SEND Parenting Podcast - podcast cover

SEND Parenting Podcast

Dr. Olivia Kessel sendparenting.com

Welcome to the Send Parenting Podcast. I'm your neurodiverse host, Dr Olivia Kessel, and, more importantly, I am a mother to my wonderfully neurodivergent daughter, Alexandra, who really inspired this podcast. 

As a veteran in navigating the world of neurodiversity, I have uncovered a wealth of misinformation, alongside many answers and solutions that were never taught to me in medical school or in any of the parenting handbooks.

Each week on this podcast, I will be bringing the experts to your ears to empower you on your parenting crusade. 

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Episodes

EP 104: Raising Resilient Kids with Dr. Maryhan

Dr Maryhan, a clinical psychologist and esteemed fellow podcaster, joins us to celebrate the 100th episode of the SEND Parenting Podcast. Have you ever wondered how to raise neurodiverse children within the UK education system without losing your mind? This milestone episode offers a treasure trove of insights as Dr. Maryhan shares wisdom from her upcoming book, "How Not to Screw Up Your Kids." We tackle the intricate dance of parenting in a world where children are moulded by influences beyond ...

Dec 30, 202434 minEp. 104

EP 103: Dealing With Conflict At Home with Sarah Fisher

Ever wondered how to transform your parenting approach to better support neurodivergent children? Sarah Fisher, an adoptive mom and author of "Connective Parenting," joins us for our milestone 100th episode to share her insightful experiences. Sarah opens up about her journey with her son, revealing the remarkable impact of Non-Violent Resistance (NVR) techniques in managing challenging behaviors. Together, we unpack the importance of shifting our focus as parents from correcting our children's ...

Dec 23, 202433 minEp. 103

EP 102: Disengaged In School with Dr. Chris Bagley

What if our education system could truly embrace individuality and foster genuine growth for every child? Join us for our 100th episode of the Send Parenting Podcast, featuring the astute Dr. Chris Bagley, who argues for revolutionary changes in how we perceive and implement education. Dr. Bagley, a educational psychologist and advocate for neurodiverse children, sheds light on the limitations of traditional schooling methods and the rise of home education as a viable alternative. Together, we u...

Dec 16, 202451 minEp. 102

EP 101: Nutrition for Neurodivergent Children with Lucinda Miller

Episode 101 Unlock the secrets to nurturing neurodivergent minds with the wisdom of Lucinda Miller, founder and clinical lead of NatureDoc, as we celebrate our monumental 100th episode. Lucinda returns to discuss her groundbreaking book, "Brain Brilliance," a nutritional guide tailored for neurodivergent individuals. From her beloved Cherry Sleepy Smoothie to ingenious recipes like margarita pizza waffles, Lucinda shares how nutritious meals can transform emotional regulation, anxiety, and sleep...

Dec 09, 202434 minEp. 101

EP 100: RSVP to the Celebration event 🥳

Episode 100 week long free event RSVP now to be part of this transformative event. What if there were ways to make the complex journey of parenting neurodiverse children a bit smoother? Join us for a week-long celebration of our 100th episode milestone on the Send Parenting Podcast, where we're offering just that. Dr Olivia Kessel, inspired by her own journey as a parent to a neurodivergent daughter, welcomes a stellar lineup of experts ready to share insights and strategies tailored for the SEN...

Nov 27, 20245 minEp. 100

EP 99: Supporting Neurodiverse Children with Amanda Ashy

Episode 99 Amanda Ashy's inspiring journey from television producer to a champion for neurodiverse children offers a unique perspective on parenting. Join us as Amanda, a clinical nutritionist, mindfulness expert, and yoga teacher, shares how she transformed her life and career to focus on family regulation, connection, and resilience. Get ready to uncover the profound impact of mindfulness and somatics in nurturing behaviour patterns and resilience, as Amanda highlights the importance of unders...

Nov 25, 202451 minEp. 99

100th Episode Celebration Event Announcement! 🎉

Click here for a link to sign up for the event . Hello, Neuro Nurturers, I am beyond excited to share this incredible milestone with you—the 100th episode of the SEND Parenting Podcast! 🎙 This journey has been one of connection, learning, and empowerment, and I could not have done it without you. Your stories, your resilience, and your love for your children have been the heart of everything we do here. To celebrate, we have planned something truly special—a week-long event series featuring som...

