Inclusive Stories: For parents raising autistic, ADHD - neurodivergent children

Summer holidays are here, but for many neurodivergent families, this season is anything but restful. The world may be on holiday, but we are still deep in the trenches.In this powerful, honest episode, Brooklyn sits down with fellow SEND mum and Occupational Therapist Lily Adams for a conversation that goes far beyond tips and tricks.Together, they talk about the emotional weight of summer when routines vanish and support disappears, and how to find moments of connection, calm, and even joy in the middle of it all.Whether you are managing PDA meltdowns in the park, packing snacks and ear defenders for every outing, or just trying to survive six weeks with no village in sight, this episode will meet you where you are.✨ If this episode felt like a warm hug…👉 Join our Inclusive Stories Community Hub, it is free, and filled with families like yours. https://www.inclusivestoriesbox.co.uk/groups👉 Explore our Inclusive Stories Subscription Box, books, fidgets, and sensory tools, made with your child in mind. https://www.inclusivestoriesbox.co.uk/groups👉 Shop the NeuroInclusive Apparel Collection — because different is beautiful. neuroinclusiveapparel.co.uk🧡 You are not doing summer wrong. You are doing it differently, and that matters.Stay Connected with Inclusive StoriesWe love hearing from our community! Whether you have a question, want to share your story, or collaborate, here’s how you can reach us:Website: www.inclusivestoriesbox.co.uk📧 Email: [email protected] Instagram: @inclusivestories📘 TikTok: @Inclusivestoriesbox Facebook: Inclusive StoriesYouTube: Inclusive Stories BoxPodcast Home: Inclusive Stories PodcastIf you’re a parent, carer, educator or advocate looking for inclusive children’s books and sensory-friendly resources, we’d love to welcome you into our growing family.Music by Sergei Chetvertnykh from Pixabay#SENDMum #NeurodivergentParent #AutismAwareness #InclusiveStoriesAfterDark

The school gates have closed, but for many of us raising autistic, ADHD, or otherwise neurodivergent children, the real work has just begun. In this heartfelt episode of Inclusive Stories After Dark, Brooklyn shares what summer really looks like for SEND parents: the invisible weight, the lack of support, the grief, but also the small joys, glimmers of rest, and moments of light we often forget to notice.With honest storytelling, gentle humour, and grounded advice, this is not a “how-to” episode. It is a “me too”, a soft space to feel less alone and more understood.What We Talk About in This Episode:Why summer is not a break for many neurodivergent familiesThe invisible load of managing sensory needs, routines, and meltdownsThe importance of shrinking the day, creating small anchors, and redefining what a “good” day looks likeReal tips for finding calm, joy, and breathing space during the holidaysYour questions, answered in our “Ask Brooklyn” segment, from holiday guilt to parenting burnoutAnd a whole lot of softness, truth, and solidarity for the season aheadStay Connected with Inclusive StoriesWe love hearing from our community! Whether you have a question, want to share your story, or collaborate, here’s how you can reach us:Website: www.inclusivestoriesbox.co.uk 📧 Email: [email protected] Instagram: @inclusivestories 📘 TikTok: @Inclusivestoriesbox Facebook: Inclusive Stories YouTube: Inclusive Stories Box Podcast Home: Inclusive Stories PodcastIf you’re a parent, carer, educator or advocate looking for inclusive children’s books and sensory-friendly resources, we’d love to welcome you into our growing family.Music by Sergei Chetvertnykh from Pixabay#SENDMum #NeurodivergentParent #AutismAwareness #InclusiveStoriesAfterDark

