Explore every episode of the podcast SEND Parenting Podcast
Dive into the complete episode list for SEND Parenting Podcast . Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.
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Title
Pub. Date
Duration
EP 144: When School Doesn't Fit: The Homeschool Solution
04 Nov 2025
01:03:57
What if the problem isn't your child—it's the system?
If school mornings feel like a battlefield and your child is shrinking under constant pressure, this episode offers hope. Dr. Olivia sits down with Cassie Olguin—homeschooling mother of three (including neurodivergent twins) and Outschool education lead—to explore what learning looks like when you step outside the traditional classroom.
Cassie's Journey: From early motor delays and night terrors to navigating autism, ADHD, OCD, and anxiety, Cassie shares the messy, real path many families walk. You'll discover how labels became tools for changing the environment—not verdicts on her daughter's potential.
What You'll Learn: ✨ Charter homeschooling demystified – How oversight works without rigid timetables ✨ Personal pace over grade levels – Why your child doesn't need to "keep up" ✨ Practical strategies that worked – Delaying reading until readiness, reframing maths as everyday numeracy, using interest-led classes ✨ Outschool's magic – Live sessions with expert tutors (think: veterinary science with a practicing vet, maths through Minecraft, virtual history escape rooms) ✨ Redefining success – Why standardised tests don't measure intelligence, creativity, or resilience
The Twin Perspective: Perhaps most moving: Cassie's twins are taking completely different educational paths through adolescence. One thrives with college-level work; the other flourishes at a gentler pace. Different tracks, equal worth.
Key Takeaways for Parents:
Start without decision paralysis—you don't need to figure it all out at once
Find your support network and share resources
Outsource subjects you don't love (yes, really!)
Mastery-based learning vs. arbitrary grade levels
Small online classes that respect sensory needs and attention spans
If your child is struggling, this conversation offers relief, clarity, and a roadmap forward.
💡 Subscribe to never miss an episode 💬 Share this with a parent who needs hope ⭐ Leave a review to help more families find practical, compassionate support
Click here for
📚 New Book — Out May 7 👉 Order your copy Beyond the Label: Empowering Parents of ADHD Girls A powerful blend of science and lived experience to help you truly understand and support your daughter.
⚡ Ready to go deeper? Become part of the ADHD Warrior Mum’s Membership — a paid membership space with group coaching with Dr Olivia, access to masterclasses with neurodiverse experts, monthly self-care and real connection. You don't have to navigate this journey alone.
📩 Contact Me If you w...
EP 143: Stop Mothering Me! Understanding Your Teen’s Push for Independence
28 Oct 2025
00:48:06
Half-term chaos, slammed doors, sharp words—if that sounds familiar, you are not alone. In this episode, Dr Olivia Kessel sits down with teen expert Kim McCabe to unpack why your once-snuggly child suddenly bristles at “How was your day?” and how to respond without losing your cool or your connection. From the teenage brain’s rebuild to the unique load neurodiverse teens carry, we explore what is really happening under the surface—and the simple shifts that can change everything at home.
Kim explains why after-school meltdowns often land on parents, how masking drains emotional capacity, and what co-regulation looks like in real life. Together, we cover how to use short validating phrases instead of lectures, hold boundaries that reflect your core values, and create safe outlets for big feelings that do not harm anyone. You will hear why permissiveness can feel like indifference to teens, how to choose a few non-negotiables, and when to step back so your young person can save face and recover their balance.
We also share low-pressure ways to rebuild closeness: monthly parent–teen “dates,” visiting their world first—whether that is gaming, football, memes, or TikTok—without judgment, and narrating your own self-regulation to model coping. Whether you are parenting girls or boys, mums or dads, neurotypical or neurodiverse, the principles hold true: be the parent, team up with other adults, and protect your own capacity. Calm and loving is your superpower—but it needs fuel.
If this resonates, follow the show, share it with a parent who needs a boost, and leave a quick review so more families can find these tools. And if you are ready for deeper support, check the show notes for details on the Recharge and Connect SEND Summit—join us in person or via live stream.
📚 New Book — Out May 7 👉 Order your copy Beyond the Label: Empowering Parents of ADHD Girls A powerful blend of science and lived experience to help you truly understand and support your daughter.
⚡ Ready to go deeper? Become part of the ADHD Warrior Mum’s Membership — a paid membership space with group coaching with Dr Olivia, access to masterclasses with neurodiverse experts, monthly self-care and real connection. You don't have to navigate this journey alone.
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, Alexandra courageously shares what those nights felt like from her perspective: "Sleep was like a nightmare." She describes overwhelming anxiety that made sleepovers impossible, prevented me from having evenings out, and left us both perpetually exhausted. We candidly discuss how sleep deprivation amplified our challenges, leading to what Alexandra perfectly describes as "explosion time" – when our emotional regulation skills would crumble under the weight of fatigue.
The turning point in our journey came unexpectedly. After trying countless strategies, from elaborate bedtime routines to consultations with sleep specialists, we finally found our answer in prescription melatonin. Alexandra describes the transformation as nothing short of miraculous – from hours of bedtime struggles to falling asleep within minutes. We explore the complementary approaches that support her sleep hygiene now, including technology boundaries, weighted blankets, meditation, and Emotional Freedom Technique for anxiety. Most touchingly, Alexandra shares how quality sleep has expanded her world, enabling her to manage overnight stays and wake feeling "recharged and ready for the day."
Whether you're a parent, educator, or healthcare provider supporting a child with ADHD, this conversation offers both practical strategies and genuine hope. Download our free sleep resource sheet at sendparenting.com/sleep to begin implementing these life-changing techniques today. Because when sleep improves, everything else follows.
📚 New Book — Out May 7 👉 Order your copy Beyond the Label: Empowering Parents of ADHD Girls A powerful blend of science and lived experience to help you truly understand and support your daughter.
⚡ Ready to go deeper? Become part of the ADHD Warrior Mum’s Membership — a paid membership space with group coaching with Dr Olivia, access to masterclasses with neurodiverse experts, monthly self-care and real connection. You don't have to navigate this journey alone.
📩 Contact Me If you w...
Ep 45: Demystifying ADHD and Medication with Dr. Giovanni Giaroli
30 Oct 2023
00:48:27
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.
📚 New Book — Out May 7 👉 Order your copy Beyond the Label: Empowering Parents of ADHD Girls A powerful blend of science and lived experience to help you truly understand and support your daughter.
⚡ Ready to go deeper? Become part of the ADHD Warrior Mum’s Membership — a paid membership space with group coaching with Dr Olivia, access to masterclasses with neurodiverse experts, monthly self-care and real connection. You don't have to navigate this journey alone.
📩 Contact Me If you w...
EP 44: Understanding and Improving "Bad" Behaviour with Adele Bates
23 Oct 2023
00:44:35
Episode 44
TW: Some references to self-harm.
How has the UK education system been designed? With up-to-date data on the nature of learning in mind? Or based on the outdated policies of the past? We'll let you take a wild guess. Adele Bates, an esteemed behaviour and educational specialist teacher and author, shares her expertise with us on current antiquated behavioural policies and how we can change them.
This is a fascinating, illuminating, and hopeful discussion. We discuss so much: insufficient funding and training in schools, relationship-based approaches to behavioural policies, the trauma of isolation, and tailoring our classrooms to the behaviour needs of students.
Adele also shares priceless tips on fostering trust and connection with students, and we touch upon her book, "Miss, I Don't Give A Sh*t", and its emphasis on challenging behaviour in school. This episode serves as a crucial guide for anyone wanting to foster a supportive and understanding atmosphere in their educational environment.
📚 New Book — Out May 7 👉 Order your copy Beyond the Label: Empowering Parents of ADHD Girls A powerful blend of science and lived experience to help you truly understand and support your daughter.
⚡ Ready to go deeper? Become part of the ADHD Warrior Mum’s Membership — a paid membership space with group coaching with Dr Olivia, access to masterclasses with neurodiverse experts, monthly self-care and real connection. You don't have to navigate this journey alone.
