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

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.

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

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.

Previous Episode

S2 E4: Undiagnosed Children's Day: Nicole Bateman chats with Claudia Beard

For Undiagnosed Children's Day 2024, join host Nicole Bateman for a special episode of "Conversations with a SEND Mum." Nicole chats with Claudia Beard, a parent representative for the charity Swan UK, dedicated to supporting families with children who have undiagnosed genetic conditions.

Episode Highlights:

What is Syndromes Without a Name (SWAN)?: Claudia provides insights into the concept of syndromes without a name (SWAN) and the unique challenges faced by families with undiagnosed genetic conditions. She sheds light on the emotional journey of navigating uncertainties and seeking support within the SWAN community.
Sharing Hope: Claudia shares her personal journey of hope and resilience, offering encouragement and support to other families navigating similar paths. She emphasises the importance of finding strength in community, advocacy, and celebrating the unique strengths of undiagnosed children.

Note: Learn more about Swan UK and Undiagnosed Children's Day by visiting their website at http://www.geneticalliance.org.uk/swanuk

Next Episode

S2 E6: Masking, Tuition and the Education System: Nicole Bateman chats with Kevin Wrenn

In Season 2, Episode 6 of "Conversations with a SEND Mum," host Nicole Bateman engages in a conversation with Kevin Wrenn, a Dad whose daughter is dyslexic, former school senior leader, and tuition business owner. Together, they delve into the topic of dyslexia, masking in primary school, and the education system.

Episode Highlights:

Dyslexia and Masking in Primary School: Kevin shares his personal experiences and insights into his journey to dyslexia diagnosis with his daughter, discussing the challenges faced by his daughter in the transition to secondary school. They explore the phenomenon of masking leading to struggles in the classroom.
Tuition and the Education System: Nicole and Kevin discuss the role of tuition in supporting students with dyslexia and other learning differences. Kevin draws on his expertise as a tuition business owner to share strategies and approaches for providing personalised support and empowering neurodivergent learners to thrive.
Navigating the Education System: The conversation extends to navigating the complexities of the education system and advocating for all students. Kevin reflects on his experiences as a former school senior leader, highlighting the importance of inclusive practices, early intervention, and collaboration between schools and families.

Conversations with a SEND Mum - S2 E5: Navigating grief as a neurodivergent family: Nicole Bateman chats with Emma Gray

Transcript

00:00:00.239

Hello and welcome to Conversations with a Send Mum podcast with me as your host, Nicole Bateman. Today I'm here talking to Emma Gray and she is a mum as well as supporting people growing life around grief. So Emma, welcome. Hi there, it's so lovely to be here. Great to have you. So first of all, can you tell us a little bit about your connection to the SEND community, please? I'm a Royal Marine widow. and I think people need to be careful when they're listening to thi