An episode using my knowledge and experience of Spelling to Communicate as both a practitioner and parent. Helping families to understand the term Praxis and why nonspeaking, minimally and unreliably speaking autistic individuals are Apraxic.

#2 Guest n/a

#3 Time Stamps

0:00 Intro - Get S2C mentioned on those EHCP's in the UK

2:36 Praxis and what we know from Spellers themselves

3:52 Types of Motor

6:16 Praxis is...

7:32 Apraxia is...

11:42 Purposeful motor is regulating

12:58 Talk to the body and breaks down the steps of movement required

14:37 What has made such a big difference to us in the home

17:17 Why CRP's need to start on the 3 boards/stencils, always

19:32 Don't give up and wrap up

#4 Bullet Points

• A topic related to Spelling to Communicate
• What we DO know about nonspeakers, from nonspeakers
• Brain body disconnect
• Types of Motor
• Praxis
• Apraxia
• Why its important to understand
• Break it down and prompt
• Purposeful motor in S2C and the home
• The parent life

#5 Calls to Action

pre-roll = I-ASC

mid roll = n/a

end roll = thanks and share

#6 References and Links n/a

#7 Social Media n/a

#8 Next Episode tbc

A short and lighthearted New Year's episode on the popular decision so many parents of neurodivergent children come to at a certain stage on their journey to get a pet to help their autistic and/or neurodivergent child. Much like becoming aware of possible adhd traits we seem to get sucked into stories and advice about how good a pet can be, especially when our children are struggling with socialisation and accessing the community - calming, sensory, connection, confidence boosting, anxiety reducing, speech improving, the lot. And of course, as parents, we put aside all our current coping and sleep deprivation woes and decide we absolutely should and must try this, it could be a game changer. My own disastrous personal experience shared.

#2 Guest: n/a

#3 Time Stamps:

00: Intro

0:33 Personal advice - don't do this! Ha ha ha

1:26 Part of the journey along with adhd when it comes to autism

6:40 Our family story

9:32 Child toys vs dog toys...competition

13:50 The vet said "NO" re-home this dog

17:15 Hindsight

18:11 What Henry has now said in his own words through Spelling to Communicate

#4 Bullet Points:

1. When and why families come to the decision to get a pet for their autistic and/or neurodivergent child, to help.
2. What you should know before you commit
3. My personal story shared
4. Conclusions

#5 Calls to Action:

pre-roll - n/a

mid roll - website newsletter sign-up

end-roll - upcoming Boot Camp

#6 References and Links - see below

#7 Social Media: n/a

#8 Next Episode: Getting to Grips with Praxis

#2 Guest: n/a

#3 0:00 - 4:46 Intro - it's been a while.

4:47 Adhd becoming apparent in your child in their early primary years in non-speaking, minimally or unreliably speaking autistic children.

7:10 What us parents are trying to do.

8:03 Not having motor control, heightened sensory systems and briefly explaining praxis.

12:55 What to expect

16:40 Side effects - loss of appetite, sleep difficulties

20:02 Mainstream/speaking children and a diagnosis in a young adult

22:57 When they decide to stop taking their meds

24:56 Wrapping up and all that.

#4 Summary:

1. Adhd becoming apparent in your non-speaking autistic
2. Autism and Adhd go hand in hand in up to 80% of nonspeakers
3. What us parents are trying to do
4. Not having control of your motor - aparaxia
5. What to expect
6. Side effects of meds
7. Adhd in a speaking/mainstream young adult
8. When they decide not to take their meds

#5 References: see below

#6 Calls to Action:

Pre Roll - newsletter sign up and finding webpage

Mid Roll - n/a

End Roll - follow the podcast, leave a review, email in

#7 Social Media: n/a

#8 Next Episode: Let's Get a Pet to Help Our Autistic Child

Introducing Harriet Carter and telling the story of how we met. Harriet is opening her own new SEN primary school near Maidstone in Kent, UK in September 2025 and will be introducing Spelling to Communicate (S2C). Harriet has been in education for over 20 years, has a non speaking nephew Lenny and has spent the best of five years acquiring a site, finding investors and planning her new school called Earley Springs. We talk about her journey, some of the hardships and triumphs, why the name, S2C and looking ahead.

#2 Guest:

Harriet Carter - Owner, Founder and Head Teacher of Earley Springs.

#3 Time Stamps:

0:00 Intro - Starting Conversations, how Harriet and |I met and introducing her.

4:26 Harriet tells us her personal and professional story about why she is opening this new school.

7:05 Every day is a school day!

8:27 Inspired by her Auntie and nephew hence the school name.

10:15 SEN Schools where set up by parents, families, relatives with a connection who actually know what to provide.

11:08 School name and logo + vision for the school.

12:10 Top Tips. 3 Highs. 3 Challenges.

14:13 The London Marathon!

17:45 Harriet's absolute dream and the curriculum.

23:36 A blueprint for other parents/individuals do the same.

25:00 Spelling to Communicate / S2C.

34:43 Why I'm excited - the whole communication approach.

36:17 True inclusion starts with presuming competence and knowing that children and adults want to and can learn.

37:11 Open Day 9 August 1-3pm. All welcome.

#4 Bullet Points:

• How Harriet and I met and who she is + what she is doing.
• Setting up her own school from scratch - SEN Primary.
• Why; behind the name; Highs and lows.
• The broken system and how great the need is.
• School Blueprints
• S2C - Harriet's experience coming to observe a session of mine.
• Whole communication approach.
• OPEN DAY 9 AUGUST 2025 1-3PM.

