S3: E6: Autism and AAC: Nicole Bateman chats with Laura Brown

In this episode of Conversations with a SEND Mum, Nicole Bateman sits down with Laura Brown, the voice behind Spinning World of Autism. Laura shares her family’s journey with her autistic son, Ethan, and their experiences navigating the world of AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) to support his communication needs.Key Highlights:Embracing AAC and Alternative Communication: Laura opens up about their decision to explore AAC as a way to give Ethan a way of communicating. She discusses the initial challenges, the learning curve, and the transformative impact it’s had on Ethan’s ability to communicate his needs, preferences, and feelings.The Journey to Specialist School: Laura shares the emotional highs and lows of securing a specialist school placement for Ethan. She reflects on the advocacy required, the barriers they faced, and the relief that came with finding a school where Ethan can thrive. Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of finding the right educational fit for each child.Navigating the Ups and Downs of Parenting: Throughout the conversation, Laura and Nicole dive into the realities of parenting a neurodivergent child. They chat about celebrating the small wins, embracing differences, and the importance of a supportive community.Follow Nicole on www.instagram.com/conversationswithasendmum for exclusive peeks to weekly episodes. Please do send feedback and rate this podcast to help it reach those who would benefit. Nicole is The Friendly SEND Advisor for children's activity providers and tutors helping them create inclusive sessions for all children.Check out our Season 3 and 4 sponsor Rachel's 3 R's Subscription Box: Dedicated to helping SEND mums feel calmer and more relaxed by providing a box of products and online support for self-care. Follow on www.instagram.com/rachelsthreerssubscriptionbox and use the code NICOLE10 for 10% off your first order at https://rachel-s-three-r-s.subbly.me/Check out our Season 1 and 2 sponsor The Super Sensory Squad who support kids in understanding the eight sensory systems and emotional regulation using their penguin squad at: www.thesupersensorysquad.com and www.instagram.com/thesupersensorysquad