Conversations with a SEND Mum

Nicole Bateman

Welcome to 'Conversations with a SEND Mum' a podcast hosted by Nicole Bateman who is a SEND Mum herself and Co-Founder of The Super Sensory Squad. This podcast is dedicated to authentic conversations with SEND Parents—sharing the realities, challenges, and triumphs of raising children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.
Expect open, supportive chats that bring together the experiences and stories of parents navigating the unique world of SEND parenting. Alongside these chats, we'll have professionals in the SEND community offering practical advice and ideas as well as real life experiences from neurodivergent adults. Join us for genuine conversations with those who truly 'get it'. There'll be laughter, maybe some tears, but after tuning in, you, as a SEND parent, will feel a little less alone.

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Top 10 Conversations with a SEND Mum Episodes

Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Conversations with a SEND Mum episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Conversations with a SEND Mum for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Conversations with a SEND Mum episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

Ready Eddie Go: Nicole Bateman chats with Nikki Saunders

Conversations with a SEND Mum

10/23/24 • 19 min

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 help her son understand his autism diagnosis, only to find there was nothing available. Determined to fill this gap, Nikki decided to write a book herself—a decision that not only helped her son but also led her into the world of publishing.
Autistic Representation in Media: Nikki and Nicole discuss the importance of autistic representation in children's media, especially in helping neurodivergent children see themselves positively reflected on-screen. Nikki shares the creative process behind Ready Eddie Go and how she worked with the talented team at Hocus Pocus Studio to bring this ground-breaking series to life.
The Power of Storytelling for SEND Families: They also dive into how storytelling can be a powerful tool for helping children understand their differences, process emotions, and build confidence. Nikki’s passion for creating accessible content for all children shines through as she talks about her mission to make sure autistic kids see themselves in the stories they consume.

Follow Nicole on www.instagram.com/conversationswithasendmum for exclusive peeks to weekly episodes. Please do send feedback and rate this podcast to help it reach those who would benefit.
Check out our Season 3 sponsor Rachel's 3 R's Subscription Box: Dedicated to helping SEND mums feel calmer and more relaxed by providing a box of products and online support for self-care. Follow on www.instagram.com/rachelsthreerssubscriptionbox and use the code NICOLE10 for 10% off your first order at https://rachel-s-three-r-s.subbly.me/
Check out our Season 1 and 2 sponsor The Super Sensory Squad who support kids in understanding the eight sensory systems and emotional regulation using their penguin squad at: www.thesupersensorysquad.com and www.instagram.com/thesupersensorysquad

S3: E1: Neurodivergent Sleep Support: Nicole Bateman chats with Michelle Cyril

Conversations with a SEND Mum

10/02/24 • 22 min

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. She talks about how her personal struggles motivated her to develop solutions and ultimately led her to specialise in paediatric sleep support.
Meeting Sensory Needs for Better Sleep:
Michelle dives into the role of sensory processing in sleep difficulties, explaining how meeting a child’s sensory needs can greatly impact their ability to settle at night. She offers practical strategies and insights on how parents can create an environment that helps their children feel safe, calm, and ready for rest.
Effective Sleep Strategies for Neurodivergent Kids:
Nicole and Michelle discuss tailored strategies for supporting sleep and emotional regulation in children who are neurodivergent and may have reduced sleep needs. Michelle outlines some simple steps families can take to improve sleep routines, from addressing sensory sensitivities to creating calming bedtime routines.

S2 E8: Tips for filling out DLA and finding your community: Nicole Bateman chats with SENDMummies Jemma and Lisa

Conversations with a SEND Mum

05/22/24 • 24 min

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 discuss common challenges, key sections to focus on, and how to effectively communicate your child's needs and challenges to ensure the best possible support.
Personal Stories: Nicole, Jemma, and Lisa open up about their individual journeys as SEND mums. They reflect on the highs and lows, the lessons learned, and the resilience required to advocate for their children's needs.
Importance of Finding Your Community: The conversation highlights the significance of finding and building a supportive community. Jemma and Lisa talk about the creation of SENDMummies, a platform dedicated to connecting SEND parents. They discuss how having a network of understanding and empathetic parents can provide emotional support, practical advice, and a sense of belonging.

