Welcome to Inclusive Stories , a podcast created for parents raising Autistic, ADHD, and all neurodivergent children, especially those navigating this journey as Black and ethnic minority families. My name is Brooklyn , a proud mum, disability advocate, author, and tea-loving Londoner raising two
What happens when something that brings your child complete joy is also one of your greatest fears? In this episode of Inclusive Stories After Dark, Brooklyn speaks honestly about raising an autistic child who is deeply drawn to water but does not yet fully understand the danger. Brooklyn explores the constant alertness many SEND parents carry around swimming pools, rivers, canals, lakes and the sea. Brooklyn also reflects on two devastating incidents involving young children and water, including a tragedy close to her home in South East London less than two years ago and a more recent loss…
Brooklyn shares her personal journey of receiving a late autism diagnosis and the impact it has had on her life, motherhood, and self-understanding. She discusses the concept of masking, the challenges of late diagnosis, and the importance of self-compassion and understanding. She also addresses the experience of recognizing oneself through a child's autism diagnosis and the need for self-acceptance and support. Takeaways Late autism diagnosis can bring relief and grief, as it changes the meaning attached to one's life experiences. Understanding and unmasking oneself is a gradual process…
What happens when you still care deeply about your work, your family and your purpose, but your mind and body no longer have the capacity to keep going? In the opening episode of Season 3, Brooklyn Banjoko returns to the Inclusive Stories Podcast after nearly a year away. She shares why the podcast went quiet, what it means to experience autistic burnout while raising two neurodivergent children, and how receiving an autism diagnosis at 44 changed the way she understands her life. Brooklyn speaks honestly about the invisible demands of SEND parenting, masking, sensory overload, chronic…
Summer holidays are here, but for many neurodivergent families, this season is anything but restful. The world may be on holiday, but we are still deep in the trenches. In this powerful, honest episode, Brooklyn sits down with fellow SEND mum and Occupational Therapist Lily Adams for a conversation that goes far beyond tips and tricks. Together, they talk about the emotional weight of summer when routines vanish and support disappears, and how to find moments of connection, calm, and even joy in the middle of it all. Whether you are managing PDA meltdowns in the park, packing snacks and ear…
The school gates have closed, but for many of us raising autistic, ADHD, or otherwise neurodivergent children, the real work has just begun. In this heartfelt episode of Inclusive Stories After Dark, Brooklyn shares what summer really looks like for SEND parents: the invisible weight, the lack of support, the grief, but also the small joys, glimmers of rest, and moments of light we often forget to notice. With honest storytelling, gentle humour, and grounded advice, this is not a “how-to” episode. It is a “me too”, a soft space to feel less alone and more understood. What We Talk About in…
In this deeply emotional episode of Inclusive Stories After Dark, Brooklyn speaks directly to the fear that so many SEN parents carry but rarely say out loud, What happens when I am no longer here to advocate for my neurodivergent child? From sleepless nights to the quiet ache of wondering who will understand your child’s sensory needs, speech delays, or PDA profile, this episode holds space for those invisible worries. Brooklyn explores the internal battles that come with raising autistic children in a world that still does not fully understand them, and gently reminds us that every act of…
What does it mean to raise more than one autistic child, while also navigating cultural expectations, diagnosis journeys, and a system that does not always see us? In this powerful episode of Inclusive Stories , Brooklyn sits down with Sua, a British legal practitioner and proud mum of three daughters, two of whom are autistic. Together, they explore the layered, emotional, and transformative experience of parenting multiple neurodivergent children. This episode speaks to parents who are still finding their feet after diagnosis, those parenting in cultural spaces where autism is…
This episode is a breath for every SEND/Neurodivergent parent and carer who wonders why they are so tired, even when nothing “big” happened. The truth? You are not lazy. You are not doing it wrong. You are carrying more than most people will ever understand. In this episode, I hold space for the unspoken exhaustion, invisible labour, and quiet strength of parents raising Autistic and ADHD children. You are not alone. You are not too much. And you are still standing. This episode is for you. In this episode we talk about: Why you feel so overwhelmed (even when you think you “should be…
Tonight, we are taking a moment to celebrate you , friend. Inspired by my National Diversity Awards 2025 nomination, this episode is all about honouring the wins we often overlook as SEND parents and carers. You are doing extraordinary things — even when no one claps, even when no one sees. Your story matters. Your growth matters. You deserve to celebrate yourself without apology. Let us breathe, reflect, and take pride in the quiet victories we build every day. Be well, always. Stay Connected with Inclusive Stories We love hearing from our community! Whether you have a question, want to…
