Parenting Made Special: Recent Episodes
Hita And Ayu
𝘗𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘔𝘢𝘥𝘦 𝘚𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘭 podcast is brought to you by Hita & Ayu who are parents gifted with a special needs child. This podcast is a space for parents and other listeners to hear real stories and learn tips and tricks from experts on how to handle children with special needs. Remember to click on subscribe / follow to be notified on our latest episodes. Do also follow us on Instagram @hitaandayu.
Our Singapore local talent, Awi Rafael who is currently based in KL shared with us on his journey of finding his calling in giving back to the inclusive community through music. He combined his talent in music and his learnings in psychology to create a music program exclusively for individuals who are under the spectrum. Starting from running the program for free in solo to an expansion of collaboration with UITM (a university-based in Malaysia) and still growing. Listen to our interview with Awi and do-follow #musicspectrumAR and his Facebook. Awi will be back to Singapore soon to expand the music program to our beautiful hometown. Stay tune for more information on the release of his new adventure and announcement coming up pretty soon! Meantime, tune in to our episode 16 with our humble and shining star talent!
Ila & Jannah the duo behind the project of stimming, dreaming exhibition featured last October to the public. Ila & Jannah has a family member who are under the spectrum. They shares on their journey and how this exhibition started. Despite coming from different background, both of them came together with one objective. What are the stories behind the pictures displayed at the exhibition? What is the messaging from the continuous video replay in the exhibition? What are the daily challenges they faced between making the project a success and having to care for their love ones? Join us in this episode where caregivers moving forward to go beyond their fears and challenges in creating awareness for the autism community.
Fel & Shahidah parents of three amazing special boys share with us their journey raising their children in the most purest and sincere hearts. It was a conversation full of true emotions about how parents would feel about raising special needs children. The emotional rollercoaster rides and the true meaning of grieving. As they reminisce their love journey and how they stood strong together to go through the challenges in life. The sentence which was still lingering in our ear is when Shahidah shares her experience on her lowest moment when she found out her last child was special in his own ways and she took the blame upon herself and that breaks our heart. Thank you fel and shahidah for being brave in sharing your experience with the world and reminding us that our feelings are valid.
Liyana and Nafisah the founders of Rautism.sg shares with us on their successful launch of the first book A for Autism. Written personally by Liyana, a mum who has a son with autism and in collaboration with Nafisah the individual behind the scene that illustrate the beautiful story creation into a colourful printed book. What was the motivation in the book creation and how did the journey kickstarts? As we understand the dynamic duo individual inspirations, we are so proud to share that their first book was that sold over 200 pieces upon release. What a wonderful success! Listen to this episode on be inspired, everything is possible when you put your heart and soul to it.
Joyce the owner of back2basic cafe have always been passionate about sustainability. She turns her passion from sharing her love language through food for her son to running a commercial eco-friendly cafe to keep her drive. She shares her personal story on how she brave through the rollercoaster journey of life in finding her own individual identity. How does that impact her circle of friends and how she learn to develop her communication skills with other.
Through these phases, she managed to helped her son who was struggling with depression back then and solved the mystery on why she have always felt that she was different from others. It was a great experience having an opportunity to speak with Joyce where she shares her view as an individual under the Autism spectrum. How does it feels like? What was her personal struggles? How does this helps her to guide her son as he grew up upon officially diagnosed with Asperger? It has always been a blessing in disguise for her as through the storm of finding her answers.
Connect with Joyce via our next episode and be amazed on the facts which you will learn through the recording!
Jacklyn a passionate individual who have been educating and supporting the inclusive community for more than 8 years and still counting. Many parents have questions on the choices of education route and alternatives which they may consider if they choose other option aside from the mainstream setting. Some wonder what's the ongoing activities which they can expect if SPED school would be their prefered choice for their child. As we walk through the memory lane with Jacklyn, she shares on her memories and 'crisis' moment during her teaching experience. It was a mixture of heartwarming and funny moments in a whole. Despite she have left the SPED school setting to venture into a new environment, her passion remains the same. 'To always support the inclusive community.' Tune in with us this week with Jacklyn!
