Embracing Holland

Christmas is over, and so is Hanukkah. And we may have missed the official date for Festivus, December 23rd, but is there ever really a bad time to air grievances? Of course not. And we have plenty of them. Join us as we share all the things that grind our gears in the special needs world. This is not an episode of solutions, but rather a space to recognize all the things that drive us batty and a place for you to know that we see you from our side of the trench. Happy Festivus!    Origins of Festivus  

12/27/25 • 76:50

Join us as we explore all of the things giving us life and the things that could make great gifts for the people in your orbit, or yourself! Emphasis on yourself. We cover everything from tools and audiobooks to amazing water bottles, skincare for aging and acne-prone skin, items for dads, items only an autism parent would understand, and some of the people on the internet who do content we love! Meg's Sanity Helpers: Roku Remotes Roku Remotes Portion Cups 4oz. Portion Cups Multicharging Cables Multi-Charge Cables Spot Carpet Cleaner Bissell Pet Pro Cleaner Snag Tool Snag Nab It Tool Clothesline Retractable Clothesline Tiles Tile Tracker   Angie's Auditory Love: Ragey Spotify Playlist IEP Meeting Rage Playlist Life Changing Audiobook The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse   Meg's Mom's Faves: Owala Owala Free Sip Oil Spritzer Spritz or Pour Oil Dispenser Laundry Baskets Laundry Hamper Slippers Slippers Clover Hooks Clover Crochet Hooks   Angie Discovered Skincare: Acne Serum DRMTLGY 24 Hour Acne Serum Matte Tinted Moisturizer DRMTLGY Matte Universal Tinted Moisturizer SPF 46   Peptide Botanical Cleanser DRMTLGY Essential Cleanser gOAT Cleanser DRMTLGY g(OAT) Cleanser Undereye Concealer DRMTLGY Luminous Eye Corrector SPF 41  Gold Undereye Patches Grace & Stella Energizing Eye Masks Pumpkin Mask DRMTLGY Pumpkin Enzyme Mask Night Cream DRMTLGY Peptide Night Cream Not Skincare but Stuff Angie Likes Hippy Deodorant  Little Seed Farm Rosemary Patchouli Deodorant Cream SipHerbals Coffee Replacement Sip Herbals Faux Joe On Cloud 5 Shoes On Cloud Shoes   Dad's Faves: Work Lights LED Work Light Sketchers Sketchers Slip-Ins   Mark's Hygiene Things: Boxer Briefs for over pullups BAMBOO COOL Boys' Boxer Briefs  Sensory Jumpsuit Adaptive Clothing for Kids Special Needs Autism Sensory Jumpsuit Anti-Strip Romper with Back Zipper Lume Products Lume Full Body Deodorant  Anti-Dandruff Shampoo that doesn't sting your eyes! Shea Moisture Anti-Dandruff Shampoo Apple Cider Vinegar & Salicylic Acid For Removing Buildup System for a Healthier Scalp    Meg's Kids' Faves: Clip Goggles Swim Goggles Wireless Headphones Wireless Headphones Detective Costume Detective Costume Metal Detector Metal Detector Tile Covers Tile Tracker Covers Tile Slim Slim Tile Tracker   Angie's Sanity Savers: Farmhouse Metal Filing Cabinet Farmhouse Metal Filing Cabinet with a Drawer and 4 Adjustable Shelves with Large Barn Door  Blood of my Blood Outlander Prequel STARZ Outlander Blood of my Blood  Marco Polo Marco Polo Video Messaging App    Meg's TikTok and Reels: Shawna the Mom Shawna the Mom Purely Chickens Purely Chickens Jen Hamilton Jen Hamilton Simply Chickens Simply Chickens Cheese and Quackers Homestead Cheese and Quackers Homestead Dunkin Ducks Dunkin Ducks Happy Acres Homestead Happy Acres Homestead Rancher Nicki Rancher Nicki Lala Sewz Lala Sewz One Sweet Day Memory Quilts One Sweet Day Memory Quilts Sugar Spun Run Sugar Spun Run Sugar Spun Run PB Frosting Hot Mess Express - Women-Owned Nonprofit - Jen Hamilton referenced Hot Mess Express 

