In 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.

How preparing in advance can ease anxiety - Visual supports like calendars, photos of the venue and explaining the schedule ahead of time helped both children feel more secure.

How respecting your child’s boundaries leads to better outcomes - Giving our children space and letting them decide if and when they’re ready made a big difference in their ability to cope.

How food doesn’t have to be the focus of the gathering - When meals are difficult, removing pressure and creating positive experiences around connection and play can still make the outing worthwhile.

How tech, sensory tools, and safe items can be lifelines - From ear defenders to iPads, bringing the right tools can help children stay regulated in unfamiliar or overwhelming settings.

How staying calm as a parent is so important - Holding your emotional ground can help avoid escalation and builds trust with your child.

Website - https://theautismmums.com/

Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theautismmums

Follow us on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@theautismmums

Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/theautismmums

[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:

This week we wanted to talk about something that so many of us find really

tricky, but often don't talk a lot about, and that's family gatherings.

Last month was quite a

busy one for us. It was our dad's 80th birthday, and that meant a couple of big

family meals, which is lovely in theory, but if you have autistic children,

these events come with a whole lot more to consider. So in this episode,

Natalie and I are [00:01:00] sharing how we

approached these gatherings, what we did to prepare.

Our children, the moments that didn't go to plan and some of

the wins.

We know that autism is a spectrum and every child's needs and

reactions vary hugely, and of course, every family's journey looks different as

well, so take what's useful for you and leave the rest. Our hope is that by

sharing our stories, you'll feel a little more supported and maybe pick up a

few ideas to try.

So Nat, can you talk about how you prepared for the meals?

Natalie Tealdi: With

my son, I made sure he was aware so. A couple of weeks beforehand mentioned,

you know, it's Grandpa P's big birthday, and we're gonna be going

In 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.

Lisa Katz is a passionate advocate, devoted mum, and inspirational voice for families navigating the unique journey of severe Autism. As the mother of triplet boys, Lisa draws strength from her personal experiences.

Lisa has embraced a path of purpose championing healthy eating, clean living, and holistic wellness as essential tools for empowering both her family and other families.

She is focused on helping others make simple changes that will help not only the child with special needs but will truly benefit the entire family.

• The gut-brain connection and its significance in autism.
• Overview of the GAPS Diet and its focus on healing the gut.
• The importance of eliminating gluten and dairy for some children.
• Practical tips for becoming an informed consumer and reading food labels.
• Strategies for integrating dietary changes into family life.
• Signs that may indicate dietary issues affecting a child with autism.
• The idea that food is medicine and its implications for health.
• Tips for navigating social situations and dining out.
• The importance of community support for parents of neurodivergent children.

The GAPS Diet – Gut and Psychology Syndrome by Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride

ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder)

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/lisa.sobelkatz.5

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lisasobelkatz

Contact Lisa through Facebook or Instagram (links above) to take up her generous offer of $50 off her Kitchen Reset Package. Simply let her know you heard about the offer here.

https://theautismmums.com/

Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theautismmums

Follow us on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@theautismmums

Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/theautismmums

[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.

Natalie Tealdi: Hi,

it's Natalie. Although you won't hear me in today's interview, I really wanted

to jump on at the start just to say hello and share a few thoughts with you

before we begin.

Victoria Bennion:

That's right. This episode...

In 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 and parents.

• The change in routine of the summer holidays can cause emotional distress for autistic children (such as Natalie's son.)
• Traditional holiday clubs are often not suitable for neurodivergent children
• Planning can be helpful for some families -Structured days with visual timetables and pre-planned outings
• Finding clubs with adequate support for older children—or any children under 8—is still a major barrier for many families.
• Even the best laid plans can need flexibility, especially when emotions run high or children have different needs on the day.
• You may find it works best to create moments for each child to have their needs met, sometimes separately.
• Finding other parents in similar situations provides not just understanding, but practical help from playdates to moral support.
• Self-care can be challenging but it's still important, even it you can find small moments for an evening meditation or a chat with a friend.
• Joy can be found in simpler, slower summer moments

Learn more about visual timetables - https://www.caudwellchildren.com/visual-timetables-for-autistic-children/

ASCape - https://ascapegroup.org/

https://theautismmums.com/

Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theautismmums

Follow us on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@theautismmums

Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/theautismmums

[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:

Hello, I'm Victoria, and today we're talking about something that can be

especially tough for many families. The school holidays, when you hear the word

holiday, most people think of relaxing, unwinding, and quality family time. But

if you're raising an autistic child, the reality can look very different.

Victoria Bennion: It

does for Natalie. So in this episode, we're sharing honest stories from our own

lives. [00:01:00] We're talking about what's

worked, what hasn't, and sharing a few simple strategies that we've found

helpful that we hope might help you to make Summer a little more manageable.

Natalie Tealdi: this

is a time of year that we really struggle with because our son really loves his

routine, so now he's in A school he enjoys, he likes to go there every day and

he'd quite happily go there every day of the week. Thank you very much. All

year round, which I'm sure his teachers would absolutely love.

