Best Journeys With PDA Podcasts (2025)

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S3: EP 35: Special Guest - Sarah Martin, RDN: Neurodivergent-affirming Nutrition {Part 3} 1:39:12

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15d ago1:39:12

1:39:12

Send us a text In this episode, Heather and Kerissa chat with Sarah Martin, RDN. Sarah Martin, RDN, is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist dedicated to educating and empowering neurodivergent individuals and families to nourish their relationships with food and eating. A late-diagnosed AuDHD PDAer and parent of 3 neurodivergent children, Sarah is i…

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Puppets: Chapter 11 1:20:22

2d ago1:20:22

1:20:22

Passengers! This week we are regailed with the legend of Giovanni Ribisi Verroni in its entirety! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/passages-with-robbie-and-amanda--6153882/support. Website: https://www.passagespod.com Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/PassagesBookClub Merch: https://tee.pub/lic/h1auFQsMUVk…

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Supporting ND Learners in Secondary School Settings and Further Education with Susana Gonzalez 1:02:28

5d ago1:02:28

1:02:28

In today’s episode, Dale is joined by Susana Gonzalez, the director and founder of ND Bright Brains, who brings over 20 years of experience in education. They discuss supporting neurodivergent learners in secondary schools and further education. Neurodivergent students often face unique challenges in environments that aren't designed to meet their …

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Puppets: Chapters 9&10 1:20:49

9d ago1:20:49

1:20:49

This week we get a glimpse into the mind of our killer, and yet another vault dweller tells Kati there may be clues hiding within the legend of Giovanni! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/passages-with-robbie-and-amanda--6153882/support. Website: https://www.passagespod.com Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Passage…

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Cracking the Code – Early Print Concepts and Literacy Readiness with Dr Sarah Moseley & Ginny Bootman 55:27

12d ago55:27

55:27

The third in a four-part series on literacy success, Dr Sarah Moseley and Ginny Bootman join Dale to discuss ‘Cracking the Code – Early Print Concepts and Literacy Readiness’. This discussion focuses on looking at books, texts or symbols in print and taking meaning from them. During the podcast they discuss: The use of symbols and why you need to k…

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Taking Care of My Mind With Therapy and Coaching 26:10

14d ago26:10

26:10

I was talking with someone the other day and realized—not everyone sees therapy, coaching, and “brain work” the way I do. For me, it’s like brushing my teeth or moving my body. We all know working out is good for our bodies, and I think of coaching, therapy, and other mind tools as ways to work out my mind. Over the past few years, I’ve been taking…

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Puppets: Chapters 7&8 1:18:05

16d ago1:18:05

1:18:05

Passengers! This week Katarina wades deeper into the mysteries of the theater and Babbette lets slip a bit too much! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/passages-with-robbie-and-amanda--6153882/support. Website: https://www.passagespod.com Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/PassagesBookClub Merch: https://tee.pub/lic/…

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Where Safeguarding and SEND Meet with Sara Alston 58:41

19d ago58:41

58:41

Neglect, abuse and exploitation are challenging subjects, however safeguarding is everyone's responsibility. When it comes to individuals with SEND, things can get complicated. From communication barriers and misunderstood behaviours to gaps in training and confidence, schools can struggle to get it right. In this episode, Dale discusses the comple…

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Living with Chronic Pain After a Life-Changing Accident with Tony Verhagen 51:52

21d ago51:52

51:52

As a young man, today’s guest, Tony Verhagen, was hit by a drunk driver in a devastating car accident and determined to be dead at the scene. He was later revived but suffered multiple life-altering injuries. Doctors told him he would never walk again. Against the odds—and after months of physical therapy—he learned to walk again. Yet the accident …

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Puppets: Chapters 5&6 1:21:07

23d ago1:21:07

1:21:07

This week Kati and Raul grow closer and we meet some new colorful characters! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/passages-with-robbie-and-amanda--6153882/support. Website: https://www.passagespod.com Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/PassagesBookClub Merch: https://tee.pub/lic/h1auFQsMUVk…

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4: OCD pt. 2: OCD, ADHD & the Dishwasher Olympics: When Efficiency Becomes a Sport 44:09