12/8/25 • 77:17

After a three year hiatus, Angie and Meg are back, and this time, Angie is in the hot seat. After completing her doctorate, Angie is here to share with us how and why she did it, and what it all means. You'll find out about her research which was dedicated to learning about caregivers who started businesses with and for their children with intellectual and developmental disabilities to provide a pathway to meaningful employment. Truly, her work was an extension of idea behind this podcast. Tune in and find out what she learned about caregivers and herself! If you'd like to learn about the caregivers she interviewed and the insights gained, here's a copy of her published dissertation. For some orientation to the document, Chapter 1 is the "Why", Chapter 2 is the "What", Chapter 3 is the "How", Chapter 4 is what I found, and Chapter 5 answers the final question, which is what does it all mean?  

12/1/25 • 71:45

We are still here, and we have both missed you all.  

3/8/24 • 53:00

Christina Adams, journalist, writer, disability advocate, and camel milk investigator, shares with us her powerful early intervention story of her son with autism and how she was able to help him through diet and camels. She outlines what she calls her "crazy camel journey" and how her research and travels to Isreal took her to a place of healing. She shares her website with us as a resource that details how camel's milk can help several conditions, from allergies and gut issues to neurodevelopmental issues. Join us as we learn about the amazing qualities of camels and how their milk can be a part of your healing journey! 

1/11/23 • 69:46

Join us as we talk to Hannah Lowe, founder of the L-CMD Foundation and mother to Austin, who has LMNA-related congenital muscular dystrophy. Like many rare disease families we've talked to, her son's condition was caused by a random genetic mutation. There is no treatment or cure, and given how rare it is, they are unsure about his prognosis or life expectancy, making the mission even more urgent. The L-CMD Foundation she started inspires hope for a stronger tomorrow by seeking treatments and, ultimately, a cure. We talk about balancing grief with action, and Hannah exemplifies this in her graceful and determined approach to saving her son. 

9/11/22 • 60:30

If you've ever worried about what adulthood might look like after high school or you've ever been inspired to create a meaningful space for your child to spend adulthood, tune in to our interview with critically acclaimed author, Cammie McGovern.    Cammie McGovern was awarded a creative writing fellowship at Stanford University, and has received numerous prizes for her short fiction. Her stories have appeared in many magazines including Glamour, Ladies Home Journal, Redbook and Seventeen , and she is the author of another novel, The Art of Seeing. She lives in Amherst, Massachusetts with her husband and three children, the eldest of whom is autistic. She is one of the founders of Whole Children, a resource center that runs after-school classes and programs for children with special needs.

7/24/22 • 72:36

This week we chat with Leylani Cardoso, warrior parent, and mother of Sophia, her daughter with Down Syndrome. Leylani and her family helped Sophia bring her passion for food and entertaining to life by creating the YouTube Channel Cheeky Sassy Me

5/16/22 • 73:44

For this episode, we share with you another Maryland parent and fellow autism mom, Lia McCabe, who started AutismWish.org which seeks to fulfill the wish lists of families across the country without all of the red tape of government programs. She and her husband also host a podcast called Embracing Autism, which is child focus and helps parents to understand and embrace their neurodiverse children. Give it a listen, follow, and subscribe to support their mission of helping families in the face of fear and the unknown.    We talk about: Neurodivergent parenting Empathizing with sensory needs The formation of Autism Wish and the Embracing Autism Podcast Accepting behaviors that are harmless How IQ testing is not designed for children who are non-verbal Maintaining a positive perspective Growing to understand that a diagnosis doesn't mean future dreams are gone Lia's website Autism Wish   Autism Wish Facebook Page   Lia's Recommended Books   More Than Words: A Parents Guide to Building Interaction and Language Skills for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder or Social Communication Difficulties by Fern Sussman   The Reason I Jump by Naoki Higashida   Other books mentioned Autism Breakthrough by Raun K. Kaufman An Early Start for Your Child with Autism: Using Everyday Activities to Help Kids Connect, Communicate and Learn by Sally Rogers

