EP 62: Being Failed by the System and Advocacy with Chrissa Wadlow

SEND Parenting Podcast

Episode 62
*CONTENT WARNING* This episode mentions suicidal ideation, gaslighting from social services, and child protective services.
This week I sat down with the indefatigable Chrissa Wadlow, founder of Sunshine Support, to talk to her about the journey that brought Chrissa to creating Sunshine. Chrissa's battle against the UK education system to get the support her autistic daughter needed will be both shocking and heartbreakingly familiar for fellow parents of SEND children. We talk about the infuriating and fraudulent bureaucracy that has been created by a deeply underfunded system, and how it very nearly cost her and her daughter's lives.
But this is not a sob story - Chrissa used her experience to go on and create Sunshine Support, a centre which works to empower and advocate for parents, carers, and professionals who support children and young people with SEND. They have free information resources, expert educational and legal advice, and community building for families at their wits end. This episode is a testament to power of never giving up, community, and how much easier the world is when we approach with curiosity, not judgement.
If you are struggling in your quest to get your child support, please click on link to Sunshine Support

www.sendparenting.com

Chapter

1. EP 62: Being Failed by the System and Advocacy with Chrissa Wadlow (00:00:00)

2. Journey of a SEND Parent (00:00:05)

3. Struggles With EHCP and Support Services (00:09:43)

4. Challenges With EHCP and School Placement (00:22:04)

5. Parenting a Child With Mental Health (00:33:35)

6. Supporting Parents in Their Journey (00:45:51)

7. Building Personal Story to Help Parents (00:56:17)