Shows
The SEND Network Podcast3. When parents and professionals align for SEND success with Olivia Kessel and Lynn HowThis week’s episode of the SEND Network Podcast is a special collaboration with the SEND Parenting Podcast. Izzy joins Dr Olivia Kessel and Lynn How to discuss bridging the gap between parents and professionals. They discuss:Why parents and professionals sometimes struggle to connect Success stories when communication goes rightAnd the “magic formula” for parent-professional collaborationAbout Olivia and LynnOlivia is a neurodiverse advocate, medical doctor, and the founder and host of the SEND Parenting Podcast, a platform dedicated to supporting parents raising neurodiverse children. To listen to other episodes of the SEN...
2025-05-2145 min
SEND Parenting PodcastEP 123: Creating calm in the classroom with Lisa Danahy, Founder & Director of Create CalmDr. Olivia Kessel speaks with Lisa Danahy, Founder & Director of Create Calm, yoga therapist and author of Create Calm in the Classroom, a book about understanding and supporting children's nervous systems through breath and movement techniques. She talks about why playful approaches work better than verbal instructions for neurodivergent children and:• Why we need to understand behaviours as nervous system communications rather than problems to fix• How to use the "volcano" movement exercise to release tension and anxiety• The importance of validating emotions rather than labelling them as good or bad• Practical ways to help chi...
2025-05-2052 min
SEND Parenting PodcastEP 119: The reality of a neurodivergent household with Greer Jones, Host of The Unfinished PodcastTwo 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...
2025-04-151h 01
SEND Parenting PodcastEP 118: Caregivers self-care guide with Eleonora Magri, founder of InclusiDr. 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 add...
2025-04-0840 min
SEND Parenting PodcastEP 100: RSVP to the Celebration event 🥳Episode 100 week long free eventRSVP now to be part of this transformative event.What if there were ways to make the complex journey of parenting neurodiverse children a bit smoother? Join us for a week-long celebration of our 100th episode milestone on the Send Parenting Podcast, where we're offering just that. Dr Olivia Kessel, inspired by her own journey as a parent to a neurodivergent daughter, welcomes a stellar lineup of experts ready to share insights and strategies tailored for the SEND community. Dr. Lucinda Miller kicks things off with her invaluable...
2024-11-2705 min
SEND Parenting Podcast100th Episode Celebration Event Announcement! 🎉Click here for a link to sign up for the event.Hello, Neuro Nurturers,I am beyond excited to share this incredible milestone with you—the 100th episode of the SEND Parenting Podcast!🎙 This journey has been one of connection, learning, and empowerment, and I could not have done it without you. Your stories, your resilience, and your love for your children have been the heart of everything we do here.To celebrate, we have planned something truly special—a week-long event series featuring some of the...
2024-11-2007 min
SEND Parenting PodcastEP 93: AI and Assistive Tech: A New Era in Education with Brian FriedlanderEpisode 93Discover how assistive technology is revolutionizing education for neurodiverse children with our special guest, Brian Friedlander. From his dual expertise as a school psychologist and assistive technology consultant, Brian shares his incredible journey and the transformative tools he's encountered along the way. Learn about the progression from rudimentary assistive devices to the cutting-edge technologies now available, and hear real-life stories of how these innovations are changing the educational landscape for students with dyslexia, dysgraphia, and other learning differences.Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of voice technology and its impact on education. We discuss...
2024-10-0157 min
SEND Parenting PodcastEP 92: How hormones affect neurodiversity with Dina Siman, founder of Menopause PilatesEpisode 92Can hormonal changes during puberty and menopause amplify neurodivergent traits? Join us as we explore this compelling question with Dinah Siman, founder of Menopause Pilates. With over 26 years of experience in teaching pilates and other movement methods, Dinah shares her profound insights on how movement and proprioception can be game-changers for neurodivergent individuals.We dive into the intricate connections between neurodiversity, hypermobility, inflammatory bowel disease, migraines, and asthma, providing a holistic understanding of health beyond traditional medicine’s segmented approach. We discuss how pilates benefits core stability and back pain and highlight the evolving pe...
2024-09-2453 min
SEND Parenting PodcastEP 91: Legal Help for SEND Parents with Alex Stafford of charity IPSEAEpisode 91Ever wondered how to successfully navigate the challenging world of SEND education? Join me, Dr. Olivia Kessel, alongside Alex Stafford from IPSEA, the leading charity for SEND law in England, as we unpack essential strategies and legal know-how to empower parents. Alex shares her personal journey as a SEND parent, shedding light on the common hurdles and misinformation even professionals face. Learn how understanding your rights and leveraging IPSEA's robust resources and helplines can make a significant difference in securing the education your child deserves.Together, we tackle systemic issues such as inadequate staffing...
2024-09-171h 03
SEND Parenting PodcastEP 90: Back to School Hacks for Neurodiverse ChildrenJoin me as I celebrate the 90th episode of the SEND Parenting Podcast with a heartfelt and insightful conversation with my daughter, Alexandra. She opens up about her anxieties and excitements as she faces a new school year, sharing her personal experiences with transitioning from year seven to year eight and participating in activities like Lambda.Alexandra’s candid reflections offer a unique perspective on the challenges of meeting new students and teachers, and the hope for smoother transitions in the future. Packed with practical advice, this episode is a treasure trove for parents looking to support th...
