Parenting Special Needs Podcast

Disclaimer: Dr. Chiarella is going to talk with us about Santa? You may want to listen privately or with your earbuds in. [Click to Listen to Podcast] How to talk to your kids about Santa, and when is the right time? In today’s Purposeful Conversation, we’re talking with Dr. Chiarella about “How to talk to your kids about Santa, and when is the right time? Dr. David Chiarella is a Pediatric Psychologist and has been practicing pediatric/adolescent psychology for over 20 years.

[Click to Listen to Podcast] Staying calm while in the chaos of the storm In today’s Purposeful Conversation, we’re talking with Dr. Paula Petry, about “staying calm while in the chaos of the storm” of  COVID-19. Dr. Paula Petry is an author, speaker, presenter, and energy medicine practitioner. She specializes in stress and burnout, grief and loss, mindfulness, and personal empowerment. Links or related articles to the podcast: Related: Emotional Freedom Technique: Tapping to Wellness for Ourselves and Our Children Related: Why Me? Why My Child? Wisdom Found in the “Hero’s Journey” Related: Journal Writing Can Help You to Reconnect with Yourself     The power of the word What we say to ourselves and others as well as what we are hearing creates our reality. What we don’t realize is that our emotions are a response to our thoughts.   Their Tears and Fears. Masks and More: How to Really Help Your Child Thrive in the New Normal 6 Ways Help Special Needs Families During The Pandemic New Insights Learned From Being in Lockdown   You May Also Like * 6 Ways Help Special Needs Families During The Pandemic * New Insights learned from being in lockdown * You Don’t Need to Leave Your House to Have an Adventure * Coronavi…yesss!? Do You Find You’re Saying “Yes” More Often? * Their Tears and Fears. Masks and More: How to Really Help Your Child Thrive in the New Normal * How to Protect Your Mental Health During Coronavirus * Staying at Home Tech Tips to Help Throughout Your Day * Practical Tools for Learning Anywhere * Oxygen: Caring for Ourselves to Care for Our Children *

[Click to Listen to Podcast] DYSGRAPHIA: What parents need to know In today’s Parenting Special Needs Podcast’s Purposeful Conversation, we’re talking with Cheri Dotterer. She is the author of Handwriting Brain-Body DisConnect: Adaptive teaching techniques to unlock a child’s dysgraphia for the classroom and at home.   Handwriting is the key to unlocking complete literacy. ~Cherri Dotterer     Takeaways from this podcast: * Understanding and recognizing the signs of Dysgraphia * Recognizing the different types * How practice and play can help with brain development * The difference between Dyslexia and Dysgraphia   Links or related articles to the podcast: Related: What is Dysgraphia? Cheri Dotterer’s Book: Handwriting Brain-Body DisConnect: Adaptive teaching techniques to unlock a child’s dysgraphia for the classroom and at home Related: Where Do I Go for Evaluations

