In this episode of Conversations with a SEND Mum, Nicole chats with Scott, owner of Phoenix Ashes and Co, about a journey many families will recognise, years of waiting for a diagnosis while navigating life, learning, and misconceptions along the way.

Scott shares openly about his son, who is close to receiving a diagnosis of Tourette’s and Autism after a four-year wait. They talk about the importance of tools for regulation, what they’ve both learnt from their children, and how understanding their kids’ brains has been life-changing.

That understanding didn’t just help Scott support his children. It also helped him recognise his own neurodivergence, sparking reflection that Nicole resonates with deeply, having received her own ADHD diagnosis later in life.

This is a conversation that goes beyond the stereotypes, it’s about empathy, practical strategies, and the power of connection between parent and child.

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 and 4 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

In this powerful and honest conversation, Nicole sits down with Hayley Harding, co-founder of Let Us Learn Too, a grassroots parent-led campaign group fighting for the rights of disabled children in education.

Together, they explore the urgent need for genuine reform within the SEND system and why lived experience must be at the heart of any meaningful change. Hayley shares her own journey as a parent navigating the system, how Let Us Learn Too began, and what the group is doing to push for a more inclusive, accountable and compassionate approach to education through the upcoming SEND white paper and reform proposals.

They also dive into:

• What true co-production looks like and why it matters
• The emotional and practical impact of a failing system on families
• How parents, professionals and young people can work together for change
• The importance of keeping disabled children’s rights and voices front and centre in policy
• How we shift from tick-box listening to real partnership

This episode will leave you feeling informed, inspired, and reminded that we are stronger when we push for change together.

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 and 4 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

In this week’s episode, Nicole Bateman is joined by Andy Horry, who was diagnosed with ADHD later in life. Together, they explore what it’s like to look back on your childhood through the lens of a diagnosis and what changes when you finally have the words to describe your experience.

Andy shares:

• What school was like growing up with undiagnosed ADHD
• The relief and reflection that came with finally understanding his brain
• How he regulates his nervous system now and what actually helps
• How ADHD interacts with his other chronic health conditions

This is a conversation about identity, wellbeing, and the power of understanding yourself. Andy speaks openly about the emotional journey of self-discovery, the frustration of being misunderstood for so long, and the simple strategies that help him show up as his best self.

If you’ve ever wondered about adult diagnosis, or how to support someone with ADHD and additional health needs, this episode will leave you feeling more informed and more connected.

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 and 4 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