2024-09-1026 min
SEND Parenting PodcastEP 89: Using AI to help neurodiverse children with Davey Jones from Open GeniusEpisode 89Unlock the tools to revolutionize neurodiverse education with our special guest, Davy Jones from OpenGenius. This episode unpacks how Ayoa, an AI-powered mind mapping, planning, and time management app, transforms the way neurodiverse individuals visualize projects, manage tasks, and collaborate. Listen as Davy reveals how Ayoa's features can break the barriers of linear thinking and boost dynamic problem-solving and decision-making.Discover the real-life impact of assistive technology in education, especially for neurodiverse learners. We discuss the importance of proper training for both students and educators to fully leverage these tools. From personal anecdotes to...
2024-09-0335 min
SEND Parenting PodcastEP 88: Self-Care Strategies For Parents with Dr Olivia KesselEpisode 88Meet the secret weapon that will transform your parenting journey, especially if you're raising neurodiverse children. Join Dr. Olivia Kessel as she shares invaluable insights on the absolute necessity of self-care, particularly during the high-stress holiday season. Drawing from personal anecdotes, Dr. Kessel explains how neglecting your own well-being can diminish your ability to effectively meet your child's needs. You'll walk away with practical tips for seamlessly integrating self-care into your daily routine, from prioritizing sleep to finding those precious small moments to recharge.But that's not all—this episode also tackles the insidious imp...
2024-08-2716 min
SEND Parenting PodcastEP 87: Summer Sleep Struggles & Solutions with Dr. Olivia KesselEpisode 87Ever wondered why your neurodiverse child struggles with sleep, especially during the holidays? Join Dr. Olivia Kessel on this week's SEND Parenting Podcast as she unpacks the complexities behind sleep issues in children with ADHD and autism. Learn how regular exercise benefits focus into your child's daily routine and mental health by boosting neurotransmitter levels, and get tips on reducing screen time before bed. She shares personal stories about her daughter's challenges and also delves into the reasons behind active brains, sensory sensitivities and delayed sleep phase syndrome. You'll gain valuable insights into how p...
2024-08-2025 min
SEND Parenting PodcastEP 86: Managing emotional and physical outbursts during the summer holidays with Dr Olivia KesselEpisode 86How can the holiday season turn a joyous time into a period of heightened stress for neurodiverse children? Join me, Dr. Olivia Kessel, as I share my personal journey with my daughter Alexandra, who has ADHD, and uncover some of the reasons behind increased emotional and violent outbursts during the summer holidays. We will dive deep into the science behind these behaviors, focusing on understanding these developmental challenges with practical strategies to identify triggers, maintain safety and emphasising the necessity of staying calm to prevent escalation.Discover effective self-regulation techniques tailored specifically for neurodiverse...
2024-08-1318 min
SEND Parenting PodcastEp 85: Summer Holidays - Easing The TransitionEpisode 85 Imagine planning a dream vacation only to face the unexpected challenge of your child melting down due to the overwhelming changes. Join me, Dr. Olivia Kessel, on the SEND Parenting Podcast as I share my personal experiences with my wonderfully neurodivergent daughter, Alexandra, and break down why seemingly simple changes can feel so monumental for kids with ADHD, autism, and dyslexia.In the first episode of our summer holidays series, I unpack the medical reasons behind these struggles, discussing everything from heightened sensitivity to sensory input to the strong preference for routine. Learn practical s...
2024-08-0611 min
SEND Parenting PodcastEP 84: Sheep Therapy - Bitesize SummariesEpisode 84Tamsyn and Olivia are back this week with a bitesize recap of one of our most unexpected topics from episode 42 - sheep therapy?!This week we cover the surprisingly profound and transformative power of sheep therapy from our episode with Emma Redman and Pippa Ashton of Ewe Talks. This episode also explores how unexpected breakthroughs in therapy can occur outside traditional settings and the importance of creative thinking and open-mindedness in addressing the unique needs of neurodiverse children or those who have experienced trauma.We talk the power of nature, and how...
2024-07-3018 min
SEND Parenting PodcastEP 83: Empowering Technology - Bitesize SummariesEpisode 83We are back this week with another (not so) bitesize episode, which means that we are joined once more by our fantastic bitesize co-host Tamsyn. This week we are throwing all the way back to episode 8 with Sally Greenhalgh, academic and digital lead of the Unicorn School, with whom we discussed how schools can better embrace technology to empower neurodiverse children in education. Tamsyn and Olivia cover all the incredible information from that episode, like the tech that is out there to support our neurodiverse children like Microsoft Word's dictation and Immersive Reader features, a...
