.jpg)
SEND Parenting Podcast
Welcome to the Send Parenting Podcast. I'm your neurodiverse host, Dr Olivia Kessel, and, more importantly, I am a mother to my wonderfully neurodivergent daughter, Alexandra, who really inspired this podcast.
As a veteran in navigating the world of neurodiversity, I have uncovered a wealth of misinformation, alongside many answers and solutions that were never taught to me in medical school or in any of the parenting handbooks.
Each week on this podcast, I will be bringing the experts to your ears to empower you on your parenting crusade.
Episodes
132 episodes
EP 131: Self-regulation for neurodivergent children with Nicola McAllister from The Regulated Child
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...
•
Episode 131
•
58:48
.png)
EP 130: Why are neurodiverse girls being ignored with Sara Donnelly, former headteacher
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 o...
•
Episode 130
•
53:38
EP 129: Protecting your child online with Emily Keeney of the ICO (Information Commissioner's Office)
The digital world offers a unique sanctuary for neurodiverse children—a place where they can connect, explore, and engage in ways that might feel challenging in person. But this digital refuge comes with hidden costs as platforms silently harve...
•
Episode 129
•
35:52
.png)
EP 128: Most children have multiple diagnosis with Lizzie Shearing and Liz Britton from Learning DNA
The gap between what neurodiverse children need and what traditional education provides continues to widen, leaving parents desperate for answers while waiting years for diagnoses and appropriate support. In this eye-opening conversation, Lizzi...
•
1:03:30
.png)
EP 127: Parenting Your Neurodivergent Child with Diane Dempster, co-founder of Impact Parents
We dive into a powerful conversation about parenting neurodivergent children from the inside out with guest Diane Dempster, coach, speaker, and co-founder of Impact Parents. Diane shares her personal journey as a "recovering yelling mom" and ho...
•
Episode 127
•
40:51
.png)
EP 126: ADHD Parenting: Heal Yourself, Help Your Child with Randy Free of Aspire Coaching
What if your journey to help your child with ADHD actually begins with healing yourself? Randy Free, founder of Aspire Coaching, offers a refreshing perspective that might just transform your family dynamics.When traditional parenting a...
•
Episode 126
•
50:39
.png)
EP 125: Financial protection for neurodivergent children with Lisa Chauhan & Cara Roughani of Send Protect
Financial planning for neurodivergent children is not just about money but about love, responsibility, and the legacy we leave when we're no longer here.• Cara explains how her journey with her autistic son during COVID lockdown led to ...
•
Episode 125
•
49:57
EP 124: When your child slips away with Guy Shahar of Transforming Autism
What happens when the child you thought you knew begins to slip away? For Guy Shahar, watching his one-year-old son Daniel lose words, self-feeding abilities, and connection was heartbreaking. "It's like you're losing your child," Guy shares, d...
•
Episode 124
•
46:30
.png)
EP 123: Creating calm in the classroom with Lisa Danahy, Founder & Director of Create Calm
Dr. Olivia Kessel speaks with Lisa Danahy, Founder & Director of Create Calm, yoga therapist and author of Create Calm in the Classroom, a book about understanding and supporting children's nervous systems through breath and movement techni...
•
Episode 123
•
52:44
.png)
EP 122: When educators and parents work together with WITH Lynn How of Positive Young Mind & Izzy Felton, host of the SEND Network Podcast
The SEND Parenting Podcast joins forces with the SEND Network Podcast to explore the transformative power that emerges when parents and educators collaborate effectively for neurodiverse children, featuring Lynn Howe who brings unique insight a...
•
Episode 122
•
46:55
.png)
EP 121: Medication for ADHD with Jane Trowbridge of Sensational Tutors
Should you consider medication for your child with ADHD? As both a doctor and the mother of a neurodivergent teenager, I've navigated this question from multiple perspectives—and discovered that much of what we believe about ADHD medication sim...
•
44:22
EP 120: The legal lifeline for SEN families with Richard Orr, CEO of SOS SEN
Richard Orr, CEO of SOS SEN charity, shares how they empower families navigating the special educational needs system through legal support, advice centres, and their national helpline. Their pre-action protocol letters achieve a remarkable 97-...
