That's good to know

In this episode I'm speaking to Jessica Patay in Southern California about her non profit organisation 'We are brave together'. They provide respite, community, and resources for mothers caring for children of any age with disabilities, unique needs, or other medical or mental health challenges.Jessica is a caregiving mum herself and has a wealth of experience and insight into the challenges and joys of this type of motherhood. We talk about her new book 'Suddenly Brave Together' - Letter to caregiving mums at a defining moment of their lives It's collection of stories from mums who have lived that moment when everything changes and write from a place of experience, decades later. A beautiful message which helps you to know you are not alone. To find out more and to join (membership is free) visit: We Are Brave Together | Support Community for Moms of Children with DisabilitiesOr on IG: wearebravetogether

I'm speaking with Helen Lomas from Disability Care Partners about her new company that provides support for disabled and neurodivergent whānau in a holistic, mana enhancing way, grounded in EGL principles. We hear the back story behind DCP and the most important thing...her WHY. For more info visit: Disability Care Partners | Discover Tailored Support – Get Involved Today

Jamie is back for another info dump! We talk about behaviour, regulation and felt safety and so much of it makes a lot of sense. Kids do well when they can so when we see them overwhelmed, stressed or under pressure there is a reason for it. Jamie explains how behaviour and emotions are information. Behaviour is the visible moment where the load exceeds capacity. Understanding the behaviour we are seeing and looking at it with curiosity instead of enforcing compliance can help foster safety and regulation in our kids. Listen in for more valuable and helpful information around this topic. It's so good!

This episode is a cracker. I speak with Janieke de Graaf, Mum of two neurodivergent humans who also happens to be a neurodivergent human too. We talk about connection, what it looks like to connect with our ND kids and how important it is for their felt sense of safety. There is so much gold in this kōrero, I'm excited to share it. Janieke is also a behaviour specialist with Explore, however, she speaks from the perspective of her lived experience in our interview.

Here is part two of my kōrero with Tiana, Annabel and Jasmine on their educational experiences, things that helped and things that maybe didn't. We dive a bit deeper in this episode and hear how support they received shaped their education journeys at primary, secondary and tertiary level. Annabel mentions a service run by iLead called iDrive in this episode. You can find out more information on the website here: I.Drive Licensing Program – I.Lead

In this episode I speak with Tiana, Annabel and Jasmine, three wonderful humans from i lead Wellington. We discuss their educational experiences as disabled students in primary, secondary and tertiary spaces, the things that helped and the things that didn't.This is a conversation that you don't want to miss. In fact, it was so good we split it into two parts. For more information on i Lead check out their website: I.Lead

In this episode I talk with speech and language therapists Zazi and Tess about transitions.Transitions can be one of the toughest parts of the day for disabled and neurodivergent children and for the adults supporting them too. We talk about what's really going on beneath the behaviour and what genuinely helps. Zazi and Tess have their own podcast 'You got this - with Zazi & Tess'. I encourage you to check it out.https://open.spotify.com/show/2pc3R8VxrIVDZq0T3m4Hx6?si=ff0b6930170044d4

In the second episode of the 'Things that can help' series I'm talking to Jamie an Occupational Therapist from Nurture and Thrive. We unpack the power of Occupational Therapy support for sensory processing and co-regulation.

We kick off the new series 'Things that can help' with Wellington Mums Leila and Keely who have both been on the show before. Our kōrero is all about how friendship and community can help with this different kind of parenting path we find ourselves on.We talk about connection, support and the little things that truly help.

My little buddy Emerson joins me in the studio as my co-host to introduce our new series 'Things that can help'. We talk about things that help both of us such as: ways to cope at school, things that help when you're having a meltdown, how joy and laughter can help lighten the load and much more.

