Just Needs: parenting children with disabilities: Recent Episodes
Exceptional Lives
Some people think of disabilities as "special needs." But as parents of children with disabilities, we know our kids just have needs... like everyone else. Settle in with our podcast for real talk about advocacy, friendships, developmental delays, evaluations, IEPs, sensory meltdowns, autism, and all the ups and downs that come with this gig. We don’t have all the answers, but we promise to try to figure it out with you. Join us.
This week, Christina chats with Dr. Nilong Vyas of Sleepless in NOLA, on the importance of sleep in early childhood. They’ll answer questions like, “Why is sleep important?” and “My child is a terrible sleeper. Is it me or something else?” Listen along for helpful information and tips and tricks around sleep.
Resources mentioned in this episode
- What is a sleep consultant and how do they help families?
- Sleep Disorders in Children
- Autism Awareness & Sleep
- Melatonin for Kids: A Guide for Parents and Caregivers
- Sleepless in NOLA
- Dr. Vyas’ Bedtime Checklist
Thank you Dr. Vyas for offering our families a discount on your services! For a 10% discount use code: INEEDSLEEP10
Where to find Exceptional Lives
Facebook
Instagram
TikTok
LinkedIn
Nothing’s sure but… well, you know the end of that sentence. If your family includes a child or adult with a disability, here are 5 important things to know before you file your taxes in 2022.
Resources mentioned in this episode
- 5 Things to Know Before Filing Taxes for People with Disabilities
- ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) Accounts
- Special Needs Alliance: Attorneys for Special Needs Planning
- Tax Help for People with Disabilities
- Living and Working with Disabilities (IRS)
- Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA): free tax preparation help for taxpayers who qualify
Where to find Exceptional Lives
Facebook
Instagram
TikTok
LinkedIn
Flying with kids with disabilities can be stressful and overwhelming. This week’s podcast episode has 5 tips to make the trip easier for you and your child.
Resources mentioned in this episode
Better parenting using self-regulation
What is self-regulation and how can it help me be a better parent?
¿Qué es la autorregulación y cómo puede ayudarme a ser un mejor padre?
Co-regulation: Your secret tool for managing meltdowns
How can co-regulation help my child’s behavior? Strategies for parenting children with disabilities
¿Cómo puede ayudarle a mi hijo la corregulación? Estrategias para ser padre de niños con discapacidades
US Department of Transportation; Wheelchairs and Other Assistive Devices
Disabilities and Medical Conditions
What is the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower?
Wings for Autism / Wings for All
TSA Notification Card
What To Do When an Airline Damages Your Wheelchair
Where to find Exceptional Lives
Facebook
Instagram
TikTok
LinkedIn
In this bonus episode, Christina discusses doing a pediatric sleep study with her son and his sensory needs.
Resources mentioned in this episode
- The importance of sleep in early childhood with Dr. Nilong Vyas
- Sleepless in NOLA
- Our Lady of the Lake Sleep Medicine
Where to find Exceptional Lives
Facebook
Instagram
TikTok
LinkedIn
This week, Christina chats with Dr. Nilong Vyas of Sleepless in NOLA, on the importance of sleep in early childhood. They’ll answer questions like, “Why is sleep important?” and “My child is a terrible sleeper. Is it me or something else?” Listen along for helpful information and tips and tricks around sleep.
Resources mentioned in this episode
- What is a sleep consultant and how do they help families?
- Sleep Disorders in Children
- Autism Awareness & Sleep
- Melatonin for Kids: A Guide for Parents and Caregivers
- Sleepless in NOLA
- Dr. Vyas’ Bedtime Checklist
Thank you Dr. Vyas for offering our families a discount on your services! For a 10% discount use code: INEEDSLEEP10
Where to find Exceptional Lives
Facebook
Instagram
TikTok
LinkedIn
What do you do if you just found out your child has medically complex needs? Do you know how to be a great health care advocate for your complex kid? Christina gets helpful information and insight from Julia Roberts, parent and long-time advocate, in this week's episode.
Resources mentioned in this episode
- Julia Roberts
- Children with Medical Complexity
- Health Insurance for a Child With Disabilities: Easily Navigate Coverage and Services
- How to get medical insurance for a child with a disability
- How to get the most out of health insurance for your child with disabilities
- Frequently Asked Questions about Health Insurance
- What happens when a child with a disability turns 18?
- If you are undocumented (don’t have papers), you can get care at a Federally Qualified Health Center.
Where to find Exceptional Lives
Facebook
Instagram
TikTok
LinkedIn
Speech Apraxia vs Autism: Are they related? If a child is speech delayed what can you do? Christina gets helpful information and insight from Kacy Woodson, a speech-language pathologist, in this week's episode.
Resources mentioned in this episode
- Who Are Speech-Language Pathologists, and What Do They Do?