26d ago44:09

44:09

4: OCD pt. 2: OCD, ADHD & the Dishwasher Olympics: When Efficiency Becomes a Sport SUMMARY In this candid and often humorous episode, Patricia (she/her) and Alex (they/them) share their deeply personal neurodivergent experiences with OCD, weaving in childhood rituals, intrusive harm thoughts, contamination fears, and the tangled coexistence of Auti…

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Autism: The Quiet Ones with Joanna Grace 1:04:42

26d ago1:04:42

1:04:42

We often think of the disruptive autistic child - the one whose behaviour draws attention and prompts others to suggest stricter discipline. This representation, sometimes referred to as the "boys' presentation of autism", overshadows the many individuals who do not visibly express their struggles. Dr Joanna Grace, sensory engagement and inclusion …

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Sustainable Fitness for Chronic Illness, Hormones, and Real Life with Blake Hill 1:06:02

28d ago1:06:02

1:06:02

When “beginner” workouts left me in days-long flares, I knew I needed a different approach. I’d already tried four different fitness plans and was feeling pretty discouraged. I wasn’t losing weight, and the workouts were so hard on my body that, as someone with multiple chronic health conditions and chronic pain, I’d be wiped out for days afterward…

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Puppets: Chapters 3&4 1:12:16

30d ago1:12:16

1:12:16

Passengers! This week our two protagonists meet deep in the vaults below the theatre, and plots begin to thicken! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/passages-with-robbie-and-amanda--6153882/support. Website: https://www.passagespod.com Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/PassagesBookClub Merch: https://tee.pub/lic/h1a…

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3: OCD: When Your Brain Plays the “What if” Game 45:22

1M ago45:22

45:22

OCD: When Your Brain Plays the “What if” Game SUMMARY In this conversation, Patricia (she/her) and Alex (they/them) delve into the complexities of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), discussing its definitions, misconceptions, and talking about their lived experiences with OCD. They explore the different themes and subtypes of OCD, the impact of r…

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How Learning Can Come To Life Through Horses with Fay Atkins, Suzi Barnett & students 47:23

1M ago47:23

47:23

I'm excited to share today’s podcast, which holds a special place in my heart. Back in primary school, I had the incredible opportunity to ride and learn about horses at the Fortune Centre in the New Forest, igniting a lifelong passion! Nearly 50 years ago, Fortune College was established, and since then, horses have played a vital role in teaching…

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Seasons of Being a Daughter 23:01

1M ago23:01

23:01

Does your family have lore? You know—those stories that get told over and over again? Well, imagine my surprise when one of those familiar childhood stories—one I’ve heard a million times—suddenly made me feel all triggered and uncomfortable. I felt myself getting defensive, my body heating up, and I quickly changed the subject so I could get back …

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21: Advice So Far 29:21

1M ago29:21

29:21

It’s the summer holidays so the podcast (and me) will be going on a break. I’m going to have more fabulous guests for you from the beginning of September but in the meantime I’m going to leave you with a montage of the advice from all of my amazing guests so far! Tags: parenting podcast, additional needs, SEN parenting, SEND…

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Puppets: Chapters 1&2 1:15:18

1M ago1:15:18

1:15:18

Welcome back to Passages! Season 5 is Puppets! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/passages-with-robbie-and-amanda--6153882/support. Website: https://www.passagespod.com Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/PassagesBookClub Merch: https://tee.pub/lic/h1auFQsMUVkBy Far and Tall Tales

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2: How we met; our fears about starting a podcast, and navigating time agnosia 41:04

1M ago41:04

41:04

How we met; our fears about starting a podcast, and navigating time agnosia SUMMARY In this conversation, Patricia (she/her) and Alex (they/them) explore their differing relationships with time, the impact of time sensitivities on their friendship, and the insecurities that arise in their podcasting journey. They discuss the importance of communica…

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Better Oracy Through Building Speech and Language Skills in Schools with Yin Collighan & Louise Emerson 51:47