#5 External References and Links: see below

#6 Calls to Action: N/A

#7 Social Media:

fb - Earley Springs

#8 Next Episode: tbc

Trying to tactfully (and probably not successfully) put it out there that non speaking, minimally and unreliably speaking autism is not quite the same journey as other autism or neurodivergent journeys and the therapies, schools and health care do therefore not always work as well, at all, or in the same way. There are so many commoin themes of wha tparents do to try and get their chiuldren and adults the help they need so this episode is dedicated ot sharing those, having alaugh over things tried and trying help others get honest, real advice on what pwrks, what doesn't, how and why. When all th ewhile each individual is unique and different.

#2 Guest n/a

#3 Time Stamps:

0:00 Intro - see summary above and starting with diagnosis

4:10 Do what works for you, your child and your family

6:27 Speech and Language + Occupational Therapy

11:42 There is nothing you should be doing, don't panic.

12:09 Diet and nutrition

16:37 What our children are

17:24 Why do S2C - the importance of and basic right to communication

19:35 Sleep onset issues

23:45 adhd meds

25:20 anti anxiety meds

25:56 Back to S2C. It works. New School coming soon and using S2C!

28:15 Finding the right school

#4 Bullet Points: Common Themes

• Diagnosis
• SlT and OT intervention and therapy
• Diet
• S2C
• Sleep
• Meds
• Schools

#5 Calls to Action:

Early/mid roll - newsletter

Mid+ roll - Guest episode coming soon re new S2C using school!

End roll - thank you re podcast

#6 Links and References: n/a

7# Social media: n/a

#8 Next Episode:

Harriet Carter of Earley Springs - new SEN primary opening in Kent Sept 2025

My non-speaking son Henry, now 14 and I are up on the 26 letter-board now that is hugely exciting and also challenging - a bit like starting all over again. And episode sharing our tirals and tribulations with being a parent CRP (co-regulation partner) and some tips and wisdom that have been passed on to me as a Practitioner now from the one and only Elizabeth Vosseller (EV) and her equally amazing counterpart Anna Lechleiter of Palz Ireland.

#2 Guest: N/A

#3 Time Stamps:

0:00 Intro to Episode.

1:43 How practice is going at home and being up on the 26.

4:57 Toggling.

8:00 Mispokes and 3 board foundations.

9:22 The excitement and experience of semi-opens, prior knowledge and even open questions.

10:45 Encouragement, emotions and expectations.

13:30 The Motor vs Cognitive balance i.e. seesaw.

16:36 Reassurances and being cool!

20:29 Windows into their personalities.

22:07 Not assuming we know what they are thinking and feeling by looking at their bodies.

24:15 Working through dysregulation and being the mailmen/women.

#4 Main Points

• Practice - resonating with parents.
• Toggling up/down on the 26 stencil.
• Mispokes/Typos.
• 3 board foundations
• Semi-opens and opens!
• Motor v Cognitive balance.
• Reassurance and encouragement.
• Not reading into what their bodies are doing.
• Being mailmen/women.

#5 References: see below for details on I=ASC (International Association for Spelling as Communication or S2C) and Anna at Palz Ireland.

#6 Calls to Action:

pre-roll: welcome and thank you

mid-roll: i-asc

end-roll: inviting guests and how to become a practitioner

#7 Social media n/a

#8 Next Episode tbc

An episode for those of you who live the same life as we do i.e. with neurodivergent and SEN children, to resonate with, feel validated by, laugh at and know you are not alone when it comes to travelling. And for others listening to know our struggles, become aware and help us change attitudes. Encompassing all things travel related from walking to the local shops, to cars; buses; trains, and planes. Even pushchairs! No boats though.

#2 Guest: N/A

#3 Time Stamps:

0:00 Intro to Episode.

2:14 The baby and the pushchair.

5:45 These are some of the hardest moments.

6:52 The post toddler and the pushchair!

8:59 Public transport and hyper vigilance - walking, buses, trains.

15:14 Disabled Parking Badges.

19:08 Public toilets.

23:26 Flying.

34:24 If you never want to brave flying, that's fine.

37:50 The balance.

#4 Main Points

• Moments and times when it's the most difficult for parents/carers.
• Walks, Pushchairs, cars, buses, trains.
• Road safety.
• Flying.
• Balance and being ok with your choices.

#5 References: see below for details on I=ASC (International Association for Spelling as Communication or S2C)

#6 Calls to Action:

pre-roll: free 30 min episodes to please share

mid-roll: my webpage + newsletter + blogs

#7 Social media n/a

#8 Next Episode tbc

An hour long episode with guest Helen Adderley who is so charming and intelligent and joy to chat with. Helen talks us through her own personal journey with her son Phil, becoming a Spell2Communicate Practitioner and most importantly about her book of lessons for non speaking, minimally and unreliably speaking individuals learning to spell to communicate plus how to write a good lesson. it is relevant to all Practitioners, Practitioners in Training (PITs) and parents and CRP's (co-regulation partners).

#2 Guest: Helen Adderley

#3 Time Stamps:

0:00 Intro to Episode.

2:30 Introducing Helen Adderley and how her and I met.

4:28 Helen and her son Phil's journey/story- PECS, Signing.

9:43 Finding S2C and training to become a Practitioner.

18:53 Why the lesson is so important: boredom. flow. momentum.

24:23 Categorisation = Age Appropriate. Follow the flow with your questions (multicoloured).

