The Autism Mums Podcast

• Creating Inclusive Holidays for Neurodivergent Families with Karen Mason

  In this week's episode of The Autism Mums Podcast we welcome Karen Mason to the show.BiographyKaren Mason grew up in Hertfordshire with five brothers and built a 35-year career with Bourne Leisure, one of the UK’s leading holiday park operators. Alongside her professional journey, she supported three neurodivergent family members and cared for her father through dementia. These personal experiences highlighted the lack of support for neurodivergent families in holiday parks. Driven to make a difference, Karen founded My Safe Place, combining her industry expertise with her passion for inclusion. Her mission is to create safe, welcoming environments for all families to enjoy accessible and stress-free holidays.Key TakeawaysUnderstanding Personal Experiences: Karen Mason's journey emphasises the importance of personal experiences in shaping her understanding of neurodivergent needs and challenges.The Importance of Inclusion: Karen's mission with My Safe Place focuses on creating inclusive environments that cater specifically to the needs of neurodivergent families.Recognising the Need for Support: The lack of support for neurodivergent families in holiday settings highlights a significant gap in accessibility and understanding within the hospitality industry.Creating Safe Spaces: Karen's work is dedicated to fostering safe, welcoming spaces that allow families to enjoy stress-free holidays together.Industry Expertise Meets Compassion: Karen combines her professional background in the holiday sector with her passion for inclusion, showcasing how expertise can drive meaningful change.Mentioned in This Episodewww.mysafeplacesouthern.co.ukConnect with KarenEmail: [email protected]: @mysafeplacesouthernInstagram: @mysafeplacesouthernukConnect with The Autism MumsWebsite – https://theautismmums.com/Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theautismmumsFollow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/theautismmumsFollow us on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@theautismmumsTranscriptCreating Inclusive Holidays for Neurodivergent Families with Karen MasonVictoria Bennion: [00:00:00] Welcome to the podcast. Karen,Karen Mason: Thanks.Victoria Bennion: could you start by talking us through your journey to starting my safe place please?Karen Mason: Yeah, sure. So I've actually worked in the park industry, holiday parks for over 35 years now, and worked in various roles operationally, managing parks, all sort of jobs. I decided about 18 months ago after an episode supporting my brother and his neurodivergent children that I wanted to pivot where I was in the business and help and encourage parks to become more inclusive when it came to neurodivergent guests.So I literally stopped what I was doing and. Spent now researching, talking to lots of families, working with local charities, and my Safe place evolved. And here we are. We're to ready to [00:01:00] go.Natalie Tealdi: Oh, that's brilliant. Excellent. I understand you pivoted overnight. Your business was it the experience with your nephew that was the catalyst for that?Karen...

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• Every Pair Tells a Story

  In this week's episode of The Autism Mums Podcast reflect on attending the peaceful protest Every Pair Tells a Story, led by The SEND Sanctuary.Key TakeawaysThe Every Pair Tells a Story protest shone a light on thousands of children across the UK who have been left without the education or support they deserve.Each pair of shoes represented a child and the pain, resilience, and determination of the families standing behind them.Parents and carers united peacefully to demand accountability, compassion, and systemic change.The stories of children like Archie, Harper, Izzy, Lucas, and Jackson highlighted the devastating human cost of a broken system.Long waiting lists, inconsistent support, and poor understanding within schools continue to fail neurodivergent children.Mentioned in This EpisodeThe SEND SanctuaryASDivas & DudesFix SEND DorsetASCapeThe SEND Nurture NetworkConnect with The Autism MumsWebsite – https://theautismmums.com/Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theautismmumsFollow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/theautismmumsTranscriptVictoria Bennion:Welcome back to the Autism Mums podcast. Thank you for joining us for today'sepisode, which is both a bit emotional and I think quite historic.Natalie Tealdi: Yeah,I mean, last Monday across England and Scotland, parents and carers cametogether for a peaceful protest called Every Pair Tells a Story.Victoria Bennion:Pairs of shoes were laid outside council buildings, and each pair represented achild who's been failed by the education and support systems. Whether that'sbeen waiting for years for an assessment, missing out on a school place, orbeing left without help.Natalie Tealdi: Thismovement led by the Send Sanctuary is about visibility and accountability. It'sabout family showing through the quiet power of empty shoes. That our childrendeserve better.Victoria Bennion:Yeah. And we went along to support the protest, didn't we? Nat, which wasoutside Dorsett County Council at County Hall in Dorchester. And I dunno aboutyou, but I did find it really moving. [00:01:00]I think there were more than 70 pairs of shoes laid outside those counciloffices and each pair of shoes represented a child who's been let down by thesystem in some way, which I don't know.Victoria Bennion:It's really sad. And I think thinking of the shoes as a symbol, they werereally powerful. They represent. The steps that our children should be takinginto school with friendships, with independence, and yet so many can't becausethe system just keeps letting them down.Natalie Tealdi: Imean, it was so powerful sort of seeing them all laid out and thinking, gosh,thinking about what that rep represents, like 70 pairs of shoes for 70children....

