[Speaker 1] (0:00 – 13:29)
Hello, this is Anna Kennedy. We’re talking all things autism. We’re live and we’re in Covent Garden And it’s a wet day today, but how exciting not long to go for Christmas I’m so excited and last night I was at the Towngate Theatre where I went to the Christmas pantomime.

It was fantastic It was a relaxed performance and it was for lots of families of children and adults who have disabilities It was such a joy to see the kids jumping up and down and adults singing and dancing and participating in the show And what was great about it was at the very beginning all the actors came on to stage with their costumes and explained What was going to happen certain scenes the costumes that they would see and it’s all to help make it a more relaxed and less anxious performance The lights were at 50% and there was no bumps and jumps throughout the performance So it’s all edited so that the performance was accessible for all I’ve got a few more pantomimes that I’m going to see I tend to make use of Christmas by going to see lots of pantomimes I think children and families should see live entertainment because I think it’s fantastic and I love love love it So my guest today is Rebecca Taylor. Hello, Rebecca.

Hello Anna. Thank you so much for coming all the way from Cheshire So your background is in British airwinds Cameron crew and since then your son was diagnosed on the autism spectrum You’ve challenged yourself to make a difference for those with autism and other disabilities and prior to that You ran your own parent carer group called JAG Which stands for junior autism group and that was in Charlie and there was a member of the governance board for the Lancashire County Council, so you’ve come all the way from Cheshire. Thank you so much. Oh, how indeed So before we go over to talk about everything that you’ve been doing you’ve been a busy bee Let tell me a little bit about who is Rebecca Rebecca is Mum to a young man called Joshua.

He is now 14 Okay, and he was born in Cheshire. I’m a very proud Lancashire last born in Preston Okay, and my father was a teacher and my mum has worked in marketing and a little bit of radio as well. So Interesting from both sides and I’ve got a brother who lives overseas in Indonesia So I don’t see a lot of him, but they do speak to him occasionally So I’m determined to make a difference Because my son’s got autism and I’ve seen first-hand what how it can change things and situations I thought I can do something about this.

So I have and I will continue to do so So tell me a little bit about when you found out Joshi was on the spectrum So talk to me about diagnosis because I’m always so interested how long did you have to wait? What’s it like in where are you living? How long do people have to wait now?

Well, we were in Lancashire at the time and it was around 17 months of age I can also say I’ve always tried to keep it in the positive so there was never anything wrong But there was always something a little bit different. Okay, so we started through nursery and They started making a few notes and that’s how the pathway started Okay, he was actually diagnosed the day after his third birthday So I’ve never forgotten this third birthday for obvious reasons and we were told in a room with four professionals and I was there on my own and It makes you gulp and it makes you stop and think and there are tears Yeah, but then you come out the other side thinking, you know, we now know we’re not going to go down Path A Yeah, we’re gonna go down Path B and you might have a few more bends and curves and a few more bumps in the road Yeah, but they’re just as exciting because you do things in a much more functional manner. So It’s been an interesting path so far. So had you’d heard of autism before I had heard of it.

I was very Wet behind the ear shall we say I was not very clued up on it But my late father was a great believer that if you don’t know what something means Either ask somebody or better still do some research and find out the meaning. So me being me I did exactly that Found out the meaning. So he was diagnosed at three.

So what happened after that thing? after three we managed to then get the old statement linked to his nursery and That managed to get continued over into primary school By which points I’d managed to sort of make a bit of contact with different people and different groups and societies And I kept thinking I can make a difference. I can do something to help so I went on a few committees and a few panels and yeah, I Was so determined to do something and when I was offered the opportunity to go on the language County Council Governance Board there were three of us and It turned out that each one of us had a different element of education So I had all sorts of the nursery and early years and primary right in mainstream before you went to primary special So did you see a teacher then?

My late father was a teacher, but when I finished flying with British Airways, I’ve had Joshua I actually went and retrained as a special needs Teaching assistant right so I thought we can make a difference and the other two ladies they also did Everything from the independent sector to mainstream and different areas of the country and everything of a county and it was really fascinating Because no matter what question was chucked at us one of us could answer it. So it’s good Okay, that sounds great.

So you used to work for British Airways. I did indeed Okay, so what type of job did you have? Oh, I was the cabin crew Some people call it the tart on the car.

I call it the hostess with the most It was fabulous. It really was and Going to work to see different countries. I mean at one point I used to go to New York every week for six weeks Wow, and it sounds boring and it did get when you see the same hotel with the same staff It did get a bit of monotonous, but it was always great fun.

Yeah, is it tiring? It was tiring and I think in some ways that’s actually made my life a bit easier because I’m so my body clock is just out Full stop. Okay, so it has helped.

Okay, so you then you had your son I had my son and I did go back to British Airways. Oh, you did a while Okay, but it wasn’t really working very well because you need such a big network of people to help out Mm-hmm. And when I’ve only got two or three people who I can rely on.

Yeah, it was a bit difficult So that’s when I thought right time to move on to different path. Okay retrained as Special needs teaching. So what made you think of that?

What made you think of right from a cabin crew? Was it your son that motivated it was partly my son When my dad was alive, he said don’t become a teacher back your own sanity Don’t because it’s a lot of work and I accept that but I then thought, you know My dad made a difference and so many inspirational teachers can also make a huge difference. So I can’t go to University I’m too long in the tooth, but I can make a difference some other way.