25:23 Spellers want to learn. keep it interesting, conversational. Take note of day to day things that interest or fascinate you + any of your own experiences, memories, passions.

27:04 There must be a mutual respect. A lesson as Elizabeth Vosseller says is.."an invitation to have a conversation".

28:15 Helen's 7 Top Tips for Lesson Writing.

46:12 Helen's Book: "British -Themed S2C Lessons" is available on Amazon and is for older/adult spellers. All proceeds are being donated to the non-profit organisation I-ASC (International Association for Spelling as Communication).

#4 Main Points

• Helen and her son's Phil's backstories
• Why a good lesson is important
• Top Tips for parents, PITs, CRP's, Practitioners
• Helen's book and where to buy it
• What's next...new book for younger spellers in collaboration wiht me/Trish O'Dwyer.

#5 References

If you live in the North Wales area and are looking for a certified S2C Practitioner for your non-speaking, minimally or unreliably speaking child/adult please contact either Helen Adderley helenadderley@stocuk.com or Iwona Koza Iwonakoza25@gmail.com

#6 Calls to Action n/a

#7 Social media n/a

#8 Next Episode tbc

As much as we love and embrace our neurodivergent children, raising them is challenging and often leaves us feeling as though we are going round in circles. An honest look at parenting my own two sons and their adhd, one being 13 and non-speaking autistic, the other 21 and at home having dropped out of uni. Sharing the woes experienced with diagnosis; impulsivity in the brain; medication; executive function; disassociation, demand avoidance.

#2 Guest n/a

#3 Time Stamps

0:00 Intro

1:25 personal family history on 3 x adhd diagnoses in my two sons and daughter.

2:16 Diagnosis and meds for a non-speaking autistic 8yr old

7:20 Separating the autism from the adhd

8:39 The 21 year old's story of adhd

10:54 The day to day woes

13:56 Executive function

17:06 Disassociation

18:31 Demand avoidance

21:04 we are both learning, I am learning to not expect a neurotypical journey and to work with who my child is and what he can actually do.

22:44 Extra time in exams whine!

#4 Main Points

• family history on adhd and diagnosing
• meds
• day to day woes as a parent
• executive function; disassociation; demand avoidance
• learning to do better as a parent
• wrap up with some positivity

#5 References n/a

#6 Calls to Action

pre-roll: thanks and share

#7 Social media n/a

#8 Next Episode tbc

#2 Guest N/A

#3 Time Stamps

00:00 Intro and 3 reasons why I am recording this episode.

2:00 Learning form our own neurodivergent children and adults.

4:30 Being done with the guilt and shame of having my child in a part residential school.

5:05 What others assume.

6:25 What the truth is and how incredible these schools and their staff are.

8:33 Our experience and the benefit to our son and family.

9:32 The impact (on me) and where our son is at now 2.5 yrs on.

18:21 Support for parents/carers making a decision on a residential school.

#4 Summary

• awareness, help in decision making, shutting the naysayers up
• do not judge
• what others assume
• the truth - residential schools (good ones)
• our sons progress and the benefits to him and the family
• support, encouragement and validation for parents/carers

#5 Calls to Action

Pre-roll: thanks to listeners and recent stats

Mid-roll: n/a

End-roll: n/a

#6 References/Links

N/A

#7 Social media

N/A

#8 Next Episode - tbc

#2 Guest N/A

#3 Time Stamps

0:00 Intro to episode and Part A recap.

1:00 What S2C sessions look like and involve.

3:13 Becoming a co-regulation partner (CRP).

9:30 What your practitioner will teach you the parent about: speech vs language; types of motor; presuming competence; the boards/stencils and how to use.

14:35 Paradigm shifts to make as a parent.

19:35 What is least dangerous assumption you could make?

20:57 Where I am at with Henry so far and how it has gone during the past 9 months or so.

#4 Summary

• Part A recap
• Becoming a CRP
• Learning about elements of S2C: speech v language; motor; competence; boards
• Paradigm shifts to make
• Where Henry and I are at in our journey now after 9 months or so

#5 References/Links/Books:

see links below

#6 Calls to Action

mid-roll: my monthly newsletter on www.thethreadsoflife.co.uk

#7 Social Media

see @_thethreadsoflife_

#8 Next Episode

November and tbc

#2 Guest: N/A

#3 Time Stamps:

0:00 Intro

0:13 Neurodivergent children are measured against what neurotypical children their same age can do. Not fair or appropriate.

1:14 No-one in education is harnessing the potential of the ND mind or even being curious.

3:25 The environment you place them and their amazing brains in is key.

5:00 Nonspeaking, minimally or unreliably speaking individuals and Apraxia

6:35 There is no look to listening or to intelligence

10:07 Using my son as reference for and naming examples of - me reaching out to parents and their children/adults who are really struggling right now.

16:12 There is model or previous generation experience or anything even from most of our parents on how to support and raise an ND child.

18:30 It gets better! It does. Example - sleep.

21:38 The water trick and recognise, acknowledge and celebrate the tiny wins. They are actually BIG wins.

#4 Summary

• neurodivergent minds are simply brains that work in a range of different ways.
• How ND children's progress is typically measured in education.
• Apraxia, the brain v body disconnect
• There is no look to intelligence or to listening.
• Reference to and examples of what progress looks like in my own son Henry who is nonspeaking, autistic and adhd.
• There is no guide or support for parents.
• It does get better, there IS progress, they do grow up.
• Recognise, acknowledge and celebrate the tiny wins, they are what progress looks like and they are huge!

