Thriving Special Families

53 Episodes

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Autistic and Proud: One Woman's Story

2021-11-0529:33

Are you parenting an autistic child? Do you wonder what the future holds for them? Can they really thrive in the midst of a diagnosis? Well there is much to learn and hope to be gained from our discussion from autism self-advocate Ayanna Davis (https://linktr.ee/Phenomenallyautistic).Ayanna DavisPhenomenally Autistic Ayanna, is an autism advocate born and raised in Westchester county, New York. Along with having Autism she has survived over 220 seizures, lives with chronic illness and has 2 a...

Help and Hope for Marriages

2021-11-0332:45

Has being a parent of a child with special needs added an extra struggle to your marriage? Is there hope? Definitely! Join us in a riveting conversation with Dr. Michael Barnes (licensed Professional Counselor and Diplomate in the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress). Bring your questions and leave empowered!Michael F. Barnes, Ph.D., MAC, LAC, LPCDr. Michael Barnes is a Master Addiction Counselor, Licensed Addiction Counselor, Licensed Professional Counselor, and Diplomate in the ...

Just Quirky..... Or Autistic?

2021-10-2619:24

Are you parenting a school-age child who is a little quirky? Maybe socially awkward? Let’s consider today...could they be quirky or is it Autism? Our host, Crystal Sanford, dives into some of the hallmark challenges and strengths for those identified with Autism. Learn more about how Autism presents for children K-12 and next steps if you’re considering a diagnosis for your child. Crystal Sanford, M.Ed.. M.A. CCC-SLP Crystal is the owner and director of Sanford Autism Consulting (https:/...

Celebrating Neurodiversity in Literature

2021-10-2223:28

Lets explore how to honor neurodiversity in children's literature. Join us in a discussion with author and neurodiversity ally, Bracha Goetz.Bracha Goetz, M.A. Bracha Goetz is the Harvard-educated author of 40 books that help children’s souls shine. One of her picture books, Let's Appreciate Everyone!, teaches young children how to interact more sensitively with children with special needs. Two of her other picture books, educate about personal safety. This is a topic that is especially...

Unmasking ABA For Families (Part 2)

2021-10-1513:41

Part 2. Does your child demonstrate behavior challenges? Are you involved in ABA services? Learn along with us as expert Molly Moel, LMFT, BCBA helps to "unmask" ABA services for families.Molly Moel, LMFT, BCBAAs a dually licensed Marriage & Family Therapist and Board Certified Behavior Analyst with 20 years of experience, Molly is passionate about working with children, teens, adults, couples, and families who are affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, anxiety, and other develop...

Unmasking ABA For Families (Part 1)

2021-10-1538:32

Does your child demonstrate behavior challenges? Are you involved in ABA services? Learn along with us as expert Molly Moel, LMFT, BCBA helps to "unmask" ABA services for families.Molly Moel, LMFT, BCBAAs a dually licensed Marriage & Family Therapist and Board Certified Behavior Analyst with 20 years of experience, Molly is passionate about working with children, teens, adults, couples, and families who are affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, anxiety, and other developmental, ...

Sensory Sensitivities

2021-10-0126:48

Does your child struggle with sensory issues? Join Amanda Lee, M.A.Ed, Center Director of Brain Balance San Diego/Chula Vista, to discover when your child’s sensory sensitivities should be a concern... from overreaction to bright lights and sounds to itchy clothing to picky eating to risk-taking to lack of focus.Amanda Lee, M.A.Ed Amanda is the Center Director at Brain Balance San Diego. Her background is in Education, STEM, and Wildlife Conservation. Daily she aims to inspire and be inspired...

Compensatory Education: Where Are We Now?

2021-09-2338:46

Did your child experience significant learning loss last year during distance learning? Has your child been denied access to their free and appropriate education? If so, they may be eligible to receive compensatory education services (comp ed).Join us in our informative conversation regarding updates in the area of comp ed. Our guests will be special education attorneys: Vickie Brett, Esq. and Amanda Selogie, Esq. from the Inclusive Education Project (https://www.inclusiveeducationproject.org...

