Raising the Sen-Betweeners

by Lisa Lloyd

How many times have you heard, “He doesn’t look autistic,” or “She seems fine to me”?

Do you feel lost and alone on this parenting journey, like no one really gets it?

If that sounds familiar, it’s time to throw out the perfect parenting guides and join me on this crazy ride, where there’s no rulebook!

*Raising the SEN-Betweeners* shares the heartfelt and hilarious journey of a mum raising two children on the autism spectrum—a boy and a girl—in a neurotypical world. From the early days of discovering their autism to navigating the unpredictable moments, this book covers it

Stopping your child from grabbing strangers' back fat.Watching your child tell friends their house is “boring and smelly”.Dealing with a meltdown in the middle of a rollercoaster.Picking your battles (and losing most of them).

This isn’t a guide on what to do—more like a collection of what *not* to do! Ever wondered what happens when you take your autistic 3-year-old on a haunted ghost ride? Wonder no more.

Full of highs, lows, and delightfully neurospicy moments, this book is for every parent raising the ‘in-between’ children—those who don’t quite fit the mainstream but aren’t considered severe enough for special education needs support.

To all the parents in similar You are never alone.

Lisa Lloyd, known as *ASD with a G&T*, is a fun-loving mum of two neurodivergent children from Kent. As a content creator and co-founder of SEND Reform England, she uses humour and honesty to raise awareness of hidden disabilities. Passionate about sharing the realities of parenting neurodivergent kids who don’t fit the mould, Lisa offers support and community to those on a similar journey.

Genres: Nonfiction, Parenting, Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Audiobook

244 pages, Paperback

Published October 3, 2024

Reviews

[Ken · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a honest and supportive read, as we are heading on a similar path ourselves.
The chapter focusing on girls masking especially resonates as whilst the school themselves don't see our child's daily struggles, they're being supportive in meetings as we explain our daily routines.

The book spoke absolute volumes as so much of it we could associate with, whilst there was plenty of information that will help us going forward.

One of the strongest selling points of the book is that Lisa has two autistic children and both are completely different and helps show all aspects of life bringing up an autistic child.

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Almost like reading the diary of an autism mom. This was so honest about what life is like for a special needs parent.

[A Bookworm Crafts · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book from the co-founder of SEND Reform England provides an honest account of what it is like to parent two very different autistic children. Lisa charts her journey of raising neurodivergent children who don’t fit the mainstream but aren’t considered ‘severe’ either. Alongside stories from her life, she provides some top tips for parents who may be facing similar situations.

This book felt like sitting down with a friend and a bottle of wine. Told in the first person point of view, it is a very relatable account for anyone who has parented neurodivergent children. Although she does offer a few tips, I didn't come out with any revolutionary ideas but rather a sense that I wasn't alone on this journey.

A recommended read for parents parenting neurodivergent kids who aren't "struggling enough" to get the recognition and support they need.

Thank you to Netgalley and Ebury Publishing for providing me with a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Ⓢ Ⓨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

5*
“This isn’t a miracle book that will give you answers to all the problems you face with raising autistic children. I wish it was, because I would be a millionaire right now, but instead it is the book that says, “I see you and I hear you. I have been there too. This shit is hard, but you will get through it, because you always do”

Raising the Sen-Betweeners is a raw, honest and personal account on parenting children with additional needs. Two children, both autistic, but with different requirements and different personalities.

I found it incredibly funny and relatable in places and I liked the humour alongside the seriousness of the topic. As a SEN mum myself, this book made me feel validated. Both the good and the bad experiences, I was made to feel like I wasn’t alone. The writing is very reassuring and I love the way it urges you to be easier on yourself as a parent.

The author highlights the failures of the education system with SEN students and tells of her own experiences, and let downs, in mainstream schooling. The “Top tips” were a handy recap of the chapters.

Many thanks to NetGalley and publishers for my advanced copy.

[Steph · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love following Lisa on instagram and was so excited when she said she was releasing a book.
I have to say that this is one of the most relatable books I have ever read.
I have three sons. My 16 year old and 9 year old are on the autism spectrum and my 14 year old in the middle is neurotypical. My two autistic boys could not be more different.
Lisa wrote so honestly about her life and her experiences with her children. I laughed out loud and cried multiple times, just at the feeling of being seen. Knowing that there are other families out there like us. That we are alone, but together 💗

[Louise Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

100% recommend this book for all.

[Lindsay Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is exactly what you need when you are feeling alone and hopeless. Fab read and made me and my family seen ❤️

[Sara Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lisa Lloyd documents her daily struggles to raise two autistic children in a world that is just not designed for them - it’s personal and raw and heartbreaking, but also gloriously funny in places. Should be required reading for all educators, for the smug and the judgemental, and for anyone who argues that society is already making too many accommodations.

[Nadia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you, Lisa Lloyd, for this book 🙌

This is a must-read for parents with SEN children.

[Laura Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read a lot of (really brilliant and helpful) books about autistic kids, kids with additional needs, autism etc, but I’ve never felt so ‘seen’ as I have reading this one. I’ve laughed a lot, tried not to cry in public places reading it. There were so many sections and anecdotes in it that were like reading my own experiences - kids ‘special interests’ that they are obsessed with (that we then spend time learning about, investing in etc) only for it to be dead to them in a months time, the literal thinking, the often what feels like ‘brutal’ honesty and bluntness, having to fight for diagnosis/support, worrying about other people’s judgement, kids masking, meltdowns as they get older, battling with your own expectations of family life… I could go on and on. So good.