- Childhood Apraxia of Speech
- Is my child different? Six steps to assessing your child’s development.
- Understanding child development milestones
- CDC’s Developmental Milestones
- Is My Child Developing OK?
- What are Early Intervention Services? Can they help my child?
- The Special Education Evaluation Process
Where to find Exceptional Lives
Facebook
Instagram
TikTok
LinkedIn
Mr. Raymond A. Jetson says, “... If our children are going to feel present and valued and able to be the best version of themselves in the world, we have to be intentional about impacting the world in a way that creates space for that to happen.” In this week’s episode, Christina gets practical advice on how to build community for children with disabilities.
Resources mentioned in this episode
- Meet Raymond A. Jetson
- Building a Village of Support with Raymond A. Jetson (webinar)
- Children with disabilities need a village of support. Here are 3 ways to build that village for yours. (blog)
- Building a village of support: 3 ways to help children with disabilities live their best lives (podcast)
- Learn more about Cornelia de Lange Syndrome
- Introduce your child with F-Words; it’s not what you think (podcast)
- Back to school for kids with disabilities: Dear Teacher, meet my son. (blog)
- How do I partner with the school to support my child? School communication tips for parents and caregivers
Where to find Raymond A. Jetson:
Raymond A. Jetson on Facebook
Raymond A. Jetson on Twitter
Raymond A. Jetson on Threads
Raymond A. Jetson on Instagram
Raymond A. Jetson on LinkedIn
Where to find Exceptional Lives
Facebook
Instagram
TikTok
LinkedIn
In this week’s episode, Christina gets back-to-school tips from Julie McIsaac, Learning and Mental Health Consultant. Get some real-life tips to support your child and their teacher as we head back to school.
Resources mentioned in this episode
- Meet Julie McIsaac, Ph.D.
- Introduce your child with F-Words; it’s not what you think (podcast)
- How Can I Prepare for My Child’s Transition into School-based Services at Age 3?
- Is your child having behavior problems at school? Here’s how to help
- Fellow Parents, Let’s Talk About Mental Health.
- Mental Health and Children with Disabilities: a Webinar
- Why is my child struggling in school?
- Individualized Education Plan (IEP)
- IEP (plan educativo individualizado)
- Better parenting using self-regulation
- How to Create an Effective IEP & Build a Strong Team
- Back to school for kids with disabilities: Dear Teacher, meet my son. (blog)
- How do I partner with the school to support my child? School communication tips for parents and caregivers
- Julie McIsaac, PhD on Facebook
Where to find Exceptional Lives
Facebook
Instagram
TikTok
LinkedIn
In this week’s episode, Christina talks with Dayna Abraham, bestselling author of Calm the Chaos: A Fail-Proof Roadmap for Parenting Even the Most Challenging Kids. They discuss supporting neurodivergent kids at home in a realistic and shame-free way.
Here’s some more about Dayna. As a National Board Certified educator, parent of three neurodivergent children, and an ADHD adult herself, Dayna brings a unique and out-of-the-box perspective to parents raising kids in the modern world.
Through her compassionate framework, Calm the Chaos, she has helped millions of desperate parents around the world, find peace and meet their children where they're at when conventional parenting tools have failed them.
Where to find Dayna Abraham
Facebook
Instagram
YouTube
TikTok
Linkedin
Where to find Exceptional Lives
Facebook
Instagram
TikTok
LinkedIn
We’re back in school. Is your child with disabilities working with a new teacher? In this week’s podcast learn how to introduce your child to their teacher using helpful F-words!
Resources mentioned in this episode
- The ‘F-words’ in childhood disability: I swear this is how we should think!
- Meet my Child document
- Full letter by Julie McIsaac, PhD. to her son’s teacher
Resources for children with disabilities: what are they, how do I find them? If you’ve found yourself overwhelmed with where to start in getting support for your child with disabilities or developmental delay this podcast episode is for you. Listen along as I break down the systems of services in this week’s episode.
Resources mentioned in this episode
My child was just diagnosed with a disability. Now what do I do? (Podcast)
My child has a new disability diagnosis. Now what? (Blog)
My child is behind on her milestones. Is she a late bloomer or is it a developmental delay?
What is Medicaid and how do I apply for a family member
Medicaid
What is a Federally Qualified Health Center
Federally Qualified Health Center locator tool
Different health insurance plans and how to apply
New to special education? Here’s what you need to know
IDEA - Special Education Terms & Acronyms: a glossary
IEP - Special Education Terms & Acronyms: a glossary
Accommodations - Special Education Terms & Acronyms: a glossary
Early Intervention
How do I help my child transition into school services when they turn 3?
EarlySteps in Louisiana
Find your state’s Early Intervention program
Office for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities (OCDD) - Louisiana
Department of Developmental Services (DDS) - Massachusetts
Parent Information and Training Center (PTIC)
The application process for getting SSI
Supplemental Security Income
Flying with kids with disabilities can be stressful and overwhelming. This week’s podcast episode has 5 tips to make the trip easier for you and your child.
