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 ins ...
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Encore: Helping Your Autistic Child with Anxiety
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20:06In this week’s encore episode of The Autism Mums Podcast, join us as we navigate the complex landscape of anxiety in autistic children. We share our personal insights and experiences, exploring the diverse ways anxiety can manifest, including meltdowns, shutdowns, and sensory overloads. Whether you're early on in your autism journey or navigating s…
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Autism and Challenging Behaviour with Carl Draper (Part 2)
26:44
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26:44In this week’s episode of The Autism Mums Podcast, we welcome back Carl Draper for part two of our conversation. In the first part, Carl shares his personal experiences as a parent, how his understanding of behaviour has changed over time, and why unmet needs and stress responses are so often misunderstood. In this second part, Carl reflects on the…
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Autism and Challenging Behaviour with Carl Draper (Part 1)
22:22
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22:22In this week’s episode of The Autism Mums Podcast, we welcome back Carl Draper for part one of a two-part conversation. His last episode, learning to hear a child who doesn't speak, sparked so many questions from listeners, that we invited Carl back to talk more about the topic of challenging behaviours and autism. In this first part, Carl shares h…
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Rebuilding Relationships While Supporting Neurodivergent Children with Carla Wainwright
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18:22In today’s episode, of The Autism Mums Podcast, Victoria is hosting solo as Nat is home with an unwell little one. She’s joined by the wonderful Carla Wainwright, a Holistic Wellness Coach and Relationship Transformation specialist who supports parents and couples navigating the stress, overwhelm, and emotional load that can come when a child’s hea…
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Managing Christmas Challenges for Neurodivergent Families
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23:33In this week's episode of The Autism Mums Podcast we're talking about something that many families find really tough, the Christmas season. It's a time that's meant to feel magical, but for many of our autistic children, it can actually be really overwhelming, unpredictable, and stressful. Key Takeaways Understanding Christmas Overwhelm: Many auti…
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Charmaine Champ: Supporting Neurodivergent Children with Toileting Challenges
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27:38Toileting challenges can feel overwhelming for parents of neurodivergent children, especially when withholding, accidents, or anxiety become part of everyday life. In this episode, we’re joined by the compassionate and highly experienced Charmaine Champ, who brings over 30 years of professional and lived experience to help families understand what’…
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Creating Inclusive Holidays for Neurodivergent Families with Karen Mason
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20:25In this week's episode of The Autism Mums Podcast we welcome Karen Mason to the show. Biography Karen Mason grew up in Hertfordshire with five brothers and built a 35-year career with Bourne Leisure, one of the UK’s leading holiday park operators. Alongside her professional journey, she supported three neurodivergent family members and cared for he…
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In this week's episode of The Autism Mums Podcast reflect on attending the peaceful protest Every Pair Tells a Story, led by The SEND Sanctuary. Key Takeaways The Every Pair Tells a Story protest shone a light on thousands of children across the UK who have been left without the education or support they deserve. Each pair of shoes represented a ch…
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Navigating the Waiting Game: Essential Tips for Parents of Kids with Autism
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17:25In this week's episode of The Autism Mums Podcast, we discuss the challenges faced by parents navigating the waiting period for their child's autism diagnosis. We explore strategies for gathering evidence, advocating for support, and managing the differences in behaviour between home and school settings. With practical tips and personal insights, w…
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Challenging Behaviours, A Late Autism Diagnosis and Motherness with Julie Green
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23:20In this episode Victoria and Natalie chat with Julie Green, author of Motherness, to explore the realities of parenting through autism both as a mum to an autistic son and as a woman who discovered her own autism later in life. Biography Julie M. Green is a Canadian writer whose work has been featured in the Washington Post, HuffPost, The Globe and…
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Essential Advocacy Tips for Parents of Neurodivergent Children with Greer Jones
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39:26In this week's episode of The Autism Mums Podcast we welcome Greer Jones to the show. Biography Greer Jones is a speaker, writer, and podcast host passionate about building understanding and connection in the neurodiverse world. As a mom raising an autistic and ADHD child, and part of a neurodivergent couple herself, she brings honesty, empathy, an…
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This Week in Our World: Reflecting on Panorama, EHCPs and Everyday Struggles
16:56
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16:56In this week's episode of The Autism Mums Podcast we're reflecting on the Panorama documentary, EHCPs and everyday struggles from socks to lunch boxes. Key Takeaways The reality behind EHCPs – why the process can be emotionally draining, time-consuming, and often leaves families feeling powerless. When inclusion isn’t inclusion – the difference bet…
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Redefining Success for Families with Neurodivergent Children with Talia Zamora
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Nervous System First Parenting with Kimberley Guche
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32:50In this week's episode of The Autism Mums Podcast we welcome Kimberley Guche to the show. Kim explains how our children read our inner signals (even when we’re 'holding it together), why we can’t think our way out of overwhelm and the simple, compassionate resets that help us move from chaos to calm. Kimberley's Biography Kim Guche is a pediatric s…
