The SEND Sofa

In 2019, Katy Martins welcomed her fourth child, a son named Xavier. Shortly after his birth, Xavier was diagnosed with Apert Syndrome—a rare genetic condition that affects approximately 1 in every 65,000 to 88,000 live births. Today, Katy sits down with Tahnee to share their family’s journey. Tune in as we explore what Apert Syndrome is, how it affects those who live with it, and the strength and resilience behind their story.https://www.gosh.nhs.uk/conditions-and-treatments/conditions-we-treat/apert-syndrome/www.katymartinsyoga. cominsta: katy.martins77 facebook: katymartinsyoga

In this episode, we dive deep into the world of ADHD with the brilliant Connor Greene, an ADHD Behavioural Specialist, parenting coach, and the voice behind ADHD & ODD Parent Coaching. Whether you're a parent, educator, or navigating ADHD yourself, Connor offers practical insights, empathy, and evidence-based strategies to help you better understand and support the ADHD brain.Connor shares real-life stories and actionable tips to reduce daily chaos, communicate effectively, and build stronger relationships with your child.📚 Resources Mentioned:Visit Connor’s coaching site: adhdandoddparentcoaching.comFollow on social for tips, strategies & support: @connormgreeneadhd Connor’s book: ADHD Explained https://www.connormgreene.com/books🧠 Whether you're feeling overwhelmed or just curious, this episode is packed with empowering content to help you feel seen, heard, and supported on your ADHD journey.🎤 ADHD - Master Skylander🎤 Bring Me the Horizon - Avalanche

Educational consultant Carly Steel is back, bringing her wealth of experience and expertise! She is the author of Consulting Autistic Young People on Their Personal Happiness, published in the Good Autism Practice journal. Carly began her career as a teacher at a specialist college, where she supported autistic young people, and later completed a master’s degree in autism. She then went on to coordinate alternative provisions for a major charity across the East Midlands and London.Carly’s true passion was discovered in her role as Director and Head of Education at an outdoor alternative provision, where she was able to make a direct impact on the lives of autistic individuals. As an autistic individual herself, Carly brings a unique, firsthand perspective to her work, offering invaluable insights into understanding and supporting the autistic experience.Note to listeners: Tahnee would like to clarify that it wasn’t until after her conversation with Carly that she realised the autistic community prefers the term "autistic people" rather than "individuals with autism." We are all continuously learning and growing in our understanding.https://embrace-autism.com/cat-q/https://carly-steel.com/home

In this episode, we delve into cerebral palsy, a neurological condition that affects movement and muscle coordination. Tahnee is joined by Neil and his wife, Mary Harris, to discuss the causes, symptoms, and various treatment options, including physical therapy and surgery. Tune in to gain valuable insights into how cerebral palsy impacts individuals and their families, and why self-care is essential to prevent burnout. Discover how early intervention can significantly enhance outcomes and improve quality of life for children affected by the condition.For Neil, self-care meant riding his motorbike. This passion led him to write HondaBoy, a deeply personal family story that connects two seemingly unrelated topics: the thrill of motorcycling and the survivor’s guilt stemming from escaping a devastating family illness.https://www.amazon.co.uk/HondaBoy-faced-existential-crisis-bike-ebook/dp/B0DMP9NCZF https://www.cerebralpalsyguidance.com/cerebral-palsy/https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cerebral-palsy/symptoms/https://shop.disabilityrightsuk.org/products/disability-rights-handbook-2025-2026

In this episode, Amelia Christie opens up about her journey as the mother of a child with both congenital heart disease and cerebral palsy. She shares the challenges and triumphs her family has experienced while navigating complex medical diagnoses, advocating for her son's health, and finding strength in the face of adversity. Through this conversation, listeners gain valuable insights into the realities of caring for a child with multiple health conditions, the importance of support systems, and the power of resilience.https://www.jumpchildrenscharity.co.ukhttps://www.clairehouse.org.ukhttps://www.alderheycharity.org

In this episode, Tahnee speaks with Jon about Down syndrome, where he shares his personal experiences, challenges, and successes while providing a candid perspective on what life is like for his son living with the condition. Jon addresses common misconceptions and advocates for a more inclusive society.https://downsyndromeuk.co.uk/https://www.downs-syndrome.org.uk/https://www.standoutsocks.co.uk/https://www.shabang.org.uk/what-we-do/https://chsf.org.uk/

In this episode, Tahnee is joined by Carly Steel, an Educational Consultant, who works closely with parents of neurodivergent children to enhance their child’s wellbeing, reduce anxiety, and promote family harmony. She is also the author of Consulting Autistic Young People on Their Personal Happiness, published in the Good Autism Practice journal.In honor of Neurodiversity Celebration Week, today we explore the world of dyslexia—a prevalent learning difference that influences how individuals read, write, and process language. Dyslexia is much more than simply reversing letters; It brings unique challenges that can affect everything from academic achievement to self-esteem, but it is also a condition filled with strengths, creativity, and untapped potential. We’ll explore what dyslexia is, how it manifests, and why understanding it is key to supporting those who live with it. Join us as we unpack the myths and truths about dyslexia and highlight the importance of awareness and tailored support.https://www.nessy.com/en-gb Free educational resourceshttps://www.neurodiversityweek.com/powerpoint-presentations Powerpoint presentations to look at with your children.https://www.ipsea.org.uk/ - A leading charity to help you navigate the SEND system.https://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/ British Dyslexia Associationhttps://www.carly-steel.com/Email [email protected] to recieve your FREE 60 Reasonable Adjustments for Neurodivergent Children in School!