Episode #36: Drowning in paperwork? Here’s what helps us [Click to Listen to Podcast] The Overwhelming Amount of Paperwork Required When You Have a Child with Special Needs  In today’s podcast, we are talking with Michele Gianetti, another parent who “has been there and done that” about the amount of paperwork we ALL have and to find a way to stay organized.   Being organized gives you a sense of power – John Maxwell. Here’s how to create an effective system that works for you. Effective Systems What is a system? Simply put, it’s a process for achieving a goal based on specific, orderly, repeatable principles and practices. We adapted what organizingworks.com says: To create effective systems, use the three “P’s.” * Policy      2. Process      3. Procedure   A policy contains the rules, beliefs, and guidelines of a company or specific outcomes, and it drives processes and procedures. (The reason WHY it’s important.)   A process will outline the main steps, the flow of how things or outcomes get done. (The process explains “What” to do, not “How” to do it.)   Procedures contain the detailed steps of the actions that are needed to complete the process and comply with the policy.  (Procedures document the exact steps that someone (family member) can follow to complete the tasks (like a recipe)). Developing effective systems eliminate mistakes, lost time, and makes you feel more in control. System Example: Policy: Keep all IEP records and relevant school documentation. Process: Collect and gather all IEP documentation and store it in a safe, specific place. Procedure: * I will create a space, either a bin or binder to store essential documents.      2. After each meeting, I will collect all the official documents.      3. I will sort documents and put the most current IEP on top of the draft and any other paperwork involved.     4. Three-hole punch documents and file it under the IEP tab.   TIME FRAMES FOR KEEPING DOCUMENTS Tax forms and investment records-7 years Bank statements-1 yr Bills -1 yr Car/boat/vehicle- keep records until sold or gone Shred: anything with a name on it paystubs airline ticket stubs luggage tags sales receipts with a name and address on them anything with social security information on them. KEEP FOREVER baptism/confirmation records  wedding license wills  death certificates licenses social security cards medical records   Takeaways from this podcast: •  Different systems that work • The importance of records and documents • Refrigerator Hack (Amazon links)   Lazy Susan for refrigerator Stackable Refridgerator Egg Holder                 Links or related articles to the podcast: Related: Organizing Your Child’s Special Education File: Do It Right Related: Household Organization & Your Child’s Behavior Related: Tips to Help Managing Papers!

[Click to Listen to Podcast] I learned a great life lesson the other day, and I wanted to pass it along to all of you. I was watching Oprah (not so uncommon), and she was interviewing Tracy McMillan (American author, television writer, and relationship expert). Oprah asked her, “What life lesson took you the longest to learn?” Her answer resonated with me, and I think it is something that all of us could benefit from, especially those of us raising children with special needs. Tracy’s answer to Oprah’s question was: compassion for myself. She said, ” I used to be very hard on myself because I thought I was supposed to know things before it was even possible to know them.” That statement resonated with me. I think, as parents, we believe we are supposed to know things before it’s possible to know them. There is no definite way to confirm that we know anything at all; only from our direct experience can we claim any knowledge about the world. ~ I agree with this statement from Farnam Street.com   Our life is continually unfolding, and new things are always happening; this is true for our children as well. So, how do we learn or show compassion for ourselves? First, let’s define the word compassion. Compassion is defined as a mixed passion. It is then compounded with love and sorrow. Compassion involves suffering in some way with another; painful sympathy.   So, back to the real question… how do we learn or show compassion for ourselves? I think we can start by accepting a new normal for our life. And, to be OK with writing a new story for our lives. Let go of the way we might have envisioned our life and our kids in our heads. Unfortunately, life doesn’t work the way you want it to, and what you envision is not always reality. But, that doesn’t mean life is worthless. I say, “Create a new story that will serve you and your children better.” Begin by being more compassionate with yourself. You can start by using these three practices adapted from Allison Abrams, LCSW-R, for ways to cultivate more self-compassion and stop being so hard on yourself. 1: Treat yourself as you would a small child or a good friend. Would you berate a small child or a friend that’s hurting or did something wrong? Or would you provide kind words and a hug? Start treating yourself accordingly and be kind to yourself. 2: Practice mindfulness.  When you get distraught and overwhelmed about how much, and how far, you might you have to do, or go, catch yourself when you’re beating yourself up with self-criticism. Saying things like, “I’m a failure,” and “I’m never going to be able to do this,” don’t help in this situation. Stop yourself and change your thoughts. Adopt a new attitude.   I like to use either of these two sayings: The first one is by Joyce Meyer’s that says, “I’m not where I need to be, but thank God I’m not where I used to be. I’m OK, and I’m on my way. “The second, and said another way, is also a favorite of mine by Maya Angelou: “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better”.   These quotes help me and also move me into the third practice. 3: Remember that you’re not alone. You and I are not alone; we are humans. Over seven million other humans are raising a child with special needs and are going through and experiencing this journey. And, NOT ONE OF US is perfect: “Nobody’s perfect.” I like the way psychotherapist and wellness coach, Megan Bruneau, put it: So many of us believe that we’re “broken” or “sc...

