The Autism Mums Podcast
Welcome to The Autism Mums Podcast — a supportive space for parents and carers navigating life with autistic children. We’re your hosts, Victoria and Natalie, two sisters raising autistic children. We know the joy, the overwhelm and the thousand tiny moments no one else quite gets. That’s why we created this podcast - to offer a safe space, a sense of community, and some gentle encouragement along the way. In each episode, we’ll bring you honest conversations, shared strength, and expert insights to support your journey. Whether you're celebrating a win, managing a meltdown, or just trying to get thro...
The Summer Series: Travelling with Autistic Children
In the first of our Summer Series of The Autism Mums Podcast, we're returning to our episode where we're talking about travelling with autistic children. Whether it's a one night stay, a weekend with grandparents, or a long holiday.
Trips that other families might find routine can involve a huge amount of planning, uncertainty, and sensory challenges - different beds and pillows, unfamiliar food, noisy or crowded spaces, and even hidden safety hazards in accommodation.
We're sharing our experiences - what helped, what didn't, and our suggestions of what might help you too.
...
When the Whistleblower Spoke: Why Parents Weren’t Surprised
When ITV News aired a story featuring an anonymous whistleblower who had worked inside a council SEND department, the reaction across the SEND community was striking.
It wasn’t shock.
It was recognition.
In this week's episode of The Autism Mums Podcast, we reflect on the allegations raised in the report, including claims of deliberate delay tactics, avoidance of written records, and communication strategies that left families feeling ignored or pushed aside.
We also share our own lived experiences navigating the system:
Unanswered emails and callsOut‑of‑office responses at critic...Why 'Self-Care' Doesn't Work for Autism Parents, And What Does with Ricky Du Plessis
In this week's episode of The Autism Mums Podcast we welcome SEND dad and advocate, Ricky Du Plessis, to the show.
Biography
Ricky Du Plessis is a SEND dad, advocate and podcast host on a mission to support the parents and professionals who care for children with special needs in overcoming the associated chronic stress. His son has level-3 autism and an ongoing ARFID assessment, so he lives the chronic stress he talks about. Unusually, Ricky was deep into metabolic health and the link between metabolic health and our mental resilience, before his son was...
Is School the Only Option? Understanding EOTAS for SEND Families with Lauren Vermeulen
If your child is struggling to attend school, you might be wondering what the options are. In this week's episode of The Autism Mums Podcast we welcome back Lauren Vermeulen from Victory-us to talk about EOTAS (Education Otherwise Than At or In School).
Biography
Lauren is the founder of Victory-us, an independent SEND Teacher - supporting, empowering and providing EOTAS to send children. Lauren has taught in a variety of schools and SEND provisions, leading emotional regulation, behaviour support trainings and PSHE. She has expertise in supporting children with bespoke and tailored learning and mental...
Your Child's EHCP Isn't Being Followed - Here's What to Do with Lauren Vermeulen
If you've ever felt like your child's Education, Health and Care Plan isn't being properly implemented this episode is for you. In this episode, we're joined by specialist SEND teacher and advocate Lauren Vermeulen, founder of Victory-Us, to break down exactly what parents can do when a school isn't following an EHCP.
Biography
Lauren is the founder of Victory-us, an independent SEND Teacher - supporting, empowering and providing EOTAS to send children. Lauren has taught in a variety of schools and SEND provisions, leading emotional regulation, behaviour support trainings and PSHE. She has expertise in...
ADHD Explained: Signs, Diagnosis & Real Life
In this week's episode of The Autism Mums Podcast, we’re talking about ADHD — what it is, how it’s diagnosed in the UK, the traits parents might notice, and how it can interact with autism in real life.
ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects attention regulation, impulse control and activity levels. But beyond the clinical definitions from the NHS and NICE guidance, ADHD is lived — in busy mornings, movement breaks, emotional intensity, creativity and exhaustion.
We explore:
What the NHS and NICE say about ADHDHow ADHD is assessed and diag...What is Autism? We're Talking About It
In this week's episode of The Autism Mums Podcast we're going back to basics and talking about what autism actually is.
We cover what autism is and what it isn't, why the word 'spectrum' is so widely misunderstood, and what it can feel like to hear that word applied to your child for the first time. We also get into some of the phrases that drive every autism parent quietly up the wall and why they matter more than people realise.
