The Autism Mums Podcast

• Fitness and Autism - Transforming Lives Through Movement with Mark Fleming

  In this inspiring episode of The Autism Mums Podcast, we’re joined by Mark Fleming, an autistic fitness coach and founder of a fitness brand dedicated to supporting neurodivergent individuals. Mark shares how sport and movement helped him regulate his own system growing up and how he now empowers others through exercise.From working with Special Olympics athletes to seeing remarkable transformations in his clients — including improved focus, reduced anxiety, and even newfound verbal skills — Mark’s work highlights the life-changing benefits of accessible, neurodiversity-informed fitness.We explore:How exercise can support sensory regulation, cognitive functioning, and behaviour in autistic children and adults.Practical strategies to help children ease into movement, even if they are reluctant.Mark’s own journey to becoming a fitness entrepreneur and advocate for neurodivergent athletes.Whether you’re wondering how to help your child build confidence through movement, or looking for hope and inspiration, this episode is full of practical wisdom and encouragement.BiographyDr. Mark Fleming is an autistic entrepreneur who owns and runs a fitness brand called Equally Fit where he provides exercise training and consulting to those with disabilities. He obtained his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Exercise Science from The University of Alabama and his PhD in Kinesiology from Concordia University at St. Paul. He has spent time working in Applied Behavior Analysis and has coached Special Olympics, where his athlete's all won gold at the state competition level. He has been featured on CNN.com, Mens Health magazine, various websites and other magazines as well as on every local news channel in Tampa. He served as the first autistic chair for the constituency board for C.A.R.D-USF in 2023-24.Key TakeawaysHow exercise helps regulate sensory systems and supports emotional balance in autistic individuals.How small, consistent steps can help children and adults embrace movement without overwhelm.How structured exercise can reduce stimming, improve focus, and open new possibilities for learning and socialising.How supporting children with ADHD through exercise can channel energy positively and improve self-awareness.How gradual progress and celebrating small wins can build lifelong confidence and resilience.How Mark's lived experience inspires families to reimagine what's possible for their children and themselves.Mentioned in This EpisodeSpecial Olympics - Dedicated to empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities through sport.Center for Autism and Related Disabilities at the University of South Florida - Where Mark served as the first autistic chair on the constituency board.Connect with Mark FlemingWebsite - www.equallyfit.comFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/dr.markf31Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/official_drmark/Connect with The Autism Mumshttps://theautismmums.com/Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theautismmumsFollow us on TikTok

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• Insights from Jamie Oliver's Dyslexia Revolution

   This week we are discussing Jamie Oliver's Channel four documentary Jamie's Dyslexia Revolution. We found this programme hugely impactful and we felt compelled to discuss the critical issues it raises about dyslexia, the shortcomings of our education system and how it affects neurodivergent children.Key TakeawaysDyslexia as a Brain Difference: Understanding that dyslexia is a brain difference rather than a lack of intelligence can be transformative. It shifts the narrative from feeling inadequate to recognising unique cognitive strengths and learning styles.Impact of Early Screening: Early screening in schools can significantly change the trajectory for neurodivergent children. Identifying dyslexia early allows for tailored support, helping children feel understood and empowered rather than left behind.Need for Teacher Training: The lack of adequate training for teachers on neurodivergence can hinder a child's educational experience. Proper training equips educators with the tools to recognise and support diverse learning needs, fostering a more inclusive classroom environment.Importance of Advocacy: Advocacy plays a crucial role in driving change within the education system. By voicing concerns and pushing for better resources and support, parents can help create a more equitable environment for all children.Empowering Children: Empowering children and celebrating their strengths is vital for their self-esteem. When children feel valued for who they are, they are more likely to thrive and develop a positive self-image.Jamie's Dyslexia RevolutionWatch and share the documentary hereLet’s get the word out. Share it with friends, family – anyone who needs to see what’s really going on.Tell the Secretary of State, Bridget PhillipsonPost on Twitter/X (@bphillipsonMP) or Instagram (@bridgetphillipsonmp) using #ComeOnBridget. Tell her what’s happening, what needs to change – and why kids can’t wait. Write to your MPLet them know you’re part of Jamie’s Dyslexia Revolution. Ask them to stand up in Parliament and speak out for change. Jamie has templates and tips here, but Jamie says your own story is the most powerful thing you can share.Connect with The Autism Mumshttps://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/theautismmumsTranscriptEpisode 15 Insights from Jamie Oliver's Dyslexia Revolution​[00:00:00]Hello and welcome to the Autism Mums podcast. I'm Victoria. And I'm Natalie. We are two sisters raising autistic children who know the joy, the challenges, and the everyday moments. This is a supportive space for honest conversations, practical tips, shared strength and expert advice.Whether you are celebrating a win, surviving a meltdown, or justtrying to make it through the day, we are right here with you.Join us as we share the ups, the downs, and everything in between parenting autistic children.Today we are discussing Jamie Oliver's Channel four documentary Jamie's Dyslexia Revolution. We found this program hugely impactful and we felt compelled to discuss the critical issues it raises about dyslexia, the shortcomings of our education system, and how it affects neurodivergent [00:01:00] children.Victoria Bennion: This morning I finished watching Jamie...