2024-07-2334 min
SEND Parenting PodcastEP 82: Dyspraxia Advocacy with Rosemary RichingsEpisode 82Have you ever wondered how dyspraxia affects day-to-day life from childhood into adulthood? Join us on this enlightening episode of the SEND Parenting Podcast, where we're excited to have Rosemary Richings, a talented writer and advocate, share her personal journey with dyspraxia, offering unique insights drawn from her book, "Stumbling Through Time." Together, we unpack the complexities of living with dyspraxia, its impact on daily activities, and how it intertwines with conditions like ADHD and autism.Rosemary candidly shares personal anecdotes and discusses the ongoing challenges , from time management to misconceptions about "growing out"...
2024-07-1635 min
SEND Parenting PodcastEP 81: EHCP Implementation & School Choices with Jenny HooperEpisode 81So, you have an EHCP - now what? Join us this week as we continue our enlightening two-part conversation with Jenny Hooper, CEO of the Evolving Mind Clinic. Jenny uses her 39+ years of experience working in SEND education (both from a teaching and local authority perspective) to provide a comprehensive break down of anything and everything we may need to know about our EHCPs.Tune in as we breakdown what each section of the EHCP document is for and how best to use it, red flags in EHCP language, negotiating school choices with your...
2024-07-0948 min
SEND Parenting PodcastEP 80: School Support for SEND Children with Jenny HooperEpisode 80Are you feeling lost, confused or unsure about getting getting support or an EHCP for your child? Join us this week on the Send Parenting Podcast as we welcome Jenny Hooper, CEO of the Evolving Mind Clinic, to share her 39 years of expertise in teaching and special education needs. Together, we cover the initial steps of identifying when your child requires additional assistance, the ins and outs of SEN support pre-EHCP, and strategies for obtaining an Educational Healthcare Plan (EHCP).The system for obtaining EHCP's can be incredibly confusing and hard to navigate. In...
2024-07-0259 min
SEND Parenting PodcastEp 79: ADHD Advocacy with Leanne MaskellEpisode 79 This week we are joined by the ADHD coach and advocate, Leanne Maskell to talk all about her journey to late diagnosis and thriving within ADHD. Through hearing about Leanne's struggles and journey to a late diagnosis at 25, we illuminate a lot of fascinating, lesser-discussed elements of ADHD like rejection-sensitive dysphoria, ADHD in girls, and the genuine mortal danger of late diagnosis.Through her work in researching, writing, and educating about ADHD, Leanne shares with us how she has learnt to love and appreciate the true strengths of ADHD, and how it ca...
2024-06-251h 09
SEND Parenting PodcastEp 78: Neurodivergent Friendly Swimming with Nicole MartinEpisode 78Teaching our children to swim is a vital part of preparing our children for the wider world, but for neurodivergent children it can be an uphill struggle. How can we make the world of water can be friendly and safe for children who don't fit the typical mould? This week we are joined Nicole Martin from Core Aquatics who has dedicated her career to create and teach inclusive swimming programs that cater to neurodiverse children. We talk about how such initiatives can drastically reduce the worrying statistics of drowning in children with autism, what...
2024-06-1833 min
SEND Parenting PodcastEP 77: Speech & Language Therapy with Olly StewartEpisode 77This week I am joined by Olly Stewart, a wonderful speech and language therapist from the Evolving Mind Clinic. This week we are diving into everything about speech and language therapy, what it is, how it works, how you can access it, and parenting tips and tricks from a speech and language perspective. We dispel the notion that speech and language therapists (SALTs) are only concerned with stammers and lisps, and reveal the transformative role they can have in fostering communication skills vital for children's social development. Olly also shares some practical strategies to...
2024-06-1144 min
SEND Parenting PodcastEP 76: Transforming Childhood Anxiety with the Nixon SistersEpisode 76Anxiety in general, but especially in young people and children, is on the rise. That's why I'm thrilled to bring you a conversation with the remarkable Nixon sisters, Emma and Laura, who are pioneering the way we support children grappling with anxiety in the classroom. Our dialogue sheds light on the complex factors contributing to this epidemic, highlighting the residual effects of the pandemic, the digital age, and lifestyle changes. But beyond diagnosing the problem, we're here to offer teachers and parents the tools they need, like the Emotional Freedom Technique, to not only manage but...
2024-06-0444 min
SEND Parenting PodcastEP 75: Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) - Bitesize SummariesEpisode 75This week we are back with another bitesize recap episode, meaning that we are also joined by our fantastic co-host Tamsyn Hendry once more! This week we are having a summary discussion of Episode 35 with Emma Wildgoose on Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), also known as "tapping".This is honestly such a groundbreaking approach to helping our children emotionally regulate and I hope our discussion helps spread the word to more families! We talk how EFT blends Eastern acupressure and Western psychology to help us and our children label our feelings and handle stress and...
2024-05-2819 min
SEND Parenting PodcastEP 74: Creating Supportive Nurseries with Amber JayneEpisode 74This week we are joined by Amber Jayne, whose story of resilience from an abusive relationship and breast cancer to establishing a successful preschool unfolds in our latest episode. We talk all about Amber's journey and the pivotal role of early childhood education and the empowerment it brings, not just to the children, but to mothers crafting their own entrepreneurial endeavors. We chart the course of nurturing from infancy to the brink of school age, and the transformative impact it holds. We also talk navigating screen time with young ones and how to choose...
2024-05-2135 min