In this episode I chat with Julie Legg author, podcaster, actor, musician, homesteader and late diagnosed adhder. We discuss her book, podcast, misconceptions and myths of ADHD and some of the strategies she adopts to help manage her symptoms. Julie's book, The Missing Piece, combines her own lived experience of being diagnosed with research and powerful personal stories from other Kiwi women with ADHD. It's a go-to reference for any stage of your journey, whether you're newly diagnosed, exploring the possibility, or supporting someone who is. She carries on the conversation along with her husband on their podcast ADHDifference.Home - Julie LeggADHDifference podcasthttps://open.spotify.com/show/42EAPqQrS5BQjbYUTK5V2Y?si=e6649974de074ed2

I'm joined by Holly Gooch from The Hyphen Project for a fantastic kōrero about Twice Exceptional (2e) kids and how her six-month intensive programme for neurodivergent teens (16-19) is helping them build confidence, purpose and collaborative skills that prepare them for adulthood. The Hyphen Project program is for teens that haven't thrived in traditional school settings and Holly shares with us the impact it's having on their young lives and why rethinking education matters now more than ever. For more info or to contact Holly visit:The Hyphen Project

In this episode I'm joined by Iain Girvan, founder of Autsupport, a mentoring and coaching service created to help support autistics through gaming. Neurodiversity Support, Coaching & Mentoring | AutSupport NZTune in for an inspiring kōrero with a genuinely cool guy doing meaningful mahi to support and empower the autistic community. Here are some of the groups Iain mentioned:Dads with Autistic kids - Hutt Valley & Wellington groupPDA Gamers GlobalPDA Father FiguresAutism Dads Support Group NZ

In this episode I’m joined by the incredible Frian Wadia, founder and chairperson of NATINA - Neuroscience and Trauma Informed Network Aotearoa, who opens up about her journey with complex trauma and the lightbulb moment that transformed the way she understands healing and staying grounded.Tune in to hear her powerful story, her insights on resilience, and how we can all find grounding in the midst of life’s challenges.We also talk about all things inclusive education and her mahi with NATINA, effecting change through a trauma informed lens.https://sites.google.com/natina.co.nz/natina/home

In this episode I'm joined by Laura North from Wonderboy Trust who shares her incredible story of life, loss, love and legacy. She shares how the NAPA (Neurological and Physical Abilitation) paediatric therapy clinic in Sydney has impacted her whānua's lives and how she's been instrumental in bringing this support to Wellington. This episode touches on child loss. Please take care when listening. For more information on NAPA: NAPA Centre Australia I World-Renowned Paediatric TherapyWonderboy Trust: Facebook

This is Kylee and she does all the things. Creator and boss lady of Kylee and Co and Clipboard. She also facilitates social activities and a change for disabled people to get together through Waikato accessibility and runs a collective for disabled business owners across the motu. What an incredible human, who has been doing so many great things to make this world more accessible for disabled people. She has a lot of inspirational things to say and talks passionately about her wonderful 'crew' who help to make it all possible.Kylee and Co – Kylee & CoAbout – Clipboard

This is such an insightful kōrero with Nikita Van Dijk one of the co presidents of the National Disabled Students Association. Along with this role, Nikita is a fierce advocate for inclusive education which is so evident in this conversation.

In this episode we hear from Adam Bazzard, the owner of Sensory Sam. He shares the story behind why he started the company and what they are doing in the world of all things sensory products.

In this episode of the Pathmakers series, I speak with Erika Butters from Volition about all things supported decision-making. Volition is a social enterprise creating smart and simple technology to empower disabled people as decision makers in their own lives.Erika has been busy creating a shiny new app she refers to as a preference bank. It's designed to store information about people's preferences and choices, assisting in effective supported decision-making.This is such an exciting innovation and a must listen if you have any whānau with a disability. You can download the app from the website (it's not in the app or play store as it's designed for any device)Volition | a tool for supported decision making

In this first episode of the new 'Pathmakers' series, I interview Chanelle Moriah, the award-winning author of 'I am Autistic' and 'This is ADHD'. She also works for Autism NZ in research and advocacy. We talk about what it was like to get her diagnosis, how she has been able to overcome mental health challenges and what it was like to publish her books. The 'Pathmakers' series focuses on people who are paving the way within the disability sector in areas such as innovation, advocacy, support services and more. Most will have lived experience of disability or extensive experience in the sector.

