Dyslexia, ADHD and Parent burnout: Nicole Bateman chats with Liz Evans
In this episode of Conversations with a SEND Mum, Nicole sits down with Liz Evans; an Occupational Therapist, mum, and the brilliant mind behind The Untypical OT.Together they dive into an honest chat about dyslexia, parental burnout, and what it really means to live and work while navigating neurodivergence as both a parent and professional.Liz shares her journey with dyslexia and how it has shaped the way she approaches her work and supports families. Nicole opens up about her own ADHD diagnosis, how it helped her understand her patterns of overwhelm and hyperfocus, and why this insight has changed how she looks after herself and her family.This is a conversation full of compassion, connection, and those 'I thought it was just me' moments exploring the emotional load that often comes with caring, advocating, and trying to hold it all together while supporting neurodivergent children.In this episode, we talk about:The realities of burnout for parents and professionals in the SEND communityHow dyslexia and ADHD shape the way we process, plan, and parentWhy understanding our own neurotype is key to self-compassionPractical strategies for pacing, rest, and regulationLetting go of perfection and embracing being 'untypical'If you’ve ever felt exhausted by the constant juggle or found yourself running on empty while supporting everyone else, this episode is a gentle reminder that you’re not alone and that understanding your own brain is one of the most powerful steps towards balance.Follow Nicole on www.instagram.com/conversationswithasendmum for exclusive peeks to weekly episodes. Please do send feedback and rate this podcast to help it reach those who would benefit. Nicole is The Friendly SEND Advisor for children's activity providers and tutors helping them create inclusive sessions for all children.Check out our Season 3 and 4 sponsor Rachel's 3 R's Subscription Box: Dedicated to helping SEND mums feel calmer and more relaxed by providing a box of products and online support for self-care. Follow on www.instagram.com/rachelsthreerssubscriptionbox and use the code NICOLE10 for 10% off your first order at https://rachel-s-three-r-s.subbly.me/Check out our Season 1 and 2 sponsor The Super Sensory Squad who support kids in understanding the eight sensory systems and emotional regulation using their penguin squad at: www.thesupersensorysquad.com and www.instagram.com/thesupersensorysquad
--------
36:29
--------
36:29
S4: E4: Tourette's and Autism: Nicole Bateman chats with Scott
In this episode of Conversations with a SEND Mum, Nicole chats with Scott, owner of Phoenix Ashes and Co, about a journey many families will recognise, years of waiting for a diagnosis while navigating life, learning, and misconceptions along the way.Scott shares openly about his son, who is close to receiving a diagnosis of Tourette’s and Autism after a four-year wait. They talk about the importance of tools for regulation, what they’ve both learnt from their children, and how understanding their kids’ brains has been life-changing.That understanding didn’t just help Scott support his children. It also helped him recognise his own neurodivergence, sparking reflection that Nicole resonates with deeply, having received her own ADHD diagnosis later in life.This is a conversation that goes beyond the stereotypes, it’s about empathy, practical strategies, and the power of connection between parent and child.Follow Nicole on www.instagram.com/conversationswithasendmum for exclusive peeks to weekly episodes. Please do send feedback and rate this podcast to help it reach those who would benefit. Nicole is The Friendly SEND Advisor for children's activity providers and tutors helping them create inclusive sessions for all children.Check out our Season 3 and 4 sponsor Rachel's 3 R's Subscription Box: Dedicated to helping SEND mums feel calmer and more relaxed by providing a box of products and online support for self-care. Follow on www.instagram.com/rachelsthreerssubscriptionbox and use the code NICOLE10 for 10% off your first order at https://rachel-s-three-r-s.subbly.me/Check out our Season 1 and 2 sponsor The Super Sensory Squad who support kids in understanding the eight sensory systems and emotional regulation using their penguin squad at: www.thesupersensorysquad.com and www.instagram.com/thesupersensorysquad
--------
24:32
--------
24:32
S4: E3: Let us Learn Too and SEND Reform: Nicole Bateman chats with Hayley Harding
In this powerful and honest conversation, Nicole sits down with Hayley Harding, co-founder of Let Us Learn Too, a grassroots parent-led campaign group fighting for the rights of disabled children in education.Together, they explore the urgent need for genuine reform within the SEND system and why lived experience must be at the heart of any meaningful change. Hayley shares her own journey as a parent navigating the system, how Let Us Learn Too began, and what the group is doing to push for a more inclusive, accountable and compassionate approach to education through the upcoming SEND white paper and reform proposals.They also dive into:What true co-production looks like and why it mattersThe emotional and practical impact of a failing system on familiesHow parents, professionals and young people can work together for changeThe importance of keeping disabled children’s rights and voices front and centre in policyHow we shift from tick-box listening to real partnershipThis episode will leave you feeling informed, inspired, and reminded that we are stronger when we push for change together.Follow Nicole on www.instagram.com/conversationswithasendmum