•
Episode 119
•
50:06
.png)
EP 119: The reality of a neurodivergent household with Greer Jones, Host of The Unfinished Podcast
Two mothers, both podcast hosts, both raising neurodivergent children in the UK, come together for an honest conversation about the realities that many parents never see coming. Dr. Olivia Kessel (SEND Parenting Podcast) and Greer Jones (The Un...
•
Episode 119
•
1:01:02
EP 118: Caregivers self-care guide with Eleonora Magri, founder of Inclusi
Dr. Olivia Kessel explores the essential yet often overlooked topic of caregiver self-care with behavior analyst Eleanor Magri, revealing how nurturing ourselves is not selfish but necessary for effectively supporting our neurodivergent childre...
•
Episode 118
•
40:26
EP 117: Beyond Labels: Navigating Neurodiversity as a Parent
Ross Jones shares his profound journey of discovering his ADHD at age 36 and how this diagnosis transformed his understanding of himself, his relationships, and his approach to parenting his neurodivergent children.• Learning to recogni...
•
Episode 117
•
58:12
.png)
EP 116: Sensory Processing Disorder with Julie Davis of Future Steps
We dive deep into sensory processing difficulties in neurodivergent children with Julie Davis, an occupational therapy expert with over 35 years' experience and founder of Future Steps. This conversation explores how sensory processing shapes d...
•
Episode 116
•
1:00:04
EP115: Parenting while autistic with Jessica Whalley, author of The Autistic Mom
This episode provides a deep dive into the raw and insightful journey of Jessica Whalley as a neurodivergent parent navigating the complexities of raising her nonverbal autistic son. Jessica's personal revelations about her own diagnoses ...
•
Episode 115
•
1:10:00
.png)
EP 114: EOTAS Casestudies with Joanna Gibbs, Founder of Sensational Tutors
We offer a deep dive into the innovative EOTAS framework, highlighting its vital role in reshaping education for neurodiverse children. The episode sheds light on practical insights gathering from real success stories shared by Joanna Gibbs of ...
•
Episode 114
•
46:02
.png)
EP 113: The legal side to alternative education (EOTAS) with Adam Friel and Douglas Hamer of Geldards
In this episode, we explore the complexities of EOTAS (Education Otherwise Than At School) and its significance for neurodiverse families navigating alternative educational routes. We unpack critical questions about the legal framework, EHCP re...
•
Episode 113
•
1:33:48
.png)
EP 112: Neurodiversity in families with Amy White
The episode features an engaging discussion on how parenting a neurodivergent child can lead to insights about one's neurodiversity. Amy White shares her experiences with her son Jack's autism diagnosis and how that journey prompted her own sel...
•
Episode 112
•
1:05:52
EP 111: Building resilience in adolescent girls with Kim McCabe, founder of Rites for Girls
This episode addresses the critical transition girls face when moving from primary to secondary school, especially concerning the challenges of puberty and neurodiversity. Experts share insights on the importance of community support and the ro...
•
Episode 110
•
50:59
.png)
EP 110: Underdiagnosis of ADHD in girls and women with Rosie Turner
This episode focuses on the underdiagnosis of ADHD in women and girls, exploring the emotional impact this has on their mental health. Rosie Turner shares her journey from misdiagnosis to understanding her ADHD, highlighting the unique challeng...
•
Episode 111
•
57:00
.png)
EP 109: Supporting teen mental health with Alicia Drummond, Wellbeing Hub for Teens
This episode focuses on the alarming rise in anxiety and other mental health issues among teenagers, especially neurodiverse youth and how parents can provide support. Alicia Drummond shares insights from her Wellbeing Hub initiative, discussin...
•
Episode 109
•
49:42
.png)
EP 108: Navigating family stress and neurodiversity with Lisa Chan
Imagine preparing for a family gathering while navigating the intricate world of parenting a neurodiverse child. The noise, the chaos, and the unsolicited advice often threaten to overwhelm. Through this heartfelt episode, we promise to equip y...
•
Episode 108
•
58:54
EP 107: Supporting stressed teens with Dr. Naomi Fisher and Eliza Fricker
Unlock the secrets to helping teenagers overcome burnout with insights from Dr. Naomi Fisher and Eliza Fricker, authors of "The Teenager's Guide to Burnout." Our conversation dives deep into the pressures faced by today's teens, examining how a...
•
Episode 107
•
1:01:34
.png)