The Autism Mums Podcast

In this week's episode of The Autism Mums Podcast we're talking about the proposed SEND Reforms 2026 and what they could mean for families across the UK.
The Government says the changes aim to make mainstream schools more inclusive, reduce EHCP numbers, and introduce new “layers” of support but many parents are concerned about what this could mean for legal protections, specialist provision, and access to support.
After attending a local community meeting with our MP and submitting our own consultation response as parents, we share the common themes, key concerns, and the questions that still remain unanswered.
This isn’t about resisting reform, it’s about making sure reform strengthens the system, and doesn't weaken children’s rights.
Key Takeaways
EHCP access could change significantly.
Proposals suggest EHCPs may eventually be reserved for children with “the most complex needs” but there is currently no clear definition of what that means.
Specialist Provision Packages (SPPs) may replace detailed individual plans.
This risks shifting from a needs‑led system to a more standardised, package‑based approach.
Legal enforceability is a major concern.
If support moves from Section F of an EHCP into Individual Support Plans (ISPs), it may not carry the same legal protection.
Mainstream inclusion requires real resources.
Training, inclusion bases and expert advice sound positive but without more educational psychologists, therapists and specialist teachers, implementation may fall short.
Need must drive provision — not budgets or system design.
Reform can only succeed if it strengthens accountability, preserves rights, and ensures support is delivered in practice.

Mentioned in This Episode
Michael Charles' Facebook page
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Puberty is a long season of change and for neurodivergent children, that can feel especially overwhelming. In this episode, Victoria and Natalie are joined by Cath Hakanson, sex educator and founder of Sex Ed Rescue, who shares practical, reassuring guidance on talking to autistic and ADHD kids about puberty, bodies, and growing up.
Cath is late-diagnosed autistic and ADHD herself, and brings both professional expertise and lived experience to the conversation.
About Cath Hakanson
Cath Hakanson is a clinical sexuality educator, registered nurse, and founder of Sex Ed Rescue, a global platform that has supported over a million families with honest, shame-free sex education. With more than 25 years of clinical experience spanning sexual health nursing, sex therapy, and health promotion, Cath has made it her mission to help parents have the conversations they were never taught to have. Late-diagnosed AuDHD herself and a parent of neurodivergent kids, she brings both expertise and lived experience to her work. Her approach is simple, factual, and built for real family life, neurospicy or otherwise.
Key Takeaways
Start early and keep it small. Introducing puberty from age four or five through books, casual comments, and everyday moments which means it's never one huge overwhelming conversation.
Puberty isn't necessarily different for neurodivergent kids, but the way they experience and process it often is. Sensory sensitivities around hygiene routines, body hair, and discharge can all create friction.
Before you problem-solve, ask. The single most useful thing you can do is ask your child what's getting in the way, the answer might surprise you.
Small, natural, low-pressure conversations, once a month, in the car, over a TV show, are far more effective and keep the door open for questions as they grow.
Hormones can hit differently with a neurodivergent nervous system. Helping your child understand why their emotions might feel more intense during puberty is part of the conversation too.
It's never too late to start. Whether your child is four or eighteen, beginning the conversation now is always better than not beginning it at all.

