SEND Parenting Podcast cover art

SEND Parenting Podcast

SEND Parenting Podcast

By: Dr. Olivia Kessel
Listen for free

Welcome to the Send Parenting Podcast. I'm your neurodiverse host, Dr Olivia Kessel, and, more importantly, I am a mother to my wonderfully neurodivergent daughter, Alexandra, who really inspired this podcast.

As a veteran in navigating the world of neurodiversity, I have uncovered a wealth of misinformation, alongside many answers and solutions that were never taught to me in medical school or in any of the parenting handbooks.

Each week on this podcast, I will be bringing the experts to your ears to empower you on your parenting crusade.

© 2026 SEND Parenting Podcast
Parenting & Families Relationships
Episodes
  • Why Screens Win and What Actually Works Instead with Ekta Khera
    Jun 30 2026

    In today’s attention economy, parenting has never been more challenging. Our children are surrounded by gadgets, technology and screens actively trying to distract them from you.

    And they’re really good at it!

    So what do we do about screen time, how much is too much, why do our kids always prefer to look at their screens over the world around them - or us - and what can you do about it?

    I am joined by Ekta Khera, illustrator and founder of Tiny Thinks, to discuss the big questions around screen time looming over every parent today.


    Together, Dr. Olivia and Ekta discuss:
    ✨ Encouraging children to think deeper

    ✨ Creating realistic alternatives and harnessing the hyperfocus

    ✨ Supporting neurodiversity with non-screen based activities

    ✨ Why Cocomelon is evil

    ✨ How to build an offline world that helps kids thrive

    ✨ The importance of curiosity and progress


    🤝Contact Ekta and find out more about her work at ourtinythinks.com

    💛 If this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone who needs to hear it.

    📚 New Book — Out Now 👉 Order your copy
    Beyond the Label: Empowering Parents of ADHD Girls
    A powerful blend of science and lived experience to help you truly understand and support your daughter.

    💬 Connect with Us

    🌱 Join our SEND Parenting Private WhatsApp Community — a free, safe, welcoming space to share, learn, and feel supported by parents who truly understand the realities of neurodiverse family life.

    Ready to go deeper?
    Become part of the ADHD Warrior Mum’s Membership — a paid membership space with group coaching with Dr Olivia, access to masterclasses with neurodiverse experts, monthly self-care and real connection. You don't have to navigate this journey alone.

    📩 Contact Me
    If you wou...

    Show More Show Less
    32 mins
  • Why Anxiety Escalates in ASD Teens
    Jun 16 2026

    Parenting at the best of times is hard work, but having a neurodivergent child is like parenting on steroids. Nothing works, you never feel like you can catch a break, and worst of all, you often feel like you’re not good enough.

    If this sounds like you, this episode is going to help you find your mojo again. Dr. Olivia is joined by Dr. Melita Ash, a clinical psychologist and the director of Percuro Psychology, a specialist practice in assessing and supporting anxiety, neurodivergence and school-related distress.

    Together, Dr. Olivia and Melita discuss:
    ✨ The challenges of identifying ASD in children, especially girls

    ✨ Managing overwhelm and emptying the stress bucket

    ✨ Social anxiety and autism

    ✨ The demand-capacity gap

    ✨ Patterns to look for in your neurodivergent children

    🤝Contact Melita and the Percuro Psychology team at https://percuropsychology.co.uk/

    💛 If this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone who needs to hear it.

    📚 New Book — Out Now 👉 Order your copy
    Beyond the Label: Empowering Parents of ADHD Girls
    A powerful blend of science and lived experience to help you truly understand and support your daughter.

    💬 Connect with Us

    🌱 Join our SEND Parenting Private WhatsApp Community — a free, safe, welcoming space to share, learn, and feel supported by parents who truly understand the realities of neurodiverse family life.

    Ready to go deeper?
    Become part of the ADHD Warrior Mum’s Membership — a paid membership space with group coaching with Dr Olivia, access to masterclasses with neurodiverse experts, monthly self-care and real connection. You don't have to navigate this journey alone.

    📩 Contact Me
    If you wou...

    Show More Show Less
    52 mins
  • EP 167: Late-Diagnosed Autism in Girls: The Cost of Being the “Good Girl”
    May 13 2026

    What happens when a child spends their entire life being told they are “too sensitive,” “not trying hard enough,” or that they “have so much potential”… while secretly struggling just to cope?

    In this deeply moving and honest conversation, Dr. Olivia Kessel is joined by author and illustrator Eliza Fricker to explore the hidden reality of growing up as an undiagnosed autistic girl. Inspired by Eliza’s powerful new book, Could Try Harder, this episode unpacks the emotional cost of masking, people-pleasing, perfectionism, and constantly feeling “different” in a world that misunderstands neurodiverse girls.

    Together, Dr. Olivia and Eliza discuss:
    ✨ The subtle signs of autism in girls that are so often missed
    ✨ The exhausting reality of masking and living behind a “coping” facade
    ✨ How phrases like “everyone else manages it” shape identity and self-worth
    ✨ Why neurodiverse girls are frequently overlooked in schools and families
    ✨ The grief, relief, and self-compassion that can come with late diagnosis
    ✨ How parents can better support children who are already trying their absolute best

    This episode is a powerful reminder that what looks like “not trying” is often a child trying harder than anyone can see. It is a conversation filled with compassion, insight, humour, and hope for parents, educators, and late-diagnosed women alike.

    📚 Could Try Harder by Eliza Fricker is available now.

    💛 If this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone who needs to hear it.

    📚 New Book — Out Now 👉 Order your copy
    Beyond the Label: Empowering Parents of ADHD Girls
    A powerful blend of science and lived experience to help you truly understand and support your daughter.

    💬 Connect with Us

    🌱 Join our SEND Parenting Private WhatsApp Community — a free, safe, welcoming space to share, learn, and feel supported by parents who truly understand the realities of neurodiverse family life.

    Ready to go deeper?
    Become part of the ADHD Warrior Mum’s Membership — a paid membership space with group coaching with Dr Olivia, access to masterclasses with neurodiverse experts, monthly self-care and real connection. You don't have to navigate this journey alone.

    📩 Contact Me
    If you wou...

    Show More Show Less
    47 mins
adbl_web_anon_alc_button_suppression_t1
No reviews yet