Natalie Tealdi: So we

notice as school holidays are approaching perhaps. Two weeks before each

holiday, he starts to get more stressed. We see more stimming, more

dysregulated behaviors, his diet's affected, doesn't eat as much, those kind of

things. So when it actually gets to holidays, he just doesn not like being out

of his routine,...

In 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 conversation is packed with valuable information to help families find their way to more restful nights.

Maria Moreno is a certified paediatric sleep consultant—with a specialization in neurodivergent sleep—and a motherhood life coach dedicated to supporting moms through the emotional challenges of motherhood. She holds a master’s degree in art education and has spent over 15 years working with neurodivergent children, bringing a deep understanding and empathy to the families she serves. After navigating postpartum depression and severe sleep deprivation, she founded Mindful Mother to help families restore rest and balance. She’s also the co-founder of Tumago, a handmade comfort blanket brand designed with sensory-sensitive and neurodivergent children in mind. Maria blends lived experience, professional training, and compassionate coaching to empower overwhelmed moms with practical, personalized tools that bring calm, connection, and confidence to their motherhood journey.

Understanding Individual Needs: Every child is different, and sleep plans should be tailored to their unique personalities and family dynamics.

Importance of Routines: Consistent bedtime routines can help children understand what to expect and ease the transition to sleep.

Visual Supports: Utilising visuals, like personalised bedtime books, can aid in preparing children for sleep changes.

Sensory Considerations: Addressing sensory sensitivities with appropriate comfort items can significantly improve sleep quality.

Environmental Factors: Creating a calming sleep environment, including blackout curtains and white noise machines, can help minimise disruptions.

Email - mindfulmotherllc@gmail.com

Website - www.mindfulmother.biz

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mindfulmother_sleep/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/mindfulmother1

Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/MindfulMother_LifeCoach

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/mindfulmother

https://www.mindfulmother.biz/autismsleep

This guide is designed to help parents gently create better sleep routines for their neurodivergent children, without cry-it-out methods or rigid schedules. It’s full of simple, parent-friendly tools that truly make a difference.

In addition to this free guide, Maria is kindly offering 20% off Tumago handmade comfort blankets with code AUTISMMOM These sensory-sensitive blankets were inspired by Maria's own daughters and lovingly handmade by her family.

https://tumago.etsy.com

https://theautismmums.com/

Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theautismmums

Follow us on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@theautismmums

Follow us on Facebook

In 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 Olympics athletes to seeing remarkable transformations in his clients — including improved focus, reduced anxiety, and even newfound verbal skills — Mark’s work highlights the life-changing benefits of accessible, neurodiversity-informed fitness.

We explore:

• How exercise can support sensory regulation, cognitive functioning, and behaviour in autistic children and adults.
• Practical strategies to help children ease into movement, even if they are reluctant.
• Mark’s own journey to becoming a fitness entrepreneur and advocate for neurodivergent athletes.

Whether you’re wondering how to help your child build confidence through movement, or looking for hope and inspiration, this episode is full of practical wisdom and encouragement.

Dr. Mark Fleming is an autistic entrepreneur who owns and runs a fitness brand called Equally Fit where he provides exercise training and consulting to those with disabilities. He obtained his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Exercise Science from The University of Alabama and his PhD in Kinesiology from Concordia University at St. Paul. He has spent time working in Applied Behavior Analysis and has coached Special Olympics, where his athlete's all won gold at the state competition level. He has been featured on CNN.com, Mens Health magazine, various websites and other magazines as well as on every local news channel in Tampa. He served as the first autistic chair for the constituency board for C.A.R.D-USF in 2023-24.

• How exercise helps regulate sensory systems and supports emotional balance in autistic individuals.
• How small, consistent steps can help children and adults embrace movement without overwhelm.
• How structured exercise can reduce stimming, improve focus, and open new possibilities for learning and socialising.
• How supporting children with ADHD through exercise can channel energy positively and improve self-awareness.
• How gradual progress and celebrating small wins can build lifelong confidence and resilience.
• How Mark's lived experience inspires families to reimagine what's possible for their children and themselves.

Special Olympics - Dedicated to empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities through sport.

Center for Autism and Related Disabilities at the University of South Florida - Where Mark served as the first autistic chair on the constituency board.

Website - www.equallyfit.com

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/dr.markf31

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/official_drmark/

https://theautismmums.com/

Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theautismmums

Follow us on TikTok

 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.

Dyslexia as a Brain Difference: Understanding that dyslexia is a brain difference rather than a lack of intelligence can be transformative. It shifts the narrative from feeling inadequate to recognising unique cognitive strengths and learning styles.

Impact of Early Screening: Early screening in schools can significantly change the trajectory for neurodivergent children. Identifying dyslexia early allows for tailored support, helping children feel understood and empowered rather than left behind.

