Click here for the ADHD Sleep Guide - 30 days to better sleep Sleep deprivation became our unwelcome companion for eleven long years. My daughter Alexandra would lie awake for hours, plagued by anxious thoughts that seemed to intensify as darkness fell. When sleep finally came, it was fragmented – she'd wake repeatedly, finding her way to my bed most nights seeking reassurance. For families navigating ADHD, this scenario might sound painfully familiar. In this deeply personal conversation, Alexa...
Aug 19, 2025•14 min•Ep. 134
FREE GUIDE: ADHD Medication Made Simple 💊 Understand how ADHD medication works, the different options available, and how to talk to your child about it with confidence. 👉 Download your free guide here What's it really like to take ADHD medication as a teenager? Forget the clinical explanations—today my daughter Alexandra bravely takes us behind the curtain of her medication journey with refreshing honesty that only a young person living the experience can provide. The journey begins with Alexa...
Aug 12, 2025•19 min•Ep. 133
FREE GUIDE for Parents of ADHD Girls 🎁 Discover the often-missed signs of ADHD in girls — so you can spot them early and get the right support. 👉 Download your free guide here Ever wondered what ADHD actually feels like from the inside? In this intimate first episode of our special summer series, I'm joined by my daughter Alexandra who courageously opens up about her experience living with ADHD before and after diagnosis. The morning battlefields we once faced will sound painfully familiar to ...
Aug 06, 2025•19 min
What if your child's meltdowns or shutdowns aren't actually about behavior, but biology? Nicola McAllister, education consultant with 30+ years of experience and mother to an autistic son, reveals the science behind self-regulation that transforms how we support our neurodivergent children. Through her compassionate lens, we discover that what looks like "difficult behavior" is actually a stress response—our children's bodies responding to perceived threats with the only tools they currently hav...
Jul 28, 2025•59 min•Ep. 131
Sara Donnelly, a head teacher of 14 years, shares why she's leaving education leadership after witnessing the system repeatedly fail neurodivergent children, in particular, girls. We also delve into why: • Girls with neurodiversity are often missed because they present differently than the stereotypical profile • Signs to watch for in autistic girls include subtle stimming, hypervigilance, and struggling to maintain (not make) friendships • Many professionals still believe myths like "she can't ...
Jul 21, 2025•54 min•Ep. 130
The digital world offers a unique sanctuary for neurodiverse children—a place where they can connect, explore, and engage in ways that might feel challenging in person. But this digital refuge comes with hidden costs as platforms silently harvest our children's personal data, using it in ways most parents don't fully understand. Deputy Commissioner Emily Keaney from the Information Commissioner's Office pulls back the curtain on what's really happening when your child scrolls through social medi...
Jul 14, 2025•36 min•Ep. 129
The gap between what neurodiverse children need and what traditional education provides continues to widen, leaving parents desperate for answers while waiting years for diagnoses and appropriate support. In this eye-opening conversation, Lizzie Shearing and Liz Britton share how Learning DNA's revolutionary approach is transforming outcomes for children with ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and other neurodevelopmental differences. At the heart of their methodology is the recognition that most children ...
Jul 07, 2025•1 hr 4 min
We dive into a powerful conversation about parenting neurodivergent children from the inside out with guest Diane Dempster, coach, speaker, and co-founder of Impact Parents. Diane shares her personal journey as a "recovering yelling mom" and how she discovered that the way we show up as parents matters more than what we do. • How the "Super Mom trap" catches neurodivergent parents who try to do everything for their children • Why parents are "the missing link" in helping neurodivergent children ...
Jun 30, 2025•41 min•Ep. 127
What if your journey to help your child with ADHD actually begins with healing yourself? Randy Free, founder of Aspire Coaching, offers a refreshing perspective that might just transform your family dynamics. When traditional parenting approaches fail with neurodivergent children, parents often feel trapped in cycles of conflict, meltdowns, and mutual frustration. Randy's personal story of raising two children with ADHD resonates deeply—the hours spent on homework, the struggles within an inflex...
Jun 10, 2025•51 min•Ep. 126
Financial planning for neurodivergent children is not just about money but about love, responsibility, and the legacy we leave when we're no longer here. • Cara explains how her journey with her autistic son during COVID lockdown led to creating SendProtect after noticing financial advisors weren't addressing SEND-specific needs • SendProtect offers free educational events, webinars and consultations to help SEND parents understand long-term financial planning • Life insurance policies should be...
