When You Know Something Isn't Right
by Shola · RN · RHV · RM · MSc · Safeguarding Lead
"You know your child better than anyone else. You see them every day. You notice the things that others may miss. If you have concerns, they deserve to be explored and taken seriously."
— Shola, from the introduction to SEND — When You Know Something Isn't Right
From the author
If you're holding this book, there is a good chance you're here because something about your child has been worrying you.
Perhaps you've noticed that your child seems different from other children their age. Maybe they struggle at school, find friendships difficult, become overwhelmed by everyday situations, or simply aren't reaching milestones in the way you expected. You may have spoken to family, friends, teachers or professionals and been told to "wait and see", yet deep down you still feel that something isn't right.
First, I want you to know that you are not alone.
For more than four decades, I have worked with children, young people and families as a nurse, midwife, health visitor and safeguarding professional. Throughout that time, I have met countless parents who felt confused, frustrated and sometimes even dismissed when trying to seek help for their child. Many of those parents had one thing in common — they trusted their instincts. More often than not, those instincts were right.
This book has been written for parents and carers just like you.
It is not intended to replace professional advice or diagnosis. Instead, it aims to help you understand what you may be seeing, what support may be available, and what steps you can take next. Whether your concerns relate to autism, ADHD, speech and language difficulties, learning needs, emotional wellbeing, behaviour, sensory differences or Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), this book will help you navigate what can often feel like a complex and overwhelming system.
My goal is to provide practical information in a clear and straightforward way. I want you to feel more confident when speaking to schools, healthcare professionals and local authorities. I want you to understand your rights, your child's rights, and the support that may be available through assessments, school-based interventions and Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).
Most importantly, I want you to trust yourself.
I hope this book gives you reassurance, knowledge and confidence. Whatever stage of the journey you are on — whether you are just beginning to ask questions or are already navigating assessments and support plans — my hope is that these pages help you feel informed, empowered and less alone.
Thank you for allowing this book to be part of your journey. I wish you and your child every success as you move forward together.
Available in paperback on Amazon and as a Kindle ebook — read on any device, anywhere.
Both editions available now. The Kindle app is free to download on any smartphone, tablet or computer.
Inside the book
Practical, clear, compassionate guidance — from someone who has spent 46 years on the frontline of child health and family support.
Clear explanations of autism, ADHD, speech difficulties, sensory differences, learning needs and more — in plain language, without jargon.
The exact language to use with schools, GPs and healthcare professionals so that you are taken seriously and your concerns are properly recorded.
What you are legally entitled to, what schools and local authorities must provide, and how to challenge decisions you disagree with.
A step-by-step guide to Education, Health and Care Plans — from requesting an assessment to challenging a final decision.
What schools are required to put in place, what to ask for, and how to work with SENCOs to get the best outcomes for your child.
Real stories, honest advice, and the reassurance that trusting your instincts is not only valid — it is essential.
Is this book for you?
This book is for you if any of these feel familiar:
You've been told to "wait and see" but your instinct says something is wrong
Your child struggles at school but no one seems to know why
You've been dismissed by professionals and don't know where to turn
You're navigating an EHCP and feel overwhelmed by the process
Your child finds friendships, sensory experiences, or everyday situations very difficult
You want to understand your rights — and your child's rights
You're just beginning to ask questions and don't know where to start
You want to feel informed, empowered and less alone
About the author
Shola has spent her entire career in the service of children and families. As a registered nurse, midwife, health visitor and safeguarding lead, she has supported thousands of families across four decades — from the delivery room to the family home, from the nursery to the boardroom.
For 23 years she ran her own children's nursery, giving her an unparalleled understanding of child development from both a clinical and a practical perspective. She has worked as a safeguarding lead, helping families navigate some of the most difficult and frightening situations a parent can face.
SEND — When You Know Something Isn't Right is the book she wishes every parent could have had from the very beginning of their journey.
The book is the beginning. If you would like to speak with Shola directly about your child's needs, private consultations are available by home visit, video, or telephone.
Book a consultation →Expert child health care and family support from Shola — Registered Nurse, Midwife, Health Visitor, Safeguarding Lead and published SEND author. Based in London.
© 2026 Private Health Visiting · privatehealthvisiting.com