Resources mentioned in this episode
Better parenting using self-regulation
What is self-regulation and how can it help me be a better parent?
¿Qué es la autorregulación y cómo puede ayudarme a ser un mejor padre?
Co-regulation: Your secret tool for managing meltdowns
How can co-regulation help my child’s behavior? Strategies for parenting children with disabilities
¿Cómo puede ayudarle a mi hijo la corregulación? Estrategias para ser padre de niños con discapacidades
US Department of Transportation; Wheelchairs and Other Assistive Devices
Disabilities and Medical Conditions
What is the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower?
Wings for Autism / Wings for All
TSA Notification Card
What To Do When an Airline Damages Your Wheelchair
Pool safety is important for everyone, more so for children with disabilities. Parents need hints for summer, some that are not always obvious. This week’s podcast contains 9 quick tips for water safety and UV awareness.
Resources mentioned in this episode
How to climb out of the pool
Swimsuit colors for water safety
Sunscreen for people of color
Sunscreen application tips
Assign an adult to be Water Watcher
Self-care for caregivers: You’re tired and you know you need it. But how? And why would you want one more thing to add to your to-do list? This week on the podcast, I want to share with you how some things you’re already doing every day can be self-care.
Resources mentioned in this episode
- Parents, let’s talk mental health (podcast)
- Fellow Parents, Let’s Talk About Mental Health
- Better parenting using self-regulation (podcast)
- "Calmness feels nice;" An interview about how tapping helped one mama's anxious child (podcast)
- Overloaded with Feelings: Could Tapping be the answer for your child?
- Self-care: What is it? Why is it so important for your health?
- Caring for Your Mental Health
- Emotional Self-Care: What It Is and How to Make It Part of Your Life
- The Relational Dimension of Self-Care
- 10 Spiritual Self-Care Tips To Be Happy
There is often confusion and fear and difficulty when talking about mental illness, especially when children are involved. There doesn’t need to be though. This week’s podcast focuses on how you can support parents of children with mental illness. Listen along as we share 3 ways to be a great friend.
Resources mentioned in this episode
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
- The Trevor Project: Help for LGBTQ+ Youth in Crisis
- Fellow Parents, Let’s Talk About Mental Health (blog)
- Parents, Let’s Talk Mental Health (podcast)
- About Mental Illness
- Important Teen Mental Health Statistics For Parents
- Children’s Mental Health: Understanding an Ongoing Public Health Concern
- Children with disability: mental health & physical health
- What is Sensory Processing? And can it help explain my child’s behavior? (blog)
- ¿Qué es el procesamiento sensorial? ¿Y puede ayudar a explicar la conducta de mi hijo? (blog)
- What are sensory processing issues? And do they explain my kid’s behavior (podcast)
- Is your child struggling with reading? Here are 5 ways you can help at home.
- Parental Criticism May Worsen ADHD Symptoms
- Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder: The Basic
- How to Discipline a Child With DMDD
- Long waiting lists, long drives and costly care hinder many kids’ access to mental health care
- Mental illness in children: Know the signs
- Therapy to Improve Children’s Mental Health
- Mental Health and Children with Disabilities (video)
- Take a Mental Health Test
In honor of Occuptional Therapy Month, we are re-releasing on episode on occupational therapy.
If your young child has a disability or delay, you may have been referred to Occupational Therapy. But what does occupational therapy mean for a child? In this episode, we’ll talk about all of the ways OT can make a difference for your child. Kim Haynes and Anne Hindrichs of the McMains Child Developmental Center explains how OT can help a child with their most important work - play.
- McMains Child Developmental Center (Baton Rouge, LA)
- What Is Occupational Therapy?
- Sensory Smarts: Find an Occupational Therapist
- Kitchen Conversations: Therapies and accommodations to support young children with disabilities in school (webinar replay)
- One Quick Question: I thought OT was about workplace skills. Why does my child need OT if they don't work? (2-minute video)
- One Quick Question: "Will my young child with special needs need to do therapy forever?" (2-minute video)
- What are some activities for children who have difficulty accepting different foods or textures? (2-minute video)
- How to mix OT into summer fun (2-minute video)
- Am I doing enough? (2-minute video)
- Fellow parents: Let’s talk about mental health
“There’s no magic amount of knowledge.” This week I have a conversation with Nell Curran and she has some great insights into raising a neurodivergent child. Listen along as two neurodivergent moms talk about raising neurodivergent children.
