Conversations with a SEND Mum

In this episode of Conversations with a SEND Mum, Nicole Bateman sits down with Laura Brown, the voice behind Spinning World of Autism. Laura shares her family’s journey with her autistic son, Ethan, and their experiences navigating the world of AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) to support his communication needs.Key Highlights:Embracing AAC and Alternative Communication: Laura opens up about their decision to explore AAC as a way to give Ethan a way of communicating. She discu...

In Episode 5 of Season 3 of Conversations with a SEND Mum, Nicole Bateman sits down with Rachel Slyfield, founder of Rachel’s 3 R’s Subscription Box, who shares her journey as a SEND mum and her passion for self-care. Rachel opens up about her experience navigating the diagnosis process with her son, Teddy, and the ways she’s learned to balance parenting, self-care, and running her business.Key Highlights:Rachel’s Journey with Teddy: Rachel recounts the challenges she faced during her son’s d...

In episode 4 of Conversations with a SEND Mum Season 3, host Nicole Bateman chats with Nikki Saunders, an incredible mum of two autistic boys and the brilliant mind behind the TV series Ready Eddie Go on Sky Kids. Nikki shares her journey of becoming an author, driven by her desire to support her own children in understanding their autism diagnosis.Key Highlights:The Beginning of Nikki’s Journey: Nikki recalls a pivotal moment when she walked into a bookstore searching for a book that would h...

In this episode of Conversations with a SEND Mum, Nicole Bateman is joined by Tamara Holland from Dot and Stripe Marketing to raise awareness for Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) on DLD Awareness Day. Tamara, a passionate advocate and parent of a child with DLD, shares her personal journey and the challenges of navigating life with a diagnosis that is often misunderstood or overlooked.Key Highlights:What is DLD?: Tamara breaks down what Developmental Language Disorder is, explaining how ...

In this episode of Conversations with a SEND Mum, Nicole Bateman is joined by Lisa Lloyd, author of Raising the Sen-Betweeners. Lisa shares her personal journey of raising two very different autistic children and the unique challenges they face navigating mainstream school settings when their needs don't quite fit the criteria for specialist education.Key Highlights:Lisa’s Parenting Journey: Lisa discusses the emotional and practical realities of parenting children who fall between the cracks...

In the first episode of Season 3, Nicole Bateman sits down with Michelle Cyril, The Family Sleep Specialist, to discuss how to help neurodivergent children with complex sleep needs. As a nurse with a specialism in paediatric sleep, and a parent navigated sleep challenges with one of her children, Michelle brings a wealth of knowledge to the conversation.Highlights of the Episode:Michelle’s Personal Journey:Michelle shares her experience as a mum of a child with significant sleep challenges. S...

In the final episode of Season 2, host Nicole Bateman is joined by Matt Hancock, founder of the Accessible Learning Foundation. Together they discuss Matt's experience of school before he knew he was dyslexic, his advocacy work, and the importance of understanding neurodivergent brains in the education and criminal justice systems.Episode Highlights:Personal Experience and Late Dyslexia Diagnosis:Matt shares his personal experience of being dyslexic and how it shaped his life.The significant ...

In Season 2, Episode 13 of "Conversations with a SEND Mum," host Nicole Bateman chats with Caroline Wallace, founder of The SEN Business Mum, about her experiences with adoption and raising a son with XYY syndrome. They discuss the adoption process, the unique challenges of supporting a child with XYY syndrome, and Caroline's emotional journey, including a desperate moment when she was turned away by a GP.Episode Highlights:The Adoption Process: Caroline shares her adoption story, detailing t...

In Season 2, Episode 12 of "Conversations with a SEND Mum," host Nicole Bateman sits down with Aisling Owens Nash to discuss the critical importance of parent mental health. They delve into Aisling's experiences parenting neurodivergent children, making strategies fun for the whole family, and a terrifying freeze moment that profoundly impacted her life.Episode Highlights:Parenting Neurodivergent Children: Aisling shares her journey of raising neurodivergent children. She discusses the unique...

In Season 2, Episode 11 of "Conversations with a SEND Mum," host Nicole Bateman chats with Louisa Stanley about her new book "Parenting on a Different Path." Louisa's book brings together 26 stories of parenting children with complex needs. They discuss the common themes and unique aspects of these stories, and Louisa shares her personal journey of parenting her daughter with a genetic syndrome.Episode Highlights:Parenting on a Different Path: Louisa introduces her book, "Parenting on a Diffe...

In Season 2, Episode 10 of "Conversations with a SEND Mum," host Nicole Bateman sits down with Georgina Durrant from The SEN Resources Blog. They discuss the systemic challenges faced by children with SEND, how to channel frustration into positive action, and strategies from Georgina's upcoming book "SEND Strategies for Primary Years."Episode Highlights:Systemic Challenges in SEND: Nicole and Georgina delve into how children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) are often let...

In this special episode of "Conversations with a SEND Mum," host Nicole Bateman sits down with Ana Bonasera to discuss the crucial topic of parent carer mental health. Ana shares her personal journey with mental health, the importance of sleep, and why having regulation strategies is vital for parent carers.Episode Highlights:Ana's Mental Health Journey: Ana opens up about her personal experiences with mental health as a parent carer. She discusses the challenges she has faced, the moments of...