1M ago51:47

51:47

Oracy is increasingly taking centre stage in national discussions, and in today’s episode, Dale is joined by Yin Collighan and Louise Emerson, both experienced Speech and Language Therapists. Together, they delve into the significance of oracy in schools and how enhancing speech and language skills can foster a more effective learning environment. …

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A House of Horrors: Our Mold Story 19:22

1M ago19:22

19:22

From a cute rental to a nightmare of mysterious leaks. In this episode, I talk about our family’s experience with mold and water damage. I'll share the red flags we missed, the impact on my sensitive child’s health, and what we learned from it all. COVERED IN THIS EPISODE: [00:00] Six Months Pregnant and Forced to Move [02:37] The House of Horrors …

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20: Becky Blount: Pectus Excavatum & ADHD 55:18

1M ago55:18

55:18

This week I’m chatting to Becky Blount about her son Bobby's health journey, including his diagnosis of pectus excavatum and ADHD. Becky shares her experiences with Bobby's surgery, recovery, and the significant changes in his quality of life post-operation. We talk about funding cuts for the pectus excavatum surgery and how Becky has campaigned to…

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1: Our Autism and ADHD Diagnoses Journeys 44:05

2M ago44:05

44:05

Our Autism and ADHD Diagnoses Journeys In this heartfelt episode, join Alex (they/them) and Patricia (she/her) as they open up about their personal journeys to understanding their Autism and ADHD diagnoses. From initial suspicions and self-assessments to the emotional rollercoaster of validation, anger, grief, sadness and more, they share candid in…

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Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging with Dr Susie Nyman 1:19:06

2M ago1:19:06

1:19:06

We are delighted to welcome back Dr Susie Nyman to the SENDcast following her recent visit to Buckingham Palace! In this episode, Susie joins Dale in the studio along with some other special guests……Percy Pig and an array of puppets! In this lively discussion on ‘Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging’ (EDIB), Susie highlights that all studen…

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The Power of Surrender 31:29

2M ago31:29

31:29

What if trying harder isn’t the solution? For a long time, I thought that if I just did more—learned more, tried more therapies, did each thing better, lived cleaner, worked harder—I could fix all my problems and prevent future ones. But what if the real shift doesn’t come from doing more...but from letting go? In this episode, I share what surrend…

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19: Lauren James: Accepting a Second Diagnosis Alongside Down Syndrome 1:07:20

2M ago1:07:20

1:07:20

Lauren James joins me to talk about her gorgeous 3 year old daughter Dottie. This is an emotional one for me because my Leo is only slightly younger than Dottie and a lot of Lauren’s initial feelings about a diagnosis of Down Syndrome mirror my own. We discuss acceptance, how to talk to siblings about a diagnosis – Dottie is one of 6, and how Laure…

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0: Introduction and What to Expect 19:02

2M ago19:02

19:02

Introduction and What to Expect In this episode of Unapologetically, AuDHD, hosts Patricia Young (she/her) and Alex McLaughlin (they/them) introduce this new podcast, sharing their backgrounds, experiences, and the mission behind the show. They discuss the importance of normalizing neurodivergent experiences, the topics they plan to cover, and some…

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Parenting a Neurodivergent Child with Kate Steer 55:26

2M ago55:26

55:26

Parenting is one of the most challenging yet rewarding journeys we can embark on. As a parent of a 10-year-old daughter and a 7-year-old son, I’m navigating this rollercoaster and learning along the way. For neurodivergent parents, there’s often the added worry of balancing the past, present, and future. Appointments, meeting our child's needs, and…

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18: Jessie Townz: Understanding Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) 54:53

2M ago54:53

54:53

This week I’m joined by Jessie Townz to talk about her son Max who has Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) and high functioning autism. We discuss the challenges of navigating the school system and how hard it was to find Max a suitable setting where they understood his needs. We discuss the importance of advocacy, the impact of PDA on their family…

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Season 3 Episode 34 Special Guests - Rachel Crupi & Brad Broyles 1:05:46