Resources mentioned in this episode
- 5 things to do if your autistic child needs an ambulance (podcast)
- Body doubling and other parenting tips for neurodivergent adults (podcast)
- Neurotribes: The Legacy Of Autism And The Future Of Neurodiversity By Steve Silberman
Do you ever ask yourself, “as a neurodivergent parent, how can I teach my neurodivergent child skills that they’ll need?” This week on the podcast, I want to share some skills that I have discovered work for me and my family.
Resources mentioned in this episode
- Neurodivergent: What Is It, Symptoms, And Types
- Stimming: Why It Happens And How To Manage It
- The Link Between ADHD and Object Permanence
- Body Doubling for ADHD: What It Is and How It Works?
- Body Doubling: Not Just for ADHD
- Body Doubling
- Adult Study Hall (online group for body doubling)
- WorkBuddies on TikTok
- WorkBuddies on Discord
“It’s tough and there’s some really, really hard days. Just don’t give up hope.” This week we talk to one parent about raising her child with disabilities. Listen along to hear some of the lessons she learned along the way.
Resources mentioned in this episode
- Early Intervention (Louisiana)
- Early Intervention (Massachusetts)
- Six things you really, really don’t want to say to children with disabilities (try these instead) (Podcast)
- Exceptional Lives on Facebook
- Exceptional Lives on Instagram
- Exceptional Lives on LinkedIn
- Anne Punzak Marcus on LinkedIn
Do you know your rights under IDEA? It’s the law that requires schools to provide special education services to students with disabilities. Listen to this week’s podcast episode to learn more.
Resources mentioned in this episode
- Federal law that supports Special Education
- Locate your state’s Department of Education website, then search for Special Education
- Locate your state’s Parent Training and Information Center (PTIC)
- Know your rights: navigating your young child’s transition into school (webinar)
- How to advocate for your child with a disability…and get results (blog)
- 6 ways to be a fierce advocate for your child with disabilities (podcast)
- Special Education Rights Video Series by Mass Advocates for Children
Important words to know and definitions
- FAPE (Free and Appropriate Education)
- IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act)
- Special Education
- LRE (Least Restrictive Environment)
- IEP (Individualized Education Program)
- Procedural Safeguards
Louisiana Resources
- A Good IDEA for Louisiana: A Guide for Parents and Students About Special Education Services
- Louisiana’s Educational Rights of Children with Disabilities: Special Education Processes and Procedural Safeguards
- Parent Training and Information Center: LAPTIC
- Dispute Resolution for Students with Exceptionalities
- Families Helping Families
Massachusetts Resources
- A Parent's Guide to Special Education (English)
- A Parent's Guide to Special Education (Spanish)
- Procedural Safeguards, available in English and 17 other languages
- Parent Training and Information Center: Family TIES of Massachusetts
- Mass Special Education Website
When your student with a disability is ready to transition to adult life, it may feel like they are striking out on their own. But there are programs and resources that will continue to support them in this next phase of their lives. Learn more.
Resources mentioned in this episode
- Program for Success Employment at Baton Rouge Community College
- A list of Comprehensive Transition and Post-Secondary (CTP) Programs by state
- Special Ed Terms 2 Know: Transition Plan (2-minute video)
- What is included in a Transition Plan?
- Special Ed Terms 2 Know: Vocational Programs (2-minute video)
- Find programs in Louisiana
- Find programs in Massachusetts
- State-by-state listing of parent support centers
- Resources for helping your child transition to adulthood
Processing emotions takes time, patience, focus, practice, and follow-through. It’s easy for anxious kids to get overloaded. In this podcast interview, Exceptional Lives Team Member Carey Luckey talks about how tapping helps her son.
Resources mentioned in this episode
- Is your child highly sensitive?
- What is tapping and how does it work?
- EFT tapping
- Gorilla Thumps and Bear Hugs: a Tapping Solution Children’s Story
- EFT Tapping for Kids (video)
- Child-friendly tapping diagrams
- Tools for managing anxiety in young children
Setting New Year's resolutions that you don't follow through with can leave you feeling defeated. Instead, focus on how amazing you are this year and share that with those around you!
We’ll be taking a short break from the podcast to celebrate the holidays with our families but we’ll be back in your feed the first week of January.
You know that ‘bored’ feeling? No? Oh right, you’re a parent. These days, our devices are a source of constant entertainment, information, and connection - but they can also increase our stress and take us away from our kids (even when we’re with them). Here’s the antidote.
Resources mentioned in this episode
- If you give a mom a minute…
- Exploring Nature to find our Calm
- How to Keep it Together: A Guide
Let’s talk about overstimulation, especially during the holidays. Here’s the interesting part though, this is about overstimulation for us parents. Here are 4 tips that have helped me a lot.
Resources mentioned in this episode
- Overstimulated by Life? 20 Ways to Give Your ADHD Senses a Break
- Study shows overstimulation caused by smartphones, while they promise the opposite
- Digital Overload: What Is It, and How Is It Affecting Our Mental and Physical Health?
