Show Notes
Sponsored By Sensory Junction - https://www.sensory-junction.co.uk Grab your cuppa and connect with us: Email:- [email protected] WhatsApp:- 07840113994 (Voice Notes welcome)
In this episode, we talk candidly about what friendship looks like when you are parenting children with additional needs. We cover adult friendships, school holiday survival, the role of carers, and the surprising ways neurodivergent kids form connections on their own terms. Join us for this personal, practical conversation about exclusion, masking, and finding your tribe.
Key topics Chelle shares her nerves and excitement around her boys having their first overnight stay with carers and we compare SEN-friendly outings. We also cover masking, social camouflage, and how years of adapting to different groups have shaped us in adulthood. We discuss navigating adult friendship dynamics when you are neurodivergent, have SEN children or suffer from rejection sensitivity or The conversation explores why some friendships fade naturally when life stages diverge, especially when one group is deep in parenting and another has older children or more free time. We discuss our children’s friendships, their struggles and how exclusion has affected them (and us). We also talk about the special bonds they have found with other children, familiar adults and animals, and how empathy often shows up most clearly in those relationships. Recommendations Gravey Fruit Farm - https://www.graveleystrawberries.co.uk/ Thomley - https://thomley.org.uk/
More from The UnSENsored Club Podcast
S2 Episode 1 – The SEN-Betweeners Sponsored By Sensory Junction - https://www.sensory-junction.co.uk Grab your cuppa and connect with us: Email:- [email protected] WhatsApp:- 07840113994 (Voice Notes welcome) Get Lisa's book Raising the SEN-Betweeners - https://amzn.eu/d/07FrYlXq Some autistic and SEND kids are being missed completely - too complex for mainstream, but not “high needs” enough to qualify for the right support. I this episode we talk about the “SEN-Betweeners” Series 2 kicks off with a raw, personal conversation about the children who fall through the cracks in education, healthcare, and everyday life. The term itself was coined by Lisa (with a little help from hubby Terry) for her book Raising the SEN-betweeners, and it has since struck a nerve with parents who know exactly what it means to be caught in the middle. You’ll hear why this group is so often overlooked, why the “overdiagnosis” debate misses the point, and how children who don’t fit the neat boxes can end up struggling in silence. The discussion also unpacks the painful contrast between children with very visible support needs and those whose difficulties are easier to dismiss, even when they are just as real. The episode goes beyond labels and gets into the emotional reality for families living this every day. We break down how being misunderstood, pushed aside, or forced to cope in the wrong environment can shape a child’s mental health, confidence, and sense of belonging for years. If you’re a parent, carer, educator, or anyone who works with neurodivergent children, this is essential listening. It’s a conversation about visibility, vulnerability, and why some of the most vulnerable children are the ones most likely to be forgotten.
Show Notes Episode 12 – The Uncensored UnSENsored Club - The most chaotic episode yet Sponsored By Sensory Junction - https://www.sensory-junction.co.uk Grab your cuppa and connect with us: Email:- [email protected] WhatsApp:- 07840113994 (Voice Notes welcome)
Show Notes Episode 11- Fighting for SEN Sevices Sponsored By Sensory Junction - https://www.sensory-junction.co.uk Grab your cuppa and connect with us: Email:- [email protected] WhatsApp:- 07840113994 (Voice Notes welcome) In this episode, we explore the exhausting reality of fighting for SEND support—from CAMHS rejections and EHCP battles to direct payments, nappies, and respite. The conversation moves between serious advocacy, practical next steps, and the emotional toll of constantly having to prove a child’s needs. We reflect on masking, non-verbal communication, and the limits of current services, with lighter moments about dogs, glamping, and the everyday chaos of family life.
Bonus Episode - Tragic elopement, safety fears, and practical tips for SEND parents Email:- [email protected] WhatsApp:- 07840113994 (Voice Notes welcome)~ This bonus episode is a raw conversation about the death of Noah Woods and the terrifying reality of elopement for SEND and autistic children. We share personal experiences of children getting out of the house or wandering off and the emotional impact, the guilt parents feel. Key topics The episode opens with a reaction to Noah Woods’ death and why it hit so hard for SEND parents. Amelia, previously escaped through a garden padlocked gate, leading to panic and intense guilt. Bobby, got out after a front door was left unlocked for just a few seconds, showing how quickly it can happen. A zoo incident is discussed as another reminder that even with multiple adults present, children can disappear in a split second. The conversation stresses that parents cannot rely only on vigilance from others and need systems in place for every possible exit. Practical safety ideas include door alarms, keeping keys out of reach, Apple tags, and putting trackers in places the child is likely to keep on them. A tip is shared about dressing children in bright, memorable clothing so responders can identify them quickly if they go missing. We stress how parents should never feel embarrassed about reins, buggies, safety beds, or any tool that helps keep a child safe. The episode ends by asking listeners to share any safety strategies that have worked for them. Timestamps 00:00 - Why this bonus episode was recorded after Noah Woods’ death 00:57 - The heartbreak of a child eloping near water 01:26 - Why elopement is every SEND parent’s biggest fear 03:09 - Amelia’s escape through a garden gate 04:39 - The fear of not knowing where a child might go 05:44 - Using an Apple tag scrunchie as a safety layer 06:13 - Why trackers only help if the child keeps them on 06:43 - Bobby getting out after a door was left unlocked 07:43 - The Ring doorbell moment that still stays with them 08:38 - Why safety depends on more than just parents 09:38 - Door alarms, lanyards, and smart home alerts 10:09 - A zoo scare that showed how fast children vanish 11:07 - Why parks, ponds, and public spaces need better safety barriers 11:38 - Dressing children in bright clothes for faster identification 12:37 - Calling out the child’s clothing, not just their name 13:37 - Why reins and buggies should never be a source of shame 14:07 - What to do when your child has already escaped once 15:07 - Why children become better at unlocking doors as they grow 16:06 - Dealing with police when your child is autistic and non-verbal 16:36 - A useful tip about pre-registering a child’s details with police 17:06 - The controversial debate around microchipping or tracking 19:04 - Why the conversation is serious, not sensational 19:55 - Final advice for parents: use every safety tool you need 20:25 - Closing thoughts and invitation for listeners to share tips Sign The Petition https://c.org/4wZyZvsk4K
Episode 10 - Marriage, Parenthood, and Keeping a Relationship Alive When You’re SEND Parents Sponsored By Sensory Junction - https://www.sensory-junction.co.uk Grab your cuppa and connect with us: Email:- [email protected] WhatsApp:- 07840113994 (Voice Notes welcome)