2M ago1:05:46

1:05:46

Send us a text In this episode, Heather and Kerissa chat with Rachel Crupi & Brad Broyles. Rachel and Brad are from Polaris Academy in Mesa, Arizona. Polaris Academy is a transformative autism academy dedicated to empowering neurodiverse children. Find out more about Polaris Academy: www.polarisacademy.org Connect with Rachel: rachel@polarisacademy…

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The Role of Technology and How To Use It Effectively Within The Classroom with Stephanie Smith 52:00

2M ago52:00

52:00

The world outside of education is filled with technology, and if we shield children from it, we risk disadvantaging them when they transition into adulthood. It’s essential that we prepare them for the realities of the modern world. In our latest episode, Stephanie Smith, Head of School at the Cavendish School, joins Dale to explore ‘The role of te…

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17: Charlotte House: Managing a Rare Form of Epilepsy 1:01:30

2M ago1:01:30

1:01:30

My guest this week is Charlotte House, talking about her son Barnaby who has a rare form of epilepsy. Barnaby can have up to 70 seizures a day and we discuss how Charlotte manages that and what measures have had to be put in place to keep him safe. We talk about the on-going wait to find out what’s causing Barnaby’s seizures, how Charlotte finds re…

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Sensory Circuits and Sensory Movement Breaks with Ali Neal 58:58

2M ago58:58

58:58

Neurotypical pupils are usually able to meet their sensory needs during play time, however SEND pupils may face difficulties in motor or social skills. This is where sensory circuits and sensory movement breaks are often needed in the classroom. But how do you effectively incorporate them into busy school days? Ali Neal, an occupational therapist, …

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Season 3 Episode 33 Special Guest - Rachel Crupi, M.S., BCBA-LBA 1:00:44

2M ago1:00:44

1:00:44

Send us a text In this episode, Heather and Kerissa chat with Rachel Crupi, M.S., BCBA-LBA. Rachel Crupi is the Director of Behavior Services at Polaris Academy in Mesa, Arizona. Polaris Academy is a transformative autism academy dedicated to empowering neurodiverse children. Find out more about Polaris Academy: www.polarisacademy.org Connect with …

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Warrior's Woman Finale: Live Variety Show! 2:30:11

2M ago2:30:11

2:30:11

Passengers! Here is the audio from our livestream finale event! If you'd like to see the video you can still purchase a ticket and watch the replay any time! Tickets available on our website, link below! Thank you all for another wonderful season and we'll see you in Season 5! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/pas…

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16: Steph Papas: Navigating An Extremely Rare Diagnosis of TARP Syndrome 39:23

2M ago39:23

39:23

In this episode I speak to my first international guest, all the way from Australia! Steph Papas joins me to chat about her 2 year old son Archie who has the extremely rare genetic condition TARP syndrome. We discuss the emotional resilience needed to deal with a potentially life limiting diagnosis, the decision to delay telling more than a handful…

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Neurodiversity – Building Connections and Building Confidence with Marlon Huggins 50:21

3M ago50:21

50:21

Gaming often gets a bad reputation, but it offers numerous benefits, especially for neurodivergent individuals. Many neurodiverse young people spend their lives in survival mode, navigating challenging environments - not just physically, but socially. The pressure to fit in, the fear of making mistakes, and the constant effort to mask can be exhaus…

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15: Kelly Sadler: Living (and thriving) With A Limb Difference 48:36

3M ago48:36

48:36

In this week’s episode I’m joined by Kelly Sadler to talk about her 10 year old son Kobi who was born with an upper limb difference – picked up at her 20 week scan. We discuss the need for medical professionals to be trained properly to deliver unexpected news and how she felt horribly anxious for the remainder of her pregnancy after receiving the …

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I’m Grateful For My Body AND It’s Complicated 31:57

3M ago31:57

31:57

I’m so grateful for my body and everything it’s carried me through, and also...I have a lot of complicated feelings about it. After a really tough year, my body changed. My clothes didn’t fit. And navigating that has been emotional. If you’ve ever looked in the mirror and felt a mix of love and grief… if your body has carried you through illness, c…

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How Can Schools Support Parents of SEN Children More Effectively with Sarah Billingham 1:08:30