📩 Contact Me If you w...
EP 43: "Anxious Mothers" & School Refusal - Bitesize Summaries
16 Oct 2023
00:15:40
Episode 43
This week we are introducing an episode of our bitesize podcast in which our host Olivia and SEN advisor Tamsyn Hendry sit down for a short discussion of the top takeaways from some of our favourite episodes.
For this bitesize episode we're thrilled to discuss the significant themes from episodes 22 and 23 with Ellie Costello. We're reminding ourselves of some of our favourite wisdom from these episodes about dealing with the education system: dealing with the infamous label of "anxious mothers", the loss of identity and respect as parents, and the clashing medical and social models of education.
We hope to be releasing some more episodes like this scattered throughout the year, providing a short digestible format to summarise the insights of all our incredible guests. But we're not stopping there - we want your thoughts on the episode! Remember, you're part of a supportive parenting tribe, and your voice matters.
📚 New Book — Out May 7 👉 Order your copy Beyond the Label: Empowering Parents of ADHD Girls A powerful blend of science and lived experience to help you truly understand and support your daughter.
⚡ Ready to go deeper? Become part of the ADHD Warrior Mum’s Membership — a paid membership space with group coaching with Dr Olivia, access to masterclasses with neurodiverse experts, monthly self-care and real connection. You don't have to navigate this journey alone.
📩 Contact Me If you w...
EP 42: Sheep Therapy with EWE Talks (Emma Redman & Pippa Ashton)
09 Oct 2023
00:53:41
Episode 42
Get ready to be swept off your feet by Emma and Pippa, the brainy duet behind EWE Talk, a non-profit like no other. Armed with a flock of sheep and a passion for mental wellness, they're breaking barriers in the most heartwarming way. Their work is focused on using the calming nature of sheep therapy and the power of outdoor environments to help neurodiverse children and those grappling with mental health issues.
Join us as we discuss the incredible power of nature to aid those who find the norms of the everyday difficult to navigate. This isn't a fluffy farm story, but a groundbreaking mission to harness the flock instinct of sheep to aid self-regulation. From how stroking animals lowers cortisol to stories of individuals who have, with the help of the flock, uncovered their untapped potential and formed meaningful connections.
So, join us for this inspiring conversation as we reshape our views on therapeutic intervention!
📚 New Book — Out May 7 👉 Order your copy Beyond the Label: Empowering Parents of ADHD Girls A powerful blend of science and lived experience to help you truly understand and support your daughter.
⚡ Ready to go deeper? Become part of the ADHD Warrior Mum’s Membership — a paid membership space with group coaching with Dr Olivia, access to masterclasses with neurodiverse experts, monthly self-care and real connection. You don't have to navigate this journey alone.
📩 Contact Me If you w...
EP 41: Happiness in Schools w/ Adrian Bethune
02 Oct 2023
00:30:45
Episode 41
What if we told you that happiness could be at the heart of our children's education? Join us for this eye-opening conversation with Adrian Bethune, teacher and founder of Teach Happy, as we explore the importance of well-being in schools and how this can lead to more engaged, motivated learners.
We dive into all sorts of topics in this episode: creating autonomy in students, fostering strong relationships between teachers and parents, the three pillars of intrinsic motivation, and creating a sense of belonging in the full diversity of minds in the classroom.
Don't miss this inspiring episode that will challenge your perception of education, empower teachers, and help parents work closely with schools to create a fulfilling, happier learning experience for all children.
📚 New Book — Out May 7 👉 Order your copy Beyond the Label: Empowering Parents of ADHD Girls A powerful blend of science and lived experience to help you truly understand and support your daughter.
⚡ Ready to go deeper? Become part of the ADHD Warrior Mum’s Membership — a paid membership space with group coaching with Dr Olivia, access to masterclasses with neurodiverse experts, monthly self-care and real connection. You don't have to navigate this journey alone.
📩 Contact Me If you w...
EP 40: ADHD and Autism Private Assessments
25 Sep 2023
00:50:11
Episode 40
Ever feel like you're wandering in a maze trying to understand the UK educational system for your neurodiverse child? Join us in this enlightening episode as Catherine, a fellow parent, and I take a deep dive into our personal journeys, grappling with the complexities of private assessments for children with special educational needs. We bring our experiences to the table, highlighting the process, the rational, cost, value and limitations of a private assessment. If you have been wondering if a private assessment is the right path for you and your child this is the podcast to empower you with information so you can make an informed decision.
We also discuss the more emotionally complicated sides of seeking diagnoses - when and how should we disclose it to our children themselves? Tune in, as are two parents sharing our personal experiences and hard-earned wisdom to lighten the burden for you.
📚 New Book — Out May 7 👉 Order your copy Beyond the Label: Empowering Parents of ADHD Girls A powerful blend of science and lived experience to help you truly understand and support your daughter.
⚡ Ready to go deeper? Become part of the ADHD Warrior Mum’s Membership — a paid membership space with group coaching with Dr Olivia, access to masterclasses with neurodiverse experts, monthly self-care and real connection. You don't have to navigate this journey alone.
📩 Contact Me If you w...
Ep 39: Neurodiversity in Sport with Ex- Olympian Caragh McMurtry
18 Sep 2023
00:49:28
Episode 39
Have you ever wondered how neurodivergence impacts individuals in the sports world? Imagine trying to strive for excellence in an environment where you're constantly misunderstood and scrutinized, both physically and mentally. That's the challenging journey our guest, ex-Olympian rower Caragh McMurtry, has navigated. Diagnosed with later in life with autism, Caragh opens up about her battles, including being misdiagnosed with bipolar disorder, overmedication, and her struggle to fit into a restrictive mold within the sports realm. Listen in, as she shares the inspiration behind Neurodiverse Sport -- her platform advocating, supporting, and educating about neurodiversity in sports.
We also dive deep into how to foster growth and independence among neurodivergent children within a sports setting and Caragh shares valuable advice on how to encourage resilience and self-reliance among children, allowing them to embrace their uniqueness and flourish. Join us for this enlightening discussion that offers a fresh perspective on the challenges and opportunities for neurodivergent athletes in the sports world. Don't miss out on this eye-opening conversation that could change how you view sports, coaching, and neurodiversity.
📚 New Book — Out May 7 👉 Order your copy Beyond the Label: Empowering Parents of ADHD Girls A powerful blend of science and lived experience to help you truly understand and support your daughter.
⚡ Ready to go deeper? Become part of the ADHD Warrior Mum’s Membership — a paid membership space with group coaching with Dr Olivia, access to masterclasses with neurodiverse experts, monthly self-care and real connection. You don't have to navigate this journey alone.
📩 Contact Me If you w...
EP 38: ADHD & Nutrition with Lucinda Miller
11 Sep 2023
00:51:37
Episode 28
Ever wondered how our diet could influence our brain? Can nutrition be a game-changer in managing ADHD? This week Lucinda Miller, ADHD-er and naturopath with over two decades of experience in pediatric nutrition, joins us to illuminate the intriguing connection between nutrition and ADHD.
Did you know the brain needs essential nutrients to regulate dopamine levels, which are critical in managing ADHD? With Lucinda we explore the critical nutrients involved in this, like tyrosine, iron, zinc, magnesium, and vitamin D. We also learn how to spot signs of iron and zinc deficiencies in our children.
While discussing how to introduce these nutrients into our children's diets we also delve into the art of positive communication around nutrition in the family home, and how to mindfully talk about food without triggering obsessive behaviours. Tune in to this enlightening episode, packed with practical advice and insights on the fascinating interaction between nutrition and ADHD.
📚 New Book — Out May 7 👉 Order your copy Beyond the Label: Empowering Parents of ADHD Girls A powerful blend of science and lived experience to help you truly understand and support your daughter.
⚡ Ready to go deeper? Become part of the ADHD Warrior Mum’s Membership — a paid membership space with group coaching with Dr Olivia, access to masterclasses with neurodiverse experts, monthly self-care and real connection. You don't have to navigate this journey alone.
