In 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.

Outdated Education System: The current education system is often rigid and not designed to accommodate the diverse needs of neurodivergent children.

Importance of Flexibility: There's a need for more flexible learning environments that allow for play and creativity, especially for younger children.

Struggles with Inclusion: Being in school is different from being included in school; many children face challenges that are not adequately addressed.

Identifying Needs Early: Early identification of challenges, such as speech or coordination issues, is crucial, but support often falls short.

Training for Educators: There is a significant need for enhanced training for teachers on special educational needs to better support neurodivergent students.

Impact of Environment: The classroom environment, including displays and changes, can greatly affect a child’s ability to learn and cope.

Communication Gaps: There are often communication breakdowns between schools, parents, and local authorities, leading to misunderstandings and lack of support.

Mental Health Considerations: The mental health of both children and parents is deeply affected by the educational experience and the pressure to conform.

Advocacy and Trusting Instincts: Parents should trust their instincts regarding their child's needs and advocate strongly for appropriate support.

Systemic Challenges: Financial motivations can influence decisions made about educational support, complicating the advocacy process for parents.

The quote Victoria mentioned seeing on social media is: When a child at school is anxious about going home, concerns would be raised. But when a child is anxious about going to school, we as parents are expected to encourage them to go no matter what. Think about that for a second. - seen on CureJoy Kids on Facebook.

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Episode 10 - TAM Podcast - Breaking Down Barriers to Education for Neurodivergent Children

[00:00:00]

Hello and welcome to the Autism Mums podcast. I'm Victoria. And I'm

Natalie. We are two sisters raising autistic children who know the

joy, the challenges, and the everyday moments. This is a supportive

space for honest conversations, practical tips, shared strength and

expert advice. Whether you are celebrating a win, surviving a

meltdown, or just trying to make it through the day, we are right

here with you.

Join us as we share the ups, the downs, and everything in between parenting autistic children.

Victoria Bennion: In this episode, Natalie and I are diving into

some of the real challenges families face with the current education

system, especially when it comes to supporting autistic children.

We talk about how mainstream school isn't always inclusive and what happens when children are expected to fit into a rigid system, and the emotional toll it takes when the support just isn't there. This is a personal [00:01:00]conversation drawn from our own experiences, and sadly, we know some of you may relate.

Natalie Tealdi: It's getting everyone to fit into a box, and I don't think...