EP 122: When Educators and Parents Work Together: Unlocking Success for SEND Children
The SEND Parenting Podcast joins forces with the SEND Network Podcast to explore the transformative power that emerges when parents and educators collaborate effectively for neurodiverse children, featuring Lynn Howe who brings unique insight as both a SENCO and parent of a neurodivergent child.• Both parents and professionals face systemic barriers in supporting SEND children• Parents often develop a "warrior mentality" after not being heard about their children's needs• Children frequently mask difficulties at school, causing disconnect between home and school experiences• The EHCP process remains challenging even for those with insider knowledge• Successful partnerships require transparent communication and willingness from both sides• Key adults in schools who form relationships with both children and parents create crucial bridges• Regular check-ins and addressing concerns early prevent escalation to crisis points• The magic formula includes letting go of past hurts and focusing jointly on the child's needs• Support networks provide validation and practical strategies for both parents and professionals• Remembering there's a child at the centre of every interaction helps maintain perspectiveSEND NetworkPositive Young Minds Join us in the private SEND Parenting WhatsApp community by clicking the link in the show notes. It's been wonderful to communicate with everyone in the community and join together to help each other navigate challenges and celebrate successes.www.sendparenting.com
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Medication for ADHD: Breaking Down the Science and Stigma
Should you consider medication for your child with ADHD? As both a doctor and the mother of a neurodivergent teenager, I've navigated this question from multiple perspectives—and discovered that much of what we believe about ADHD medication simply isn't supported by science.The hesitation many parents feel about medication stems from understandable concerns, but often these worries are based on myths rather than medical evidence. What surprised me most in my own journey was learning about the significant developmental gap children with ADHD experience. Their executive functioning skills—abilities like emotional regulation, working memory, and self-motivation—typically develop at approximately 30% behind their peers. This means a 12-year-old might functionally have the capabilities of a 9-year-old, with this gap widening as they grow older.This crucial insight helps explain why ADHD medication works so effectively. Rather than changing who your child is, medication bridges this developmental gap. For 55% of children, stimulant medication completely eliminates the executive function delay while active in their system, while another 35% see significant improvement. The research is compelling—with an effect size of 1.2 (compared to 0.5 for antidepressants), ADHD medication ranks among the most effective psychiatric treatments available.Throughout this episode with Jane Trowbridge from Sensational Tutors, we explore the difference between stimulant and non-stimulant medications, address common misconceptions, and examine the serious long-term consequences of leaving ADHD untreated. Particularly striking is research showing untreated ADHD can reduce lifespan by 11 years—a sobering statistic that underscores why effective treatment matters.Whether you're currently weighing medication options or simply want to understand the science behind ADHD treatment better, this episode provides clear, evidence-based information to help you make informed decisions that could profoundly impact your child's development, confidence, and future success.www.sendparenting.com
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The legal lifeline for SEN families with Richard Orr, CEO of SOS SEN
Richard Orr, CEO of SOS SEN charity, shares how they empower families navigating the special educational needs system through legal support, advice centres, and their national helpline. Their pre-action protocol letters achieve a remarkable 97-98% success rate in resolving cases without going to tribunal, saving families from lengthy legal battles while securing proper educational provisions.• SOS SEN started 20 years ago when concerned individuals helped parents fight a special needs school closure• The charity offers both emotional support and practical legal guidance to families struggling with local authorities• Their pre-action protocol letters remind local authorities of their legal obligations, often resolving cases immediately• Local authorities spent £100 million fighting tribunals with only 2% success rate – wasting money that could support children• The charity has expanded to offer advice centres across England and doubled their helpline hours• All services are designed to be accessible regardless of financial circumstances• Top tips include: keep everything in writing, find your supportive "tribe" of other SEND parents, and use first names with professionals to level the playing fieldClick here to get more information on SOS!SEN Click here to join our private WhatsApp SEND Parenting community for a safe space to connect with other parents navigating their neurodiverse journey. You'll find support, insights and real conversations with like-minded parents who truly understand. www.sendparenting.com
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The reality of a neurodivergent household with Greer Jones, Host of The Unfinished Podcast
Two mothers, both podcast hosts, both raising neurodivergent children in the UK, come together for an honest conversation about the realities that many parents never see coming. Dr. Olivia Kessel (SEND Parenting Podcast) and Greer Jones (The Unfinished Idea) share their raw, unfiltered experiences navigating a system that often feels designed to exclude rather than support.From the moment Greer's son started school and was immediately restricted to two-hour days, to Olivia's shocking discovery of local authority deception through a subject access request during her daughter's EHCP process, these stories highlight the extraordinary lengths parents must go to secure appropriate education for their children. Both women speak candidly about the emotional toll – the isolation, the constant advocacy, and the financial strain that comes with fighting for services most families take for granted.But this conversation offers more than commiseration. Drawing from her medical background, Olivia explains how understanding neurodevelopmental differences transforms parenting approaches. Together, they share practical strategies that actually work: using sticky notes to externalize executive functioning, setting up visual timetables, and even programming Alexa to provide reminders that don't trigger the resistance that parental instructions might.Most powerfully, they discuss finding community amidst the struggle. "We are normal," Olivia emphasizes, noting that 20% of the world is neurodiverse. "Our differences are what make us special." They remind listeners that traditional parenting methods often fail neurodivergent children not because the children are broken, but because those methods weren't designed for their beautifully different brains.Whether you're raising a neurodivergent child or simply want to better understand and support the families around you, this episode offers valuable insights into turning challenges into opportunities for growth, connection, and yes – even joy. Ready to rewrite the parenting rulebook on terms that actually work for your family?www.sendparenting.com
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Caregivers self-care guide with Eleonora Magri, founder of Inclusi
Dr. Olivia Kessel explores the essential yet often overlooked topic of caregiver self-care with behavior analyst Eleanor Magri, revealing how nurturing ourselves is not selfish but necessary for effectively supporting our neurodivergent children.• Neurodiversity family specialist Eleanor Magri introduces the concept of holistic support that includes caring for the caregiver• Parents often feel guilty prioritizing their needs, viewing self-care as selfish rather than necessary• Simple sensory self-care strategies like spending time in a darkened room or using calming sounds can regulate the nervous system• Building sustainable self-care habits by "stacking" them with existing routines (like adding a breathing exercise before brushing teeth)• A case study demonstrating how parental self-regulation led to improved communication and fewer crises with a neurodivergent adult daughter• The importance of creating awareness about burnout symptoms and recognizing when intervention is needed• Understanding that between two hard paths, consistent self-care offers better long-term outcomes• A free "Caregiver Balance Sheet" resource to help visualize time invested in children versus oneselfJoin our private SEND Parenting WhatsApp community for support, insights and connections with like-minded parents who truly understand. The link is available in the show notes.Click here for Free Caregiver Balance Sheetwww.inclusi.org/caregiverbalancesheetwww.sendparenting.com
Welcome to the Send Parenting Podcast. I'm your neurodiverse host, Dr Olivia Kessel, and, more importantly, I am a mother to my wonderfully neurodivergent daughter, Alexandra, who really inspired this podcast. As a veteran in navigating the world of neurodiversity, I have uncovered a wealth of misinformation, alongside many answers and solutions that were never taught to me in medical school or in any of the parenting handbooks.Each week on this podcast, I will be bringing the experts to your ears to empower you on your parenting crusade.
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