How do you know when your child has additional needs? In this powerful episode of The Oxygen Mask Project, hosts Elena and Ona are joined by special guest Ije to share their personal journeys of recognising neurodiversity in their children and navigating the path to diagnosis.

They explore:
🧩 Early signs – From speech delays to sensory sensitivities, the subtle (and not-so-subtle) indicators that something was different.
📚 The role of schools & professionals – How nurseries, teachers, and speech therapists identified potential concerns—and what happened next.
💡 The emotional impact – Processing the realisation that your child is neurodiverse, managing the feelings of guilt, and embracing the journey.
⚖️ The diagnosis process – The challenges of getting formal assessments, the differences in professional opinions, and the battle for recognition and support.
🛠️ Advocating for your child – The importance of pushing for assessments, securing EHCPs, and fighting for the right support in education.

Whether you're at the beginning of this journey or deep in the process, this episode offers valuable insights, reassurance, and solidarity for parents facing similar challenges.

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