Jun 02, 2025•50 min•Ep. 125
What happens when the child you thought you knew begins to slip away? For Guy Shahar, watching his one-year-old son Daniel lose words, self-feeding abilities, and connection was heartbreaking. "It's like you're losing your child," Guy shares, describing the helplessness that washed over him and his wife as traditional medical pathways offered little beyond frustration and dismissal. Their story takes an unexpected turn when they follow their intuition to a small therapy center in Israel, emptyin...
May 26, 2025•47 min•Ep. 124
Dr. Olivia Kessel speaks with Lisa Danahy, Founder & Director of Create Calm, yoga therapist and author of Create Calm in the Classroom, a book about understanding and supporting children's nervous systems through breath and movement techniques. She talks about why playful approaches work better than verbal instructions for neurodivergent children and: • Why we need to understand behaviours as nervous system communications rather than problems to fix • How to use the "volcano" movement exerc...
May 19, 2025•53 min•Ep. 123
The SEND Parenting Podcast joins forces with the SEND Network Podcast to explore the transformative power that emerges when parents and educators collaborate effectively for neurodiverse children, featuring Lynn Howe who brings unique insight as both a SENCO and parent of a neurodivergent child. We delve into how: • Children frequently mask difficulties at school, causing disconnect between home and school experiences • The EHCP process remains challenging, even for those with insider knowledge ...
May 12, 2025•47 min•Ep. 122
Should you consider medication for your child with ADHD? As both a doctor and the mother of a neurodivergent teenager, I've navigated this question from multiple perspectives—and discovered that much of what we believe about ADHD medication simply isn't supported by science. The hesitation many parents feel about medication stems from understandable concerns, but often these worries are based on myths rather than medical evidence. What surprised me most in my own journey was learning about the s...
May 05, 2025•44 min
Richard Orr, CEO of SOS SEN charity, shares how they empower families navigating the special educational needs system through legal support, advice centres, and their national helpline. Their pre-action protocol letters achieve a remarkable 97-98% success rate in resolving cases without going to tribunal, saving families from lengthy legal battles while securing proper educational provisions. • SOS SEN started 20 years ago when concerned individuals helped parents fight a special needs school cl...
Apr 28, 2025•50 min•Ep. 119
Two mothers, both podcast hosts, both raising neurodivergent children in the UK, come together for an honest conversation about the realities that many parents never see coming. Dr. Olivia Kessel (SEND Parenting Podcast) and Greer Jones (The Unfinished Idea) share their raw, unfiltered experiences navigating a system that often feels designed to exclude rather than support. From the moment Greer's son started school and was immediately restricted to two-hour days, to Olivia's shocking discovery ...
Apr 14, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 119
Dr. Olivia Kessel explores the essential yet often overlooked topic of caregiver self-care with behavior analyst Eleanor Magri, revealing how nurturing ourselves is not selfish but necessary for effectively supporting our neurodivergent children. • Neurodiversity family specialist Eleanor Magri introduces the concept of holistic support that includes caring for the caregiver • Parents often feel guilty prioritizing their needs, viewing self-care as selfish rather than necessary • Simple sensory ...
Apr 08, 2025•40 min•Ep. 118
Ross Jones shares his profound journey of discovering his ADHD at age 36 and how this diagnosis transformed his understanding of himself, his relationships, and his approach to parenting his neurodivergent children. • Learning to recognize the difference between tasks you don't like versus tasks that are genuinely challenging for your neurodivergent brain • Navigating the complex emotions that come with receiving an adult ADHD diagnosis • Understanding how ADHD affects relationships and finding ...
Mar 31, 2025•58 min•Ep. 117
We dive deep into sensory processing difficulties in neurodivergent children with Julie Davis, an occupational therapy expert with over 35 years' experience and founder of Future Steps. This conversation explores how sensory processing shapes development, influences behavior, and impacts daily functioning in ways many parents might not recognize. • Understanding the difference between sensory processing issues and behavioral problems • How sensory processing affects everyday activities like gett...
Mar 25, 2025•1 hr•Ep. 116
This episode provides a deep dive into the raw and insightful journey of Jessica Whalley as a neurodivergent parent navigating the complexities of raising her nonverbal autistic son. Jessica's personal revelations about her own diagnoses of autism and ADHD offer a profound perspective into the world of neurodiversity while providing support for other parents facing similar challenges. - Jessica's journey began with her son Jude's autism diagnosis - The emotional and practical challenges of secur...
