Your Voice Matters
Your Voice Matters
Podcast Description
Welcome to Your Voice Matters, a podcast amplifying the voices of the SEND and neurodivergent community. Hosted by Asma Jacob, a dedicated SEND Therapist with 20+ years of experience, we create a safe space to share stories, build connections and inspire understanding.
In each episode, we explore powerful stories and perspectives from neurodivergent individuals, their families, and professionals dedicated to supporting the SEND community. Together, we address key topics like advocacy, mental health, navigating education, and building inclusive communities.
Your Voice Matters is a place where every voice is valued—because real change happens when we listen, learn, and embrace the diversity of human experience. Whether you’re part of the neurodivergent community or an ally, this podcast will leave you inspired, informed, and ready to make an impact.
Subscribe today and join the conversation—because your voice matters.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast focuses on vital themes such as advocacy, mental health, education navigation, and community inclusion. For example, episodes include discussions on self-love and understanding different learning styles with advocates like Antonio Myers, as well as the unique challenges of PDA with experts like Melanie Phipps, providing actionable insights for listeners.
Welcome to Your Voice Matters, a podcast amplifying the voices of the SEND and neurodivergent community. Hosted by Asma Jacob, a dedicated SEND Therapist with 20+ years of experience, we create a safe space to share stories, build connections and inspire understanding.
In each episode, we explore powerful stories and perspectives from neurodivergent individuals, their families, and professionals dedicated to supporting the SEND community. Together, we address key topics like advocacy, mental health, navigating education, and building inclusive communities.
Your Voice Matters is a place where every voice is valued—because real change happens when we listen, learn, and embrace the diversity of human experience. Whether you’re part of the neurodivergent community or an ally, this podcast will leave you inspired, informed, and ready to make an impact.
Subscribe today and join the conversation—because your voice matters.
How do we amplify student voices when it comes to SEND education? Neurodiversity and inclusion specialist, Alex Silk, comes on the podcast to discuss.
“We need to be asking how they feel about their school experience. Do they feel a part of that whole school dynamic? Do they belong?”
In this episode of Your Voice Matters, Asma Jacob welcomes Alex Silk, with 12 years of expertise in special educational needs. Alex shares her journey from a well-paid corporate career to working as a teaching assistant in a special needs school, where she discovered her true calling.
Alex discusses the vital importance of listening to young people’s voices in educational decisions, the realities of different school provisions, and practical strategies for supporting neurodivergent students. Whether you’re a parent navigating educational choices or someone interested in inclusive education, this episode offers valuable insights into creating meaningful support systems that truly meet the needs of every young person.
Key takeaways:
Career fulfillment comes from making a genuine difference, not just earning money. Find your true purpose.
Learning communication goes both ways: observing and adapting to how young people communicate is more effective than expecting them to adapt to us.
Most children with additional needs thrive in mainstream schools with appropriate support, and families should explore all options, including resource provisions within mainstream settings.
Educational decisions should prioritise the young person’s voice and experience.
Research and school visits are essential, but the most important factor is listening to what feels right for your child and respecting their preferences.
“I learned so much about communication from these young people in that so many of them didn’t have a voice at all. They used signing, gesture, eye gaze, or various different communication styles that I had no idea even existed.”
About Alex
Alex Silk is a passionate Neurodiversity and Inclusion Specialist with over 12 years of experience teaching young people with SEND thrive across mainstream, resourced, and specialist settings.
She works at the intersection of education, research, and real-world impact — leading inclusive curriculum design, empowering families and professionals through training, and shaping meaningful change in schools.
Where to find Alex
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Learn more about Achievable Journey.
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Disclaimer
This podcast’s information is provided for general reference and was obtained from publicly accessible sources. The Podcast Collaborative neither produces nor verifies the content, accuracy, or suitability of this podcast. Views and opinions belong solely to the podcast creators and guests.
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