In this bonus episode, created for Youth Broadcasting Week, we hear from three young people who have a sibling with a disability. Firstly, Meredith's son Emerson does a 'takeover' and interviews her. Then in the second half of the show we hear a fun and insightful kōrero with Cassia and Jentzen, two young people who have a sister with an intellectual disability, autism, adhd and epilepsy.

Talia joined me over zoom from Christchurch to share her story about what life has been life raising a child who developed epilepsy from an early age. Now 15, her daughter has been diagnosed with autism, intellectual disability and ADHD.We talk about the journey from the medical world to disability and then mental health. This a raw conversation of what it feels like to be a Mum of a child with complex needs and I'm grateful for Talia's vulnerability in sharing it with us.

In this epsiode I speak to another Wellington Mum, Judith who has a daughter in her 30's with an intellectual disability. It was really interesting to hear her reflect on what life was like initially and how she has adapted and changed with her daughter's needs. We touch on Enabling Good Lives in this episode and if you would like to know more visit the website: The approach of Enabling Good Lives

This episode features my colleague Sophie one of the Canterbury coordinators at Parent to Parent.The love and passion for her kids and others is so evident in our kōrero and I’m excited to share her story of fostering a couple of wonderful autistic boys. We may need a part 2, there’s so much more to say!Here is the link to the give a little page she mentions https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/respite-van-fundraiser Before the interview I read out a speech from the recent Autism NZ breakfast at parliament celebrating world autism awareness and acceptance day. The speech is from Joanne Dacombe, Autism NZ board member, researcher and advocate. It was so moving I had to share it with you. Thanks @joannedacombe for your willingness to share this with us.Check out the awesome designs for this years 'Hoods Up Campaign' from Autism NZOur Hoodie Designs - Autism NZSophie mention's using the sunflower lanyard on her travels. You can find out more here: Hidden disabilities sunflower scheme | aviation.govt.nz

Wellington Mum Keely shares her experiences of what like having two autistic children. There are a couple of teary moments as we discuss some of the hopes and dreams we have for our kids.

In this episode I talk to Wellington Mum Anna who shares her story with beautiful vulnerability and honesty. We find out what it was like for her to find out pre-natal that there was a chance her baby could have Down Syndrome and what it was like to first look into her eyes when she was born. Anna is also a neurodiversity affirming early intervention teacher passionate about connection and regulation. She supports early childhood teachers and caregivers of tamariki who have support needs. Follow along on @empowerlearningproject

Episode 4 features my colleague Jack who is the other Wellington Coordinator at Parent to Parent. We talk about what it's like to have a disability yourself and be raising a child with Autism. Listen in to hear an honest and heartwarming story of a Dad who takes every day as it comes, trying to put the pieces of the jigsaw together.

In this episode I talk with Ken, a Wellington father of two neurodivergent boys. We talk about advocating for your child and what that looks like in different spaces as well as PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance) which is a profile of autism.There are a few acronyms mentioned so here's a glossary:ASD - Autism Spectrum DisorderPDA - Pathological Demand AvoidanceCDS - Child Development ServiceADHD - Attention Deficit Hyperactivity DisorderCAMHS - Child and Adolescent Mental Health ServiceND - Neurodivergent or NeurodiverseOT - Occupational TherapistSunflower lanyard: Hidden disabilities sunflower scheme | aviation.govt.nz

In this episode I talk to Leila who is a Wellington Mum of two boys, one of whom is autistic. She also talks about what it was like growing up with a neurodivergent brother and how that, along with her own experience has shaped her perspective on disability.

This show is for parents and caregivers of disabled and neurodivergent children of any age. The first series 'Meet the parents', will be a collection of interviews with different parents who share their story and experiences of raising a disabled or ND child. In this introductory episode you will hear the story of Meredith, the host of TGTK, who is interviewed by her friend Amy.