Cynthia is a psycholinguist who is passionate about sharing informative writings via her personal blog about autism advocacy. Having previously volunteered and interned at intervention centers, she now spends her spare time doing research about neurodiversity-affirming parenting tips, educational practices, and therapy approaches. As an ally, she believes in supporting neurodivergent individuals with a standpoint of inclusivity by listening to self-advocates’ thoughts, wants, and needs. We see a different angle and perspective on what was discovered in the research, which can be applied to give a refreshing approach in moving forward towards a new mindset change. Read Cynthia’s personal blog and connect with her via Instagram if you have any questions or thoughts you have in mind for sharing. Meantime enjoy episode 10!
We invited Huda the founder of The Batter Room who have spend years volunteering for the inclusive community before moving towards becoming an allied educator. The Batter Room was set up to support the inclusion community and continuous support to advocate this movement. We spoke about the importancy of sex education as part of creating awareness to our child despite their challenges. Chances are high for the vulnerable ones but how do we as parent plays our part in ensuring that they understand the personal space and boundaries? Is there really sexual abuse ongoing within the inclusive community? Should this conversation and sharing only take place after our children reaches puberty or should we even start it from young? Join us on the episode for the take away on the important highlights. Give your support to The Batter Room for your sweet savory indulgence and 20% of all sales will be contributed to SPD.
Rohaidah shares her personal journey on how she brave through the heartbreaks of facing several miscarriages during her pregnancy which leads her to only one option left, an IVF procedure in order to conceive. Having the light of hope for a smooth transition but yet again having to face other sets of different challenges in her new journey. How does this tough fight changes her perspective as an individual? Does IVF pregnancy ties up with high chances of having a child with Autism? A very personal story which gets us choke up with emotions just by listening through her pain behind the words spoken. For those who are keen to join the support group of Fertility Support SG or have questions in regards to IVF procedures, you may follow and connect with them via instagram or via website . Our respect for all the mothers who have went through an IVF journey!
Such a wonderful experience being given an opportunity to have a conversation with Kah Ying the founder of A Mother's Wish who have vast amount of experience in providing support, workshops and sharing sessions for the inclusive community. She have spoke on many platforms to create awareness and acceptance for Autism and a wonderful writer of the book 'Where Does My Autistic Son Belongs' where she shares her personal story of raising her son. We are blown away with the adventure and experience which she brought us through in this episode on finding happiness and peace for her son Sebastian in Bali, Indonesia. How it makes her view things on a different perspective and how fate puts everything together at the right place and on the right time when you least expected it. Was it easy for a mother to be separated from her son in a different country and under the care of caretakers who are not your family members? Click the play button to hear her heartwarming story and show some support to A Mother's Wish.
Founder of Hennadzhomelearningtools Nadz and spouse shares their personal journey of having 2 adorable boys with different set of challanges, ASD & GDD. The miracle of a change of fate when they were hit with a news of possibility of having a down syndrome child and their personal struggles that they have kept discreet from their social circles which they unfold in this episode. Listen to their story & how they went through the tough bumpy journey together
A story known by many in Singapore in regards to the story of #justiceforali. We invited parents of Ali to share with us their experience during the dark moments and how did they bounce back stronger to overcome the episodes and trauma that Ali went through. Till today they are continuously fighting for justice and in hope to improve the life and education environment for the inclusive community. It's always important to look out for one another and reached out to those who seeks help. Together we can do so much! One of the heartfelt episode which got us so emotional. Jump in to episode 5 of season 2 for Parenting Made Special!
Who would have thought that her twins diagnosis has turned her as a shy individual to someone who stepped out of her comfort zone to share educational videos for parents to learn more about autism diagnosis. We invited Keenbie, a youtuber of mom talk autism channel to share her journey of how she handled her twins journey and how have it been till today? Is it really possible to handle twin with same diagnosis and how did she managed everything as a main caregiver? Her journey have turned her to a stronger individual and now she have set foot to a new adventure of creating learning contents via Biecreatif. For those who are keen to learn more about autism via video based do subscribe to Mom talk autism youtube channel or via Instagram: @mom_talk_autism.