3/8/22 • 56:12

This episode is all about taking care of the caregiver. Rory Lawrence, mother of a child with complex medical needs and staff member with David's Refuge, talks with us about the organization she works for that pours into parents turned caregivers, and how she and her husband have found meaningful respite. We also talk about practical ways to weave in self-care that don't require a sitter but can actually make a difference.    Links   Sensory Pathway Booklet   The Intentional Family:  Simple Rituals to Strengthen Family Ties   Mae Bae Fan Club - Unique Apparel for Special Kids and Those Who Care for Them   David's Refuge   Rory's Email - rorylawrence@davidsrefuge.org    David's Refuge Private Facebook Page

2/9/22 • 66:08

Despite ending the year on a turbulent note for our families, we are ending season two of the podcast with our awesome finds that brought us joy this year! We share with you gift ideas, sanity savers and problem solvers that we hope will bring a little joy and make your life a tad easier.  Best wishes for a healthy, uneventful holiday season free from meltdowns and a bright new year sans trips to the ER and calls from your child's school!  XO XO Angie & Meg   NillyNoggin Caps - To Improve the EEG Experience Compression Sheet Buzzy Personal Vibrating Ice Pack for painless injections   Therapy Sensory Silk Swing   Hand Tally Counter - Best Fidget Ever!    Movement Sensory Sox    Aromatherapy Essential Oil Diffuser Necklace   Hex Lights    Curtain String Lights   Floor Lamp   Plant Therapy Kid Safe Oils - Tummy All Better   Migraine Stick   Sonic Bomb Alarm Clock and Bed Shaker   The Libby App - listen to books for free!   Books Angie loved this year Beach Read by Emily Henry   People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry   Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes     The Midnight Library by Matt Haig   The Body: A Guide for Occupants by Bill Bryson   Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid    Books Angie didn't love, but a lot of other people did, so you might! The Grace Year by Kim Liggett     Untamed by Glennon Doyle 90 degree Lightning Cable 90 degree USB Type C Cable 90 degree Micro USB Cable   And if you can only read one book, read this one - Underestimated - An Autism Miracle by J.B Handley and Jamison Handley   In case you're interested, here's more info on Spelling to Communicate Chore Slap Bracelets Family Devotional - Angie's weekly ritual and current version of Sunday worship Foundations - 12 Biblical Truths to Shape a Family Zenni Optical Affordable Glasses Hatch Baby Rest Sound Machine - Not the Nest - that's an entirely different device we also love Microwave Omelet Maker  Microwave Egg Poacher  Microwave Cookware Set Olive and June - The Winter Collection    YUMILashes Keratin Lash Lift   TUSHY Classic Bidet Sleep Training Clock  Gel Nail Polish Set  Bidet

12/15/21 • 55:46

Have you ever seen the meme about a special needs parent who fell in a hole? Well, that's where Meg and I find ourselves. When we started this podcast journey our mission was to highlight families with disabilities doing innovative things but to also share the reality of the ups and downs of raising children with disabilities, so this episode is a life update and a peek into where we are in the metaphorical Holland. We hope this brings someone some comfort who may also be in a hole.

