[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”7px||24px|||”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”2px|||||”]

Podcast Episode 10.  Proof that perseverance pays off is shown by Jacob and Sarah as Sarah explains the second part of Jacob’s story: leaving school.  Jacob has ambitions to work in the music industry, and is currently holding down a testing job as a barman to save money towards a year long course at Abbey Road Studios, London.

Sarah briefly recaps where Jacob is at the moment before she explains how successful he has been since leaving school.  Sometimes he deals with difficult customers, in trying situations, and he has learnt strategies to cope with the demands and challenges he now faces.

Towards the end Sarah gives some final thoughts about their journey and a few tips we could all bear in mind, even if we don’t have the opportunity  to support in school the way she did.  Sarah is justifiably proud of her son Jacob, and he should be an  inspiration to all of us as to what is possible.

Show Notes
[1.00] – Where Jacob is today
[1.20] – How social media and Minecraft helped Jacob develop confidence in relationships
[3.30] – Challenges of working and ways in which Jacob manages them
[6.30] –  Dealing with difficult customers
[8.00] – Jacob inspiring others
[9.00] – Set rules and boundaries but make home a safe haven
[11.00] – Be careful Always check what you’re told
[12.30] – Talking through social situations. When, how and what expression to use

Key Takeaways
Keep talking
Success is possible

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”7px||24px|||”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”2px|||||”]

Podcast Episode 11.  Andy, father to a son with ASD and ADHD, takes a strategic view of independence, rather like a business plan. Because he does this, he and his wife have a clear vision of what they hope their son will be able to do age 21.

If their plan needs a little longer to be achieved, Andy is ok with this.  He says, ‘Being a kid is just a 15 year period of their lives, but they are going to be adults for 50 years.’  It doesn’t matter if his son takes more time to achieve the same independence as his siblings.

But by focusing on where we want our children to be at 21, it’s a much longer plan.  It relieves some of the frustrations we all feel by being in a hurry for our children to reach the same milestones as quickly as other children.  Small steps with low expectations but with long term goals with high expectations is a balanced approach that we could all learn from.

Show Notes
[.45]      – All about Andy and his son George
[1.15]   – The role of siblings leading by example
[3.00]   – Planning for the long term
[4.45]   – Setting up challenging scenarios to learn coping behaviors
[7.25]   – How independence actually decreases vulnerability
[8.15]   – Using routines
[9.50]   – Long term objectives come from the short term strategies
[12.20] – The dilemma of holding on or letting go
[14.00] – Explaining why you’re pushing them toward independence
[15.00] – Going at their speed

Key Takeaways
Small steps towards long term goals

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”7px||24px|||”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”2px|||||”]

Podcast Episode 12.  The forest is a great place to learn about ourselves as well as the rhythms of nature, according to Laura Ashfield an outreach worker at the Surrey Wildlife Trust.  More than this, she passionately believes the forest is a place that can help us discover our place in the world.

Discovering a place in the world, we know as parents to children with additional needs, is very important. Sometimes feelings of insecurity can be overwhelming. Maybe the forest and forest schools could hold part of the answer.

Laura shares her experiences as an outreach worker, and gives some uplifting examples of young people she’s worked with. The ethos of forest school is straightforward: it’s all about developing resilience, self-esteem and independence.

Forest schools are self-directed to give young people, who may in other areas of their lives feel like they have little control, a space to be themselves and do what they want to do in a safe but challenging environment. Laura also points out that there is time in the woods to just be and that ultimately boredom breeds creativity.

Show Notes
[.50] – All about Laura, role and what the Surrey Wildlife Trust does
[2.00] – What a forest school is all about which is self-directed learning
[2.30] – Opportunities for risky play within guidelines and with support
[4.50] – Ethos of forest schools – building resilience, self-esteem and independence
[6.00] – Learning to cooperate, negotiate, work as a team and express positive and negative emotions
[7.55] – ‘Adults not on Top on Tap’
[8.30] – Using the woods to develop motor skills
[9.30] – Allowing time in the woods
[11.25] – Boredom breeds creativity
[12.40] – Finding your own forest school and what to do when you’re out there
[13.40] – Age is no barrier
[14.50] – Finding perspective
[15.30] – Getting into ‘flow state’
[18.40] – It’s the process not the product that matters
[19.30] – Transferring skills learnt to outside the forest
[20.45] – Self-knowledge leads to resilience and persistence

 

Key Takeaways
Using outdoor places to find a place and space in the world
Boredom breeds creativity

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”7px||24px|||”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”2px|||||”]

Podcast Episode 13. Holidays are a time to relax, rewind and recharge, but more often than not they end up being less about fun and more about stress.