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Fighting for Change: The SEND Rally Experience
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11:52In this week's episode of The Autism Mums Podcast we wanted to share with you our experiences of attending the fight for Ordinary Send Rally at Parliament Square Gardens in London last Monday, the 15th September. Key Takeaways Community Support: The rally highlighted the importance of community and connection among parents and advocates in the SEN…
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Food Anxiety: When Eating Becomes a Struggle
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21:33In this week’s episode of The Autism Mums Podcast, we talk openly about what happens when eating stops feeling simple and starts feeling scary. We unpack ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder) and explore how it differs from 'picky eating, sharing our real-life experiences. Key Takeaways Identical packaging and familiar brands can build …
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The UK Government's Proposed SEND Reforms
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20:39In this week’s episode of The Autism Mums Podcast, we’re talking about the UK Government's proposed SEND reforms and what they might mean for families like ours. Key Takeaways Understanding EHCPs: An EHCP (Education, Health and Care Plan) is a legal document that outlines a child's special educational needs and the necessary support for their educa…
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Back to School Challenges for Autistic Children
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19:10In this week’s episode of The Autism Mums Podcast, we’re talking about the big transition back to school after the summer holidays. Key Takeaways Early signs of school anxiety often show up in unexpected ways, like food refusal or “I’m not going back” language. Preparation can be supportive—but too much talk or change too far in advance can fuel an…
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Using Somatic Awareness to Support Your Neurodivergent Child with Kate Lynch
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27:49We're so grateful this week to be joined by Kate Lynch. Kate is a somatic mindfulness coach dedicated to creating a kinder, more inclusive future for all families. Since 2002, she has supported thousands of parents around the world with mindfulness, self-compassion, and somatic movement, helping them avoid burnout while raising their neurodivergent…
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Meltdowns, Sleep Struggles and Routine Changes in the Summer Holidays
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14:13In this week’s episode of The Autism Mums Podcast, we’re diving into the reality of summer holidays when your autistic child thrives on school routine. Natalie shares how her son, who has been doing brilliantly during term time, has found the transition to the long break unexpectedly tough - from meltdowns and aggressive behaviours to disrupted sle…
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Supporting Autistic Children: Expert Insights from Tanya Kemp
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27:14We're joined by a really special guest this week, Tanya Kemp. Tanya is a registered counsellor and parent consultant specialising in neurodiversity trauma and the parent Child Connection. Tanya's own journey has equipped her with unique insights on supporting autistic children. Biography Tanya Kemp is a registered counsellor and parent consultant, …
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Navigating Family Gatherings with our Autistic Children
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16:04In this episode of The Autism Mums Podcast, Victoria and Natalie share how they navigated their dad’s 80th birthday, which included family gatherings that came with lots of excitement, and its fair share of sensory challenges. If family events sometimes leave you feeling anxious or wondering if it’s even worth the effort, this episode is for you. K…
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Nutritional Insights for Autism with Lisa Katz
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21:12In this week’s episode of The Autism Mums Podcast, we’re exploring the powerful connection between nutrition and wellbeing with the incredibly insightful Lisa Katz, mum, nutritional practitioner, and passionate advocate for holistic autism support. Biography Lisa Katz is a passionate advocate, devoted mum, and inspirational voice for families navig…
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Summer Holiday Struggles and Strategies for SEND Families
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16:34In this week's episode of The Autism Mums Podcast Victoria and Natalie open up about the often-overlooked challenges that school holidays bring for families of autistic children. While many look forward to summer as a time to unwind, for SEND families, it can mean disrupted routines, inaccessible childcare, and emotional overload for both children …
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Exploring Sleep Struggles for Autistic Children
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27:12In this episode we’re joined by Maria Moreno, a paediatric sleep consultant and motherhood life coach. With her wealth of experience, Maria shares insights on the unique sleep struggles faced by autistic children and offers practical advice for parents navigating these challenges. From personalised sleep plans to sensory considerations, this conver…
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Fitness and Autism - Transforming Lives Through Movement with Mark Fleming
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19:05In this inspiring episode of The Autism Mums Podcast, we’re joined by Mark Fleming, an autistic fitness coach and founder of a fitness brand dedicated to supporting neurodivergent individuals. Mark shares how sport and movement helped him regulate his own system growing up and how he now empowers others through exercise. From working with Special O…
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Insights from Jamie Oliver's Dyslexia Revolution
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15:39 This week we are discussing Jamie Oliver's Channel four documentary Jamie's Dyslexia Revolution. We found this programme hugely impactful and we felt compelled to discuss the critical issues it raises about dyslexia, the shortcomings of our education system and how it affects neurodivergent children. Key Takeaways Dyslexia as a Brain Difference: U…