Mom Tahirah Mohamed a mother of 9 and a strong advocate for autism and mental awareness individual in the community for more than 10 years. A big family gifted with a set of parents with a bigger heart. Some of her children are diagnosed with different set of challenges and diagnosis but have you wonder what kept her going and bounced back from the set back of news she received? As a veteran mum with full of experience she shared alot of personal tips for new mummies and what can we do to help our child. How does she practice self love when her hands are full in giving love and care to all her children and love ones? Share the episode if you love what you are hearing.
We always believe in having holistic and spiritual strength in embracing our life journey. Sometimes we may have self doubt in ourselves as parents on our journey and we always questioned what have been set path for us by HIM. For this episode we invited Ustazah Liyana Musfira one of the respected well known islamic women figure in the community and founder of Liyana Musfira network. She shares her perspective based on islamic knowledge and her experience on how she handled her personal challenges in her life. She believes in giving support and nurturing women from all over the world. You may connect with her via http://www.liyanamusfirah.com/ or via IG: @liyanamusfirahnetwork for islamic knowledge learnings and support.
Ibu Eni, a mother of 3 with different set of challenges ADHD, ASD and Asperger. She expanded her knowledge to support her son in homeschooling when the schools in her hometown rejected his admission. She then established her own school to support the special needs children in Depok and It's been almost more than 10 years in her fruitful and fulfilling journey in helping others. At times, one's challenges comes in a form of future pillar of strength for the rest. How have it been for her from day one? Tune in to Episode 1 of our season 2 with Ibu Eni from Indonesia.
*The following recording has been translated verbally from Bahasa Indonesia to English with the help of Ibu Eni husband.
Sakthi founder of anbudan autism joined us for the last episode of Season 1 to share with us why she set up her social media platform and the importance of spreading the awareness of Neurodiversity and Inclusiveness in the community. She is a mother of two and one of her daughter was diagnosed with ASD at a young age. Autism was something close to her heart as she learned from experience as a new mother. Most autism advocates set up platform and awareness with their own personal effort without expecting anything in return. All they hope for is a better future for the future generation and a change on everyone's perspective of special needs individuals. Show your support by clicking the next play button and share the episodes to your friends and family!
Episode 19 for Parenting Made Special Mom Edition, we invited Afiqah together with her eldest son to share their experience in embracing Daaniyah's autism journey. She shares her personal life story and her challenges in juggling between career and raising her families. Bouncing up from a stage of denial to acceptance wasn't an easy hurdle despite being an educator as a profession (whom had personal experience in handling SN children) At the end of the day, all of us are humans with a set of emotions in which we can't deny that we are vulnerable at times. Listen to the heart to heart conversations in episode 19.
The following episode is recorded and hosted in Bahasa Indonesia
Maharani founded Rumah Tiara with her group of friends in Jakarta to provide assistance to the inclusive community. She found the beauty and special bond with special individual when she started exploring the world of Autism. She shared with us on Autism Acceptance challenges in Indonesia and the stigma in some education system. Despite services were made available (with minimum support from external forces), distance was the next factor of issue in line. It's always interesting to hear stories from across the boarders and that's where we learn on Autism Journey not just locally but also internationally! Click the play button okay?
We invited Min Lee from SBCC to share with us on what goes behind the scene on Early Intervention settings. What should we look out for as parents on the most suitable therapy session and school for our children. Is it really okay to ask questions after questions to assure ourselves if this is the right school? What shall we look out for when on our child's progression after the enrolment? That's a lot to take isn't it. For new and young parents who are wondering what are the important que to consider, this episode will be in the top list for you.
