In this episode of the NDV Podcast, I sit down with MandyRichardson, who shares her journey as the mum of Alex, a neurodivergentyoung man and past guest of the podcast.
Mandy reflects on what it was like raising Alex more than 20years ago, when there was little understanding of autism and very limited information available. She talks about the challenges of navigating sensory issues, advocating for support in schools, and the loneliness she often felt atthe beginning of the journey. Through it all, Mandy became Alex’s strongest voice—celebrating every milestone, standing up for his needs, and never losing hope.
She also highlights the amazing teachers, tutors,therapists, family, and friends who played such an important role in Alex’s growth, from helping him manage sensory triggers to encouraging him to thrive in radio, filmmaking, and public speaking. Today, Alex inspires Mandy dailywith his joy, fearlessness, and independence.
Mandy now works in education, helping families withDisability Living Allowance (DLA) applications and advocating for better awareness and support. Her advice to parents is simple but powerful: celebrate every achievement, be your child’s voice, and never give up.
This conversation is about resilience, advocacy, andlove—and a reminder, through the “Welcome to Holland” poem, that even when life takes us on an unexpected path, it can be just as beautiful.
Links:
Welcome to Holland By Emily Perl Kingsley