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.

All episodes

Best episodes

Seasons

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.

DLD Awareness Day: Nicole Bateman chats with Tamara Holland

Conversations with a SEND Mum

10/18/24 • 28 min

In this episode of Conversations with a SEND Mum, Nicole Bateman is joined by Tamara Holland from Dot and Stripe Marketing to raise awareness for Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) on DLD Awareness Day. Tamara, a passionate advocate and parent of a child with DLD, shares her personal journey and the challenges of navigating life with a diagnosis that is often misunderstood or overlooked.

Key Highlights:

What is DLD?: Tamara breaks down what Developmental Language Disorder is, explaining how it affects children’s ability to understand and use language, and why it’s often misdiagnosed or confused with other learning differences.
Tamara’s Journey: Tamara discusses her experience as a parent of a child with DLD, from the early signs and diagnosis to advocating for support in education and daily life. She emphasises the importance of early intervention and understanding the unique needs of children with DLD.
Raising Awareness and Creating Change: Nicole and Tamara talk about the importance of raising awareness for DLD, especially on days like DLD Awareness Day, to ensure that children with this condition receive the support and recognition they deserve. Tamara also shares tips for parents and educators on how to help children with DLD thrive.

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

ADHD, Autism and Masking in the Workplace: Nicole Bateman chats with Tania Gerard

Conversations with a SEND Mum

11/20/24 • 22 min

In Season 3 episode 7 of Conversations with a SEND Mum, Nicole Bateman is joined by Tania Gerard, an autistic and ADHD advocate, trainer, and speaker. Together, they explore the challenges of being neurodivergent in the workplace and the crucial need for understanding and inclusion in professional settings.

Key Highlights:

Neurodiversity and Masking in the Workplace: Tania shares her personal experiences of masking in the high-pressure world of marketing. She discusses the toll it took on her mental health and how societal expectations can push neurodivergent individuals to hide their true selves in order to fit in.
The Journey to Self-Acceptance: Tania opens up about the pivotal moments in her journey to embracing her neurodivergence. From recognizing the harmful effects of masking to understanding her own needs, Tania shares how this transformation inspired her to advocate for others.
Training Companies on Neurodiversity: Using her lived experiences, Tania now works with businesses to educate them about neurodiversity. She explains how she helps organizations understand the value of diverse minds, the importance of reasonable adjustments, and practical ways to create truly inclusive workplaces.

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.

Living with ARFID: Nicole Bateman chats with Michelle Jacques

Conversations with a SEND Mum

11/27/24 • 26 min

In Season 3 episode 8 of Conversations with a SEND Mum, Nicole Bateman dives into the complex world of restricted eating and ARFID (Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder) with expert Michelle Jacques. Together, they discuss:

What is ARFID?
Michelle explains the everyday realities of ARFID, a sensory-based eating disorder. They explore how ARFID differs from other eating challenges and its impact on families.
Practical Strategies for Supporting Children with ARFID
The discussion includes tips and tools to support children with ARFID, including sensory-based considerations, patience, and creating a low pressure environment.
Michelle’s Personal and Professional Journey
Michelle shares her experiences navigating ARFID with her own child and how this inspired her to support other families facing similar challenges.
Raising Awareness and Reducing Stigma
Nicole and Michelle emphasise the importance of understanding ARFID and advocating for increased awareness and support among professionals and educators.

S2 E12: Life can change in one moment - the importance of Parent Mental Health: Nicole Bateman chats with Aisling Owens Nash

Conversations with a SEND Mum

06/26/24 • 28 min

In Season 2, Episode 12 of "Conversations with a SEND Mum," host Nicole Bateman sits down with Aisling Owens Nash to discuss the critical importance of parent mental health. They delve into Aisling's experiences parenting neurodivergent children, making strategies fun for the whole family, and a terrifying freeze moment that profoundly impacted her life.

Episode Highlights:

Parenting Neurodivergent Children: Aisling shares her journey of raising neurodivergent children. She discusses the unique challenges and joys, and how her approach to parenting has evolved over time to meet her children's needs.
Making Strategies Fun: Nicole and Aisling talk about the innovative and engaging strategies Aisling has implemented to support her children's development. They discuss how to turn everyday activities into fun and therapeutic experiences, making the process enjoyable for both parents and children.
A Life-Changing Freeze Moment: Aisling recounts a terrifying freeze moment that changed everything for her. She opens up about the emotional and mental impact of this experience and how it led her to prioritise her own mental health. This segment underscores the importance of parent mental health and the ripple effect it has on the entire family.

S2 E2: PDA and low demand parenting: Nicole Bateman chats with Nicola Reekie

Conversations with a SEND Mum

04/24/24 • 19 min

In episode 2 of Season 2 of "Conversations with a SEND Mum," host Nicole Bateman engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Nicola Reekie, owner of The PDA Space. Together, they delve into the concept of low demand parenting, discuss Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), and explore adaptations in education settings for children with PDA.

