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

Welcome back to Conversations with a SEND Mum and to the start of Season 4. In this solo episode, host Nicole Bateman sets the tone for the season ahead with an honest, heartfelt look at what’s really going on behind the scenes as a parent of a neurodivergent child.

Nicole shares her personal reflections on:

• The quiet exhaustion of parental burnout and why it needs more space in the conversation
• The emotional impact of seizures, not just on the child, but on the whole family
• That limbo feeling of school ending and summer beginning and how to make transitions feel safer and smoother for our children

You’ll also get a peek at what’s coming up in Season 4: incredible guests, lived experience, practical tips, and honest conversations that help you feel less alone and more equipped.

Whether you’re navigating epilepsy, anxiety, school transitions, or just trying to get through the week this episode is for you.

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 episode, I'm joined by the brilliant Charlotte Montford; educator, specialist autism support teacher, and founder of Badger Education. Charlotte shares how a volunteering experience at university sparked a lifelong passion for inclusive education, and how both her professional journey and personal experience raising neurodivergent children have shaped the work she does today.

We talk openly about the emotional rollercoaster of parenting, the frustration of delayed diagnoses, and why it’s so important to recognise each child as a unique individual. Charlotte’s perspective is rooted in deep understanding, and her work is all about helping educators feel confident and supported in making a real difference.

What We Cover:

• How Charlotte’s early experience in a special school influenced her career
• What it’s like navigating the system both as a parent and professional
• The power (and pressure) of being an advocate when things don’t feel right
• Why Charlotte set up Badger Education and the kinds of support it offers
• Real talk about autism, assumptions, and the importance of truly knowing the child in front of you
• Practical ways educators can create more inclusive learning spaces

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

Autism Acceptance Day: Masking, Diagnosis and Visibility with Tynisha from Visible Autism

in this Autism Acceptance Day special, Nicole Bateman speaks with Tynisha from Visible Autism about her lived experience as an autistic woman and her journey to self-understanding and advocacy.

In This Episode:

• Masking and Late Diagnosis – Tynisha shares how she masked her autistic traits throughout school and the ten-year journey it took to receive her diagnosis. She reflects on how being misunderstood led to exhaustion and challenges with self-identity.
• University and Reasonable Adjustments – Despite having a formal diagnosis, Tynisha discusses the lack of appropriate adjustments at university, the impact this had on her education, and the wider issue of inaccessible systems.
• The Story Behind Visible Autism – Tynisha talks about the creation of Visible Autism, a clothing brand designed to promote neurodivergent visibility and spark conversations about the autistic experience.
• Documenting the Autistic Experience – A look at Tynisha’s upcoming documentary, where she shares her reality of navigating the world as an autistic person, breaking stereotypes, and advocating for acceptance over awareness.

This episode is great listening for anyone wanting to understand the reality of autistic masking, the barriers to diagnosis, and why true visibility and acceptance matter.

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

Purple Day Special – Parenting Kids with Epilepsy with Kelly Norford

In this Purple Day special episode of Conversations with a SEND Mum, Nicole Bateman chats with Kelly Norford, a mum of three children with epilepsy. They discuss the unique and evolving challenges of epilepsy: from managing different seizure types to navigating the impact on mental health, learning, and daily life.

In this episode, Nicole and Kelly explore:
💜 The complexities of epilepsy – how it presents differently in each of Kelly’s children and how seizure types can evolve over time
💜 Common triggers and daily challenges, including how unpredictable seizures affect routines and education
💜 The impact of epilepsy medication on mental health, cognition, and behaviour
💜 What parents wish teachers and childcare providers knew about supporting children with epilepsy
💜 The emotional and advocacy journey of raising children with complex medical needs

Kelly’s insights provide a powerful, real-life perspective on the hidden impacts of epilepsy and the importance of understanding and support from the wider community.

Listen now to raise awareness and be part of the conversation!

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

Epilepsy Awareness with Hattie Brant from Purple Dayss

In this special episode of Conversations with a SEND Mum, Nicole Bateman is joined by Hattie Brant, founder of Purple Dayss, to raise awareness for Purple Day (March 26th)—a global movement dedicated to increasing understanding and reducing stigma around epilepsy.

Hattie shares her personal journey of living with epilepsy and the misconceptions she’s encountered. Together, Nicole and Hattie bust common myths, discuss essential seizure first aid, and highlight the unseen impacts of epilepsy that many people don’t realize.

Key Takeaways:

1. Busting Epilepsy Myths
   • Debunking common misconceptions, including the idea that epilepsy always involves convulsions and flashing lights.
   • The reality of different seizure types and how epilepsy affects people beyond the physical symptoms.
2. Seizure First Aid – What Everyone Should Know
   • The do’s and don’ts when helping someone experiencing a seizure.
   • Why it’s crucial to stay calm, time the seizure, and ensure safety rather than restraining or putting something in the person’s mouth.
3. The Hidden Impacts of Epilepsy
   • Fatigue, memory issues, mental health challenges, and how epilepsy affects daily life beyond seizures.
   • The importance of inclusion, understanding, and accessibility for those living with epilepsy.

Resources Mentioned:

• Purple Dayss – Hattie’s platform raising epilepsy awareness: @PurpleDayss
• Young Epilepsy: www.youngepilepsy.com
• Seizure First Aid Guidelines: Epilepsy Society

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 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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.

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 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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.

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