DiscoverDysfunctionalHow We Fail SEND Families with Debra Paynter
How We Fail SEND Families with Debra Paynter

How We Fail SEND Families with Debra Paynter

Update: 2025-08-19
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In this episode of Dysfunctional, Josh sits down with Debra Paynter — business manager, single parent, and advocate — for a raw conversation about raising her son, Teddy, who is autistic and has a learning disability.


They explore:


Why SEND families are so often failed by schools, local authorities, and society


The difference between a tantrum and a meltdown, and what public judgement really feels like


How lockdown became a turning point in Teddy’s development


The exhausting fight to secure the right school place and legal protections


What society could do — right now — to better support SEND parents


The unexpected joy, connection, and resilience Debra has found in her journey


This is a conversation about courage, love, and truth-telling — and it will make you think differently about SEND parenting.

Follow Debra:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/debs.does.asana/


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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How We Fail SEND Families with Debra Paynter

How We Fail SEND Families with Debra Paynter