The Autism Mums Podcast

Victoria Bennion and Natalie Tealdi
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Parenting

Welcome to The Autism Mums Podcast — a supportive space for parents and carers navigating life with autistic children. We’re your hosts, Victoria and Natalie, two sisters raising autistic children. We know the joy, the overwhelm and the thousand tiny moments no one else quite gets. That’s why we created this podcast - to offer a safe space, a sense of community, and some gentle encouragement along the way. In each episode, we’ll bring you honest conversations, shared strength, and expert insights to support your journey. Whether you're celebrating a win, managing a meltdown, or just trying to get through the day, you’ll find real talk and real understanding here. You can expect mum to mum chats, practical tips, mini solo moments and conversations with experts. Whether you’re new to this journey or deep in the day-to-day, we see you and we’re walking this path with you.

  1. 5d ago

    7 Mistakes Schools Make That Break an Autistic Child's Trust

    In this episode of The Autism Mums Podcast, we're talking about the mistakes schools and professionals make that might seem small to them but can be enormous for autistic children and SEND families. We share our own experiences of placements that worked and placements that broke down, including in specialist schools and alternative provisions where you'd expect staff to know better. We talk about what happens when promises aren't kept, when communication breaks down and when timelines drift, and why for some children, once trust is gone, there's no easy way back. We also talk about why parents raise concerns early, why that isn't being overprotective, and what schools can do that same week when a parent says their child is close to not coming in. Key TakeawaysKnowing the child before they arrive matters. Reading the EHCP and asking parents about likes, dislikes and triggers can make or break a placementThe first session counts. For many autistic children, one bad experience can lead straight to refusalKeeping promises is essential to a child's sense of safety, and broken promises are rarely forgottenYou can ignore the behaviour, but you should never ignore the child. A child left alone in a shutdown can feel abandonedWhatever caused a meltdown or shutdown needs addressing quickly, not days laterIgnoring requests for meetings or a child's anxieties is one of the fastest routes to placement breakdownClear timelines help anxious children. "Later" needs to mean a specific day and timeSchools don't get endless chances. With some autistic children it can be one strike, not threeOnce a child says they're done, there's often no way back, so needs must be met much earlierChildren who mask or comply at school may be holding it together until they get home, so parents often see the full picture when staff don'tParents aren't trying to be difficult. They're trying to stop the placement they fought for from breaking downPlacement breakdown is rarely sudden. It usually follows weeks, months or years of anxiety, broken trust and missed opportunities What Schools Can Do When a Placement Is at RiskAcknowledge the concern quicklyBelieve the parentSpeak to the child in a way they can manageGive a clear plan and follow up when promisedAvoid making promises they can't keepRepair broken trust directlyReview things in days or weeks, not monthsUnderstand that attendance problems are often a sign of distress, not defiance Mentioned in This EpisodeEducation, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs)The National Autistic Society's EarlyBird programme Connect with The Autism MumsWebsite: https://theautismmums.com/ Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theautismmums Follow us on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@theautismmums Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/theautismmums