11/12/21 • 34:56

We continued our chat about smearing with our guest, Jennifer Sheppard, who created an adaptive clothing line out of a dire need for an alternative to wet suits for her own son who struggles with the behavior. We also shared a bit more of our chat with Genevieve, and our own lessons learned from dealing with poo.    We talk about:   How we've become desensitized What we've found to be helpful in the aftermath Ways to clean up the mess Specific products and strategies that have been helpful Finding adaptive clothing solutions for when you can't watch your child 24/7 Jennifer's Adaptive Clothing Line - The Wild End of the Spectrum Life on the Wilder End of the Spectrum    FB page - The Wilder End of the Spectrum  Products We Reference (not sponsored or affiliate links, just products we've purchased and found helpful)   Ruggable - Washable Rugs   Clorox Healthcare Hydrogen Peroxide Cleaners   Bissell Pro Heat Pet Carpet Cleaner   Book   What to Do about Smearing  

9/22/21 • 39:41

Fecal smearing and ingesting are taboo topics that often elicit a considerable amount of shame for families. We felt like it was time to give this topic some attention to those who are struggling in the dark and aren't comfortable reaching out for suggestions in the online support groups. In response to very little information openly available to families struggling with smearing and consuming feces (scatolia and coprophagia), Genevieve Engleman, The Remote OT, shares with us the background behind the behavior, information to reduce the stigma, and ways we can try to prevent and address this issue.   We talk about: Why mammals may consume their own feces History and incidence of these behaviors Reducing the stigma and shame associated What the behavior may be communicating How to address any potential medical problems that could lead to these behaviors What do do if and when it happens Ways to use OT, and sensory play to meet the needs currently served by poop play Genevieve's Website The Remote OT

8/11/21 • 68:10

This week we chat with Joya Van Der Laan, a functional medicine family nurse practitioner whose curiosity and her own daughter's autism diagnosis lead her down the biomedical path. We learn how she has used her personal and professional experience to create videos to teach parents how to create their own autism game plan, focused on helping parents address common symptoms and challenges associated with an autism diagnosis. Her videos cover everything from sleep, meltdowns, constipation and seizures to PANS and PANDAS. Tune in to learn about Joya and how her website could help your family! We talk about: How overwhelming it was to face an autism diagnosis even as a medical professional Feeling the pressure to "fix" her child Using functional medicine to find the root cause of symptoms Deciphering between "voodoo" and science Creating a resource to quell the overwhelm and ease the burden on parents  Testing to determine deficiencies and starting with basics like diet The importance of sleep for everyone! Healing is an artform not an end game Watching other children improve while her daughter struggled which led to learning How the desperation to help our kids can sometimes cloud our judgement with interventions Being methodical with trying new things to determine what's working and what's not How functional medicine can help parents too! Joya's Website Your Autism Game Plan Books How to End the Autism Epidemic The Explosive Child The Autism Revolution Healing the New Childhood Epidemics - Autism, ADHD, Asthma and Allergies Nutrient Power Doctors to follow Dr. Mark Hyman Dr. Jeffrey Bland

7/6/21 • 49:24

For this episode we speak with Megan Martin, personal trainer, health coach and purveyor of holistic wellness who used lessons learned from her own health journey to help her son with autism. She shares with us what the biomedical approach means and how she used it to address her son's symptoms, including how she did an at home fecal transplant.  We talk about: Personal illness and disease that led to path of holistic healing Exploring functional medicine Lifestyle factors and diet being the foundation for disease prevention and treatment Supporting the entire body to help with brain function Addressing GI dysfunction as not just another symptom of autism Using diet to address autism symptoms, including eczema  Naturopathic doctors and what they do All about fecal microbiota transplants (currently only FDA approved for C-Diff but many clinical trials in patients with autism) Using the AMD Ion Cleanse foot bath for detox and she get her son to sit still Other alternative treatments to try Links Autism Research Institute - Gi webinar  Arizona State University Uses Bacteria to Improve Autism Symptoms  Stanford University - Microbiome studies AMD - Ion Cleanse The Autism Community in Action Recovering Kids Facebook Group Detoxing Kids - A Parent Guide to Safe Metal Detox Autism Effective Biomedical Treatments: Have We Done Everything We Can? ATEC - Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist Personalized Vitamins and Minerals