S2 E7: Speech Delay, Tongue Tie and Social Media: Nicole Bateman chats with Jenna Farmer

Conversations with a SEND Mum

05/15/24 • 17 min

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.
Impact of Tongue Tie on Speech: Nicole and Jenna delve into the topic of tongue tie and its impact on speech development. Jenna shares personal experiences and insights into identifying and addressing tongue tie in her son, highlighting the significance of seeking professional evaluation and treatment options.
Power of Social Media for the SEND Community: The conversation shifts to the role of social media advocacy in the SEND community. Jenna and Nicole discuss the positive impact of social media platforms in raising awareness, sharing resources, and building supportive networks for parents of children with special educational needs and disabilities.
Addressing Parent Bashing: Jenna and Nicole address recent comments made by individuals on social media platforms, highlighting the importance of empathy, respect, and support within the parenting community. They advocate for kindness, understanding, and solidarity in navigating the challenges of parenthood and advocating for children with SEND.

S2 E5: Navigating grief as a neurodivergent family: Nicole Bateman chats with Emma Gray

Conversations with a SEND Mum

05/01/24 • 23 min

*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 loss, emphasising the importance of support networks and self-care strategies.
Sorting Out Sadmin: Nicole and Emma delve into the practical aspects of dealing with administrative tasks (sadmin) while grieving. From managing paperwork to making arrangements, they offer insights and tips for navigating the logistical challenges of loss.
Sharing News with Children: Emma opens up about the sensitive topic of sharing news of loss with children in a neurodivergent family. They explore age-appropriate communication strategies, fostering open conversations, and providing support and reassurance to children during difficult times.
Life as a Neurodivergent Family: The conversation extends to the unique dynamics of life as a neurodivergent family navigating grief. Emma and Nicole reflect on the importance of understanding and accommodating neurodivergent needs while processing emotions and seeking comfort.
Finding Rainbow Moments in Grief: Despite the challenges, Emma and Nicole highlight the importance of finding moments of joy and connection amidst grief. They share inspiring stories of resilience, hope, and finding rainbow moments that bring light and positivity to the journey.

Purple Day Special Episode 2/2: Nicole Bateman chats with Sally Brighton from Young Epilepsy

Conversations with a SEND Mum

03/26/24 • 28 min

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, misconceptions, and triumphs she has encountered along the way, offering hope and inspiration to listeners.
'Understand My Epilepsy' Campaign: Nicole and Sally delve into the 'Understand My Epilepsy' campaign launched by Young Epilepsy, aiming to increase awareness and understanding of epilepsy. They discuss the importance of education, empathy, and inclusivity in supporting individuals living with epilepsy and their families.
Celebrating Purple Day: Purple Day is an international effort dedicated to increasing awareness about epilepsy worldwide. Nicole and Sally share exciting ideas and opportunities for everyone to get involved in Purple Day, from wearing purple to hosting fundraising events and sharing educational resources.

For resources discussed in this episode go to: Young Epilepsy | Homepage

Chaos of appointments and breaking free from the system: Nicole Bateman chats with Leona Burton

Conversations with a SEND Mum

01/17/24 • 18 min

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 experience as a young mum, she shares insights into the unique challenges and joys that come with the territory.
Chaos of Appointments: The conversation delves into the chaotic reality of managing numerous medical and educational appointments for neurodivergent children. Leona offers practical tips and strategies for navigating the demanding schedule while maintaining a sense of balance.
Trusting Parental Instincts: Both Nicole and Leona underscore the importance of trusting parental instincts when advocating for a child's needs within the system. They share anecdotes and advice on embracing one's intuition in the face of challenges.
Juggling Mum Life and Business: Leona's journey as a business owner is explored, highlighting the delicate balance of building and managing Mums in Business International while being a devoted mum. The discussion touches on the passion that fuels her business endeavours and the resilience required in navigating both worlds.

You will find additional resources in our Conversations with a SEND Mum Pod Patreon community at patreon.com/ConversationswithaSENDMumPod . Join the community for only £3.50 and get access to bonus content from our guests and sponsors The Super Sensory Squad, exclusive episodes and a monthly zoom chat.

