Hannah is an occupational therapist, autism specialist, and mum to two autistic children who also have ADHD. In this episode, Hannah joins us to share her daughter's experiences of transitioning from school to secondary school to college.

We learn what autism can mean in real life, from communication and processing differences to routines, uncertainty, and the sensory overload that can make ordinary spaces feel impossible.

Hannah walks us through EHCP pressure, tribunals, and the gap between provision on paper and the help students actually receive. We cover how to choose the right college, what to ask the learning support and disability teams, and why tools like a laptop, study skills support, and extra tuition only work if a student can access them easily when overwhelmed.

• What is autism
• Masking and its impacts
• Impact of late recognition of autistic girls
• The EHCP process
• What good support looks like
• Considerations when choosing a college
• Importance of practical tools
• Hidden Disabilities Sunflower as a way to ask for help

If you are concerned about any of the subjects discussed in the podcast, please follow up with your healthcare practitioner for support.

For support:

• Hannah is OT.by.the.sea
• National Autistic Society UK

Hosted by Chantal Boyle, Hidden Disabilities Sunflower.

If you enjoyed this podcast, please leave a rating and review.

Find out more about the Sunflower by visiting the website hdsunflower.com

Music by © Sandee Facy / Michael Saleta www.sandeefacy.com.au

In this episode of Sunflower Conversations, James Dunn speaks with Adele Evans about ME/CFS and developing complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) following an accident.

We discuss the realities of chronic pain, the challenges of navigating an often misunderstood condition, and how the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower can help make everyday experiences more inclusive.

• Adele’s early ME/CFS symptoms, the journey to diagnosis and finding a GP who listens

• how fatigue, pain and family life shape everyday decisions

• developing CRPS after an accident and the challenges of finding effective treatment

• what CRPS can involve beyond pain, including touch sensitivity, swelling, temperature changes, spasms and brain fog

• the impact of chronic pain on sleep, work, memory and daily routines

• common misconceptions, fluctuating symptoms and the experience of masking in public

Visit our website, Facebook, or Instagram for more resources.

In this episode of Sunflower Conversations, James Dunn speaks with Sophie Riggs about autism, late diagnosis, and the everyday reality of being disbelieved because disability is not visible.

We discuss what genuine inclusion looks like in schools, workplaces, airports, and major sporting venues when people actually listen and make small adjustments.

• early childhood assessments, multiple diagnoses and what it feels like to be kept in the dark
• why classrooms can be overwhelming, plus the supports Sophie wishes she had
• living with POTS, ARFID, anxiety, fibromyalgia and other co-occurring conditions
• how the Hidden Disability Sunflower lanyard helps at airports through pre-boarding, staff awareness and sensory spaces
• what makes Adelaide Oval feel inclusive for staff and visitors, including breaks and the sensory space

Visit our website, Facebook, or Instagram for more resources.