In this deeply emotional episode of Inclusive Stories After Dark, Brooklyn speaks directly to the fear that so many SEN parents carry but rarely say out loud,What happens when I am no longer here to advocate for my neurodivergent child?From sleepless nights to the quiet ache of wondering who will understand your child’s sensory needs, speech delays, or PDA profile, this episode holds space for those invisible worries. Brooklyn explores the internal battles that come with raising autistic children in a world that still does not fully understand them, and gently reminds us that every act of advocacy, love, and structure leaves a lasting imprint.Whether your child has ARFID, struggles with masking, uses echolalia to communicate, or needs 1:1 support that the system keeps failing to provide, this episode is for you.You are not just parenting for today.You are building a foundation your child will carry long after you are gone.And your voice will echo, even when you are no longer here to speak it.🧡 Who This Is For:Parents of Autistic and ADHD childrenParents navigating EHCPs and SEND supportFamilies supporting children with ARFID, PDA profiles, sensory needs, or speech and language delaysAnyone raising neurodivergent children and wondering if what they are doing will ever be enough🔗 Links + Resources:🌍 Join our free community hub: https://www.inclusivestoriesbox.co.uk/groups📦 Explore the Inclusive Stories Subscription Box: https://www.inclusivestoriesbox.co.uk/subscribe📚 Shop our inclusive books and fidget-friendly tools: https://www.inclusivestoriesbox.co.uk/shop 📧 Email: [email protected] Instagram: @inclusivestories 📘 TikTok: @Inclusivestoriesbox Facebook: Inclusive Stories YouTube: Inclusive Stories Box Podcast Home: Inclusive Stories PodcastIf you’re a parent, caregiver, educator, or advocate seeking inclusive children’s books and sensory-friendly resources, we’d be delighted to welcome you into our growing community.Music by Sergei Chetvertnykh from Pixabay

What does it mean to raise more than one autistic child, while also navigating cultural expectations, diagnosis journeys, and a system that does not always see us?In this powerful episode of Inclusive Stories, Brooklyn sits down with Sua, a British legal practitioner and proud mum of three daughters, two of whom are autistic. Together, they explore the layered, emotional, and transformative experience of parenting multiple neurodivergent children.This episode speaks to parents who are still finding their feet after diagnosis, those parenting in cultural spaces where autism is misunderstood, and families seeking real talk about advocacy, representation, and doing life differently.🎙️ In This Episode, We Talk About:The emotional impact of parenting autistic children in a misunderstood worldHow Sua’s parenting evolved from her neurotypical first child to her two autistic daughtersThe role of culture, stigma, and silence in Black British families navigating autismWhy representation matters in diagnosis, school, and support servicesThe story behind the Eden Rose Project and how her daughter became an advocateWhat Sua wishes she knew earlier—and why we should stop waiting for “readiness” to start living💬 Quote from the Episode: "Whether you are a believer, a non-believer, or lean more toward science… there is still hope." – Sua🔗 Mentioned in this episode:Join the Inclusive Stories Community Hub: www.inclusivestoriesbox.co.uk/groupsThe Eden Rose Project: edenroseproject.com🎧 Listen now and share with another parent who needs to hear this. Your child’s journey does not have to follow anyone else's map. We are learning together and building community along the way.Stay Connected with Inclusive StoriesWe love hearing from our community! Whether you have a question, want to share your story, or collaborate, here’s how you can reach us:Website: www.inclusivestoriesbox.co.uk 📧 Email: [email protected] Instagram: @inclusivestories 📘 TikTok: @Inclusivestoriesbox Facebook: Inclusive Stories YouTube: Inclusive Stories Box Podcast Home: Inclusive Stories PodcastIf you’re a parent, carer, educator or advocate looking for inclusive children’s books and sensory-friendly resources, we’d love to welcome you into our growing family.Music by Sergei Chetvertnykh from Pixabay

This episode is a breath for every SEND/Neurodivergent parent and carer who wonders why they are so tired, even when nothing “big” happened. The truth? You are not lazy. You are not doing it wrong. You are carrying more than most people will ever understand.In this episode, I hold space for the unspoken exhaustion, invisible labour, and quiet strength of parents raising Autistic and ADHD children.You are not alone. You are not too much. And you are still standing. This episode is for you.In this episode we talk about:Why you feel so overwhelmed (even when you think you “should be coping”)What nobody sees about the emotional load of SEND parentingHow laughter, joy, and small silences still show up in the chaosThe myth of “getting it right”Listener questions in Ask BrooklynGentle affirmations to help you restYou don’t need fixing. You just need space. Let this be it.Stay Connected with Inclusive StoriesWe love hearing from our community! Whether you have a question, want to share your story, or collaborate, here’s how you can reach us:Website: www.inclusivestoriesbox.co.uk 📧 Email: [email protected] Instagram: @inclusivestories 📘 TikTok: @Inclusivestoriesbox Facebook: Inclusive Stories YouTube: Inclusive Stories Box Podcast Home: Inclusive Stories PodcastIf you’re a parent, carer, educator or advocate looking for inclusive children’s books and sensory-friendly resources, we’d love to welcome you into our growing family.Music by Sergei Chetvertnykh from Pixabay#SENDMum #NeurodivergentParent #AutismAwareness #InclusiveStoriesAfterDark