In Season 2, Episode 8 of "Conversations with a SEND Mum," host Nicole Bateman sits down with Jemma and Lisa from SENDMummies. Together, they share invaluable tips for filling in the DLA (Disability Living Allowance) form, discuss their personal stories, and emphasise the importance of finding and building your community.Episode Highlights:Tips for Filling in Your DLA Form: Jemma and Lisa share practical advice and insights for parents navigating the process of filling in the DLA form. They d...

In Season 2, Episode 7 of "Conversations with a SEND Mum," host Nicole Bateman engages in a conversation with fellow mum Jenna Farmer, owner of Mumernity. Together, they explore topics ranging from speech delay and tongue tie to the power of social media advocacy and addressing parent bashing.Episode Highlights:Journey Through Speech Therapy: Jenna shares her journey of navigating speech delay in her son, reflecting on the challenges and the triumphs of early speech therapy interventions.&nbs...

In Season 2, Episode 6 of "Conversations with a SEND Mum," host Nicole Bateman engages in a conversation with Kevin Wrenn, a Dad whose daughter is dyslexic, former school senior leader, and tuition business owner. Together, they delve into the topic of dyslexia, masking in primary school, and the education system.Episode Highlights:Dyslexia and Masking in Primary School: Kevin shares his personal experiences and insights into his journey to dyslexia diagnosis with his daughter, discussing the...

*Trigger Warning * Talk of grief, death and cancer. Join host Nicole Bateman for an insightful conversation in Season 2, Episode 5 of "Conversations with a SEND Mum." Nicole welcomes Emma Gray as they explore the complexities of navigating grief as a neurodivergent family.Episode Highlights:Building a Life Around Grief: Emma shares her personal journey of navigating the death of a loved one as a neurodivergent family. They discuss the challenges of processing grief and rebuilding life amidst ...

For Undiagnosed Children's Day 2024, join host Nicole Bateman for a special episode of "Conversations with a SEND Mum." Nicole chats with Claudia Beard, a parent representative for the charity Swan UK, dedicated to supporting families with children who have undiagnosed genetic conditions.Episode Highlights:What is Syndromes Without a Name (SWAN)?: Claudia provides insights into the concept of syndromes without a name (SWAN) and the unique challenges faced by families with undiagnosed genetic ...

Welcome to Season 2 of "Conversations with a SEND Mum" with your host, Nicole Bateman! In this exciting premiere episode, Nicole kicks off the new season by sharing what's coming up and offering valuable tips on advocating for your child with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).Episode Highlights:Welcome to Season 2: Nicole warmly welcomes listeners back to the podcast and sets the stage for an empowering new season. She shares her enthusiasm for the upcoming episodes and guest ...

In episode 2 of Season 2 of "Conversations with a SEND Mum," host Nicole Bateman engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Nicola Reekie, owner of The PDA Space. Together, they delve into the concept of low demand parenting, discuss Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), and explore adaptations in education settings for children with PDA.Episode Highlights:Low Demand Parenting: Nicola introduces the concept of low demand parenting, emphasizing the importance of reducing demands and press...

In episode 3 of Season 2 of "Conversations with a SEND Mum," host Nicole Bateman engages in a fascinating conversation with Helen Daniel, owner of OTB Sensory. Together, they explore the concept of neurosensory divergence and discuss the physical differences in the brain that impact neurodivergent individuals. They also delve into the importance of classroom adaptations to support neurodivergent children.Episode Highlights:Neurosensory Divergence Explained: Helen provides valuable insights in...

In this special edition of "Conversations with a SEND Mum," host Nicole Bateman is joined by Sally Brighton, the Fundraising Director of the charity Young Epilepsy. Together, they share important insights, personal stories, and practical tips to raise awareness about epilepsy and celebrate Purple Day.Episode Highlights:Sally's Story: Sally bravely opens up about her journey with epilepsy, sharing her personal story of being diagnosed at the age of 34. She reflects on the challenges, misconcep...

In this special edition of "Conversations with a SEND Mum," host Nicole Bateman is joined by Nikki Talbot, owner of Pudding and Pie, and a parent of a child with epilepsy. Together, they share personal experiences, and heartfelt reflections on navigating epilepsy parenthood and raising awareness on Purple Day.Episode Highlights:Parenting a Child with Epilepsy: Nikki shares her journey as a parent of a child with epilepsy, offering insights into the challenges, fears, and triumphs she has enco...

In the final episode of Season 1 of "Conversations with a SEND Mum," host Nicole Bateman engages in a conversation with Anne-Marie Beggs, delving into the empowering world of dyslexia and the importance of nurturing and supporting the passions of children with special educational needs and disabilities.Episode Highlights:Understanding Dyslexia: Anne-Marie shares her expertise and insights into dyslexia, shedding light on the challenges and strengths associated. They explore the importance of ...

