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...