Shows
🎙️The Diaries of a SEND Parent🎙️Episode 19: James HuntWelcome back to episode 19 of 🎙️The Diaries of a SEND Parent🎙️Today I am Joined by the incredible James Hunt, a dedicated father of two autistic boys Jude who is 17 and Tommy who is 14.In this conversation James talks about the realities of parenting autistic children, the emotion toll it takes when your a full time carer and the importance of connection and community.James doesn’t really need an Intro as he has been telling his story and building a community on his well known online...
2025-07-2149 min🎙️The Diaries of a SEND Parent🎙️Episode 18: Tash DelrosarioWelcome back to another episode of 🎙️The Diaries of a SEND Parent🎙️ In episode 18 I’m joined by my very first International Guest Tash DelRosario all the way from Australia. Tash is a proud parent to her two daughters Ava and Aliyah both of whom are diagnosed with level three autism. Tash opens up about her family journey through diagnosis, education, support systems, and the emotional highs and lows of parenting children with additional needs . We dive into important topics like sensory processing, communication tools such as AAC and the critical role of self-care for parents navi...
2025-07-1544 min🎙️The Diaries of a SEND Parent🎙️Episode 17: Adam ParkinsonHello and welcome back to episode 17 of The diaries of a SEND parentToday’s episode is a really special one as I welcome my very first SEND dad to the podcast.Adam Parkinson is a teacher, one half of the hit podcast 2 Mr ps in a pod and a married dad to two beautiful children Isla who is 9 and Max who is 6Adam opens up about his journey with youngest Max who has been diagnosed autistic, he talks about the challenges, and the de...
2025-07-0542 min🎙️The Diaries of a SEND Parent🎙️Episode 16: Charlie BeswickIn episode 17 of The diaries of a SEND parent, I’m joined by the incredible Charlie Beswick who runs the well known and loved SEND account @outalteredlife Charlie is mum to twin bows Harry and Oliver and a passionate advocate and voice in the SEND community. In this conversation she shares her inspiring Journey with Harry who has a rare craniofacial condition called Golden Har syndrome and is diagnosed with Autism and a learning disability. She discusses the initial shock of his diagnosis, the emotional turmoil of processing grief and expectations and the co...
2025-06-2041 min🎙️The Diaries of a SEND Parent🎙️Episode 15: Lorna BreenWelcome back to The Diaries of a SEND parent, you are listening to episode 15 which is one incredibly close to my heart. I got the amazing opportunity to sit down with not only an inspiring SEND mum but my wonderful friend Lorna Breen.Lorna is a loving mum to her beautiful babies Alanis-Ocean who is 4 and Rayne who is 2. They are both on the pathway for an autism diagnosis, they both have special educational needs and they are both Lorna’s world.Alongside her partner Rossi, they navigate the hi...
2025-06-1539 min🎙️The Diaries of a SEND Parent🎙️Episode 14: ASD with SophieWelcome back to another episode of The diaries of a SEND Parent.I got to speak to the incredible Sophie Bradley from the well loved and known SEND account ASD with Sophie.She is an incredible married SEND mum of 6 year old William who is autistic and lives with ARFID , Pica and a sleeping disorder.We talk about a range of topics from Navigating diagnosis, managing Arfid and dealing with negativity online.We cover the positives and negatives of being a SEND mum and how she accesses support such as Respite.
2025-06-0941 min🎙️The Diaries of a SEND Parent🎙️Episode 13: Mr Andrew DennyHello 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...
2025-06-0145 min🎙️The Diaries of a SEND Parent🎙️Episode 12: Lisa LloydWelcome 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...
2025-05-2651 min🎙️The Diaries of a SEND Parent🎙️Episode 11: NicolaHey 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...
2025-05-1747 min🎙️The Diaries of a SEND Parent🎙️Episode 10: JadeIn 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 an...
2025-05-0646 min🎙️The Diaries of a SEND Parent🎙️Episode 9: LeonaIn 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 agoHer...
2025-04-2550 min🎙️The Diaries of a SEND Parent🎙️Episode 8: ChelleOn 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...
2025-04-2047 min🎙️The Diaries of a SEND Parent🎙️Episode 7: RubyIn 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 10...
2025-04-1645 min🎙️The Diaries of a SEND Parent🎙️Episode 6: CharlotteWelcome 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 o...
2025-04-1347 min🎙️The Diaries of a SEND Parent🎙️Episode 5: Michelle (ARFID life UK)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 div...
2025-04-0847 min🎙️The Diaries of a SEND Parent🎙️Episode 4: JessieIn 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...
2025-04-0248 min🎙️The Diaries of a SEND Parent🎙️Episode 3: The Rebel HeadteacherWelcome 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...
2025-03-3145 min🎙️The Diaries of a SEND Parent🎙️Episode 2: Emily- Talking about Rett syndromeWelcome 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...
2025-03-2446 min🎙️The Diaries of a SEND Parent🎙️Episode1: IntroductionI’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...
2025-03-1610 min