Unique Connections At The Table is a podcast dedicated to exploring the profound power of human connection.
Hosted by the team behind Unique Connections, whose work is focused with people with learning disabilities who are traumatised or distressed, this podcast dives into the heart of what it means to build meaningful, informed relationships - including with non-speaking individuals.
Each episode invites listeners to the table to share stories, insights, and strategies that highlight our shared humanity.
Because everyone is made for connection. No exceptions.
Join us at the table and discover how we can create a world where everyone belongs.
Why I do this - and why I've stayed, with Robyn, SEN teacher
Episode 1 of Series 4: Learning from long-term resilience in the sector
In this series, we interview hand-picked professionals from the SEN sector who have been in their job for many years.
This is in response to the ongoing concerns around burnout and staff attrition in the sector. We wanted to record some conversations with long-standing professionals to help us hear and share what helps great people stay.
As we listen to Robyn talking about her work, we noticed a number of attributes that she very naturally models, including:
professional humility, being ready to name what you don't know and ask for help
honouring the team - and understanding that good work comes from team, not mavericks or heroes
leading a team with less hierarchy - leadership as primarily responsibility, not power or authority
humour - it's such an important resilience factor!
having a person centred ethos running through the work
celebrating the uniqueness of the students, and promoting curiosity when a student is hard to understand
promoting and practicing reflection
Key topics
Emotional regulation in special education
Personalized learning pathways for students with profound needs
The importance of adaptability and flexibility in teaching
Building strong relationships with students over multiple years
Team management and collaboration in special education
Takeaways
Flexibility is crucial; plans often need to change last minute.
Building long-term relationships helps understand students deeply.
Curiosity about students' inner worlds enhances teaching effectiveness.
Using 'I wonder' fosters curiosity and non-blameful inquiry.
Emotional regulation is central to student success and staff well-being.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Robyn Becker and her role in special education
313:51:44 Managing individual student profiles and team collaboration
6694:25:16 The importance of adaptability and responding to change
10055:32:14 The chaotic yet reflective nature of special education roles
13333:18:56 The rewarding moments: student achievements and team growth
20055:32:24 Building relationships over multiple years for deeper understanding
24999:59:09 The significance of emotional regulation in teaching and learning
29972:12:35 Using curiosity and 'I wonder' to improve safeguarding and support
35361:06:00 Communication strategies with students with limited verbal skills
39944:26:09 Managing emotions and de-escalation techniques in challenging moments
46694:26:22 Tailoring curriculum to student interests and future pathways
49916:39:53 The long-term impact of personalized, flexible education approaches
5 Aug 2026
Unspoken Stories: Learning to listen to people with intellectual disabilities who are non-speaking.
In this episode, Jen talks to Bev about her new book 'Unspoken Stories,' sharing insights from her research with young people with intellectual disabilities who are non-speaking. The conversation explores the importance of listening, storytelling, and understanding the quiet moments of connection.
Download your free copy here: Unspoken Stories: Learning to Listen to People with Intellectual Disabilities who are Non-Speaking : Samways, Beverley: Amazon.co.uk: Books (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Unspoken-Stories-Intellectual-Disabilities-Non-Speaking/dp/1803885068/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2H45D7LZY3HO2&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.j8us1WX6H2pWoOagZ-yZ8Q.PtdgswdBZoz5RDl375XGkDSttEMlP1xF8qSIaTeqDQc&dib_tag=se&keywords=unspoken+stories+samways&qid=1785928538&sprefix=unspoken+stories%2Caps%2C177&sr=8-1&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.95fd378e-6299-4723-b1f1-3952ffba15af)
Purchase the paperback here: Unspoken Stories: Learning to Listen to People with Intellectual Disabilities who are Non-Speaking : Samways, Beverley: Amazon.co.uk: Books (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Unspoken-Stories-Intellectual-Disabilities-Non-Speaking/dp/1803885068/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2H45D7LZY3HO2&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.j8us1WX6H2pWoOagZ-yZ8Q.PtdgswdBZoz5RDl375XGkDSttEMlP1xF8qSIaTeqDQc&dib_tag=se&keywords=unspoken+stories+samways&qid=1785928538&sprefix=unspoken+stories%2Caps%2C177&sr=8-1&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.95fd378e-6299-4723-b1f1-3952ffba15af)
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to 'Unspoken Stories' and its significance
01:19 The book's recent release and reader reactions
02:53The origins of the research and meeting Cassie and Owen
04:21 Questions about diagnosis and challenging behavior
05:02 How the research journey began and ethical considerations
07:11 The importance of storytelling and space for stories
08:19 Cassie's story and the moral decision to share her story
09:57 The universal human desire to be heard and understood
10:44 The author's background in journaling and capturing moments
12:07 Processing stories ethically and maintaining dignity
13:37 The significance of attunement and connection in care
16:21 Understanding grief and emotional expression in non-verbal children
18:32 The importance of curiosity and not knowing everything
19:58 Chapter one from Cassie’s story.
27:29 How to access the book and its open access format
28:43 Encouragement to reach out and share stories
22 Jun 2026
#6 in conversation: with Dr Caroline Roberts. Re-thinking self-injury - family systems, attachments and shared humanity.
This conversation explores the intersection of self-injury and learning (intellectual) disabilities, emphasizing the importance of family-centered approaches and the need to bridge gaps in research and clinical practice.
Caroline and Bev discuss historical contexts and societal attitudes and why people with learning disabilities who sometimes hurt themselves have been thought about and treated so differently from those without learning disabilities.
We go on to discuss the role of emotional states and attachment theory in understanding self-injury among individuals with intellectual disabilities. And consider the importance of highlighting practical interventions and the significance of supporting both individuals and their families, advocating for a more inclusive and compassionate approach to care.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Self-Injury and Intellectual Disabilities
02:34 Bridging the Gap: Family-Centered Approaches
05:08 Historical Context and Societal Attitudes
08:02 The Role of Family in Self-Injury
10:23 Emotional States and Attachment Theory
12:58 Practical Interventions and Family Dynamics
15:45 Building Secure Attachments
18:47 Creative Approaches in Research and Practice
21:28 Final Thoughts and Messages for Families
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Spotify
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 19 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
25
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
32
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