Quirky and Autistic Parenting Podcast

Mar 26 2024 23 ep. 36 mins 10
Quirky and Autistic Parenting Podcast artwork

If you are new to autism and parenting, the first series of the Quirky and Autistic Parenting podcast is just for you. It’s about ‘the shape of family’. The podcast is a funny audience–driven show for parents and autism professionals alike. Samera and Hayley, both parents to autistic children answer your fundamental questions over ten episodes. The series covers a child’s identity, autism diagnosis, family dynamics, autistic girls, parental well-being and a two-part bumper edition on education. You ask a question, Samera and Hayley will find the answer, they love to research and highlight relevant autism news and views, so you don’t have to. In this series they are joined by two psychologists Jo and Chris discussing their evidence-based parenting programme, and an autism speaker Vicki on her Masters research on puberty. The podcast hosts do go off piste and talk about food. Samera likes cooking and Hayley loves eating - a match made in heaven. Signposting references are listed in the accompanying episode’s transcript and the food consumed at recording. Recipes are included! The content of the podcast is for information purposes only and does not constitute advice.

  Kids & Family
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I want to break free

Mar 26 2024 34 mins  
Following a post-14 programme model Samera and her parent co-host Celeste, an NHS transitions coordinator, outline independence skills parents should consider when their young person is moving into adulthood. From how to forge independence, travel skills, and money management to options for supported living. Celeste and Samera also compare an Occupational Therapist’s recommendati

When tomorrow comes

Mar 12 2024 32 mins  
When should you start preparing your young person for adulthood? Following a post-14 programme model, Samera and her parent co-host Celeste, an NHS transition coordinator, discuss what health considerations parents should be discussing with their young person moving into adulthood. From writing health and communication passports, understanding the Mental Capacity Act, to consent an

A change is gonna come

Feb 27 2024 35 mins  
Samera and her parent co-host Michelle, a primary school teacher, answer a listener’s question ‘ Why does my son find the same transition going into school and even going to sleep everyday, so difficult? ' Transitions are a time or process of change and it is natural that change almost always brings uncertainty. The hosts identify why autistic children may struggle with transit

The power of love

Feb 13 2024 40 mins  
As part of our ‘pride not prejudice’ series we wanted to give a voice to a cohort who can often be missed when talking about autism. Samera interviewed Jude a mum of three, who described parenting her non verbal 22 year old son, Marky. Jude outlined the joys and challenges they have shared as a family and his route into supported living. All references in the podcast are in th

Nobody told me

Jan 30 2024 36 mins  
There is a Dynamic Support Register of people that are at risk of going into hospital if they do not get the right care and treatment in the community. Samera and her NHS colleague Les explain what parents should do if their child’s mental or physical health is deteriorating. Samera and Les, who are part of the independent panel, walk parents through care, education and treatme

Through the barricades

Jan 16 2024 40 mins  
What are the additional barriers when autistic and from an ethnic minority? Samera and Hayley discuss report findings from 2014 onwards where no discernable change seems to have occurred. Their guest Michelle, a teacher, works collaboratively with her students in a resourced provision and also as a parent to her autistic teen Tyler. All references in the podcast are in this episod

We can work it out

Dec 12 2023 34 mins  
The ‘ask Hayley episode’. Samera puts listeners' questions to our co-host and resident speech language therapist Hayley, whilst sampling regional cheeses. Hayley explains what Total Communication is, Gestalt Language Processing and recounts her recent attendance at a summit by Carol Gray the founder of social stories. There is a quick fire round and tips on how to communicate w

You don't have to say you love me

Nov 28 2023 43 mins  
There are many reasons why a child is being looked after outside of their birth home. In the third episode of ‘pride not prejudice’ five foster carers share their quirky family stories wanting to make a difference. Samera enjoyed a frank discussion with the carers about the shape of their inclusive families. Known for their clangers, expertly edited out, in this episode Samera

Don't get me wrong

Nov 14 2023 40 mins  
Samera and Hayley discuss Pathological Demand Avoidance or as they prefer to call it Pervasive Drive for Autonomy. Autism can be seen as a disability of trust and their guest Tom, a trainer from the PDA Society outlines the features of PDA, identifying demands and how to build trust. Tom also shares his difficulties in getting a diagnosis for his PDAer daughter. Hayley brings her o

Come together

Oct 31 2023 52 mins  
Back for a second series titled ‘Pride not Prejudice’ with guest contributors, Samera is also creating regional foods for Hayley, this episode it’s vegetarian Betty’s hotpot [#CoronationStreet]. Samera and Hayley discuss the most common co–occurring conditions associated with autism and what layering of diagnoses means, from gastrointestinal and sleep issues to ADHD and d