- Sleep and health
- Just Needs: Better parenting through self-regulation
- Just Needs: Co-regulation: your secret tool for managing meltdowns
Holiday gatherings can be stressful. If you’re welcoming a family with kids with disabilities, here are six things you can do to make sure they feel welcome. Resources mentioned in this episode
- What is a developmental disability?
- What is sensory processing? And can it help explain my child’s behavior?
- What are accommodations?
- Six Things Not to Say to Children with Disabilities (and Some Things To Say Instead)
Extra stressed during the holidays? We are too. Here are some of our favorite parenting mantras to get us through.
Resources mentioned in this episode
- What is self-regulation and how can it help me be a better parent?
- How can co-regulation help my child’s behavior? Strategies for parenting children with disabilities
If you are parenting an autistic child, you know that accidents and ambulances can be particularly overwhelming. Here’s what one mom did to make things easier on her child during an emergency.
Resources mentioned in this episode
- What is Sensory Processing? And can it help explain my child’s behavior?
- Co-regulation: your secret tool for managing meltdowns
- What strategies can I give my child to help her be understood?
- How to advocate for your child with a disability… and get results
Building a village of support for our children with disabilities can help them live their best lives. Listen to our podcast for 3 steps to make that happen.
Resources mentioned in this episode
Webinar: Building a Village of Support
Introduce your child with F-Words; it's not what you think
Metromorphosis
My child has a new disability diagnosis. Now what?
If you’re parenting a child with a disability, you’ve probably seen the term self-regulation. In this week’s podcast, learn what self-regulation is and how improving your ability to self-regulate can help you be a better parent.
Resources mentioned in this episode
Center for Parent Information and Resources
Louisiana Resource Directory
Directorio de recursos en Luisiana
Massachusetts Resource Directory
Directorio de recursos en Massachusetts
Shanker Self-Reg®
You can help your child with problem-solving by introducing new ideas to develop their thinking. This week’s podcast discusses Scaffolding, which is a way to build problem-solving skills from the ground up.
Resources mentioned in this episode
- Zone of proximal development
- Fixed vs. Growth Mindset
It’s hard to envision how your child with a disability will transition to adulthood. Let’s set them up with the support they need for adult life in today’s podcast!
Resources mentioned in this episode and suggested reading from our LA guides
- VIDEO Families & Stories - Supporting your child’s transition to adulthood, with Tanja & Andy
- VIDEO Families & Stories— How routines help as your child becomes an adult, with Tanja & Andy
- Make Sure The IEP Is Working
- Think About Your Child's Future Goals
- Preparing For Employment
- Preparing For College
- Significant Intellectual Disability
- Transition Plans
- What Is PreETS And Vocational Rehabilitation?
- Internships
- Support For College Prep Courses And Entrance Exams
- Outside Agencies to Help with Transition and Adult Services
- Transition to Adulthood - Introduction
- Step-by-step timeline for young adults with disabilities transitioning to adult life
Response to intervention (RTI) is a system schools use to help students who are struggling. If your child has a disability, RTI could be the way to help. Find out what you should know about RTI in today’s podcast.
Resources mentioned in this episode
Components of literacy
Reading Interventions videos
Hard Words: Why aren't kids being taught to read?
Special Education Evaluation
Reasons why kids have trouble
What the science says: effective reading interventions for kids with learning disabilities
Kinds of services your child may get
Know your rights! (What is IDEA?)
Decide on interventions and monitor progress
Working with the school
What does it mean if your child is a late bloomer? Listen to our podcast as we share the stages of child development and the questions you can ask yourself about developmental delays. Resources mentioned in this episode
- What If My Child Missed Developmental Milestones?
- Is My Child Developing OK?
- March is CP Awareness Month
- Where to Start: Choosing the Best Supports and Therapies for Your Child
- CDC’s Developmental Milestones
- Why are We Obsessed with Milestones?
An often time-consuming aspect of back-to-school for children with disabilities is paperwork! Listen in while Christina shares one parent’s thoughts on those endless forms in this week’s podcast.
Resources mentioned in this episode
- IEP annual meetings
- What is Response to Intervention (RTI)? How can it help if my child struggles in school?
- If you give a mom a minute
- Feeling parent stress? Us too. Here’s our favorite trick to reduce stress and enjoy our kids more.
We’re back in school. Is your child with disabilities working with a new teacher? In this week’s podcast learn how to introduce your child to their teacher using helpful F-words!
Resources mentioned in this episode
- The ‘F-words’ in childhood disability: I swear this is how we should think!
- Meet my Child document
- Full letter by Julie McIsaac, PhD. to her son’s teacher
Dyslexia is the most common learning disability, but it often goes undiagnosed. In this podcast, we talk about what to watch for, what to do if you’re concerned, and how to support your child.
Resources mentioned in this episode
Does my child have dyslexia?
