In this week's episode of The Autism Mums Podcast we welcome Karen Mason to the show.

Karen Mason grew up in Hertfordshire with five brothers and built a 35-year career with Bourne Leisure, one of the UK’s leading holiday park operators. Alongside her professional journey, she supported three neurodivergent family members and cared for her father through dementia. These personal experiences highlighted the lack of support for neurodivergent families in holiday parks. Driven to make a difference, Karen founded My Safe Place, combining her industry expertise with her passion for inclusion. Her mission is to create safe, welcoming environments for all families to enjoy accessible and stress-free holidays.

Understanding Personal Experiences: Karen Mason's journey emphasises the importance of personal experiences in shaping her understanding of neurodivergent needs and challenges.

The Importance of Inclusion: Karen's mission with My Safe Place focuses on creating inclusive environments that cater specifically to the needs of neurodivergent families.

Recognising the Need for Support: The lack of support for neurodivergent families in holiday settings highlights a significant gap in accessibility and understanding within the hospitality industry.

Creating Safe Spaces: Karen's work is dedicated to fostering safe, welcoming spaces that allow families to enjoy stress-free holidays together.

Industry Expertise Meets Compassion: Karen combines her professional background in the holiday sector with her passion for inclusion, showcasing how expertise can drive meaningful change.

www.mysafeplacesouthern.co.uk

Email: karen@mysafeplacesouthern.co.uk

Facebook: @mysafeplacesouthern

Instagram: @mysafeplacesouthernuk

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Creating Inclusive Holidays for Neurodivergent Families with Karen Mason

Victoria Bennion: [00:00:00] Welcome to the podcast. Karen,

Karen Mason: Thanks.

Victoria Bennion: could you start by talking us through your journey to starting my safe place please?

Karen Mason: Yeah, sure. So I've actually worked in the park industry, holiday parks for over 35 years now, and worked in various roles operationally, managing parks, all sort of jobs. I decided about 18 months ago after an episode supporting my brother and his neurodivergent children that I wanted to pivot where I was in the business and help and encourage parks to become more inclusive when it came to neurodivergent guests.

So I literally stopped what I was doing and. Spent now researching, talking to lots of families, working with local charities, and my Safe place evolved. And here we are. We're to ready to [00:01:00] go.

Natalie Tealdi: Oh, that's brilliant. Excellent. I understand you pivoted overnight. Your business was it the experience with your nephew that was the catalyst for that?

Karen...

In this week's episode of The Autism Mums Podcast reflect on attending the peaceful protest Every Pair Tells a Story, led by The SEND Sanctuary.

• The Every Pair Tells a Story protest shone a light on thousands of children across the UK who have been left without the education or support they deserve.
• Each pair of shoes represented a child and the pain, resilience, and determination of the families standing behind them.
• Parents and carers united peacefully to demand accountability, compassion, and systemic change.
• The stories of children like Archie, Harper, Izzy, Lucas, and Jackson highlighted the devastating human cost of a broken system.
• Long waiting lists, inconsistent support, and poor understanding within schools continue to fail neurodivergent children.

The SEND Sanctuary

ASDivas & Dudes

Fix SEND Dorset

ASCape

The SEND Nurture Network

Website – https://theautismmums.com/

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Victoria Bennion:

Welcome back to the Autism Mums podcast. Thank you for joining us for today's

episode, which is both a bit emotional and I think quite historic.

Natalie Tealdi: Yeah,

I mean, last Monday across England and Scotland, parents and carers came

together for a peaceful protest called Every Pair Tells a Story.

Victoria Bennion:

Pairs of shoes were laid outside council buildings, and each pair represented a

child who's been failed by the education and support systems. Whether that's

been waiting for years for an assessment, missing out on a school place, or

being left without help.

Natalie Tealdi: This

movement led by the Send Sanctuary is about visibility and accountability. It's

about family showing through the quiet power of empty shoes. That our children

deserve better.

Victoria Bennion:

Yeah. And we went along to support the protest, didn't we? Nat, which was

outside Dorsett County Council at County Hall in Dorchester. And I dunno about

you, but I did find it really moving. [00:01:00]

I think there were more than 70 pairs of shoes laid outside those council

offices and each pair of shoes represented a child who's been let down by the

system in some way, which I don't know.