Introduction and Epilepsy: Nicole Bateman

Conversations with a SEND Mum

01/10/24 • 15 min

*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 discusses the driving force behind starting "Conversations with a SEND Mum," aiming to create a supportive space for fellow SEND parents. The podcast's foundation lies in fostering a sense of community, ensuring parents don't feel isolated in their journey.
Personal Journey: Nicole shares her emotional journey following her son's first seizure, providing a candid insight into the shock, uncertainties, and challenges she faced in understanding and managing epilepsy within her family.
Misconceptions About Epilepsy: She dismantles common misconceptions surrounding epilepsy, shedding light on the realities of living with a child who experiences seizures and the impact it has on daily life.
Impact on Mental Health: Nicole opens up about the toll that living in a constant state of vigilance and risk assessment had on her mental health.

Check out resources in our Conversations with a SEND Mum Pod Patreon community at patreon.com/ConversationswithaSENDMumPod . Join the community for only £3.50 and get access to bonus content from our guests and sponsors The Super Sensory Squad, exclusive episodes and a monthly zoom chat.

Visible and Hidden disabilities: Nicole Bateman chats with Dani Gibbs

Conversations with a SEND Mum

02/07/24 • 19 min

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 journey as a mother of a child with both hidden and visible disabilities, shedding light on the complexities of navigating the world. They discuss the importance of raising awareness and understanding about both types of disabilities.
Managing Epilepsy Medications: The conversation delves into the challenges faced by parents in managing epilepsy medications for their children. Dani offers insights into the daily struggles, concerns, and coping strategies involved in ensuring her daughter's well-being while managing her condition.
Parent Mental Health: Both Nicole and Dani explore the impact of caring for a child with complex medical needs on parent mental health. They discuss the importance of self-care and seeking support.
Accessibility for Physical Disabilities: The dialogue extends to the topic of accessibility for individuals with physical disabilities, highlighting the need for greater awareness, inclusivity, and accommodation in society to ensure equal opportunities for all.

Autism Acceptance: Nicole Bateman chats with Tynisha from Visible Autism

Conversations with a SEND Mum

04/02/25 • 36 min

Autism Acceptance Day: Masking, Diagnosis and Visibility with Tynisha from Visible Autism

in this Autism Acceptance Day special, Nicole Bateman speaks with Tynisha from Visible Autism about her lived experience as an autistic woman and her journey to self-understanding and advocacy.

In This Episode:

Masking and Late Diagnosis – Tynisha shares how she masked her autistic traits throughout school and the ten-year journey it took to receive her diagnosis. She reflects on how being misunderstood led to exhaustion and challenges with self-identity.
University and Reasonable Adjustments – Despite having a formal diagnosis, Tynisha discusses the lack of appropriate adjustments at university, the impact this had on her education, and the wider issue of inaccessible systems.
The Story Behind Visible Autism – Tynisha talks about the creation of Visible Autism, a clothing brand designed to promote neurodivergent visibility and spark conversations about the autistic experience.
Documenting the Autistic Experience – A look at Tynisha’s upcoming documentary, where she shares her reality of navigating the world as an autistic person, breaking stereotypes, and advocating for acceptance over awareness.

This episode is great listening for anyone wanting to understand the reality of autistic masking, the barriers to diagnosis, and why true visibility and acceptance matter.

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FAQ

How many episodes does Conversations with a SEND Mum have?

Conversations with a SEND Mum currently has 41 episodes available.

What topics does Conversations with a SEND Mum cover?

The podcast is about Education For Kids, Mom, Parents, Parenting, Kids & Family, Podcasts, Autism, Mum and Epilepsy.

What is the most popular episode on Conversations with a SEND Mum?

The episode title 'S2 E13: Adoption and XYY Syndrome: Nicole Bateman chats with Caroline Wallace' is the most popular.

What is the average episode length on Conversations with a SEND Mum?

The average episode length on Conversations with a SEND Mum is 21 minutes.

How often are episodes of Conversations with a SEND Mum released?

Episodes of Conversations with a SEND Mum are typically released every 7 days.

When was the first episode of Conversations with a SEND Mum?

The first episode of Conversations with a SEND Mum was released on Dec 21, 2023.

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Conversations with a SEND Mum

Nicole Bateman

Top 10 Conversations with a SEND Mum Episodes

FAQ

How many episodes does Conversations with a SEND Mum have?

What topics does Conversations with a SEND Mum cover?

What is the most popular episode on Conversations with a SEND Mum?

What is the average episode length on Conversations with a SEND Mum?

How often are episodes of Conversations with a SEND Mum released?

When was the first episode of Conversations with a SEND Mum?

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