Parents Unheard

Joe and Kayleigh

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For parents of profoundly autistic children

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Self-Care for the Caregiver: Susannah Ashcroft-Batty

As parent carers, our default mode is often "survival." We are the masters of managing our children’s appointments, therapies, and needs, but in the process, we often strike our own names off the priority list. We’ve all heard the cliché that "you can’t pour from an empty cup," but how do we actually refill it when our lives feel like a constant sprint? In this episode, we sit down with Susannah Ashcroft-Batty, founder of Inter Wellness and a specialist in Functional Medicine and Clinical Hypnotherapy. Susannah joins the podcast to talk about the "wellness gap" – the paradox of why we are spending more on healthcare yet getting sicker every year. We dive deep into the multi-faceted nature of wellness, moving beyond "spa day" self-care to look at the physiological reality of the caregiver’s life. From the impact of chronic stress on our gut and hormones to how our nervous system dictates our ability to heal. In this episode, we discuss: The Caregiver Paradox: Why we minimise our own depletion and the physical cost of staying in "fight or flight" mode. Root Cause Wellness: Moving past symptoms to understand how sleep, movement, and nutrition are the foundations of our strength. Prevention as Advocacy: Why looking after yourself isn’t selfish—it’s the most important tool you have for supporting your child. About Our Guest:Susannah Ashcroft-Batty (BSc Hons, IHPL2, GDipION, PCC, CCHt) is an Integrative and Functional Medicine Practitioner, Nutritional Therapist, and Clinical Hypnotherapist. Through her practice, Inter Wellness, she helps individuals identify the root causes of their health issues, bridging the gap between the physical and emotional self to achieve lasting vitality. Subscribe to the Parents Unheard newsletter: https://uncommonaspect.kit.com/newsletter

56 min
FEB 12

Danielle & Van: Raising a Profoundly Autistic Child

A heartfelt conversation with Danielle, mother to Van, whose journey through autism has been one of patience, persistence, and hard-won progress. From a child who didn't speak until seven, struggling through his early school years, to a young person who now finds genuine connection in education—Van's story defies simple narratives. We discuss the gap between low and high support needs autism, and why the lived realities of families like Danielle's often go unheard in broader conversations about neurodiversity. She doesn't sugarcoat the isolation or the weight of advocating alone in a system that offers little support. Danielle also speaks candidly about what gets lost along the way—the careers never pursued, the holidays never taken, the ordinary freedoms that slip quietly out of reach. This is a conversation about what it takes to show up, day after day, when no one else will. Her perspective may challenge assumptions. We invite listeners to stay present, lean into the complexity, and make space for the voices that are too often left out of the room. Subscribe to the weekly newsletter: https://uncommonaspect.kit.com/newsletter

50 min
FEB 8

Ashley Blaker: Normal Schmormal

Ashley Blaker is a comedian and writer based in London and New York. Ashley has six children, three of whom have an SEN diagnosis. Between endless meetings, countless therapists, public humiliations, failed playdates, surreal monologues and occasional violence, it’s certainly not what anyone would call a ‘normal’ household – but would he want it any other way?

1h 9m
JAN 29

Sinead Kerley-Dunne: Gestalt Language Processing

In this episode, we sit down with Sinead Kerley-Dunne to explore gestalt language processing (GLP) and what it means for autistic children and their families. Sinead breaks down the prevalence of GLP among autistic children and shares practical insights for parents navigating this language development pathway. We discuss how to identify gestalt language processing in non-speaking children, challenging some common assumptions about language acquisition. Sinead also offers a refreshing perspective on screen time, explaining why it can actually be beneficial for gestalt language processors when used intentionally. The conversation wraps up with actionable advice for parents who suspect their child may be a gestalt language processor, including how to approach these conversations with schools and nurseries to ensure their child receives appropriate support. Whether you're a parent, educator, or professional working with autistic children, this episode provides valuable insights into recognizing and supporting gestalt language learners. Subscribe to the newsletter - https://uncommonaspect.kit.com/newsletter

49 min
JAN 22

Taiba Bajar: Unlocking Autism

Taiba Bajar is a TEDx Speaker, Award-Winning Author, and Founder of Autism Brain Empowerment. She helps parents turn confusion into clarity and create real progress for their autistic child by focusing on what they can change at home. When Taiba’s son regressed at 20 months, stopping eye contact, no longer responding to his name, and losing speech, she quickly discovered that the system meant to support her was full of limitations. Determined to help him reach his developmental milestones, she began exploring alternative approaches. His transformation inspired her book Unlock Autism, which outlines a seven-step, practical, science-backed method to support a child’s development. Today, Taiba works with families worldwide through her coaching programme, helping them understand the critical role environment plays in their child’s progress. Subscribe to the Parents Unheard email newsletter