International Dyslexia organization
If your child is struggling in school: think, observe and ask questions
About the student evaluation
Identify your concerns and talk to your child’s teacher
Pool safety is important for everyone, more so for children with disabilities. Parents need hints for summer, some that are not always obvious. This week’s podcast contains 9 quick tips for water safety and UV awareness.
Resources mentioned in this episode
How to climb out of the pool
Swimsuit colors for water safety
Sunscreen for people of color
Sunscreen application tips
Assign an adult to be Water Watcher
The transition to adulthood is hard. For kids with disabilities, it can bring extra challenges. In this podcast, we talk about how to help our kids get ready.
Resources mentioned in this episode
How do I help my teen with a disability prepare for the transition to adult life?
Preparing for college
Employment: How to Prepare for Getting a Job
Supported Living & Housing
What is vocational rehabilitation?
Internships: preparing for working life
How do you make sure the IEP is working for your child?
Encouraging your child to be involved in their own transition
1 Quick Question: How can disability services support my child when they get to college?
Perspectives 4 Parents: Blogs about the transition to adult life
Parenting comes with meltdowns - it’s part of the deal. But did you know that co-regulating with your child is often the fastest and most effective way to diffuse things when your child is upset? You may already be doing it, even if you’ve never heard of it. Learn more.
Resources mentioned in this episode
It Takes Two: The Role of Co-Regulation in Building Self-Regulation Skills
Co-regulating with children of all ages
How Co-regulation with Parents Develops into Self-Regulation in Children
Advocating for your child with a disability can be hard. Here are 6 practical tips to help you make sure they get what they need.
Resources mentioned in this episode
- Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
- Solving disagreements with the school
- Find your state’s parent training and information center
- The Impact of Racism on Discipline for Students of Color with Disabilities
- (video)
- Helping your child with behavior challenges
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. But what does mental health look like for those of us caring for children with disabilities? How can we support our children while still tending to our own needs? Here are a few ideas for you.
Resources mentioned in this episode
- MentalHealth.gov
- Psychology Today: find a therapist
One of the best ways to support children with disabilities is to support their families.
But how? Exceptional Lives offers our 3 favorite tips.
Resources mentioned in this episode
- MA resource directory (English)
- MA resource directory (Spanish)
- LA resource directory (English)
- LA resource directory (Spanish)
- Exceptional Lives on Facebook
- ELI Massachusetts parents group
- ELI Louisiana parents group
- Exceptional Lives on Instagram
- What is the Difference Between an IEP and a 504 Plan?
- What is Sensory Processing? And can it help explain my child’s behavior?
- My child has a new disability diagnosis. Now what?
A tribute to mamas and people filling those mama shoes this Mother’s Day…. If you give a mom a minute, she’ll try to fill it with “just one more thing”...
Resources mentioned in this episode
- If You Give a Mouse a Cookie
DIR Floortime is an approach to supporting autistic children, yet many parents of autistic children only know about ABA therapy. In this podcast, Julie McIsaac, Learning and Mental Health Consultant, talks about her experience as a certified DIR Floortime provider.
Resources mentioned in this episode
- ICDL: Home of DIR Floortime
- Keeping calm: mastering the art of self-regulation in 3 simple steps
- What strategies can I give my child to help her be understood?
- Autism resources for families - Exceptional Lives
- Language and communication differences in non-speaking Autistics
- I have an autistic child. What can I learn from autistic adults?
- Find DIR Floortime providers worldwide
- Affect Autism
If you have the chance to learn more about what it is like to walk in your child’s shoes, why not take it? One of the best ways parents of autistic kids can understand our children’s experience is to listen to autistic adults.
Resources mentioned in this episode
- What is identity-first language and what does it have to do with autism… and my child?
- Autistic Self-Advocacy Network
- How listening to autistic adults helped me understand and support my son.
- Why Autistic People Are Using #Actuallyautistic on Social Media
- Diary of a Mom (Facebook)
- Autistic Truth (Facebook)
- NeuroClastic (Facebook)
- Autistic Ally (Facebook)
Autistic child? Child with autism? It feels like the language is always changing. But identity-first language is a powerful way of shifting the conversation - and reflects so much of what we want to teach our children.
Resources mentioned in this episode
- Autistic child or child with autism? Why identity-first language matters.
- ¿Qué es el lenguaje “primero la identidad”?
- Exceptional Lives values
- Person First and Identity First Language (From Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability Inclusion)
- Identity-First Language (From Autistic Self-Advocacy Network)
- LeMondre Pough, CEO of Billion Strong
- What does it mean to listen to #ActuallyAutistic voices?
- Exceptional Lives mission and vision
Dysgraphia is a learning disability that interferes with a person’s ability to express their ideas in writing. But you may not even know what it is. Here’s what to look for and what to do if your child is struggling.
