Episode #3 Dr Ruksana Ahmed

Have you ever wished you could hear the thoughts of a consultant clinical psychologist with true insight into the lives and experience of families of children and young people with disabilities?

On this week’s podcast, I’m speaking to Dr Ruksana Ahmed, Consultant Clinical Psychologist at New Centre for Personalised Medicine in Rett Syndrome, based under the National and Specialist Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, CIPPRD, at the Maudsley Hospital in South London.

It is refreshing to speak to a professional with this kind of insight into the lives of families of children and adults with disabilities or complex health needs.

During our conversation, Ruksana and I touch on those all too familiar feelings; shame, guilt, loss as well as those critical moments in our experience as Rett parents which may influence our mental health and resilience in the long term.

We also cover questions re Covid-19; Are Rett parents are better equipped than most to handle the pandemic? How can we mitigate the lack of touch and physical interaction when separated from loved ones and critically, how to maintain resilience over the months ahead.

I’m very grateful to Ruksana for taking the time to provide this sort of invaluable insight and encouragement to me and to all the people listening.

We would both welcome your feedback. Let us know what you think of the podcast by leaving a review. Don’t forget to subscribe.

Thanks for listening, Rachael Stevenson

Advice and information for parents with disabled children under the age of 25 

https://contact.org.uk/advice-and-support/

Support and advice for parents and carers of people with Rett syndrome of any age: https://www.rettuk.org/how-we-can-support-you/telephone-electronic-support-services/

Touch: The Forgotten Sense podcast with Dr Rangan Chatterjee and Professor Francis McGlone: https://drchatterjee.com/touch-forgotten-sense-professor-francis-mcglone/

For more information and referrals to CPMRS: https://www.reverserett.org.uk/living-with-rett-syndrome/centre-for-personalised-medicine-in-rett-syndrome-cpmrs/

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