12/16/2025

Holiday Sleep Survival For Neurodiverse Kids

The holidays can be magical… and completely exhausting when your child has ADHD. Late nights, travel, sugar, screens, unfamiliar beds, and heightened emotions can quickly undo even the most carefully built sleep routine. If your child’s sleep falls apart during the holidays, you are not failing. This is genuinely harder for ADHD brains. In this episode, Dr. Olivia Kessel shares practical, realistic strategies to help you protect your child’s sleep during the festive season and gently reset routines when January arrives. In this episode, you will learn: Why holidays are especially disruptive to ADHD sleepHow overstimulation, routine changes, and emotional intensity affect regulationWhat to pack in a holiday sleep toolkitHow to protect wind-down time without becoming the “fun police”When and how to manage sugar and screen timeWhat to do if sleep completely falls apartHow to reset sleep routines calmly in the New YearThis episode is for parents who are juggling family expectations, disrupted routines, and a child who struggles to switch off. You will leave feeling reassured, supported, and better prepared. 👉 Download the free Holiday Sleep Survival Guide Thank you for being part of the SEND Parenting Tribe. You are not alone in this. 💬 Connect with Us 🌱 Join our SEND Parenting Private WhatsApp Community — a safe space to share, learn, and feel supported by parents who truly understand. ⚡ Ready to go deeper? Become part of the ADHD Warrior Mum’s Recharge Station — your space for group coaching, expert guidance, real connection, and the calm you deserve.

19 min

12/10/2025

EP 149: Surviving the Holidays

December promises twinkly lights and cosy moments, yet many parents feel like they’re sprinting through a minefield. I open up about the invisible load that spikes stress during the holidays—noise, judgment, lost routines, sensory overload—and explain why your nervous system interprets it all as danger. When the body tips into fight, flight, or freeze, calm isn’t a choice you’re failing to make; it’s a state you can learn to access with fast, reliable tools. We unpack the zones of regulation for parents—blue, yellow, red, and green—and walk through a relatable holiday scenario to show how we slide from steady to overwhelmed in small steps. Then I share a three-step reset you can use anywhere: notice, name, navigate. You’ll learn a one-minute breath pattern to switch off threat mode and a 5-4-3-2-1 grounding sequence to anchor back in the present. From there, we get practical about hotspots: setting boundaries for family gatherings, using code words and pre-planned exits, lowering the bar to get out the door, and choosing “good enough” bedtime routines after big days. The heart of this conversation is a reframe: you’re not a bad mum; you’re a tired human carrying a load most people can’t see. Perfection is brittle, but presence is resilient. Trade the Instagram script for small, humane choices that protect your energy and your child’s regulation—leave early, say no, order takeaway, let the outfit go, and pick connection over performance. If you’re craving steady ground, join the Seven-Day Calm Parent Challenge. For £10 you’ll get daily guidance, audio support, a private community, and a live Q&A to help you map triggers, practise resets, set boundaries, and release guilt. Subscribe, share this with a friend who needs it, and leave a review to help more parents find these tools. Let’s choose present over perfect together. 👉 Join the 7-Day Keeping Calm Challenge (£10) 💬 Connect with Us 🌱 Join our SEND Parenting Private WhatsApp Community — a safe space to share, learn, and feel supported by parents who truly understand. ⚡ Ready to go deeper? Become part of the ADHD Warrior Mum’s Recharge Station — your space for group coaching, expert guidance, real connection, and the calm you deserve.

