Wellington Mum Keely shares her experiences of what like having two autistic children. There are a couple of teary moments as we discuss some of the hopes and dreams we have for our kids.

In this episode I talk to Wellington Mum Anna who shares her story with beautiful vulnerability and honesty. We find out what it was like for her to find out pre-natal that there was a chance her baby could have Down Syndrome and what it was like to first look into her eyes when she was born.

Anna is also a neurodiversity affirming early intervention teacher passionate about connection and regulation. She supports early childhood teachers and caregivers of tamariki who have support needs. Follow along on @empowerlearningproject

Episode 4 features my colleague Jack who is the other Wellington Coordinator at Parent to Parent. We talk about what it's like to have a disability yourself and be raising a child with Autism. Listen in to hear an honest and heartwarming story of a Dad who takes every day as it comes, trying to put the pieces of the jigsaw together.

In this episode I talk with Ken, a Wellington father of two neurodivergent boys. We talk about advocating for your child and what that looks like in different spaces as well as PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance) which is a profile of autism.

There are a few acronyms mentioned so here's a glossary:

ASD - Autism Spectrum Disorder

PDA - Pathological Demand Avoidance

CDS - Child Development Service

ADHD - Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

CAMHS - Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service

ND - Neurodivergent or Neurodiverse

OT - Occupational Therapist

Sunflower lanyard: Hidden disabilities sunflower scheme | aviation.govt.nz

In this episode I talk to Leila who is a Wellington Mum of two boys, one of whom is autistic. She also talks about what it was like growing up with a neurodivergent brother and how that, along with her own experience has shaped her perspective on disability.

This show is for parents and caregivers of disabled and neurodivergent children of any age.

The first series 'Meet the parents', will be a collection of interviews with different parents who share their story and experiences of raising a disabled or ND child.

In this introductory episode you will hear the story of Meredith, the host of TGTK, who is interviewed by her friend Amy.