Raising the SEN-Betweeners

An honest guide to parenting the kids who fall between the gaps

By: Lisa Lloyd

Narrated by: Lisa Lloyd

Brought to you by Penguin.

THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER

The highs, the lows and the delightfully neurospicy – this book is for every parent raising the ‘in-between’ children in a neurotypical world.

How many times have you heard ‘he doesn’t look autistic’ or ‘she seems fine to me’? Do you sometimes feel alone as a parent, like no one really gets it? And have you ever watched in horror as your child told a friend their house was ‘boring and smelly’?!

If any of that sounds familiar, it’s time to throw out the perfect parenting guides and join Lisa Lloyd on this rollercoaster journey of raising neurodivergent children who don’t fit the mainstream but aren’t considered ‘severe’ either. Lisa has been there and is ready to tell all – from the confusion of the early years and discovering your child is neurodivergent, to navigating a school system that doesn’t seem to fit, and the daily frustrations of picking your battles (and losing most of them).

Ever wondered what would happen if you took your autistic three-year-old on a haunted ghost ride? Or what your reaction would be if your seven-year-old grabbed a stranger’s backfat in the changing rooms? Wonder no more! Raising the SEN-Betweeners is a very honest guide for all those parents in similar shoes, navigating the challenges, joys and hilariously unpredictable moments every day. If that is you, this book will make one thing very clear: you are not alone.

'One of the most loving and tender accounts of motherhood I've ever read' – Sarah Turner

'Heartwarming and honest with magnificent humour sprinkled throughout' – Clara Batten

'Lisa writes with an honesty that is both refreshing and important' – Kellie Bright, actor and SEN Parent

© Lisa Lloyd 2025 (P) Penguin Audio 2025

Critic reviews

This incredible book has brought a lump to my throat and made me laugh out loud. It's one of the most loving and tender accounts of motherhood I've ever read and it has helped me better understand our friends and family who are raising neurodivergent children and continuously fighting for support. A really important book. (Sarah Turner)

You don't need to be a SEN parent to enjoy this warm and honest book. Unapologetically real with her anecdotes, Lisa guides us through the reality of raising children with autism. From quirky family outings, to the intricacies of sensory overload, she illustrates that every day is an adventure filled with unexpected lessons. Heart-warming and honest with magnificent humour sprinkled throughout, Lisa gives a comforting message which doesn't include one bit of 'mum guilt' (Clara Batten)

Lisa writes with an honesty that is both refreshing and important. Her words echo the voices of many mothers. Any SEND parent will be able to relate to this book. (Kellie Bright, actor and SEND parent)

Thank you!

This book was relatable, funny and made me cry! I loved this book. Feeling less alone 💜💜