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. 2d ago

    When Behaviour Starts in the Body: Understanding the Gut-Brain Connection in Autistic Children with Dr Amber Brooks

    A child's digestion, sleep, sensory responses, mood, attention, and behaviour may look like separate concerns, but they are often connected. In this episode of The Autism Mums podcast Victoria and Natalie are joined by Amber Brooks, DC, APRN, FNP-C, CACCP, BCIP, MAPS who explains the gut-brain connection in clear, parent-friendly language. She shares how communication between the digestive system, immune system, nervous system, and brain can influence how children feel, function, and respond to their environment. Listeners will learn how to recognise patterns, understand behaviour as communication, and move beyond addressing symptoms in isolation. The goal is not to blame the gut for every concern, but to help parents see the whole child and know what questions to ask next. About Dr Amber BrooksAmber Brooks, DC, APRN, FNP-C, CACCP, BCIP, MAPS is an Integrative Pediatric Wellness Coach and the founder of Healing Roots Pediatrics. She has spent nearly 20 years helping children and families navigate developmental delays and complex health concerns through an integrative, whole-child approach. She holds a Doctorate in Chiropractic, a Master's degree in Nursing, four Bachelor's degrees, and advanced certifications in pediatric and functional wellness. Her work helps parents understand how digestion, sleep, nutrition, sensory responses, behavior, and development may be connected. Rather than focusing on symptoms in isolation, Amber helps families recognize patterns, understand what their child's body may be communicating, and identify clear next steps. Her goal is to give parents the education, guidance, and structured support they need to move forward with greater clarity and confidence Key TakeawaysThe gut-brain connection is a constant conversation between the nervous system, immune system, and the chemicals the gut helps produceWhen a child's gut is uncomfortable or inflamed, it can show up in how they feel, how they sleep, and how they behave, not just as digestive symptomsMood, attention, sleep, and behavior are often connected rather than separate issues requiring separate solutionsChildren with developmental delays or autism typically experience some combination of constipation, restricted eating, sleep problems, or other digestive concernsTracking food, mood, poop, and sleep for five days can reveal patterns that connect seemingly unrelated symptomsPosturing behaviours such as leaning over furniture, pressing on bellies, or hanging upside down can be signs of digestive discomfort rather than sillinessThe pickier the child, the more pain they are likely experiencingFinding food swaps that look similar to preferred foods is more effective than forcing new foods and risking negative associationsParents should avoid trying multiple supplements and dietary changes all at once without professional guidanceStarting with small, consistent routines around sleep or bathroom tracking is a safe and practical first stepParents should trust their instincts if they feel something is off, even when told to wait and seeNo one needs permission to seek an evaluation or ask for help A Free Gift from Dr Amber for listeners of The Autism Mums PodcastYour child may be telling you something. For parents of children with developmental delays and Autism: a free guide to the gut-brain connection, with a Body Clues Checklist and a 7-day tracker to help you spot what may really be behind the meltdowns, the sleepless nights, and the short list of foods. https://get.healingrootspediatrics.com/autismmom Connect with Dr Amber BrooksInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/healingrootskids/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HealingRootsPediatrics/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HealingRootsPediatrics TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@healingrootskids Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/HRPkids/ 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

    When Behaviour Starts in the Body: Understanding the Gut-Brain Connection in Autistic Children with Dr Amber Brooks

  2. Nov 3

    Encore: Is School the Only Option? Understanding EOTAS for SEND Families with Lauren Vermeulen