Key Takeaways
Autism is a neurodevelopmental difference - it's about how the brain...SEND Reform UK: Rights at Risk?
In this week's episode of The Autism Mums Podcast we're talking about the proposed SEND Reforms 2026 and what they could mean for families across the UK.
The Government says the changes aim to make mainstream schools more inclusive, reduce EHCP numbers, and introduce new “layers” of support but many parents are concerned about what this could mean for legal protections, specialist provision, and access to support.
After attending a local community meeting with our MP and submitting our own consultation response as parents, we share the common themes, key concerns, and the questions that still rema...
Puberty, Periods and Neurodivergent Kids with Cath Hakanson
Puberty is a long season of change and for neurodivergent children, that can feel especially overwhelming. In this episode, Victoria and Natalie are joined by Cath Hakanson, sex educator and founder of Sex Ed Rescue, who shares practical, reassuring guidance on talking to autistic and ADHD kids about puberty, bodies, and growing up.
Cath is late-diagnosed autistic and ADHD herself, and brings both professional expertise and lived experience to the conversation.
About Cath Hakanson
Cath Hakanson is a clinical sexuality educator, registered nurse, and founder of Sex Ed Rescue, a global platform that...
EBSA & Autism: School Avoidance Isn’t Defiance with Caroline Sutton
In this week's episode of The Autism Mums Podcast Natalie is joined by psychotherapist, author and former NHS specialist nurse Caroline Sutton to talk about Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA) and why so many neurodivergent children experience school as overwhelming or unsafe.
When a child can’t go to school, it’s rarely about defiance.
Caroline shares over 37 years of professional experience supporting children and families, alongside her lived experience as a neurodivergent parent. Together, we explore the emotional and neurological roots of school anxiety and why traditional behaviour-based approaches often make things worse.
If...
Understanding Sensory Differences in Autism
Sensory differences affect up to 95% of autistic people, yet they’re often misunderstood as “fussy” behaviour or being dramatic.
In this episode, we break down what sensory processing really is.
Key Takeaways
The 8 sensory systems (not just the 5 you learned at school)Hypersensitivity vs hyposensitivitySensory defensivenessWhy supermarkets, lunch halls, hand dryers and clothing can feel unbearableHow sensory overload impacts eating, sleep, learning and behaviourPractical strategies for calming, alerting and organising regulationWe also share personal examples from our own families and discuss how to support sensory needs at home and in school, with c...
Before the Diagnosis: What to Do When Your Child Is Struggling and Support Feels Miles Away
In this week's episode of The Autism Mums Podcast we're talking about what to do when your child is struggling and support feels a long way off.
We talk honestly about what it feels like when things start to break down before any formal support is in place, and share the practical things that actually helped us and our children during that difficult waiting period.
Key Takeaways
You are not alone — there will be other parents in the same situation, often hovering outside the same school gate.Schools receive additional funding for children on th...Growing Up Together: Siblings and Autism
In this episode, Natalie and Victoria talk about raising siblings who have different needs.
Key Takeaways
How sibling dynamics shift over time, especially as children reach their teensThe unique challenges that come with PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance) in sibling relationshipsWhy it's important to let siblings just be siblings, rather than stepping into a co-parenting roleSensory clashes between siblings — when one child's coping mechanism is another's triggerExplaining autism to younger siblings in an age-appropriate wayHow to handle meltdowns when both children need you at the same timeFairness vs. equality — why "everyone gets what they need" is a more...PDA Parenting
In this week's episode of The Autism Mums Podcast we're returning to the subject of PDA, or Pathological Demand Avoidance.
PDA is a profile of autism where the standout feature is demand avoidance - and the behaviours that come with it are often misunderstood, dismissed as naughtiness or stubbornness. We're drawing on guidance from the PDA Society alongside our own lived experience to help you understand what's really going on, and what actually helps.
Key Takeaways
PDA is an autism profile where everyday demands can trigger intense anxiety and a need for control.Responses...Encore: Challenging Behaviours, A Late Autism Diagnosis and Motherness with Julie Green
In this 'in case you missed it' episode Victoria and Natalie chat with Julie Green, author of Motherness, to explore the realities of parenting through autism both as a mum to an autistic son and as a woman who discovered her own autism later in life.