Tonight, we are taking a moment to celebrate you, friend. Inspired by my National Diversity Awards 2025 nomination, this episode is all about honouring the wins we often overlook as SEND parents and carers.You are doing extraordinary things — even when no one claps, even when no one sees. Your story matters. Your growth matters. You deserve to celebrate yourself without apology.Let us breathe, reflect, and take pride in the quiet victories we build every day. Be well, always.Stay Connected with Inclusive StoriesWe love hearing from our community! Whether you have a question, want to share your story, or collaborate, here’s how you can reach us:Website: www.inclusivestoriesbox.co.uk 📧 Email: [email protected] Instagram: @inclusivestories 📘 TikTok: @Inclusivestoriesbox Facebook: Inclusive Stories YouTube: Inclusive Stories Box Podcast Home: Inclusive Stories PodcastIf you’re a parent, carer, educator or advocate looking for inclusive children’s books and sensory-friendly resources, we’d love to welcome you into our growing family.Music by Sergei Chetvertnykh from Pixabay#SENDMum #NeurodivergentParent #AutismAwareness #InclusiveStoriesAfterDark

In this episode of Inclusive Stories After Dark, Brooklyn shares heartfelt insights and encouragement for parents and caregivers navigating the challenges of raising children with autism and ADHD. She emphasises the importance of recognising small wins, finding joy amidst chaos, and the need for self-compassion.Brooklyn addresses the pressures of parenting during holidays, the significance of being seen, and the value of adaptability in parenting. The conversation is filled with warmth, humour, and affirmations that resonate deeply with the audience.takeawaysYou're not alone in this journey of parenting.Every small win counts, even if it seems insignificant.It's okay to feel tired and still be a great parent.Your child's joy matters, and so does yours.You don't have to be perfect to be a good parent.Laughter can be a coping mechanism during tough times.Adapting to your child's needs is not a failure.It's important to feel seen and acknowledged in your efforts.Your love and presence are what your child will remember.You are enough, just as you are.Stay Connected with Inclusive StoriesWe love hearing from our community! Whether you have a question, want to share your story, or collaborate, here’s how you can reach us:Website: www.inclusivestoriesbox.co.uk 📧 Email: [email protected] Instagram: @inclusivestories 📘 TikTok: @Inclusivestoriesbox Facebook: Inclusive Stories YouTube: Inclusive Stories Box Podcast Home: Inclusive Stories PodcastIf you’re a parent, carer, educator or advocate looking for inclusive children’s books and sensory-friendly resources, we’d love to welcome you into our growing family.Music by Sergei Chetvertnykh from Pixabay

In this episode of Inclusive Stories After Dark, Brooklyn explores finding joy amidst the chaos of parenting and everyday life. She discusses the weight of sensory overload and the cumulative stress of small challenges, emphasising that joy can still exist even in difficult times. Brooklyn encourages listeners to recognise and reclaim their joy, reminding them that it is not only permissible to feel joy but essential for emotional well-being. The episode concludes with a call to choose joy, even amid life's challenges.takeawaysJoy can exist even in difficult times.The cumulative weight of small challenges can be overwhelming.Finding joy in unexpected moments is important.Joy does not negate the hard experiences of life.It's okay to feel joy while still facing challenges.Self-care and joy are essential for emotional well-being.You can reclaim your joy by engaging in small, joyful activities.Laughter and joy are still within reach.Mindfulness can help in recognising moments of joy.You are enough, and your joy is valid.Stay Connected with Inclusive StoriesWe love hearing from our community! Whether you have a question, want to share your story, or collaborate, here’s how you can reach us:Website: www.inclusivestoriesbox.co.uk 📧 Email: [email protected] Instagram: @inclusivestories 📘 TikTok: @Inclusivestoriesbox Facebook: Inclusive Stories YouTube: Inclusive Stories Box Podcast Home: Inclusive Stories PodcastIf you’re a parent, carer, educator or advocate looking for inclusive children’s books and sensory-friendly resources, we’d love to welcome you into our growing family.Music by Sergei Chetvertnykh from Pixabay