36 min

12/02/2025

EP 148: Parenting PDA: Strategies That Actually Work

If parenting your child feels like a constant battle—and every strategy you have been told to use only makes things worse—you are not alone. Many families live this struggle daily without realising there is a name for what they are seeing: Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA). In this episode, we speak with Rachel Crutcher and Sarah Stewart from the PDA Society, two experts who have walked this path both personally and professionally. Together, we uncover why everyday demands trigger such intense anxiety, why rewards and consequences backfire, and how a calm-first, collaborative approach can finally bring relief. You will hear the early signs many parents miss—demand avoidance even for things a child usually loves, the need for control, and the familiar pattern of fine at school, meltdown at home. Once you understand PDA through a can’t-not-won’t lens, everything begins to make sense. Your guides walk you through the practical steps that transform family life: • How to lower demands without lowering expectations • How to spot the hidden “micro-demands” that drain your child before the day has even begun • How humour, choices, and written prompts make requests feel safe • Why treating a PDA child like a “mini adult” (explaining the why, asking permission, collaborating) reduces anxiety instantly We also tackle one of the biggest pain points for PDA families: school. You will learn how masking works, which adjustments truly help, and what flexible, trauma-aware practice looks like in real life. If your school’s ethos is rigid, we help you recognise when it is not the right fit—and where to turn for support and SEND-law guidance. For families with siblings, we share a simple principle that reduces resentment and restores harmony: use collaborative, low-demand strategies with everyone. It is fair. It is kind. And it works. Finally, we show you where real, ongoing help exists—through the PDA Society’s free guidance service, moderated parent communities, self-paced learning hub, professional training, and bespoke school consultations. If you are exhausted, overwhelmed, or unsure what to try next, this episode will give you both clarity and hope. You can understand your child. You can reconnect. And things can get better. If this conversation supports you, follow the show, share it with your community, and leave a review—your story may be the encouragement another parent needs. PDA Society PDA Society Link Tree 💬 Connect with Us 🌱 Join our SEND Parenting Private WhatsApp Community — a safe space to share, learn, and feel supported by parents who truly understand. ⚡ Ready to go deeper? Become part of the ADHD Warrior Mum’s Recharge Station — your space for group coaching, expert guidance, real connection, and the calm you deserve.

51 min

11/25/2025

EP 147: Neurodiverse Futures: Work That Works

So many parents of neurodivergent children lie awake at night wondering the same thing: “What will happen when my child enters the workplace?” In this episode, Dr. Olivia sits down with Jenefer Livings, HR consultant, workplace needs assessor, and mother to a neurodivergent child, to demystify what neurodiversity at work really looks like. Together they explore how shifts in workplace culture, flexible working, and better understanding of executive functioning are transforming what is possible for neurodiverse adults. You will learn: Why traditional school subjects do not predict your child’s future career successHow to identify strengths—not just struggles—in your teenagerWhat reasonable adjustments and Access to Work actually meanHow parents can support teens to self-advocate with confidenceWhy the right workplace can unlock your child’s brilliance (and how to spot the wrong one)The rising opportunities in self-employment and entrepreneurship for differently wired mindsThis is a hopeful, practical conversation for any parent wanting to help their child step into adulthood with confidence, clarity, and a sense of possibility. Click here for Silk Helix 💬 Connect with Us 🌱 Join our SEND Parenting Private WhatsApp Community — a safe space to share, learn, and feel supported by parents who truly understand. ⚡ Ready to go deeper? Become part of the ADHD Warrior Mum’s Recharge Station — your space for group coaching, expert guidance, real connection, and the calm you deserve.

