This OCD Awareness Week, I invite you to listen to our latest episode of the SENDcast, featuring Shaun Flores, a mental health advocate and consultant. In this honest and enlightening discussion 'The Reality of OCD: Creating Safe Spaces for SEND Students', Shaun sheds light on the often-misunderstood condition of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Trigger Warning: This podcast discusses difficult subjects, including sexual assault. "We understand autism, we understand ADHD, we understand anxiety, we understand depression, we understand dyslexia and dyspraxia and dyscalculia, but we still don't understand OCD." Shaun Flores When we think of OCD, we typically associate it with cleaning and being neat and tidy - a misconception heavily portrayed by the media. However, for those who live with OCD, it can be a devastating and crippling mental health condition rooted in fear. Shaun highlights the significant delays in diagnosis that many face due to a lack of public understanding, stigma, and frequent misdiagnosis. He also discusses the strong links between OCD and other conditions such as autism, ADHD, and Tourette's syndrome. In this episode, you'll hear Shaun share his personal experiences and insights, emphasising the importance of recognising key signs in students. He provides a deeper understanding of what OCD really is, its physical and mental impact, and treatment options available. View all podcasts available or visit our SENDcast sessions shop! About Shaun Flores Shaun Flores is a mental health advocate, speaker, and educator who uses his lived experience to spark honest conversations about neurodiversity and wellbeing. Diagnosed with OCD and ADHD as an adult, Shaun brings a rare blend of personal insight and professional expertise to the way he works with schools, universities, and communities. He has delivered five TEDx talks, spoken across the NHS and higher education, and created original programmes such as Rejection Rehab™ and The Flores Effect™, designed to help young people build resilience, confidence, and critical thinking skills. As a former model who has navigated grief, stigma, and the challenges of invisible disabilities, Shaun is passionate about showing that vulnerability is strength. His work challenges stereotypes, amplifies underrepresented voices, and gives practical tools for those living with SEND needs — and those supporting them. When Shaun speaks, he doesn't just inform; he creates safe spaces where people feel seen, valued. Contact Shaun https://shaun-flores.com/ https://www.instagram.com/theshaunflores/
[email protected] Useful Links TEDx Talk - The Urgency of Early Intervention: Transforming Lives with OCD Article - OCD convinced me I was a rapist TEDx Talk - OCD: The Brutality of a Misunderstood Illness B Squared Website – www.bsquared.co.uk Meeting with Dale to find out about B Squared - https://calendly.com/b-squared-team/overview-of-b-squared-sendcast Email Dale –
[email protected] Subscribe to the SENDcast - https://www.thesendcast.com/subscribe The SENDcast is powered by B Squared We have been involved with Special Educational Needs for over 25 years, helping show the small steps of progress pupils with SEND make. B Squared has worked with thousands of schools, we understand the challenges professionals working in SEND face. We wanted a way to support these hardworking professionals - which is why we launched The SENDcast! Click the button below to find out more about how B Squared can help improve assessment for pupils with SEND in your school.
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