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• Navigating the Waiting Game: Essential Tips for Parents of Kids with Autism

  In this week's episode of The Autism Mums Podcast, we discuss the challenges faced by parents navigating the waiting period for their child's autism diagnosis. We explore strategies for gathering evidence, advocating for support, and managing the differences in behaviour between home and school settings. With practical tips and personal insights, we aim to empower parents to take proactive steps during this often frustrating and isolating time.Key TakeawaysUnderstanding the Waiting Game: Many parents face the challenge of navigating the waiting period for their child's autism diagnosis, often feeling isolated and unsure of the next steps.Coping at Home vs. School: Children may present differently at school compared to home, leading to discrepancies in support. It’s vital to gather evidence of behaviours at home to advocate effectively.Gathering Evidence: Documenting your child's struggles through video recordings or diaries can provide crucial evidence when communicating with schools and professionals.Utilising School Resources: Engage with schools to explore options like re-engagement sessions, youth workers, or alternative therapies that can provide support and evidence for assessments.Professional Input Matters: Involving various professionals—such as therapists, tutors, and behavioural nurses—can strengthen your case for support and diagnosis by offering diverse perspectives on your child's needs.Stay Proactive: Regularly follow up with schools and professionals regarding assessments, and don’t hesitate to reach out to your MP if you encounter significant delays in the process.Explore Alternative Routes: Consider different pathways for assessments, such as CAMHS or private assessments, which may have shorter waiting times compared to traditional routes.Community Support: Connecting with other parents and support groups can provide invaluable advice and encouragement during the challenging waiting period.Self-Care for Parents: Acknowledge the emotional toll that waiting for a diagnosis can take, and we really recommend prioritising self-care to maintain your well-being while advocating for your child.Resource Recommendations: Explore recommended books and resources that can provide further insight and support for navigating autism-related challenges.Mentioned in This EpisodeThe Explosive Child by Ross GreeneRaising The SEN-Betweeners by Lisa LloydAspergers Syndrome by Tony AttwoodThe Girl with the Curly Hair by Alis RoweConnect with The Autism MumsWebsite – https://theautismmums.com/Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theautismmumsFollow us on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@theautismmumsFollow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/theautismmumsTranscriptNavigating the Waiting Game: Essential Tips for Parents of Kids with AutismNatalie Tealdi: [00:00:00] in this episode, we discuss the challenges faced by parents navigating the waiting period for their child's autism diagnosis. We explorestrategies for gathering evidence, advocating for support, andmanaging the differences in behavior between home and schoolsettings.Practical tips and personalinsights. We want parents to know that we get how...

