Episode 71

Navigating the complex maze of health assessments for neurodevelopmental disorders can be daunting for any parent so our guests this week are here to guide us through it.
Jenny Hooper is CEO of The Evolving Mind with 39 years of experience working in SEND education and Dr Dolly Agrawal is a consultant paediatrician with 25+ years working in the NHS and specialism in neurodevelopmental diagnosis.

We talk about the difficulties of diagnosing neurodiversity (particularly in girls), why it is crucial, and why so many families are seeking private assessments. Across autism, ADHD and dyselxia, our guests take us through what to expect when your child is being assessed and how to spot red flags in private assessors.

The journey through the referral process can be fraught with frustration—but armed with our insights, you can anticipate potential roadblocks and ensure your child remains the centerpiece of any assessment. Dr. Dolly and Jenny impart invaluable advice for post-diagnosis support and navigating the educational system. If you're looking for actionable insights and empowerment, this conversation is tailored to light your path through the special education needs landscape.

Link to The Evolving Mind Clinic

www.sendparenting.com

Episode 70

This week we have the fantastic Rebecca Avern to talk all about acupuncture and how it can help our neurodiverse children! As a doctor trained in the UK, we start our conversation on the discussion on the benefits of using Eastern and Western medicine in conjunction with one another. We discuss how acupuncture offers solace and support, tackling emotional dysregulation, sleep disturbances, and an array of challenges that often accompany neurodiversity.

Rebecca shares a number of anonymised stories of neurodivergent clients she has helped using acupuncture and how we can tailor acupuncture to young people and children. This includes gentle, needle-free options and allowing the children to lead their healing experiences, moving at their pace.

This episode exemplifies the benefits of nurturing a multi-practitioner environment, and the power of a collective effort to create a healing space where children and families feel supported and understood on their journeys toward well-being.

Link to Panda Acupuncture Clinic
Link to The Little Acupuncture Room

www.sendparenting.com

Episode 69

When the road ahead seems shrouded in uncertainty, it's the stories of those who've walked it before us that shed the most light. This week we are joined by Esther Freeman, the visionary behind the SEND Parent Survival Guide, as we traverse the terrain of raising children with SEND. Esther's candid account of her own trials and victories offers a map for parents in the thick of similar struggles – a guide to finding balance between caring for their child and themselves. Through the guide's three pillars, we illuminate tools and strategies that can transform the chaos into a journey of growth and empowerment, underlining the profound importance of self-care and mental health in creating a nurturing family environment.

Join us as we uncover the strength in community, the necessity for boundaries, and the collective knowledge that lights the path for parents guiding their children with SEND.

Click here for link to The SEND Parents Survival Guide

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www.sendparenting.com