6/19/21 • 68:39

Does the thought of traveling with your children and family members with disabilities and complex medical needs intimidate you and make you shy away from leaving the house? This is the episode for you! Join our friend of the show and fellow complex medical needs mom Kristy Kargel, as we chat about how to navigate airports, long trips, and making it from point A to point B without excessive stress.  We talk about: Finding accessible changing facilities Bringing medically necessary items as carry-on items Calling the airline two weeks prior to discuss specific travel needs Renting a modified van Writing into a waiver plan to justify funds to be utilized to cover travel needs Shipping supplies ahead of time from a durable medical equipment provider Pre-ordering groceries and having them delivered to your destination Renting a shower care Packing day by day for items necessary for each day Providing packets and information for fellow passengers Boarding the plane FAA approved seat harness available to keep passengers upright Noise-canceling headphones (for kids & adults) Video and photo social stories Bathroom locator apps for accessible restrooms The courage to give it a go Bed tents Free passes to national and state parks Beach wheelchairs Drive through zoos and safaris Accessible parking passes Easing into traveling and prepping the whole family Lowering expectations Links TSA Cares   Mamava   Accessible Travel in Florida    FAA Approved Harness Autism on the Seas (For autism, Down syndrome and other disabilities)  Best Bathroom Locator Apps Best Autism Bed Tents Wheelchair Friendly Lodging in National Parks    FREE Lifetime Pass for National Parks  Facebook page for travel tips    Great travel tips for wheelchair users

5/31/21 • 35:07

Andrea Faris Roberts, renaissance woman, innkeeper, two-time non-profit starter, and mother of two children, including a son with Down syndrome. She graciously invited us to her flagship inn called the Terrace Guest House to tell us the story of its inception and discuss the importance of getting away. Join us as we discover how she created a beautiful way for parents and caregivers to experience true rest, what it took to create multiple sanctuaries for parents to recharge and how important it is to put ourselves on our own to-do list. #getinthecar We talk about: The deep need for sleep Creating an organization from personal pain Reece's Rainbow - international adoptions for children with Down syndrome and other disabilities The significant impact of caregiving and the unmet need for rest Creating a network of partner Inns (B&Bs) to serve families (40+) Curating the nation's first year-round respite inn The unique thing about this sanctuary experience that meets unrealized needs Recuperative rest, not a vacation Putting yourself on your own to-do list Wishing that our kids didn't have to struggle The trauma and challenges of raising a child with a disability Not "Embracing Holland"  Her annual "Mommy & Me" trip for parents to get away with their child without a disability, or their own mom, or other special needs mom friend, or by yourself Andrea's advice for new parents Links Links A Mother's Rest Angie's Blog Post About Staying at the Inn  Brick Fundraiser  Give Monthly to Help Keep A Mother's Rest Open Social Media FB - A Mother's Rest - public page 

5/22/21 • 54:14

Shelley Kramm went from designer to special needs mom, to advocate then to non profit organization founder, then blogger, and she shares with us how she made her way through each of those roles as she focused on inclusive play and empowering women.  We talk about: Finding out her daughter has cerebral palsy Her transformation from mom to special needs mom Discovering the need for inclusive play spaces Putting her landscape design and architecture degree to use Deciding to start a non profit so all kids could have a place to play Making the connections to make her dream a reality Raising a million dollars for her park The birth of Hadley's Park How over 50 parks were built in the mid atlantic area to serve everyone What exactly an inclusive park is and how it caters to all, no matter the disability Pivoting from one organization to another project, The DC Ladies Deriving joy from empowering women The shock of becoming a single parent Creating an online community for special needs moms Links Shane's Inspiration - Inclusive Play Becoming Shelley Washington Post Article - A Playground for Hadley I am Able - How Sarah Kramm advocated for her sister Social Media IG - @SEKramm FB - Becoming Shelley Hadley's Park - Facebook Page Special Needs Moms of Montgomery County - Facebook Page Special Needs Moms of Montgomery County - Private Facebook Page