    7 Mistakes Schools Make That Break an Autistic Child's Trust

  2. Oct 6

    So, Now What? Life After Your Child's Autism or ADHD Diagnosis with Greer Jones

    Greer Jones, host of The Unfinished Idea podcast is back on the show. Since we last spoke she's launched the Beautifully Wired Summit, a free three-day online event for mums raising girls with ADHD and autism, and her first book, So, Now What? is out in November. We talk about: The moment Greer realised she had ADHD herselfWhy she wrote her book and decided to run a summitAnd the benefits of breathwork If you're at the start of this journey and feeling completely on your own, this one's for you. About Greer JonesGreer Jones is a speaker, writer and podcast host who is passionate about building understanding and connection in the neurodiverse world. As a mum raising an autistic and ADHD child, and part of a neurodivergent couple herself, she brings honesty, empathy and lived experience to her work. She is the creator of The Unfinished Idea podcast and online community, where she offers encouragement, practical tools and a reminder that no one has to walk this journey alone. Her story has been featured in podcasts, conferences and publications, inspiring families to embrace their unique path with hope and courage. Key TakeawaysGirls and women with ADHD and autism are still being missed, and many mums only recognise their own neurodivergence after their child is diagnosed.A diagnosis can bring relief as well as questions. For Greer, it was proof she wasn't "crazy", just wired differently.Getting one answer about your child often leaves you with a hundred more questions. A broad overview can help before you go deep on any one topic."They're having a hard time, they're not trying to give me a hard time" helps parents respond rather than react during meltdowns.Deep pressure, like a firm squeeze, can help some children regulate during a meltdown.Breathwork is free, always available and backed by science on calming the nervous system.Support packages often focus on the child and forget the parent. Mums need to be in the equation too.Isolation is one of the hardest parts of raising a neurodivergent child, and community is what brings the light back in.Celebrating wins, big or small, matters for children and parents alike. Mentioned in this episodeThe Beautifully Wired Summit (5 to 7 October), a free three-day online summit for mums raising girls with ADHD and autismSo, Now What? by Greer Jones, out 11 NovemberIt All Makes Sense Now by Meredith Carder@ReWildBreathwork, the breathwork account Greer mentions learning fromGreer's first episode with us: Essential Advocacy Tips for Parents of Neurodivergent Children (Episode 31) Connect with Greer JonesWebsite: theunfinishedidea.comInstagram: @theunfinishedideaPodcast: Neurodivergent Conversations, available on all podcast platforms Connect with The Autism MumsWebsite: theautismmums.comInstagram: @autismmumspodcastFacebook: @autismmumspodcastTikTok: @autismmumspodcast

    So, Now What? Life After Your Child's Autism or ADHD Diagnosis with Greer Jones

  3. Sep 29

    Why School Isn't Working for Autistic Children with Pete Wharmby

    In this episode of The Autism Mums Podcast, we're joined by autistic author, speaker and former teacher Pete Wharmby. We first saw Pete speak at the SEND protest in London, and we knew straight away we wanted him on the show. Pete's latest book, Different Minds: How We Can Help Our Autistic School Children Thrive, looks at what school is really like for autistic children, and why so many of them are struggling. Drawing on his years in the classroom, his own school days and his experience as a parent of an autistic daughter, Pete talks about the inflexibility of mainstream school, from strict uniform rules to stationery checks, and why the problem lies with the system rather than with our children. We also talk about masking, the signs that a child may be holding it together at school and paying for it at home, how masking can tip into burnout, and how Pete recognises burnout in himself as an adult. Pete shares his thoughts on lunchtimes and break times, why lockdown "broke the spell" of school for so many families, and the one idea he'd love every teacher to understand: the double empathy problem. About Pete WharmbyPete Wharmby is an autistic author and speaker who was diagnosed as autistic at 34, and later with ADHD. He spent many years working as a teacher before turning his focus to autism and neurodiversity awareness and acceptance, after being shocked by the statistics around depression, anxiety and life expectancy for autistic people. Pete now delivers talks, keynotes and training for schools, workplaces and organisations across education, health and justice. He is the author of What I Want to Talk About, Untypical and his latest book, Different Minds. He's also a parent to an autistic daughter. Key TakeawaysAutistic children's struggles at school are not their fault, and school refusal is far more likely the less flexible the school environment is.Mainstream school has become more rigid over the last 15 years, at the same time as awareness of neurodivergence has grown, creating a real clash for families.Autistic children need flexibility around uniform, lunchtimes, homework and timetables, because every child's needs are different.Meltdowns after school rarely come from nowhere; they're often the result of a day full of sensory and social stress.Masking at school often carries on at home, so look for exhaustion, irritability, "blank positivity" about the day and a lack of detail.Encouraging a child to stop masking completely at school can put them at risk, so the priority is giving them real downtime at home.Masking can eventually give way to burnout, which can then lead to depression if it isn't recognised and supported.Break times and lunchtimes are unstructured and can be the hardest part of the day for some autistic children.Talking openly with children about autism helps them understand their own brains and make their own choices, such as when to socialise and when to rest.For many autistic children, lockdown showed that school as we know it isn't inevitable, and many families have since chosen home education.A child's enthusiasm for school is fragile, and once broken it is very hard to rebuild.Autistic children respond to teachers who show humanity and can admit when they've got something wrong.The double empathy problem means autistic and non-autistic people can misunderstand each other, and teachers, as the adults, should help bridge that gap.A lack of eye contact or a direct way of speaking is not rudeness; it's often simply an autistic way of communicating. Mentioned in This EpisodeDifferent Minds: How We Can Help Our Autistic Schoolchildren Thrive by Pete WharmbyPete's other books, What I Want to Talk About and UntypicalCothú parent training programme with AUsome Training Connect with Pete WharmbyWebsite: https://petewharmby.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pete_wharmby_booksFacebook: Pete Wharmby - Autistic AuthorLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pete-wharmby-58a2131b2 Connect with The Autism MumsWebsite: https://theautismmums.com/Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theautismmumsFollow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theautismmumsFollow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theautismmums

