SENd Help Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

In this powerful episode, we follow the emotional and inspiring journey of Nellie's diagnosis of Turners Syndrome, as told by her Mum, Gaby.

From the first signs of something being different to the uncertainty and overwhelming doctors' visits, the story unfolds with raw honesty and hope.

The episode highlights the resilience of a family who, against all odds, sought answers, faced the challenges, and found strength in each other.

Tune in to hear the heartwarming tale of perseverance and the importance of advocating for your children. Resources: www.tss.org.uk

While we wrap up Gaby's story, the second part of episode 1 is all about the journey of Emma’s family whose child Seth was diagnosed autistic at just two years old. From the early signs that something was different to the emotional rollercoaster of seeking answers, this episode captures breakthroughs that came with the diagnosis. With a focus on resilience, advocacy, and the power of early intervention, this story is a testament to the strength of the family’s love and commitment to supporting Seth in any way possible. Whether you are a parent, professional, or someone wanting to understand more about autism, this episode offers valuable insights, heartfelt reflections, and hope for anyone facing a similar journey.

Resources: https://www.autism.org.uk

In this episode of the podcast, we welcome a very special guest—Emma’s sister, a skilled and compassionate Speech and Language Therapist, Roberta Mackey. With years of experience helping children overcome communication challenges, she shares valuable insights into her work, the importance of early intervention, and how speech therapy can transform lives.

Throughout the episode, she offers practical advice for parents and caregivers on recognising speech and language difficulties and the best ways to support children and adults in their journey. Whether it's tackling speech delays, language development, or social communication skills, Roberta provides actionable tips that listeners can apply at home.

This conversation is not only educational but also deeply personal, as Roberta opens up about her passion for her profession, the rewards and challenges she faces, and her approach to fostering confidence in those she helps. Tune in for a dose of wisdom, empathy, and a lot of heart.

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Karly: a lawyer, a mother to two autistic boys, and a passionate SEND advocate. Karly shares her personal and professional journey navigating the often overwhelming world of special educational needs and her journey to discovering her own diagnosis of Autism and ADHD. With extensive knowledge of Educational Health and Care Plans, coupled with her background in law, expect sharp insight and empathy as she opens up about the challenges families face, the gaps in the system, and her passtion to support other families. Whether you're a parent, educator, or just want to better understand the SEND landscape, this conversation is a must-listen!

In the second part of our enlightening conversation with speech and language therapist Roberta, we continue discussing the world of gestalt language processing, how it shows up in communication, and why understanding it is crucial for effective support. 

Roberta also shares her expertise on:

• What gestalt language processing can look like in children
• Understanding the reasoning behind challenges and behaviours that may arise and how to compassionately navigate them
• What effective speech and language therapy should look like 
• How parents, educators, and therapists can better support natural language development and where families can go to get that support

Whether you're a parent, therapist, or just curious about neurodivergent communication styles, this episode offers practical insight and thoughtful discussion.

Tune in and take another step toward understanding and empowering all kinds of communicators!

In this follow up episode, we continue our deep dive into Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), joined by special guest Karly. Together, we explore key steps, common challenges, and helpful tips for parents and caregivers navigating the EHCP journey.

Please see resource links below as discussed with Karly:

https://www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/microsites/local-offer/media-library/documents/ehc-assessment-request-form-723kb.pdf

https://www.geldards.com

https://adhdandautism.org

https://www.hertssendiass.org.uk/home.aspx

https://www.ipsea.org.uk

https://sossen.org.uk

In this episode, Gaby share's the emotional and exhausting journey of fighting for Nellie’s place in a specialist school ,a setting she and her family know she needs to truly thrive.

From the sleepless nights and mounting stress to the relentless effort of challenging the local authority, this is the story of what it really takes to stand up for a child’s right to appropriate education. Despite overwhelming professional evidence supporting Nellie’s need for specialist provision, the local authority named a mainstream school on her EHCP, a decision that could set her back, not help her move forward.

I talk you through the full process:
➡️ The build-up to lodging a case for tribunal
➡️ The emotional toll on our family
➡️ The critical steps we took to challenge the local authority
➡️ And, ultimately, exposing the inequality SEND parents face when it comes to accessing educating.

This episode is for every parent or carer facing a similar struggle, and for anyone who believes that every child deserves to be seen, understood, and supported.

Our mission is simple but powerful: to advocate for Nellie, and every child with additional needs.

In Part 2 of this episode, Gaby takes us beyond the paperwork and into the realities of the tribunal process itself. This episode picks up where we left off, after the case has been lodged, and walks you through the highs, lows, and unexpected turns of preparing for a SEND tribunal.

From gathering expert testimonies to navigating legal language and holding firm under pressure, Gaby shares the raw reality of what it takes to push back against a system that often fails to listen. She reflects on the uncertainty and tenacity that came with every letter, phone call, and meeting, moments that tested her resilience but never her resolve.

You'll hear:
➡️ What it’s really like to prepare for tribunal day
➡️ The emotional impact on daily family life
➡️ How we’ve built our case and found support
➡️ Reflections on justice, persistence, and the power of community

This episode is for every parent in the thick of the fight, for those wondering if it’s worth it, and for anyone who wants to understand the real cost and importance of advocating for children with additional needs.