for exclusive peeks to weekly episodes. Please do send feedback and rate this podcast to help it reach those who would benefit. Nicole is The Friendly SEND Advisor for children's activity providers and tutors helping them create inclusive sessions for all children.Check out our Season 3 and 4 sponsor Rachel's 3 R's Subscription Box: Dedicated to helping SEND mums feel calmer and more relaxed by providing a box of products and online support for self-care. Follow on www.instagram.com/rachelsthreerssubscriptionbox and use the code NICOLE10 for 10% off your first order at https://rachel-s-three-r-s.subbly.me/Check out our Season 1 and 2 sponsor The Super Sensory Squad who support kids in understanding the eight sensory systems and emotional regulation using their penguin squad at: www.thesupersensorysquad.com and www.instagram.com/thesupersensorysquad
--------
21:50
--------
21:50
S4: E2: ADHD and Chronic Health Conditions: Nicole Bateman chats with Andy Horry
In this week’s episode, Nicole Bateman is joined by Andy Horry, who was diagnosed with ADHD later in life. Together, they explore what it’s like to look back on your childhood through the lens of a diagnosis and what changes when you finally have the words to describe your experience.Andy shares: What school was like growing up with undiagnosed ADHD The relief and reflection that came with finally understanding his brain How he regulates his nervous system now and what actually helps How ADHD interacts with his other chronic health conditionsThis is a conversation about identity, wellbeing, and the power of understanding yourself. Andy speaks openly about the emotional journey of self-discovery, the frustration of being misunderstood for so long, and the simple strategies that help him show up as his best self.If you’ve ever wondered about adult diagnosis, or how to support someone with ADHD and additional health needs, this episode will leave you feeling more informed and more connected.Follow Nicole on www.instagram.com/conversationswithasendmum for exclusive peeks to weekly episodes. Please do send feedback and rate this podcast to help it reach those who would benefit. Nicole is The Friendly SEND Advisor for children's activity providers and tutors helping them create inclusive sessions for all children.Check out our Season 3 and 4 sponsor Rachel's 3 R's Subscription Box: Dedicated to helping SEND mums feel calmer and more relaxed by providing a box of products and online support for self-care. Follow on www.instagram.com/rachelsthreerssubscriptionbox and use the code NICOLE10 for 10% off your first order at https://rachel-s-three-r-s.subbly.me/Check out our Season 1 and 2 sponsor The Super Sensory Squad who support kids in understanding the eight sensory systems and emotional regulation using their penguin squad at: www.thesupersensorysquad.com and www.instagram.com/thesupersensorysquad
--------
24:17
--------
24:17
S4: E1: Nicole Bateman chats end of term transitions, parental burnout and epilepsy
Welcome back to Conversations with a SEND Mum and to the start of Season 4. In this solo episode, host Nicole Bateman sets the tone for the season ahead with an honest, heartfelt look at what’s really going on behind the scenes as a parent of a neurodivergent child.Nicole shares her personal reflections on:The quiet exhaustion of parental burnout and why it needs more space in the conversationThe emotional impact of seizures, not just on the child, but on the whole familyThat limbo feeling of school ending and summer beginning and how to make transitions feel safer and smoother for our childrenYou’ll also get a peek at what’s coming up in Season 4: incredible guests, lived experience, practical tips, and honest conversations that help you feel less alone and more equipped.Whether you’re navigating epilepsy, anxiety, school transitions, or just trying to get through the week this episode is for you.Follow Nicole on www.instagram.com/conversationswithasendmum for exclusive peeks to weekly episodes. Please do send feedback and rate this podcast to help it reach those who would benefit. Nicole is The Friendly SEND Advisor for children's activity providers and tutors helping them create inclusive sessions for all children.Check out our Season 3 and 4 sponsor Rachel's 3 R's Subscription Box: Dedicated to helping SEND mums feel calmer and more relaxed by providing a box of products and online support for self-care. Follow on www.instagram.com/rachelsthreerssubscriptionbox and use the code NICOLE10 for 10% off your first order at https://rachel-s-three-r-s.subbly.me/Check out our Season 1 and 2 sponsor The Super Sensory Squad who support kids in understanding the eight sensory systems and emotional regulation using their penguin squad at: www.thesupersensorysquad.com and www.instagram.com/thesupersensorysquad
Welcome to 'Conversations with a SEND Mum' a podcast hosted by Nicole Bateman who is a SEND Mum herself and Co-Founder of The Super Sensory Squad. This podcast is dedicated to authentic conversations with SEND Parents—sharing the realities, challenges, and triumphs of raising children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. Expect open, supportive chats that bring together the experiences and stories of parents navigating the unique world of SEND parenting. Alongside these chats, we'll have professionals in the SEND community offering practical advice and ideas as well as real life experiences from neurodivergent adults. Join us for genuine conversations with those who truly 'get it'. There'll be laughter, maybe some tears, but after tuning in, you, as a SEND parent, will feel a little less alone.
UK