Understanding and Accepting Neurodiversity with Karen Brennan

Trigger Warning: This episode includes discussions of stigma, isolation, and parental guilt, which may be sensitive for some listeners.

In this episode of Your Voice Matters, host Asma Jacob speaks with Karen Brennan, a family practitioner, advocate, and mother, about her journey supporting neurodivergent children and families. 

Karen shares her personal and professional insights into recognising the signs of a neurodivergent child, navigating diagnoses, and understanding how to best support a neurotypical child.

Together, they explore the power of understanding neurodivergence in children, learning to accept, and holding a safe space for parents within the SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) community.

Karen also highlights her work supporting children with additional support needs and their families, emphasing the value of community, education, and self-care for parents.

“Parents are not failing and it's not their fault because it's about having the resources, the tools, the energy.”

Key Takeaways from the episode:

• Community and connection can help parents feel seen and supported.

• Recognising and accepting the signs of neurodivergence in children fosters understanding.

• It’s important to hold a non-judgmental space for parents of neurodivergent and neurotypical children.

• Parents of children with additional support need and deserve time for self-care to sustain their wellbeing.

About Karen:

Karen Brennan is a dedicated parenting practitioner and mother of two, including a child recently diagnosed as autistic. Karen is the founder of Cariad ASD & PDA Hub (formerly Pandarama Parent Support Group North Wales) and works as a self-employed trainer with the PDA Society. Through her advocacy, blogging, and online forums, Karen empowers parents and carers navigating neurodivergence with compassion and practical guidance.

Resources:

Learn more about Achievable Journey

Follow Your Voice Matters and Connect with Asma on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and X. 

Don’t forget to subscribe to Your Voice Matters wherever you listen to podcasts!

Share this episode with someone who could benefit from hearing Asma’s story.