Episode #35: Biophilic Design: What it is? Why it matters? How it can benefit people with special needs [Click to Listen to Podcast] Understanding Biophilic design with Architect Merilee Meacock: What it is, Why it Matters, and how it benefits people with special needs.  In today’s podcast, we are talking with an architect, Merilee Meacock, a leader in the educational design community. Merilee will explain how Biophilic Design can benefit people with special needs. Biophilic Design is used in the building industry to increase occupant connectivity to the natural environment through the use of direct and indirect nature, space, and place conditions. It connects people, plants, and animals through tactile, visual, and passive experiences to foster relaxation, focus, energy, feeling safe, and inspiration. Takeaways from this podcast: • How Biophilic Design reconnects people back to nature. • How Biophilic Design gives people a sense of inner calm and focus. • Why Biophilic Design is used in combination with other design strategies – and how. • Examples of Biophilic Design in projects, including school campuses and outdoor spaces. • How to incorporate simple and inexpensive strategies into your home or classroom. • What are some examples of Biophilic Design in everyday life and how it can help?   Actionable Advice: Being able to look out a window or being on a balcony, kind of looking out over nature – there’s a real benefit to that in a feeling of confidence and security. There’s a human desire to be inspired and learn new things and gain confidence and momentum. Check out other strategies that you can incorporate right now in this podcast. Links or articles mentioned in this podcast: KSS Architects The Bancroft School’s Mount Laurel, NJ Campus  

Episode #34: Super Dadvocate Tom Petrik [Click to Listen to Podcast] In today’s podcast, we are talking with advocate, Tom Petrik. We selected Tom to be our 2019 Dadvocate. Tom is a teacher assistant in special education, a coach for Special Olympics, a recreational coach,. His third son has an official diagnosis of Fragile X.     In this conversation, you’ll hear the following: * Why Tom doesn’t have a problem advocating. * Why he feels it’s important to advocate and what other dads need to know. * What he wishes he knew earlier about raising a child with special needs. * He believes we’re at a specific tipping point right now with inclusion. * The two words Tom would like everyone in the special needs community to hear. The key message: You can do this! Actionable advice: Find out what programs and supports are available from your state, every state is different. Sign up early, many programs or services have long waiting lists. Make sure to set future plans up in advance.   Links or articles mentioned in this podcast: Parenting Special Needs Magazine Facebook Page Parenting Special Needs Magazine – Support Group What is Fragile X Medicaid Waiver by State

Episode #33: Encourage Traveling without Limits [Click to Listen to Podcast] In today’s podcast, we’re talking with Mom entrepreneur, Julie Jones, from Have Wheel Chair will Travel. Julie talks with us about accessible travel and her new magazine Travel Without Limits.     Takeaways from this podcast: * Find out what started Julie on this magical accessible journey helping her family and others. * Learn about Australia’s first disability-specific travel magazine Travel Without Limits, its mission, and why you should read it. * Learn about accessible travel and the changes and improvements taking place, tips that savvy, accessible travelers know, but that less savvy accessible travelers don’t. * Hear Julie’s number one tip to encourage families or someone new to disabilities.   Remember to enjoy the adventure.!! Links mentioned in the Podcast: Have Wheelchair Will Travel Real Moms Share: Julie Jones Rolling on with a Positive Attitude! Travel Tips: Making Fun Memories ABOUT ME: Communication & Choice Making Guide Mom Approved Gifts: Perfect Season for Fun     More Travel Tips * 10 Things Every Parent of a Special Needs Child Should Have Before Traveling * Traveling with Special Dietary Need * Traveling Tips for Parents of Children with Special Needs * Kids with Special Needs and Family Travel * Ways to Save Space When Packing for a Trip * Explore and Discover Our World With the Help of These Apps * More than a Diaper Bag: Practical Tips for Car Travel with a Special Needs Baby * 7 Perks to Traveling with Your Special Needs Child * Finding GFCF Baked Goods While You are Traveling *