    We've been hearing from so many mums in our community lately who are struggling with school and the different options, so we wanted to bring this incredibly important conversation with Laura Vermeulen back to the top of your feed. If your child is struggling to attend school, you might be wondering what the options are. In this week's episode of The Autism Mums Podcast we welcome back Lauren Vermeulen from Victory-us to talk about EOTAS (Education Otherwise Than At or In School). BiographyLauren is the founder of Victory-us, an independent SEND Teacher - supporting, empowering and providing EOTAS to send children. Lauren has taught in a variety of schools and SEND provisions, leading emotional regulation, behaviour support trainings and PSHE. She has expertise in supporting children with bespoke and tailored learning and mental health support, to ensure children flourish on education otherwise than at school. She now supports children their families who can’t access school and need tailored support. Key TakeawaysEOTAS stands for Education Otherwise Than At or In School. It is specifically for children who hold an EHCP - this is what sets it apart from elective home education. When a child has an EHCP and cannot be educated in a school setting, the responsibility for funding and meeting that child's needs sits with the local authority, not the parent.EOTAS is not the same as home education. If your child has an EHCP and you are educating them at home, the local authority still has a legal duty of care - and that includes funding. The LA must ensure all of Section F is being met.Getting EOTAS agreed can be a lengthy process. Local authorities are required to work through a list of provisions under Section 61 before EOTAS can be agreed - from mainstream, to resource bases, to specialist and independent schools, to online provision. This is why having a well-written EHCP that accurately reflects your child's needs is so important from the start.EOTAS is not just a tutor. A proper EOTAS package should address all of Section F - educational, health, and care needs. Emotional regulation, OT, SALT, therapy, and community access can all be part of the package, not just academic learning.Positive evidence matters. When building a case for EOTAS, it's not just about what isn't working - it's about evidencing what does. Is your child engaging with an online platform? A tutor? An activity based on their special interest? All of this counts.Section 19 is a different but related route. If your child cannot attend school for health reasons (including emotional school-based avoidance), and has had 15 or more consecutive days out of school, Section 19 may apply - even without an EHCP. It's intended to be temporary, but it can be a valuable window to collect evidence of what works.The goal of EOTAS is holistic, not just academic. Lauren challenges the idea that education means the national curriculum. Life skills, emotional regulation, self-advocacy, sensory needs, and community access are all valid - and essential - parts of a child's education.EOTAS can and should be reviewed regularly. Families should expect six-weekly check-ins with the LA, as well as annual review. If the LA identifies a school placement, parents are not obligated to accept it - as long as they can evidence why it would be less suitable than the current provision.You don't have to figure out the package alone. Lauren works with families to design bespoke EOTAS packages built around the child's interests, needs, and outcomes - starting with what the child loves and working backwards from there. Mentioned in This EpisodeMindJam — Emotional and SEN support for young people through gaming, game design and digital skills Kiwi STEM Boxes — subscription-based learning activity boxes referenced in the context of EOTAS packages Lisa Lloyd - ASD with a G&T Connect with LaurenBook a free 30 minute call with Lauren via the Calendly link on the bottom right-hand side of her website. Website: www.victory-us.co.uk Instagram: @victoryus.lv Connect with The Autism MumsWebsite – https://theautismmums.com/ Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theautismmums Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/theautismmums Follow us on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@theautismmums

    Encore: Is School the Only Option? Understanding EOTAS for SEND Families with Lauren Vermeulen

  3. Oct 27

    Autism, Halloween and Half-Term

    Half-term brings its own kind of pressure, even before Halloween enters the picture. In this episode, Victoria and Natalie talk about what happens when routine disappears for a week, Halloween itself, what the holidays are 'supposed' to look like, and building a version that actually works for your family. Key TakeawaysHalf-term can bring anxiety even when a child is genuinely excited to be off schoolHalloween costumes and face paints can feel uncomfortableA visual timetable can help make an unstructured week far easier to manageKeeping a simple record of appointments, meetings and behaviour patterns can be helpful to use as evidence for diagnosis, EHCPs and panel reviewsQuiet downtime after an activity can help some children recover and regulate 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

    Autism, Halloween and Half-Term

  4. Oct 20

    Could Lymph Drainage Help Autistic Children and Their Families?

    In this episode, we’re joined by John Ossipinsky, known online as “The Lymph Man,” to talk about a part of the body most of us never think about, the lymphatic system. John has spent years studying how this network of vessels clears waste and inflammation, and he shares his take on how it might connect to the way our children feel, think and cope day to day. He covers posture, diet, deep breathing, and a simple shoulder exercise you can try at home. BiographyJohn Ossipinsky, known as LymphMan, is a Lymphatic Health Coach and host of The Lymph-Brain Revolution Podcast. He’s spent over 30 years as a Certified Lymphedema Therapist, with advanced training in CranioSacral Therapy and Visceral Manipulation, helping thousands of clients improve their quality of life. In this episode he talks about how supporting the lymphatic system, movement and inflammation can help teens and adults on the autism spectrum feel more balanced. Key TakeawaysThe lymphatic system has no pump of its own, unlike the heart and blood. It relies on movement, posture and breathing to keep it flowing.Poor posture and long periods on screens with the head down restrict lymph flow in the neck, something John says affects adults and children alike.When the lymphatic system can’t clear cellular waste, it builds up as inflammation, which can show up anywhere in the body: skin, joints, brain.Diet has a direct effect on lymph flow. A typical Western diet (meat, bread, white flour, sugar) is acid-forming, and acidity restricts the lymphatic system.Small daily habits, deep breathing, movement, and what John calls the “Lymph Man Shoulder Shuffle”, can noticeably improve lymph flow in just a few minutes. Mentioned in This EpisodeJohn’s free gift: Lymphatic System Health Guide & 7-Day Plan — https://www.johnossipinsky.com/lymphmans-lymphatic-system-health-guide Connect with John OssipinskyWebsite: www.HealthyLymphSystem.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lymphman/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LymphMan TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lymphman_john_ossipinsky X: https://x.com/LymphMan YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LymphMan LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-ossipinsky-60520914/ 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

    Could Lymph Drainage Help Autistic Children and Their Families?

  5. Oct 13

    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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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
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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
    86
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Victoria Bennion and Natalie Tealdi
  • Show Website
    The Autism Mums Podcast

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