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Hello and welcome back to the Diaries of a SEND Parent. I’m your host Alexandra and I just want to say a big thank you for Joining me. Whether this is your first time listening l or you’ve been with me from the start I’m so grateful that you’re here.
Now today’s episode- Episode 13 is a little different from the usual. Whilst I often talk with guests about the early years, the diagnosis journey, school battles and navigating the world of SEND, today we are shifting the focus forward.
What happens after school ends? What’s out there for our young people as they grow into adulthood?
I’m so excited and truly honoured to be joined today by the lovely Mr Andrew Denny, the director and founder of The Wash Club, The independence project and The independence club. Through these incredible initiatives Andrew is creating real, empowering opportunities for young adults with special educational needs and disabilities. He is helping them
Build confidence, gain independence and live more meaningful lives.
This episode shines a huge light on the Adult SEND community and the incredible work that Andrew and his team are doing to make sure nobody gets left behind.
Please follow @thewashclubuk @ipessex on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.
Remember to follow the podcast @thediariesofasendparentpodcast for updates, news and episode information and if your enjoying what your listening to rate the show!
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Welcome back to Episode 12 of The diaries of a SEND Parent. I’m so excited to share this conversation and so honoured that my lovely friend Lisa agreed to come on.
Most of you will know Lisa from the well loved SEND account ASD_with_a_g_ and_t and as the best selling author of her incredible book Raising the SENbetweeners.
She is a proud and passionate advocate for Autism and has helped and continues to help so many people.
I never know what direction my conversations are going to go in until the recording and I think it’s both beautiful and inspiring that we talked more about Lisa and her diagnosis than anything else.
I’m obviously biased but I just loved her honesty and vulnerability and think it’s so important that others see this side of her too.
I’m not going to give anything away but I already know this conversation will go on to help others in a massive way.
Please make sure if you’re enjoying the podcast that you rate the show and show love and support to Lisa.
You can follow her journey on Facebook, Instagram and Tik Tok @asd_with_a_g_and_t. Make sure you check out her book too which is available to purchase online.
You can now follow the podcast on instagram @thediariesofasendparentpodcast where you will find all the latest episode info, previews and updates so make sure you check it out.
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Hey guys and welcome back to another episode of
The diaries of a SEND parent.
I am so honoured and excited to share with you my incredible conversation with the lovely Nicola from the much loved and well known SEND account Happy hands with Hallie.
Nicola is a beautiful person inside and out and shares her journey with two girls Bonnie and Hallie on social media with such love passion and heart. She is one of the first accounts I followed when my daughter was diagnosed and I continue to be inspired by her today.
We talk about so much including the relief she felt in getting youngest Hallie diagnosed, homeschooling both girls and the toll it takes but most importantly she shares about her mental health and how she finds time for self-care.
I just know already Nicola is going to help so many people with this chat. I hope you all find it as relatable and empowering as I did.
honestly I could have spoken to her for hours!!
Please remember to show love and support by rating the podcast and sharing with others.
You can follow Nicola’s journey on social media by using the handle @happyhandswith_hallie
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In todays episode I chat with the lovely Jade Russell who is most known for being one half of the incredible SEND podcast we’re not your typical which she hosts with Sophie Cobden.
I invited Jade on the podcast as an opportunity to share her unique journey raising her beautiful daughter Baylee-Beau who is 3 and a half years old, autistic, has global developmental delay and is severely hyper-mobile. Baylee-Beau has two older siblings, her Brother Brody is 11 years old and her sister Blake is 9.
I absolutely loved our conversation as it was brutally honest and vulnerable. Jade does not hold back and I know will help other SEND parents and carers walking similar paths feel less alone.
So wherever you to chose to listen from please make sure you rate the podcast and show Jade the love and support she absolutely deserves.
You can follow Jades journey as a SEND mummy on instagram @iamjaderussell and check out her and Sophie’s podcast @werenotyourtypical
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In episode 9 of the diaries of a SEND parent I got to sit down with the Lovely Leona a powerhouse SEND mum to 5 year old son Arthur who is Autistic,
Non- verbal, has Pica and a learning disability. She is also mummy to her 2 and half year old daughter Emmie who is not only beautiful but sassy too 😊
Leona’s journey as a full-time carer is deeply rooted in her own lived experience having grown up with younger brother Daxy who was diagnosed with Aspergers many years ago
Her understanding of the SEND world is raw, real and incredibly moving and in this episode we talk about everything from navigating daily routines to meeting Arthurs sensory needs and how overwhelming it can all feel at times
we also dive into the quiet grief that comes when your child is given a diagnosis and the process of finding yourself again.
It’s honest emotional and filled with moments every parent will relate to. You are not alone in this journey and this episode is a powerful reminder of that.
Please remember to support this podcast by leaving it a 5 star review as it helps to push it out to a wider audience and remember as always show all the support and love for Leona 🙌🏻
You can follow Leona on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok @leonajadesmith where you will find her journey as a SEND mum.