Yeah, so I put myself back into education Managed to get another job in between just to sort of keep the pennies rolling in and yeah, it’s great And looks after an amazing young man who is just going from strength to strength to stroke And I’m so proud of him. I’m really proud of him So and he went to go to nursery and then go on to primary school nursery on to mainstream primary How did he call He didn’t do so badly actually the entry was 30 of which the head teacher at the time said the eldest ten so the September to December babe children, they went into the Reception year one mix right and then all the younger children went into the pure reception and because I’d already managed to get a statement We got the most fantastic lady who she came on her own back To nursery in her own time four times to meet Josh even before we started See that’s people who were like, yeah made for that type of job. Yeah, I mean she was worth awaiting gold I mean you’ve heard of the jewel in the crown. She was my diamonds.

Yeah, I just adore this is Robinson if you’re listening, this is Robinson. She’s fabulous and Josh are really connected with it. Okay, and We managed to get to year two, but then the class size were all came back together So it’s going to be over 35 children, which was just a few too many in my books so he moved into a special needs moderate special needs school in Chawley and he stayed there for two years and then There were other things going on in the background and I thought it’s time to make a change again Okay, so we then started with the big move to Cheshire And that was quite a move. We moved house three times in seven months. Wow, but that was difficult Yeah, but with lots of forewarning doing trips before the big news to get Josh used to where we’re going We’re gonna part the car.

Yeah, it did help. There are lots of planning in advance and We then started the eight and a half month. I’ll say path But not quite challenging as well with them the authorities and I’m now delighted absolutely delighted to say Not only is he in a good school.

I’ve got my son back He’s coming on leaps and bounds. It’s a together trust and is it in scape and he is just blossomed Absolutely blossomed. They got a good relationship.

Oh brilliant He went into the middle stream for two years for the same teacher Now he’s into the top stream one of only five boys in the class. Okay, amazing staff amazing teachings I just love that school. It’s brilliant brilliant school So we’re in the Christmas season So when he was younger, what was Christmas like for him?

Because with Angelo It didn’t sort of register with him at all. But now it does but not at the time when he was younger Those more the early part of the month It was sort of play it down a bit when he’s in the mainstream schools It was a bit difficult because he kept coming out for nativity practice and choir practice But as we’re getting more to sort of this time of year for about 10th onwards we start to bring up, you know We’re getting close to Christmas and still talk about Santa, but we’ve got one or two things I have an app on my phone the PMP. Yeah, you showed me that it’s amazing Because you could do it for kids and you can do it for adults and you put pictures in right I mean if you’re the premium one, there is a small charge, but it’s fantastic.

It’s called Santa PMP Okay, it’s a time to do the North Pole It’s brilliant and you have to pay for it for the premium one You do have to pay but it’s $4.99 I think it is but you can put your own pictures in so when the person receives it They see their picture on the video and then for the Christmas. He says Joshua Style and Joshua’s eyes he just likes it. It’s like that’s my house.

That’s my mom. Yeah, that’s me Yeah, and just delightful. That sounds really good.

So if anyone’s interested, check it out. It’s called Santa PMP and we’re coming towards the end of the first quarter And if you’d like to be one of my speakers on all things autism, please contact me via the charity website It’s a www dot Anna Kennedy online dot com You can follow us on social media, which is at Anna Kennedy one on Twitter Anna Kennedy online on Facebook and at Anna Kennedy Obie you want to give up the officer call? The number is zero one eight nine five five four zero one eight seven Welcome to women’s radio station.

I’m Sarah Louise Ryan and welcome to love lessons live on women’s radio station Hello and welcome to feature classic women awards with me Stepan you pass them on it on women’s radio station. Hello and welcome to julene is listening Hi, this is Anna Kennedy and we’re at women’s radio station supporting women’s well-being and we’re talking all things autism women The possibilities are endless. That’s what makes us different Hi, I’m Lauren Mishkon I’m a birth dealer and mum of three and I’m passionate about supporting women to have empowering and positive birth experiences Please join me for my brand new show from tummy to mummy here on women’s radio station every week I’ll be here with an expert guest talking about women’s reproductive health Everything fertility pregnancy birth and baby related right through to the menopause and beyond please join us for an informative and fun hour My name is Ingrid Marsh and I host the radical well-being show supporting women’s well-being on my show I bring you ordinary women like me and you who are sharing their unique stories women who have refused to be defined by their pains to be silenced by stigma or crushed by stereotypes and who are taking back their power and together our mission is a simple one and that’s to inspire you to kick away the roadblocks to To don your wings and be the person that you were born to be

[Speaker 2] (13:31 – 13:40)
Hi, I’m Hazel, but field a blogger book lover and mental health advocate and you can listen to my show Get booked here at women’s radio station daily at 5 a.m

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And 5 p.m Throughout my shows we’ll talk about the books I’ve read new releases chapter authors publishers and book enthusiasts all with a scene and aim of supporting women’s emotional Well-being if you have a book to tell us about get in touch at presenters at women’s radio station calm Join me on my show and share my love of books and writing Do you want to be a doula?

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[Speaker 2] (14:33 – 14:37)
You’re listening to women’s radio stations supporting women’s well-being

[Speaker 1] (14:38 – 17:22)
Women’s radio stations creating a global network for the empowerment of women and we want you to be involved Join us on Instagram and Twitter at women’s radio station That’s women’s radio STN or Facebook women’s radio station to keep up to date with all our exciting programs Hello, this is Anna Kennedy, we’re talking all things autism We’re live and we’re in Covent Garden and it’s the Christmas season I don’t know if you’re like me But I’m very much last-minute calm when it comes to shopping because I’m always so busy I do look online and I do like looking in the little shops as well down the high street So I try and do a little bit of both It’s always quite hard to try and find something frangelo because obviously with his minimal verbal skills It’s difficult for me to know what it is that he would like. It’s a bit of a guessing game But I hope I do get it right every year.