Victoria Bennion:

It's really sad. And I think thinking of the shoes as a symbol, they were

really powerful. They represent. The steps that our children should be taking

into school with friendships, with independence, and yet so many can't because

the system just keeps letting them down.

Natalie Tealdi: I

mean, it was so powerful sort of seeing them all laid out and thinking, gosh,

thinking about what that rep represents, like 70 pairs of shoes for 70

children....

In this week's episode of The Autism Mums Podcast, we discuss the challenges faced by parents navigating the waiting period for their child's autism diagnosis. We explore strategies for gathering evidence, advocating for support, and managing the differences in behaviour between home and school settings. With practical tips and personal insights, we aim to empower parents to take proactive steps during this often frustrating and isolating time.

Understanding the Waiting Game: Many parents face the challenge of navigating the waiting period for their child's autism diagnosis, often feeling isolated and unsure of the next steps.

Coping at Home vs. School: Children may present differently at school compared to home, leading to discrepancies in support. It’s vital to gather evidence of behaviours at home to advocate effectively.

Gathering Evidence: Documenting your child's struggles through video recordings or diaries can provide crucial evidence when communicating with schools and professionals.

Utilising School Resources: Engage with schools to explore options like re-engagement sessions, youth workers, or alternative therapies that can provide support and evidence for assessments.

Professional Input Matters: Involving various professionals—such as therapists, tutors, and behavioural nurses—can strengthen your case for support and diagnosis by offering diverse perspectives on your child's needs.

Stay Proactive: Regularly follow up with schools and professionals regarding assessments, and don’t hesitate to reach out to your MP if you encounter significant delays in the process.

Explore Alternative Routes: Consider different pathways for assessments, such as CAMHS or private assessments, which may have shorter waiting times compared to traditional routes.

Community Support: Connecting with other parents and support groups can provide invaluable advice and encouragement during the challenging waiting period.

Self-Care for Parents: Acknowledge the emotional toll that waiting for a diagnosis can take, and we really recommend prioritising self-care to maintain your well-being while advocating for your child.

Resource Recommendations: Explore recommended books and resources that can provide further insight and support for navigating autism-related challenges.

The Explosive Child by Ross Greene

Raising The SEN-Betweeners by Lisa Lloyd

Aspergers Syndrome by Tony Attwood

The Girl with the Curly Hair by Alis Rowe

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Navigating the Waiting Game: Essential Tips for Parents of Kids with Autism

Natalie Tealdi: [00:00:00] in this episode, we discuss the challenges faced by parents navigating the waiting period for their child's autism diagnosis. We explore

strategies for gathering evidence, advocating for support, and

managing the differences in behavior between home and school

settings.

Practical tips and personal

insights. We want parents to know that we get how...

In this episode Victoria and Natalie chat with Julie Green, author of Motherness, to explore the realities of parenting through autism both as a mum to an autistic son and as a woman who discovered her own autism later in life.

Julie M. Green is a Canadian writer whose work has been featured in the Washington Post, HuffPost, The Globe and Mail, Today’s Parent, and Chatelaine. She has appeared on CTV, BBC Radio, SiriusXM, and CBC Radio. She writes The Autistic Mom on Substack. For more information, visit JulieMGreen.ca.

• Autism in girls and women can look very different from the traditional stereotypes. Julie explains that while boys can be identified through visible traits like lining up toys or having clear special interests, girls may channel their autistic traits into more socially acceptable interests
• Many girls mask their differences by copying peers
• The importance of seeing challenging behaviour as communication, not defiance.
• How self-compassion and reframing past experiences can heal years of misunderstanding and self-blame
• The need for schools and systems to replace punishment with understanding and co-regulation.

Motherness: A Memoir of Generational Autism, Parenthood, and Radical Acceptance

The Autistic Mom Substack

The Explosive Child: A New Approach for Understanding and Parenting Easily Frustrated, Chronically Inflexible by Ross W Green

National Autistic Society

Website: juliemgreen.ca

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juliem.green

Substack: https://theautisticmom.substack.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-m-green-34bb1845/

Website – https://theautismmums.com/

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Follow us on TikTok

In this week's episode of The Autism Mums Podcast we welcome Greer Jones to the show.