#5 Calls to Action

Pre-roll: My Journey with S2C episode mention.

Mid-roll: Uniquely Human Podcast.

End-roll: none

#6 References/Links

None

#7 Social media

N/A

#8 Next Episode

tbc

#2 Guest N/A

#3 Time Stamps

0:00 Intro

2:05 Advocacy; Identity First Language and Disability.

5:20 The Neurodiversity model of Disability.

6:42 What neurodiversity is not.

8:18 Abelism, what is it?

10:53 We are ALL as human beings co-dependent.

13:49 Myths about non speaking autistic individuals.

17:35 Inclusion.

#4

• Intro and where I have learned about neurodiversity, abelism and inclusion from.
• Advocacy, Identity first language; Disability models.
• What is neurodiversity, abelism and inclusion + what they are not.
• Analogies to help us understand and relate to.
• Myths about non speaking autistic individuals
• Spelling 2 Communicate
• Quotes and references

#5 Calls to Action

pre-roll: webpage

mid-roll: thank you re podcast listens and please share

end-roll: newsletter sign-up

#6 References.

Quotes:

Neurodiversity - Judi Singer; Steve Silberman (author of Neurotribes book); Thomas Armstrong.

Inclusion - Miller & Katz 2002; Newton 2017; Cheryl Jorgensen.

#7 Social media

N/A

#8 Next Episode

What does Progress Look Like?

#2 N/A

#3 Time Stamps:

0:00 Intro

1:50 Where it all began/how I found out about

2:56 Tit bit - put yourself out there, take the plunge, it's a journey

4:14 Meeting Emma Bond (and her son George)

5:00 Act for Autism - Tessa and Jane, Warwickshire (+ their book)

6:17 S2C - A personal story in a book called "Underestimated". So, what is it?

10:26 Elizabeth Vossellor (EV), Founder of S2C and evidence based methodology

12:13 Meeting EV and Anna Lechleiter of Palz Ireland, in London

13:30 Session 1 - not good

15:45 Hope and skepticism + Session 2

19:30 Disappointment

21:53 Re-start: Take 2

23:08 Parent Cohort

#4

• How I found out about S2C
• The Book called "Underestimated"
• The website and founder Elizabeth Vossellor
• Going into London for 5 sessions over 3 days
• Stepping away and returning

#5 See links below

#6 Calls to Action:

End-roll: website, social media, newsletter, podcasts

#7 N/A

#8 Next episode - tbc

#4

#2 Guest N/A

#3 0:00 Intro/Welcome, I'm back

2:51 Today's episode

2:51 The assumption by others/people/friends you know that our autistic and/or neurodivergent children are always struggling and unhappy and that it is an exhausting all day every day challenge for parents.

10:15 There is always a unique personality with interesting thoughts and ideas in every neurodivergent or disabled person you meet.

11:06 What is presuming competence? 12:57 Definition - Cheryl Jorgensen 2005

15:57 Speaking age appropriately to my autistic non speaking son Henry

20:53 Podcast - follow - review - share. Thank you.

23:58 The true meaning of inclusion

25:15 Interested in S2C? Have a look at www.i-asc.org

#4

• Assuming and judging others intelligence by what we see
• All neurodivergent people have unique personalities with their own thoughts and ideas and they are most often fascinating, interesting, humorous, lovely, lovely people. Be curious.
• Presuming Competence
• Speaking age appropriately to disabled people
• The true meaning of inclusion
• Interested in S2C?

#5 Calls to Action

Pre-roll: web page

Mid-roll: podcast follow/review/share

End-roll: look up I-ASC

#6 Next Episode - tbc

#2 Tracy Weiner

#3 Time Stamps:

0:00 Intro to this episode and Tracy, how we met and Tracy's journey

6:35 Why is my child not coping? What is wrong with my parenting? Discovering PDA and getting no support.

15:08 "It's can't not won't" and "meet their storm with your calm"

16:40 NVR - non violent resistance, a theraputic parenting program through CAMHS

32:08 PDA Tops Tips

45:35 'Aspects Together' - new venture with husband Mark - see fb page

52:13 A story about my Dad and being a carpenter...link to men's mental health and the woodworking workshop at 'Aspects Together'

57:27 a long and positive and uplifting round-up

#4 Summary

• Introducing Tracy, her OT background and family
• PDA - the journey and top three tips
• NVR - a pivotal part of Tracy's journey so much so that she is now a registered practitioner.
• Tracy's new venture with her husband Mark called 'Aspects Together'

#6 N/A

#7 PDA Society; NVR and Aspects Together + Blinkvist - see research links

#8 Next Episode :

Neurodiverse people can be happy and are wonderful human beings.

#2 Guest N/A

#3 Time Stamps:

0:45 Intro to this episode

1:00 feeling like a bad parent

2:37 who is there for the parent for those 12-16 hours every day?

2:57 what we wish we had...someone actually come into our home to observe

3:30 someone to believe us and believe our children

6:00 my experience with this actually happening for me and the difference it made

8:30 rant about social service

11:39 Friends or relatives or 1:1's or ta's etc wanting to know what its actually like and how to help

14:57 can't NOT won't

17:00 The 24 hours!

#4 Summary

• feeling like a bad parent
• what we parents wish someone would do for us
• why social services does not work for neurodiverse families
• our autistic and/or adhd and/or neurodiverse are not bad or difficult, just different and with unique sensory challenges
• what a 24 hour cycle can be like
• how to be a better friend or relative and help
• you are not alone, your child will be ok
• SpellX event online. Free!