We’re also planning for our autism Expo, which is coming up on March the 28th So if you want to check out the charity website, it’s www.autism. Sorry Akio autism and it’s with reference to Brunel University March the 28th We’ve got speakers we have got Clinics where you can get free advice so it could get legal advice Speech and language and therapy advice or a behavioral or whatever it is that we have going We’re just building on it all the time and there’s lots of stands We have about 25 stands where you can have a little walk around Speak to people and look at all the resources that they’re selling and two of our speakers We’ve announced so far are Callum and Matthew previous speakers on This show father and son team and they will be talking about growing up And then we have Katie price and Harvey and Katie’s going to be talking about Harvey with his Prada willy syndrome his diagnosis of autism and also he’s partially sighted So Rebecca, thank you again for coming along all this way. So I’m really intrigued by your Santa PMP I think that’s so exciting and you mentioned another one called norad.

What is that? Oh norad is fantastic It’s sort of a view from space. So when Santa starts off in New Zealand, uh-huh You can see the sleigh moving as he goes across and delivering the president And he gets a certain places you can click on pictures You can click on things like Sydney Opera House or the Great Wall of China And it works its way across the road across the world Yeah, when I get to England, I then switch off and just with America, but it’s fabulous because it’s a great way It’s so visual.

Yeah, Josh was like, where’s his sleigh? Are they not tired the reindeer? It’s like they’ve got a lot of energy.

So when do you start that’s that like on the 24th?

[Speaker 2] (17:22 – 17:24)
Yeah, Christmas Eve Oh brilliant.

[Speaker 1] (17:24 – 23:11)
Do you have to pay for it? No, it’s free. Even better anything free.

So type that in norad n-o-r-a-d So follow where Santa’s going across the world. That sounds exciting. So back to talking about your son if you don’t mind Yeah, so how challenging was it for you to get a school for your son?

And what happened with his education in the interim? Well when we moved out of Lancashire Like I said, it’s three moves in seven months. Yeah, I can’t imagine how stressful that was.

Yes, it was beyond stressful But we managed to get an interim teacher Which they were going to come to the house. Well, I thought with Josh being at the house all the time Yeah, we’re better to move somewhere different So used to get two hours every day with a specialist teacher and the man we got Turns out he learned as much from him from Joshua his autism and Joshua learned from him I’ve heard that before and it’s actually gone on under the other qualification Very much so but Josh got a lot out of it and it was a good way to sort of break the ice and it gave me You know an hour and a half or so just to wander around town and then pop back and pick him up So it was great. It was a good way to keep him sort of just ticking over generally I do a little bit of work at home with him with reading and you know phonics and everything with a little bit younger So people listening in because they might not know what phonics this is Could you describe it in a way that worked for you and right with the phonics because Josh in his old school was using the chipbiff and kipper books, right? I found them they actually do some phonics cards Okay, so used to make a game out of it to look at how words were built and how they put the words together Right and then use these cards again from a very visual point of view Because although he can pick up the words and he’s a good reader now He is still very visually orientated because on top of his autism. He’s also got severe sensory modulation dysfunction An element of so could you explain that then again for someone listening in because we’ve got quite a few parents that listening their children Have just been diagnosed some of these terms that are being used.

They’ve never heard them before. Yeah, it’s a bit bamboo Within the sensory world, obviously, you’ve got your normal five senses. Yeah touch case and everything Within that you’ve got the heightened and lessened ability.

So the five have gone to ten, right? We’ve also then got proprioception, which is how the world affects your body So when you’re on an aircraft, for example, how you feel that pressure on your body Okay, and then vestibular which ought to do with balance and again with those you’ve got the heightened and lessened Okay, so if something got for 14 senses, which it’s a bit over. Well, yes It’s a bit of a much to sort of deal with but it really explains such a lot for Josh He’s quite severe with touch.

Okay, and like a lot of our amazing young people, they’re not very good with the road sense and Safety and the danger factors pretty high on the list Yeah, and as long as Josh is at least hold of sort of your arm or your wrist or your hand, right? And he will wait and it’s getting there. Yeah, it’s a slow slow process But because I’m so aware of you know what he needs and how this is going to help Yeah, and it does make a difference, but it is little baby steps, but we’re getting there So we were talking about support and being on your own.

How hard is that for you? Because obviously a juggling all the normal things that people do around the house and work and bills and all the rest of it But they honestly you haven’t got anyone to help you. So how do you how do you manage?

Well, I am very organized and I mean I know my friends will say oh, yes She is but I have to be because if I’m not organized, I can’t should have function the day Yeah I’ve got to make sure that everything is ticked and I do make a lot of lists and I do have a lot of notes in my diary and everything but When we were doing the move, there was an awful lot of research There were lots of traveling from Lancashire to Cheshire and back again and yeah Just making sure that every box was ticked Liaison with the authority making sure it was a really sort of worthwhile meeting not just a little bit of sort of mumbo jumbo Go away. Yeah, it was no. I’m not going away.

I need the answers. Yeah, and The one tip I used to give to all my parents when I had the autism group in Lancashire Was to get a good a for hardback book Rule it off write the date the time Who it was you spoke to? Yeah, the phone number evidence evidence.

Yeah Any notes, so whether it be like Toileting education whatever it was and then and sort of an AOB for your emails your websites any sort of little notes Because the one thing I learned very quickly is you’re gonna have Such a huge amount of people come into your life. Well, if they’ve all got the same name say Sarah, for example Yeah, which Sarah is to Sarah to Sarah because yeah, it gets a bit confusing And also if you get people who ring you and then you ring back the minute they realize they’ve got a strong parent Yeah, they don’t they’re not very happy But it gets the answers and that’s what you have to do It’s a you know bit of a fight you’re gonna have yeah So once you had a conversation with somebody as well as back it up with an email Definitely because they can deny, you know, that wasn’t said because you’ve got no proof No, but it’s also good for things like when you plan for a DLA for disability living allowance Because you need a lot of information to give them But the one thing I do when I’m doing all that sort of paperwork is photocopy at first fill it in And then send it so I’ve always got a copy. Yeah, if they’re in the nation So obviously lost.

