Podcast no. 6, 19 August 2022
In this third and final episode of the S.E.N Mama Series, I interview Tracey from Kent, UK.
Tracey is the mighty strong mama behind Zack, age 13, who has Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) with a Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) profile, Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), and Tourette’s Syndrome.
Tracey first noticed a few difficulties when Zack was a baby but being a first-time mama wasn’t sure of her concerns.
Zack became a very chatty toddler who could keep eye contact and was described as ‘polite and pleasant’ by the time he started primary school, but Tracey already had a few worries by then and yet, was still dismissed by every teacher she confided in.
Tracey started to notice severe behaviors of frustration at home but instead of being supported by the school, was sent six (SIX!) ‘early help’ referrals, which basically were a slap in the face to her motherly instincts.
During our talk, Tracey very carefully explain Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), something rarely heard of yet an exceptionally common condition in the neurodivergent world.
But she was quick to point out that this is not part of the criteria used or recognized within the commonly used DSM-5 (Diagnostics and Statistics Manual) for diagnosing modern mental disorders.
This talk was heavy to digest regarding the current reality regarding schools fronting a struggling child, how the NHS doesn’t have the necessary SEN support in place nor the funds locally, and how Tracey has spent over £3000 privately to get any proper diagnoses.
Because of Zack’s conditions, Tracey is unable to find suitable SEN childcare and therefore has to take jobs that fit in around school hours only.
Her best and most reliant support is her own mother, but even this will unfortunately soon change due to health issues.
Tracey is one loving mama, and I’m so glad I got to hear and share just a fraction of what motherhood has been like for her with an S.E.N child, so far.
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