In this episode of Inclusive Stories After Dark, Brooklyn reflects on Autism Awareness Month, emphasising the importance of living authentically as a parent of autistic children. She discusses the complexities of awareness, joy, and the need for rest, encouraging listeners to define their own experiences and celebrate their journeys without the pressure of public performance.takeawaysThis month can bring a bit of everything: pride, pressure, and joy.Awareness is a daily experience, not just a month-long event.Joy can be a form of rebellion against societal expectations.Rest is a form of resistance and self-care.You are allowed to define what Autism Awareness Month looks like for you.Celebrating small victories is revolutionary joy.It's okay to opt out of the noise and focus on your family.You are seen, valued, and enough just as you are.Sometimes, awareness looks like simply being present.Choosing joy is a powerful act of self-advocacy.Stay Connected with Inclusive StoriesWe love hearing from our community! Whether you have a question, want to share your story, or collaborate, here’s how you can reach us:Website: www.inclusivestoriesbox.co.uk 📧 Email: [email protected] Instagram: @inclusivestories 📘 TikTok: @Inclusivestoriesbox Facebook: Inclusive Stories YouTube: Inclusive Stories Box Podcast Home: Inclusive Stories PodcastIf you’re a parent, carer, educator or advocate looking for inclusive children’s books and sensory-friendly resources, we’d love to welcome you into our growing family.Music by Sergei Chetvertnykh from Pixabay

In this deeply honest episode of Inclusive Stories After Dark, host Brooklyn opens Season 2 with a love letter to every SEND mum parenting Autistic and ADHD children.Speaking from her lived experience, Brooklyn reflects on the emotional weight many neurodivergent families carry. She speaks about the grief that often sits beside joy, the invisible labour of advocating for your child, and the emotional toll of doing it all while barely being seen.This episode offers comfort, recognition, and gentle encouragement. For every mum raising a neurodivergent child who feels exhausted, unacknowledged or unseen—this one's for you.Perfect for late-night listening when the house is finally quiet.This episode is for you if you:Are parenting an Autistic or ADHD childAre navigating the SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) systemCarry the emotional and mental load of your familyCrave connection, validation, and a quiet space to be reminded you're not aloneKey Takeaways:Parenting Autistic and ADHD children brings both love and grief. Both are valid.SEND motherhood is often isolating and emotionally heavy.Your invisible work matters—even if others don’t see it.You deserve rest, recognition and real self-care.Celebrating yourself isn’t selfish. It’s necessary.Affirmations help reinforce your strength and self-worth.Your needs deserve to be heard—by your family and by yourself.The love you have for your child is powerful, even in hard seasons.You're not alone in this journey. There’s a whole community of mums like youStay Connected with Inclusive StoriesWe love hearing from our community! Whether you have a question, want to share your story, or collaborate, here’s how you can reach us:Website: www.inclusivestoriesbox.co.uk 📧 Email: [email protected] Instagram: @inclusivestories 📘 TikTok: @Inclusivestoriesbox Facebook: Inclusive Stories YouTube: Inclusive Stories Box 🎙️ Podcast Home: Inclusive Stories PodcastIf you’re a parent, carer, educator or advocate looking for inclusive children’s books and sensory-friendly resources, we’d love to welcome you into our growing family.Music by Sergei Chetvertnykh from Pixabay

In this episode, Tessa Philbert, a SEN Law expert, discusses the importance of SEN Law and her journey in the field. She highlights the importance of understanding the eligibility criteria for obtaining a EHCP. Tessa emphasises the role of parents in gathering evidence and overcoming challenges in the tribunal process. In this part of the conversation, we discuss the EHCP assessment process, common challenges faced by parents, evidence gathering, ensuring an accurate EHCP, effective collaboration with professionals, timelines and deadlines, sharing the final EHCP plan, and resources and support networks for parents. In this conversation, Tessa discusses the accessibility of support organisations and the need for personalised support for parents of children with special educational needs. She shares success stories and best practices from parents who have navigated the Annual Review process. This episode also highlights the challenges in school-local authority relationships and the importance of advocacy and support. Tessa provides guidance on appealing a refusal to assess and emphasises the importance of evaluating progress and evidence. TakeawaysUnderstanding the EHCP assessment process is crucial for parents to navigate the system effectively.Parents may face challenges such as local authorities not following the correct legal tests or delaying assessments.Parents should gather relevant evidence and ensure that professionals conduct thorough assessments.Collaboration with professionals is essential to ensure the best outcome for the child.Parents should be aware of the timelines and deadlines in the EHCP process and take action if they are not met.The final EHCP plan may not be shared with all professionals involved, and parents should communicate with the school to ensure proper implementation.You can find Tessa on Instagram @infinitysend44 and email [email protected]