[Speaker 2] (23:12 – 23:12)
Yeah.

[Speaker 1] (23:12 – 28:29)
Yeah, it’s like I don’t know what I wrote on page 37 So at least you’ve got a copy and it just makes life a little bit simpler. I’ve been really organized So you’ve created some cards and I was referenced to flight So this is obviously to do with your background. So can you talk to me a little bit about what you’ve done and why?

right When Josh was born I was still flying at the time And I made a promise to him that before the age of 18 and I accept I’m running out of time fast Yeah, I will take him to New York Okay But within my training it was great and we got taught an awful lot of stuff that was valuable. Yeah But as times marched on there’s nothing there for hidden disabilities and I kept thinking I’ve been there I’ve done it. I’ve lived it I can do something to help So I started writing and I managed to get it all sort of put together And then I went to the National Artistic Society and got it all Okay, then big ticks and everything that you know, it doesn’t happen overnight.

I just take a bit of time So I’ve managed to get that on the cards as an accreditation. Okay, so what type of things on the cards? What are we looking at?

Well, the it’s actually now a set of seven airport journey cards So it goes right from arriving at the car park Yeah, cuz I mean you say you’re going to go to an airport car park or a big car park Yeah, it’s like going to supermarket car park. That’s big. But in comparison to an airport.

Yeah park It’s a drop in the ocean this literally so I’ve tried to explain it in a really visual but sort of short sharp sentences Okay, so it’s everything from arrives at the airport going into the terminal checking your bags in and going through security Believe me is interesting Through to the departure gate. Yep To the boarding gate because some of the boarding gates now it’s a good 15-20 minute walk Yeah, not prepared for that and that is something you really need to have in your mind Okay, actually on board the aircraft and that’s from boarding going your seats Explaining that you might have food. You might not have food depending on the duration Yeah, also at the entertainment you might you might not But then also a lot of sensory Sensory for the toilets is a nightmare.

Could you never on the plane? You’re not going to realize one how small they are Yeah to how loud they are. Yeah, and then it goes into London Reality destination collecting your bags going through customs.

So every eventuality is done Okay, and that is about to get launched on an app. Okay on the learning rose Google store. Okay, so you’ve got a website called Www.learning rose.co.uk which is a website. We’re going to talk a little bit more about that So that is where this app is going to be available So if you want to take your son or your daughter away on holiday or for a visit to see parents or whatever it is You’re going to have these cards That are going to appear on this app. This hopefully will assist and can you tailor it for each person? We can do it as close as we can.

Okay, and you can get either the physical cards I want to download the app from the app store either option. All right, then so you also thinking about creating more apps So we’re going to talk about that a little bit later on. So I’m excited to hear that I just want to remind people of the Santa PM pigs.

I’m excited about that. So that’s a that’s fantastic And also norad which we talked about so Christmas Eve you can follow Santa see where he’s going across the world So that’s n-o-r-a-d and that is free if you want to follow Learning rose on Facebook, it’s just learning rose type it in there or learning rose on Twitter Or if you’re on LinkedIn, you can find Rebecca under Rebecca Taylor. So that’s exciting stuff and I’m looking forward to speaking more Welcome to the women’s radio station supporting women’s well-being Women’s radio station is all about diversity from opinions, career, ethnicity, education and most importantly women’s well-being We aim to celebrate the individuality of every woman everywhere providing opportunities and the platform for your voice Visit our website www.womensradiosation.com for more information I’m Tamina Zaman founder of empower and enrich when it comes to money Do you clam up or get confused?

Do you wish you could save more money? Or are you hoping you have enough for retirement? You are not alone Many women want to be smarter with their cash, but just don’t know where to start At empower and enrich.org you will find a host of options to help you take charge of your finances And learn how to put your money to work for you in an easy affordable way Get in touch with me at empower and enrich.org and let’s change your future together Do you want to be a doula? Would you like to support families through pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period? Do you have qualities of compassion, listening, caring and empowering? At Nurturing Birth we offer approved doula training courses across the UK, which are facilitated by an award-winning doula Here you will learn more about the support you can offer, explore the doula role and think about how to set up your business No need for previous qualifications Find out more at nurturingbirth.co.uk

[Speaker 2] (28:32 – 28:34)
Hi, Carolyn Van Biers here from Mother’s Hour

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Please do check out my latest show The Menopause with Meg Matthews We talk about perimenopause, the symptoms and most importantly What treatments are out there to help you physically and mentally get through this very challenging time in your life Just click on my Mother’s Hour page on the website to download the podcast now It’s an amazing informative and empowering show to help you get the menopause sorted

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Women’s radio station can give voice to your brand with a wide range of sponsorship opportunities including individual programs We can tailor your experience for you For more information on how you can sponsor a show go to women’s radio station.com women’s radio station supporting women’s well-being Hi, this is Anna Kennedy. We’re talking all things autism We’re live we’re in Covent Garden and my guest today is Rebecca Taylor before I go over to Rebecca I just wanted to remind you that autumn’s got talent will be coming up next year. We’re going to Cheshire We’re going to send Ives and we’re taking it to the mermaid theater in London, which is our biggest show So if you would like to send in your um nominations or send in your youtube links where There we’ve had quite a few already and we’ve been watching some of them and they’re absolutely fantastic.

I don’t know how we’re going to choose 20 but if you feel that you want to enter if you’re a singer you’re a dancer You are a musician or you might be a magician. You might be a poet Whatever it is that you want to do to showcase your talent, please send us into the charity website. I’ll just remind you.