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On Todays episode I had the pleasure of sitting down with my amazing friend Chelle who is a married SEND mum to two incredible boys Bobby and Mickey. The boys are both Autistic, non-speaking and have global developmental delays.
We talk about everything from mental health, respite and the complexities of finding and getting support.
This conversation is a powerful reminder of the resilience so many SEND parents carry, often quietly and behind closed doors. Chelle’s honesty is so refreshing, and I know her story will resonate with so many of you listening.
So whether you’re on a long walk, running errands, hiding in the kitchen for five minutes of peace, or just need to hear another voice that gets it — this one’s for you.
Please show Chelle all the love and support and if you have enjoyed listening please give the podcast a 5star rating.
**DISCLAIMER** please note during this conversation we talk about SEND reform ENGLAND which we both volunteer for . This is a not for profit organisation and the work we do is completely voluntary ***
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In this episode I had the absolute pleasure of chatting with the amazing Ruby from the account @ewenandme . Ruby’s big brother Ewen is autistic, non-verbal and severely learning disabled and Ruby is not only his sister, but his biggest supporter , advocate and best friend.
Through her social media, Ruby gives a heartfelt and honest glimpse into life with a disabled sibling- full of love, challenges laughter and an unbreakable bond.
Ruby’s story doesn’t stop there. She’s a black belt in karate, plays the guitar, saxophone and piano and loves 1000 piece puzzles. She also spends a lot of time supporting others as a P/A, respite club worker and team member at our favourite inclusive clothing brand SAA.
Her insight, honesty and maturity are truly inspiring.
This episode is all about sibling love, identity, sacrifices, responsibility and what it means to show up for your siblings- every single day.
Please show her all the love and support ♥️
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Welcome back to Episode 6 of The diaries of a SEND parent. In this episode, I’m joined by the incredible Charlotte- A SEND mum of two boys with nearly 17 years of experience, strength and stories to share. You might know Jude and Tommy’s dad James from the well loved account Stories about Autism, but now Charlotte is stepping into the spotlight with her own voice and journey.
From co parenting teens with complex needs and raising twin girls to navigating life with honesty and humour, Charlottes perspective is inspiring, refreshing and real.
This conversation is one you don’t want to miss.
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Welcome to another episode of the Diaries of a SEND parent. The podcast where I delve into the highs and lows of raising children with special educational needs and disabilities.
On today’s episode I speak with the beautiful Michelle from ARFID life UK. Michelle is a passionate advocate who is doing vital work in raising awareness around ARFID —
Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder — a complex and often misunderstood eating disorder. Michelle speaks from personal and lived experience, as her own son Arlo has been diagnosed with the condition.
Together, we dive into what ARFID really is, how it impacts daily life, the challenges families face when seeking support, and the importance of compassion, education, and understanding.
Whether ARFID is part of your own journey, or you’re simply here to learn more, this conversation is honest, heartfelt, and truly eye-opening.
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In today’s Bonus episode for world Autism awareness day I speak with the most incredible guest. Someone who is making serious waves in the SEND community with her passion, knowledge and dedication to raising awareness and acceptance for PDA. She supports parents and teachers by providing them with coaching, resources and support on managing children with PDA. She’s funny, brutally honest and has been on quite the journey with her youngest twin. She is Mrs Jessie Townz and she joins me today to share her journey into the SEND world and the struggles she has faced finding her son a suitable educational setting.
Please go give her a follow on Instagram and show her the love she deserves @mrsjessietownz
All her resources can be found by following the link in her bio where you can find coaching and further support.
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Welcome to episode 3 of The diaries of a SEND parent. I am joined by the lovely Sara Donnelly who has worked in education for 14 years, including eight as a senior leader and three as a headteacher in a London primary school.
We talk about everything from EBSA and the need for more SEND training in schools, to raising neurodivergent children and what led to her decision to step down from her current role.
An exciting jam packed conversation, which provides a different perspective on the educators who work in mainstream.
Please show love and support ♥️
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Welcome to Episode 2 of The diaries of a SEND Parent.
I am joined by the incredible Emily who shares her unique journey with daughter Lucy who was diagnosed with Rett Syndrome. We discuss everything from daily struggles, diagnosis, being put on the autism pathway and resources which Lucy desperately needs. Raising awareness for rare genetic disorders is something I’m really passionate about and would be incredibly grateful if you could share this episode once you have listened.
Also want to shout out the amazing Rett charity’s-Rett UK and Reverse Rett who do the most incredible work in supporting children and adults who have been diagnosed with the condition.
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I’m so excited and nervous to bring you the first episode of - The Diaries of a SEND Parent.
On today’s show I will be giving you more insight into what the podcast is all about and a cheeky little snippet about my children who all have significant SEND. If you can resonate or relate to any of this and have a story to share please get in contact..
**Disclaimer** I have asked my 17 year old son for permission to share his story and talk about him which he has agreed.
Also if you hear noise/ babbling in the background it’s probably because I’m a full time carer and recording this is near on impossible without My 3 being present.
In this episode I am joined by my little bear Grayson.
I hope you enjoy and if so would kindly share and show some love ♥️
