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...
Ep 105: Special Needs Education with Kelly Jarvis and Chrissa Wadlow
Episode 105What 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
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EP 104: Raising Resilient Kids with Dr. Maryhan
Episode 104Dr Maryhan, a clinical psychologist and esteemed fellow podcaster, joins us to celebrate the 100th episode of the SEND Parenting Podcast. Have you ever wondered how to raise neurodiverse children within the UK education system without losing your mind? This milestone episode offers a treasure trove of insights as Dr. Maryhan shares wisdom from her upcoming book, "How Not to Screw Up Your Kids." We tackle the intricate dance of parenting in a world where children are moulded by influences beyond our control, aiming to bolster resilience through the power of community support.Traditional discipline methods often fail to equip children for real-world challenges. We promise a fresh perspective on parenting, focusing on replacing punitive measures with natural consequences. Learn how this approach fosters independent decision-making while nurturing a cooperative family environment. Dr Maryhan and I delve into practical examples, like making a bed, to illustrate how meaningful, value-aligned consequences can help cultivate responsibility in our children, turning their natural curiosity into a powerful tool for growth.Parenting is undoubtedly a tough journey, but it's easier with self-care and a strong community. We explore personal strategies for managing stress, from the cathartic power of journaling to the refreshing benefits of outdoor activities. The "bucket" metaphor emerges as a shared language to gauge emotional capacity, emphasising the beauty in messy, imperfect parenting. This episode is a heartfelt nod to our collective journey with our supportive tribe, reminding us that every small victory is a stepping stone toward raising resilient, confident individuals. Tune in to discover how these insights can transform your parenting journey.Click here to contact Dr Maryhanwww.sendparenting.com
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EP 103: Dealing With Conflict At Home with Sarah Fisher
Episode 103Ever wondered how to transform your parenting approach to better support neurodivergent children? Sarah Fisher, an adoptive mom and author of "Connective Parenting," joins us for our milestone 100th episode to share her insightful experiences. Sarah opens up about her journey with her son, revealing the remarkable impact of Non-Violent Resistance (NVR) techniques in managing challenging behaviors. Together, we unpack the importance of shifting our focus as parents from correcting our children's behaviors to understanding our own reactions, paving the way for more harmonious family dynamics.Experience the power of parenting through connection and understanding as we explore how emotional regulation can lead to a calmer home environment. From personal stories of managing stress during menopause to handling holiday-induced challenges with neurodiverse children, this episode is packed with strategies for both parents and children to thrive. We emphasize the significance of reconnecting with our kids after conflicts, teaching them resilience and emotional management through lived experiences rather than mere words.Our conversation touches on the evolving landscape of modern parenting, where emotional awareness takes center stage. Insights from our recent Connective Parenting conference underscore the benefits of a child-paced approach, allowing us to meet our children where they are and support their unique needs. We also delve into the challenges of gaining support from family and friends unfamiliar with this approach, sharing success stories that prove change is possible. Celebrate with us as we reflect on this journey and look forward to future discussions that promise continued growth and shared understanding within our Send Parenting community.www.sendparenting.com
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EP 102: Disengaged In School with Dr. Chris Bagley
Episode 102 What if our education system could truly embrace individuality and foster genuine growth for every child? Join us for our 100th episode of the Send Parenting Podcast, featuring the astute Dr. Chris Bagley, who argues for revolutionary changes in how we perceive and implement education. Dr. Bagley, a educational psychologist and advocate for neurodiverse children, sheds light on the limitations of traditional schooling methods and the rise of home education as a viable alternative. Together, we unravel ways to tap into each child's unique potential, offering a fresh perspective on educational reform that champions inclusivity and the joy of learning.In this landmark episode, we tackle the pressing issues faced by young learners navigating an education system that often shifts focus from intrinsic motivation to extrinsic pressures. Dr. Bagley dives deep into the consequences of this shift, such as marginalization and exclusion, urging for a reevaluation of what belonging and competence should look like in schools. We explore the empowering potential of alternative learning communities and democratic approaches, which prioritize student agency and redefine success beyond conventional metrics. It's a conversation that promises to challenge your views on what education should achieve.With Dr. Bagley's insights, we explore the crucial role of consent and self-determination in education, advocating for systems that engage students on their terms. The pioneering work of States of Mind is highlighted as a beacon of hope, demonstrating the transformative impact of co-constructed learning experiences. This episode makes a compelling case for education systems that nurture a child’s autonomy and prepare them for the world they will inherit, sparking a necessary conversation about reimagining what it means to educate and empower the next generation.Click here for Dr Chris Bagley Join the SEND Parenting Community on Whatsapp. Either click here or send a message to +447856915105 , and I will personally add you to the private group, where we can connect and support each other.www.sendparenting.com
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EP: 101 Insights on Nutrition for Neurodivergent Children with Lucinda Miller
Episode 101Unlock the secrets to nurturing neurodivergent minds with the wisdom of Lucinda Miller, founder and clinical lead of NatureDoc, as we celebrate our monumental 100th episode. Lucinda returns to discuss her groundbreaking book, "Brain Brilliance," a nutritional guide tailored for neurodivergent individuals. From her beloved Cherry Sleepy Smoothie to ingenious recipes like margarita pizza waffles, Lucinda shares how nutritious meals can transform emotional regulation, anxiety, and sleep for children with conditions like ADHD, autism, and more.Discover the profound link between gut health and brain function, and the role of the gut microbiome in shaping mood, memory, and behavior. Lucinda offers practical strategies for enhancing gut health without invasive tests, emphasizing the importance of dietary diversity, fermented foods, and probiotics. By fostering openness to new foods, these approaches aim to alleviate stress and anxiety in neurodivergent children, nurturing a curious palate and a resilient mind.Lastly, we tackle the critical oversight in medical education regarding nutrition, shining a light on how this gap affects patient care. Lucinda and I discuss the pivotal role nutritionists play in bridging this divide, offering insights and support to families navigating neurodiversity. Join our SEND Parenting Tribe's private WhatsApp community for support, shared experiences, and celebrating each other's journey through the complex world of neurodiversity.Click here for Lucinda Miller Join the SEND Parenting Community on Whatsapp. Either click here or send a message to +447856915105 , and I will personally add you to the private group, where we can connect and support each other.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.
UK