The Autism Mums Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

In this week's episode of The Autism Mums Podcast we're talking about ways to look after yourself when your child is having a tough day.

How supporting our children with their emotions can leave us feeling completely drained.

Common mistakes we’ve made when trying to "push through" a tough day.

Simple ways we try to carve out moments of calm: meditation, breathing space, and gentle resets.

How creating a comforting environment - with blankets, candles, soft music - can make a difference.

Allowing yourself to cancel non-essential tasks or meetings when you need breathing space.

The power of talking it out with someone who truly understands.

Finding and building a supportive community around you.

The importance of zoning out, resting, and knowing that tomorrow is a new day.

Gabby Bernstein’s Meditation App

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In this week's episode of The Autism Mums Podcast we talk about the practical ways we can help our autistic children with daily life.

We’re sharing some of the things that have helped us make daily life a bit easier with our autistic children. From using timers and visual timetables to experimenting with tooth brushes and finding softer clothing.

These are ideas that have worked for us, they might help you too, or simply offer reassurance that you’re not alone on this journey.

Timers and visual supports can help ease transitions by giving your child a sense of control and predictability.

Choosing soft, seamless clothing may make a difference for children who find layers uncomfortable.

Toothbrushing challenges might be eased by trying different tools like U-shaped or triple-angled toothbrushes.

Flexibility is key - what works one day might not work the next, and that’s okay.

Planning days out in advance with visual itineraries can reduce anxiety about what's coming next.

Noise sensitivity might be supported by using ear defenders, earbuds, or listening to favourite music.

Strong smells can sometimes be managed with things like balaclavas or carrying scents like orange oil to mask overwhelming smells.

Having a sensory kit (with familiar snacks, toys, and calming tools) may offer comfort when you're out and about.

Here are some of the tools and resources discussed in this episode:

• Visual timers
• Laminated visual timetables
• Seamless/sensory-friendly clothing
• U-shaped toothbrush and triple-angled toothbrush
• Ear defenders
• Bach's Rescue Remedy
• Orange Essential Oil
• Tiger balm
• The Early Bird course by the National Autistic Society
• Stretchy resistance bands for calming sensory feedback

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In this week's episode of The Autism Mums Podcast we’re talking about the journey to getting an EHCP - what it is, why it matters, and what the process looked like for our families.

We’ll share the lessons we learned along the way with the hope that it helps you navigate the process and feel a little more prepared.

An EHCP can provide vital, legally binding support

You don't need a formal diagnosis to apply for an EHCP

Schools may not always initiate an EHCP request. If they don't parents can.

Timelines and deadlines are crucial - keep a track of key dates.

Support groups, SENDIASS and organisations like IPSEA can provide guidance and practical help.

The right provision can make a huge difference to your child's wellbeing.

SENDIASS (Special Educational Needs and Disability Information Advice and Support Services)

IPSEA (Independent Provider of Special Education Advice) — ipsea.org.uk

EarlyBird course (National Autistic Society support programme for parents)

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In this week's episode of The Autism Mums Podcast Victoria opens up about her son's journey to an autism diagnosis. From the early signs that were missed, to the struggles at school, to the moment the diagnosis finally came.

Autism signs can often be masked or misunderstood, especially in young children.

Building a support network of other parents is crucial.

Professionals may miss signs too, trusting your instincts matters.

The diagnosis process can feel long and isolating, but community support makes a difference.

Receiving a diagnosis is often a moment of both relief and grief and that's OK.

The Early Birds Course (National Autistic Society)

ASDivas and Dudes Support Group

The Girl with the Curly Hair by Alis Rowe

The Complete Guide to Asperger’s Syndrome by Tony Attwood

TADDS Outreach Team

Total Children's Therapy

ADOS-2 Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule

CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services)

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In this week's episode of The Autism Mums Podcast we dive deep into one of the most emotional milestones for parents: the journey toward an autism diagnosis. We share Natalie's story with her son, from the first signs that something was wrong at nursery to the long road of assessments and support.

Early signs aren't always obvious: It's common to realize things only in hindsight.

Not all settings impact children the same way: Different environments can highlight or mask challenges.

The path to diagnosis is often long: Waiting times can be frustrating, but support exists even before official diagnoses.

Grief is a natural part of acceptance: It's okay to mourn the loss of expectations while embracing a new, beautiful reality.