Life can be incredibly demanding, particularly for parents of children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), who must balance numerous appointments and therapies. It often feels like we’re managing a variety of responsibilities at once, but it’s important to remember that it’s okay to let some things go in order to focus on becoming the best version of ourselves. In this episode, Tahnee speaks with Kelly Kearley, a SEND mother who transitioned from a career in event management in London to becoming a psychotherapeutic counsellor. Kelly founded Mind Over Matter Therapy to offer support, give back, and help others heal from similar experiences. Having walked in the shoes of others truly enhances her ability to offer meaningful guidance.My website: www.mindovermattertherapy.co.ukPTEN UK and Ireland Patient group: www.ptenuki.orgPositively Rare book: https://amzn.eu/d/hf9Irx4

In this episode today, Tahnee talks with Gabby Zeppieri, the only adult in the US to be diagnosed with Neutral Lipid Storage Disease Myopathy NLSD-M, a rare genetic condition, where fats (lipids) are stored abnormally in organs and tissues throughout the body. The accumulation of fats in muscle tissue leads to muscle weakness (myopathy).One of the reasons why such a small number of patients have been identified is un-awareness or less information of the disease.https://www.gabbyswonderfulworld.org/

With the half term holidays in full swing, Tahnee takes some time off to become full time chef, taxi driver, bottom wiper, kids entertainer, cleaner and story teller. In this episode, we meet Isaac (9) and Reeva (4), who both wanted to be a part of the show. What's it like to have a sibling with a disability? and how well do they know him? Let's compare answers!

Landree Gail, a 7 year old girl from Oklahoma, was diagnosed at the age of 4 with a rare mutation form of Angelman Syndrome. Seizures, disruptive sleep patterns and short attention span are just a few signs and symptoms of this condition. Landree’s mother, April, shares her story with us today.https://cureangelman.org.uk/https://www.angelman.org/what-is-as/https://www.instagram.com/colinfarrellfoundation/https://www.instagram.com/aprilmchesser/

In 2021, Kim and Keith Firmin’s world was turned upside down after they were told during pregnancy that their unborn son had a complex heart - double inlet left ventricle (only 3 out of 4 heart chambers work) and pulmonary stenosis (heart valve disease). At just 9 days old, medical professionals noticed that Leo also had a type 3 laryngeal (Airway) cleft – which had to be surgically repaired 3 times. At 3 weeks old he had tracheostomy surgery. Today, his mother Kim, shares her story with Tahnee.List of CharitiesREACT: for children under palliative care and very high needs. They give large amounts-Family Fund (large amounts every 2 years)-Maia Mouse (£250 minimum given)-Little Teds - Free caravan in Wales: Not wheelchair friendly-Make a wish foundation (3+). -Rainbow trust: Provides a family support worker-Newlife the Charity - Changing the lives of disabled children (newlifecharity.co.uk)- Big grants for large items-Home | JUMP Children's Charity (jumpchildrenscharity.co.uk) - Free photoshoots for families.

In this week's episode, Glenn Wilson, a pastor and creator of the Advocate of Hope on TikTok, which is dedicated to supporting parents, especially parents of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) joins Tahnee on the sofa. As a parent of an autistic child, Glenn understands the unique challenges and joys this journey brings. His mission is to encourage and uplift parents, helping them find strength, community, and hope in the midst of the struggles they face on a daily basis.TikTok: @advocateofhopeInsta: glennadvocateofhopehttps://www.kids.org.uk/sendiass-home/https://www.autism.org.uk/https://www.uniqueways.org.uk/

One question Tahnee has been asked since starting this podcast is, "Who is Max? Tell us more!" Today we get to find out more about Max, as Tahnee shares her story with us. https://www.kabukiuk.org.uk/https://www.allthingskabuki.org/https://www.kabukisyndromefoundation.org/

Armi Grace Petersen, a maternal health and infant occupational therapist from Illinois, talks to Tahnee on ‘The SEND Sofa’ about Sensory Processing Disorder, also known as SPD. Today, we learn to identify the possible signs of SPD and how it can impact on daily life.The information contained in this podcast is for general educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice.  Recommended book: "The Out-of-Sync Child": https://amzn.to/3ZwRxZ5

In this week’s episode, we celebrate World Braille Day! A worldwide celebration that takes place on 4th January each year. Tahnee Morgan is joined by Emma Thomas, the mum of 7 year old Archie, a young boy who is keen to show the world that having a vision impairment does not have to hold you back! Braille has become a huge part of Archie's life. Today we find out why. Archie has faced many other challenges in his short life, a kidney transplant being one of them. However, no matter what this family have had thrown at them, they have worked tirelessly together to create a loving world full of possibilities for their son. Sit back and prepare to be inspired by Archie’s story.https://www.rnib.org.uk/living-with-sight-loss/supporting-others/parenting-a-child-with-a-vision-impairment/how-to-make-celebrations-accessible-for-all-the-family/world-braille-day/Instagram: @thesendsofaFacebook: The SEND Sofa

Welcome to 'The SEND Sofa' hosted by Tahnee Morgan