Vicki, an experienced travel consultant, shares tips for making travel less stressful. She understands our perspective because she is also a mother to a daughter with additional needs.

Vicki says preparation is key. Have everything you may ever need to hand, and have a distraction for every occasion. She also says anticipation is part of any holiday, and to make this enjoyable for a child with additional needs it is essential to talk about every part of the trip.

Vicki shares her experiences as a parent and a professional. She explains how repetition is key, and that while holiday location variety can be great, sometimes for children with additional needs familiarity makes life easier. Going back to same place can also reduces concerns around safety as well.

Finally, Vicki talks about the need for time away from your children to recharge your batteries and to encourage their independence, and this time away should be guilt free, although she knows as well as anyone else this is easier said than done.

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”7px||24px|||”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”2px|||||”]

Podcast Episode 14. Knowing when to take the stabilisers away, and not just on a bicycle, is key to moving towards achieving an end goal.This is the view of Jackie, mother to Joe who has additional needs, including a speech and language disorder.

Jackie explains what works for Joe is repetition and chunking (breaking tasks into chunks) so that they are never too daunting and that achieving the task is realistic. Of course it is easier if it’s something he likes doing but even if it isn’t Jackie talks about the using rewards and sometimes resorting to negotiation to get things moving.

Providing support for each small step along the way brings small successes. Achieving even a small goal builds Joe’s confidence and helps him feel ‘grown up’ enough to try more things. Jackie recommends this type of approach as well as figuring out the end goal and then working backwards by breaking tasks up into easy to do parts. Then, and this is so important, trust yourself to know when it’s time to take away the stabilisers.

Show Notes
[.30] – All about Jackie and her son Joe
[1.40] – Developing independence skills through repetition
[3.20] – Using visual aids
[4.00] – Utilising your negotiation skills
[4.40] – Using computer games to build confidence
[6.00] – Taking away the support gradually
[7.40] – Working on relationships in a safe environment
[9.00] – Developing those relationships skills during holidays
[12.30] – Starting new friendships can be hard and will only come with time
[15.45] – When Joe turns 16
[17.30] – Dealing with a young person’s vulnerability by helping then learn responses
[19.00] – Trusting your own judgement when it’s the right time to the stabilisers away

Key Takeaways
Using chunking and repetition
Find the right time to take the stabilisers away

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”7px||24px|||”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”2px|||||”]

Podcast Episode 15. The earlier you know what you’re dealing with the easier it is to seek out the right support and put in place the right plan, this is the opinion of Scarlett mother of Edith. She believes her daughter Edith will achieve a great deal because her daughter has an in born desire to be independent.  Edith’s spirit is inspirational.

Scarlet and her husband swapped countries and swapped schools to give their daughter the best chance possible, and Edith has moved from a child who struggled in mainstream to a child that thrives in the appropriate school. The family were in Switzerland when Edith was diagnosed the intervention they got was early and very detailed and even today this is still impacting on her positive progress.

Scarlett talks about how she feels the meeting milestones model is actually detrimental. She also provides some practical tips on how she helped her daughter to be able to do tasks requiring gross and fine motor skills.

Going your child’s pace is essential as its helps build confidence and self-esteem leading to a greater desire for independence.  Finally, Scarlett reminds us that as parents/carers we need to believe in ourselves and the great job we are doing.

Show Notes
[.30] –     All about Scarlett, her daughter and family
[1.00] –   The Swiss way
[2.00] –   The benefits of an early diagnosis
[2.35] –   Patience is the key and sometimes the system doesn’t help
[6.30] –   Tips on modelling tasks that need gross and fine motor skills
[10.30] – Rising to the challenges with strength and spirit
[13.00] – The importance of self-esteem and going at your own pace
[15.00] – The quest for independence and building the skills needed
[17.00] – As a parent believe in yourself

Key Takeaways
Be patient
Trust yourself

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”7px||24px|||”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”2px|||||”]

Podcast Episode 16. Everyone’s journey is very different but sometimes listening to someone else’s journey can help us on our own way. This week we talk to Carol, mother to Leo, about her and her family’s journey with him. His leaving home is still a way off for them, but there are many small steps to take along the way with which we can all identify.

