The SEND Sofa

In 2019, Katy Martins welcomed her fourth child, a son named Xavier. Shortly after his birth, Xavier was diagnosed with Apert Syndrome—a rare genetic condition that affects approximately 1 in every 65,000 to 88,000 live births. Today, Katy sits down with Tahnee to share their family’s journey. Tune in as we explore what Apert Syndrome is, how it affects those who live with it, and the strength and resilience behind their story.

https://www.gosh.nhs.uk/conditions-and-treatments/conditions-we-treat/apert-syndrome/

www.katymartinsyoga. com

insta: katy.martins77

facebook: katymartinsyoga

In this episode, we dive deep into the world of ADHD with the brilliant Connor Greene, an ADHD Behavioural Specialist, parenting coach, and the voice behind ADHD & ODD Parent Coaching. Whether you're a parent, educator, or navigating ADHD yourself, Connor offers practical insights, empathy, and evidence-based strategies to help you better understand and support the ADHD brain.

Connor shares real-life stories and actionable tips to reduce daily chaos, communicate effectively, and build stronger relationships with your child.

📚 Resources Mentioned:

Educational consultant Carly Steel is back, bringing her wealth of experience and expertise! She is the author of Consulting Autistic Young People on Their Personal Happiness, published in the Good Autism Practice journal. Carly began her career as a teacher at a specialist college, where she supported autistic young people, and later completed a master’s degree in autism. She then went on to coordinate alternative provisions for a major charity across the East Midlands and London.

Carly’s true passion was discovered in her role as Director and Head of Education at an outdoor alternative provision, wher...

In this episode, we delve into cerebral palsy, a neurological condition that affects movement and muscle coordination. Tahnee is joined by Neil and his wife, Mary Harris, to discuss the causes, symptoms, and various treatment options, including physical therapy and surgery. Tune in to gain valuable insights into how cerebral palsy impacts individuals and their families, and why self-care is essential to prevent burnout. Discover how early intervention can significantly enhance outcomes and improve quality of life for children affected by the condition.

For Neil, self-care meant riding his motorbike. This passion led him to write HondaBoy...

In this episode, Amelia Christie opens up about her journey as the mother of a child with both congenital heart disease and cerebral palsy. She shares the challenges and triumphs her family has experienced while navigating complex medical diagnoses, advocating for her son's health, and finding strength in the face of adversity. Through this conversation, listeners gain valuable insights into the realities of caring for a child with multiple health conditions, the importance of support systems, and the power of resilience.

https://www.jumpchildrenscharity.co.uk

https://www.clairehouse.org.uk

https://www...

In this episode, Tahnee speaks with Jon about Down syndrome, where he shares his personal experiences, challenges, and successes while providing a candid perspective on what life is like for his son living with the condition. Jon addresses common misconceptions and advocates for a more inclusive society.

https://downsyndromeuk.co.uk/

https://www.downs-syndrome.org.uk/

https://www.standoutsocks.co.uk/

https://www.shabang.org.uk/what-we-do/

https://chsf.org.uk/

In this episode, Tahnee is joined by Carly Steel, an Educational Consultant, who works closely with parents of neurodivergent children to enhance their child’s wellbeing, reduce anxiety, and promote family harmony. She is also the author of Consulting Autistic Young People on Their Personal Happiness, published in the Good Autism Practice journal.

In honor of Neurodiversity Celebration Week, today we explore the world of dyslexia—a prevalent learning difference that influences how individuals read, write, and process language. Dyslexia is much more than simply reversing letters; It brings unique challenges that can affect everything from academic achi...

Life can be incredibly demanding, particularly for parents of children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), who must balance numerous appointments and therapies. It often feels like we’re managing a variety of responsibilities at once, but it’s important to remember that it’s okay to let some things go in order to focus on becoming the best version of ourselves. In this episode, Tahnee speaks with Kelly Kearley, a SEND mother who transitioned from a career in event management in London to becoming a psychotherapeutic counsellor. Kelly founded Mind Over Matter Therapy to offer support, give back...

In this episode today, Tahnee talks with Gabby Zeppieri, the only adult in the US to be diagnosed with Neutral Lipid Storage Disease Myopathy NLSD-M, a rare genetic condition, where fats (lipids) are stored abnormally in organs and tissues throughout the body. The accumulation of fats in muscle tissue leads to muscle weakness (myopathy).

One of the reasons why such a small number of patients have been identified is un-awareness or less information of the disease.

https://www.gabbyswonderfulworld.org/

With the half term holidays in full swing, Tahnee takes some time off to become full time chef, taxi driver, bottom wiper, kids entertainer, cleaner and story teller. In this episode, we meet Isaac (9) and Reeva (4), who both wanted to be a part of the show. What's it like to have a sibling with a disability? and how well do they know him? Let's compare answers!

Landree Gail, a 7 year old girl from Oklahoma, was diagnosed at the age of 4 with a rare mutation form of Angelman Syndrome. Seizures, disruptive sleep patterns and short attention span are just a few signs and symptoms of this condition. Landree’s mother, April, shares her story with us today.

https://cureangelman.org.uk/

https://www.angelman.org/what-is-as/

https://www.instagram.com/colinfarrellfoundation/

https://www.instagram.com/aprilmchesser/

In 2021, Kim and Keith Firmin’s world was turned upside down after they were told during pregnancy that their unborn son had a complex heart - double inlet left ventricle (only 3 out of 4 heart chambers work) and pulmonary stenosis (heart valve disease). At just 9 days old, medical professionals noticed that Leo also had a type 3 laryngeal (Airway) cleft – which had to be surgically repaired 3 times. At 3 weeks old he had tracheostomy surgery. Today, his mother Kim, shares her story with Tahnee.

In this week's episode, Glenn Wilson, a pastor and creator of the Advocate of Hope on TikTok, which is dedicated to supporting parents, especially parents of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) joins Tahnee on the sofa. As a parent of an autistic child, Glenn understands the unique challenges and joys this journey brings. His mission is to encourage and uplift parents, helping them find strength, community, and hope in the midst of the struggles they face on a daily basis.

TikTok: @advocateofhope

Insta: glennadvocateofhope

https://www.kids.org.uk/sendiass-home/<...

One question Tahnee has been asked since starting this podcast is, "Who is Max? Tell us more!" Today we get to find out more about Max, as Tahnee shares her story with us.

https://www.kabukiuk.org.uk/

https://www.allthingskabuki.org/

https://www.kabukisyndromefoundation.org/

Armi Grace Petersen, a maternal health and infant occupational therapist from Illinois, talks to Tahnee on ‘The SEND Sofa’ about Sensory Processing Disorder, also known as SPD. Today, we learn to identify the possible signs of SPD and how it can impact on daily life.

The information contained in this podcast is for general educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice.  

Recommended book: "The Out-of-Sync Child": https://amzn.to/3ZwRxZ5

In this week’s episode, we celebrate World Braille Day! A worldwide celebration that takes place on 4th January each year. Tahnee Morgan is joined by Emma Thomas, the mum of 7 year old Archie, a young boy who is keen to show the world that having a vision impairment does not have to hold you back! Braille has become a huge part of Archie's life. Today we find out why.

Archie has faced many other challenges in his short life, a kidney transplant being one of them. However, no matter what this family have had thrown at th...

Welcome to 'The SEND Sofa' hosted by Tahnee Morgan