41 min

11/18/2025

EP 146 Why Pregnancy Hits Harder for Neurodivergent Mums

You are not imagining it. Pregnancy, birth, and early parenting are more overwhelming for many neurodivergent mums — and no one tells you why. In this eye-opening episode, doula and neurodiversity advocate Alix Myers joins Dr Olivia to unpack the hidden challenges that make the perinatal journey feel so intense. If you ever wondered why you struggled more than other mums, this episode finally gives you the answers, validation, and tools you deserve. ✨ What You Will Learn 🧠 Sensory Overload in Pregnancy Why hormonal shifts amplify sensory sensitivities — and how to make your body feel safer and calmer. 🏥 Creating a Neuro-Safe Birth Plan How lighting, sound, communication style, and advocacy can completely change your birth experience. 🤐 The Hidden Danger of “Masking” in Labour Why so many neurodivergent women go quiet under stress, and how this leads to medical teams missing signs of distress. 🍼 Feeding Without Overwhelm Practical guidance for breastfeeding, chest feeding, or bottle feeding — without sacrificing your mental health. 🧩 Executive Function in Postpartum Why everything feels 100 times harder, and how simple systems can reduce chaos and protect your wellbeing. 🤝 How Partners Can Truly Support You From non-verbal cues to boundary-bouncing — what your partner really needs to know. 💛 Why This Episode Matters If pregnancy or early motherhood felt harder than it “should,” this conversation offers compassion, clarity, and solutions. You will walk away feeling understood, supported, and far less alone. Contact Alix Myers Virtual Doula 💬 Connect with Us 🌱 Join our SEND Parenting Private WhatsApp Community — a safe space to share, learn, and feel supported by parents who truly understand. ⚡ Ready to go deeper? Become part of the ADHD Warrior Mum’s Recharge Station — your space for group coaching, expert guidance, real connection, and the calm you deserve.

55 min

11/11/2025

EP 145: Finding Their Tribe

Many neurodivergent children struggle to make and keep friends — not because they do not care, but because they experience the world differently. In this episode, Dr Olivia speaks with Kirsten, founder of Uncommon, a unique online community that helps neurodiverse children build friendships and confidence through shared interests like gaming, art, and creativity. Kirsten shares her personal journey to an autism diagnosis, why traditional social spaces often fail neurodivergent kids, and how Uncommon’s mentoring model is transforming lives. Together, they explore what true belonging means — and how finding your tribe can change everything. Whether your child is shy, anxious, or struggling to connect, this episode will give you hope, practical insights, and a new perspective on social growth for neurodiverse children. 🌐 Learn more about Uncommon 💬 Connect with Us 🌱 Join our SEND Parenting Private WhatsApp Community — a safe space to share, learn, and feel supported by parents who truly understand. ⚡ Ready to go deeper? Become part of the ADHD Warrior Mum’s Recharge Station — your space for group coaching, expert guidance, real connection, and the calm you deserve.

1 hr

11/04/2025

EP 144: When School Doesn't Fit: The Homeschool Solution

What if the problem isn't your child—it's the system? If school mornings feel like a battlefield and your child is shrinking under constant pressure, this episode offers hope. Dr. Olivia sits down with Cassie Olguin—homeschooling mother of three (including neurodivergent twins) and Outschool education lead—to explore what learning looks like when you step outside the traditional classroom. Cassie's Journey: From early motor delays and night terrors to navigating autism, ADHD, OCD, and anxiety, Cassie shares the messy, real path many families walk. You'll discover how labels became tools for changing the environment—not verdicts on her daughter's potential. What You'll Learn: ✨ Charter homeschooling demystified – How oversight works without rigid timetables ✨ Personal pace over grade levels – Why your child doesn't need to "keep up" ✨ Practical strategies that worked – Delaying reading until readiness, reframing maths as everyday numeracy, using interest-led classes ✨ Outschool's magic – Live sessions with expert tutors (think: veterinary science with a practicing vet, maths through Minecraft, virtual history escape rooms) ✨ Redefining success – Why standardised tests don't measure intelligence, creativity, or resilience The Twin Perspective: Perhaps most moving: Cassie's twins are taking completely different educational paths through adolescence. One thrives with college-level work; the other flourishes at a gentler pace. Different tracks, equal worth. Key Takeaways for Parents: Start without decision paralysis—you don't need to figure it all out at onceFind your support network and share resourcesOutsource subjects you don't love (yes, really!)Mastery-based learning vs. arbitrary grade levelsSmall online classes that respect sensory needs and attention spansIf your child is struggling, this conversation offers relief, clarity, and a roadmap forward. 💡 Subscribe to never miss an episode 💬 Share this with a parent who needs hope ⭐ Leave a review to help more families find practical, compassionate support Click here for Outschool Coupon Code: SEND40 Terms: Offer expires 12/31/25 at 11:59 pm PDT. Registered Outschool account required. Enter code at checkout for $40 USD off a new membership. $40 off membership only valid for first-time memberships. Limited to the first 500 users. Cannot be combined with another offer. Subject to Outschool's Terms of Service 💬 Connect with Us 🌱 Join our SEND Parenting Private WhatsApp Community — a safe space to share, learn, and feel supported by parents who truly understand. ⚡ Ready to go deeper? Become part of the ADHD Warrior Mum’s Recharge Station — your space for group coaching, expert guidance, real connection, and the calm you deserve.