4/28/21 • 51:21

Jackie Buzek, rare disease mom, doctorate level BCBA, and executive director of the Rise School Of Denver wrote a piece for the Mighty about her follow up on Welcome to Holland, where she shares what life has been like for her in this new, foreign land, so we knew that we just had to have her on the podcast! Join us as we find out how reframing our perspective can help us enjoy Holland!  We talk about: Getting a rare diagnosis shortly after the birth of her first child What it's like embark on the journey to Holland after spending a career serving others already there Cri du Chat, "cats cry syndrome" Finding your people, even if it's on social media through a hashtag Being taught how strong you can be The transition from grief to loving Holland Surviving the turbulent entry into motherhood Writing as a therapeutic outlet to process big feelings Living in the moment Reframing difficult situations as opportunities to learn Links Website - A Different Us Our Follow Up on Welcome to Holland - MIGHTY article Social Media IG - @jackiebuzek

4/12/21 • 46:03

Bekah Bowman, mother, and author with a heart for ministry shares with us what it looks like to do the hard work of stepping into the church community to show them how to love kids with disabilities and to see the incredible gifts God has given them. Bekah continually points to joy in the middle of suffering and discusses how they are often roommates.  We talk about: How her world was rocked upon the discovery of her children's rare disease Raising two children with Batten disease, a rare degenerative disorder Treatment for her son Ely while grieving the loss of Titus The freedom in finding others that understand Church life and disability life being at odds with one another How people with disabilities belong in church and the body is not complete without them Watching her boys teach people things about God that they would have never learned Having a painful experience at church and seeking a new church home Asking a new church for what she needed How healing it is to attend church when the entire family is loved and cared for The weakest parts of the church are the most valuable Joni and Friends Ministry Her book, "Can't Steal My Joy: A Journey to a Different Kind of Brave" Links Website - Bekah Bowman Joni and Friends  Bekah's Book Room For More Ministry - Coming soon! Social Media FB - @Team4TitusEly IG - @bekahsbowman, @roomformoreministry Related Episodes Take Me to Church Groomed for This with Eva Queen

3/29/21 • 43:28

This week we chat with Kalani Brown, mother of a son with Down syndrome and chair of the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council, among many other roles. She shares with us the importance of inclusion and raising expectations for people with developmental disabilities. We talk about: Receiving a down syndrome diagnosis and discovering support Navigating public school to find the balance of support and inclusion Shifting the idea that children are "suffering" from Down syndrome Launching into advocacy by serving in the community How Montessori concepts are designed for children with learning differences Changing the narrative about people with developmental disabilities Setting high expectations and following the child's lead Links Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council State Developmental Disabilities Council Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network National Down Syndrome Society National Down Syndrome Congress Local and National Down Syndrome Support Networks Down Syndrome publications Sting Sings Uplifting, Original Tune for World Down Syndrome Day Books Gifts:  Mothers Reflect on How Children with Down Syndrome Enrich Their Lives – Kathryn Lynard Gifts 2:  How People with Down Syndrome Enrich the World- - Kathryn Lynard Whole Child Reading:  A quick-Start Guide to Teaching Students with Down Syndrome and Other Developmental Delays -  Nathalie Hale Supporting Positive Behavior in Children and Teens with Down Syndrome: The Respond but Don't React Method – David Stein