It’s www.annakennedyonline.com So send us in your youtube link a short bio and some contact details. Have you got a talent Rebecca? Can you sing?

I can sing actually.

[Speaker 2] (31:03 – 31:04)
Oh, wow. Yes.

[Speaker 1] (31:04 – 39:53)
So what type of songs do you like to sing? I’ll sing um the most sort of choir I’ll I’ll sing anything basically I’ve I’ve actually got the level one with distinction. Wow See I didn’t tell you didn’t tell me about no, I don’t really keep you very quiet if i’m honest with you I think singing is good for the soul dancing for me is good for my soul But I can’t sing to save my life.

I just like clear the room But I love to dance and I just think it’s the best feeling ever and I think because I started dancing when I was about six It’s just always been with me and I just think it’s great. It makes you feel young. It increases your flexibility It’s good for your body posture.

It’s great for mental health. So I just think everyone should learn how to dance Life should be a musical So tell me a little bit about right you want to take your son to new york I took my son for his 21st birthday to new york. He’s going to be 30.

I can’t believe it in january But but when he was 21, he said he wanted to go to new york So off we went and he learned so much about new york Unbeknownst to me when we got there and he was chatting to people from new york and they said You’re more about new york than they did So it was quite funny, but it was a it was a fantastic experience We really enjoyed it apart from the last couple of days and my sister came with her husband And we got a call to say that they’d ransacked her house while she was on holiday and they took everything They even took her clothes or underwear.

It’s like why would you want to do that? So obviously it left a bit of a bitter taste So yeah, so that was a bit sad, but the days that we were there when you know, it was it was lovely So why are you choosing new york? Why do you want to take your son to new york?

New york is special to me because it was my very first flight abroad when I was only five My mom and dad said you can either have a holiday every year or you can have a holiday every two years But if you choose two years, it’ll be bigger and better. So with an older brother He’s like go for the bigger better option back. So I said I went along with it And then when I started flying with British Airways Anyway, I would have been great.

But my very first flight was new york. Okay. My last one was hong kong So I don’t think it sort of sums up my career new york to hong kong And my goodness knows how many other places in between yeah, but I think it sort of sums up my career with british airways Quite a nice way.

So when josh was born Um, I mean he was 15 days late and I thought i’m gonna make a promise here And I promised him that before the age of 18. Yeah, i’ll get him to new york Nice one’s gonna be 15 in me. So I think I better get my skates on and get something to plan this then What’s the what’s your ideas?

How are you gonna plan this to get him there? So does he know about new york? Are we sure we have any photographs or not at the moment, right?

Um, we’re gonna get cracking then. Well, yes, definitely I brought him down to london about three years ago And I thought i’ll show him a little video of how to get to the underground The first video I found was somebody on a set of skis coming down the escalator No So yeah, i’ve got a few plans There’s one or two sort of definite place you want to go to the usual sort of statue of lividy see that the ferry boats. Yeah And I think One now is sort of much more settled in school I think it’s uh gonna be pretty a minute now, shall we say probably could help you as well.

Oh, definitely Yeah, it’ll be exciting. I’d be interested to hear how it goes You know so So what made you realize that obviously you’ve created these cards and your um, the app’s gonna be when did you say it’s gonna be live? I think it’s just gone live now.

Oh, wow So if you’re interested in looking at that, it’s www.learningroars.co.uk So what other apps do you have in mind? Well, i’m just in the midst of writing Um a series of everyday activities and different lifestyle events So i’ve already done the going to the doctor going to the dentist The supermarket and i’ve just done the delightful stranger danger, which has been quite a challenge, right? Okay, so they’re going to go to my business partner crave.

Yeah, it’s part of hardy things in an absolute gory Okay puts up with me and I think I must get on his nerves, but we work really well together So we’re going to get all the pictures drawn up and then we’ll get it all put onto the app So watch this space. There’s four already nearly at um delivery stage So how do you like get into an app? I don’t understand how that works.

So it’s a way. Um putting all the words onto A document and then adding very specific pictures a lot of the pictures I use are actually hand drawn I don’t like using the google stock images a bit like widget type of thing. Have you heard of widgets?

Yes, I have Yeah, i’ve heard of widget, but um I want to do it a bit more sort of personal rise and otherwise you get charged off google images as well So if I do it that way I know in my own mind that if it can work for josh because I know so many other parents and children of autistic people um I show them a Sort of do a bit of a test run first to make sure it works. Okay, so once it’s all put down on paper Craig does the magic. That’s all I can say.

I don’t know how he does it but he’s amazing So, um that will then get put onto the apple store and it’ll go onto the app So watch this space. There’s four nearly ready to go and there’s probably about another half dozen In the pipeline. So, okay.

So when did learning rose first come to light learning rose started about four years ago And what was it then? well Because of my background in british airways, I kept thinking I can do more than just be a mum We’ll be on the committee So that’s why I started putting them all together and it’s only called learning rose because I want everybody to learn And I come from the red rose county. So it’s a perfect thing and it’s a bit easier because I mean if you’re gonna like, you know Um wellies for you, you can only sell wellies at least with learning rose.

You can do more than just sell one thing So that’s why I started it and it’s just blossomed because um One of the things that I have been successful in British Airways have now got a license to use my work and Very soon if not already now It’s going to be available On their website and being used by every aircraft in the fleet So how did you feel about showing it to British Airways because obviously you weren’t there were you like nervous? It was because everybody I knew had gone so it was even more nerve-racking, but it was amazing how it happened because When I was working with the national artistic society the gentleman from the british airways marketing and That area yeah had contacted the person I knew at the national artistic society And so stuart said to daniel i’m looking at doing this. It’s like hang on i’ve got just a lady here What do you mean?