Mar 17, 2025•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 115
We offer a deep dive into the innovative EOTAS framework, highlighting its vital role in reshaping education for neurodiverse children. The episode sheds light on practical insights gathering from real success stories shared by Joanna Gibbs of Sensational Tutors, equipping parents with actionable strategies. • Exploring the significance of the EHCP in tailoring educational needs • Insights into real-life success stories transforming educational experiences • Understanding the diverse needs of ne...
Mar 10, 2025•46 min•Ep. 114
In this episode, we explore the complexities of EOTAS (Education Otherwise Than At School) and its significance for neurodiverse families navigating alternative educational routes. We unpack critical questions about the legal framework, EHCP requirements, and strategies to empower parents in advocating for their children's needs. • Definition of EOTAS and its importance within SEND • Rising interest in EOTAS post-COVID and its implications • Understanding the legal challenges and securing fundin...
Mar 03, 2025•1 hr 34 min•Ep. 113
The episode features an engaging discussion on how parenting a neurodivergent child can lead to insights about one's neurodiversity. Amy White shares her experiences with her son Jack's autism diagnosis and how that journey prompted her own self-exploration. • Exploration of intergenerational neurodiversity in families • Amy's journey from her son’s diagnosis to discovering her own neurodivergent traits • The profound impact of educational environments on neurodivergent children • Importance of ...
Feb 24, 2025•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 112
This episode addresses the critical transition girls face when moving from primary to secondary school, especially concerning the challenges of puberty and neurodiversity. Experts share insights on the importance of community support and the role of mothers in empowering their daughters as they navigate these pivotal years. • Discussion of the transition to secondary school • Insights on neurodiversity and adolescent challenges • Importance of creating supportive communities for girls • Overview...
Feb 17, 2025•51 min•Ep. 110
This episode focuses on the underdiagnosis of ADHD in women and girls, exploring the emotional impact this has on their mental health. Rosie Turner shares her journey from misdiagnosis to understanding her ADHD, highlighting the unique challenges faced by women's evolving symptoms and the importance of exercise and self-acceptance. • Examining how ADHD presents differently in girls compared to boys • The emotional toll of misdiagnoses and societal expectations on women • The role of hormonal cha...
Feb 10, 2025•57 min•Ep. 111
This episode focuses on the alarming rise in anxiety and other mental health issues among teenagers, especially neurodiverse youth and how parents can provide support. Alicia Drummond shares insights from her Wellbeing Hub initiative, discussing practical strategies for fostering emotional resilience and maintaining open communication. • Discussion on increasing mental health referrals among children and teens • Addressing anxiety in neurodivergent children • Importance of recognizing anxiety as...
Feb 03, 2025•50 min•Ep. 109
Imagine preparing for a family gathering while navigating the intricate world of parenting a neurodiverse child. The noise, the chaos, and the unsolicited advice often threaten to overwhelm. Through this heartfelt episode, we promise to equip you with strategies to create a compassionate and supportive environment for your family. We are thrilled to welcome Lisa Chan, a dedicated pediatric occupational therapist from Canada, who shares her expertise in helping children with autism, ADHD, and sen...
Jan 27, 2025•59 min•Ep. 108
Unlock the secrets to helping teenagers overcome burnout with insights from Dr. Naomi Fisher and Eliza Fricker, authors of "The Teenager's Guide to Burnout." Our conversation dives deep into the pressures faced by today's teens, examining how academic demands and societal expectations contribute to chronic stress. We question the traditional education system's role in this growing issue, advocating for a shift towards more personalized and compassionate learning environments. Through engaging il...
Jan 20, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 107
This episode highlights the transformative power of Chicken Shed Theatre, a leader in inclusive theatre arts for 50 years. Susan shares her heartfelt journey as a mother of a neurodiverse child, while Charlotte delves into Chicken Shed's core mission to foster acceptance, understanding, and growth through artistic expression. • The origins and history of Chicken Shed Theatre • Personal stories of transformation through art and community • The importance of peer learning in inclusive settings • I...
Jan 13, 2025•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 106
What if you could transform the education system for neurodiverse children? Kelly Jarvis and Chrissa Wadlow from Sunshine Support are revolutionizing how we support neurodivergent children in schools. Kelly’s journey as an educator breathing new life into special educational needs and Chrissa’s relentless advocacy for her daughter form a compelling narrative of collaboration against systemic challenges. Together, they reveal their pioneering approaches that empower both families and educators in...
Jan 06, 2025•57 min•Ep. 105