📩 Contact Me If you w...
EP 37: SEND Support in Mainstream Schools with Tamsyn Hendry
04 Sep 2023
00:22:55
Episode 37
Struggling to navigate SEND provision in mainstream schools for your child? Fear not, as this week SEND Consultant Tamsyn Hendry returns to provide valuable insights and advice on everything SEND support related.
Tamsyn provides us a thorough overview of everything you need to know concerning supporting your SEND child through mainstream schools. From useful resources all parents should make use of (like local offers), to the systems (like local authority graduated response) that can pave the way for an EHCP application.
Join us as Tamsyn breaks down SEND Support Arrangement Plans, essential documents containing invaluable information about your child, including critical reviews. These plans play a pivotal role when collaborating with speech and language therapists, community pediatricians, or occupational therapists. Furthermore, she provides help on how to access the right advice and support. Don't miss out on the two free downloadable resources we're sharing on our website to help parents comprehend their child's needs and the support they can access (link below).
Please visit www.sendparenting.com to download free information on SEND advice and Understanding the local offer and graduated response
📚 New Book — Out May 7 👉 Order your copy Beyond the Label: Empowering Parents of ADHD Girls A powerful blend of science and lived experience to help you truly understand and support your daughter.
⚡ Ready to go deeper? Become part of the ADHD Warrior Mum’s Membership — a paid membership space with group coaching with Dr Olivia, access to masterclasses with neurodiverse experts, monthly self-care and real connection. You don't have to navigate this journey alone.
📩 Contact Me If you w...
EP 36: SENDCO Tips for Changing Lives with Ginny Bootman
28 Aug 2023
00:44:48
Episode 36
Join us for a captivating conversation with seasoned teacher and SENDCO, Ginny Bootman, as we follow her journey from head teacher to being the SENDCO of four primary schools and the advice she has along the way. Ginny, a beacon of knowledge and experience, underscores and offers advice for the crucial role of fostering strong rapport between parents, children, and teachers, urging the necessity of SENDCO training. Tune in to learn how her hands-on approach in the classroom and strategic systems ensure that no child's needs are overlooked.
Our dialogue also navigates through the compelling topic of making education more accessible for children with additional needs. We dissect the possible advantages of the Green Paper, the inconsistencies in funding and systems, and the pressing demand for more specialist schools. This episode is a treasure trove of insights for anyone with a stake in education.
Click here to access Ginny Bootman's book 'Being a SENDCO - 113 Tips for building relationships, saving time and changing lives' - enter SEND20 to get 20% discount
📚 New Book — Out May 7 👉 Order your copy Beyond the Label: Empowering Parents of ADHD Girls A powerful blend of science and lived experience to help you truly understand and support your daughter.
⚡ Ready to go deeper? Become part of the ADHD Warrior Mum’s Membership — a paid membership space with group coaching with Dr Olivia, access to masterclasses with neurodiverse experts, monthly self-care and real connection. You don't have to navigate this journey alone.
📩 Contact Me If you w...
ADHD Medication: a teen's experience
12 Aug 2025
00:18:51
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 Alexandra's genuine fear: "I can't take a pill. What if it gets stuck in my throat?" Using Tic Tacs as practice pills, we found our way through that first obstacle together. But the real challenges emerged during those initial ten days—a period of emotional turbulence that nearly led me to discontinue the medication altogether. This rarely-discussed "worse before better" phase is something every parent should know about before starting this journey.
Alexandra's description of life before and after medication is striking in its clarity. Homework sessions transformed from battles requiring constant supervision to independent work. Morning routines shifted from chaotic to manageable. Even navigating school medication schedules created unexpected social connections with other students taking similar treatments. When we accidentally missed a dose one morning and attempted homework, the stark contrast reminded us exactly why this intervention mattered so much.
As Alexandra enters her teenage years, our medication journey continues to evolve. We recently transitioned from a stimulant to a non-stimulant medication to address emerging anxiety symptoms—a change bringing its own set of challenges and adjustments. Through it all, Alexandra's perspective remains clear: "It wouldn't help me at all," she says when asked about stopping medication, recognizing how treatment enables her to function at her best despite the adjustments required.
Download our free comprehensive guide "ADHD Medication: The Top Things to Know When You're Considering It" at sendparenting.com/medication. Next week Alexandra returns to discuss another challenge affecting many with ADHD—sleep difficulties and how we've navigated that aspect of her neurodivergent journey.
📚 New Book — Out May 7 👉 Order your copy Beyond the Label: Empowering Parents of ADHD Girls A powerful blend of science and lived experience to help you truly understand and support your daughter.
⚡ Ready to go deeper? Become part of the ADHD Warrior Mum’s Membership — a paid membership space with group coaching with Dr Olivia, access to masterclasses with neurodiverse experts, monthly self-care and real connection. You don't have to navigate this journey alone.
📩 Contact Me If you w...
EP 35: Emotional Freedom Technique with Emma Wildgoose
21 Aug 2023
00:37:07
Episode 35
What if there was a simple technique at your fingertips that could help manage your emotions and assist your neurodiverse child in navigating their own? Ever hear of Emotional Freedom Technique? Join us this week as we delve into an intriguing conversation with seasoned nutritionist, coach and Emotional Freedom Technique therapist, Emma Wildgoose. We explore the fascinating realm of EFT (sometimes also known as 'tapping'), how it works, and how it can help facilitate emotional well-being for both parents and children.
We do a deep dive into everything EFT: Emma enlightens us as to the origins of EFT, why the parents of children being treated with EFT also undergo treatment, and how seemingly simple tapping techniques help soften the extremes of emotions.
We discuss more widely the importance of safeguarding parents' emotional wellbeing and the large part this plays in children's' emotional wellbeing. We also explore how EFT techniques can be particularly useful to neurodivergent children, helping them manage their sensitive nervous systems while navigating a world not designed for them and empowering them to share this with others. Emma also shares with us top tips for practicing EFT at home - not an episode to miss!
📚 New Book — Out May 7 👉 Order your copy Beyond the Label: Empowering Parents of ADHD Girls A powerful blend of science and lived experience to help you truly understand and support your daughter.
⚡ Ready to go deeper? Become part of the ADHD Warrior Mum’s Membership — a paid membership space with group coaching with Dr Olivia, access to masterclasses with neurodiverse experts, monthly self-care and real connection. You don't have to navigate this journey alone.
📩 Contact Me If you w...
EP 34: Rethinking Education with Dr. Chris Bagley
14 Aug 2023
00:53:22
Episode 34
What is the purpose of education? Can schooling really meet the unique needs of every learner? What happens when the system that's supposed to educate us all, falls short? This week Dr. Olivia Kessel rolls up her sleeves with guest Dr. Chris Bagley to dissect the challenges of our current cookie-cutter education system. Bagley helps us unmask the stark realities of a system designed to fail a third of its students, sharing with us his professional experiences as an educational psychologist in schools and prisons, and his research into the historical origins of of our modern school system. We explore the lasting damage a rigid system can do, and the paradox that teachers, students, and parents alike face everyday.
But it's not all gloom; we'll also spotlight transformative work being done by educational innovators. It's about understanding the system, questioning it, and adopting innovative approaches to make it work for everyone. So, join us as we initiate this crucial conversation about overhauling an outdated system and nurturing an educational landscape that truly serves all students. It's time to flip the script on education – are you ready?
📚 New Book — Out May 7 👉 Order your copy Beyond the Label: Empowering Parents of ADHD Girls A powerful blend of science and lived experience to help you truly understand and support your daughter.
⚡ Ready to go deeper? Become part of the ADHD Warrior Mum’s Membership — a paid membership space with group coaching with Dr Olivia, access to masterclasses with neurodiverse experts, monthly self-care and real connection. You don't have to navigate this journey alone.
📩 Contact Me If you w...