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• Challenging Behaviours, A Late Autism Diagnosis and Motherness with Julie Green

  In this episode Victoria and Natalie chat with Julie Green, author of Motherness, to explore the realities of parenting through autism both as a mum to an autistic son and as a woman who discovered her own autism later in life.BiographyJulie M. Green is a Canadian writer whose work has been featured in the Washington Post, HuffPost, The Globe and Mail, Today’s Parent, and Chatelaine. She has appeared on CTV, BBC Radio, SiriusXM, and CBC Radio. She writes The Autistic Mom on Substack. For more information, visit JulieMGreen.ca.Key TakeawaysAutism in girls and women can look very different from the traditional stereotypes. Julie explains that while boys can be identified through visible traits like lining up toys or having clear special interests, girls may channel their autistic traits into more socially acceptable interestsMany girls mask their differences by copying peersThe importance of seeing challenging behaviour as communication, not defiance.How self-compassion and reframing past experiences can heal years of misunderstanding and self-blameThe need for schools and systems to replace punishment with understanding and co-regulation.Mentioned in This EpisodeMotherness: A Memoir of Generational Autism, Parenthood, and Radical AcceptanceThe Autistic Mom Substack The Explosive Child: A New Approach for Understanding and Parenting Easily Frustrated, Chronically Inflexible by Ross W GreenNational Autistic SocietyConnect with Julie GreenWebsite: juliemgreen.caInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/juliem.greenSubstack: https://theautisticmom.substack.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-m-green-34bb1845/Connect with The Autism MumsWebsite – https://theautismmums.com/Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theautismmumsFollow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/theautismmumsFollow us on TikTok

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• Essential Advocacy Tips for Parents of Neurodivergent Children with Greer Jones

  In this week's episode of The Autism Mums Podcast we welcome Greer Jones to the show.BiographyGreer Jones is a speaker, writer, and podcast host passionate about building understanding and connection in the neurodiverse world. As a mom raising an autistic and ADHD child, and part of a neurodivergent couple herself, she brings honesty, empathy, and lived experience to her work. She is the creator of The Unfinished Idea podcast and online community, where she provides encouragement, practical tools, and a reminder that no one has to walk this journey alone. Her story has been featured in podcasts, conferences, and publications, inspiring families to embrace their unique path with hope and courage.Key TakeawaysUnderstanding Neurodiversity: Greer emphasises that autism and ADHD manifest differently in each individual, highlighting the importance of recognising and valuing each child's unique strengths and challenges.Advocacy Experience: Greer shares her experience of advocating for her son, stressing the need for parents to be proactive in navigating educational and healthcare systems.Building Community: Connecting with other parents and families facing similar challenges can provide invaluable support, encouragement, and shared strategies for managing daily life.Positive Framing: Starting meetings with positive affirmations about a child helps shift the focus from deficits to strengths, fostering a more collaborative atmosphere.Partnership with Schools: Greer advocates for a partnership approach with educators, emphasising the importance of regular communication and collaboration to support a child's needs effectively.Managing Expectations: Understanding that neurodivergent children may struggle with transitions and choices allows parents to adjust their expectations and provide necessary support.Embracing Flexibility: Greer discusses the importance of adapting plans and routines according to a child's needs, especially during challenging periods, to minimise overwhelm.Creating Safe Spaces: Providing children with tools and strategies, such as sensory items or designated "fun bags," can help them navigate overwhelming situations more comfortably.Mentioned in This EpisodeThe Unfinished Idea Podcast with Greer JonesConnect with GreerWebsite – http://theunfinishedidea.comInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/theunfinishedidea/Connect with The Autism MumsWebsite – https://theautismmums.com/Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theautismmumsFollow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/theautismmumsFollow us on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@theautismmumsTranscriptVictoria Bennion: Welcome to the podcast.Greer Jones: Thank you. Yeah. Thanks for having me. , I'm glad to be here.Victoria Bennion: It's great to have the chance to talk to you after meeting you at the Send RallyGreer Jones: Yeah, it was fun. I found that really just be really impactful because I got to meet so many people in person that I know online and have seen online. So yeah, it was good.Natalie Tealdi: Can you start by [00:02:00]...

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