Episode Highlights:

Low Demand Parenting: Nicola introduces the concept of low demand parenting, emphasizing the importance of reducing demands and pressure on children with PDA to support their well-being and reduce anxiety. They discuss practical strategies and approaches for implementing low demand parenting techniques in daily life.
Understanding PDA: Nicole and Nicola explore Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA). They discuss common misconceptions of PDA and the challenges faced by individuals with this profile in educational settings.
Adaptations in Education Settings: The conversation shifts to adaptations and accommodations for children with PDA in education settings. Nicola shares insights into creating supportive environments that cater to the unique needs of neurodivergent learners, promoting inclusion, understanding, and success.
PDA Summit: Nicola highlights the upcoming PDA Summit from April 26th to 29th 2024, providing an exciting opportunity for learning and collaboration within the PDA community. She invites listeners to participate in this valuable event focused on PDA awareness, education, and support https://www.thepdaspace.com/summit-2024-speakers

The Journey into SEND Fatherhood: Nicole Bateman chats with Mark Allen and Callum Galbraith

Conversations with a SEND Mum

11/29/24 • 19 min

In episode 9 of Season 3 of Conversations with a SEND Mum, Nicole Bateman welcomes Mark Allen and Callum Galbraith, two of the 14 fathers featured in The Journey into SEND Fatherhood, a powerful new book by SEND Reform England. Together, they dive into the unique experiences of being SEND Dads, sharing the challenges, triumphs, and personal growth that come with raising children with additional needs.

Key Takeaways:

Mark and Callum’s Stories
Mark and Callum open up about their individual journeys into fatherhood, the initial struggles they faced, and how their perspectives evolved as they learned to navigate the world of SEND.
Breaking Down Barriers
The discussion highlights the emotional toll on dads, the importance of vulnerability, and how societal expectations often impact their roles. They emphasise the need for better recognition and support for fathers within the SEND community.
The Inspiration Behind the Book
Mark and Callum discuss the collaborative effort behind The Journey into SEND Fatherhood and how the book aims to provide solidarity and guidance for other fathers who may feel isolated in their experiences.
Advice for SEND Dads
Nicole, Mark, and Callum share actionable advice for dads, including finding a supportive community, advocating for their children, and the importance of understanding and acceptance.

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.

Simple Self Care For Parent Carers: Nicole Bateman chats with Rachel Slyfield

Conversations with a SEND Mum

11/06/24 • 19 min

In Episode 5 of Season 3 of Conversations with a SEND Mum, Nicole Bateman sits down with Rachel Slyfield, founder of Rachel’s 3 R’s Subscription Box, who shares her journey as a SEND mum and her passion for self-care. Rachel opens up about her experience navigating the diagnosis process with her son, Teddy, and the ways she’s learned to balance parenting, self-care, and running her business.

Key Highlights:

Rachel’s Journey with Teddy: Rachel recounts the challenges she faced during her son’s diagnosis process, offering insight and encouragement for other parents on a similar path. Her story resonates with many, reflecting the unique emotional and logistical hurdles SEND parents encounter.
Sustainable Self-Care as a Single Parent: As a single parent, Rachel discusses her commitment to fitting in regular self-care and how it supports her wellbeing and resilience. She shares practical strategies for creating sustainable self-care practices that don’t require extensive time or resources -something that has been central to her journey.
Building Rachel’s 3 R’s: Inspired by her own experiences, Rachel launched Rachel’s 3 R’s Subscription Box, designed to help SEND mums find moments of escape, reflection, and rejuvenation. Rachel and Nicole talk about the subscription’s focus on wellness and how each box includes curated items and masterclasses that encourage self-care for busy mums.

Autism and AAC: Nicole Bateman chats with Laura Brown

Conversations with a SEND Mum

11/13/24 • 24 min

In this episode of Conversations with a SEND Mum, Nicole Bateman sits down with Laura Brown, the voice behind Spinning World of Autism. Laura shares her family’s journey with her autistic son, Ethan, and their experiences navigating the world of AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) to support his communication needs.

Key Highlights:

Embracing AAC and Alternative Communication: Laura opens up about their decision to explore AAC as a way to give Ethan a way of communicating. She discusses the initial challenges, the learning curve, and the transformative impact it’s had on Ethan’s ability to communicate his needs, preferences, and feelings.
The Journey to Specialist School: Laura shares the emotional highs and lows of securing a specialist school placement for Ethan. She reflects on the advocacy required, the barriers they faced, and the relief that came with finding a school where Ethan can thrive. Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of finding the right educational fit for each child.
Navigating the Ups and Downs of Parenting: Throughout the conversation, Laura and Nicole dive into the realities of parenting a neurodivergent child. They chat about celebrating the small wins, embracing differences, and the importance of a supportive community.

Show more best episodes

FAQ

How many episodes does Conversations with a SEND Mum have?

Conversations with a SEND Mum currently has 38 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.

Show more FAQ

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?

Comments