EP 33: Self-Care for Parents with Kate Flowerdew
07 Aug 2023
00:41:24
Episode 33
Ever wonder how to balance the demands of parenthood while still prioritising self-care? Struggling to find a minute for yourself amidst a whirlwind of responsibilities? Let me introduce you to our latest guest, Kate Flowerdew - a wellbeing specialist and the mastermind behind the Self-Care Accelerator for busy moms. Kate sheds light on the utmost importance of self-care for parents, particularly primary caregivers, and we discuss what self-care actually is and how to have it as parents.
This is the perfect episode for any parent trying to implement self-care in their schedule. We deep dive into everything self-care, from why it's important to prioritise, what are the fundamentals, what are the specifics, and how to balance it when our schedules change like in the holidays. But don't fret if this all sounds a bit overwhelming! Kate tells us about the 80-20 rule for sticking to a schedule and the ultimate importance of rest and honesty over all. Finally, we delve into the treasure trove that is the Self-Care Accelerator. We explore the course offerings, membership programs, and how many have found it useful.
So, kickback, relax, and join us as we navigate the world of self-care for parents. Your journey towards better self-care starts here!
Click here for Kate's free webinar tasters for her new Momentum programme, supporting mums transition back to work after maternity leave
📚 New Book — Out May 7 👉 Order your copy Beyond the Label: Empowering Parents of ADHD Girls A powerful blend of science and lived experience to help you truly understand and support your daughter.
⚡ Ready to go deeper? Become part of the ADHD Warrior Mum’s Membership — a paid membership space with group coaching with Dr Olivia, access to masterclasses with neurodiverse experts, monthly self-care and real connection. You don't have to navigate this journey alone.
📩 Contact Me If you w...
EP 32: Advocating for Your Child Against the Odds with Nikita Walls
31 Jul 2023
00:25:09
Episode 32
Have you ever felt like your child's needs were being dismissed by the education system? This week we talk to Nikita, a warrior mom who trusted her instincts and fought for her son Dexter's rights. From successfully fighting for a dyslexia diagnosis and support for her young son, to applying for and (eventually) receiving an EHCP for Dexter on her own, Nikita has a wealth of experience in advocating for her child when the system won't.
This week Nikita shares her story with us as a parent who will not give up. Her battle is far from over - as Dexter grows older 42 secondary schools have refused to take him and she is connecting with SENDIASS for support. Nevertheless, her story is an aspirational one as she always does what is needed for her children and more. Nikita shares how she's helping Dexter express himself and build self-confidence through their own clothing line, which focuses on positive visuals for children and adults who feel unheard. Join us as we discuss how this creative journey has taught Dexter valuable life skills and the importance of hard work. Don't miss this inspiring story of a mom's love and determination.
📚 New Book — Out May 7 👉 Order your copy Beyond the Label: Empowering Parents of ADHD Girls A powerful blend of science and lived experience to help you truly understand and support your daughter.
⚡ Ready to go deeper? Become part of the ADHD Warrior Mum’s Membership — a paid membership space with group coaching with Dr Olivia, access to masterclasses with neurodiverse experts, monthly self-care and real connection. You don't have to navigate this journey alone.
📩 Contact Me If you w...
EP 31: Neurodiverse Families in the Summer with Tamsyn Hendry
24 Jul 2023
00:45:02
Episode 31
Are you ready to transform the way you approach summer holidays with your neurodiverse child? Can you imagine a vacation that's enjoyable, stress-free, and tailored to your family's unique needs? I'm here, alongside SEND Advisor and seasoned expert, Tamsyn Hendry, to guide you towards making that dream a reality.
Our conversation touches on everything from the stressors parents face during the holiday season to how to plan an accessible and family-friendly vacation. Tamsyn's 18 years of experience shines through as we share practical tips to make travel easier, whether that's packing pull-ups for the flight or arranging for assisted travel. We explore the power of planning without over-scheduling, swapping guilt for understanding, and the positive impact utilizing services like the YMCA can have on your family.
But we're not just doling out advice; we're sharing real, tangible strategies to help you navigate the unique challenges that come with holidaying with a special needs child. From selecting the perfect destination to beach outings and beyond, we dive deep into the nitty-gritty details that can make or break a trip. And remember, one bad day doesn't spoil the entire holiday. Join us as we reshape expectations, remove pressure and discover the joy in holidays again. With Tamsyn's seasoned insights and our shared experiences, we're stepping into this conversation with empathy, understanding, and a desire to support you on your journey. Tune in, and let's make this summer holiday one for the memory books.
📚 New Book — Out May 7 👉 Order your copy Beyond the Label: Empowering Parents of ADHD Girls A powerful blend of science and lived experience to help you truly understand and support your daughter.
⚡ Ready to go deeper? Become part of the ADHD Warrior Mum’s Membership — a paid membership space with group coaching with Dr Olivia, access to masterclasses with neurodiverse experts, monthly self-care and real connection. You don't have to navigate this journey alone.
📩 Contact Me If you w...
EP 30: Supporting Children with ADHD
17 Jul 2023
00:22:25
Episode 30
It's the 30th episode of the SEND Parenting Podcast, which means it's also time for a personal update! Today I'm talking about the journey of receiving an ADHD diagnosis for my daughter. I talk recognising signs of ADHD in Alexandra, the decision to seek an assessment, and the concerns I faced along the way. As well as our journey in getting a diagnosis, I talk about the importance of identifying (as well as the dangers of not identifying) ADHD and the huge strengths ADHD brings. Remembering that ADHD is not a problem, just a part of what makes my daughter the magical person she is, I talk about how I tried to introduce it to her in as positive a light as possible.
Navigating the world of neurodiversity in the UK education system can be challenging and I know that with ADHD it's not always possible to get your child the diagnosis they need in time. With that in mind, I also share the tools and techniques I am using to see what will help Alexandra at home and in school environments in the hopes that they may help you too. Together, let's empower each other on our parenting journeys and create a brighter future for our neurodiverse children!
📚 New Book — Out May 7 👉 Order your copy Beyond the Label: Empowering Parents of ADHD Girls A powerful blend of science and lived experience to help you truly understand and support your daughter.
⚡ Ready to go deeper? Become part of the ADHD Warrior Mum’s Membership — a paid membership space with group coaching with Dr Olivia, access to masterclasses with neurodiverse experts, monthly self-care and real connection. You don't have to navigate this journey alone.
📩 Contact Me If you w...
EP 29: Eating Disorders and Neurodiversity with Bernie Wright and Lisa Smith from NEDDE
10 Jul 2023
00:48:57
Episode 29
TW: The following episode contains a discussion around eating disorders that may be upsetting or triggering. So listener's discretion is advised. If you suffer from or know anyone who has eating disorders, please visit National Centre for Eating Disorders - Their website is https://eating-disorders.org.uk.
How can we support neurodivergent children with disordered eating habits? This is the main question we navigate this week with our insightful guests, Bernie Wright and Lisa Smith, co-founders of NEDDE (Neurodiversity and Eating Disorders and Disordered Eating).
The episode revolves around the intersection between neurodivergence and disordered eating: how it occurs, how we treat it, and how we can prevent it. We discuss why so many people with eating disorders are neurodivergent, the fascinating link between the gut-mind health, and how important our own actions are in clear communication with our children about food.
Bernie and Lisa are both experts in their field and their dual approach of therapy and nutrition bring fascinating insights and comforting knowledge to a very difficult subject. All in all, it's an insightful journey for parents who are navigating this challenging terrain, providing a comprehensive guide replete with useful advice, book recommendations and much more.
📚 New Book — Out May 7 👉 Order your copy Beyond the Label: Empowering Parents of ADHD Girls A powerful blend of science and lived experience to help you truly understand and support your daughter.
⚡ Ready to go deeper? Become part of the ADHD Warrior Mum’s Membership — a paid membership space with group coaching with Dr Olivia, access to masterclasses with neurodiverse experts, monthly self-care and real connection. You don't have to navigate this journey alone.
📩 Contact Me If you w...