Episode #32: Raising a child with special needs: Know what is Predictable? [Click to Listen to Podcast] Do you want to know what’s “predictable” and “constant” about raising a child with special needs? In today’s podcast, Chantai shares what she’s learned about what’s “predictable” and “constant” about raising a child with special needs? What you will learn in this podcast: [0:29]  The only thing that is predictable? [2:24]  Know this and beware of it EACH YEAR? [2:50] As our children progress, expect the following [4:05] A few things that DID NOT work for me in my personal life and with my kiddo.   If each year, your family went to your favorite amusement park and rode the same roller coaster, you would know what twists and turns to expect. I like how author, Diane Linder (Beyond Words: Reflections On Our Journey To Inclusion), explains it: Each year brings new expectations; each year brings a new ride, complete with twists and turns. While many students progress along a line, a straight line with a known slope, children with special needs do not.             Links mentioned in the podcast: The Delicate Balance between Expectation and Acceptance A Path to the Future     You May Also Like * Getting Your Child Motivated for This School Year * Making Learning Fun: Teaching Pivotal Skills * How to Find Your Special Child’s Spark? * Expectations: How Far Have We Come and What to Expect for the New School Year * Do You Set High Expectations for Your Child with Special Needs? * Setting and Achieving High Expectations * What to Expect when Establishing Expectations * Avoiding Unmatched Expectations * How to close out Summer and Prepare for the New School Year * Helpful Tools to Start this School Year Off Right!

Episode #31: Do you suffer from decision fatigue? [Click to Listen to Podcast] Do you suffer from decision fatigue? Here’s Help on today’s Podcast The other day, a friend and I “jinxed” each other by saying, “I DON’T want to make another decision!!” at the same time.   What you will learn in this podcast: • What is decision fatigue exactly? • How can you overcome or beat decision fatigue? • One of the best strategies successful people use to work around their decision fatigue • A few things that worked for me in my personal life and with my kiddo. • Recap and best practices for combatting decision fatigue   Simplify the choices you need to make through the day by turning small decisions into routines.   What is decision fatigue exactly? [2:17] As a person makes decisions throughout the day, the brain depletes its limited amount of mental stamina, and starts employing one of two shortcuts.   How can you overcome or beat decision fatigue? [2:46] Simplify the choices you need to make through the day?   Curious minds and decision fatigue brains what to know? QUESTION: Decision Fatigue can anyone help me with these two questions. If not can you recommend a professional, we could ask? Can being constantly bombarded by questions or a child that perseverates cause fatigue or decision fatigue brain? If so, any suggestions or quick tips to help? Answers by a few Professionals: ADRIENE FERN MSE, ESE, CPM Director Of Family Services at PALM BEACH SCHOOL FOR AUTISM INC I agree there is decision fatigue. A helpful strategy leans on a partner, family member, or friend to assist in making decisions. The burden of having to make decisions solely is a major contributing factor to brain/decision fatigue. Emma Gierschick AFR 100 Women of Influence 2018. Woman of the Year 2019. Children with a disability specialist. White Ribbon Advocate Absolutely – it’s exhausting and sooooo much easier to just give in or get frustrated (which doesn’t help anyone) I try asking my daughter to ‘show me’ what she’s trying to say or use Pec’s images to demonstrate what is happening. It’s generally worse if she’s feeling anxious so I try to calm and reassure her and give her emergency bush flower essences too. Remy Nirschl Writer & Mentor – Self Development Absolutely! IT’s called anxiety. So many decisions to make regarding health, school, and making the “right” one can leave parents losing sleep and the immune system crashing. Caregivers need to remember to give care to themselves through exercise, eating right, journaling, talking things out, not burying their emotions. Meme Hieneman, Ph.D., BCBA Positive Behavior Support Applications I don’t know who else to refer you to, so I will do my best to respond from a behavior analytics perspective. When we are barraged with the same stimuli for long periods of time, we get desensitized to them. It is much like people who work in noisy environments; they no longer hear the noise. We are also motivated to make aversive stimuli (i.e., repeated questioning) stop. That is why we will give in to nagging or give pat answers. The goal is simply to get the behavior to stop, even if just for the time being. The problem is that responding often reinforces the child’s behavior, setting up a vicious cycle. If you try to ignore for a while and then finally give in, you have just reinforced an even higher level of the behavior. A child learns that, if they persist long enough, they will get the reaction they are seeking. It is important to understand the function of perseverative talk. Is it for attention? Is it self-stimulatory? Does getting a response to relieve discomfort (e.g., anxiety)?