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Diagnosis, Discovery & Doing It Your Way with Claire Grayshan
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37:23In this week's episode of The Autism Mums Podcast we welcome, Claire Grayshan, business coach and mother to three neurodivergent children to the show. Claire opens up about her journey to receiving both an autism and ADHD diagnosis later in life, how it transformed her parenting and why recognising your strengths can be the key to building a life t…
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Understanding and Overcoming Sleep Issues
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16:27 Today we're exploring a topic that many parents of autistic children can relate to: Sleep struggles. We'll explore the challenges surrounding sleepless nights. We are sharing our personal experiences and discussing strategies that have helped us navigate this exhausting journey. Key Takeaways Common Sleep Struggles: Many parents of autistic childr…
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It Shouldn’t Be This Hard: Advocating Through the System
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13:14In this week’s episode of The Autism Mums Podcast, we’re talking about something that so many families raising autistic children will recognise - the exhausting and often disheartening process of dealing with the local authority. This episode is an honest look at how hard it can be to get what your child needs and how important it is to stay organi…
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Breaking Down Barriers to Education for Neurodivergent Children
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17:37In this week's episode of The Autism Mums Podcast we're talking about some of the real challenges families face with the current education system, especially when it comes to supporting autistic children. Key Takeaways Outdated Education System: The current education system is often rigid and not designed to accommodate the diverse needs of neurod…
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From Diagnosis to Advocacy with Whitney Price
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30:05In this week's episode of The Autism Mums Podcast we welcome Whitney Price, founder of Unpuzzled Parents Connect, to the show. Whitney shares the emotional and financial struggles she and her husband faced navigating early signs of autism with their son, Connor, the pandemic’s impact on access to services, and the turning point that led her to crea…
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Learning to Hear a Child Who Doesn’t Speak with Carl Draper
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27:56In this week's episode of The Autism Mums Podcast we welcome Carl Draper, student mental health nurse, award-winning photographer and father to Bodhi, an autistic child with a powerful story. Carl opens up about the early signs of autism in his son, facing expulsion from nursery on day one and the intense stress of parenting a non-verbal child with…
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In this week's episode of The Autism Mums Podcast Victoria and Natalie dive in to the topic of anxiety in autistic children. Drawing from their personal experiences as mums of autistic boys, they explore the many ways anxiety can present itself - from meltdowns and shutdowns to avoidance, ritualistic behaviour, physical symptoms, and anger. They of…
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In this week's episode of The Autism Mums Podcast, Victoria and Natalie dive into the unique challenges of raising a child with a PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance) profile. They share personal stories, strategies, and reflections to help parents and caregivers better understand and support their children navigating PDA-related behaviors. Key Take…
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Caring for Yourself When Your Child Is Having a Tough Day
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14:01In this week's episode of The Autism Mums Podcast we're talking about ways to look after yourself when your child is having a tough day. Key Takeaways How supporting our children with their emotions can leave us feeling completely drained. Common mistakes we’ve made when trying to "push through" a tough day. Simple ways we try to carve out moments …
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Practical Ways to Help Your Autistic Child with Daily Life
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16:23In this week's episode of The Autism Mums Podcast we talk about the practical ways we can help our autistic children with daily life. We’re sharing some of the things that have helped us make daily life a bit easier with our autistic children. From using timers and visual timetables to experimenting with tooth brushes and finding softer clothing. T…
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In this week's episode of The Autism Mums Podcast we’re talking about the journey to getting an EHCP - what it is, why it matters, and what the process looked like for our families. We’ll share the lessons we learned along the way with the hope that it helps you navigate the process and feel a little more prepared. Key Takeaways An EHCP can provide…
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In this week's episode of The Autism Mums Podcast Victoria opens up about her son's journey to an autism diagnosis. From the early signs that were missed, to the struggles at school, to the moment the diagnosis finally came. Key Takeaways Autism signs can often be masked or misunderstood, especially in young children. Building a support network of …
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In this week's episode of The Autism Mums Podcast we dive deep into one of the most emotional milestones for parents: the journey toward an autism diagnosis. We share Natalie's story with her son, from the first signs that something was wrong at nursery to the long road of assessments and support. Key Takeaways Early signs aren't always obvious: It…
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Welcome to The Autism Mums Podcast — a space created for parents and carers navigating life with autistic children. We’re your hosts, Victoria and Natalie — two sisters raising autistic children ourselves. We understand the joys, the challenges, and the thousand tiny moments that no one else quite gets. In this podcast, we’ll bring you: Real talk a…
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