When your child slips away with Guy Shahar of Transformative 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, describing the helplessness that washed over him and his wife as traditional medical pathways offered little beyond frustration and dismissal.Their story takes an unexpected turn when they follow their intuition to a small therapy center in Israel, emptying their savings on what Guy calls "stronger than a whim, but without any rational basis." What follows is nothing short of remarkable - a transformation that begins on the very first day when Daniel, who hadn't touched solid food in over a year, sits calmly at a table feeding himself. The magic, Guy explains, isn't in mysterious techniques but in learning profound attunement and containment - creating safety while truly seeing and responding to what his son actually needed rather than what conventional parenting expected.Guy's journey doesn't end with Daniel's progress. While establishing the charity Transforming Autism, he discovers his own neurodivergence, adding layers of insight to his understanding: "Autistic children are often particularly sensitive and empathic - turbocharged even. It's overwhelming, that's why they shut down." This revelation reshapes his advocacy work, focusing on helping parents understand their children's extraordinary potential from the earliest moments. Through intensive home-based therapies and accessible online parent groups, his charity now guides families toward the confidence to parent neurodivergent children on their own terms.For parents just beginning this journey, Guy offers compassionate wisdom: allow yourself to grieve the future you imagined, seek community with those who understand, and remember that while the path may not resemble what you expected, the connection waiting on the other side can be more profound than you ever thought possible. Connect with the Send Parenting WhatsApp community through the link in our show notes, where you'll find others walking similar paths with open hearts and shared understanding.Click here for Transforming AutsimClick here for Guy's book Transforming AutismClick here to join the private SEND Parenting WhatsApp Communitywww.sendparenting.com
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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 techniques. She talks about why playful approaches work better than verbal instructions for neurodivergent children and:• Why we need to understand behaviours as nervous system communications rather than problems to fix• How to use the "volcano" movement exercise to release tension and anxiety• The importance of validating emotions rather than labelling them as good or bad• Practical ways to help children navigate emotional storms through body awarenessClick here for Lisa's book Creating Calm in the ClassroomJoin our private WhatsApp community for support, insights and real conversations with like-minded parents who truly understand. www.sendparenting.com
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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 as both a SENCO and parent of a neurodivergent child. We delve into how:• Children frequently mask difficulties at school, causing disconnect between home and school experiences• The EHCP process remains challenging, even for those with insider knowledge• Regular check-ins and addressing concerns early prevent escalation to crisis points• The magic formula of letting go• Support networks provide validation and practical strategies for both parents and professionalsSEND NetworkPositive Young Minds Join us in the private SEND Parenting WhatsApp community by clicking the link in the show notes. It's been wonderful to communicate with everyone in the community and join together to help each other navigate challenges and celebrate successes.www.sendparenting.com
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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 simply isn't supported by science.The hesitation many parents feel about medication stems from understandable concerns, but often these worries are based on myths rather than medical evidence. What surprised me most in my own journey was learning about the significant developmental gap children with ADHD experience. Their executive functioning skills—abilities like emotional regulation, working memory, and self-motivation—typically develop at approximately 30% behind their peers. This means a 12-year-old might functionally have the capabilities of a 9-year-old, with this gap widening as they grow older.This crucial insight helps explain why ADHD medication works so effectively. Rather than changing who your child is, medication bridges this developmental gap. For 55% of children, stimulant medication completely eliminates the executive function delay while active in their system, while another 35% see significant improvement. The research is compelling—with an effect size of 1.2 (compared to 0.5 for antidepressants), ADHD medication ranks among the most effective psychiatric treatments available.Throughout this episode with Jane Trowbridge from Sensational Tutors, we explore the difference between stimulant and non-stimulant medications, address common misconceptions, and examine the serious long-term consequences of leaving ADHD untreated. Particularly striking is research showing untreated ADHD can reduce lifespan by 11 years—a sobering statistic that underscores why effective treatment matters.Whether you're currently weighing medication options or simply want to understand the science behind ADHD treatment better, this episode provides clear, evidence-based information to help you make informed decisions that could profoundly impact your child's development, confidence, and future success.www.sendparenting.com
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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 97-98% success rate in resolving cases without going to tribunal, saving families from lengthy legal battles while securing proper educational provisions.• SOS SEN started 20 years ago when concerned individuals helped parents fight a special needs school closure• The charity offers both emotional support and practical legal guidance to families struggling with local authorities• Their pre-action protocol letters remind local authorities of their legal obligations, often resolving cases immediately• Local authorities spent £100 million fighting tribunals with only 2% success rate – wasting money that could support children• The charity has expanded to offer advice centres across England and doubled their helpline hours• All services are designed to be accessible regardless of financial circumstances• Top tips include: keep everything in writing, find your supportive "tribe" of other SEND parents, and use first names with professionals to level the playing fieldClick here to get more information on SOS!SEN Click here to join our private WhatsApp SEND Parenting community for a safe space to connect with other parents navigating their neurodiverse journey. You'll find support, insights and real conversations with like-minded parents who truly understand. www.sendparenting.com
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.
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