#30: How to set clear goals and plan naturally [Click to Listen to Podcast]   As parents of children with special needs, we have to be able to not only set goals and help our children reach them, but we also have to become good at planning. Wouldn’t it be great to have a successful, easy-to-use method (or “recipe” to follow) for planning and to set and achieve clear goals? Well,  in today’s podcast I’ve shared a couple of methods (processes) that have helped me and I know they can help YOU. What you will learn in this podcast: * How to set and achieve clear targets * Clarify your focus with Realistic Thinking * What doing your homework means * Important IEP tips to be aware of * The process of planning naturally * Easy ways to define the next concrete steps           Links or resources mentioned in the Podcast: How Successful People Think by John C. Maxwell Getting Things Done by David Allen Wrightslaw     This post contains affiliate links, which means Parenting Special Needs LLC, could receive a commission if you purchase using this link. We appreciate your support.   You May Also Like * A Complete Guide on Positive Behavior Support for Children With Special Needs * The Politics of Special Education: The Information You Need Right Now * Help Motivate Your Kids With This Powerful Tool! * Help Motivate Your Kids With A Vision Board * IEP Goals and Your Child’s Future * How to Find Your Special Child’s Spark? * Getting Your Child Motivated for This School Year * Patricia Moody’s PATH to Success * Setting and Achieving High Expectations * Do You Set High Expectations for Your Child with Special Needs? * What to Expect When Establishing Expectations * Expectations: How Far Have We Come and What to Expect for the New School Year *

#29: ABLE Accounts and TAXES: What special needs families need to know [Click to Listen to Podcast] In today’s podcast, we’re talking with attorney BRADLEY FRIGON, Special Needs Attorney, about ABLE Accounts and TAXES and what families need to know. What you will learn in this podcast: * How can ABLE Accounts help families with special needs * Explanation of the new ability to roll over 529 funds to ABLE accounts and is it advisable? * Account limits and restrictions * How the newly enacted TAX Act impacts you * TRAPS families need to be aware of   Watch Video   Links mentioned in the Podcast What the Federal Tax Overhaul Means for Families with Special Needs How to Select a Special Needs Attorney A Special Needs Planning TImeline: 9 Steps to a Sound Family Plan Common Mistakes Parents Make with their Special Needs Trust  

#28: Being United, Pampering and Taking Care of Ourselves [Click to Listen to Podcast] No time for “me time,” pampering or taking care of yourself? Julie Hornok, author of United In Autism: Finding Strength Inside the Spectrum says it like it is…we are united!! When we walk into a room of special needs moms, there is this underlying, understanding of “yeah, we’ve all been through it.” In today’s podcast, Julie tells how she’s working to unite us all and bring inspirational speakers, pampering, and fun to us, the “special moms”, all around the world. Julie also tells us about what made her start taking better care of herself and the little tricks she’s figured out to incorporate into her daily routine. She reveals her secret “lunch hour” and a couple of things she does to get in her “me time” that doesn’t require much money, and don’t make her feel kind of sneaky and bad about it.   Together we are stronger!   United In Autism: Finding Strength Inside the Spectrum   Related: Five New Year’s Resolutions for Special Needs Parents   Links mentioned in this episode: United in Autism.com United In Autism, Julie Hornok Facebook United in Autism: Finding Strength Inside the Spectrum Book Synopsis: A diagnosis of autism can rock a family’s world. The toll it takes on everyone involved can be one of isolation; a child who doesn’t respond to the world around them, a parent who gives dedication, patience and love often with no expressible love given back. It’s a messy equation with huge emotional and financial costs. As a mother of a daughter with autism, Julie Hornok has experienced her fair share of these parenting challenges, and now brings together thirty inspiring and heartfelt stories from parents raising children from all places on the spectrum and from all corners of the world. These mothers and fathers have experienced some of the worst of what this disorder can do, but in seeking help, they found it…and more. Now they pay it forward by sharing their accounts and giving back to the autism community. United in Autism: Finding Strength inside the Spectrum offers understanding, comfort and hope as well as global allies and strength to those who feel alone. Purchase Your Copy of United in Autism: Finding Strength Inside the Spectrum Now! Be sure to use Code: UNITED7   Related: Do you struggle with planning healthy meals for your family     This post contains affiliate links, which means Parenting Special Needs LLC, could receive a commission if you purchase using this link. We appreciate your support.