Mentioned in This Episode
Cath's Top Ten Sex Education Books - https://sexedrescue.com/sex-education-books
Hair in Funny Places by Babette Cole https://babette-cole.com/10550-2/
AUsome — Autistic-led neurodiversity training - https://ausometraining.com
Free Guide: Sex Education for Neurodivergent Kids - For parents of autistic and ADHD kids who want a clearer way to approach sex ed without making it feel bigger or harder than it needs to be. https://sexedrescue.com/neuroaffirmingsexed
Connect with Cath
Website: https://sexedrescue.com
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/cathhakanson
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In this week's episode of The Autism Mums Podcast Natalie is joined by psychotherapist, author and former NHS specialist nurse Caroline Sutton to talk about Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA) and why so many neurodivergent children experience school as overwhelming or unsafe.
When a child can’t go to school, it’s rarely about defiance.
Caroline shares over 37 years of professional experience supporting children and families, alongside her lived experience as a neurodivergent parent. Together, we explore the emotional and neurological roots of school anxiety and why traditional behaviour-based approaches often make things worse.
If you’ve ever been told to “just make home less appealing” or that your child is being manipulative, we hope this conversation will feel validating, hopeful and reassuring.
Biography
Caroline Sutton is a psychotherapist, author, and former NHS specialist nurse with over 37 years of experience supporting children and families. Drawing on her professional background and her lived experience as a neurodivergent parent, she brings a deeply compassionate approach to understanding emotionally based school avoidance (EBSA) and anxiety in young people. Through her private practice, writing, and public speaking, Caroline helps parents and professionals see beyond behaviour to the emotional and neurological roots of distress. Her work blends clinical insight with personal understanding, empowering families to rebuild safety, trust, and hope in education and at home.
Key Takeaways
What Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA) really means
Why school avoidance is not the same as defiance
The link between autism, ADHD, anxiety and burnout
How the nervous system responds when school feels unsafe
Why forcing attendance can increase distress
Signs your child may be heading toward burnout
How to balance encouragement with emotional safety
Supporting transitions back to school after holidays
The importance of compassion for parents navigating EBSA
Mentioned in This Episode
📘 A Compassionate Approach to School Anxiety by Caroline Sutton
Ebook
Paperback

🎁 Free Download: Caroline’s Return to School Checklist

👥 Caroline’s private Facebook membership for parents
Connect with Caroline Sutton
Instagram
Website
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Sensory differences affect up to 95% of autistic people, yet they’re often misunderstood as “fussy” behaviour or being dramatic.
In this episode, we break down what sensory processing really is.
Key Takeaways
The 8 sensory systems (not just the 5 you learned at school)
Hypersensitivity vs hyposensitivity
Sensory defensiveness
Why supermarkets, lunch halls, hand dryers and clothing can feel unbearable
How sensory overload impacts eating, sleep, learning and behaviour
Practical strategies for calming, alerting and organising regulation

We also share personal examples from our own families and discuss how to support sensory needs at home and in school, with curiosity, compassion and less shame.
Because behaviour is communication and regulation matters more than compliance.
Mentioned in This Episode
The National Autistic Society
Beat Eating Disorders
Loop earplugs
Connect with The Autism Mums
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In this week's episode of The Autism Mums Podcast we're talking about what to do when your child is struggling and support feels a long way off.
We talk honestly about what it feels like when things start to break down before any formal support is in place, and share the practical things that actually helped us and our children during that difficult waiting period.
Key Takeaways
You are not alone — there will be other parents in the same situation, often hovering outside the same school gate.
Schools receive additional funding for children on the SEN register even without an EHCP. You can ask how this funding is being used to support your child.
Under Section 19 of the Education Act 1996, your local authority has a legal duty to provide suitable full-time alternative education for children who cannot attend school - this applies whether or not your child has an EHC plan.
Councils and schools don't always tell you what's available. Do your own research.
SENDIASS offers free, impartial advice.
When your child's nervous system is overwhelmed, reduce demands across the board, including everyday things like getting dressed or sitting at the table. This is temporary, and you can rebuild later.
Lean into whatever regulates your child, whether that's screens, gaming, Lego, or their special interest. This is not the time to restrict it.
Movement, nature, and quieter environments can be powerful regulators, particularly away from busy, sensory-heavy places.
Other parents ahead of you on this journey are one of your best sources of information.
If you can access the Early Bird course (or a similar programme in your area) even before a formal diagnosis it can be well worth it.
It is okay to say no to birthday parties, family events, and social obligations that are too much right now, for your child and for you.
Look after yourself. Connect with other parents, speak to your GP, consider counselling. You cannot advocate well for your child if you are running on empty.
Trust yourself. You know your child better than anyone. Don't let that be swayed.

Mentioned in This Episode
SEN Budget for Mainstream Schools
Advice about School Anxiety
Getting Temporary Education Put in Place
SENDIASS — free, confidential, impartial advice and support for families of children with SEND: find your local service
The Horse Course — equine intervention for children with anxiety: thehorsecourse.org
Early Bird Programme — support for families of autistic children, usually post-diagnosis

Connect with The Autism Mums
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