#6 Calls to Action:

Pre - roll: I am 20 episodes in...thank you for your listens and shares and follows

Mid-roll: newsletter sign up via website and how to find it quickly

End roll: The free online SpellX event

#7 SpellX - see research links

#8 next Episode- tbc

#2 GUEST: N/A

#3 0:00 Intro

0:48 'food wars' should really be 'food relationships'

1:37 It's not war against the child, its against their sensory systems

2:00 Its not just about the food

4:04 what's especially tough for parents

5:31 my own experiences and examples with two of my 3 children

9:37 under/over weight

11:25 Nutritionist and other 'experts' advice

14:00 mix it up, experiment, try not to get riled, forget the traditional rules/norms/manners

17:25 The younger years and thinking things would never get any better, and the now

22:00 Our childrens brains work differently, it is not the same

22:30 Yaffi Lvova, nutritionist and dietitian who lives it and knows the autism journey.

#4

• food wars vs food relationships
• it's about so much more than the food
• what we all know as fussy or picky eaters
• it's different for autistic, adhd, spd, neurodiverse children
• expert advice should come from those who are actually autistic or actually live it
• my own experiences wiht a 20yr old adhd son and a 12 yr old non speaking, autistic and adhd younger son.
• it will get better, it takes time and adjustments, experimenting, mixing things up, never giving up

# 5 Calls to Action

pre-roll: new name, website, newsletter

mid-roll: thank you for the listens + follow + review/comment

#6 see under 'research links'

#7 N/A

#8 n+Next Episode...tbc

#2 Guest: N/A

#3 Timeline:

0:00 Intro - welcome and intro to my either and/or autistic, adhd, neurodiverse children.

2:52 The NO APOLOGY unisex slogan T-shirt.

4:35 Why NO APOLOGY?

6:23 Meeting Elizabeth Vossellor, Founder of 'Spelling to Communicate/S2C' and her analogy for NO APOLOGY.

14:00 The Reason I Jump film and Bradstow School.

16:53 Never apologise for who you are. What's your NO APOLOGY for today?

19:05 School refusal/avoidance crisis in the UK.

#4

• Intro - this back story to 'NO APOLOGY' i.e. a slogan T-shirt to raise awareness and support autism charities.
• When and why we apologise for our children's autism and why to stop doing so.
• Meeting Elizabeth Vossellor and her unique analogy for 'NO APOLOGY'
• "The Reason I Jump" British film on YouTube or AppleTV - my connection.
• What 'NO APOLOGY' canmean for us all and examples.
• Hint of a further topic and info coming soon in my February newsletter -school refusal/avoidance.

#5 Calls to Action:

New website + newsletter and podcast sing-up

The NO APOLOGY T-shirt

#6 Links/References:

https://youtu.be/W2GJO_rtzrs?si=Mjkv4pf3GsjpXMON

https://i-asc.org/

#7 Social media: N/A

#8 Next Episode: When you meet an autistic person...how to engage

#2 N/A

#3

• 0:00 Intro
• 1:33 New Years vibes
• 2:53 This is not a pity party
• 4:08 What I assume those who know nothing of non speaking autism think my life and my sons life is like
• 5:50 Our non speaking children ARE clever
• 7:16 Sensory impacts
• 7:40 What non speaking autistic people have said themselves (via spelling/typing)
• 8:34 Cognition and Motor
• 11:50 Diagnosis and testing
• 14:06 The least dangerous assumption must surely be full competence? Until they themselves can communicate their thoughts to us
• 14:50 Henry interrupts the recording and says a very poorly (he is unwell) "hello"
• 16:16 A brief day in the life of

#4

• This is not a pity party but an invitation to become more aware of non speaking autism
• There is nothing wrong with their brains and competency/cognition, they simply have a brain body disconnect and a sensory system that is constantly going offline making motor tasks extremely challenging eg speech!
• Diagnosis and Intelligence testing
• What I assume others think my life with a non speaking child is like
• A day in the life of

#5 Calls to Action:

Intro only - new name and webpage + newsletter sign-up

#6 Books:

The Reason I Jump by Naoki Hiagshida

Ido in Autismland by Ido Kedar (available in audible too)

Carly's Voice by Arthur Fleischmann & Carly

*Underestimated by JB Handley & son

*= reference to S2C Spelling to Communicate program and EV, my course leader!

#7 N/A

#8 TBA

#1 News on the new podcast name and website coming soon. Announcement about a new training course I am on and an informal, lighthearted look at sleep issues for both autistic children and adults plus their parents. The why and what helps in terms of sleep onset problems and paying attention to ourselves as parents and the physical and mental impacts of years of sleep deprivation.

#2 NO GUEST

#3 0:00 - 4:45 Intro - new podcast name and why

1:32 Spell to Communicate (S2C) practitioner in training, ooh err.

7:08 Sleep onset issues and why

9:46 Sleep aids

11:04 Melatonin medication

16:07 Parents and sleep deprivation

21:18 Remaining calm

24:34 Christmas!

#4 Summary

• new podcast name and training course
• sleep issues and why
• sleep onset and what helps
• sleep deprivation and being aware if the impacts
• remaining calm
• Christmas!

#5 Calls to Action:

pre-roll: new name and website + how to follow

mid-roll: share with friends and family, review an episode

end-roll: thank you for your continued support

#6 References:

https://i-asc.org/

trishandpaul@sky.com for any non or minimally or unreliably speaking autistic children or adults interested in free 45 min - 1hr weekly spell to communicate sessions in Tonbridge, Kent.