Leo has had many challenges in his 10 years, but despite this his determination shines through. Finding the right school has been key to his moving forward and finding his place in the world.

While Leo’s parents have started to imagine what his future might hold, they are also enjoying the now where he is a happy boy. One reason for this happiness has been his getting more involved in community based clubs. This is facilitated by a mentor a few years older than him, who helps him navigate not only the activities but also social skills he needs.

Carol also reminds us that sometimes we need to take on the hard stuff and by that she means those family activities that stretch our children with additional needs. By not doing this, not only are our other children missing out but our children with additional needs aren’t being given the opportunity to surprise us.

Show Notes
[.45] – All about Carol, Leo and their family
[1.40] – Leo’s school journey
[3.00] – The achievements to be celebrated
[3.40] – Using reward systems
[4.15] – Sleeping issues
[6.00] – Current challenges
[9.00] – Ways to move forward and will cooking food lead to eating food?
[10.15] – Using holidays to aid learning
[12.00] – Enjoying the now
[14.45] – Using clubs to build confidence with the right mentor
[17.30] – Taking on the too hard things

Key Takeaways
Patience
Choosing a school for their future

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”7px||24px|||”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”2px|||||”]

Podcast Episode 17. Finding an interest as child, such as in sport, can lead to a lifelong passion that lasts right through adolescence and adulthood, and provides a strong connection to a community and a focus for life. This is the opinion of Maire who shares her story in this week’s podcast.

Maire talks about how a lack of confidence can lead to a young person to want to give up things they have always enjoyed. Combine that with a growing realisation that they are not performing at the same level as peers who seem to do the same things effortlessly, and the barriers to participation start to get higher.

Maire reminds us that it’s not always easy to manage the expectations of our children with additional needs or even what their siblings expect of them. For her son she looks to sport to help him find his purpose, build his confidence and find his own unique space in the world. As parents that’s our greatest challenge.

Show Notes
[.40] – All about Maire and her son
[1.15] – His primary school journey and finding the right secondary school
[1.40] – Learning life skills
[2.30] – Building confidence over time and with the right support
[3.30] – Making friends isn’t easy
[4.00] – Small slow steps
[4.30] – The challenges of having a younger sibling
[5.30] – When lack of confidence leads to giving up
[7.00] – Sport is the way forward
[7.30] – Stuck in the middle
[8.20 – Mainstream sport not inclusive
[9.00] – Cycling skills
[10.45] – Finding a purpose to build the feeling of success
[12.00] – The future and independent living
[12.30] – Healthy living
[12.45] – The difference boarding has made
[14.00] – The challenges of being a sibling
[15.15] – Getting involved in sport or activity when young so the interest is established

Key Takeaways
Get children involved young in something that interests them, whether it is a sport or another activity, so that this stays with them as they grow older.

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”7px||24px|||”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”2px|||||”]

Podcast Episode 18. You need to focus forward 100%, and not waste your energy looking backwards, according to Robyn. Robyn lives in Sydney with her son Riley, his younger brother and her husband. She talks about the early years, finding out Riley has autism and how their family dealt with this news. As she says Riley is a child with autism rather than an autistic child, because before anything else Riley is a child.

Robyn talks about the challenges in finding the right school for Riley and how she and her family were determined he would have every opportunity available to him. As part of this they explored a variety of interventions including speech and language therapy.

Robyn advocates getting on your cranky pants when those in charge don’t respect the value of your child. She shows us there is a time for thought and a time for action. She also talks about the fact that your family, and most importantly your child, must stay the axis of the wheel so that everything works for them not for any preconceived ideas or system. Robyn reminds us that as parents/guardians we are our child’s greatest advocate and that our positivity will permeate throughout their lives helping them to achieve so much more than a system often expects of them.

Show Notes
[1.15]   – All about Robyn and her son Riley
[1.40]   – Getting the diagnosis
[3.40]   – Child first autism second
[5.30]   – Early intervention is missed
[6.50]    – Pulling the cranky pants on
[8.15]    – How great it is to be able to say ‘No thanks we’re fine’
[11.00]  – Utilising the tools that Riley has and finding every resource available
[14.30] – Don’t try to fix what isn’t broken
[15.30] – Look forward 100% of the time
[16.15] – The support wheel with the family at the centre
[17.15] – Moving to mainstream schooling
[19.00] – Don’t worry – He’s my first too

Key Takeaways
Planning ahead
Don’t think about fixing your child they’re are not broken they are unique
Focus 100% ahead not think about whats behind

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]