3M ago1:08:30

1:08:30

SENCOs, school leaders & class teachers are currently spending large amounts of time supporting or responding to the concerns of parents of SEN children. However, much of this support is reactive and can feel like constant firefighting. A strategic approach to parental support is needed. Sarah Billingham, a specialist teacher with over 18 years of …

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14: Father’s Day Special – Ben Anderson: A Dad’s Experience of a Diagnosis of Down Syndrome 56:01

3M ago56:01

56:01

In this (slightly chaotic) episode, I speak to my husband Ben to get his version of our story with our son Leo who has Down syndrome. Ben shares his initial feelings when we got Leo's diagnosis and the ongoing journey of acceptance since. We talk about letting family and friends in and accepting support, and the important role therapy has played in…

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The Stories We Tell About Autism with Joanna Grace 1:19:19

3M ago1:19:19

1:19:19

I expect you’ve come across controversial headlines such as ‘cause for autism discovered’, which suggest that autism is a disease. You may have also heard narratives claiming that autism results from bad parenting or is merely a form of behaviour. Some of these stories have been repeated for so long that they continue to shape our understanding wit…

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Nightly Back Pain: What’s Helped and What Hasn’t 30:16

3M ago30:16

30:16

Suffering from nightly back pain? SAME. It’s nothing to brag about, but I’m going on seven years now (minus a short, glorious stint of relief…before it returned with a vengeance). In my quest for a cure, I’ve tried a million things. So in this episode, I’ll share what’s helped, what hasn’t, and what gave me a few months of relief. If you’re up at 3…

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13: Megan Gillett: Enduring A Terminal Diagnosis 47:43

3M ago47:43

47:43

In this episode I'm joined by Megan Gillett to chat about her daughter Nellie, who has the terminal genetic condition Metachromatic Leukodystrophy (MLD). Although this is obviously an emotional chat I was blown away by Megan's positive attitude to life despite Nellie's diagnosis. We speak about the grief of finding out Nellie's condition is termina…

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Bridging the Gap with Parent Carers with Rachel Wright 52:58

3M ago52:58

52:58

I wanted to share our latest episode featuring Rachel Wright, founder of Born at the Right Time and a parent of neurodiverse children discussing ‘Bridging the Gap with Parent Carers’. While schools, social care, and health services may believe they are partnering effectively with parents, the reality can be quite different. Rachel shares her person…

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S3: EP 32: Special Guest - Sarah Martin, RDN: Neurodivergent-affirming Nutrition {Part 2} 1:37:57

3M ago1:37:57

1:37:57

Send us a text In this episode, Heather and Kerissa chat with Sarah Martin, RDN. Sarah Martin, RDN, is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist dedicated to educating and empowering neurodivergent individuals and families to nourish their relationships with food and eating. A late-diagnosed AuDHD PDAer and parent of 3 neurodivergent children, Sarah is i…

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Ep. 213 Mom Jen on Becoming Empowered to Learn How to Advocate For Her Gifted Child - How She Fought For Services and Won (the Second Time) 49:10

3M ago49:10

49:10

"It's what we have to do. This is the fight, right now." Mom Jen tells the story of learning how to advocate for her gifted child - it's a powerful, super relatable conversation. If you've ever had to fight for services for your kid, this episode is for you! In this episode, we talk about: Life with her child: Gifted, with ASD, ADHD, and SPD Being …

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Supporting Our Kids Through PDA Autistic Burnout 27:09

3M ago27:09

27:09

I’m back! Season 2 of the podcast—here we go! After a long pause, I’ve been feeling the pull to start podcasting again. In this episode, I talk about supporting my kids through PDA autistic burnout. What even is PDA autistic burnout? What does it look like? What strategies were helpful? And what does life look like now that we’re (mostly) on the ot…

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Special Episode nasen live 2025 20:37

3M ago20:37

20:37

nasen live 2025 preview We are delighted to welcome Michael Surr, Head of Education at nasen to the SENDcast. We are excited to be exhibiting at nasen live 2025 on Friday 4th July at the VOX in Birmingham! It is nasen’s flagship conference dedicated to supporting education for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilitie…