Bridging the Gap with Parent Carers with Rachel Wright
The SENDcast
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 personal journey navigating the healthcare system for her eldest son, who has complex needs. Her story highlights the frustration many parents feel when they are directed by professionals while lacking agency in decisions affecting their children. This...
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*Special Episode* nasen live 2025
The SENDcast
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 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 Disabilities (SEND). In this special episode, Michael Surr, Head of Education at nasen, joins Dale to tell us what’s on at this year’s event and why you should be there! The one day conference is filled with engaging sessions covering vital topics and this...
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Digital Dilemmas with Helen Bray
The SENDcast
As children spend more time engaging with screens - whether through social media, gaming, or streaming - there are growing concerns about the impact on their ability to focus, self-regulate, and form meaningful real-world connections. This is a topic that resonates with us all, especially as I prepare to navigate technology with my daughter. In today’s episode, we welcome Helen Bray, Director of SEND, onto the podcast to discuss ‘Digital Dilemmas’. Helen explores how the digital world is reshaping child development, particularly in relation to executive function, emotional regulation,...
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How Does Dyslexia Impact in the Classroom? with Jane Craig & Samantha Buttle
The SENDcast
In our fast-paced world, it's essential to rethink how we approach learning and education. Unfortunately, many dyslexic learners are being left behind in the rush to cover extensive curriculum content. However, small adjustments in classroom practices can lead to significant improvements, enabling these students to thrive and reach their full potential. In this latest episode, Jane Craig and Samantha Buttle from Dyslexia Sparks, join Dale to discuss ‘How does dyslexia impact in the classroom?’. Here are some key takeaways from their conversation: Dyslexia affects not only reading but also...
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Hearing the Patterns – Phonological Awareness in Literacy Development with Dr Sarah Moseley & Ginny Bootman
The SENDcast
The second in a four-part series, Dr. Sarah Moseley and Ginny Bootman join Dale to discuss phonological awareness and its importance in literacy development. They explore how phonological awareness, detecting and manipulating sounds in spoken language, forms a foundation for reading skills. Sarah emphasises that understanding sounds is crucial for children’s literacy success, while Ginny highlights the role of rhythm and rhyme in engaging learners. They discuss how shared experiences, like singing and storytelling, can spark a love of language and improve literacy outcomes. Sarah and Ginny...
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*Special Episode* The Autism & ADHD Shows 2025
The SENDcast
We are delighted to welcome Geoff and Nargis Soppet, Event Directors and Founders, on The SENDcast. Geoff and Nargis join Dale in the studio for this special episode to discuss their reasons for creating the event 15 years ago, the autism friendly adaptions made, and the value attendees will get from the variety of sessions available. About the Autism and ADHD Shows Formerly known as The Autism Show, it's the national event dedicated to autism and ADHD. Attend to access a huge amount of trusted information and advice to help support an autistic or ADHD person in a home, education or...
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Supporting Neurodiverse Students: Insights from Awesome Archie with Rebecca Clapcott
The SENDcast
Last month, Archie Clapcott joined Dale in the studio to share his transition from mainstream to special education. Today, his Mum, Rebecca Clapcott, draws on her extensive experience as the founder of the Awesome Archie nonprofit to discuss how to support neurodiverse students and why schools must embrace change. Rebecca emphasises that many teachers lack the understanding and training needed for effective neurodiversity support, advocating for a compassionate approach that values individuality and fosters understanding among educators. She addresses relatable topics, such as school uniforms,...
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Why does the Assess, Plan, Do, Review cycle matter? with Sara Alston
The SENDcast
Since the 2015 SEN Code of Practice SEN support has been based on a graduate response that includes an Assess, Plan, Do, Review (APDR) cycle. Unfortunately, this cycle is becoming fragmented, with each component operating in isolation. Assessments are not being linked to children’s needs or plans to support them. Plans are made but not implemented and reviews are just a recap of what a child can or cannot do. Sara Alson, SEND and Safeguarding Consultant and Trainer, joins Dale in the studio to discuss why the APDR cycle matters. Sara stresses that it is an ongoing process that should...
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Informal SEND Provision in Mainstream Primary: The Positives and The Pitfalls with Kate Browning
The SENDcast
In this episode of the SENDcast, Dale discusses informal SEND provision in mainstream primary schools with Kate Browning, an experienced SEND consultant. They explore the increasing demand for inclusive education amid a rise in children with complex needs and the challenges schools face in effectively supporting these students. Kate highlights what good practice looks like when thinking about establishing an informal SEND provision and what the potential dangers and unintended consequences are. Key points include: Growing Inclusion Needs Parental Choice vs. School Capability ...