We invited Aashif an uncle to two adorable nephews to share on his personal journey living and caring for them. His nephews, Aryan and Aniq are both diagnosed with Autism and has their own unique set of challenges Was there any personal challenges growing up together and how did he contributes in giving his full support to his sibling? How does he ensure that he will be one of the strong pillar for them whom/where they can lean to at anytime when they needs him? It's a rare gem to find someone with a pure heart of gold, who love unconditionally with no conditions. Love Aashif story? Keep sharing it!
Dr Aveline from psychabitat who was formerly based in US shares with us her vast experience as a clinical psychologist throughout the years in this episode. We have learned the importance of psychology assessment in bringing knowledge on why our child or an individual reacts on a certain way and what can we do to help them in their growth. There are several types of assessments made available and what are the differences it brings to us? If you are curious to find out more how psychology assessment could help you and your love ones, have your mind fixed on this episode as we were blown away with new informations which we never knew about.
We invited Samantha the founder of The Radiant Spectrum Music school to share with us in regards to her journey in setting up the radiant spectrum music school for special need students. From a home based studio and expanding to a stand alone outlet at International Plaza. What inspires her to venture into helping the inclusive community? Have you ever wonder how can a music instrument such as piano is able to benefit your child? When should you consider to introduce music lessons to your child? Tune in to Episode 14 and take the opportunity to drop by on their grand opening on 01 May 2021!
Aneesa has been working as a physiotherapist in many different settings and with her years of experience, she shares her speciality in helping many children and youth to overcome their sets of challenges in the therapy sessions. Have you ever wonder what is physiotherapy all about and how can it benefit your love ones? Tune in with Aneesa as she shares on what to look out for and when should you decide to tap on the following services. We have personally learn alot from the podcast session and we hope that this will help you too! Start clicking the play button.
Nadiah shares her journey of Zeeshan, her youngest child who is diagnosed with Autism. What it meant for her as a family to stay together in embracing the journey. She spend her years homeschooling Zeeshan when she was asked to draw him out from mainstream setting. Homeschooling is tough but she found joy in doing so as allows her to understand Zeeshan better. She shares the importance of self care and why all parents are encouraged to do so. Aside from caring for her family she also lead the KHC Samaritans and Jr Samaritans volunteers group in giving back to the community and continues to advocate to all the needy and the inclusive community. Share the love and tap on the play button.
Aisyah has an extensive knowledge and experience as a speech therapist. She have worked in many different settings with clients of different background and profiles. She set up her company named 'Kokoro Kara' which was inspired by her close friend daughter who is a child with autism. She believed in catering a personalised therapy session for each individuals and advocate in providing sincere services for all her clients. In this episode Aisyah shares with us on the benefits of speech therapy sessions and how does play helps to build and strengthen one's speech. What can a parent do to help their child in the activities of a home based and outdoor setting? Click the play button to learn more for those who are looking for answers on what is speech therapy all about, this episode may benefit you!
We invited Saad and Saleha one of the veteran couple in the autism inclusive community to share in regards to their experience in raising Aisha their special needs teen. Saad was working overseas for several years and during these period of being away from the family, Saleha was raising her children full time independently. Despite the distances, they made effort in ensuring that it will never be a blocker for their family to stay strong together in embracing this journey. As they share on how they educate Aisha's siblings in supporting their sister's journey, we have also learned on tips to accept remarks or feedbacks about our children in a light hearted way. Listen to Episode 10 to hear their story!
Ken was raised and grew up in United States and he shares his personal journey growing up as an individual with autism and how he find answers in understanding himself in regards to his diagnosis. Having challenges and differences does not stop him from being the best version of himself today. It was a rough journey where he goes through experience of bullying and labelling by the surrounding in regards to his differences. How did he pull through all odds despite the bumpy journey? Listen to episode 9 to find out more about what we can do to help educate our future generations in accepting one's differences.
