This episode delves into the profound experiences of grief faced by parents of special needs children, particularly focusing on the journey of a father who lost his son. It explores the complexities of grief, the societal expectations placed on men, and the importance of community support in the healing process. The discussion highlights the creation of a legacy through grief, the unique grieving processes of fathers, and the impact of loss on family dynamics. The speaker shares personal anecdotes and insights, emphasizing the need for open conversations about grief and the importance of emot ..read more

This episode explores the challenges parents face in supporting their children's development, particularly those with special needs. Phoebe discusses the concept of neuro movement, a practice that emphasizes connecting with children rather than fixing them, and the importance of creating a nurturing environment for brain development. The role of music, emotional connection, and the need for flexible goals in parenting are also highlighted, along with the significance of self-care for parents. About the podcast guest: Canadian-American Anat Baniel Method® NeuroMovement® Practitioner, Phoebe ..read more

Dr. Marcia Nathai-Balkissoon speaks with Kristina Heagh-Avritt, an experienced educator and homeschool coach, about the intricacies of homeschooling, particularly for families with special needs children. They discuss common myths surrounding homeschooling, the importance of tailored education, and the resources available for parents. Kristina emphasizes the role of parents as primary educators and advocates for their children, encouraging them to trust their instincts and seek support when needed. The conversation also touches on the transition from homeschooling to public schooling and the ..read more

The daily thoughts of every special needs parent likely focus to a large degree on how to best support their special needs child to connect, communicate, and learn as well as possible. Regardless of their diagnosis, we want the best for them. This was the focus of today's guest, Jennifer Briggs, when she set about learning how to use the "Sonrise Program" and then began implementing it for her 4 1/2 year old autistic daughter. Her actions and her daughter's outcomes were so shocking and heartwarming, intense and hope-inducing that I stayed in a state of awe for most of the episode, and even ..read more

The daily thoughts of every special needs parent likely focus to a large degree on how to best support their special needs child to connect, communicate, and learn as well as possible. Regardless of their diagnosis, we want the best for them. This was the focus of today's guest, Jennifer Briggs, when she set about learning how to use the "Sonrise Program" and then began implementing it for her 4 1/2 year old autistic daughter. Her actions and her daughter's outcomes were so shocking and heartwarming, intense and hope-inducing that I stayed in a state of awe for most of the episode, and even ..read more

In this conversation, Beth shares her journey as a parent of a special needs daughter, Hannah, who is nonverbal and has various disabilities. She discusses the challenges and dynamics of family life, the transition from being a teacher to exploring energy work, and the importance of self-care and emotional health for parents. Beth emphasizes the significance of intuition, acceptance, and finding hope in the journey of parenting a child with special needs. She also reflects on her personal growth and the lessons learned through her experiences with Hannah. Chapters 00:00Introduction to Special ..read more

This episode features a conversation with Danielle, a single parent of a child with special needs. They explore the unique challenges faced by single parents in the special needs community, including feelings of isolation, the importance of advocacy, and the emotional and financial strains that come with raising a child with varying needs. Danielle shares her journey of acceptance, the role of faith in her life, and the significance of community support. The discussion emphasizes the importance of self-care and finding balance while navigating the complexities of special needs parenting. Chap ..read more

(* See Content Warning at end) Stress has a profound impact on eating disorders, including in the context of special needs parenting. Stressors may come from others' heavy expectations, our own judgments, and our life situation. Food may play a part in how we manage that stress. Sometimes, it's by choice and sometimes it may not be so much inour control.In this episode, Sammie Lee shares her personal journey of endurance and recovery through eating disorders (ED), emphasizing the importance of self-love, forgiveness, and the need for better communication between parents and children. Sammie a ..read more

In this heartfelt conversation, Amanda Sullivan shares her journey as a mother of a special needs child, discussing the challenges and triumphs of parenting, the importance of writing for healing, and the impact on family dynamics and relationships. The discussion emphasizes the need for community support, acceptance of reality, and the significance of self-care for parents navigating the complexities of raising a child with special needs. Takeaways Every parent has a unique story to share. Writing can be a powerful tool for healing. Mourning the loss of expectations is essential. Finding jo ..read more

Dre is the name he goes by, and his approach to life is a joy to take a look at in this episode. Dre has a physical disability that requires his use of a wheelchair, but when you speak with him, you forget about any disability, because of his powerful presence. As a child he insisted on walking despite his challenges for many years, before eventually allowing himself to lean into using a wheelchair for mobility, and as an adult, he runs The 1130 Podcast and connects with people from all walks of life through his interviews. Last year, he became a father, and continues to power through new expe ..read more