In this deeply personal episode of "Conversations with a SEND Mum," host Nicole Bateman takes centre stage to share her own EHCP (Education, Health and Care Plan) journey. With raw honesty Nicole reflects on the emotions, challenges, and invaluable insights gained from her experiences navigating the EHCP process.Episode Highlights:Emotional Rollercoaster: Nicole delves into the emotional rollercoaster of her EHCP journey, from the initial hopes and aspirations to the disappointment of receivi...

In episode 10 of "Conversations with a SEND Mum," host Nicole Bateman engages in a conversation with Steven Ingram, the owner of Neurodiversity Together. As an autistic individual with ADHD and a stammer, Steven shares profound insights into his childhood experiences, the impact on his journey, and his invaluable work promoting neurodiversity inclusion in the workplace.Episode Highlights:Childhood Experiences and Insights: Steven opens up about his childhood experiences and how they have shap...

*Trigger Warning* In this episode 9 of "Conversations with a SEND Mum," host Nicole Bateman engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Hayley O'Connor, a neurodivergent Mum of three and co-owner of ZoneND. Together, they delve into the sensitive topics of school trauma, sensory processing, and the crucial importance of creating sensory-friendly environments. Episode Highlights:School Trauma: Hayley bravely shares her personal journey as a neurodivergent Mum and the challenges her s...

In this episode of "Conversations with a SEND Mum," host Nicole Bateman engages in a heartfelt conversation with Sarah Fish, delving into the parental anxiety and the importance of supporting fellow parent/carers in the SEND community.Episode Highlights:Parental Anxiety: Sarah shares her journey navigating the often overwhelming landscape of parental anxiety while caring for a child with special educational needs and disabilities. They discuss the triggers and coping mechanisms for managing a...

In episode 7 of season 1 of "Conversations with a SEND Mum," host Nicole Bateman engages in a candid conversation with Dani Gibbs, a resilient mother whose daughter is a double amputee with epilepsy. Together, they explore the nuances of hidden and visible disabilities, the challenges of managing epilepsy medications, the impact on parent mental health, and the importance of accessibility for those with physical disabilities.Episode Highlights:Hidden and Visible Disabilities: Dani shares her ...

In this episode of "Conversations with a SEND Mum," host Nicole Bateman engages in a rich conversation with Karen Massey, a seasoned speech and language therapist and the owner of All About Speech Therapy and The Sensory Speech Box. Together, they explore the intricate world of speech and language development and delve into the unique perspective of being a SEND sibling.Episode Highlights:Speech and Language Development: Karen Massey shares her expertise as a speech and language therapist, un...

In this empowering episode of "Conversations with a SEND Mum," host Nicole Bateman engages in a heartfelt conversation with Shelley Ensor, a passionate SEND Mum and the owner of Little Signers Club. Shelley shares her journey as a parent advocating for her child with Auditory Processing Disorder (APD). The conversation delves into the world of signing and the fight for the rights and needs of children with additional needs.Episode Highlights:Auditory Processing Disorder (APD): Shelley opens u...

In this dynamic episode of "Conversations with a SEND Mum," host Nicole Bateman engages in a conversation with Leona Burton, a powerhouse Mum of 6 and owner of Mums in Business International. Leona shares her unique journey as a young mum of neurodivergent children, discussing the whirlwind of appointments, the importance of trusting parental instincts in advocacy, and juggling mum life while building a business driven by passion.Episode Highlights:Being a Young Mum: Leona reflects on her exp...

*Trigger Warning: Talking about seizures* In the first ever episode of "Conversations with a SEND Mum," host Nicole Bateman embarks on a heartfelt journey, sharing her personal motivations for launching this podcast and delving into her experiences as a SEND Mum after her son's first seizure. She sheds light on the misconceptions surrounding epilepsy and the impact it has on her mental health, navigating a life on high alert.Episode Highlights:The Why Behind the Podcast: Nicole passionately d...

In this episode of "Conversations with a SEND Mum," Nicole Bateman engages in conversation with Lou Plunkett, a visually impaired mum of two, whose eldest son is autistic. Together, they explore the unique challenges faced during lockdown learning, the complexities of masking at school, and delve into her son's passion for cars.Episode Highlights:Lockdown Learning Challenges: Lou shares her experiences as a visually impaired mother navigating the abrupt shift to remote learning during lockdow...

In episode 3 of season 1 of "Conversations with a SEND Mum," host Nicole Bateman engages in conversation with Shelley Farnham, business owner of Complex Connexions and a parent to a child with ADHD. Together, they explore prevalent misconceptions surrounding ADHD, the impact of mum guilt, and the pivotal role of raising awareness and understanding of additional needs. They dive into the significance of co-regulation in supporting a child's nervous system.Episode Highlights:Misconceptions Abou...

Hello and welcome to Conversations with a SEND Mum Podcast hosted by Nicole Bateman, a SEND mum of two, former teacher, author and co-founder of The Super Sensory Squad. Listen to this podcast for real conversations with parents who truly get it. We will be sharing the realities of the fight to advocate for the needs of our children to be met, the challenges and also the wins and the resilience of our amazing kids.Nicole left teaching to support her autistic son after he was diagnosed wi...