EP 28: Empowering Parents with the SEND Unlocked Directory CEO, Polly Elworthy
03 Jul 2023
00:44:25
Episode 28
Struggling to find the right support for your neurodiverse child? Discover how Polly Elworthy, founder of Send Unlocked, turned her personal journey with her son into a powerful resource that's helping families like yours. We talk about Polly's infuriating, yet all too familiar, struggle to get her son the support he needs in school and how that lead to a desire to help other parents like her. We talk about the power of harnessing the collective knowledge of SEND parents across the country and how Send Unlocked is helping do that.
Polly shares how the organisation is not only empowering neurodivergent families in their care decisions, but is also able to use the data to question relevant government departments. We discuss the importance of accessibility, how she in ensuring that the platform remains free for end users and having the directory in an app format for those without access to computers. This episode is an inspiring conversation with a parent who has stepped up to the plate to make life easier for all.
📚 New Book — Out May 7 👉 Order your copy Beyond the Label: Empowering Parents of ADHD Girls A powerful blend of science and lived experience to help you truly understand and support your daughter.
⚡ Ready to go deeper? Become part of the ADHD Warrior Mum’s Membership — a paid membership space with group coaching with Dr Olivia, access to masterclasses with neurodiverse experts, monthly self-care and real connection. You don't have to navigate this journey alone.
📩 Contact Me If you w...
Ep 27: Independent Learning for Neurodivergent Children
26 Jun 2023
00:58:07
Episode 27
Have you ever felt like the current schooling system just does not suit or help your child? This week we talk to the enlightening Dr. Naomi Fisher, psychiatrist and author of A Different Way to Learn: Neurodiversity and Self-Directed Education, about how to think about educating and parenting our neurodiverse children differently.
Dr. Fisher shares her expertise on the detrimental effects on the mental health and self-esteem of young developing minds when they find themselves falling short of a rigid system of timelines and expectations. We discuss how we, as parents, we can combat this and best support our young people in finding success in their own way.
This brings us to the focus of our episode - the powerful concept of self-directed education, which allows children to follow their own passions and interests. Tune in to discover how you can empower your child by creating an environment that offers opportunities for exploration, autonomy, and critical thinking, while avoiding the pitfalls of over-controlling their learning experience.
📚 New Book — Out May 7 👉 Order your copy Beyond the Label: Empowering Parents of ADHD Girls A powerful blend of science and lived experience to help you truly understand and support your daughter.
⚡ Ready to go deeper? Become part of the ADHD Warrior Mum’s Membership — a paid membership space with group coaching with Dr Olivia, access to masterclasses with neurodiverse experts, monthly self-care and real connection. You don't have to navigate this journey alone.
📩 Contact Me If you w...
Ep 26: How Not To Screw Up Your Kids
19 Jun 2023
00:29:14
Episode 26
Have you ever found yourself overwhelmed by the abundance of parenting advice out there? Sometimes, it can feel like you're drowning in a sea of conflicting opinions. Join me as I chat with Dr. Maryhan, a world-renowned parenting expert and psychologist, about how to navigate these murky waters and find the advice that truly fits your unique family dynamic. We are such fans of Dr Maryhan's podcast "How Not To Screw Up Your Kids" and are so excited to have her on the pod.
We discuss a whole range of topics including reconnecting with your gut instinct and appreciating the individuality of every family, the importance of emotional regulation for parents and approaching parenting with a reflective lens. It's an incredible and reassuring episode - a must listen!
📚 New Book — Out May 7 👉 Order your copy Beyond the Label: Empowering Parents of ADHD Girls A powerful blend of science and lived experience to help you truly understand and support your daughter.
⚡ Ready to go deeper? Become part of the ADHD Warrior Mum’s Membership — a paid membership space with group coaching with Dr Olivia, access to masterclasses with neurodiverse experts, monthly self-care and real connection. You don't have to navigate this journey alone.
📩 Contact Me If you w...
EP 132: Mother and Daughter Navigate ADHD Together
06 Aug 2025
00:18:30
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 many parents – shouted instructions, missed cues, and escalating frustration on both sides. Alexandra brilliantly articulates why seemingly simple tasks like "get ready for school" became impossible mountains to climb for her ADHD brain. "I would get distracted by my Alexa, my dog toys, even the slightest thing that made me out of place," she explains, painting a vivid picture of how environmental stimuli hijack attention.
Her description of entering the "red zone" – those moments when emotions become uncontrollable storms – provides rare insight into emotional dysregulation that often accompanies ADHD. We explore how strategic supports from understanding teachers and breaking down instructions into manageable steps created turning points in Alexandra's journey. The transformation from our pre-diagnosis struggles to her current independence is nothing short of remarkable.
Whether you're a parent suspecting your child might have ADHD, already navigating a diagnosis, or simply want to understand neurodivergent experiences better, this conversation offers both practical strategies and emotional resonance. Join us next week as we delve into Alexandra's experience with medication – the fears, questions and life-changing results that followed. And don't forget to download my free guide "The Five Most Misunderstood Signs of ADHD in Girls" through the link in the show notes!
📚 New Book — Out May 7 👉 Order your copy Beyond the Label: Empowering Parents of ADHD Girls A powerful blend of science and lived experience to help you truly understand and support your daughter.
⚡ Ready to go deeper? Become part of the ADHD Warrior Mum’s Membership — a paid membership space with group coaching with Dr Olivia, access to masterclasses with neurodiverse experts, monthly self-care and real connection. You don't have to navigate this journey alone.
📩 Contact Me If you w...
EP 25: The Power of Play Therapy
12 Jun 2023
00:44:02
Episode 25
Have you ever wondered how play therapy can have a life-changing impact on children's mental health? Join us in a riveting conversation with Anna Hodgson, Captain of ClearSky, and Becky Hill, Head of Therapeutic Thinking, as we uncover the secrets of play therapy and creative therapy for children aged 3 to 18. Discover how ClearSky's work in primary schools leads to outstanding outcomes for children's mental well-being and their overall health.
We also dive into the world of parenting programs developed by Becky Hill, designed to support parents and caregivers of children with neurodiverse needs, trauma, and other challenges. Learn about the crucial role of building strong relationships and secure attachments, and the importance of emotional regulation and reflective functioning for parents. Plus, we'll explore three tailored interventions that cater to different developmental stages.
But that's not all! Anna Hodgson shares invaluable insights on the significance of co-regulation in parenting and caring for children with special needs. Learn how to create moments of calm, stay present during distress, recognize when a child needs co-regulation, and provide that much-needed support. Get ready to be enlightened by the power of play therapy and its incredible benefits on children's mental health.
📚 New Book — Out May 7 👉 Order your copy Beyond the Label: Empowering Parents of ADHD Girls A powerful blend of science and lived experience to help you truly understand and support your daughter.
⚡ Ready to go deeper? Become part of the ADHD Warrior Mum’s Membership — a paid membership space with group coaching with Dr Olivia, access to masterclasses with neurodiverse experts, monthly self-care and real connection. You don't have to navigate this journey alone.
📩 Contact Me If you w...
Ep 24: Neurodivergent Parenting Tips with Tamsyn Hendry
05 Jun 2023
00:43:25
Episode 24
In this episode we will be joined by Tamsyn Hendry, who takes us through her top 10 parenting tips for parenting a neurodivergent child. Tamsyn runs a Montessori nursery school and works as a consultant, offering advice and support to other SEND parents. Tamsyn's wealth of practical knowledge comes not only from her earlier professional career as a SENCO, but also from her own experience of parenting her autistic son.
I personally have found Tamsyn’s advice to be practical, easy to implement, and not to mention helpful when I couldn’t see the woods for the trees and I hope you do too.
📚 New Book — Out May 7 👉 Order your copy Beyond the Label: Empowering Parents of ADHD Girls A powerful blend of science and lived experience to help you truly understand and support your daughter.
⚡ Ready to go deeper? Become part of the ADHD Warrior Mum’s Membership — a paid membership space with group coaching with Dr Olivia, access to masterclasses with neurodiverse experts, monthly self-care and real connection. You don't have to navigate this journey alone.
📩 Contact Me If you w...