    Why School Isn't Working for Autistic Children with Pete Wharmby

  4. Sep 22

    When School Feels Unsafe: Emotionally Based School Avoidance in Autistic Children

    In this episode of The Autism Mums Podcast, we're talking about EBSA: emotionally based school avoidance, sometimes called school distress or school anxiety. It's a term most parents only come across once things are already really difficult, when mornings have become impossible, your child is melting down before school, or they're holding it together in the classroom and falling apart the moment they get home. We share our own experiences of watching our children struggle to go in, the things we tried that didn't work (including being told, more than once, that maybe we were the problem), and what we've learned about supporting a child through it without forcing them over the threshold. We talk about why "school refusal" is the wrong way to think about it, what's really going on underneath, how to spot the signs before things reach crisis point, and what to do when mainstream school just isn't the right fit anymore. If you're in the middle of that fog right now, wondering whether this is normal, whether you should be pushing them to go in, or whether you're somehow making it worse, this episode is for you. Key Takeaways EBSA stands for emotionally based school avoidance, also known as school distress or school anxietyIt's "can't", not "won't": a child avoiding school is communicating that something feels unsafe, not being defiantWarning signs include meltdowns, shutdowns, physical complaints like headaches or stomach aches, and gradually increasing absencesMany autistic children mask at school and hold it together, then collapse once they're home, so "they seem fine once they're through the door" doesn't tell the full storySchool can overwhelm autistic children through sensory overload, unpredictable transitions, and constant social demandsPhysically pushing a reluctant child through the school gates can get them through the door, but it can damage trust without solving what's actually going onKeeping a detailed log of patterns, symptoms and school communication helps build the evidence families need for meetings and referralsWorking with the school on genuine adjustments, and asking what's making school hard rather than how to get attendance up, changes the whole conversationWhen mainstream school isn't right, alternatives like specialist provision, home education, online provision or EOTAS can be legitimate paths forward Mentioned in This EpisodeNational Autistic SocietyIPSEA (Independent Provider of Special Education Advice)Not Fine in SchoolPDA SocietyNeuroinclusive Education Network (formerly the Autism Education Trust)YoungMindsCerebraYour local SENDIASS service and local parent carer forum (search "SENDIASS" or "parent carer forum" plus your council area to find yours)

    When School Feels Unsafe: Emotionally Based School Avoidance in Autistic Children

