Episode 63
Join us this week as I am once more talking with the fantastic Chrissa Wadlow from Sunshine Support as we unravel the complexities of school attendance for neurodivergent children.
From personal trauma to sensory overload, we analyse the reasons behind school avoidance and the essential trust between parents and children that must be preserved to prevent long-term psychological harm. We delve deep into the education system's outdated punitive measures surrounding attendance and the harsh interpersonal and societal impact on families they penalise.
We also remind parents of key legal protections for their children in school that they may not know about, like the fact that you do not need to provide medical proof of poor child mental health and the 15 day rule. By encouraging early recognition of individual needs and equipping parents with the knowledge to challenge systemic barriers, we aim to prevent disengagement and its far-reaching consequences for future generations.
Link to Sunshine Support
Mental health guidance - DfE
PDA Books:
Understanding PDA in Children – Phil Christie
The Educators Guide to PDA – Laura Kerbey
Collaborative Approaches to Learning for Children with PDA – Ruth Fidler
PDA in the Family – Steph Curtis
💬 Connect with Us
🌱 Join our SEND Parenting Private WhatsApp Community — a safe, welcoming space to share, learn, and feel supported by parents who truly understand the realities of neurodiverse family life.
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📩 Contact Me
If you would like to get in touch, you can email me directly at olivia.kessel@sendparenting.com
I would genuinely love to hear from you, especially about the topics you would like covered and the guests you would love to hear from in 2026.
