The Unfinished Idea | Autism Spectrum, ADHD, AUDHD, Neurodiverse caregiver
That Sounds Fun Network
69 episodes
2 days ago
What’s it really like parenting a child with ADHD and autism? How can parents, teachers, and communities better support neurodivergent children? How do autistic and ADHD individuals experience the world? Each week, we explore these questions with practical strategies, emotional insight, and real stories.
I’m Greer — a mum of two boys (and two dogs!) raising a child with special educational needs (SEN) alongside my husband. Our daily life looks different from the norm, but it’s full of love, advocacy, and growth. I started this podcast to create a space for parents of neurodivergent kids, educators, and allies to learn, connect, and build understanding together.
You’ll hear parenting tips, advocacy guidance, sensory strategies, and personal reflections that shine a light on both the joys and challenges of neurodivergent parenting. Through heartfelt solo episodes and guest interviews, we’ll talk aboutEHCP or IEP processes, school support, emotional regulation, and the big feelings that come with raising ND kids.
Whether you’re here as a parent of an autistic or ADHD child, a late-diagnosed adult, a teacher seeking insight, or someone wanting to understand the neurodivergent world, this podcast is your space to grow, connect, and know you’re not alone.
Welcome to The Unfinished Idea — a podcast all about parenting, autism, ADHD, and life in a neurodivergent family. Here, we open up honest conversations about neurodiversity, raising neurodivergent children, and navigating the everyday realities of SEN parenting.
All content for The Unfinished Idea | Autism Spectrum, ADHD, AUDHD, Neurodiverse caregiver is the property of That Sounds Fun Network and is served directly from their servers
with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
What’s it really like parenting a child with ADHD and autism? How can parents, teachers, and communities better support neurodivergent children? How do autistic and ADHD individuals experience the world? Each week, we explore these questions with practical strategies, emotional insight, and real stories.
I’m Greer — a mum of two boys (and two dogs!) raising a child with special educational needs (SEN) alongside my husband. Our daily life looks different from the norm, but it’s full of love, advocacy, and growth. I started this podcast to create a space for parents of neurodivergent kids, educators, and allies to learn, connect, and build understanding together.
You’ll hear parenting tips, advocacy guidance, sensory strategies, and personal reflections that shine a light on both the joys and challenges of neurodivergent parenting. Through heartfelt solo episodes and guest interviews, we’ll talk aboutEHCP or IEP processes, school support, emotional regulation, and the big feelings that come with raising ND kids.
Whether you’re here as a parent of an autistic or ADHD child, a late-diagnosed adult, a teacher seeking insight, or someone wanting to understand the neurodivergent world, this podcast is your space to grow, connect, and know you’re not alone.
Welcome to The Unfinished Idea — a podcast all about parenting, autism, ADHD, and life in a neurodivergent family. Here, we open up honest conversations about neurodiversity, raising neurodivergent children, and navigating the everyday realities of SEN parenting.
Fighting for Change: How Parents Are Transforming the SEND System with Hayley
The Unfinished Idea | Autism Spectrum, ADHD, AUDHD, Neurodiverse caregiver
27 minutes
2 months ago
Fighting for Change: How Parents Are Transforming the SEND System with Hayley
What happens when a system designed to support children with additional needs fails them instead? Across the UK, families are facing rejected applications, endless bureaucracy, and years of waiting for vital services. Behind the statistics are real children, real parents, and stories of resilience and determination. Today we dive into the fight for fair education and support for neurodivergent children.
This week, Greer speaks with Hayley, a solicitor turned campaigner after her son was denied the support he urgently needed. What began as a personal battle soon grew into a national campaign, as Hayley discovered just how many families were being failed by the system.In this conversation, Hayley shares:Her personal journey navigating the EHCP process for her autistic sonHow local authorities are rejecting thousands of children in needThe creation of the grassroots group Let Us Learn TooPractical ways parents can advocate, both in the UK and beyondWhy changing the culture of SEND support is just as vital as changing the law.
TOPICS DISCUSSEDSpecial Educational Needs & Disabilities (SEND)EHCPs and IEPs (UK & US perspectives)Parent advocacy and grassroots campaignsNeurodiversity in educationBarriers families face in the school systemGovernment policy and SEND reformSupporting children with autism and ADHDGlobal perspectives on best practices in education
TAKEAWAYS FROM THIS EPISODEMany families in the UK are experiencing EHCP rejections, with some local authorities rejecting over 60% of applications.Hayley’s legal background didn’t shield her from the gaslighting, intimidation, and bureaucracy parents face—highlighting just how overwhelming the system is for most families.Campaigns like Let Us Learn Too and the Fight for Ordinary movement are giving parents and children a louder voice in Parliament and beyond.The most important shift needed? Moving from a “cost-saving” mindset back to a child-centered culture in education.Parents everywhere—whether in the UK, US, or elsewhere—can start small: break down their child’s needs, connect with others, and advocate persistently.Globally, there are models we can learn from—such as Ontario, Canada—showing that better systems are possible when we share best practices.
Follow Hayley’s work with Let Us Learn Too Join the September 15th rally in London → [insert link]
Join the Unfinished Community WhatsApp. Where you can share your everyday joys, struggles, and differences! Click here to join.Sign up to our newsletter where we continue the conversation along with sharing helpful resources and techniques tried out by parents and professionals in the neurodiverse world. You can know get the episodes on YouTube! Click here to subscribe. Follow the show on all the socials @theunfinishedidea - look for the brain! Instagram
Facebook
LinkedIn
TikTok
Website
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Unfinished Idea | Autism Spectrum, ADHD, AUDHD, Neurodiverse caregiver
What’s it really like parenting a child with ADHD and autism? How can parents, teachers, and communities better support neurodivergent children? How do autistic and ADHD individuals experience the world? Each week, we explore these questions with practical strategies, emotional insight, and real stories.
I’m Greer — a mum of two boys (and two dogs!) raising a child with special educational needs (SEN) alongside my husband. Our daily life looks different from the norm, but it’s full of love, advocacy, and growth. I started this podcast to create a space for parents of neurodivergent kids, educators, and allies to learn, connect, and build understanding together.
You’ll hear parenting tips, advocacy guidance, sensory strategies, and personal reflections that shine a light on both the joys and challenges of neurodivergent parenting. Through heartfelt solo episodes and guest interviews, we’ll talk aboutEHCP or IEP processes, school support, emotional regulation, and the big feelings that come with raising ND kids.
Whether you’re here as a parent of an autistic or ADHD child, a late-diagnosed adult, a teacher seeking insight, or someone wanting to understand the neurodivergent world, this podcast is your space to grow, connect, and know you’re not alone.
Welcome to The Unfinished Idea — a podcast all about parenting, autism, ADHD, and life in a neurodivergent family. Here, we open up honest conversations about neurodiversity, raising neurodivergent children, and navigating the everyday realities of SEN parenting.
