WHY I TOOK MY SON OUT OF SCHOOL | Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, Home Education & Motherhood

What happens when your child’s diagnosis changes the way you see yourself?

In this episode of Becoming Lucy, we sit down with Sarah to hear her personal story of motherhood, home education and self-discovery.

Sarah isn’t a clinician, psychologist or medical expert. She’s a mum sharing her lived experience of supporting her son through his autism diagnosis, navigating the challenges of mainstream education, and making the incredibly difficult decision to home educate after concerns about his mental health and prolonged school refusal while waiting for specialist school support.

As Sarah fought to understand what her son needed, she found herself looking back at her own childhood through a completely different lens. From struggling at secondary school and later being diagnosed with dyslexia, to questioning whether she may also be autistic or have ADHD, she shares how her son’s journey unexpectedly helped her understand herself.

We also explore how this self-awareness transformed her confidence, her parenting and even her career. After years of feeling like she never quite fit traditional employment, Sarah went on to build her own successful business, creating a life that works with her strengths rather than against them.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Autism, ADHD and dyslexia through one mother’s lived experience

• Home education and why Sarah never planned to homeschool

• School refusal, mental health and navigating the education system

• EHCPs, diagnosis pathways and specialist school support

• How understanding your child can help you understand yourself

• The emotional impact of feeling misunderstood at school

• Building confidence, resilience and a successful business after years of self-doubt

Whether you’re a parent, educator, exploring your own neurodivergent journey, or you’ve ever felt like you simply didn’t fit the system, Sarah’s story is a powerful reminder that understanding often begins with compassion.

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Resources & Links

Connect with Sarah

• Follow & connect with Sarah (HEY Pear)

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heysarahpear/

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Resources Mentioned

Home Education

• £2 Tuition Hub – Affordable online learning resources and support for home-educating families.

https://the2poundtuitionhub.com

• Home Education For All UK – Private Facebook community for home-educating families across the UK.
• Home Education UK – Information, guidance, and resources for families choosing home education.

https://www.home-education.org.uk/

Learning Resources

• BBC Bitesize – Free curriculum-based learning resources for children of all ages.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize

Dyslexia Support

• British Dyslexia Association – Information about dyslexia, diagnosis, support, and practical advice.

https://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/about-dyslexia

SEND & Parent Support

• Cheshire East Parent Carer Forum – Information, support, and guidance for families of children with additional needs.

https://www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/education/special_educational_needs/parent_forum.aspx

• Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) – Official GOV.UK guidance on EHCPs and support for children and young people with SEND.

https://www.gov.uk/children-with-special-educational-needs/education-health-and-care-plans

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• Becoming Lucy Podcast – Follow us for behind-the-scenes content, episode clips, and updates.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/becominglucy/

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⚠️ Podcast Disclaimer

• Informational Only: This content is for general information and entertainment. It is not professional advice (legal, medical, financial, or otherwise).

• No Guarantees: We do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or outcomes from using the information shared.

• Personal Views: Opinions expressed are those of the hosts and guests and do not reflect the official positions of any affiliated organisations.

• No Liability: We are not liable for any actions taken based on this podcast.

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