Nov 20, 20247 min

Ep 98: Rethinking Language Development with Cathy Schilling

Episode 98 Unlock the secrets of gestalt language processing as we sit down with Kathy Schilling, a leading speech and language therapist and the visionary behind the Speech Den. Cathy unravels the intricacies of this unique form of communication, especially prevalent among neurodiverse children, and how it contrasts with traditional language development. Dive into the world of echolalia, where children’s repeated phrases hold profound meaning, serving as more than just mimicry. We explore the p...

Nov 18, 20241 hr

EP 97: Effective Communication and Emotional Regulation with Dr. Gilly Kahn

Episode 97 Unlock the secrets of effective communication in neurodiverse families with invaluable insights from Dr. Kahn, a clinical psychologist and ADHD advocate. Discover how emotional regulation plays a pivotal role in shaping interactions between parents and children, and even between partners themselves. Dr. Kahn shares her personal journey with ADHD, diagnosed at the age of 33, and provides practical strategies for navigating familial tensions, particularly when one parent is hesitant abo...

Nov 11, 202448 min

EP 96: Empowering Neurodivergent Artists: Accessibility and Inclusivity with Stephen Bailey

Episode 96 Award-winning neurodiverse director and producer Stephen Bailey joins us to share his compelling journey from history and law to the vibrant world of theater. Diagnosed with neurodivergence in his mid-20s, Stephen found his true calling in directing, creating powerful productions like "The Real Imagined History of the Elephant Man." As the artistic lead at Vital Exposure, a disabled-led theater company, he is committed to pushing the boundaries of accessibility and inclusivity in the ...

Nov 04, 202442 min

EP 95: Understand Your Genetics & Improve Your Nutrition with Dr. Jill Crowfoot of Renude Health

Episode 95 What if you could unlock the secrets of your DNA to enhance the well-being of your neurodiverse child? Join us for an enlightening conversation with Dr. Jill Crowfoot a seasoned GP and founder of Renude Health, as she shares her groundbreaking insights on personalized nutrition and genetic testing. She explains how understanding your genetic makeup can guide you in making tailored nutritional and lifestyle choices, particularly for neurodiverse children. We discuss the limitations of ...

Oct 14, 202458 min

EP 94: Challenging Traditional Parenting with Dr. Naomi Fisher and Eliza Fricker

Join the SEND Parenting Community on Whatsapp either Click Here or send a message to 07856 915 105 and I will personally add you to the private group where we can connect and support each other. What if traditional parenting methods are doing more harm than good? Join us as we welcome Dr. Naomi Fisher and Eliza Fricker, co-authors of the enlightening new book "When the Naughty Step Makes Things Worse," to challenge popular parenting wisdom. This episode promises a fresh perspective on raising ne...

Oct 07, 20241 hr 16 minEp. 94

EP 93: AI and Assistive Tech: A New Era in Education with Brian Friedlander

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 changin...

Sep 30, 202457 min

EP 92: How hormones affect neurodiversity with Dina Siman, founder of Menopause Pilates

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, mig...

Sep 23, 202454 minEp. 92

EP 91: Legal Help for SEND Parents with Alex Stafford of charity IPSEA

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 c...

Sep 16, 20241 hr 4 min

EP 90: Back to School Hacks for Neurodiverse Children

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 transiti...

Sep 09, 202426 minEp. 90

EP 89: Using AI to help neurodiverse children with Davey Jones from Open Genius

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 technolo...

Sep 02, 202435 minEp. 89

EP 88: Self-Care Strategies For Parents with Dr Olivia Kessel

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 sel...

Aug 26, 202416 min

EP 87: Summer Sleep Struggles & Solutions with Dr. Olivia Kessel

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...

Aug 19, 202426 min

EP 86: Managing emotional and physical outbursts during the summer holidays with Dr Olivia Kessel

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, maintai...

Aug 12, 202418 min

Ep 85: Summer Holidays - Easing The Transition

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 strug...

Aug 05, 202411 minEp. 85

EP 84: Sheep Therapy - Bitesize Summaries

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 neurodi...

