Summary: Episode #34: Super Dadvocate Tom Petrik<br> [Click to Listen to Podcast]<br> 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 <a href="https://fragilex.org/">Fragile X</a>.<br> <br> <br> <br> In this conversation, you’ll hear the following:<br> <br> * Why Tom doesn’t have a problem advocating.<br> * Why he feels it’s important to advocate and what other dads need to know.<br> * What he wishes he knew earlier about raising a child with special needs.<br> * He believes we’re at a specific tipping point right now with inclusion.<br> * The two words Tom would like everyone in the special needs community to hear.<br> <br> The key message: You can do this!<br> Actionable advice:<br> Find out what programs and supports are available from your state, every state is different.<br> Sign up early, many programs or services have long waiting lists.<br> Make sure to set future plans up in advance.<br> <br> Links or articles mentioned in this podcast:<br> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/parenting.special.needs.magazine/">Parenting Special Needs Magazine Facebook Page</a><br> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/335701453618343/">Parenting Special Needs Magazine – Support Group</a><br> <a href="https://fragilex.org/">What is Fragile X</a><br> <a href="http://medicaidwaiver.org/benefits.html">Medicaid Waiver by State</a><br>
