11: Shona Larrigan: A Recent Diagnosis of Prader-Willi Syndrome
In this episode I’m joined by Shona Larrigan, talking about her 8 month old baby Harry, who has Prader-Willi syndrome. We discuss the emotional impact of receiving a diagnosis, the importance of therapy and support, and the need to live in the present. Shona shares her experiences with public perception and the conversations surrounding Harry's condition, and her hope for the future with potential advances in medication. We also talk about trying to get the balance right between personal well-being and the desire to raise awareness, especially in the early days of your journey.
This episode is released in Prader-Willi Awareness Month and if you need support with a diagnosis here are some helpful links including the one Shona mentions:
Prader-Willi Association Ireland https://pwsai.ie/
Prader-Willi Association UK https://www.pwsa.co.uk/
Tags: Prader-Willi syndrome, new diagnosis, additional needs, new parent
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1:04:27
10: Charlotte Hunt: Dealing with Divorce & Autism
This week’s guest is Charlotte Hunt who you might know from Instagram/TikTok as @twins_tides_and_autism_vibes. We talk about life with her sons Jude & Tommy who both have severe autism and how things have changed since Jude was born 17 years ago. Charlotte’s really honest about the breakdown of her marriage and how it felt navigating dating again as a SEND mum. We discuss introducing the boys to a new partner, going on to have (neurotypical) twin girls and how impactful their brothers’ autism has been on their family. We also talk about navigating friendships after having children with additional needs, and what you can do if you’re having struggles in that area.
Tags: neurodiversity, autism, special needs, dating, divorce
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1:01:59
9: Ebony Gilbert: The Long Road To Acceptance
In this episode, I’m joined by Ebony Gilbert talking about her journey as mum to George, who is blind, has autism and also brain damage from a stroke at birth. We talk about the struggle of true acceptance and what you have to let go of to get there, the joy of finding your own path that works for you and your family, and the challenges of communication without being able to use visual aids. Ebony also shares some great tools to help regulate yourself when things get tough, and the life-changing impact of dietary changes on George’s autism.
Tags: blindness, autism, stroke, brain damage, communication, special needs, diet, neurodiversity
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1:02:43
8: Kim Lucock: Advocating for Stoma Awareness
Kim Lucock is my guest this week, sharing the journey of her daughter Jessica, who has faced chronic bowel problems since birth. We talk about Jessica having stoma surgery and the impact it’s had on her life, and the complexities of navigating the education system with a child who has additional health needs. Kim talks about Jessica’s medical anxiety, the realities of living with a chronic condition, and small changes that can be made to public disabled toilets that can make a huge difference to people living with stomas.
Kim and Jessica are great advocates for stoma awareness and you can find them on socials here:
Facebook – Jessica’s Stoma Journey
Instagram - @jessicasstomajourney
X - @journeystoma
Tags: bowel problems, stoma, parenting, chronic constipation, autisam, ADHD, special needs, stoma care, body image, medical anxiety
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7: Claire Cathcart: From A Heart Transplant To An Autism Diagnosis
In this episode Claire shares her emotional journey navigating the complexities of her son Jake's cardiac issues, including a heart transplant, and the effects that had on her, and her daughter Daisy. She talks about how she coped with nearly losing Jake multiple times, and how a diagnosis of autism brought a whole new set of challenges.
Claire also discusses her charitable work with Team 1C, which raises funds for children in need of heart surgeries, and supports families with children in critical care. You can find them on Instagram @weareteam1c and at www.team1c.org
Some of what Claire has been through is quite traumatic so please bear this in mind when listening, particularly if you have a child with cardiac issues.
The 2 North West based organisations Claire mentions that helped her and Jake are:
Rebounders - @rebounderstherapycentre on Instagram
The Neurodiverse Family Support Network (formerly Autism in Motion)
www.neurodiversefamilysupport.org.uk
Tags: genetic cardiac condition, heart transplant, autism, SEND, SEN, parenting
The SEND Mum Club is a parenting podcast with a difference. Made specifically for parents with children with all kinds of additional needs and/or disabilities. It's a place to share the joys and challenges of raising children with extra needs, with raw, honest conversations, designed to make you feel seen and heard on a journey none of us expected to be on.
Ireland