54 min
JAN 15

Gemma Herbertson: Neuroplasticity Therapies for Autism

In this episode, I’m joined by Gemma Herbertson from Neuro Frontiers to explore how neuroplasticity therapies can support autistic individuals across their lives. We unpack common misconceptions, discuss why proper neuroevaluation matters, and look at how personalised programmes can unlock meaningful change. What we cover: The four neuromyths surrounding autism What neuroplasticity really means, and why every brain has the capacity to change The role and value of neuroevaluation in understanding individual brain profiles Neuroplasticity-based therapies available for autistic individuals Why personalised programmes are more effective than one-size-fits-all approaches How Neuro Frontiers supports individuals, parents and carers, therapists, and researchers with practical tools and resources About Neuro FrontiersNeuro Frontiers is a platform dedicated to providing practical, evidence-informed tools and resources focused on neuroplasticity therapies. Their work supports individuals, families, clinicians, and researchers in improving brain function through personalised, targeted approaches. This conversation is a grounded, hopeful look at what’s possible when we move beyond myths and focus on the brain as a dynamic, changeable system. Listen now and learn how understanding the brain differently can open up new pathways for support and progress.

50 min
JAN 8

Greer McGuinness: Biomedical Healing for Autism

In this episode, I sit down with Greer McGuinness to talk about what happens when a parent refuses to accept “there’s nothing more we can do”. Greer shares her personal journey as a mother of a child diagnosed with autism at the age of two, the limitations she encountered in conventional medicine, and the turning point that led her back to university to study health science. Drawing on 15 years in the medical field, she explains how functional and integrative medicine shaped her approach to supporting children by addressing root causes rather than managing symptoms. We discuss the real-world changes she witnessed in her own son through holistic and alternative therapies, and how those experiences led her to found Biomedical Healing for Kids. Greer also outlines how she works with families today, designing evidence-based, personalised strategies to support children with complex health needs. This conversation is honest, practical, and grounded in lived experience – offering insight, hope, and a broader way of thinking about health, healing, and advocacy for children and their families.

53 min
12/18/2025

Hannah Joy: High-tech AAC, helping non-verbal autistic kids to communicate

Hannah Joy is on a mission to ensure that every child's right to communicate is upheld and every parent has the chance to achieve successful communication with their child. Hannah will help you discover the power and joy that comes from celebrating the communication and language that exists beyond speech. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter — https://uncommonaspect.kit.com/newsletter

56 min
12/11/2025

Tyler Hudson: Regressive Autism, Siblings, Separate Diagnosis, An Inconvenient Study

A powerful conversation with online “dadvocate” Tyler Hudson, father to Lyric, his nearly 18-year-old, minimally speaking, profoundly autistic son. Their bond, so visible in the videos Tyler shares, sets the tone for an honest and deeply human discussion. We explore Lyric’s regressive autism, the impact on family life, and how siblings navigate a landscape that shifts as needs change. Our discussion also delves into An Inconvenient Study. A controversial documentary about the safety of vaccines. Tyler doesn’t shy away from difficult truths, and some of his views may feel confronting. We invite listeners to stay open, lean into any discomfort, and consider how questioning long-held assumptions can move the conversation forward.

1h 4m
12/04/2025

Lucinda Miller: ARFID, Gluten & Casein Free Diets, Pica, and Leucovorin

In this episode, we sit down with Lucinda Miller of Nature Doc to explore some of the most challenging — and often misunderstood — areas of childhood nutrition. We discuss ARFID and practical ways families can support children with restrictive eating, the benefits and considerations of gluten- and casein-free diets, and what current evidence tells us about pica. Lucinda also shares insights into the use of leucovorin and why it’s gaining attention in certain therapeutic settings. A thoughtful and informative conversation for anyone navigating complex nutritional needs.

1h 4m

10 Episodes

For parents of profoundly autistic children

Creator

Joe and Kayleigh
Years Active

2025 - 2026
Episodes

10
Rating

Explicit
Copyright

© Joe and Kayleigh
Show Website

Parents Unheard

Parenting

Parenting

Updated Monthly