[Lauren coffeebooksandescape · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant for Sen mums, so relatable!

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

'Raising The Sen-Betweeners' is one of the best books I have read on neurodiversity and is a very much needed book, and voice for so many children/adults who are as the title says Sen- Betweeners.

Lisa writes with pure honesty, experience and adds her well known humor perfectly throughout the book.

It is a tough read to hear how hard her children, her husband Terry and herself journey has and continues to be. However, this is also exactly what is needed - awareness, a voice for all the children and families in a similar position and fight, of those whom are deemed low care needs, maskers, diagnosed or those who dont meet diagnosis criteria but whom suffer incredible challenges in several aspects of their lives daily without any support or even acknowledgement.

There needs to be so, so much more understanding, acceptance and knowledge about these amazing children, their parents and carers. Children with hidden challenges, appearing okay as they are capable and performing well academically but are masking the entire time until returning to their safe space , and struggling daily socially, sensory etc...

I highly recommend professionals, people in government, parents/carers who are in a similar position and those with neurological kids too, ro read this book.

This book is informative, honest, gives the good, the bad and the ugly, provides comfort and solidarity to those of us on a similar journey fighting for our children and their needs to be recognized, understood and supported.

[Isobel P. · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The isn't a miracle book that will give you answers to all the problems you face with raising autistic children...but instead it is a book that says, 'I see you and I hear you. I have been there too. This shit is hard, but you will get through it, because you always do.'"

This quote from the books sums it up completely. This book offers some helpful tips and advice but mostly its Lisa recounting the experiences she has had with her own children and reminiscing how it felt at the time and how it still makes her feel. This books makes you feel seen. Lisa says the things that maybe we think, but we certainly wont say, especially to parents of typical children.

I cant say it gave me any lightbulb moments, but I certainly felt like this book was a warm hug that said, "I know its shit, but keep going, you got this."

Thanks Lisa!

[Michaela Warren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve needed to read this for a while!
Now I’ve finished I’m annoyed I didn’t start before. Any one on the SEN journey it’s a must have. You will feel so much better about yourself, relationships and life in general. You realise you are not alone. You realise the friends you make on the way are so important and ones to cherish.
I cannot recommend this book enough.
I’m definitely suggesting this to family who love the term ‘but he can’t be autistic he speaks’
Raising a Sen-betweener myself this was needed. It was written in perfect way, light hearted but real and factual. ♥️

SEN journey or not everyone should read it!

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lloyd's voice shines clear in this book. A wonderful book that helps to provide validation to parents whose children fall into that 'between' gap that I personally, found hugely relatable. The book is filled with a lot of humour and heart but is also refreshingly honest about the hard realities of life with children with SEN. I found the chapters were the perfect length to have some degree of depth but also a quick read for parents who are likely not going to have a lot of free time. A great book to dip in and out of but also hugely readable.

[Vicki Curtis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love following Lisa on social media, and I love love this book! She really gets it and is the village for parents like us while helping us laugh along the way. A must read for parents of autistic kids or family and friends with autistic kids in their life, including kids with pathological demand of avoidance.

[wheeler reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book. It’s funny and very relatable. If you watch Lisa on any of her social media you will know what to expect. It was like sitting down with someone you know and sharing experiences. I would recommend this book to any parent with a neurodivergent child as it makes you feel a little less alone.

Thank you to NetGalley, Lisa Lloyd and Ebury Publishing

[Joanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. As a parent of a neurodiverse child, I found it so relatable. Sadly, so many of our children still don’t get the support they need without parents having to fight with the LA or even teachers, and this book captures that reality so well. It had me both laughing and crying, and it was such a comfort to be reminded that we mums and dads are not alone in this journey.

[Rosie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being a parent to a special needs little boy ,I found this book so relatable and understanding it also help me to see things from a different perspective which I was really greatful for . i highly recommend this book if you are parent to SEND child .

[Sian May · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow what a true honest outlook of life raising children who don't fit in society hopefully that will change this book helped me fight for my daughter so Thank you Lisa Lloyd for writing it and opening up your life it has helped me no end

[NookBook247 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cried sad tears and then I cried happy tears. I've never felt so understood! From the start until the end this is a fantastic read that is so relatable.

[Aris Muttock · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot recommend this enough if you’re a SEN mum who needs some reassurance that you’re not the only one arguing for you in betweener kid with the system

[Mrs S · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully raw and honest account. The biggest hug to anyone raising a sen-betweener. Bravo Lisa! I laughed outloud and cried many times! Thank you for making me feel less alone in this mad world

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me laugh and cry as it was so so relatable. Couldn’t put it down and loved the humour. Hope there are many more books to come.

[Clair Speakman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hilarious and very relatable!

[Bex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sensational book. I've never resonated with something so much! Beautifully put without being condescending! It's hard being an SEN mum

[Mrs]

More relatable for under teens

[Lisa Bannister · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book. Really felt relatable to my circumstances.

[Joanne Eglon · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 ⭐

Flew through this non Fiction account of Lisa and her experiences raising her children with additional needs.

Written well.

Really educational read.

Would highly recommend 💕

[Emma Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this made me feel like I wasn't alone, just what I needed!