Sharing…211: More than just a crisis hotline [Click to Listen to Podcast]   Did you know that 211 is not just a crisis hotline? Today’s podcast is about 211. 211 is not just a CRISIS Hotline; it’s a HELPLINE. Our guests from 211 are Colleen Phillips and Randee Gabriel. They’re going to talk about the work they do and the services 211 provides: Dialing “211” provides individuals and families in need with a shortcut through what can typically be a maze of health and human service agency phone numbers.     Good mental health is just as important as physical health   Related: How to Manage Depression and Stress During the Holidays     Links mentioned in this episode: Dial 211 Single mum’s heartbreaking suicide note to parents 211 Treasure Coast 211 Palm Beach Special Needs Helpline- Serving Palm Beach County Help Me Grow   Related: 2018 Holiday GIft Guide Unwrap Some Fun    

Sharing…Why the holidays ARE less stressful for me? [Click to Listen to Podcast]   Holiday help things I found to be helpful! Why the holidays ARE less stressful for me? Thinking about the upcoming holidays made me realize that I’m not as stressed or overwhelmed as I used to feel in previous years. And it made me wonder, “Why is that and what am I doing differently?” Why ARE the holidays less stressful for me? Join us on this podcast to hear share what has really helped my family and myself.   Holiday decorations organized. OK….this one was a biggie! Decorating for the holidays used to be a bit of a “dreaded chore” in our house. My husband and I did not look like the couples in the Hallmark Christmas movies: All smiles and full of love working together…no, that DEFINITELY didn’t happen. There was hassle, grunts and sometimes even a few “harsh” words… not a good start for creating the beginnings of holiday festivities. But, I learned with some simple, helpful tips from professional organizer, Susan Parziale (Parz-e-allie,) ways to organize holiday decorations that have made a huge difference.                                                            Related: Organization Tips For Holiday Decorations Purchasing Gifts… I also use a simplified gift formula that comes from Amanda Morin. Sometimes just figuring out what to buy for everybody makes me feel overwhelmed…sometimes to the point that I don’t really function very well. But I love Amanda’s suggestions for reducing the number of gifts by using a simplified gift formula for each child. She calls it: Want, Need, Wear, Read. Listen to learn more.   Grinch Popcorn Recipe For teacher’s gifts, therapist’s gifts, and for those that I want to say a special “thank you” to, I’ve always made it a point to learn to make one really delicious treat that they’re not going to get elsewhere and package it nicely using containers or gift bags from the dollar store. I really can’t afford to buy everybody that helps my daughter an expensive gift, but I try to make sure that they know that we appreciate them.     Related: Stress-Free Cookie Decorating with Kids Forced Family FUN!! We also instituted “forced family fun”… I say “forced” because that’s how it started out, but now it’s become so much fun that we all look forward to it.     Links mentioned in this episode: Organization Tips For Holiday Decorations Want Need Wear Read: The Holiday Gift Strategy Grinch Popcorn Recipe Christmas Light Scavenger Hunt Can You FInd? Organization for the Holidays! 8 Tips to prepare your family members with special needs for the Holiday Season?