Need for Teacher Training: The lack of adequate training for teachers on neurodivergence can hinder a child's educational experience. Proper training equips educators with the tools to recognise and support diverse learning needs, fostering a more inclusive classroom environment.

Importance of Advocacy: Advocacy plays a crucial role in driving change within the education system. By voicing concerns and pushing for better resources and support, parents can help create a more equitable environment for all children.

Empowering Children: Empowering children and celebrating their strengths is vital for their self-esteem. When children feel valued for who they are, they are more likely to thrive and develop a positive self-image.

Watch and share the documentary here

Let’s get the word out. Share it with friends, family – anyone who needs to see what’s really going on.

Tell the Secretary of State, Bridget Phillipson

Post on Twitter/X (@bphillipsonMP) or Instagram (@bridgetphillipsonmp) using #ComeOnBridget. Tell her what’s happening, what needs to change – and why kids can’t wait.

Write to your MP

Let them know you’re part of Jamie’s Dyslexia Revolution. Ask them to stand up in Parliament and speak out for change. Jamie has templates and tips here, but Jamie says your own story is the most powerful thing you can share.

https://theautismmums.com/

Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theautismmums

Follow us on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@theautismmums

Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/theautismmums

Episode 15 Insights from Jamie Oliver's Dyslexia Revolution

​[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.

Today we are discussing Jamie Oliver's Channel four documentary Jamie's Dyslexia Revolution. We found this program 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 [00:01:00] children.

Victoria Bennion: This morning I finished watching Jamie...

In 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 that truly works for you.

Claire is a late-diagnosed autistic ADHDer, mum of three neurodivergent kids, and a passionate advocate for better mainstream school support, as both a parent and school governor. She spent years masking, overachieving, and burning out, first navigating a system that doesn't fit her children, then growing a business using strategies that didn’t fit her brain.

After autistic burnout, she rebuilt her business on her own terms. Now, as founder of The Virtual Vibe Coaching, she helps online service providers and coaches realign their strategy and simplify sales, so they can grow sustainably, without burnout, or forcing what doesn’t fit.

How late diagnosis can shape how you see yourself. It can bring clarity, self-compassion, and validation after years of internal doubt and masking.

How recognising shared neurodivergent traits can strengthen your parenting. It can fostering deeper connection and more empathetic support for your children.

How the school system falls short - what small, practical changes could make classrooms more inclusive and less overwhelming for neurodivergent learners.

How receiving a diagnosis can boost your confidence as an advocate - helping you trust your instincts and push past self-doubt when navigating EHCPs and school challenges.

How building a business around your energy and strengths is important - especially when traditional models drain you and don’t reflect your reality as a neurodivergent parent.

Sales Strategy Selector Quiz

Uncover how you sell best and which strategy suits you — based on your natural style and personality — so you can align your strategy, play to your strengths, and see your content convert. https://www.thevirtualvibe.co.uk/salesstrategyselector

Website - www.thevirtualvibe.co.uk

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thevirtualvibeuk/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/claire-grayshan-48a707143/

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@thevirtualvibeuk

https://theautismmums.com/

Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theautismmums

Follow us on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@theautismmums

[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...

 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.

Common Sleep Struggles: Many parents of autistic children face significant sleep challenges, often exacerbated by anxiety and sensory sensitivities.

Impact of Sleep Deprivation: Lack of sleep can worsen not only behavioral issues but also sensory struggles and overall well-being for both the child and the parents.

Trial and Error: Finding effective sleep solutions often involves trying various strategies, such as bedtime routines, environmental adjustments, and calming techniques.

Role of Melatonin: Melatonin can be beneficial for autistic children who struggle with sleep, but its usage requires careful monitoring and sometimes experimentation with different forms.

Communication and Support: Open communication with children about their sleep needs and preferences is crucial in finding solutions that work for them.

Self-Care for Parents: Managing sleep challenges can be exhausting, highlighting the importance of self-care strategies for parents, including seeking support and prioritizing rest when possible.

https://theautismmums.com/

Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theautismmums

Follow us on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@theautismmums

Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/theautismmums

[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.

Natalie Tealdi: Today we are 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.

Victoria

Bennion: For us, the sleep challenges started in line with

when my son's [00:01:00] anxiety hit a

real peak, and , it was all coming together at the same time. All the

struggles were getting so much worse and lack of sleep was one of

them. . He would just be up till the early hours of the morning.

It would get to 2:00 AM he'd

just be completely unable to go to sleep. And it was at a time when

he was so anxious as well. The lack of sleep was making everything

else so much worse.

It was making the sensory

struggle so much worse. It was making the anxiety the next day so

much worse 'cause he hadn't even rested and he's running on empty.

Natalie Tealdi: What sort of age was he then?

Victoria Bennion: He was eight. It was just something that

gradually, got worse., It was really, really exhausting. And we

weren't yet at the pediatricians, and I didn't know anything about

the link even because this was before we had a diagnosis, I just

didn't know why he couldn't sleep and we were trying everything.

We tried, going to bed

earlier. Maybe he's overtired, and...