She’s like she’s already done all the work. It’s all been approved by us, right and she’s ex british airways So it just fell into place. So although I wasn’t there it was sort of right place, right time And i’ve been working british airways the first content about this time last year.

I’ve been quite a busy year getting Licenses done and all the legalities and paperwork and contracts and everything else done But not so fun stuff. Oh, it’s not the fun stuff. It really isn’t but it’s done and I’m actually really really chuffed.

Yep, really really chuffed on that one. Um An uphill ground at one point it was like three steps forward four steps back But perseverance and being organized again. Yeah, it’s worked and uh, it’s going from strength to strength So if you were to look back on your life, um, obviously some being diagnosed Would you have done anything different?

What would you tell yourself? Because obviously it’s a big learning curve for us As we’re going along and you know There isn’t like an easy manual on how to bring up a person on the spectrum because they’re all So different from each other and you’re learning as you go along Would you would you have done anything different? What would you tell your younger self?

I’d probably tell my younger self To be more thorough Okay in the research right And to ask a lot more questions and pull it to make a lot more notes if i’m honest with you. Yeah, and It is a curve and a half Um that you hit a few hills and you get a few stop signs and more than one or two forks in the road So don’t give in that thing.

[Speaker 2] (39:53 – 39:54)
Don’t stop.

[Speaker 1] (39:54 – 42:01)
Yeah, don’t stop make the notes ask the questions Some people won’t like to give you the answers. Yeah, but don’t let them pop you off. Yeah Keep going keep you know, keep strong Stay positive.

There is an ultimate goal. Okay at the end of the day, it’s your young person, right? You’re doing this to prepare them and I’m really proud really proud of my young Joshua So what would you say?

There’s the most difficult process getting the diagnosis? Um going through the statementing ehcp as it is now trying to find the right type of school Obviously, it was difficult when you were moving That was a teenager what you’re looking at for the future Well as far as schools were concerned, I realized quite quickly that if you actually contact the national artistic society They’ve got a helpline which is uh mondays of friday I think it’s 10 o’clock till 4 If you ring them and ask them for a list of the schools that they’ve got on their books, right? We then say so many miles of your postcode They can actually send you a list and that’s how I found out so much more information Because schools came up.

I’ve never even heard of yeah, some of them were obviously a long long way away. Yeah, but um I was dry. They’re allowed to I think I did um about 50 miles But they said do you want to do 30 miles of 50 but because of where I was yeah I’m in the middle of quite a sort of comprehensive motorway network.

Okay, so That was one really big plus to get the information have it actually sent from the authority was fantastic Okay, um again, if you want to look at any resources, we’ve got quite a few on the charity website of all different Manners of for children for adults. So check out www.anna kennedy online.com there’s a resources page there There’s also obviously the national artistic society and wherever it is that you live There’s always a support group that’s close by and when you go to meetings Try not to go on your own because it can be quite overwhelming if you haven’t been through the process yourself So check it out. And if you um go on social media as well Sometimes parents can just jump in and say I know of a good support group or I know of this and that and the other And they can support you so we’re going to be carrying on again soon

[Speaker 2] (42:03 – 42:09)
Welcome to women’s radio station i’m sarah louise ryan and welcome to love lessons live on women’s radio station

[Speaker 1] (42:09 – 58:30)
Hello and welcome to future classic women awards with me On women’s radio station hello and welcome to julene is listening Hi, this is anna kennedy and we’re at women’s radio station supporting women’s well-being and we’re talking all things autism women The possibilities are endless. That’s what makes us different Hi, i’m lauren michigan I’m a birth doula and mum of three and i’m passionate about supporting women to have empowering and positive birth experiences Please join me for my brand new show from tummy to mummy here on women’s radio station Every week i’ll be here with an expert guest talking about women’s reproductive health Everything fertility pregnancy birth and baby related right through to the menopause and beyond please join us for an informative and fun hour My name is ingrid marsh and I host the radical well-being show supporting women’s well-being On my show i bring you ordinary women like me and you who are sharing their unique stories Women who have refused to be defined by their pains to be silenced by stigma or crushed by stereotypes And who are taking back their power And together our mission is a simple one and that’s to inspire you to kick away the roadblocks too To don your wings and be the person that you were born to be Hi, i’m hazel butterfield a blogger book clubber and mental health advocate and you can listen to my show get booked here at women’s radio station Daily at 5 am and 5 pm throughout my shows we’ll talk about the books I’ve read new releases chapter authors publishers and book enthusiasts all with a theme And aim of supporting women’s emotional well-being if you have a book to tell us about get in touch At presenters at women’s radio station.com join me on my show and share my love of books and writing Do you want to be a doula? Would you like to support families through pregnancy birth and the postnatal period? Do you have qualities of compassion listening caring and empowering?

At nurturing birth we offer approved doula training courses across the uk which are facilitated by an award-winning doula Here you will learn more about the support you can offer explore the doula role and think about how to set up your business No need for previous qualifications find out more at nurturing birth.co.uk You’re listening to women’s radio stations supporting women’s well-being Women’s radio stations creating a global network for the empowerment of women and we want you to be involved Join us on instagram and twitter at women’s radio station.

That’s women’s radio stn Or facebook women’s radio station to keep up to date with all our exciting programs Hi, this is anna kennedy and we’re talking all things autism. It’s the christmas season and Not long to go. Every everyone will be counting the days We had our autism hero awards and we’ve just uploaded onto our anna kennedy online youtube channel The actual highlights which was created by ryan wiggins one of my young charity patrons So if you want to check it out And if you want to nominate somebody the nominations are now open and we’ll be going back to the chelsea harbor hotel In november and rebecca who’s here today is a double award winner two years in the room How lucky are you and how popular are you?