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• Diagnosis, Discovery & Doing It Your Way with Claire Grayshan

  In this week's episode of The Autism Mums Podcast we welcome, Claire Grayshan, business coach and mother to three neurodivergent children to the show. Claire opens up about her journey to receiving both an autism and ADHD diagnosis later in life, how it transformed her parenting and why recognising your strengths can be the key to building a life that truly works for you. BiographyClaire is a late-diagnosed autistic ADHDer, mum of three neurodivergent kids, and a passionate advocate for better mainstream school support, as both a parent and school governor. She spent years masking, overachieving, and burning out, first navigating a system that doesn't fit her children, then growing a business using strategies that didn’t fit her brain.After autistic burnout, she rebuilt her business on her own terms. Now, as founder of The Virtual Vibe Coaching, she helps online service providers and coaches realign their strategy and simplify sales, so they can grow sustainably, without burnout, or forcing what doesn’t fit.Key TakeawaysHow late diagnosis can shape how you see yourself. It can bring clarity, self-compassion, and validation after years of internal doubt and masking.How recognising shared neurodivergent traits can strengthen your parenting. It can fostering deeper connection and more empathetic support for your children.How the school system falls short - what small, practical changes could make classrooms more inclusive and less overwhelming for neurodivergent learners.How receiving a diagnosis can boost your confidence as an advocate - helping you trust your instincts and push past self-doubt when navigating EHCPs and school challenges.How building a business around your energy and strengths is important - especially when traditional models drain you and don’t reflect your reality as a neurodivergent parent.Quote"We are the best people to parent our children because we’re perfect for them." — Claire GrayshanConnect with Claire GrayshanSales Strategy Selector QuizUncover how you sell best and which strategy suits you — based on your natural style and personality — so you can align your strategy, play to your strengths, and see your content convert. https://www.thevirtualvibe.co.uk/salesstrategyselector Website - www.thevirtualvibe.co.ukInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/thevirtualvibeuk/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/claire-grayshan-48a707143/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@thevirtualvibeukConnect with The Autism Mumshttps://theautismmums.com/Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theautismmumsFollow us on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@theautismmumsTranscript[00:00:00] Hello and welcome tothe Autism Mums podcast. I'm Victoria. And I'm Natalie. We are two sistersraising autistic children who know the joy, the challenges, and the everydaymoments. This is a supportive space for honest conversations, practical tips,shared strength and expert advice. Whether you are celebrating a win, survivinga meltdown, or just trying to make it through the day, we...

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• Understanding and Overcoming Sleep Issues