Biography
Julie M. Green is a Canadian writer whose work has been featured in the Washington Post, HuffPost, The Globe and Mail, Today’s Parent, and Chatelaine. She has appeared on CTV, BBC Radio, SiriusXM, and CBC Radio. She writes The Autistic Mom on Substack. For more information, visit Ju...
Travelling with Autistic Children
In this week's episode of The Autism Mums Podcast we're talking about travelling with autistic children. Whether it's a one night stay, a weekend with grandparents, or a long holiday.
Trips that other families might find routine can involve a huge amount of planning, uncertainty, and sensory challenges - different beds and pillows, unfamiliar food, noisy or crowded spaces, and even hidden safety hazards in accommodation.
We're sharing our experiences - what helped, what didn't, and our suggestions of what might help you too.
Key Takeaways
Small preparations can help. Consider doing...Autistic Burnout in Children
In this week's episode of The Autism Mums Podcast we’re talking about autistic burnout.
We share our personal experiences of supporting our children through burnout, from shutdowns and sensory overwhelm to emotional exhaustion and withdrawal. We also open up about how life events (including unexpected changes and disruptions to routine) can tip the balance and lead to burnout.
We explore what autistic burnout can look like in children, what can cause it, and most importantly what can help.
Key Takeaways
How autistic burnout can present Increased meltdowns, shutdowns, or physical complaints ca...Toothbrushing Tips for Autistic Children
In this episode of The Autism Mums Podcast we’re tackling a small daily chore that can become a huge battleground — teeth, toothpaste and trips to the dentist.
Using our own stories, we explore why toothbrushing can be so difficult for autistic children: the sensory overload, the disruption of routine, strong reactions to flavors and textures, and how a wobbly tooth or a filling can turn a familiar ritual upside down.
Key Takeaways
Sensory and routine issues can be at the root of toothbrushing struggles — a wobbly tooth, change in texture, or a disrupted order...Why Friendships Change When You’re Raising an Autistic Child
In this week's episode of The Autism Mums Podcast Victoria and Natalie talk about how relationships can shift when your family begins navigating autism, even before a diagnosis is confirmed. As priorities change and the reality of advocating for your child sets in, friendships can evolve, strengthen, or sometimes drift apart.
Key Takeaways
Raising an autistic child can reshape your priorities and change the person you become.How advocacy for your child can challenge social expectations and sometimes make others uncomfortable.Friendships may evolve as your life begins to revolve around meeting your child’s needs.Co...Why Understanding Neurodivergence Changes Everything with Paul Mosson
In this week's episode of The Autism Mums Podcast we welcome Paul Mosson, CEO of the Cost Lawyer Standards Board (CLSB) to the show. Paul identifies as a gay man with ADHD and advocates for inclusive and safe environments where individuals can turn up as their true selves confidently and without fear.
Biography
Paul (he/him/his) is CEO of the Costs Lawyer Standards Board (CLSB), the organisation responsible for regulating Costs Lawyers in England and Wales. The CLSB plays a vital role in upholding public confidence in the legal system by setting and enforcing...
Encore: Exploring Sleep Struggles for Autistic Children
We wanted to return to the subject of sleep struggles as this is something that touches many of us.
We’re joined by the fabulous 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.
Biography
Maria Moreno is a certified paediatric sleep co...
Encore: It Shouldn’t Be This Hard: Advocating Through the System
In this week’s re-released episode of The Autism Mums Podcast, we’re talking about something that so many families raising autistic children will recognise - the exhausting and often disheartening process of dealing with the local authority.
This episode is an honest look at how hard it can be to get what your child needs and how important it is to stay organised, persistent and strong.
Key Takeaways
Keeping on top of it all: Parents and carers are often left chasing reports, updates, and decisions just to keep things moving.
You...
Encore: Breaking Down Barriers to Education for Neurodivergent Children
We're returning to the archives for this 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.
Key Takeaways
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...
Encore: Caring for Yourself When Your Child Is Having a Tough Day
In this week's episode of The Autism Mums Podcast we're returning to our earlier episode where we talk about ways to look after yourself when your child is having a tough day.
Key Takeaways
How supporting our children with their emotions can leave us feeling completely drained.
Common mistakes we’ve made when trying to "push through" a tough day.
Simple ways we try to carve out moments of calm: meditation, breathing space, and gentle resets.
How creating a comforting environment - with blankets, candles, soft music - can ma...