3/21/21 • 26:44

This week we chat with Dee Sapp, Executive Director of Accessibility Bridge Corporation, mother of three including an olympic swimmer with an intellectual disability. Dee shares with us how her passion for community inclusion lead to great things for her son and to the birth of an organization that serves to encourage people with all disabilities to integrate into the larger society and connect them with resources.  We talk about: Raising a son who is a competitive athlete with an intellectual disability Getting a proper, accurate diagnosis before the age of 18 to get appropriate services How support decreased after elementary school Pushing for inclusion in order to have success Getting the IEP team to think outside the box Exploring college options for students with intellectual disabilities Discovering the Think College resource Building the college wish list: social inclusion, academic inclusion, competitive sports Finding recognized and accredited programs Switching from public school to home school to prepare for college Creating a movement to rethink what people with disabilities can do Company programs targeted for people with disabilities  Redefining the end goal, and thinking beyond graduating from high school Links Accessibility Bridge Corporation Think College Think College Documentary

3/14/21 • 46:57

During this episode, we chat with April Green, author, special educator, minister, and collaborator about raising three children on the autism spectrum and what has risen out of her family's challenges. She shares the importance of storytelling and how we can tell our own stories. We talk about: Parenting multiple children with autism that vary in presentation Reckoning with the perception of autism  Looking at the total child when making decisions Encountering obstacles with the IEP team as a special educator   Battling the school system to advocate for a diagnosis Acknowledging and accepting the call to ministry Experiencing church as a family with multiple disabilities and needs Being bold to share stories Letting it out and letting it flow Path to her book collaborations and how she's helped others tell their stories Links Books It's Going to Be Aulright Autism Relationships Matter Social Media April Green Facebook Page April Green Instagram Podcast Keeping it Moving with April and Vondell Related Episodes Ausome Author and Advocate with Catherine Hughes Take Me to Church

3/1/21 • 56:14

In celebration of International SCN2A Awareness Day on February 24th, we explore how SCN2A, a rare genetic disease, impacts each child. You'll hear from four moms with four very different children. They will show us what life has looked like for them since their diagnosis and what they are doing as a result of knowing the genetic cause for their children's medical conditions.  A BIG thank you to the four parents who shared their voices and stories for this episode. Katie Loosley  Nikki Beasley Jenna Puteri Kris Ray Other episodes from SCN2A parents Seizing Joy and Grace with Tracy Umezu Growing a Family Gratefully with Rachael Lividini A Dad's Eye View  The Art of Supporting the Special Needs Mom Links FamilieSCN2A Foundation FamilieSCN2A Global Support Group SCN2A Related Autism & Epilepsy: The FamilieSCN2a Foundation SCN2A Australia SCN2A Insights Podcast SCN2A Families UK - FB page SCN2A Europe Simon Searchlight - SCN2A (Research) SPARK for Autism - SCN2A A Walk with Jo Facebook Page Eye Gaze - Think Smart Box Look to Learn - Activities for Eye Gaze Children's Hospital of Philadelphia - Dr. Ingo Helbig Children's Mercy - Dr. Coffman

2/24/21 • 53:35

In this episode, we explore what it's like to raise a child with Aspergers to be as independent as possible, and how to advocate for and alongside them. Carol is an internal medicine physician who has a specialty practice in non surgical cosmetic procedures. She's also the host of the Autism Mom MD Podcast, and an amazing advocate for her children and others!  We talk about: Raising a son with Aspergers Finding the right kind of support for your child Learning how to motivate and encourage with the goal of independence Navigating driving, medical appointments, college and employment Raising expectations and setting the bar high Deconstructing and teaching independence skills Encouraging self-advocacy Partners in Policymaking  Starting a podcast Creating community Being an innovator, she is the creator of TheraPearls! Creating space for yourself and your marriage Related episodes Others who have completed Maryland's Partners in Policymaking program Families That Advocate Together Stay Together with Laura Hatcher An Alternative Approach with Diana Wingate-Gaiser The World According to Jake's Mom with Jenn Lynn Groomed for This with Eva Queen Take Me to Church (Stephanie Watkins) Guests who have completed PA's Partners program Ausome Advocate and Author Catherine Hughes Changing Spaces and Creating Hope with Christina Abernethy Links Autism Mom MD Podcast Maryland Partners in Policy Making Program Life 360 - Family Locator and GPS Tracker Maryland internist finds inspiration in her grocer's freezer Ark Therapeutic Lip Blok Mouthpiece Kids Slurp Straw 9 Pack Stackable Stainless Steel Kids Cups for Toddlers