Greer Jones is a speaker, writer, and podcast host passionate about building understanding and connection in the neurodiverse world. As a mom raising an autistic and ADHD child, and part of a neurodivergent couple herself, she brings honesty, empathy, and lived experience to her work. She is the creator of The Unfinished Idea podcast and online community, where she provides encouragement, practical tools, and a reminder that no one has to walk this journey alone. Her story has been featured in podcasts, conferences, and publications, inspiring families to embrace their unique path with hope and courage.

• Understanding Neurodiversity: Greer emphasises that autism and ADHD manifest differently in each individual, highlighting the importance of recognising and valuing each child's unique strengths and challenges.
• Advocacy Experience: Greer shares her experience of advocating for her son, stressing the need for parents to be proactive in navigating educational and healthcare systems.
• Building Community: Connecting with other parents and families facing similar challenges can provide invaluable support, encouragement, and shared strategies for managing daily life.
• Positive Framing: Starting meetings with positive affirmations about a child helps shift the focus from deficits to strengths, fostering a more collaborative atmosphere.
• Partnership with Schools: Greer advocates for a partnership approach with educators, emphasising the importance of regular communication and collaboration to support a child's needs effectively.
• Managing Expectations: Understanding that neurodivergent children may struggle with transitions and choices allows parents to adjust their expectations and provide necessary support.
• Embracing Flexibility: Greer discusses the importance of adapting plans and routines according to a child's needs, especially during challenging periods, to minimise overwhelm.
• Creating Safe Spaces: Providing children with tools and strategies, such as sensory items or designated "fun bags," can help them navigate overwhelming situations more comfortably.

The Unfinished Idea Podcast with Greer Jones

Website – http://theunfinishedidea.com

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/theunfinishedidea/

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Victoria Bennion: Welcome to the podcast.

Greer Jones: Thank you. Yeah. Thanks for having me. , I'm glad to be here.

Victoria Bennion: It's great to have the chance to talk to you after meeting you at the Send Rally

Greer Jones: Yeah, it was fun. I found that really just be really impactful because I got to meet so many people in person that I know online and have seen online. So yeah, it was good.

Natalie Tealdi: Can you start by [00:02:00]...

In this week's episode of The Autism Mums Podcast we're reflecting on the Panorama documentary, EHCPs and everyday struggles from socks to lunch boxes.

The reality behind EHCPs – why the process can be emotionally draining, time-consuming, and often leaves families feeling powerless.

When inclusion isn’t inclusion – the difference between being in school and actually being supported to thrive.

The ripple effect of sensory struggles – how something as small as socks or a change in routine can unravel a whole morning.

Food battles and 'safe foods' – understanding why eating can be so complex for autistic children and why parents shouldn’t face judgment for feeding what works.

Navigating seasonal changes – how weather, clothing, and sensory shifts can bring new challenges for children who rely on predictability.

The need for empathy over judgment – whether it’s food, clothes, or school attendance, understanding should always come before criticism.

BBC Panorama Documentary: Autism, School and Families on the Edge presented by Kellie Bright

EHCP (Education, Health and Care Plans) - learn more here

ARFID and sensory-based eating challenges - learn more here

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This Week in Our World:

Reflecting on Panorama, EHCPs and Everyday Struggles [00:00:00]

Victoria Bennion:

This week we watched Kelly Bright's Panorama documentary called Autism School

and Families on the Edge, and it was really interesting watching. So we wanted

to take today to reflect on the program and chat about things in general that

have come up for us and our children

Victoria Bennion: .

so what did you think about the program? Nat.

Natalie Tealdi: I

thought it was really great to give. Exposure about the issues of EHCPs. I

mean, it was largely based around EHCPs, wasn't it? And it definitely brought

back lots of memories. I think it's that, that place where you are at, where

you don't really know much about what's going on and you're kind of trying to

work out how to support your child.

Victoria Bennion:

Yeah.

Natalie Tealdi: the

right environment is for them, getting them the right support, not really

knowing what that support is or what even are the options for support.

Victoria Bennion:

That's right. It's a really stressful time. And I think that it, hopefully, it

highlighted that it's quite a lengthy process and that it requires quite a lot

of you as...

In this week's episode of The Autism Mums Podcast we welcome Talia Zamora to the show.