1h 4m

10/28/2025

EP 143: Stop Mothering Me! Understanding Your Teen’s Push for Independence

Half-term chaos, slammed doors, sharp words—if that sounds familiar, you are not alone. In this episode, Dr Olivia Kessel sits down with teen expert Kim McCabe to unpack why your once-snuggly child suddenly bristles at “How was your day?” and how to respond without losing your cool or your connection. From the teenage brain’s rebuild to the unique load neurodiverse teens carry, we explore what is really happening under the surface—and the simple shifts that can change everything at home. Kim explains why after-school meltdowns often land on parents, how masking drains emotional capacity, and what co-regulation looks like in real life. Together, we cover how to use short validating phrases instead of lectures, hold boundaries that reflect your core values, and create safe outlets for big feelings that do not harm anyone. You will hear why permissiveness can feel like indifference to teens, how to choose a few non-negotiables, and when to step back so your young person can save face and recover their balance. We also share low-pressure ways to rebuild closeness: monthly parent–teen “dates,” visiting their world first—whether that is gaming, football, memes, or TikTok—without judgment, and narrating your own self-regulation to model coping. Whether you are parenting girls or boys, mums or dads, neurotypical or neurodiverse, the principles hold true: be the parent, team up with other adults, and protect your own capacity. Calm and loving is your superpower—but it needs fuel. If this resonates, follow the show, share it with a parent who needs a boost, and leave a quick review so more families can find these tools. And if you are ready for deeper support, check the show notes for details on the Recharge and Connect SEND Summit—join us in person or via live stream. 💬 Resources Mentioned in This Episode If today’s conversation with Kim McCabe resonated with you, you can find out more about her work at Rites for Girls , where she supports parents and teens through the transitions of adolescence. Explore her brilliant book, From Daughter to Woman: Parenting Girls Safely Through Their Teens , and discover her Weekend Retreat for Mothers of Daughters — a beautiful space to reconnect, reflect, and parent with greater awareness and ease. 💬 Connect with Us 🌱 Join our SEND Parenting Private WhatsApp Community — a safe space to share, learn, and feel supported by parents who truly understand. ⚡ Ready to go deeper? Become part of the ADHD Warrior Mum’s Recharge Station — your space for group coaching, expert guidance, real connection, and the calm you deserve.

48 min

SEND Parenting Podcast

Holiday Sleep Survival For Neurodiverse Kids

EP 149: Surviving the Holidays

EP 148: Parenting PDA: Strategies That Actually Work

EP 147: Neurodiverse Futures: Work That Works

EP 146 Why Pregnancy Hits Harder for Neurodivergent Mums

EP 145: Finding Their Tribe

EP 144: When School Doesn't Fit: The Homeschool Solution

EP 143: Stop Mothering Me! Understanding Your Teen’s Push for Independence

Trailer

Welcome to the S.E.N.D. Parenting Podcast with Dr. Olivia Kessel

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SEND Parenting Podcast

Episodes

Holiday Sleep Survival For Neurodiverse Kids

EP 149: Surviving the Holidays

EP 148: Parenting PDA: Strategies That Actually Work

EP 147: Neurodiverse Futures: Work That Works

EP 146 Why Pregnancy Hits Harder for Neurodivergent Mums

EP 145: Finding Their Tribe

EP 144: When School Doesn't Fit: The Homeschool Solution

EP 143: Stop Mothering Me! Understanding Your Teen’s Push for Independence

Trailer

About

Information

You Might Also Like