The Autism Mums Podcast

In the next of our Summer Series of The Autism Mums Podcast, we're returning to our episode where we're tackling a small daily chore that can become a huge battleground — teeth, toothpaste and trips to the dentist.
Using our own stories, we explore why toothbrushing can be so difficult for autistic children: the sensory overload, the disruption of routine, strong reactions to flavors and textures, and how a wobbly tooth or a filling can turn a familiar ritual upside down.
Key Takeaways
Sensory and routine issues can be at the root of toothbrushing struggles — a wobbly tooth, change in texture, or a disrupted order of brushing can cause significant anxiety.
We've found it helpful to experiment with alternative toothbrushes (U‑shaped, three‑sided, or electric brushes) and different toothpaste flavours.
Small, staged steps and backward chaining (parent starts, child finishes) can rebuild confidence when a routine is interrupted; it may be necessary to take steps back to move forwards.
Dental professionals who slow down, explain steps, and ask permission can make appointments far less traumatic — specialist services or hospital dentists may be necessary and very helpful.

Mentioned in This Episode
Dr Barman Toothbrushes
U-Shaped Toothbrushes
Hi-Smile Toothpastes
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In the next of our Summer Series of The Autism Mums Podcast, we're returning to our episode where we're talking about how relationships can shift when your family begins navigating autism, even before a diagnosis is confirmed. As priorities change and the reality of advocating for your child sets in, friendships can evolve, strengthen, or sometimes drift apart.
Key Takeaways
Raising an autistic child can reshape your priorities and change the person you become.
How advocacy for your child can challenge social expectations and sometimes make others uncomfortable.
Friendships may evolve as your life begins to revolve around meeting your child’s needs.
Connecting with other parents of neurodivergent children can create powerful understanding and support.
Surrounding yourself with compassionate, supportive people can make the journey feel less isolating.

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In the next of our Summer Series of The Autism Mums Podcast, we're returning to our episode where we're talking about autistic burnout.
We share our personal experiences of supporting our children through burnout, from shutdowns and sensory overwhelm to emotional exhaustion and withdrawal. We also open up about how life events (including unexpected changes and disruptions to routine) can tip the balance and lead to burnout.
We explore what autistic burnout can look like in children, what can cause it, and most importantly what can help.
Key Takeaways
How autistic burnout can present
Increased meltdowns, shutdowns, or physical complaints can be signs your child is overwhelmed and exhausted
Sensory sensitivities can intensify during burnout, making everyday things feel unbearable
Changes to routine, environment, or support systems can trigger or worsen burnout
Balancing energy-draining and energy-giving activities can support recovery
Gentle, low-pressure outings (like time in nature) can help rebuild energy over time
Reducing demands and allowing flexibility can support your child’s nervous system
Burnout is usually temporary, and with the right support, children can recover and feel like themselves again

Mentioned in This Episode
Understanding Autistic Burnout
Autistic burnout: When navigating a neurotypical world becomes too much
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In the first of our Summer Series of The Autism Mums Podcast, we're returning to our episode where we're talking about travelling with autistic children. Whether it's a one night stay, a weekend with grandparents, or a long holiday.
Trips that other families might find routine can involve a huge amount of planning, uncertainty, and sensory challenges - different beds and pillows, unfamiliar food, noisy or crowded spaces, and even hidden safety hazards in accommodation.
We're sharing our experiences - what helped, what didn't, and our suggestions of what might help you too.
Key Takeaways
Small preparations can help. Consider doing short practice stays before a long trip and build up time away gradually if that feels manageable for your family.
Bring familiar comforts: favourite pillows, blankets, trusted foods, and familiar toiletries (toothpaste, shampoo) can reduce sensory upset and make sleep and routines easier.
Pack a comfort/essentials bag: include fidget toys, calming smells, noise-reducing items, a spare set of safe foods, charging cables and any sensory supports you rely on.
Make plans but stay flexible: a loose “what if” plan for meltdowns, exits or separation can help you respond quickly, but be ready to adjust if things change.
Think about personal space: shared rooms or cabins can reduce opportunities to retreat. Consider quieter accommodation options, balconies or separate rooms where possible.
Check provider policies in advance. Ask hotels, cruise lines or attractions about quieter rooms, room layouts, food policies and any autism-friendly services they offer.
Use airport and venue support. Request assistance like fast-track check-in, quiet lounges or sensory rooms where available to reduce waiting and crowd stress.
Balance siblings’ needs. Plan some separate activities or downtime so children with different needs can recharge without upsetting each other.
Learn from each trip. Make brief notes about what worked and what didn’t so your next trip can be easier to plan.
Be kind to yourselves! Not every holiday will go perfectly. Celebrate small wins and prioritise calm and safety over trying to “do it all.”

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When ITV News aired a story featuring an anonymous whistleblower who had worked inside a council SEND department, the reaction across the SEND community was striking.
It wasn’t shock.
It was recognition.
In this week's episode of The Autism Mums Podcast, we reflect on the allegations raised in the report, including claims of deliberate delay tactics, avoidance of written records, and communication strategies that left families feeling ignored or pushed aside.
We also share our own lived experiences navigating the system:
Unanswered emails and calls
Out‑of‑office responses at critical moments
Meetings missed, placements delayed
Being told consultation had happened when it hadn’t
Feeling dismissed, emotional, or labelled “difficult”

We explore why so many families feel they are only taken seriously when they escalate to tribunal and what it does to parents when exhaustion feels like part of the process.
This conversation is not about attacking individuals.
It is about acknowledging patterns that many families describe, discussing the emotional impact of prolonged delays, and asking difficult but necessary questions about accountability and reform.
If the whistleblower story resonated with you, this episode creates space to process it together.
You were not imagining it.
You were not being “difficult.”
And you are not alone.
Key Takeaways
Many SEND parents felt the whistleblower story confirmed what they had already experienced.
Ongoing delays and lack of communication can leave families feeling dismissed and exhausted.
With most tribunal appeals decided in families’ favour, many parents feel escalation is often necessary to be heard.
Keeping clear written records and requesting decisions in writing is essential for protecting yourself.
While the process can feel overwhelming, knowing your rights and seeking support can shift the balance.

Mentioned in this episode
ITV News report discussed in this episode:
https://www.itv.com/news/2026-07-03/council-staff-told-to-delay-access-to-send-support-whistleblower-claims
SEND Tribunal Statistics (Ministry of Justice):
https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/tribunals-statistics
IPSEA (Independent Provider of Special Education Advice):
https://www.ipsea.org.uk
SENDIASS (Special Educational Needs & Disability Information, Advice & Support Services):
https://councilfordisabledchildren.org.uk/what-we-do-0/networks/information-advice-and-support-services-network/find-your-local-ias-service
Special Needs Jungle coverage of the story:
https://www.specialneedsjungle.com

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