The Autism Mums Podcast

We're returning to the archives again this week to our episode all about EHCP's. We’re talking about the journey to getting an EHCP - what it is, why it matters, and what the process looked like for our families.
We’ll share the lessons we learned along the way with the hope that it helps you navigate the process and feel a little more prepared.
Key Takeaways
An EHCP can provide vital, legally binding support
You don't need a formal diagnosis to apply for an EHCP
Schools may not always initiate an EHCP request. If they don't parents can.
Timelines and deadlines are crucial - keep a track of key dates.
Support groups, SENDIASS and organisations like IPSEA can provide guidance and practical help.
The right provision can make a huge difference to your child's wellbeing.
Mentioned in This Episode
SENDIASS (Special Educational Needs and Disability Information Advice and Support Services)
IPSEA (Independent Provider of Special Education Advice) — ipsea.org.uk
EarlyBird course (National Autistic Society support programme for parents)
Connect with The Autism Mums
https://theautismmums.com/
Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theautismmums
Follow us on Facebook @theautismmums

In this week’s encore episode of The Autism Mums Podcast, Victoria reveals the emotional journey of her son’s autism diagnosis. She reflects on the early signs that were often misunderstood and the battles faced in educational settings, culminating in the significant moment of receiving an official diagnosis. As one of our most popular episodes, we wanted to share this again as there are so many on this path to diagnosis.
Key Takeaways
Autism signs can often be masked or misunderstood, especially in young children.
Building a support network of other parents is crucial.
Professionals may miss signs too, trusting your instincts matters.
The diagnosis process can feel long and isolating, but community support makes a difference.
Receiving a diagnosis is often a moment of both relief and grief and that's OK.
Mentioned in This Episode
The Early Birds Course (National Autistic Society)
ASDivas and Dudes Support Group
The Girl with the Curly Hair by Alis Rowe
The Complete Guide to Asperger’s Syndrome by Tony Attwood
TADDS Outreach Team
Total Children's Therapy
ADOS-2 Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule
CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services)
Connect with The Autism Mums
https://theautismmums.com/
Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theautismmums
Follow us on Facebook: @theautismmums

In this week’s encore episode of The Autism Mums Podcast, we are revisiting our look into the journey toward an autism diagnosis. Natalie opens up about her experiences with her son, reflecting on the subtle early signs and the drawn-out process of seeking support.
Key Takeaways
Early signs aren't always obvious: It's common to realize things only in hindsight.
Not all settings impact children the same way: Different environments can highlight or mask challenges.
The path to diagnosis is often long: Waiting times can be frustrating, but support exists even before official diagnoses.
Grief is a natural part of acceptance: It's okay to mourn the loss of expectations while embracing a new, beautiful reality.
Practical support makes a difference: Courses like EarlyBirds offer real-world tools tailored for neurodivergent children.
Mentioned in This Episode
EarlyBirds Programme by the National Autistic Society
Connect with The Autism Mums
https://theautismmums.com/
Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theautismmums
Facebook - @theautismmums

In this week’s encore episode of The Autism Mums Podcast, join us as we navigate the complex landscape of anxiety in autistic children. We share our personal insights and experiences, exploring the diverse ways anxiety can manifest, including meltdowns, shutdowns, and sensory overloads.
Whether you're early on in your autism journey or navigating school-age challenges, this episode offers reassurance, relatable stories, and real-world strategies that can make a difference.
Key Takeaways
Anxiety presents differently in autistic children: It might show up as shutdowns, meltdowns, repetitive questions, anger, or even physical symptoms like tummy aches.
Avoidance can be common: Children may retreat to their rooms or refuse to go places when overwhelmed.
Sensory overload can be a major trigger: Noisy environments, bright lights, and even scratchy clothing can heighten anxiety.
Routine changes, even positive ones, can be stressful: Children may want changes, but still struggle when they occur.
Social unpredictability can add pressure: Not knowing who will be present or what will happen in social settings can create discomfort.
Masking and perfectionism can lead to burnout and chronic anxiety.
Support strategies matter: Ear defenders, visual timetables, sensory tools, role play, and validating feelings can help.
Validation and patience are key: Simply saying 'I hear you' can help children feel safe and understood.
Mentioned in This Episode
Mindfulness sessions – Supportive techniques that help children become aware of how anxiety feels in their bodies.
https://www.mindful.org/mindfulness-for-kids/
Visual timetables and planners – Visual supports that help prepare autistic children for transitions and daily routines.
Example resources: Twinkl Visual Timetables
Noise-cancelling headphones and sunglasses
Edz Kidz Ear Defenders
Breathing exercises for children
https://copingskillsforkids.com/deep-breathing-exercises-for-kids
BBC Documentary – Inside Our Autistic Minds by Chris Packham
Watch here: BBC iPlayer – Inside Our Autistic Minds
Harry Potter Studio Tour (UK)
Mentioned as an example of a venue with quiet spaces and autism-friendly accommodations.
Accessibility info https://www.wbstudiotour.co.uk/additional-needs/
Connect with The Autism Mums
https://theautismmums.com/
Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theautismmums
Follow us on Facebook @theautismmums

In this week’s episode of The Autism Mums Podcast, we welcome back Carl Draper for part two of our conversation.
In the first part, Carl shares his personal experiences as a parent, how his understanding of behaviour has changed over time, and why unmet needs and stress responses are so often misunderstood.
In this second part, Carl reflects on the challenges we can’t always predict or prevent, the importance of support systems and environment, and what helps parents regulate their own emotions when things feel overwhelming.
Biography
Carl Draper was born in a North Nottinghamshire mining village and moved to Bournemouth at 19, where he served as a beach lifeguard and discovered his love for surfing. Accepted into the Royal Marines, his plans changed after a serious leg injury during a heroic rescue, an event that earned him a Local Hero Award and a feature on BBC’s 999 Rescue. He later became RNLI head trainer for lifeguards across Dorset, then served over a decade with Dorset Ambulance Service. Shifting to education, he trained firefighters and police nationwide before retraining as a mental health nurse. Carl is currently studying at Bournemouth University. In 2015, he founded Waveslider, winning the Bournemouth Tourism Award in 2017, and began documenting life with his son Bodhi in 2020.
Key Takeaways
Not everything can be planned for, and learning to cope with the unexpected is an essential life skill
Avoiding triggers completely can increase anxiety over time rather than reduce it
The right support system — at home, at school, or beyond — can be life-changing for families
Routine provides security but can also create vulnerability during periods of change
Parents need their own ways to regulate stress and should seek support without guilt

Connect with Carl Draper
Follow Carl’s journey with his son Bodhi on the Waverslider Photography Facebook Page
Follow Carl on Instagram
Connect with The Autism Mums
https://theautismmums.com/
Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theautismmums
Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/theautismmums
Transcript
Victoria Bennion: [00:00:00] Hello and welcome back. This is part two
of our conversation with Carl Draper. Carl is currently training to be a mental
health nurse and he's the founder of Wave Slider, where he shares his brilliant
photos and documents life with his son Bodhi.
Victoria Bennion:
Frank Bodi's Assistance Dog is also a regular on Wave slider. If you haven't
listened to part one yet, we'd really recommend going back first because Carl
shares some powerful context about what challenging behavior can look like and
how much can change when we start meeting a child's stress response with calm.
Victoria Bennion: In
today's episode, we pick up the conversation by talking about the things we
can't always predict or control. Those sudden changes, those moments where a
plan falls apart and the ways that it can trigger big feelings for our children
and for us too. So let's jump back in.
Victoria Bennion: Are
there any steps that you can take, do you think, to prevent the...