Summary
Join Anna Kennedy from Women’s Radio Station as she interviews Mandy Olack, a former solicitor who left her career to support her autistic son Swaren after his diagnosis at age three. This heartfelt conversation explores the challenging journey from recognizing speech regression at age two to navigating the complex world of EHCP assessments, private diagnoses, and educational planning. Mandy shares practical insights about the EHCP process, revealing how long it really takes (about six months) and what parents should look for in their child’s plan – including avoiding vague language like ‘would benefit from’ in favor of specific, quantified provisions. The discussion also covers the emotional impact of diagnosis, family reactions, and the importance of maintaining detailed documentation throughout the process.