In this episode of Inclusive Stories After Dark, Brooklyn shares heartfelt insights and encouragement for parents and caregivers navigating the challenges of raising children with autism and ADHD. She emphasises the importance of recognising small wins, finding joy amidst chaos, and the need for self-compassion. Brooklyn addresses the pressures of parenting during holidays, the significance of being seen, and the value of adaptability in parenting. The conversation is filled with warmth, humour, and affirmations that resonate deeply with the audience. takeaways You're not alone in this…
In this episode of Inclusive Stories After Dark, Brooklyn explores finding joy amidst the chaos of parenting and everyday life. She discusses the weight of sensory overload and the cumulative stress of small challenges, emphasising that joy can still exist even in difficult times. Brooklyn encourages listeners to recognise and reclaim their joy, reminding them that it is not only permissible to feel joy but essential for emotional well-being. The episode concludes with a call to choose joy, even amid life's challenges. takeaways Joy can exist even in difficult times. The cumulative weight of…
In this episode of Inclusive Stories After Dark, Brooklyn reflects on Autism Awareness Month, emphasising the importance of living authentically as a parent of autistic children. She discusses the complexities of awareness, joy, and the need for rest, encouraging listeners to define their own experiences and celebrate their journeys without the pressure of public performance. takeaways This month can bring a bit of everything: pride, pressure, and joy. Awareness is a daily experience, not just a month-long event. Joy can be a form of rebellion against societal expectations. Rest is a form of…
In this deeply honest episode of Inclusive Stories After Dark , host Brooklyn opens Season 2 with a love letter to every SEND mum parenting Autistic and ADHD children. Speaking from her lived experience, Brooklyn reflects on the emotional weight many neurodivergent families carry. She speaks about the grief that often sits beside joy, the invisible labour of advocating for your child, and the emotional toll of doing it all while barely being seen. This episode offers comfort, recognition, and gentle encouragement. For every mum raising a neurodivergent child who feels exhausted,…
In this episode, Tessa Philbert, a SEN Law expert, discusses the importance of SEN Law and her journey in the field. She highlights the importance of understanding the eligibility criteria for obtaining a EHCP. Tessa emphasises the role of parents in gathering evidence and overcoming challenges in the tribunal process. In this part of the conversation, we discuss the EHCP assessment process, common challenges faced by parents, evidence gathering, ensuring an accurate EHCP, effective collaboration with professionals, timelines and deadlines, sharing the final EHCP plan, and resources and…
I am excited to share an amazing conversation I had with Tola Andu, a health care professional, parent advocate and founder of the TOLA ANDU Foundation. In this episode, we dive into Tola's journey as a parent of a child on the autism spectrum and discuss the challenges she faced along the way. We talk about the importance of creating a supportive community for parents of children on the autism spectrum, overcoming stigma, and prioritising self-care as a parent. We also chat about advocating for your child in the education system, choosing the right school, and collaborating with schools to…
Welcome to Inclusive Stories, where we strive to create a more inclusive world, one story at a time. In today's episode, we focus on Mindful Parenting with our guest, Kristin Schmoke. Kristin is an experienced educator, a Neurodivergent parent, and a mindful parenting coach who helps parents cultivate a deeper connection with their Neurodivergent child. Throughout the episode, Kristin shares her experience of parenting a child on the autism spectrum and provides practical tips and strategies for parents who may be facing challenges in connecting with their Neurodivergent child. She…
The Importance of Inclusivity and Neurodiversity Explored in the First Episode of "Inclusive Stories Podcast", host Brooklyn, shares her personal journey of raising a neurodivergent child in the show's debut episode. She talks about the challenges she faced in getting a diagnosis for her child and coming to terms with the "new normal" that came with it. As a black mother, she also discusses the stigma attached to raising a neurodivergent child.Brooklyn's story highlights the significance of accepting differences and appreciating neurodiversity. She emphasizes how crucial it is to support…
Welcome to Inclusive Stories, a podcast dedicated to supporting and empowering neurodivergent families, We'll be discussing the challenges that neurodivergent parents face when navigating the education and healthcare systems for their children. As a parent of a neurodivergent child, it can be difficult to know where to turn for support and guidance.One of the biggest hurdles that neurodivergent families face is navigating the education system. Navigating the education and healthcare systems can be a daunting task for neurodivergent families. However, by being proactive, seeking out resources…
About Inclusive Stories Podcast: For parents raising autistic, ADHD - neurodivergent children
Welcome to Inclusive Stories , a podcast created for parents raising Autistic, ADHD, and all neurodivergent children, especially those navigating this journey as Black and ethnic minority families. My name is Brooklyn , a proud mum, disability advocate, author, and tea-loving Londoner raising two
Inclusive Stories Podcast: For parents raising autistic, ADHD - neurodivergent children is a English kids & family podcast from Inclusive Stories. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.
The Melo app keeps playing with the screen off, works in the car and on your watch, wakes you to your station, and browses the whole catalogue offline. Free, no ads, no account.
