Fighting for Support: Amy’s Journey with SEN Parenting and EHCP Battles

Mini Pod 9: Surviving Not Thriving at School – How to Spot the Signs and Support Your Child

In this week’s mini-pod, we’re exploring what it means when a child is just surviving rather than thriving in school, and the steps you can take to support them both at home and in their educational setting. Whether you’re a parent noticing changes in your child’s wellbeing or an educator observing a student struggling to settle, this episode will help you recognise the signs and know where to go for help. Key topics covered: * Spotting the Signs: How children may present differently at school versus home, from tummy aches and sleep struggles to emotional meltdowns. * Sensory and Neurodivergent Needs: Why classroom environments and transitions can be especially challenging, and what to consider. * Supportive Pathways: How sensory checklists, consultations, and assessments can provide clarity and practical next steps. * Working With Schools: Understanding reasonable adjustments, IEPs, and the importance of advocating for your child’s needs. * Alternative Avenues: Exploring the Right to Choose pathway, neurological chiropractic support, and emotional wellbeing services. * Trusting Your Instincts: Why following your gut as a parent can make all the difference in accessing timely support. RESOURCES: For additional support and resources on sensory and educational needs, check out our free downloads: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.holisticchildandfamilytherapy.co.uk/digital-downloads⁠⁠⁠ If you enjoy this episode, please don't forget to like, share, and subscribe to help us reach more people and make a bigger impact. Stay connected on social media for more updates and valuable content: @holisticchild [https://www.instagram.com/holisticchild]⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@therapyinthewoods⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/therapyinthewoods] Thank you for being a part of Therapy in the Woods!

Fighting for Support: Amy’s Journey with SEN Parenting and EHCP Battles

Welcome to Therapy in the Woods! In today’s episode, we’re joined by Amy Ovenden—a mum of three and passionate advocate who has been navigating the often overwhelming world of SEN parenting and education. From her eldest son’s autism and ADHD diagnoses, to fighting for an EHCP against schools and local authorities who insisted he was “fine,” Amy shares a story that will resonate deeply with so many parents. This conversation explores the highs and lows of advocating for a child whose needs aren’t always visible. Amy opens up about her son’s struggles with school refusal, the impact of masking, and the exhausting reality of tribunals and appeals. But her story is also one of resilience—how she faced her own battles with anxiety and agoraphobia, and how that experience inspired her to create an advocacy service to support other families through the same broken system. Whether you’re a parent in the thick of the EHCP process, a professional working in education, or simply someone who wants to understand the realities behind the headlines about SEN reform, Amy’s journey sheds light on the systemic challenges families face every day—and the power of trusting your instincts. ⏱ Chapters 00:00 – Welcome & Introduction 03:40 – Life as a SEN Mum 05:30 – Leighton’s Story: Diagnosis and Early Schooling 08:45 – The Masking Problem 10:20 – The Battle for an EHCP 13:30 – Impact on Family Life 20:00 – The Toll on Parents’ Mental Health 27:00 – Finding Support & Recovery 32:00 – Understanding EHCPs 39:00 – Advocacy & SEN Reform 47:00 – Practical Advice for Parents 56:30 – Parenting Two Different Children 1:02:00 – When Support Systems Fail 1:08:00 – Coping Strategies and Resilience 1:15:00 – Hopes for Change in SEN Reform 1:22:00 – Closing Thoughts and Messages for Parents 1:27:00 – Episode Wrap-Up RESOURCES Here’s a link to a FREE visual resource, showing the regulation pyramid and how to achieve it: https://www.holisticchildandfamilytherapy.co.uk/digital-downloads [https://www.holisticchildandfamilytherapy.co.uk/digital-downloads] If you enjoy this episode, please don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to help us reach more people and make a bigger impact. Stay connected on social media for more updates and valuable content: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@holisticchild [https://www.instagram.com/holisticchild/#]⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠@therapyinthewoods⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/therapyinthewoods/#] Connect with Amy: Instagram: @the_inclusiveclass [https://www.instagram.com/the_inclusiveclass/] Website: https://theinclusiveclass.my.canva.site/welcome-to/#page-PBqK5bmdlLYM7zdj [https://theinclusiveclass.my.canva.site/welcome-to/#page-PBqK5bmdlLYM7zdj] Thank you for being a part of Therapy in the Woods!