#7 Instagram: @_thethreadsoflife_

#8 Merry Christmas! I'll be back 12 Jan 2024.

#2 N/A

#3

0:00 Intro and new podcast name, website, blogs, newsletter + maybe one iconic awareness tee, all coming soon. Also a little teaser about my new job ie S2C practitioner training!

4:00 Being in the pity pit as a parent and all parents of my particular generation aka the current 50 somethings...

12:03 Being aware that both you and the environment are being controlled and in the case of an autistic child allowing it and why.

16:09 Setting boundaries and motor loops - the dining chairs example.

22:27 Can't not won't

24:13 A "Uniquely Human" podcast episode recommendation on the many meanings of the word NO and why our children might and also may need to use it.

#4

• What's coming soon
• the 50 somethings parent 'pity pit': raising kids with tech; woke and jobless and partner-less young adults; zero grandchildren babies; ageing parents still alive and needing care.
• what the actual intention of an autistic child's need to control and manipulate a parent might be
• setting boundaries and how its different with autistic children and adults
• recommending the 'Uniquely Human' podcast episode on saying NO and all its many meanings.

#5 Calls to Action

Pre-roll: new podcast and website name plus newsletter sign-up

Mid-roll: none

End Roll: 'Uniquely Human' podcast recommendation

#6

Uniquely Human: The Podcast - Uniquely Human: The Podcast

#7 N/A

#8 A guest: Tracey Weiner on her autistic son Jack, PDA, NVR and her new venture.

#2 Ben (20) and Abi (18) - Henry's siblings. Henry is 12.

#3

0:00 Intro

1:41 Introducing guests...Ben and Abi, the siblings!

2:17 Discovering autism in their sibling and how they felt

3:30 The play date with Jess and her younger children

4:45 How do they feel about autism now and would they change it?

8:25 has your sibling ever embarrassed you?

13:17 The wonderful, divergent, aware, understanding younger generations

15:10 Worry for their sibling

19:30 The uniqueness of their sibling and what they love about him

23:56 Noticing the parent strain

28:05 Hopes for their siblings future

#4

• Finding out your sibling is autistic
• Wishing your sibling wasn't autistic, or not wishing it
• Is life unfair and does your sibling embarrass you?
• Worry for your sibling
• Whats great about their personality and/or autism
• The strain on the parents
• The future for your autistic sibling

#5 N/A

#6 Calls to Action

Pre=roll: changes afoot and new name coming soon.

#7 N/A

#8 Next Episode: School options for your autistic child

#2 N/A

#3 0:00 Intro.

1:20 What goes in the background as a parent of an autistic child.

4:35 What parents/caregivers want to help us get through the day to us, for us and our child.

8:16 Empathy for how incredible autistic people actually are.

9:18 Paying attention to their environment and the sensory.

10:15 Tiny tips purely from parenting: transitions, language, information processing, voice control, sleeping, eating etc.

#4

• The admin required of parents of autistic children
• who is there for us to help observe, believe & support what we go through just getting our children through their day, every single day.
• the impacts of the sensory and the environment on our autistic children and how they struggle to control their bodies.
• empathy for autistic people and how utterly incredible and resilient and caring they are.
• Tips on getting through each day from transitions, to mealtimes, to sleep, to environments, to language, to processing information.

#5 N/A

#6 Calls to Action

Pre-roll: website price drop plus accessories offer

Mid-roll: where to find the podcast; changes coming soon, new business name

End roll: blogs

#7 N/A

#8 Next Episode: Do you sometimes feel manipulated and/or controlled by your child(ren)?

#2 Guest names: Kay and her 12 year old autistic son Isaac.

#3 0:00 Intro

1:05 How I met my guests and what we are going to discuss

03:40 Apology for the volume issues!

4:11 Kay experience vs Isaac's experience

6:40 Home education not homeschooling

7:22 How to start: de-registration & letter templates; help and support.

11:26 Busting those myths

17:54 Chatting to Isaac who is autistic and 12yrs old

21:40 Quality of Life

#4

• Why Home Educate
• Before and After
• How to start and where to fond help and support
• Myth busting
• Autistic Isaac tells us about his experience of home education

#5

The general SEN Facebook group is: Supporting SEN Parents/Carers Kent

https://www.facebook.com/groups/623533877705416

The home ed Facebook group is: Hearts and Minds 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/121747604569314

#6 Calls to Action:

Where and when to find podcast epodes + website and email reference.

#7 N/A

#8 Next Episode: transitions and helping get through the day to day

#2 N/A

#3 Intro 0:00

#4

#5 Peter Vermeulen as guest on 'Uniquely Human' Podcast.

6 Calls to Action:

7# N/A

#8 Next Episode: My first guests! Kay & Isaac talk on Home Education.

#2 N/A

#3 0:00 Intro

The nonverbal caption T-shirt. Why?

Language is changing.

Nonverbal autism does not mean 1-4.

Motor control and Apraxia.

Talk as in has use of words, vocabulary and no speech impediment although still very literal.

Frustrations and how we have learned together, what helps.

The autistic mind is a wonderful, fascinating and superior thing to be embraced and respected.

#4

• why caption T-shirts?
• nonverbal vs nonspeaking vs Apraxia
• nonverbal does not mean 1-4
• motor control and literal minds
• how we help at home
• embrace and respect

#5 N/A

#6 Calls to Action

pre-roll: price drop on website (T-shirts)

mid-roll: blogs

end roll: available to give talks

#7 N/A

#8 Next Episode is no.12 and titled "The Plight of The Parent"

#2 N/A

#3 0:00 Intro

00:55 pre-roll: reminder what this podcast is about.