Resources mentioned in this episode
- What is dysgraphia?
- Kitchen Conversations: Therapies and Accommodations to Support Children in School (35-minute video with English and Spanish captions)
- What are accommodations? (45-second video)
- Kitchen Conversations: Occupational Therapy at Home (27-minute video with English and Spanish captions)
- What is sensory processing? And can it help explain my child’s behavior? (Blog)
- What are sensory processing issues? And do they explain my kid’s behavior? (Podcast)
- Activities to improve handwriting
- Find resources to support your child with dysgraphia (Louisiana)
- Find resources to support your child with dysgraphia (Massachusetts)
- My child is struggling with reading… could it be dyslexia?
Nothing’s sure but… well, you know the end of that sentence. If your family includes a child or adult with a disability, here are 5 important things to know before you file your taxes in 2022.
Resources mentioned in this episode
- ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) Accounts
- Special Needs Alliance: Attorneys for Special Needs Planning
- Tax Help for People with Disabilities
- Living and Working with Disabilities (IRS)
- Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA): free tax preparation help for taxpayers who qualify
At age 22, young people with disabilities age out of special education. In this podcast, Exceptional Lives Team member Julie talks about her son’s transition and how she is learning to support him in this new part of his life while she learns to let go.
Resources mentioned in this episode
- Legal changes when your child turns 18
- Special Education Services Until Age 22 For Students
- Support for young people with significant intellectual disabilities
- Navigating supported living services
- What is occupational therapy?
- Making sure the IEP is working for your child
- “Your love guides the process more than anything else.”
- Show me your crazy! How to improve mental health
- How do I help my teen with a disability prepare for the transition to adult life?
- Life after the IEP: How do I help my child with a disability transition to adulthood?
How can you tell between a great IEP goal that will support your child with a disability – and one that doesn’t mean much? In this podcast, we will talk about 4 things that should be a part of every goal.
Resources mentioned in this episode
- How to prepare for the IEP meeting
- Special Education Terms 2 Know: IEP (2-minute video)
- Federation for Children with Special Needs
- The IEP meeting: what to expect
- Louisiana Special Education Guide
- Massachusetts Special Education Guide
- New to special education? Here’s what you need to know
Special education (often called special ed or SPED) means specialized teaching and related services to help children with disabilities or special needs make progress in school. How do you know if your child qualifies? And what does specialized teaching mean, anyway? In this podcast we’ll break down the systems and acronyms so you’re ready to support your child.
Resources mentioned in this episode
- Special Education Terms 2 Know: Special Education (1-minute video)
- Resources for families with autistic children
- What is sensory processing? And can it help explain my child’s behavior?
- About Learning Disabilities (National Institute of Health)
- My child is struggling with reading… could it be dyslexia?
- What is dysgraphia?
- Who qualifies for special education?
- Looking at reading evaluation
- Know your rights
If your child has a delay or disability, they may qualify for school-based special education services or therapy when they turn 3. In this episode, we’ll talk about how and when to start getting your child (and yourself!) ready for this transition.
Resources mentioned in this episode
- How Can I Prepare for My Child’s Transition into School-based Services at Age 3?
- ¿Cómo puedo prepararme para la transición a los servicios basados en la escuela cuando mi hijo cumpla 3 años?
- Developmental delays and milestones
- Developmental screenings and special clinics
- CDC’s developmental milestones
- Know your rights: IDEA
- CDC: What is Early Intervention?
- Special Education Terms 2 Know: IEP (2-minute video)
- What is Sensory Processing? And can it help explain my child’s behavior?
- Why are we obsessed with milestones?
- How do I help my young child with disabilities or special needs transition to school?
- Early Childhood Special Education - Timeline
- Kitchen Conversations, Know your rights: navigating your young child’s transition into school
If your young child has a disability or delay, you may have been referred to Occupational Therapy. But what does occupational therapy mean for a child? In this episode, we’ll talk about all of the ways OT can make a difference for your child. Kim Haynes and Anne Hindrichs of the McMains Child Developmental Center explains how OT can help a child with their most important work - play.
- McMains Child Developmental Center (Baton Rouge, LA)
- What Is Occupational Therapy?
- Sensory Smarts: Find an Occupational Therapist
- Kitchen Conversations: Therapies and accommodations to support young children with disabilities in school (webinar replay)
- One Quick Question: I thought OT was about workplace skills. Why does my child need OT if they don't work? (2-minute video)
- One Quick Question: "Will my young child with special needs need to do therapy forever?" (2-minute video)
- What are some activities for children who have difficulty accepting different foods or textures? (2-minute video)
- How to mix OT into summer fun (2-minute video)
- Am I doing enough? (2-minute video)
- Fellow parents: Let’s talk about mental health
Sensory processing issues make it difficult for our brains to process and filter information that comes through our senses. When our kids are overwhelmed or understimulated, it shows up in their behavior. In this podcast, we will talk about how to understand and meet our kids’ sensory needs.