Mini Pod 8: The Truth About Sensory Processing – Myths, Misconceptions & Meaningful Support

In this week’s mini-pod, we’re diving into some of the most common misconceptions about Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) and how they can impact children at home and in educational settings. If you’re a parent, caregiver, or educator, this episode will help deepen your understanding and provide practical steps to better support children with sensory needs. Key topics covered: - Debunking Myths About SPD: Why sensory struggles aren’t always about movement, noise sensitivity, or touch-seeking. - The Danger of Misinformation: How limited knowledge and training can lead to harmful assumptions. - Understanding the Signs: Why children with SPD may not always show the same behaviours, and what to look for instead. - Supporting Children in Educational Settings: How collaboration between parents and educators can create consistency and improve outcomes. - Meltdown Prevention Over Crisis Management: Why the focus should be on proactive support rather than reactive discipline. RESOURCES: For additional support and resources on sensory needs, check out our free downloads: ⁠⁠https://www.holisticchildandfamilytherapy.co.uk/digital-downloads⁠⁠ [https://www.holisticchildandfamilytherapy.co.uk/digital-downloads] If you enjoy this episode, please don't forget to like, share, and subscribe to help us reach more people and make a bigger impact.   Stay connected on social media for more updates and valuable content: Follow me on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@holisticchild⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/holisticchild]   Thank you for being a part of Therapy in the Woods!

Mini Pod 7: A Practical Guide to the Right to Choose Pathway for Autism and ADHD Assessments

In this week’s mini-pod, we’re diving into the Right to Choose Pathway and how it can provide faster access to autism and ADHD assessments for children. Whether you're a parent or caregiver navigating the diagnostic process, this episode is packed with valuable tips and guidance to help you on your journey. Key topics covered: - Understanding the Right to Choose Pathway: What it is and who qualifies. - Navigating GP Appointments: How to prepare for success and advocate for your child. - Choosing the Right Clinic: Factors to consider, including waiting times, age groups, and service suitability. - Private vs. NHS Assessments: Pros, cons, and things to watch out for. - Tips for Preparing Your Child: Making assessments less stressful and more productive. RESOURCES: If you're looking for additional resources to support your journey in understanding and supporting children with sensory needs, don't forget to check out our free downloads available here: ⁠https://www.holisticchildandfamilytherapy.co.uk/digital-downloads⁠ [https://www.holisticchildandfamilytherapy.co.uk/digital-downloads]   If you enjoy this episode, please don't forget to like, share, and subscribe to help us reach more people and make a bigger impact.   Stay connected on social media for more updates and valuable content: Follow me on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@holisticchild⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/holisticchild/]   Thank you for being a part of Therapy in the Woods!

Mini Pod 6: Surviving a Very Sensory Christmas

Welcome back to Therapy in the Woods! In this week’s mini-pod, we’re focusing on how to support children with sensory processing needs during the festive season. The holiday excitement can often be overwhelming for children with sensory struggles. Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, or educator, this episode provides practical advice to help everyone enjoy a more peaceful and joyful Christmas. Key topics covered: - Why Christmas can be so overwhelming for children with sensory processing difficulties. - Managing changes in routine, environment, and diet during the festive season. - Practical strategies for supporting children at school and at home during the holidays. - How to use visual timetables, sensory breaks, and create calm spaces. - Learning from past holiday experiences to create a family Christmas that works for everyone. RESOURCES: If you're looking for additional resources to support your journey in understanding and supporting children with sensory needs, don't forget to check out our free "Sensory All About Me" document and our free fact sheet, "The Benefits of Proprioceptive Input for Sensory Seekers", available for download here: https://www.holisticchildandfamilytherapy.co.uk/digital-downloads [https://www.holisticchildandfamilytherapy.co.uk/digital-downloads]   If you enjoy this episode, please don't forget to like, share, and subscribe to help us reach more people and make a bigger impact.   Stay connected on social media for more updates and valuable content: Follow me on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@holisticchild⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/holisticchild/]   Thank you for being a part of Therapy in the Woods!