Jul 29, 202419 minEp. 84

EP 83: Empowering Technology - Bitesize Summaries

Episode 83 We are back this week with another (not so) bitesize episode, which means that we are joined once more by our fantastic bitesize co-host Tamsyn. This week we are throwing all the way back to episode 8 with Sally Greenhalgh, academic and digital lead of the Unicorn School, with whom we discussed how schools can better embrace technology to empower neurodiverse children in education. Tamsyn and Olivia cover all the incredible information from that episode, like the tech that is out ther...

Jul 22, 202434 minEp. 83

EP 82: Dyspraxia Advocacy with Rosemary Richings

Episode 82 Have you ever wondered how dyspraxia affects day-to-day life from childhood into adulthood? Join us on this enlightening episode of the SEND Parenting Podcast, where we're excited to have Rosemary Richings, a talented writer and advocate, share her personal journey with dyspraxia, offering unique insights drawn from her book, "Stumbling Through Time." Together, we unpack the complexities of living with dyspraxia, its impact on daily activities, and how it intertwines with conditions l...

Jul 15, 202435 minEp. 82

EP 81: EHCP Implementation & School Choices with Jenny Hooper

Episode 81 So, you have an EHCP - now what? Join us this week as we continue our enlightening two-part conversation with Jenny Hooper, CEO of the Evolving Mind Clinic. Jenny uses her 39+ years of experience working in SEND education (both from a teaching and local authority perspective) to provide a comprehensive break down of anything and everything we may need to know about our EHCPs. Tune in as we breakdown what each section of the EHCP document is for and how best to use it, red flags in EHC...

Jul 08, 202449 minEp. 81

EP 80: School Support for SEND Children with Jenny Hooper

Episode 80 Are you feeling lost, confused or unsure about getting getting support or an EHCP for your child? Join us this week on the Send Parenting Podcast as we welcome Jenny Hooper, CEO of the Evolving Mind Clinic, to share her 39 years of expertise in teaching and special education needs. Together, we cover the initial steps of identifying when your child requires additional assistance, the ins and outs of SEN support pre-EHCP, and strategies for obtaining an Educational Healthcare Plan (EHC...

Jul 01, 202459 minEp. 80

Ep 79: ADHD Advocacy with Leanne Maskell

Episode 79 This week we are joined by the ADHD coach and advocate, Leanne Maskell to talk all about her journey to late diagnosis and thriving within ADHD. Through hearing about Leanne's struggles and journey to a late diagnosis at 25, we illuminate a lot of fascinating, lesser-discussed elements of ADHD like rejection-sensitive dysphoria, ADHD in girls, and the genuine mortal danger of late diagnosis. Through her work in researching, writing, and educating about ADHD, Leanne shares with us how ...

Jun 24, 20241 hr 10 minEp. 79

Ep 78: Neurodivergent Friendly Swimming with Nicole Martin

Episode 78 Teaching our children to swim is a vital part of preparing our children for the wider world, but for neurodivergent children it can be an uphill struggle. How can we make the world of water can be friendly and safe for children who don't fit the typical mould? This week we are joined Nicole Martin from Core Aquatics who has dedicated her career to create and teach inclusive swimming programs that cater to neurodiverse children. We talk about how such initiatives can drastically reduce...

Jun 17, 202434 minEp. 78

EP 77: Speech & Language Therapy with Olly Stewart

Episode 77 This week I am joined by Olly Stewart, a wonderful speech and language therapist from the Evolving Mind Clinic. This week we are diving into everything about speech and language therapy, what it is, how it works, how you can access it, and parenting tips and tricks from a speech and language perspective. We dispel the notion that speech and language therapists (SALTs) are only concerned with stammers and lisps, and reveal the transformative role they can have in fostering communicatio...

Jun 10, 202444 minEp. 77

EP 76: Transforming Childhood Anxiety with the Nixon Sisters

Episode 76 Anxiety in general, but especially in young people and children, is on the rise. That's why I'm thrilled to bring you a conversation with the remarkable Nixon sisters, Emma and Laura, who are pioneering the way we support children grappling with anxiety in the classroom. Our dialogue sheds light on the complex factors contributing to this epidemic, highlighting the residual effects of the pandemic, the digital age, and lifestyle changes. But beyond diagnosing the problem, we're here t...

Jun 03, 202445 minEp. 76
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