Andrea's younger brother was diagnosed with Autism when he was 2. Growing up was a little different for Andrea as she learn to understand her brother and ways which she could support him better. She came forward to share her personal journey and continues to advocate for the inclusive community. She accepted and supported her younger brother whole heartedly but behind those journey what are the challenges that she faced? We felt that siblings aside from the parents plays an important part in helping to nurture the growth of their love ones. We truly admire Andrea courage in sharing her story to the world and she is the youngest advocates that we have me so far till this day. This is what we call a true sibling love. What can we learn from Andrea? Tune in to Parenting Made Special Episode 8 to find out more.
Siti the founder of Singapore Muslim Special Needs Facebook Support Group found the importance of having a support group aside from just a support system from family and close friends. She set up a social media platform support group in hope to help the muslim community of special needs parents out there with the knowledge and a shoulder to lean on. She shares her personal story when she found out about her third son being diagnosed with autism. It was a whole new learning journey for her when she thought she knew it all as a mum of two. Remember to share this podcast to special needs parents and families who may benefit from it. Enjoy episode 7!
Mom Jessie shares with us her story of raising her princess Joy as a single parent. She shares the importance of having a strong support system and what are the challenges she faced as a single mum raising a special needs child in the community. How does she managed her time in building her career and having to care for her child? Despite the challenges Jessie remained optimistic and has high hope in giving her best to her child upbringing. Listen to the story of Jessie in Parenting Made Special Episode 6 on how she overcome her struggles to keep strong in this journey for her child.
Aisyah from Playstudiosg shares with us on what inspired her to switched her career profession from an architect to a special needs educator. She have been educating special needs children for 17 years and have been continuing this beautiful journey till today. Playstudiosg educates and guides youths with autism in their social and daily life skills. She pushes her students to reach their potential from their gifted talent. She shares on tips on how can we guide our child in picking up social and life skills outside of their school curriculum. What are the challenges they faced in public during the after school service? Is acceptance important aside from just awareness? Do follow @playlearnautismyouth to find out more on their services and check out their website playstudio.webs.com. Listen to episode 5 to be inspired by Aisyah and how can we make a differences as a community.
Mom Nurul shares her story on how she embrace through the journey & the acceptance of her second born Aryan who was diagnosed with Autism at a young age. Hear the story from Nurul behind the struggles and challenges she faced with her internal-self and external pressure. A stay home mum who left her nursing career to give the maximum support for her son development. Throughout the sharing, Nurul shares beautiful quotes which is full of positivity. May this episode gives motivation to all parents out there to embrace this beautiful journey. Click the play button for episode 4 and enjoy!
Illie, the founder of ausometots shares with us on what inspires her to be an advocators for the inclusive community and her experience in educating special needs children. The joy, the fulfilling journey and what kept her going to be the voice for the community. She shares with us details on Autism spectrum disorder. What should parents lookout for and how can we help to support our child in embracing the journey. Do follow Illie via Instagram:@ausometots where she would share relatable quotes and tips weekly for the ausometots. Everyday is a learning journey for every parents. Join us in episode 3 to find out more!
Ms Sya and Ms D are mainstream educators who are trained to handle special needs students. They share their experience of behind the scene, challenges, success stories and support that parents could extend to their child who are going to mainstream school. Will mainstream be a better option for our special needs child or a special school? What support do they receive in mainstream school and how can we help them to do even better? Tune in to our episode 2 to find out more.
Ms Sya and Ms D are mainstream educators who are trained to handle special needs students. They share their experience of behind the scene, challenges, success stories and support that parents could extend to their child who are going to mainstream school. Will mainstream be a better option for our special needs child or a special school? What support do they receive in mainstream school and how can we help them to do even better? Tune in to our episode 2 to find out more.
The founders of Parenting Made Special, Hita & Ayu shares their personal experience about Autism and their hope for the launch of their season 1 this January. Their first son was diagnosed with Autism and as new parent, it was hard to cope with the new changes and the unknown. Bringing this podcast together as a team as they embrace through their new journey together as a team. Be inspired & keep advocating for the inclusive community.
The launch of Parenting Made Special Season 1. Introduction by the host on the details of the upcoming episodes. Season 1- Autism Journey.