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 daugh...
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, discussing practical strategies for fostering emotional resilience and maintaining open communication.• Discussion on increasing mental health referrals among children and teens • Addressing anxiety in neurodivergent children • Importance of recognizing anxiety as communication • Fostering emotional resilience through competence and responsibility • Strategies for maintaining open lines of communication with teenagers • Tips for parents to model positivity and awarenessJoin our Send Parenting community to share experiences and support one another on this journey. Visit the show notes for details!Click here for the Wellbeing Hub from Teen TipsClick here to join the SEND Parenting WhatsApp Communitywww.sendparenting.com
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49:42
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 you with strategies to create a compassionate and supportive environment for your family. We are thrilled to welcome Lisa Chan, a dedicated pediatric occupational therapist from Canada, who shares her expertise in helping children with autism, ADHD, and sensory processing challenges. Lisa illuminates the importance of early intervention and emphasizes the need for an integrated approach, where parents are active participants in their child's journey.Parenting neurodiverse children isn't just about managing behaviors; it's about understanding the underlying causes and decoding them effectively. Our discussion touches on the delicate balance of responsibilities, the stress of perceived unfairness among siblings, and the dynamics of communication within partnerships. Discover how to set boundaries with well-meaning but misinformed relatives, maintain confidence in your parenting choices, and foster resilience and independence in your children. We delve into transforming family dynamics by building consistency, setting realistic expectations, and embracing community support.Join us as we unravel the challenges neurodiverse families face and explore practical tips and personal anecdotes to improve family harmony. Learn how to navigate the emotional journey from isolation and guilt to building confidence and understanding. Our conversation with Lisa provides invaluable insights into the "five whys" technique, empowering you to uncover the root causes of behaviors and transform daily routines into cooperative environments. Don't miss the opportunity to become part of our Send Parenting Tribe, a community where we celebrate both challenges and successes in a judgment-free space.Click here for Lisa Chan's websiteClick here to join the SEND Parenting Community on WhatsApp#neurodiversitypodcast #parentingpodcast #familypodcast #teacherpodcastwww.sendparenting.com
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Guide to 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 academic demands and societal expectations contribute to chronic stress. We question the traditional education system's role in this growing issue, advocating for a shift towards more personalized and compassionate learning environments. Through engaging illustrations and straightforward advice, this episode promises to equip parents and teens with the tools to navigate these challenges effectively.Discover the powerful impact parents can have on their children's stress levels, intentionally or not, and learn strategies to foster a nurturing environment that prioritizes mental well-being over mere academic success. By drawing parallels between toxic work environments and school settings, we challenge you to reconsider the conventional paths to success often touted as the norm. This episode also highlights the importance of understanding teenagers by meeting them where they are and supporting them in finding balance amidst the chaos of modern life.As we explore pathways to recovery from burnout, you'll be introduced to a compassionate four-step process designed to guide teenagers toward a more balanced and fulfilling future. Real-life stories illustrate how alternative routes to success can be both rewarding and enriching, emphasizing personal fulfillment over traditional achievements. Whether you're a parent seeking to support your child or a teenager grappling with the pressures of adolescence, this episode offers invaluable perspectives on redefining success and nurturing happiness. Join us for this enlightening conversation that champions the well-being of young people and empowers them to forge their own paths. The Teenager's Guide to Burnout: Finding the Road to Recovery by Dr Naomi Fisher and Eliza Fricker Please click here if you would like to join the SEND Parenting Community on WhatsAppwww.sendparenting.com
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1:01:34
Celebrating inclusivity with the Chicken Shed Theatre
This episode highlights the transformative power of Chicken Shed Theatre, a leader in inclusive theatre arts for 50 years. Susan shares her heartfelt journey as a mother of a neurodiverse child, while Charlotte delves into Chicken Shed's core mission to foster acceptance, understanding, and growth through artistic expression. • The origins and history of Chicken Shed Theatre • Personal stories of transformation through art and community • The importance of peer learning in inclusive settings • Insights for parents on embracing their child's uniqueness • The call for kindness and understanding in diverse environmentsPrepare to be inspired by stories of empowerment, advocacy, and the transformative power of inclusion. From Emma’s evolution into a confident performer and educator to the unwavering determination of her family, each tale underscores how perseverance and community support can break down barriers. As Charlotte and Susan reflect on the past and future of Chicken Shed, listeners are invited to join a movement that champions understanding and compassion through the universal language of the arts.www.sendparenting.com
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1:04:34
Special Needs Education with Kelly Jarvis and Chrissa Wadlow
What if you could transform the education system for neurodiverse children? Kelly Jarvis and Chrissa Wadlow from Sunshine Support are revolutionizing how we support neurodivergent children in schools. Kelly’s journey as an educator breathing new life into special educational needs and Chrissa’s relentless advocacy for her daughter form a compelling narrative of collaboration against systemic challenges. Together, they reveal their pioneering approaches that empower both families and educators in a landscape often fraught with obstacles.Listeners will gain invaluable insights into navigating the complexities of Education, Health, and Care Plans (EHCPs) and the Individual Development Plan (IDP) system in Wales. These documents hold the key to ensuring the well-being of children with special educational needs, yet they come with their own set of challenges. Our new Welsh division is here to demystify these processes, providing parents with tools to assert their rights and advocate effectively for their children. We discuss the urgent need for transparency and accountability in local authorities, shining a light on the critical role of informed advocacy.This episode also addresses the pressing issue of underfunding in special education and its impact on neurodivergent children, particularly those with autism and ADHD. From the financial strain of seeking appropriate educational environments to the systemic inefficiencies that misplace resources, we underscore the importance of collaboration and modernization in educational approaches. Discover how building supportive communities, like our private Send Parenting WhatsApp group, can foster positive change and offer much-needed solidarity for families navigating these challenges. Join the conversation as we advocate for a reimagined education system that truly supports every child's learning journey.Join SEND Parenting Community Click here for Sunshine Support 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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