01:32 be a voice, not a whisper.

03:33 celebrating autism not laughing at a child.

05:19 parents do not want pity, second to not wanting their child or them judged.

06:33 mid roll: price drop and changes coming soon.

11:00 the funnies: echolalia; how was school today?; "stop your mouth"; the cactus and scissors; food & clothes tactics; welcome and now "say goodbye"; passport control echolalia; stealing chips.

27:15 our joys: looking into my soul; touching others; blanket; intuition; cuddles; giggles; riding his bike.

#4 summary:

• who I am and what podcast is for after August break
• seeing the funny side
• celebrating the autistic mind
• parents don't want pity
• personal funny stories around communication & the literal mind
• our joys and privilege in raising an autistic son
• rest

#5 N/A

#6 Calls to action:

pre roll - who I am and why podcast

mid roll - website and changes afoot

mid roll - price drop on tees

#7 N/A

# 8 not mentioned

#2 N/A

#3

0:00 Intro

1:00 looking for and understanding the why to unwanted behaviours

1:17 classroom example

9:03 parent persecution

11:14 cognition, behaviour & motor control

14:02 anxiety

18:25 medications

25:00 SIB - self injurious behaviour

35:00 comfort and support

#4

• you are not a bad parent and nor is your child a bad one either.
• looking for and understanding the why to unwanted behaviours.
• parents being squeezed between advice/instruction from the top down and the newer learning from the actually autistic voices ie the bottom up.
• anxiety and witnessing, coping, surviving, supporting & medicating.
• medicating your autistic child
• SIB - self injurious behaviour and interpreting it, reacting to it, helping your child.
• reassurance, comfort and support for parents.

#5 Calls to Action

pre-roll: none

mid-roll: email me anytime, blog, newsletter and website reference

end-roll: tag line

#6 N/A

#7 N/A

#8 Communication Funnies - the joy of the autistic mind

#2 N/A

#3

0:00 Intro

3:55 childhood memories

8:35 and children deserve to be on holiday with their family

11:48 wider family holidays and getting help/respite

17:04 The family Unit

18:49 A feeling off to all parents

19:17 Do what works for you

21:52 routines and regulation

24:45 Queues and the literal mind

25:30 what actually got sinot planning and going on holiday with autistic children

32:18 How you/public can help

#4

• school summer holidays are too long, parents last a couple of weeks
• childhood memories no matter what type of holiday are always good
• autistic children deserve to be going on holiday too
• wider family holidays and getting help/respite
• doing what works for your family unit
• routines and regulation
• queues and the literal mind
• how others can help ease things

#5 Calls to Action

pre-roll: please share this podcast far and wide

mid-roll: none (hint of podcast guests and siblings topic); blog reference & website

end-roll: what to expect re Aug

#6 N/A

#7 N/A

#8 Are you a bad parent if your autistic child is anxious, harms, doesn't sleep...?

#2 N/A

#3 0:00 Intro

1:05(long version) & 3:30 (short version) personal story

7:15 why might it be difficult to say 'no' to an autistic child

9:48 Instagram account reference/story

13:15 what can you/we do to help - personal experiences & examples

17:34 experiencing overwhelm and meltdowns

21:19 boundaries

#4 saying 'NO' to an autistic child

• personal story
• is it true?
• why?
• how you/we can help
• overwhelm & meltdowns
• boundaries
• staying sane as a parent

#5 calls to action:

• newsletter & blogs on website in pre-roll
• email me anytime trish@autismthreads.co.uk mid-roll
• social media follow request end-roll

#6 references

IG @raising_emma_bear

@autismthreads

#7 N/A

#8 Holidays & what we live through

#2 N/A

#3

0:00 Intro

2:52 Future guests to share how/if they told their child they were autistic

4:08 No right time & no right way. No judgement.

4:42 T-shirt call to action: crowded noisy places can make me anxious, thanks for understanding.

7:23 Knowing you are autistic is illuminating

10:37 Siblings story

13:41 The Kent Autistic Trust (family liaison officer)

14:25 Books

16:22 School visits (must have an echo and booking a visit can take months)

21:41 Hearing your child is not the right fit (Autism specialist schools)

25:51 Wrap up and tips

#4

• No right time to tell a child they are autistic, your opinion as a parent matters
• we all come to unconditional acceptance & positivity in our time at various ages
• no judgement
• My sons autism and his siblings becoming aware of his autism
• recommended books
• school visits: process, types, questions, knowhow, open minds

#5

• business reference re markets
• sensory caption t-shirt: crowded noisy places can make me anxious thanks for understanding.