Encore: Practical Ways to Help Your Autistic Child with Daily Life
We're re-releasing another episode from the archives this week where we talk about the practical ways we can help our autistic children with daily life.
We’re sharing some of the things that have helped us make daily life a bit easier with our autistic children. From using timers and visual timetables to experimenting with tooth brushes and finding softer clothing.
These are ideas that have worked for us, they might help you too, or simply offer reassurance that you’re not alone on this journey.
Key Takeaways
Timers and visual supp...
Encore: What is PDA?
Another episode from the archives this week. We're returning to our episode where we dive into the unique challenges of raising a child with a PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance) profile. We're sharing our personal stories, strategies, and reflections to help parents and caregivers better understand and support their children navigating PDA-related behaviours.
Key Takeaways
PDA is driven by anxiety and a need for control; traditional demands can trigger refusal.Offering controlled choices helps reduce pressure and gives children a sense of agency.Visual schedules and plenty of preparation help ease transitions and reduce stress.Managing your...Encore: Getting an EHCP
We're returning to the archives again this week to our episode all about EHCP's. We’re talking about the journey to getting an EHCP - what it is, why it matters, and what the process looked like for our families.
We’ll share the lessons we learned along the way with the hope that it helps you navigate the process and feel a little more prepared.
Key Takeaways
An EHCP can provide vital, legally binding support
You don't need a formal diagnosis to apply for an EHCP
Schools may not...
Encore: Victoria's Son's Autism Diagnosis Journey
In this week’s encore episode of The Autism Mums Podcast, Victoria reveals the emotional journey of her son’s autism diagnosis. She reflects on the early signs that were often misunderstood and the battles faced in educational settings, culminating in the significant moment of receiving an official diagnosis. As one of our most popular episodes, we wanted to share this again as there are so many on this path to diagnosis.
Key Takeaways
Autism signs can often be masked or misunderstood, especially in young children.
Building a support network of other parents is c...
Encore: Natalie's Son's Autism Diagnosis Journey
In this week’s encore episode of The Autism Mums Podcast, we are revisiting our look into the journey toward an autism diagnosis. Natalie opens up about her experiences with her son, reflecting on the subtle early signs and the drawn-out process of seeking support.
Key Takeaways
Early signs aren't always obvious: It's common to realize things only in hindsight.
Not all settings impact children the same way: Different environments can highlight or mask challenges.
The path to diagnosis is often long: Waiting times can be frustrating, but support exists even be...
Encore: Helping Your Autistic Child with Anxiety
In this week’s encore episode of The Autism Mums Podcast, join us as we navigate the complex landscape of anxiety in autistic children. We share our personal insights and experiences, exploring the diverse ways anxiety can manifest, including meltdowns, shutdowns, and sensory overloads.
Whether you're early on in your autism journey or navigating school-age challenges, this episode offers reassurance, relatable stories, and real-world strategies that can make a difference.
Key Takeaways
Anxiety presents differently in autistic children: It might show up as shutdowns, meltdowns, repetitive questions, anger, or even physical symptoms like tu...
Autism and Challenging Behaviour with Carl Draper (Part 2)
In this week’s episode of The Autism Mums Podcast, we welcome back Carl Draper for part two of our conversation.
In the first part, Carl shares his personal experiences as a parent, how his understanding of behaviour has changed over time, and why unmet needs and stress responses are so often misunderstood.
In this second part, Carl reflects on the challenges we can’t always predict or prevent, the importance of support systems and environment, and what helps parents regulate their own emotions when things feel overwhelming.
Biography
Carl Draper was...
Autism and Challenging Behaviour with Carl Draper (Part 1)
In this week’s episode of The Autism Mums Podcast, we welcome back Carl Draper for part one of a two-part conversation.
His last episode, learning to hear a child who doesn't speak, sparked so many questions from listeners, that we invited Carl back to talk more about the topic of challenging behaviours and autism.
In this first part, Carl shares his personal experiences as a parent, how his understanding of behaviour has changed over time, and why unmet needs and stress responses are so often misunderstood.
Biography
Carl Draper was bo...
Rebuilding Relationships While Supporting Neurodivergent Children with Carla Wainwright
In today’s episode, of The Autism Mums Podcast, Victoria is hosting solo as Nat is home with an unwell little one. She’s joined by the wonderful Carla Wainwright, a Holistic Wellness Coach and Relationship Transformation specialist who supports parents and couples navigating the stress, overwhelm, and emotional load that can come when a child’s health or development needs extra support.