So what was it like for you the experience? Oh It was exciting. It was quite humbling as well Um just loved it.

I absolutely loved it um when I won the autism, um Parent care award. Yeah, one of my friends was with me and i’ve never heard my name shout so loudly in my life And she was whooping and cheering me on so there you are Samantha. I’ve mentioned you I could hear you on the stage whooping for me But to to win one was brilliant but the recognition and then to win the entrepreneurial award this year It was breathtaking.

It really was breathtaking. Um, i’m just chucked that My little bit is obviously helping and making a bit of a difference. So it’s great Yeah, we had so many nominations and the fantastic work that’s going on across the country in all manners And it was just like we even had entries from overseas as well So that’s just showing you how um, you know the words spreading out So again If you would like to nominate somebody that you feel that goes the extra mile Could be a teacher could be a parent could be somebody like rebecca.

It could be a business Whatever it is that you feel that you would like to nominate someone because they go that extra mile Please check out the autism hero awards and as I say, it was at the chelsea harbor hotel, which was fantastic There’s such a lovely venue and we’re going back there again because everyone said it was the best one ever So we’re doing it again there next time So let’s talk a little bit about christmas because obviously it’s the christmas season.

Um What’s the difficult parts and what are the great parts? So what about foods and smells and things like that because obviously everyone goes to the shops and buys different You know, it’s not the the normal routine things that we buy So when we go shopping we tend to wait until it’s getting a little bit quieter. Okay Um, it can be a bit overwhelming.

Yeah Partly for me is it is for jobs actually But uh when it comes to cooking and baking particularly more with the baking if josh can help I mean he’s very good at wiping out the bowl at the end and looking they mix in sticks. Okay. He does like to take part So I always find making and I make a lemon drizzle cake.

I love lemon drizzle cakes I that’s just like I tasted it about a year ago and I just thought and then tally who’s one of our Volunteers she makes the best lemon drizzle cake. Oh, well, I had a little bit of limoncello Into the sauce and I made some for I go to an art group for two hours on a Friday And i’ve never seen a cake disappear. So that’s in my life It’s just so light and fresh light and fresh.

Yeah that limoncello over there. Oh, it goes down very very fast So type of food does josh like what does he like to eat? He’s actually a pretty good eater.

How is he um, because you get some very picky eaters Yes, that alone eat certain things and you know, they can’t touch each other on the plate when you’re Yeah, all that sort of um, it’s not very good with broccoli But when I saw how the broccoli was cooked at where he was eating at one of the schools I don’t think I even I’d have eaten a broccoli. It’s not very good with green beans. Okay Um, but he does love the usual sort of chicken and sausages and yeah, what’s his bacon?

But he’s actually loves bacon But he’s oh i’m getting hungry now Yeah pizzas, um chicken dinners what type of things that he like to make himself anything to do with cakes Any cakes at all. That’s like my angela Um, yeah lemon cakes victoria sponge cakes All those but if I put anything with sultanas in i’ve got to make sure i’ve got the sultanas in front of me Yeah, otherwise, he’ll just disappear and end up with no sultanas in the cake So i’ve got to watch him on those but yes, he’s he’s quite a good eater actually. Okay.

That sounds pretty good Um, so what do you do because we’re all about Supporting women’s well-being. What do you do to relax? What type of things don’t see talk a little bit about singing But what else do you do?

I go to this amazing art group on a Friday afternoon from half 12 to half two and three Okay, run by a lady called claire who is so talented and it’s a really nice mix of women and a few men come There’s there’s not many. I think all these women sort of put them off. Okay, but We’re all so sort of supportive to each other.

That’s good. If we need a cry, we have a cry Yeah, if we need to paint we have a paint. Yeah, and it’s fantastic and it’s two hours.

Okay, which is my hours Yeah, I don’t need time. Yes, definite me time. I don’t get a huge amount of time But then when he goes to stay with his dad perhaps at the weekend Yeah, i’ve then managed to go out with my other half and go for meals out.

All right, just go for a drink Yeah, it’s just nice to have a bit of becky time basically. Yeah, so i’m i’m very creative. I’ve just made um A very sort of butterfly and baubles and artificial flowered wreath.

Okay for christmas Well, i’m mainly for christmas, but it’s actually one you could use all year round I’ve seen actually on facebook I’ve seen so many women making reads and different things more christmas decorations rather than going by them And they i’ve noticed more people are making them. Yeah, um, I think in the past i’ve bought things like old mirrors Like a charity shop, right? Because there’s no point buying something expensive And then you’re gonna put loads of hot glue over it Yeah, but it’s great.

And then if you put like little bars on top you can reflect sort of a light Um christmas There’s another app you could do that’s another app. Yeah, i’ll give you your idea If you get like little cocks apples, yeah and use um, like a sort of cookie cutter cut them out and put like a little tea light in It helps the apples to sort of smell around the room. Oh, i’m gonna make you hungry now You need a creative website though.

I do need a creative website What do you prefer the most on social media? There’s a lot of negative stuff that goes around about social media But I think there’s a lot of positive things that are going I think to an extent you’ve just got to Just do loads of research because there’s such a lot of information out there I accept you can also get a little bit bamboozling at times But you know like you’re saying earlier look on things like facebook because you will always fact there’s always some group Yeah, not that far away from you Um, have you still got your support group? The support group was handed over to another couple because I was determined to keep it going no matter what So that’s still going to my knowledge.

Yes. I’ve not heard very much from her for quite a while Okay, but i’ve been told it’s going and the lady who runs that um, she’s fantastic. Yeah, I adore this lady She’s brilliant.