EP 23: Anxiety in School & Isolation as a Behavioural Intervention
29 May 2023
00:48:55
Episode 23
This episode is part two of a two part series in which we speak with Ellie Costello, Director of the Square Pegs charity and author of the book 'Square Pegs: Inclusivity, Compassion and Fitting In - a Guide for Schools'.
Starting where we left off last week, we delve into school-based anxiety in children and the woefully ill-equipped interventions that schools are currently implementing. Ellie shares with us experiences with her children at school (warning: some of the stories she shares sound like they took place in Victorian times, not the 21st century) and, despite the heavy subject matter, offers hope on how these can change.
📚 New Book — Out May 7 👉 Order your copy Beyond the Label: Empowering Parents of ADHD Girls A powerful blend of science and lived experience to help you truly understand and support your daughter.
⚡ Ready to go deeper? Become part of the ADHD Warrior Mum’s Membership — a paid membership space with group coaching with Dr Olivia, access to masterclasses with neurodiverse experts, monthly self-care and real connection. You don't have to navigate this journey alone.
📩 Contact Me If you w...
EP 22: "Anxious Mothers" and the UK System of Care
23 May 2023
00:40:44
Episode 22 This episode is part one of a two part series in which we speak with Ellie Costello, Director of the Square Pegs charity and author of the book 'Square Pegs: Inclusivity, Compassion and Fitting In - a Guide for Schools'.
In this episode, we discuss the impact of UK politics and economics on the care of SEND children and their families through the lens of Ellie's journey with her son. We unpick what happens to families for whom the systems fail, how they are labelled, new identities they assume, and the unsung exhausting work they take on.
📚 New Book — Out May 7 👉 Order your copy Beyond the Label: Empowering Parents of ADHD Girls A powerful blend of science and lived experience to help you truly understand and support your daughter.
⚡ Ready to go deeper? Become part of the ADHD Warrior Mum’s Membership — a paid membership space with group coaching with Dr Olivia, access to masterclasses with neurodiverse experts, monthly self-care and real connection. You don't have to navigate this journey alone.
📩 Contact Me If you w...
EP 21: The Neurodivergent Barber, Craig Henderson
15 May 2023
00:26:36
Episode 21
In this episode we speak with Craig Henderson, the brilliant Bolton-based barber who is dedicated to making haircuts accessible to all neurodiverse children.
He tells us about what lead him to this specialisation and also gives us some of his top tips on how to navigate grooming with your child at home. Craig's patience, kindness and dedication to addressing his client's needs is an inspiration and a delight to listen to.
📚 New Book — Out May 7 👉 Order your copy Beyond the Label: Empowering Parents of ADHD Girls A powerful blend of science and lived experience to help you truly understand and support your daughter.
⚡ Ready to go deeper? Become part of the ADHD Warrior Mum’s Membership — a paid membership space with group coaching with Dr Olivia, access to masterclasses with neurodiverse experts, monthly self-care and real connection. You don't have to navigate this journey alone.
📩 Contact Me If you w...
EP 20: Never Give Up
09 May 2023
00:25:11
20th Episode of SEND Parenting podcast!
In this episode, I share a candid personal update on my journey as a parent to my daughter Alexandra. I look back at all the incredible things that she has achieved against the odds, and I talk to her about her difficulties, struggles and triumphs (including writing the song 'Never Give Up', which we use as the intro to this podcast).
However, it's not all sunshine and roses. I also share my personal struggle to never give up as a parent even when it is really, really, really hard. My three top tips:
Never give up
Find the support you need to decompress and find solutions
Be kind to yourself - fill up your emotional batteries so you can be there for your child
📚 New Book — Out May 7 👉 Order your copy Beyond the Label: Empowering Parents of ADHD Girls A powerful blend of science and lived experience to help you truly understand and support your daughter.
⚡ Ready to go deeper? Become part of the ADHD Warrior Mum’s Membership — a paid membership space with group coaching with Dr Olivia, access to masterclasses with neurodiverse experts, monthly self-care and real connection. You don't have to navigate this journey alone.
📩 Contact Me If you w...
Life changing neonatal diagnosis with Olivia Gordon
02 May 2023
00:41:24
Episode 19: In this episode we will be speaking with Olivia Gordon author of 'The First Breath' about her experience with her first child Joel, who was born prematurely at 32 weeks with a fetal condition that would effect the rest of his life: hydrops fetalis.
This episode will resonate with all parents who have spent prolonged time on a neonatal ward and struggled to move beyond the life changing diagnosis of their infant, to see the amazing, wonderful child in front of you.
📚 New Book — Out May 7 👉 Order your copy Beyond the Label: Empowering Parents of ADHD Girls A powerful blend of science and lived experience to help you truly understand and support your daughter.
⚡ Ready to go deeper? Become part of the ADHD Warrior Mum’s Membership — a paid membership space with group coaching with Dr Olivia, access to masterclasses with neurodiverse experts, monthly self-care and real connection. You don't have to navigate this journey alone.
📩 Contact Me If you w...
Neurodivergent Children and Occupational Therapy with Rachael Horner
19 Apr 2023
00:47:11
Episode 18 In this episode we will be joined by Rachael Horner who will explain what is an occupational therapist and how can they help your ND kids with activities of daily living in the home and at school. She will give us practical tips and advice looking at challenge with handwriting, attention and focus and personal care skills like getting dressed.
The key is to breaking down activities into simple blocks – making it into just right challenge to maintain your child’s motivation
📚 New Book — Out May 7 👉 Order your copy Beyond the Label: Empowering Parents of ADHD Girls A powerful blend of science and lived experience to help you truly understand and support your daughter.
⚡ Ready to go deeper? Become part of the ADHD Warrior Mum’s Membership — a paid membership space with group coaching with Dr Olivia, access to masterclasses with neurodiverse experts, monthly self-care and real connection. You don't have to navigate this journey alone.
📩 Contact Me If you w...
Tips To Create An Accessible Classroom with Kate Bodle
19 Apr 2023
00:44:11
Episode 17 In this episode we will be speaking with Kate Bodle, a SENCO and mother to three ND children. She will be sharing with us her top ten tips on how to make a classroom accessible for all children.
Ignatio Estrada a 21st century educator said “ If a child can't learn the way we teach, maybe we should teach the way they learn.”
Kate provides in this podcast simple and easy ways to change the classroom to teach the way children learn.
📚 New Book — Out May 7 👉 Order your copy Beyond the Label: Empowering Parents of ADHD Girls A powerful blend of science and lived experience to help you truly understand and support your daughter.
⚡ Ready to go deeper? Become part of the ADHD Warrior Mum’s Membership — a paid membership space with group coaching with Dr Olivia, access to masterclasses with neurodiverse experts, monthly self-care and real connection. You don't have to navigate this journey alone.
📩 Contact Me If you w...
Self Directed Learning: How children can take control of their own learning
12 Apr 2023
00:52:52
Episode 16: School starts back on Monday and for many neurodiverse children this can lead to feelings of dread and anxiety and a desire not to ever go back to school. The child’s anxiety is often looked upon as the problem rather than looking at the potential that the school is not the right environment for the child.
In this episode we will speak Dr Naomi Fisher a clinical psychologist who specializes in trauma, autism and alternative approaches to education. In this insightful discussion Dr Fisher will talk about the need to prioritize our children’s emotional well-being over the need to learn facts and stick to a curriculum. What if we let go of our preconceptions of what learning should be and instead let our children take a self-directed, autonomous approach to learning through self directed education.
Dr. Fisher’s book Changing our minds: how children can take control of their own learning really broke down a lot of my preconception about school education and even made me question some of my parenting techniques.
📚 New Book — Out May 7 👉 Order your copy Beyond the Label: Empowering Parents of ADHD Girls A powerful blend of science and lived experience to help you truly understand and support your daughter.
⚡ Ready to go deeper? Become part of the ADHD Warrior Mum’s Membership — a paid membership space with group coaching with Dr Olivia, access to masterclasses with neurodiverse experts, monthly self-care and real connection. You don't have to navigate this journey alone.
📩 Contact Me If you w...
