.

Click her for a link to Sarah's  Ockwell Smith's book:  Because I Said So!

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Episode 50

Content Warning: There are brief mentions of violence, murder, and suicide in this episode.

You're about to embark on a journey to the heart of eSwatini (formerly Swaziland) with our extraordinary guests, Francis and Nquobile to learn all about their dedication to improving lives some of the most impoverished areas of eSwatini. Despite the lack of resources and a struggling healthcare system, they continue to support disabled children, the elderly, and those who are hungry.

We talk about the varied nature of their work, doing what they must in lieu of a health system with resources: they even provide transport and wheelchairs, build houses, teach caring tips, and locate families for children who have been orphaned. We talk about the grim state of affairs in the work they do, but also the excellent work they do in helping the community towards self-sufficiency via the teaching of care giving at home, and linking orphans with the elderly of the community.

This episode is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and a call to action to lend a hand to those in need. Join us for this riveting conversation.

Want to donate to help Frances and Nqobile with their work? Here is our GoFundMe Link: https://gofund.me/b46f729d

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Episode 49

Have you ever wondered why school detentions and exclusions are escalating in England while Scotland has managed to revamp its policies, significantly reducing such incidents? In this insightful conversation with Dr. Chris Bagley, an experienced psychologist in the education and youth justice sectors, we peel back the layers of the harmful ideologies shaping the uniquely punitive English education system.

Tune in as we decode the convoluted dynamics at play, discussing how an overemphasis on authority, data generation, and metrics are contributing to a rising trend of disciplinary school environments.  We also look at the affects of these oppressive behavior policies on students’ mental well-being and how our neurodiverse children are often particularly victimised. Through a comparison with the Scottish education system, we expose the need for England to change its values. Be prepared for an enlightening exploration of the English education system, its impact on the students it serves, and possible solutions for change. You don't want to miss this episode!

Click here for link to Dr Chris Bagley's website

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Episode 48

Eliza is a successful neurodivergent illustrator, author, co-author, and mother to a neurodivergent child. In this episode we talk about her experience of unmasking her own neurodiversity along the journey of parenting her child. We talk all about the exhausting and empowering experience of being a parent, and draw insights from her book on Pathological Demand Avoidance. Expect inspiring conversation about schooling differently, self-discovery via art, guilt-free self-care, and the crucial role of a safe parent to counterbalance more hostile external environments. 

This episode promises to leave you inspired, affirmed, and looking at your own parenting with a fresh perspective.

Click for link to Eliza's New book: Thumbsucker
Click her for Eliza's blog: Missing the Mark
Click for link to Eliza's book: Can't Not Won't
Click for link to Eliza's book: The Family experience of PDA
Click for link to Eliza's book: Thumbsucker

Click here for Eliza's website 

www.sendparenting.com

Episode 47

So what is it exactly that speech and language therapists do, and how can they help neurodiverse individuals? We're shining a light on it in our latest episode with the insightful Cathy Schilling, founder of the Speech Den. We promise that you'll come away with a newfound understanding and appreciation for the importance of tailored speech therapy in unlocking the potential of children with speech and language difficulties.

Venture with us on our journey into the often-overlooked realm of auditory processing difficulties in classroom environments. It's a complex world, where the buzzing classroom could be a minefield rather than a haven of learning. Cathy helps us understand this better, and shares strategies that educators can use to make classrooms more inclusive, which could be a game-changer for many students.

We round off our discussion with a deep dive into Gestalt language processing, exploring the power of silence for co-regulation and authentic communication - something that could revolutionize your understanding of autistic communication. And if you've ever wondered about the benefits of self-advocacy and child-led learning, Cathy provides some eye-opening examples. You don't want to miss this episode – Cathy's insights are a treasure trove for anyone seeking to support neurodiversity in parenting and education.

Click here for a link to the Speech Den 

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Episode 46

This week we are joined by Instagram’s beloved Garden Fairy, Anya Lautenbach, to talk to her all about how she has found joy and power in her neurodivergency. Anya shares her journey with us: from growing up with ADHD in Poland, to reframing her view of neurodivergency after her son's diagnosis with dyslexia, and finally to growing her own hugely successful gardening business and online presence.

Anya shares with us all the wisdom she has learnt along the way, including the importance of not shying away from diagnosis, the healing role of nature in her life, and an enlightening metaphor about cashmere cardigans...

Whether you're seeking inspiring personal stories or valuable parenting tools, this is a delightful and uplifting episode for all! 

Click here for Anya's book The Money Saving Gardener

www.sendparenting.com

Episode 45

In celebration of the final day of ADHD Awareness month this week's guest Dr Giovanni Giaroli joins us to talk us thoroughly through all the questions we could possibly have around ADHD medication and treatment.

A highly respected consultant and psychiatrist specialising in neurodevelopmental conditions, Dr Giovanni Giaroli shares his wisdom and expertise on a number of topics. From the controversy surrounding assessment and medication, the different types and how they work, the importance of personalised medication and dosage, and more! We also talk the comorbidity of anxiety with ADHD and autism, and why it's wise to try therapy before reaching for medication in these situations.

If you have ever felt nervous or confused about the prescription of medication for you or your child with ADHD - this is the episode for you! We promise you will walk away with a deeper understanding of ADHD treatment, the options, the dangers, and the exciting differences they can make in the day-to-day of your life. 

Link to the Giaroli Centre 

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