Carla Wainwright's Biography
Carla Wainwright is a Holistic Wellness Coach and Relationship Transformation specialist who helps parents and couples navigate the stress, disconnection, and overwhelm that can come when a child’s health o...
Managing Christmas Challenges for Neurodivergent Families
In this week's episode of The Autism Mums Podcast we're talking about something that many families find really tough, the Christmas season. It's a time that's meant to feel magical, but for many of our autistic children, it can actually be really overwhelming, unpredictable, and stressful.
Key Takeaways
Understanding Christmas Overwhelm: Many autistic children find the Christmas season stressful due to changes in routine and expectations.
Addressing Pre-Christmas Challenges: Difficulties can arise well before Christmas Day, with alterations in school activities and the build-up of holiday expectations.
Communication and Preparation: Clear co...
Charmaine Champ: Supporting Neurodivergent Children with Toileting Challenges
Toileting challenges can feel overwhelming for parents of neurodivergent children, especially when withholding, accidents, or anxiety become part of everyday life. In this episode, we’re joined by the compassionate and highly experienced Charmaine Champ, who brings over 30 years of professional and lived experience to help families understand what’s really happening inside their child’s body. Charmaine shares why toileting can feel so hard, the small steps that make progress possible, and the gentle, practical strategies that help children feel safe and confident.
Biography
Charmaine Champ is a Registered Nurse in Learning Disability (RNLD), Commun...
Creating Inclusive Holidays for Neurodivergent Families with Karen Mason
In this week's episode of The Autism Mums Podcast we welcome Karen Mason to the show.
Biography
Karen Mason grew up in Hertfordshire with five brothers and built a 35-year career with Bourne Leisure, one of the UK’s leading holiday park operators. Alongside her professional journey, she supported three neurodivergent family members and cared for her father through dementia. These personal experiences highlighted the lack of support for neurodivergent families in holiday parks. Driven to make a difference, Karen founded My Safe Place, combining her industry expertise with her passion for inclusion. Her mission is...
Every Pair Tells a Story
In this week's episode of The Autism Mums Podcast reflect on attending the peaceful protest Every Pair Tells a Story, led by The SEND Sanctuary.
Key Takeaways
The Every Pair Tells a Story protest shone a light on thousands of children across the UK who have been left without the education or support they deserve.Each pair of shoes represented a child and the pain, resilience, and determination of the families standing behind them.Parents and carers united peacefully to demand accountability, compassion, and systemic change.The stories of children like Archie, Harper, Izzy, Lucas, and...Navigating the Waiting Game: Essential Tips for Parents of Kids with Autism
In this week's episode of The Autism Mums Podcast, we discuss the challenges faced by parents navigating the waiting period for their child's autism diagnosis. We explore strategies for gathering evidence, advocating for support, and managing the differences in behaviour between home and school settings. With practical tips and personal insights, we aim to empower parents to take proactive steps during this often frustrating and isolating time.
Key Takeaways
Understanding the Waiting Game: Many parents face the challenge of navigating the waiting period for their child's autism diagnosis, often feeling isolated and unsure of the...
Challenging Behaviours, A Late Autism Diagnosis and Motherness with Julie Green
In this episode Victoria and Natalie chat with Julie Green, author of Motherness, to explore the realities of parenting through autism both as a mum to an autistic son and as a woman who discovered her own autism later in life.
Biography
Julie M. Green is a Canadian writer whose work has been featured in the Washington Post, HuffPost, The Globe and Mail, Today’s Parent, and Chatelaine. She has appeared on CTV, BBC Radio, SiriusXM, and CBC Radio. She writes The Autistic Mom on Substack. For more information, visit JulieMGreen.ca.
Key Ta...
Essential Advocacy Tips for Parents of Neurodivergent Children with Greer Jones
In this week's episode of The Autism Mums Podcast we welcome Greer Jones to the show.
Biography
Greer Jones is a speaker, writer, and podcast host passionate about building understanding and connection in the neurodiverse world. As a mom raising an autistic and ADHD child, and part of a neurodivergent couple herself, she brings honesty, empathy, and lived experience to her work. She is the creator of The Unfinished Idea podcast and online community, where she provides encouragement, practical tools, and a reminder that no one has to walk this journey alone. Her story has...