  5. Sep 15

    Settling in to School

    Another school year, another round of settling in, and if the excitement wore off around day two, you are not alone. In this episode we get honest about what settling in to school really looks like for autistic children and their parents. Not the picture-book version, where everyone skips happily through the gates, but the version most of us actually live: the good days, the wobbly days, and the moments when the school says everything's fine and then your child falls apart the second they're back in the car. We talk about masking, restraint collapse, and why settling in isn't a straight line, a supply teacher or a change to the timetable can undo weeks of progress. We also share the practical things that have helped in our own homes, from visual timetables and countdown timers to low-demand afternoons and communication books with school, plus how to know when it's time to ask for more support. Key TakeawaysSettling in rarely looks like the picture-book version, and that's normal, not a sign you're doing something wrongSettling can go backwards, a supply teacher, a change to the timetable, or a break like Christmas can undo weeks of progressA school saying "they're fine" doesn't cancel out what you see at home, restraint collapse is real and often shows up with the people your child feels safest withVisual supports, like timetables and countdown timers, remove uncertainty and can calm anxiety even for children who read and talk wellLow-demand afternoons matter more than a big welcome-home activity, most children just need space to decompress after schoolKeeping a written record of what you're seeing, however small it feels at the time, builds the evidence you may need later for referrals or supportIf home behaviours aren't shifting despite the visual supports and low-demand time, it's worth raising it properly with the teacher and the SENCo togetherDon't forget your own wellbeing in all of this, you can't pour from an empty cup, and it's okay to lean on other parents going through the same thing Mentioned in This EpisodePete Wharmby's book, Different Minds: How we can help our autistic school children thriveCountdown/colour-change timers used for transitionsVisual timetables and Velcro picture schedulesWeighted blanketsNesti compression pod Connect with The Autism MumsWebsite – https://theautismmums.com/ Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theautismmums Follow us on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@theautismmums Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/theautismmums

    Settling in to School

  6. Sep 8

    Growing up Autistic with Alex Richardson

    In this week’s episode of The Autism Mums Podcast we welcome Alex Richardson, ambassador for the National Autistic Society. BiographyAlex Richardson is an ambassador for the National Autistic Society, a role he has held since 2018. Diagnosed with autism at five, Alex has become a passionate voice for autism awareness, sharing his life online. Key TakeawaysAlex's parents trusted he would get there 'in his own way and his own time', and he credits this approach for his confidence todayWhen Alex first started going to watch the football his dad took him two hours early, to a quiet stand, to let the noise build up slowly around him, and now, years later, he no longer arrives early and doesn't sit in a quiet stand.College was a really positive experience for Alex because he was accepted as 'just Alex.'The shop Alex was too anxious to walk to as a child became his first part-time jobAlex has experienced festivals and venues becoming more accessible. Sensory tents and quiet camping are increasingly available, and Alex's own feedback helped bring quiet camping to a major festival Mentioned in This EpisodeThe National Autistic Society - https://www.autism.org.uk Alex's film, My Autism Journey - https://youtu.be/7QMi9lEySEk The sunflower lanyard scheme (Hidden Disabilities Sunflower) - https://hdsunflower.com Connect with AlexInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexrichardsonautism TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alexrautism YouTube: https://youtube.com/@alexrichardsonautism Threads: https://www.threads.com/@alexrichardsonautism Connect with The Autism MumsWebsite – https://theautismmums.com/ Substack - https://theautismmums.substack.com/ Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theautismmums Follow us on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@theautismmums Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/theautismmums

    Growing up Autistic with Alex Richardson

  7. Sep 1

    Back to School: Anxious, Relieved, or Both?