2/14/21 • 46:11

In this episode, we chat with Lauren Shillinger, a fierce advocate for her children and the passage of Brynleigh's Act for Seizure Safe Schools.  We talk about: Finding a cause of her daughter's epilepsy Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC) Traveling to Texas for brain surgery Learning to navigate the system Turning grief and energy toward rare disease advocacy The TS Alliance and her work with the Maryland chapter Brynleigh's Act for Seizure Safe Schools Ways to introduce legislation Giving back and finding hope The joy found in paying it forward Related episodes Families That Advocate Together Stay Together with Laura Hatcher Changing Spaces and Creating Hope with Christina Abernethy Links Maryland General Assembly - HB370 Maryland General Assembly - SB225  Find your Maryland Representatives Kindness is Golden book Amanda Gorman, Youth Poet Laureate, has speech and auditory processing issues Low Intensity Support Services - LISS

1/31/21 • 48:21

In this episode, we chat with Aimee Darby, founder of the Eliza Hope Foundation.  We talk about: Recognizing and savoring the important moments  The devastation that is losing a child The remarkable way that Aimee has turned her grief into action A foundation built to nurture families running to multiple therapies  Her come one, come all concept that serves all levels of functioning Equipping families while they are dealing with a new diagnosis Passing it on when its incredibly difficult to do so Eliza's purposes and the lessons taught in her four and a half years here The ability to celebrate other's successes  The critical importance of saying their name, and allowing their memory to live on Related episodes Seizing Joy and Grace with Tracy Umezu Links The Eliza Hope Foundation The Pinecone Collection Custom jewelry with all proceeds benefiting The Eliza Hope Foundation:    Holland  A blog post that Aimee wrote a month before Eliza passed Eliza Hope Aimee's first blog post after Eliza's passing

1/14/21 • 52:02

In this episode, we chat with teacher, Maura Moore, cheerleader of her students, encourager of those in her life, and developer of the Meep! Maura shares with us her vision to help those who are struggling and ways we can help too! We talk about: Using creativity and crafting to support others The creation of emotional support orbs Helping others who are dealing with heavy things Creating and fueling a movement A creative way to connect during the pandemic Links All You Meep is Love All You Meep Is Love Facebook Page Meg's Favorite Cheap Crochet Hooks

1/4/21 • 35:45

For the last episode of our first season, we bring you a list of our most favorite things that would make wonderful gifts. From adaptive seating to innovative ways to swallow pills, to DIY options for swing, weighted blankets, to a tradition that will help your children focus on acts of service and more! We share product info and our experiences in hopes that these items will bring joy to your friends and family! Quip Toothbrush Sensory Theraplay Box Skootle Box The Giving Manger Kore Kids Wobble Chair Little Sleeper Keeper LED  Diffuser Weighted Stuffed Animal - Happy the Hedgehog Inflatable Pea Pod Kids Book Rack Olive and June Poppy Nail Polish Holder The Calm App Book - Unbroken Faith: Spiritual Recovery for the Special Needs Parent DIY Platform Swing DIY Weighted Blanket 4 oz. Portion Cups No-Tie Silicone Laces No-Tie Elastic Laces Echo Dot 3rd Gen Alexa Museum Putty Shower Dispenser Wyze Camera Gel Nail Polish UV Nail Lamp Medi Spout Pill Swallowing Bottle Cap Pill Swallowing Cup Melissa & Doug Reusable Stickers Water Wow Scented Water Activity Books Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker Visual Timer Wool Roving Beauty Coil Cotton Bluetooth Headphones Echo Show 5 Alexa Food Dispenser Sliding Door Lock Ezy Dose Medicine System Pill Organizer Kids Foam Armchair

12/18/20 • 52:43