Resources mentioned in this episode
- Dr. Jean Ayres, Occupational Therapist who developed the concept of sensory integration
- Raising a Sensory Smart Child: The Definitive Handbook for Helping Your Child with Sensory Processing Issues
- What are some activities for children who have difficulty accepting different foods or textures? (video)
- Exceptional Lives Massachusetts resource directory
- Exceptional Lives Louisiana resource directory
- Sensory Smarts: Find an Occupational Therapist
- What is a sensory diet?
- The Beginner’s Guide to a Sensory Diet
- Kitchen Conversation: Occupational Therapy at Home (video)
- What do you mean, “self-regulation is the new IQ”? (video)
- Keeping calm: mastering the art of self-regulation in 3 simple steps
On January 20th, my daughter saw herself in the mirror when we watched the presidential inauguration. Black women took the stage, and one used American Sign Language to recite the Pledge of Allegiance. Her jaw dropped. In this podcast, we talk role models. If we don’t share our child’s disability, we have that much more work to do to make sure they have role models. This is powerful stuff.
Resources mentioned in this episode
- Watch Andrea Hall, City of South Fulton fire captain, deliver the Pledge of Allegiance at Inauguration
- Introducing Amanda Gorman, the youth poet laureate who spoke at Biden’s inauguration
- Hamilton references in Amanda Gorman’s inaugural poem
- Brown Girls Book Club Comes Together To Celebrate And Watch Historic Inauguration
- Keeping calm: mastering the art of self-regulation in 3 simple steps
- Fellow parents, let’s talk about mental health
- Stephen Hawking, scientist known for his work with black holes (biography)
- Inaugural Poet Amanda Gorman Reveals Hamilton Lyric That Helped Her Overcome Speech Impediment
- Kari Miller, Paralympic gold medalist, sitting volleyball (biography)
- One-handed hair styling from Born Just Right
- Autism Rocks and Rolls (podcast)
- Smile Mass: Accessible Play and Travel
- 50 MUST-READ YA BOOKS ABOUT MENTAL ILLNESS (PLUS A FEW MORE)
- 20 MUST-READ YA BOOKS WITH DISABLED CHARACTERS
- Read Harder 2021: A Children’s Book That Centers a Disabled Character But Not Their Disability
- Kids’ Movies with Characters Who Have Physical Disabilities (Common Sense Media)
-
DisabilityPride on Tiktok
-
DisabilityPride on Twitter
It’s easy to say the wrong thing, even when we mean well. Here is what not to say to a child with a disability - and some great things to say instead. This podcast will take on both.
Resources mentioned in this episode
- How can I help my child with problem-solving?
Your child was recently diagnosed with a disability. Maybe this is the first time, or maybe it’s yet another diagnosis in a long string of them. You might feel confused. Or relieved. Or scared. Or overwhelmed. All of the above? That sounds about right. In this podcast episode, we’ll dive right into all of it. Resources mentioned in this episode
- Accepting your child’s diagnosis
- What is polymicrogyria?
- Top 10 ways my son’s diagnosis has affected our lives
- Emotions and stigma with a new diagnosis
- Checking the boxes: diagnosis and belonging
- Sincerely, Your Autistic Child (Penguin Random House)
- My child has a disability and I don’t. How do I make sure she has role models?
- The 3 systems that can help your child
- What kind of notes and records do you need to keep for your child?
- Schuyler’s Monster: A Father’s Journey with His Wordless Daughter (MacMillan Publishers)
- What to do when you think your child may be different
Parents of kids with disabilities are often the squeaky wheel, the recipients of sideways looks in the store. The looks I get in the store are only looks of those that just don’t know; they can’t understand how much richer my life is because of this child. I embrace being the frazzled parent because I know I’m showing up for him.
Resources mentioned in this episode
- What do you do if you think your child might be different?
- Introduction to Early Intervention
- Why are we so obsessed with milestones?
- How do I help my teen with a disability prepare for adult life?
- “How do I help my son engage in sports activities?”
- More than one expert in the room: parents as experts
- How to keep it together: a guide
Exceptional Lives envisions a world where families raising children with disabilities (or special needs) become effective advocates for their children. We support families, train providers and educators, and offer guidance grounded in our own personal experiences. Listen to this short podcast to learn more about how we can support you.
Resources mentioned in this episode
- What is identity-first language?
- ¿Qué es el lenguaje “primero la identidad”?
- Exceptional Lives values
- Person First and Identity First Language (From Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability Inclusion)
- Identity-First Language (From Autistic Self-Advocacy Network)
- LeMondre Pough, CEO of Billion Strong
- What does it mean to listen to #ActuallyAutistic voices?
- Exceptional Lives mission and vision