    In this episode of The Autism Mums Podcast, we're talking about the new school year and everything that comes with it — for our children and for us. We share where we both are right now: one of us with a youngest starting mainstream school for the very first time, the other with one child going back to specialist school for what could be a final year and another moving into an EOTAS package that nobody can yet describe. We talk honestly about the anxiety that starts building in mid-August, the dread of going back to the phone calls and the meetings, and the guilt that can come with feeling relieved that term is finally starting again. We also get practical. We cover uniform and sensory sensitivities, easing sleep and routine back into place, social stories and settling-in visits, what decompression can look like after school, and how to prepare for those first conversations with school. Whatever this time of year brings up for you, we hope this one helps you feel a little less alone. Key TakeawaysBack to school can bring anxiety, dread, relief and guilt all at once, and every one of those feelings is validFeeling relieved that term is starting again doesn't make you a bad parent — it means you're humanThe lack of routine and support over the holidays can be as hard on families as term time isFor some children, losing routine affects their eating and sleeping, and getting back to school is exactly what they needGoing back is rarely just going back — new classrooms, new teachers and new timetables all add to the loadSending timetables or changes home at the end of term can backfire if there's nobody available to talk them throughUniform can be a significant sensory barrier, and seamless socks, softer fabrics and cutting out labels can all helpWearing new uniform and shoes at home before term starts spreads the change out instead of landing it all on day oneYou can ask for reasonable adjustments to uniform if it's a genuine barrier to your child's educationShifting bedtimes gradually in the weeks before term makes the first morning less of a shockSocial stories, settling-in visits and using the school site over the holidays can make a new school feel familiarDecompression after school matters, and it looks different for every child — movement and noise for some, quiet and solitude for others“How was your day?” can be too big a question, and smaller, specific ones asked at the right moment often work betterEmailing school just before term starts can get meetings and support in place early, while staff are less stretchedPreparing for school meetings with notes, logs and specific examples makes it much easier to be heardLeaving a meeting with clear next steps — who is doing what, by when, and when it will be reviewed — stops things driftingYou are doing your best under very difficult circumstances Connect with The Autism MumsWebsite – https://theautismmums.com/ Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theautismmums Follow us on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@theautismmums Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/theautismmums

    Back to School: Anxious, Relieved, or Both?

  8. Aug 25

    The Summer series: Practical Ways to Help Your Autistic Child with Daily Life

    We're re-releasing another episode from the archives this week where we talk about the practical ways we can help our autistic children with daily life. We’re sharing some of the things that have helped us make daily life a bit easier with our autistic children. From using timers and visual timetables to experimenting with tooth brushes and finding softer clothing. These are ideas that have worked for us, they might help you too, or simply offer reassurance that you’re not alone on this journey. Key TakeawaysTimers and visual supports can help ease transitions by giving your child a sense of control and predictability. Choosing soft, seamless clothing may make a difference for children who find layers uncomfortable. Toothbrushing challenges might be eased by trying different tools like U-shaped or triple-angled toothbrushes. Flexibility is key - what works one day might not work the next, and that’s okay. Planning days out in advance with visual itineraries can reduce anxiety about what's coming next. Noise sensitivity might be supported by using ear defenders, earbuds, or listening to favourite music. Strong smells can sometimes be managed with things like balaclavas or carrying scents like orange oil to mask overwhelming smells. Having a sensory kit (with familiar snacks, toys, and calming tools) may offer comfort when you're out and about. Mentioned in This EpisodeHere are some of the tools and resources discussed in this episode: Visual timersLaminated visual timetablesSeamless/sensory-friendly clothingU-shaped toothbrush and triple-angled toothbrushEar defendersBach's Rescue RemedyOrange Essential OilTiger balmThe Early Birds course by the National Autistic SocietyStretchy resistance bands for calming sensory feedback Connect with The Autism Mumshttps://theautismmums.com/ Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theautismmums Follow us on Facebook @theautismmums

    The Summer series: Practical Ways to Help Your Autistic Child with Daily Life
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Welcome to The Autism Mums Podcast — a supportive space for parents and carers navigating life with autistic children. We’re your hosts, Victoria and Natalie, two sisters raising autistic children. We know the joy, the overwhelm and the thousand tiny moments no one else quite gets. That’s why we created this podcast - to offer a safe space, a sense of community, and some gentle encouragement along the way. In each episode, we’ll bring you honest conversations, shared strength, and expert insights to support your journey. Whether you're celebrating a win, managing a meltdown, or just trying to get through the day, you’ll find real talk and real understanding here. You can expect mum to mum chats, practical tips, mini solo moments and conversations with experts. Whether you’re new to this journey or deep in the day-to-day, we see you and we’re walking this path with you.

Information

  • Creator
    Victoria Bennion and Natalie Tealdi
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    82
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Victoria Bennion and Natalie Tealdi
  • Show Website
    The Autism Mums Podcast

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