EP 131: Self-regulation for neurodivergent children with Nicola McAllister from The Regulated Child
28 Jul 2025
00:58:48
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 have available.
The conversation unveils Nicola's brilliant "brain house" model, explaining how our children's brains develop from the bottom up, and how stress can trap them in the "basement" of survival responses. When traditional parenting approaches fail, it's because we're trying to reason with a child who physiologically cannot access their reasoning brain in that moment.
Instead, Nicola guides us through her self-regulation framework: Goal, Predict, Plan, Do, Review—a collaborative approach that builds executive function skills through practice rather than punishment. Through vivid real-world examples, including her son's struggle with a Mario t-shirt at a social club, she demonstrates how validating our children's concerns and building plans together creates pathways to success.
Perhaps most powerfully, she introduces the "Regulate, Relate, Reason" approach—understanding that our children need to feel calm before they can connect, and only then can they reason. This shifts our parenting from reactive to intentional, what Nicola calls "premiership parenting"—requiring us to be several steps ahead, carefully considering our words and approaches.
Whether you're struggling with morning routines, hygiene battles, or emotional outbursts, this episode provides both the understanding and practical tools to build meaningful connections with your child. Listen now and transform your approach to supporting your child's developing nervous system.
📚 New Book — Out May 7 👉 Order your copy Beyond the Label: Empowering Parents of ADHD Girls A powerful blend of science and lived experience to help you truly understand and support your daughter.
⚡ Ready to go deeper? Become part of the ADHD Warrior Mum’s Membership — a paid membership space with group coaching with Dr Olivia, access to masterclasses with neurodiverse experts, monthly self-care and real connection. You don't have to navigate this journey alone.
📩 Contact Me If you w...
Neurodivergent children at Easter with Emma Salt
06 Apr 2023
00:47:24
Episode 15: It’s the Easter holidays and the kids are at home which can be very stressful for all parents but is particularly intense for parents of neurodiverse kids. If you are feeling the pressure this holiday season this is the episode for you to decompress and pick up some valuable tips to move forward and not feel so alone. In this episode we will be talking to Emma Salt author of Square Pegs and Round Holes Surviving the rollercoaster of SEN parenting and enjoying the ride. Emma is a SEND educator and mother of two wonderfully neurodiverse kids.
She will chat with us about how challenging and intense the parenting journey can be, how key it is not to compare yourself to other parents, it is ok to admit this is a struggle, it is ok to scream – allow yourself to feel, take care of yourself so that you can be there for your child and most importantly find your tribe that can be there to support you.
📚 New Book — Out May 7 👉 Order your copy Beyond the Label: Empowering Parents of ADHD Girls A powerful blend of science and lived experience to help you truly understand and support your daughter.
⚡ Ready to go deeper? Become part of the ADHD Warrior Mum’s Membership — a paid membership space with group coaching with Dr Olivia, access to masterclasses with neurodiverse experts, monthly self-care and real connection. You don't have to navigate this journey alone.
📩 Contact Me If you w...
The Role of the SENCO in Supporting Your Child in School
30 Mar 2023
00:31:39
Episode 14: Have you wondered about the role of the SENCO (special education needs coordinator) at your school and how they can help support your child in school. In this episode we will be joined by Mrs Alexandra Foster, SENCO at The Unicorn. We will learn more about the role of SENCO, how to navigate working together as part of your child’s support team and their link with acquiring and implementing an EHCP.
📚 New Book — Out May 7 👉 Order your copy Beyond the Label: Empowering Parents of ADHD Girls A powerful blend of science and lived experience to help you truly understand and support your daughter.
⚡ Ready to go deeper? Become part of the ADHD Warrior Mum’s Membership — a paid membership space with group coaching with Dr Olivia, access to masterclasses with neurodiverse experts, monthly self-care and real connection. You don't have to navigate this journey alone.
📩 Contact Me If you w...
Late ADHD Diagnosis with Heidi Mavir best selling author of Your Child Is Not Broken
23 Mar 2023
00:46:03
Episode 13: Has your child started struggling at school later in their childhood perhaps after moving school environment or starting secondary school? Or if your child has diagnosis and you have wondered if you are just like them? In this In this episode we will be joined by Heidi Mavir bestselling author of Your Child is not Broken.
She will share with us her journey of late discovery of an ASD/ ADHD diagnosis for her son and even later one for herself.
Their late diagnosis didn’t change who they had always been but helped them to navigate some of the struggles in a neurotypical world.
📚 New Book — Out May 7 👉 Order your copy Beyond the Label: Empowering Parents of ADHD Girls A powerful blend of science and lived experience to help you truly understand and support your daughter.
⚡ Ready to go deeper? Become part of the ADHD Warrior Mum’s Membership — a paid membership space with group coaching with Dr Olivia, access to masterclasses with neurodiverse experts, monthly self-care and real connection. You don't have to navigate this journey alone.
📩 Contact Me If you w...
Dyslexia Support with Andy Cook, CEO of Helen Arkell Dyslexia Charity
14 Mar 2023
00:38:58
Episode 12: If you are wondering if you or your child has dyslexia or if you are struggling to get the right supports in place for their dyslexia in school this is the podcast for you.
In this episode we will speaking with Andy Cook Chief Executive of the Helen Arkell Dyslexia Charity which provides holistic dyslexic support for parents, children, teachers, employers and adults struggling in education and the workplace.
Please check out Helen Arkell Website www.helenarkell.org.uk
📚 New Book — Out May 7 👉 Order your copy Beyond the Label: Empowering Parents of ADHD Girls A powerful blend of science and lived experience to help you truly understand and support your daughter.
⚡ Ready to go deeper? Become part of the ADHD Warrior Mum’s Membership — a paid membership space with group coaching with Dr Olivia, access to masterclasses with neurodiverse experts, monthly self-care and real connection. You don't have to navigate this journey alone.
📩 Contact Me If you w...
A Dad's Perspective of Autism
07 Mar 2023
00:47:16
Episode 11: In this episode we will be speaking with Matt Davis about his autistic son Isaac. This candid chat from a dad’s perspective from diagnosis, education, to the positive power of social media and technology, to letting go of football.
Matt takes us beyond the ASD label to the potential.
Please check out Matt's blog and Isaac's YouTube at www.mysonissac.net
📚 New Book — Out May 7 👉 Order your copy Beyond the Label: Empowering Parents of ADHD Girls A powerful blend of science and lived experience to help you truly understand and support your daughter.
⚡ Ready to go deeper? Become part of the ADHD Warrior Mum’s Membership — a paid membership space with group coaching with Dr Olivia, access to masterclasses with neurodiverse experts, monthly self-care and real connection. You don't have to navigate this journey alone.
📩 Contact Me If you w...
Inspiration for SEND Parenting Dr. Kessel and her daughter Alexandra's journey
27 Feb 2023
00:30:13
Episode 10: We are celebrating the Tenth Episode of the SEND Parenting podcast with over 500 downloads!!!!
Have you wondered why I started the SEND Parenting Podcast…well this episode reveals all…..
In this episode, we are going to do things a little bit differently. Instead of having a guest on the show, I am going to interview myself and share with you a bit of my journey and how it led me to creating the SEND Parenting Podcast. I'll share with you a little bit about me and a lot more about my journey being a warrior mum for my daughter Alexandra, and how that journey has inspired me to start this podcast.
📚 New Book — Out May 7 👉 Order your copy Beyond the Label: Empowering Parents of ADHD Girls A powerful blend of science and lived experience to help you truly understand and support your daughter.
⚡ Ready to go deeper? Become part of the ADHD Warrior Mum’s Membership — a paid membership space with group coaching with Dr Olivia, access to masterclasses with neurodiverse experts, monthly self-care and real connection. You don't have to navigate this journey alone.
📩 Contact Me If you w...
Dyslexia uncovered through the personal lens of a mother, daughter and dyslexic assessor
21 Feb 2023
00:35:10
Episode 9: 50-60% of children with neurodiversity have a neurodiverse parent.