Talia Zamora, Award-Winning Coach and bestselling co-author, encourages and uplifts women from Neurodivergent families who are struggling to find balance, clarity, and direction through bespoke one-to-one coaching. With a supportive, accepting, and inclusive approach, she helps clients reconnect with their self-worth, build confidence, and set realistic, meaningful goals that align with their lives. Drawing on both lived experience and professional expertise, Talia’s unique coaching style empowers women to take control, make progress, and redefine success on their own terms. Her work is grounded in simplicity, compassion, and the power of being truly seen and understood.

• Accidental Journey to Coaching: Talia’s path to becoming a coach began unexpectedly, driven by her own experiences as a parent of neurodivergent children.

• Identifying Common Struggles: Many neurodivergent families face challenges related to societal expectations and the pressure to conform to typical parenting norms.

• The Importance of Self-Compassion: Talia emphasizes the need for parents to recognize their unique family dynamics and to approach parenting with kindness toward themselves.

• Momentum vs. Balance: Talia discusses the concept of prioritizing momentum over traditional work-life balance, focusing on maintaining progress rather than achieving a perfect equilibrium.

• Breakthrough Moments: Clients often experience significant breakthroughs when they learn to communicate their needs and establish boundaries in both personal and professional contexts.

• Creating a Supportive Environment: Talia highlights the value of creating a nurturing atmosphere at home that accommodates the unique needs of neurodivergent children.

• Practical Tools for Change: The episode offers actionable strategies for parents, including the idea of a "done list" to celebrate achievements and the importance of questioning societal norms in parenting.

Talia's 101 Neurodivergent Traits download is available here: https://www.taliazamora.com/

Talia's Wellness Day:

Unmask & Unwind

A Neurodivergent-Friendly Wellness Day on Saturday 19th October 2025 for Women Who Want to Thrive. If you’ve been craving a day to slow down, breathe, and refill your cup this is your invitation.

Find out more here: https://www.taliazamora.com/wellnessday

talia@taliazamora.com

www.taliazamora.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/taliazamora/ https://www.facebook.com/TaliaZamoraBusinessandFamilyCoach

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Follow us on...

In this week's episode of The Autism Mums Podcast we welcome Kimberley Guche to the show. Kim explains how our children read our inner signals (even when we’re 'holding it together), why we can’t think our way out of overwhelm and the simple, compassionate resets that help us move from chaos to calm.

Kim Guche is a pediatric speech-language pathologist, certified hypnotherapist, NLP coach, and the creator of Nervous System First Parenting™ — a revolutionary, body-based approach that helps overwhelmed moms calm their own nervous system so they can lead with steadiness and intention. Drawing on trauma-informed tools, vagus nerve science, and her own journey as a single mom of four, Kim teaches the part most parenting books miss: how to shift chaos by regulating the energy inside you. Her 5-minute Chaos to Calm™ Reset isn’t just for your kids — it’s for you, so you can finally stop white-your way through motherhood.

• Calm is a body state: regulation has to be felt, not forced by thoughts.
• Children read our nervous systems - even when we’re 'holding it together.'
• Five-minute resets that work anywhere: breath, havening, tapping, shaking, cold-water splash.
• Visual anchors (trees, sunflowers, happy snapshots) create a rapid route back to safety.
• Grounding touch and proprioceptive input can soothe dysregulation when touch is OK.
• Micro 'pattern interrupts' sprinkled through the day raise your resilience floor.
• Congruence matters: when your inner and outer signals match, kids settle faster.
• Anchor the good: pair a physical cue with a joyful memory for instant state-shifts.
• Work with mums and kids to amplify results and reduce trigger loops.
• Progress over perfection - self-kindness keeps everyone steadier.

Access Kim's meditations:

Peaceful Parenting

Chaos to Calm Reset

Access Kim's free Skool group where mums can find help to get calmer inside of the chaos.

Website: www.entrancinginspirations.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chaostocalmnlp/

Website – https://theautismmums.com/

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Natalie Tealdi: [00:00:00] welcome to the podcast, Kim. It's great to

have you here.

Kim Guche: It's great

to be here. Thank you.

Natalie Tealdi: So

you've got a really interesting background. Can you talk a little bit about

your journey to becoming the creator of the Nervous System First Parenting

please.

Kim Guche: My...