Navigating the EHCP Maze:  Gathering Effective Evidence and Managing Overwhelm with Helen Foster

Today, Cliff is joined by Helen Foster who shares her experiences, insights, and hard-earned lessons from navigating EHCP process with her young son. They talk honestly about recognising early signs, gathering evidence, managing overwhelm, using technology to help and what it's really like advocating for a non-verbal child within a system that can often feel confusing and stacked against families. This is a grounded, real-world conversation, not from theory, but from lived experience. And it's relevant for families and adults who want to make sense of their own neuro divergent experiences. EPISODE REVEALS Recognising and keeping a record of any stimming or behaviour that supports a diagnosis will help you later. Especially during the EHCP process. Videos, a well-kept behaviour log, medical reports, assessments, and other paperwork will all support a proper assessment and diagnosis. Really look after yourself. If you don´t you can´t be there to help your child. The earlier you start and get help the better it is for your child. Local authorities worry more about money and resources than what is best for an individual child. For them, good enough is an OK option. To counter this underlying attitude, you will need to continuously advocate for your child. BEST MOMENTS “Take care of yourself, because if you can't take care of yourself, you can't take care of your little one.” “No matter how insignificant you might think it is, note it down. Keep as much evidence as you can possibly collect to either get a formal diagnosis or to initiate an EHCP.” "I'm not just settling for good enough, which is what the local authority are happy to do." EPISODE RESOURCES Instead of piecing together advice from forums and PDFs to get through the EHCP process, use the SEND help App. It provides simple explanations for each step, hands on tips and a way to store and track the documentation you need https://send-help.app/ PREVIOUS RELEVANT EPISODES Dr. Mohita episode - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/helping-the-brain-through-connecting-instead/id1810681675?i=1000735304072 Lara Barnes episode - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/nutrition-movement-and-sensory-tools-for/id1810681675?i=1000738445182 CLIFF´S SERVICES Are you struggling with anxiety and want support from someone who has been there and come out the other side? - Message Cliff here and take advantage of his founding members offer: https://m.me/cliff.kilmister Are you feeling overwhelmed with EHCP paperwork or are you stuck? Cliff, who has personally been through the process offers body‑doubling and step‑by‑step support. You can contact him here - https://m.me/cliff.kilmister RESOURCES Cliff´s book “What To Do When Your Child Shuts Down” - ⁠⁠https://amzn.eu/d/3trk6pw CONTACT ME Instagram: @cliff_kilmister08 ⁠https://www.facebook.com/cliff.kilmister X - @KilmisterCliff https://www.youtube.com/@ParentingAutismandADHD HOST BIO Cliff Kilmister is a dedicated parent, advocate, and cat whisperer with firsthand experience raising a child with autism, ADHD, and Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). Having navigated the challenges of school refusal, meltdowns, and sensory sensitivities, Cliff brings an empathetic, real-world perspective to the podcast. When he's not helping his child thrive, he’s dodging the evil stares of his three cats, who are plotting to take over the world (fortunately, they still haven’t figured out how to use the tin opener). Cliff offers practical advice, expert insights, and personal stories to help families facing similar struggles. Cliff is focused on connecting with professionals and networks to raise awareness about the growing need for the education system to adapt to the increasing neurodiverse population. Join the community on Patreon to share experiences, access exclusive content, and work together for change! This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/