In this episode we welcome Victoria, a dyslexic mother of twins. She shares with us her journey of discovery and realising that one of her daughters struggles mirrored her own life challenges. In this open and warm episode Victoria brings her personal experience alongside her knowledge as a dyslexic assessor.
📚 New Book — Out May 7 👉 Order your copy Beyond the Label: Empowering Parents of ADHD Girls A powerful blend of science and lived experience to help you truly understand and support your daughter.
⚡ Ready to go deeper? Become part of the ADHD Warrior Mum’s Membership — a paid membership space with group coaching with Dr Olivia, access to masterclasses with neurodiverse experts, monthly self-care and real connection. You don't have to navigate this journey alone.
📩 Contact Me If you w...
Harnessing technology to empower children who struggle with reading or writing
15 Feb 2023
00:36:06
Episode 8: Does your child struggle with reading or writing? Technology may be able to provide a bridge for your child to overcome those struggles. In this episode Sallie Greenhalgh, Academic and digital lead at the Unicorn School, will describe how Microsoft technology can break down the barriers to learning and empower children to reach their potential.
I am truly thankful as someone with neurodiversity to live in a world where technology makes life easier. My daughter has struggled with fine motor due to her cerebral palsy and dictation has enabled her to unlock her thoughts and put them to paper. Both of us rely completely on spelling and grammar corrections which allow us to use the words we want to use versus the words we can spell. If you haven’t yet harnessed technology to support your child this is the episode for you
📚 New Book — Out May 7 👉 Order your copy Beyond the Label: Empowering Parents of ADHD Girls A powerful blend of science and lived experience to help you truly understand and support your daughter.
⚡ Ready to go deeper? Become part of the ADHD Warrior Mum’s Membership — a paid membership space with group coaching with Dr Olivia, access to masterclasses with neurodiverse experts, monthly self-care and real connection. You don't have to navigate this journey alone.
📩 Contact Me If you w...
EHCP first steps and insights into navigating the local authority
07 Feb 2023
00:31:32
Episode 7: Have you ever wondered if your child needs and EHCP or Educational Health Care Plan?
In this episode, we welcome back Adam Friel, partner and head of Education Law at Geldards. He will demystify whether your child can apply for an EHCP, what the first steps are, and provide valuable insights on how to navigate the barriers and challenges you will face with your local authority.
I really wish I could have listened to his advice when I started my daughter's EHCP journey.
📚 New Book — Out May 7 👉 Order your copy Beyond the Label: Empowering Parents of ADHD Girls A powerful blend of science and lived experience to help you truly understand and support your daughter.
⚡ Ready to go deeper? Become part of the ADHD Warrior Mum’s Membership — a paid membership space with group coaching with Dr Olivia, access to masterclasses with neurodiverse experts, monthly self-care and real connection. You don't have to navigate this journey alone.
📩 Contact Me If you w...
Educational psychological assessment with educational psychologist with Dr Jemma Levy
31 Jan 2023
00:29:54
Have you ever wondered if your child needs an educational psychological assessment or what is an educational psychological assessment and how can it help your child, if have this is the podcast for you.
In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Jemma Levy, educational and child psychologist who trained at the University College of London. She provides psychological support to children and young adults up to the age of 25, supporting the whole family to ensure every child reaches their full potential.
Dr. Levy is truly passionate about children and young people with special educational needs, and believes that every child has strengths that can be uncovered and used to help with their learning. Through a psychological assessment, the child's strengths and areas of needs can be used to devise a comprehensive intervention plan, ensuring the child has the right support to reach their full potential.
📚 New Book — Out May 7 👉 Order your copy Beyond the Label: Empowering Parents of ADHD Girls A powerful blend of science and lived experience to help you truly understand and support your daughter.
⚡ Ready to go deeper? Become part of the ADHD Warrior Mum’s Membership — a paid membership space with group coaching with Dr Olivia, access to masterclasses with neurodiverse experts, monthly self-care and real connection. You don't have to navigate this journey alone.
📩 Contact Me If you w...
EP 130: Why are neurodiverse girls being ignored with Sara Donnelly, former headteacher
21 Jul 2025
00:53:38
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 be autistic because she makes eye contact" or "she has friends" • Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA) should be addressed by fixing the environment, not the child • Creative solutions like normalising ear defenders for everyone can help neurodivergent children without singling them out • The education system needs radical reform: smaller class sizes, less testing, and personalized learning
Join our private WhatsApp community to connect with other parents navigating their neurodiverse journey.
📚 New Book — Out May 7 👉 Order your copy Beyond the Label: Empowering Parents of ADHD Girls A powerful blend of science and lived experience to help you truly understand and support your daughter.
⚡ Ready to go deeper? Become part of the ADHD Warrior Mum’s Membership — a paid membership space with group coaching with Dr Olivia, access to masterclasses with neurodiverse experts, monthly self-care and real connection. You don't have to navigate this journey alone.
📩 Contact Me If you w...
Autism and ADHD a Mother and Daughter’s Journey
25 Jan 2023
00:32:11
Episode 5: In this episode, we will be joined by Catherine working mom of three, who has kindly agreed to share with us her daughter's journey to eventual diagnosis of autism and ADHD. She will take us through how she felt when she first got confirmation of Coco's diagnosis, her experience of wondering why me? did I cause this? What does this mean for Coco's future? Will she be independent?
She will describe her personal self educational course in neurodiversity, which broke down for her, the stereotypes of the labels of autism and ADHD and led to not only her acceptance of her daughter's neurodiversity, but really viewing it as a gift for the whole family to learn and embrace.
Her journey really, really resonated with me, and I believe it will resonate with a lot of parents. Please keep listening to hear Catherine and Coco's story.
📚 New Book — Out May 7 👉 Order your copy Beyond the Label: Empowering Parents of ADHD Girls A powerful blend of science and lived experience to help you truly understand and support your daughter.
⚡ Ready to go deeper? Become part of the ADHD Warrior Mum’s Membership — a paid membership space with group coaching with Dr Olivia, access to masterclasses with neurodiverse experts, monthly self-care and real connection. You don't have to navigate this journey alone.
📩 Contact Me If you w...
Advocating for your child in the education system with Dr Natalie-Jan MacDonald
18 Jan 2023
00:31:42
Episode 4: In this episode, we will be speaking with Dr. Natalie-Jane McDonald, gaining her perspective, knowledge, and expertise in advocating for your child in the current education system. Her breath of experience ranges from being a chief executive of Acorn Care and Education for children who have special education needs to working in the NHS to getting MBE while raising three children. She's a remarkable woman and definitely worth a listen.
📚 New Book — Out May 7 👉 Order your copy Beyond the Label: Empowering Parents of ADHD Girls A powerful blend of science and lived experience to help you truly understand and support your daughter.
⚡ Ready to go deeper? Become part of the ADHD Warrior Mum’s Membership — a paid membership space with group coaching with Dr Olivia, access to masterclasses with neurodiverse experts, monthly self-care and real connection. You don't have to navigate this journey alone.
📩 Contact Me If you w...
EHCP (Educational Health Care Plan) - Does your child need one? with Adam Friel
02 Jan 2023
00:27:28
Episode 3: Have you been struggling with the question of whether your child needs an educational health care plan (EHCP)? It was a question I struggled to answer for my daughter.
In this episode, Adam Friel, partner and Head of Education Law at Geldards. He'll give us his unique lens on this question of whether your child needs an EHCP. He will share with us his personal journey as a dyslexic through the education system as well as his realization of his son's needs for an EHCP with autism.
His message is powerful and stresses the earlier you intervene the better the outcomes for our children with SEND.
📚 New Book — Out May 7 👉 Order your copy Beyond the Label: Empowering Parents of ADHD Girls A powerful blend of science and lived experience to help you truly understand and support your daughter.
⚡ Ready to go deeper? Become part of the ADHD Warrior Mum’s Membership — a paid membership space with group coaching with Dr Olivia, access to masterclasses with neurodiverse experts, monthly self-care and real connection. You don't have to navigate this journey alone.