#6 Books:

A Different kind of Brilliant by Louise Cummins

The Brain Forest by Sandhya Menon

We're not Broken - changing the autism conversation by Eric Garcia

Changing Our Minds - how children can take control of their own learning by Naomi Fisher

Lost at School by Ross W Greene

Queerly Autistic by Erin Ekins (LGBTQIA & teens on the spectrum)

Different Not less by Chloe Hayden (for girls on the spectrum)

#7 N/A

#8 Episode 7: saying 'no' to an autistic child

#2 N/A

#3

0:00 Intro

A conversation killer

What not to ask or say to the parent of an autistic child: tips 1-5

Autism Journeys

Communication & assuming competence

Terminology and choosing your words

#4

• what communicating with a non verbal autistic child is like
• Tips for others on what not to say or ask parents of autistic children
• Choosing your words & assuming competence, always
• Terminology
• Autism is a journey not a verdict - podcast recommendation

#5 Calls to Action

See website for blogs of podcast episodes

Share this podcast with friends, family, colleagues

Fashion for a cause tops & T-shirts on website

#6

Uniquely Human, the Podcast: Episode Title - Autism is a journey NOT a verdict

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/uniquely-human-the-podcast/id1532460901

#7 N/A

#8 Telling your child they are autistic & planning school visits

#2 N/A

#3

0:00 Intro

00:41 personal/parent advice on what to expect

8:55 the lingo - abbreviations explained

11:26 EHCP Tip

19:00 private reports

21:40 types of schools

33:38 sign up to newsletter

#4

• It takes time, hard work & know that your child will probably change schools
• There will be only a very either teachers/TA's/SENCO's who get your child & support
• Your LA has all the power and there are boxes that need to be ticked so always, always be polite
• The system is indeed broken - inundated, under-staffed, ill equipped staff, budget strapped, over-worked so you will having to prove need ie what your child cannot do (that peers his/her own age can).
• The laws on which the system is based are solid, good, well intended and exceptional in the UK
• Explaining the lingo and what certain abbreviations in the system are incl. EHCP's
• Avenues to choose in terms of applying for an EHCP for your child.
• The SEN system is not means tested ie you cannot simply approach an independent/private specialist provision & offer to pay fees. You have to use the EHCP process.
• Types of specialist schools
• EHCP basics and starting points and how you are going to need to stay on top of it.

#5 Calls to Action: signing up to website newsletter at www.autismthreads.co.uk + show notes.

#6 Links:

https://autismthreads.co.uk

https://ehcpjourneys.com

https://www.goodschoolsguide.co.uk/special-educational-needs

https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2001/10/contents

https://www.gov.uk/children-with-special-educational-needs

TA = teaching or classroom assistant

SEN = Special Education Need

SEND = Special Education Needs Department

SENCO = Special Education Needs Co-ordinator (in schools)

LA = Local Authority or Council

EHCP = Education (school), Health (medical) & Care (social services) Plan

Ed Psych = Educational Psychologist

SlT or SALT = Speech & Language Therapist

OT = Occupational Therapist

#7 N/A

#8 Next Episode: Visiting an Autism Specialist School & EHCP tips.

Acknowledging that we all judge. The type of judgement autistic individuals & their parents receive being largely socially related ie for having different, odd, unusual mannerisms, language, movement, social interaction skills. What we as parents to autistic children want others to do about it. Actual examples so that others can know what it feels like, empathise properly and want to then tell their own families and friends or people they meet about. It all comes down to information, understanding, acceptance.

#2 N/A

#3

0:00 Intro

2:08 something to be in awe of re autistic people

3:58 website reference re visual cues/prodcuts

5:28 social norms "Hi, how are you?'" "I'm fine thanks"

6:48 what parents of autistic children want you to do

19:59 NO APOLOGY slogan T-shirt: fashion for a cause

25:15 How to leave a review

#4

• we all judge
• want parents of autistic children want
• what is that judgement exactly, examples
• daily reminders, rituals, mindfulness

#5 Calls to Action:

• Autism Threads website for products to help give others information to not judge
• NO APOLOGY unisex slogan T-shirt
• How to leave a review

#6

https://autismthreads.co.uk

https://autismthreads.co.uk/collections/adult-t-shirts-autism/products/ladies-long-fit-no-apology-slogan-tee

https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/threads-of-autism-5245925

#7 N/A

#8

Next Episode...4: Finding the Right School & EHCP basics

From a parents perspective, what the symptoms & criteria for an autism diagnosis are & how one goes about that. Reactions & comfort knowing how hard it is not to panic. Your child is going to be ok, they are exactly who they are meant to be.

#2 n/a

#3

0:00 Intro

1:33 Nothing is wrong with your child.

9:20 The backpack!

12:01 Criteria

22:42 Tips for parents struggling at home

#4

• don't panic
• diagnosis & criteria
• early intervention
• regulation tips
• getting help

#5

Subscribe to the podcast to receive access tot eh show notes & more.

Leave a review on www.podchaser.com "Threads of Autism"

Follow social media accounts @autismthreads

#6

• The National Autistic Society aka NAS (diagnostic criteria)

https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/diagnosis/diagnostic-criteria

• Children who have Special educational needs (SEND)

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/send-guide-for-parents-and-carers

BOOKS: The Reason I Jump by Naoki Higashida; Neurotribes by Steve Silberman; Connecting & communications with your autistic child by Act for Autism (Tessa Morton & Jane Gurnett.

Imagine If Bespoke Education Experience - Singapore (Pika Sen)

#7 n/a

#8 Next Episode

"Judgement & what it feels like"

Trish who was born in South Africa to an Australian Mum and then married an Englishman, has three children and who now lives with in Kent describes who she is and why she set up her own small business helping to support autism families & charities plus raise positive awareness of autism.

Why a podcast? A bit about her journey discovering her son's autism and the isolation that came with it wanting others to feel validated, less isolated and connected to someone who knows exactly what they are going through because she lives it too. Telling it like it is basically in a very informal way from a parents perspective & celebrating who our children are and who they were always meant to be.

Bringing you Friday fortnightly 20 minute episodes to resonate with, feel validated by, find useful & maybe even have you sharing a good laugh or cry. I hope you feel supported & know that you are not alone.

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