   Today we're exploring a topic that many parents of autistic children can relate to: Sleep struggles. We'll explore the challenges surrounding sleepless nights. We are sharing our personal experiences and discussing strategies that have helped us navigate this exhausting journey.Key TakeawaysCommon Sleep Struggles: Many parents of autistic children face significant sleep challenges, often exacerbated by anxiety and sensory sensitivities.Impact of Sleep Deprivation: Lack of sleep can worsen not only behavioral issues but also sensory struggles and overall well-being for both the child and the parents.Trial and Error: Finding effective sleep solutions often involves trying various strategies, such as bedtime routines, environmental adjustments, and calming techniques.Role of Melatonin: Melatonin can be beneficial for autistic children who struggle with sleep, but its usage requires careful monitoring and sometimes experimentation with different forms.Communication and Support: Open communication with children about their sleep needs and preferences is crucial in finding solutions that work for them.Self-Care for Parents: Managing sleep challenges can be exhausting, highlighting the importance of self-care strategies for parents, including seeking support and prioritizing rest when possible.Connect with The Autism Mumshttps://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/theautismmums  Transcript[00:00:00]Hello and welcome to the Autism Mums podcast. I'm Victoria. And I'mNatalie. We are two sisters raising autistic children who know thejoy, the challenges, and the everyday moments. This is a supportivespace for honest conversations, practical tips, shared strength andexpert advice. Whether you are celebrating a win, surviving ameltdown, or just trying to make it through the day, we are righthere with you.Join us as we share the ups,the downs, and everything in between parenting autistic children.Natalie Tealdi: Today we are exploring a topic that many parentsof autistic children can relate to. Sleep struggles. We'll explorethe challenges surrounding sleepless nights. We are sharing ourpersonal experiences and discussing strategies that have helped usnavigate this exhausting journey.VictoriaBennion: For us, the sleep challenges started in line withwhen my son's [00:01:00] anxiety hit areal peak, and , it was all coming together at the same time. All thestruggles were getting so much worse and lack of sleep was one ofthem. . He would just be up till the early hours of the morning.It would get to 2:00 AM he'djust be completely unable to go to sleep. And it was at a time whenhe was so anxious as well. The lack of sleep was making everythingelse so much worse.It was making the sensorystruggle so much worse. It was making the anxiety the next day somuch worse 'cause he hadn't even rested and he's running on empty.Natalie Tealdi: What sort of age was he then?Victoria Bennion: He was eight. It was just something thatgradually, got worse., It was really, really exhausting. And weweren't yet at the pediatricians, and I didn't know anything aboutthe link even because this was before we had a diagnosis, I justdidn't know why he couldn't sleep and we were trying everything.We tried, going to bedearlier. Maybe he's overtired, and...

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• It Shouldn’t Be This Hard: Advocating Through the System

  In this week’s episode of The Autism Mums Podcast, we’re talking about something that so many families raising autistic children will recognise - the exhausting and often disheartening process of dealing with the local authority.This episode is an honest look at how hard it can be to get what your child needs and how important it is to stay organised, persistent and strong.Key TakeawaysKeeping on top of it all: Parents and carers are often left chasing reports, updates, and decisions just to keep things moving.You Can’t Assume Progress is Happening (unfortunately): If you're not following up, you're at risk of falling off the radar.Options for Your Child: Parents are frequently kept in the dark about available options regarding alternative provision and specialist schoolsTravel Expectations Can Be Unrealistic: Specialist schools may be far from home, making logistics overwhelming.Change is Needed: Better communication, transparency and supportive systems would ease the burden on both families and staff.Connect with The Autism Mumshttps://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/theautismmumsTranscript[00:00:00] Hello and welcome tothe Autism Mums podcast. I'm Victoria. And I'm Natalie. We are two sistersraising autistic children who know the joy, the challenges, and the everydaymoments. This is a supportive space for honest conversations, practical tips,shared strength and expert advice. Whether you are celebrating a win, survivinga meltdown, or just trying to make it through the day, we are right here withyou.Join us as we share the ups, the downs, and everything inbetween parenting autistic children.Victoria Bennion: Intoday's episode, we're gonna talk about the challenges that so many familiesface when navigating support through the local authority for their children. Weare gonna talk about the EHCP delays to the mystery surrounding alternativeprovision and specialist schools.If you've ever felt like you're fighting an uphill battle justto get your child what they need, you're not alone. We are sharing our own [00:01:00] experiences, frustrations, and the lessonswe've learned.There's much to say. Okay, you go.Natalie Tealdi: I washaving a think about when we have had to deal with the local authority and it,and it started off with the EHCP process. And then. There was also alternativeprovision as part of that when the school placement was breaking down.Victoria Bennion: Youcan come across dealing with a local authority before you get to the HCP stage.If your child isn't attending school, , you can be put in touch with inclusionofficer and ask to attend regular meetings. That's what happened with usNatalie Tealdi: In myexperience it has involved lots of chasing up. So with various reports you needto gather for the HCP and making sure it's all on track. And just to paint thepicture, when you have a child that's struggling at home, they're strugglinggenerally with school home they don't yet have.A diagnosis. So you're trying to learn everything you possiblycan about a [00:02:00] SD and you're dealingwith daily meltdowns. They're being sent home from school. So you've got all ofthat going on. And then on top of that, you need to deal with the localauthority and they're really frustrating processes.Victoria...

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