Okay, and she does everything she can to make it open for whatever disabilities they have So okay, it’s an open door policy. Definitely. So to remind people about learning roles if you want to check the website It’s www.learningroars.co.uk learning roles on twitter learning roles on facebook And then if you’re on linkedin, that’s rebecca taylor and you can email rebecca If you’d like to ask any questions about the cards that she’s creating or the apps or whatever it is that she’s been talking about During the show and it’s info at learningroars.co.uk I’ll just repeat that again info at learningroars.co.uk Where can you see learning roles in 10 years time?

What would you like to be happening there? My dream is it to be used on every airline and every airport around the world Okay I know there’s some very weird languages out there I’ll take it on I really will take it on Because I just find it so sad that people can’t access Um flying with the airport Or why not? I mean it literally is without using a bit of a cliche.

It’s a whole new window in the world There’s such a lot of you know resources out there fabulous places around the world Just because you’ve got a disability doesn’t mean you can’t have an airplane. Yeah, so let’s open that door. Let’s open the experience Let’s have some fun.

Yeah, come on. Let’s go out there. If it means you’ve got to you know, go to the Golden Gate Bridge Do it let’s get there if you only want to go across I don’t know say to Dublin or something Yeah, yes, you might fly.

Yes, you might sail but if you want to fly what I produce can hopefully make it easier Um what makes something quite stressful? So something really pleasant let’s have some fun. Let’s see this fabulous world We’ve got one chance at life.

So let’s make the most of it I know I need to get Angelo on a plane again because the last time he went on a plane He was about four or five years old He screamed the whole way there and he screamed the whole way back and he was climbing all over my head And it was just like oh my god, get me up to the plane But when I did my first writer for the cars It was actually 12 pages long as it was written because I managed to get Josh on a plane to Dublin Okay in the middle of Manchester airport.

I had grown businessmen looking over my shoulder saying what have you got? And i’m showing them all these words and pictures Yeah, and we got him on the plane and when we got to Dublin, he actually said I don’t want to get off the plane It’s like we have to get off It’s going back and then when we came back we came back on the propeller aircraft and he beamed And I just relived my British Airways career because I still love to take off some landing I know there’s a lot of kids from our school here in demand school They actually go to Heathrow airport and they’re like watching the planes go.

So have you got an airport that’s close by to you? Yeah, Manchester airport and it’s my son’s school at Innscape, which is part of Together Trust They fly right over the building. Well, everybody’s getting fed up with them Come on my son.

I see the other the carriage come there and i’m so excited It’s like will you calm down Rebecca? You see how much time you come? But yeah, Manchester airport is only About half an hour’s drive from my house and literally around the corner from Drackerood school So and we took a few of the kids as well, um to see Concord as well Yes So that was exciting and we sat in the pilot seat and all that sort of thing So the kids loved that as well.

So, um, yeah, I think there’s a lot of plane spots out there So we’ve come to the end of the program already. We’ve been chatting and it’s just blown by I just want to say Thank you so much, Rebecca You’re a breath of fresh air and you’ve got lots of exciting things that are going on in your life And I hope you do get Joshua to go to New York because I loved it there I couldn’t get used to the the food portions because they were enormous But um, I did love it there and i’d like to go again Um, and maybe I will so well, hopefully with the um apps and the cards Yeah, make it easier.

And if I do get there i’ll send you post cover. Thank you very much for having me on today Oh, thank you. And I want to wish everyone the best.

Um, it’s the end of a decade And it just sounds like oh my words, but we’re coming to 2020. I can’t believe it I just want to wish everyone the best Have a good christmas the best one that you can have and I just want to wish you all the luck for 2020 And thank you to women’s radio station for giving me the opportunity to talk all things autism Welcome to the women’s radio station supporting women’s well-being Women’s radio station is all about diversity from opinions career ethnicity Education and most importantly women’s well-being we aim to celebrate the individuality of every woman everywhere Providing opportunities and the platform for your voice Visit our website women’s radio station.com for more information I’m tamina zaman founder of empower and enrich when it comes to money.

Do you clam up or get confused? Do you wish you could save more money or are you hoping you have enough for retirement? You are not alone many women want to be smarter with their cash, but just don’t know where to start At empower and enrich.org.

You will find a host of options to help you take charge of your finances And learn how to put your money to work for you in an easy affordable way Get in touch with me at empower and enrich.org and let’s change your future together Do you want to be a doula? Would you like to support families through pregnancy birth in the postnatal period? Do you have qualities of compassion listening caring and empowering at nurturing birth?

We offer approved doula training courses across the uk which are facilitated by an award-winning doula Here you will learn more about the support you can offer explore the doula role and think about how to set up your business No need for previous qualifications find out more at nurturingbirth.co.uk

[Speaker 2] (58:32 – 58:39)
Hi carolyn van bier’s here from mother’s hour Please do check out my latest show the menopause with megg matthews

[Speaker 1] (58:39 – 59:04)
We talk about perimenopause the symptoms and most importantly What treatments are out there to help you physically and mentally get through this very challenging time in your life? Just click on my mother’s hour page on the website to download the podcast now It’s an amazing informative and empowering show to help you get the menopause sorted Are you struggling with money?

[Speaker 2] (59:05 – 59:30)
Turn to us as a national charity helping people struggling to make ends meet Job loss illness or bereavement can cause a real financial crisis We give practical help to get people back on track whether you’re thinking of having a baby Trying to get out of an unhappy relationship or just unsure what benefits you may be entitled to We can help visit turn to us.org.uk

[Speaker 1] (59:33 – 59:56)
Welcome to the women’s radio station supporting women’s well-being Women’s radio station can give voice to your brand with a wide range of sponsorship opportunities including individual programs We can tailor your experience for you For more information on how you can sponsor a show go to women’s radio station.com women’s radio station