I am excited to share an amazing conversation I had with Tola Andu, a health care professional, parent advocate and founder of the TOLA ANDU Foundation. In this episode, we dive into Tola's journey as a parent of a child on the autism spectrum and discuss the challenges she faced along the way. We talk about the importance of creating a supportive community for parents of children on the autism spectrum, overcoming stigma, and prioritising self-care as a parent.We also chat about advocating for your child in the education system, choosing the right school, and collaborating with schools to ensure the success of neurodivergent children. Plus, we get to learn more about the TOLA ANDU Foundation and its mission to create awareness and support for neurodivergent children in Nigeria. So grab a cuppa and join us for an insightful conversation on navigating parenthood as a parent of a child on the autism spectrum and breaking down the stigma around autism in ethnic minority communities.Takeaways:- Creating a supportive community for parents of children on the autism spectrum is key.- Overcoming stigma is possible by prioritising your child's needs and not caring about others' opinions.- Advocacy is crucial in the education system and obtaining necessary support for children with autism.- Choosing the right school for a neurodivergent child is important to prioritise their needs.- Collaboration between schools and parents is essential for the success of neurodivergent children.- The education system needs improvements in terms of resources and support for neurodivergent children.- The TOLA ANDU Foundation is doing amazing work to create awareness and support for neurodivergent children in Nigeria. Learn more here www.tafautismcare.org

Welcome to Inclusive Stories, where we strive to create a more inclusive world, one story at a time. In today's episode, we focus on Mindful Parenting with our guest, Kristin Schmoke. Kristin is an experienced educator, a Neurodivergent parent, and a mindful parenting coach who helps parents cultivate a deeper connection with their Neurodivergent child. Throughout the episode, Kristin shares her experience of parenting a child on the autism spectrum and provides practical tips and strategies for parents who may be facing challenges in connecting with their Neurodivergent child. She emphasizes the importance of patience, empathy, and self-compassion and encourages parents to focus on their child's strengths rather than their challenges. Kristin's insights are invaluable for any parent who wants to build a stronger, more meaningful relationship with their child. Mindful parenting is a powerful practice that can transform the way we interact with our children. By being present and non-judgmental, we can create a deeper connection and understanding of our child's unique needs and abilities. This episode of Inclusive Stories is a must-listen for any parent who wants to improve their relationship with their child. We hope you enjoy listening to this episode as much as we enjoyed creating it. Thank you for joining us on our journey of creating a more inclusive world, one story at a time.

The Importance of Inclusivity and Neurodiversity Explored in the First Episode of "Inclusive Stories Podcast", host Brooklyn, shares her personal journey of raising a neurodivergent child in the show's debut episode. She talks about the challenges she faced in getting a diagnosis for her child and coming to terms with the "new normal" that came with it. As a black mother, she also discusses the stigma attached to raising a neurodivergent child.Brooklyn's story highlights the significance of accepting differences and appreciating neurodiversity. She emphasizes how crucial it is to support children with the resources they need to thrive. Through her experiences, Brooklyn raises awareness of the need for inclusive and compassionate systems for neurodivergent individuals and their families, especially in ethnic minority communities."Journey to a New Normal: Embracing Autism and Celebrating Differences" is an inspiring and informative episode that promotes understanding, acceptance, and inclusion for all individuals.

Welcome to Inclusive Stories, a podcast dedicated to supporting and empowering neurodivergent families,We'll be discussing the challenges that neurodivergent parents face when navigating the education and healthcare systems for their children.As a parent of a neurodivergent child, it can be difficult to know where to turn for support and guidance.One of the biggest hurdles that neurodivergent families face is navigating the education system.Navigating the education and healthcare systems can be a daunting task for neurodivergent families. However, by being proactive, seeking out resources and support, and advocating for your child's needs, parents can help ensure that their child receives the best possible care and education.