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Universal Approaches to Support in Education with Clare Ward & James Galpin
The SENDcast
I just finished listening to this thought-provoking podcast episode featuring Dr Jamie Galpin and Clare Ward! They join Dale to discuss ‘Universal Approaches to Support in Education’, at a time when we're seeing rising levels of emotion-based school avoidance, teachers struggling with mental health challenges or leaving the profession altogether, and increasingly scarce resources are being channelled into identifying difference. Their conversation raises important questions: Have we gone too far focusing on difference? Shouldn't autistic, dyslexic, and ADHD children be considered a part of...
info_outlineWe are delighted to welcome the team behind Autism Congress on the SENDcast.
In this special episode of the SENDcast, Dale Pickles discusses the upcoming Autism Europe International Congress 11-13th September in Dublin. The event team join Dale including Adam Harris, Peter Vermeulen and Zsuzsanna Szilvasy. They highlight that the Congress aims to create an inclusive space for autistic advocates, family members, and professionals to address common barriers faced by the autistic community.
Now its 14th event, the theme this year is “quality of life” with discussions on topics ranging from mental health to advocacy - guided by a scientific committee featuring some of Europe's leading autism experts. The event emphasises co-creation, involving both autistic and non-autistic perspectives, and aims to provide practical takeaways for attendees. The Congress will utilise new translation technology to ensure accessibility for an international audience.
The SENDcast is a proud media partner for the event and we will be exhibiting as B Squared - make sure you pop by to say hi!
Why attend?
“The Congress aims to create a collaborative space for autistic advocates, family members, and professionals to address common barriers faced by the autistic community across Europe and beyond." - Adam Harris
Register before 16th May to take advantage of the discounted early registration fee!
https://autismcongress2025.org/registration/
About Adam Harris
Adam Harris is the Founder and CEO of AsIAm, Ireland's Autism Charity. Adam founded AsIAm based on his own experiences growing up as an Autistic person in Ireland. In addition to his leadership at AsIAm, Adam was appointed to the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission in July 2020 and serves as a Executive Council Member for Autism Europe. He is a Social Entrepreneurs Ireland Awardee and has sat on and advised many government consultative and policy committees on disability rights and inclusion, which have helped shape national policies for a more inclusive society. A passionate public speaker and advocate, Adam regularly contributes to media and conferences in Ireland and overseas, engaging with government and the public to promote greater understanding and acceptance of Autistic individuals. His work has positioned AsIAm as a cornerstone of autism advocacy in Ireland, driven by his belief that Ireland must become a country in which every Autistic person is accepted "as they are" - equal, valued and respected.
Contact Adam Harris
https://www.facebook.com/AsIAmIreland
https://www.instagram.com/asiamireland?igsh=MTNhbDhsbWYzNWNuZA==
About Zsuzsanna Szilvasy
Ms. Szilvasy has been involved in autism organisations, both on national (in Hungary) and at the international level, for the past fifteen years. She is the former president of the Autism Europe, led the association for 8 years. In these years she was working with WHO as an autism expert and promoted the right of autistic people all over the world, including in the UN.
Zsuzsanna is also the former president of the Hungarian Autistic Society, she got this position for four years and has played a key role in advocating for the rights of people with autism in Hungary. During her presidency the state implemented a National Autism Strategy.
Ms. Szilvasy is the founder & CEO of Mars Autism Foundation in Hungary. The Foundation is supporting families with autistic family member in many ways (trainings, advocacy, awareness raising materials and programmes).
Contact Zsuzsanna Szilvasy
https://www.facebook.com/autismeurope.AE/
https://www.instagram.com/autismeurope/
About Peter Vermeulen
Dr. Peter Vermeulen, PhD in Psychology and Clinical Educational Sciences, has more than 35 years of experience in the field of autism. Founder of “Autism in Context”, where autism is understood in context. Peter is an internationally respected lecturer/trainer and he presents all over the world. Peter spoke at every Autism Europe Congress since 1992 (this year it will his 11th time speaking for AE). Peter wrote more than 20 books and several articles on autism, translated into more than 10 languages In 2019, Peter received the Passwerk Life Time Achievement Award for his more than 30 years contribution to the autism community in Belgium.
Contact Peter Vermeulen
https://www.facebook.com/autismincontext
https://www.instagram.com/autismincontext?igsh=MXJqa21idXV0MDIxdg==
- B Squared Website – www.bsquared.co.uk
- Meeting with Dale to find out about B Squared - https://calendly.com/b-squared-team/overview-of-b-squared-sendcast
- Email Dale – [email protected]
- Subscribe to the SENDcast - https://www.thesendcast.com/subscribe
The SENDcast is powered by B Squared
We have been involved with Special Educational Needs for over 25 years, helping show the small steps of progress pupils with SEND make. B Squared has worked with thousands of schools, we understand the challenges professionals working in SEND face. We wanted a way to support these hardworking professionals - which is why we launched The SENDcast! Click the button below to find out more about how B Squared can help improve assessment for pupils with SEND in your school.