Practical support makes a difference: Courses like EarlyBirds offer real-world tools tailored for neurodivergent children.

EarlyBirds Programme by the National Autistic Society

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Welcome to The Autism Mums Podcast — a space created for parents and carers navigating life with autistic children.

We’re your hosts, Victoria and Natalie — two sisters raising autistic children ourselves. We understand the joys, the challenges, and the thousand tiny moments that no one else quite gets.

In this podcast, we’ll bring you:

• Real talk about everyday life
• Shared strength from a supportive community
• Expert insights to guide your journey

You’ll hear honest conversations, practical tips, mini solo moments, and chats with professionals who understand autism parenting from the inside out.

Whether you’re celebrating a win, managing a meltdown, or simply getting through the day — you’re not alone.

We see you, and we’re walking this path with you.

🎧 Subscribe now and join us each week for new episodes.

✨ Follow us for updates:

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In this week's episode of The Autism Mums Podcast, Victoria and Natalie dive into the unique challenges of raising a child with a PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance) profile. They share personal stories, strategies, and reflections to help parents and caregivers better understand and support their children navigating PDA-related behaviors.

• PDA is driven by anxiety and a need for control; traditional demands can trigger refusal.
• Offering controlled choices helps reduce pressure and gives children a sense of agency.
• Visual schedules and plenty of preparation help ease transitions and reduce stress.
• Managing your own calm and letting go of nonessential demands are important for low-demand parenting.
• It’s okay to adjust family routines to what works for your child, even if it looks different from your original parenting ideals.
• Misunderstandings from others can be painful but focusing on your child’s needs is what matters most.

PDA Society

Dr. Naomi Fisher webinars and resources

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In this week's episode of The Autism Mums Podcast we welcome Carl Draper, student mental health nurse, award-winning photographer and father to Bodhi, an autistic child with a powerful story.

Carl opens up about the early signs of autism in his son, facing expulsion from nursery on day one and the intense stress of parenting a non-verbal child with little sleep or support.

He shares how a pivotal moment with his camera led to a personal breakthrough.

Carl Draper was born in a North Nottinghamshire mining village and moved to Bournemouth at 19, where he served as a beach lifeguard and discovered his love for surfing. Accepted into the Royal Marines, his plans changed after a serious leg injury during a heroic rescue, an event that earned him a Local Hero Award and a feature on BBC’s 999 Rescue. He later became RNLI head trainer for lifeguards across Dorset, then served over a decade with Dorset Ambulance Service. Shifting to education, he trained firefighters and police nationwide before retraining as a mental health nurse. Carl is currently studying at Bournemouth University. In 2015, he founded Waveslider, winning the Bournemouth Tourism Award in 2017, and began documenting life with his son Bodhi in 2020.

Trust Your Instincts - Parents often notice signs before professionals do. If something feels off, it’s okay to seek answers and push for support.

Environment Shapes Experience - The right setting and supportive people can help a child thrive.

Diagnosis is a Beginning, Not an End - Receiving a diagnosis can bring clarity, but also grief and uncertainty. It marks the start of a new chapter, not the end of a story.

Regulation Starts With Us - Emotional regulation in ourselves is often needed when supporting a child with complex needs. We can’t pour from an empty cup.

Creativity is Healing - Photography can offer a way to pause, reflect and process life. Creative outlets are powerful tools for emotional resilience and self-regulation

Assistance Dogs can offer deep connection, comfort, and safety to children with additional needs.

Advocacy Requires Persistence - Navigating the SEND system often involves battles, persistence and support.

CAMHS / ID CAMHS – Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, including services for children with intellectual disabilities

Von Kebles – The training center supporting Frank, Bodhi’s assistance dog

Follow Carl's journey with his son Bodhi on the Waverslider Photography Facebook Page

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[00:00:00] Hello and welcome to

the Autism Mums podcast. I'm Victoria. And I'm Natalie. We are two sisters

raising autistic children who know the joy, the challenges, and the everyday

moments. This is a supportive space for honest conversations, practical tips,

shared strength and expert advice. Whether you are celebrating a win, surviving

a meltdown, or just trying to make it through the day, we are right here with

you. Join us as we share the ups, the downs, and everything in between parenting autistic children.

Victoria Bennion:

Today, we're pleased to welcome to the podcast student Mental Health nurse Carl

Draper. Carl founded Wave Slider Photography in 2015, which won the Bournemouth

Tourism Award in 2017. Since 2020, Carl has been documenting his life with his

autistic son Bodhi through his stunning photography.

 Welcome to the podcast, Carl. It's great to have you with us today.

Natalie Tealdi: Can you [00:01:00] share a bit about your

background and how it has shaped your parenting journey with Bodhi?

Carl Draper: Bodhi was born in 2017. By the time he was five, six months, we were convinced that Bodhi was autistic. He never made eye contact. He was just in his own little

world and he was silent. So there were, there were strong signs. I think the

health visitors and other people at the time, they were saying, oh, he is just

sure of himself and he's confident, but he, you know, there was zero eye

contact. It was almost like he'd intentionally wouldn't make eye

contact, which is quite strange for a baby of that age. It was that. It was

that strong and obvious. By the time he was two, he was completely silent. So

we were, more sure then that, that this was autism, that we were dealing with,

and this was gonna be a different kind of journey from a parenting

perspective..

Victoria Bennion: Did Bodhi go to nursery?

Carl Draper: His very first nursery he went to [00:02:00] was a

Montessori nursery, and he was expelled on day one, which is quite an

achievement for a 2-year-old you know, the social norms were expected that

you'd come in and sit at the table and kind of join in where he was just, he

was just constantly off.

Doing his own little thing in his own little bubble. Completely silent, no eye contact. So you were, you were just following him, containing him and, and trying to engage. So we picked him up at lunchtime and he was, he was in a complete state. The lady, who we picked him up from, she looked like she'd been dragged through her hedge backwards.

She was completely disheveled, completely stressed, and we never know until the day what happened there that day. But the one thing we have learned throughout our journey with Bodhi and the autism parenting, is that nothing impacts a child more than the behavior of those around him. And we are convinced that something happened there that [00:03:00]

day. We don't know what it was, but , it took days and days to settle him down. He was, completely devastated. So then we found another nursery for him. They were much better. It was a bigger class and it was more along the lines of, of play, nursery play rather than sit down at a table and learn to read and write.

So he, settled in there. More so because of the people that were looking after him. They were brilliant. And they helped the journey start,, with the referrals to the hospital. Poole, hospital for the autism diagnosis,

Victoria Bennion: Can you talk us through the autism diagnosis process that you went through with Bodhi?

Carl Draper: There was a doctor, speech and language therapist and an occupational therapist, and they had an outdoor playground, an indoor playroom, and a separate room with. Four chairs. And what they did is two of them would spend half an hour with

Bodhi. One of them would spend half an hour with us and they rotated around. There was two of everything toys wise. And we did say to them on the way through the door, be careful [00:04:00] with the digital key code because Bodhi had a thing for cracking codes. At the

time, you know, they, they kind of didn't believe us and said, you know, we're fine. We're used to this. Within five minutes he was out the building

Victoria Bennion: Oh my goodness.

Carl Draper: Yeah, they were off down the corridor chasing him.

Natalie Tealdi: Wow.

Carl Draper: He's got this strange ability where he doesn't remember, he doesn't fiddle around trying to figure it out. He just punches it in. It's like he almost knows it. And, uh, he, he was off, he was gone. We spent an hour and a half, two hours there, and they had a bit of a con flab debrief after, and he was diagnosed there.

And then, and I think that was the beginning of the stress from that parenting side because we were asking the questions that, I suppose everybody asking that scenario, when is he gonna speak? When are we gonna hear his voice? What comes next? And so we kind left. Left. Really? Then how do you learn to hear a child who doesn't speak?

There's no YouTube tutorial. There's no book. So [00:05:00] then we'd, you know, do the research and we didn't find any answers. So we started doing everything with pictures and

videos. We'd take videos of everything from putting your shoes on to going in the bath to go into the toilet. And that's, where it began.

Victoria Bennion:

What were some of your greatest challenges around this time?

Carl Draper: Car journeys were probably the worst at that time. He would try and get out the car while we were moving because again, he's not...

In this week's episode of The Autism Mums Podcast Victoria and Natalie dive in to the topic of anxiety in autistic children.

Drawing from their personal experiences as mums of autistic boys, they explore the many ways anxiety can present itself - from meltdowns and shutdowns to avoidance, ritualistic behaviour, physical symptoms, and anger.

They offer a compassionate look at how anxiety impacts daily life and what has helped their children feel more supported and secure.

Whether you're early on in your autism journey or navigating school-age challenges, this episode offers reassurance, relatable stories, and real-world strategies that can make a difference.

Anxiety presents differently in autistic children: It might show up as shutdowns, meltdowns, repetitive questions, anger, or even physical symptoms like tummy aches.

Avoidance can be common: Children may retreat to their rooms or refuse to go places when overwhelmed.

Sensory overload can be a major trigger: Noisy environments, bright lights, and even scratchy clothing can heighten anxiety.

Routine changes, even positive ones, can be stressful: Children may want changes, but still struggle when they occur.

Social unpredictability can add pressure: Not knowing who will be present or what will happen in social settings can create discomfort.

Masking and perfectionism can lead to burnout and chronic anxiety.

Support strategies matter: Ear defenders, visual timetables, sensory tools, role play, and validating feelings can help.

Validation and patience are key: Simply saying 'I hear you' can help children feel safe and understood.

Mindfulness sessions – Supportive techniques that help children become aware of how anxiety feels in their bodies.

https://www.mindful.org/mindfulness-for-kids/

Visual timetables and planners – Visual supports that help prepare autistic children for transitions and daily routines.

Example resources: Twinkl Visual Timetables

Noise-cancelling headphones and sunglasses

Edz Kidz Ear Defenders

Breathing exercises for children

https://copingskillsforkids.com/deep-breathing-exercises-for-kids

BBC Documentary – Inside Our Autistic Minds by Chris Packham

Watch here: BBC iPlayer – Inside Our Autistic Minds

Harry Potter Studio Tour (UK)

Mentioned as an example of a venue with quiet spaces and autism-friendly accommodations.

Accessibility info https://www.wbstudiotour.co.uk/additional-needs/

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In this week's episode of The Autism Mums Podcast we welcome Whitney Price, founder of Unpuzzled Parents Connect, to the show. Whitney shares the emotional and financial struggles she and her husband faced navigating early signs of autism with their son, Connor, the pandemic’s impact on access to services, and the turning point that led her to create a vital support network for families like hers.

Whitney Price is a passionate advocate, nonprofit leader, and devoted mother committed to supporting families of children with autism and intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). As the Founder and Executive Director of UnPuzzled Parents Connect, Whitney has dedicated her life to building a community where families no longer feel isolated or overwhelmed—but instead empowered, informed, and supported.

Her journey began as a mother navigating the complex world of special needs parenting, an experience that opened her eyes to the gaps in support, understanding, and resources that many caregivers face—especially in rural communities like those across West Virginia. Determined to make a difference, Whitney created UnPuzzled Parents Connect, a grassroots organization that has grown into a trusted statewide resource hub. Under her leadership, the nonprofit now offers programs like Coffee and Connections support groups, The Listening Room therapy and counseling sessions, Knowledge is Power workshops, and the newly launched Inclusion initiative, which brings disability awareness into schools.

Through her podcast Get UnPuzzled and community outreach efforts, Whitney amplifies the voices of families, facilitates critical conversations around disability inclusion, and creates platforms for meaningful change. She is also a sought-after speaker and has been featured on platforms like the Adjusting the Sails podcast.

Whitney’s leadership is rooted in lived experience, deep empathy, and a fierce commitment to advocacy. Whether she’s connecting families over coffee, organizing large-scale events, or working one-on-one with caregivers, her mission remains clear: to walk alongside families and help them feel seen, heard, and unpuzzled.

• The early signs of Whitney's son Connor’s autism and the complexities of diagnosis
• Why common autism 'red flags' didn’t apply
• Navigating grief, denial, and self-isolation
• The financial burden of therapies and the life-changing waiver program
• How a small support group grew into West Virginia’s largest autism family network
• Mental health strategies for parents and the power of shared experience

Coffee and Connections – Community meetups for parents and caregivers

The Listening Room – A safe, supportive space for sharing stories and experiences

West Virginia Medicaid Waiver Program – A disability-based funding program that helped Whitney access therapy services

ABA Therapy (Applied Behavior Analysis) – Intensive behavioral therapy used in early intervention

Birth to Three Program – Early intervention service in West Virginia supporting children under age three

Classroom Inclusion Kits – Educational tools distributed to schools to promote autism understanding and kindness year-round

Autism Level 3 Diagnosis – A diagnostic level indicating high support needs

Therapies Mentioned: Speech, Occupational, Physical, Behavior, ABA

Website - https://www.unpuzzledparentsconnect.com/

Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/unpuzzledparentsconnectsupportgroup/

Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/p/Unpuzzled-Parents-Connect-61568330603127/

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Episode 10 - TAM Podcast - Whitney Price

[00:00:00]

Hello and welcome to the Autism Mums podcast. I'm Victoria. And

I'm Natalie. We are two sisters raising autistic children who know the joy, the

challenges, and the everyday moments. This is a supportive space for honest

conversations, practical tips, shared strength and expert advice. Whether you

are celebrating a win, surviving a meltdown, or just trying to make it through

the day, we are right here with you.

Join us as we share the ups, the downs, and everything in

between parenting autistic children.

Victoria Bennion:

We're so pleased to welcome to the podcast Whitney Price. The founder and

executive director of UNP Puzzled Parents Connect as a passionate advocate and

devoted Mother

Whitney is committed to [00:01:00]

supporting families of children with autism and developmental disabilities. Her

journey began as a mother navigating the complexities of special needs

parenting, which inspired her to create a grassroots organization that empowers

families, particularly in rural communities like West Virginia, through

initiatives like Coffee and Connections, and the listening room.

Whitney Fosters community, amplifies voices and drives

meaningful change. Welcome to the podcast, Whitney. Can you talk about where your journey began?

Whitney Price: My

name is Whitney Price and I am the founder of Un Puzzled Parents Connect and

our journey started. I would say much like a lot of the other parents that I've

spoke with that have a child that's on the spectrum. Connor is my little boy.

He is almost seven now, and he was diagnosed at the age of two.

With autism level three in the states where I am from in West

Virginia, we still [00:02:00] diagnose off of

the levels. So it's typical for a provider to give between a level one and

level three diagnosis. Some of them will even say profound autism, and we

started noticing. Back in 2020 when the pandemic had just started, that Connor

was a little bit delayed in his speech.

And for our region we have what's called birth to three, where

different providers will come in between when the child is born up until the

age of three. And if they're not hitting these milestones. Then they will

suggest that a speech therapist or maybe an occupational therapist, physical

therapist, anywhere that they are delayed in hitting the milestones.

They will suggest that a therapist come in the homes and work

with the child or infant, and we had Connor in daycare at the time. And they

had let us know that someone came in to evaluate the children and that Connor [00:03:00] qualified based off of a speech delay. And

Connor's our only child, so we are also first time parents.

We didn't think much of it, and I. I brushed it off and said

he's a little bit behind, but he'll catch up. He's only two, he's still a baby.

And he was typical in the sense that he was still playing with toys. He was

still calling for us in the way that he would still want to be picked up and

just doing a lot of actions that a typical toddler would do.

So we brushed a lot of things off at the beginning and when the

pandemic happened, the world was completely shut down. We had a lot of time to

spend with Connor, and one of the silver linings was, I called that agency and

said, okay, what can I do? Can you send me some information? Can you send me a

book, send me something on maybe helping him speak or getting him to talk?

So they immediately set us up with a speech therapist. [00:04:00] Everything was virtual at the time. And we

just started meeting with them every single week to go over the different

activities that we could do with Connor. We had 120 days to spend with Connor

when we were completely shut down. So I was home from work for that amount of

time and thought, okay, something is starting to develop new behaviors

developed, but they weren't the typical Google.

Research that you would do. They were not the typical red flags

that you would see. Connor had great eye contact. He responded to his name.

He'd point, he would cry and call for us in his own way, but he also. Was a

jumper. So Connor was constantly active, wanting to seek sensory input. We

didn't know that or what that was at the time.

We just knew that he was a very active baby, didn't like to

sleep, [00:05:00] and we brushed a lot of

things off. But new behavior started to develop for Connor. So he also started

to throw a lot . He started to spin the wheels on the car and obsessively flip

things over and want to play with things in his own way.

It wasn't running a car on a track, it was flipping it over,

running the wheels, and then jumping until they stopped. And at first that

seems adorable, and we