The Magic of Music

2021-09-2225:03

Music has the power to change lives, especially for those on the autism spectrum. Learn how "the magic of music" may be able to change your child's life!John Vento Since the 1980s, John has enjoyed success in business as owner of CIS Office Installers. His love of music led him to a second career as front man for Neid’s Hotel Band, which in 2016 was voted Pittsburgh’s best bar band. Through his performances, he has helped raise more than a quarter of a million dollars for area cha...

Is a Non Public School Right for Your Child

2021-09-1627:49

Is your child with an IEP struggling in public school? Do you wish there was another alternative for their education? Maybe there is...Learn more about non-public school options for children with unique needs. Our special guest will be Lauren Donatelli, licensed Educational Psychologist.Lauren DonatelliLauren is a licensed educational psychologist, providing services of assessment, intervention, and consultation in a private practice setting. She completed her Bachelors of Science in Psycholo...

How To Dissolve Your Worries And Stress

2021-09-1626:39

Has stress and anxiety got you down? What will happen to my child this school year...will the IEP team ever listen to my concerns??? These are the thoughts of many parents/caregivers just like you. Learn how to dissolve your worries and stress with our guest Katie Nall, Ph.D. Katie Nall, Ph.DDr Nall is a Florida mathematician, a TEDx speaker, a professional member of National Speakers Association, and an Accredited Master Trainer and Practitioner in Emotional Freedom Technique, also know...

Superhero Siblings

2021-09-0828:21

Your family is diverse. Maybe you have a child with unique needs as well as "neurotypical" kiddos. How do you maintain balance in your parenting?Learn tips from a superhero sibling! Karishma Bali is a consultant, author, and successful entrepreneur (https://pulseathleticapparel.com). But, most importantly she shares her insight as a typical sibling of a sister with unique needs.Karishma BaliKarishma was born and raised in Chicago, IL USA. Karishma has lived inEurope and Asia for her studies, ...

Becoming Yours Child's Best Advocate (Part 3): Mental Health Needs

2021-09-0133:57

You are your child's best advocate parents/caregivers. Learn more about how to support them in their mental health care at school.Dena TibsheranyDena is the host of the Empower 2 Heal Podcast and founder of One World Empowered (Empower2heal.com) . She is a Licensed Masters Level Social Worker with 10 years of experience in the mental health field, working specifically with children with complex mental health diagnoses. Dena not only provided direct care to children and their families but also...

Mental Health Matters: Secondary Trauma

2021-08-3135:33

When our kiddos hurt, we hurt. Learn more about the secondary trauma experienced by some parents/caregivers of children with unique needs.Michael F. Barnes, Ph.D., MAC, LAC, LPCDr. Michael Barnes is a Master Addiction Counselor, Licensed Addiction Counselor, Licensed Professional Counselor, and Diplomate in the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress. He serves as the Chief Clinical Officer at the Foundry Treatment Center in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Dr. Barnes has developed ...

What Autism Means To Me

2021-08-1817:12

Did you know that 1% of the world is identified with autism? Did you know that 1 in 54 children in the U.S. will be identified with autism by age 8? Let’s share and learn about autism with our host Crystal Sanford, autism mom, Speech Pathologist, and Special Education Advocate. Crystal Sanford, M.Ed.. M.A. CCC-SLP Crystal is the owner and director of Sanford Autism Consulting (https://www.sdautismhelp.com), a consulting practice offering IEP advocacy and parent empowerment classes for fellow...

YOU Matter: Care For Caregivers (Part 4)

2021-08-1230:37

Caregivers need care, too. Learn how to refocus and refuel with our special guest, Sabrina Thomas. Sabrina Thomas Sabrina is an empowerment coach, author, special needs mom, and advocate who loves her work with families. She has become a strong voice in her field and will provide many helpful tips for prioritizing yourself along your parenting journey. Hoping to broaden the scope of her work and in line with her vision--she has started an empowerment community called “Girl Don't Count Yoursel...

Autism and TSC

2021-08-1025:53

Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC) is a rare genetic disease that causes tumors to form across the entire body. As the leading genetic cause of autism and epilepsy, TSC impacts 1 million people nationwide. But, in addition to the lasting health problems the complex creates, what's most troubling is the lack of understanding of the disease ... and its relation to autism.Join us to learn more from the TSC Alliance CEO, Kari Rosbeck and the Alliance's Chief Scientific Officer, Dr. Steve Roberds. h...

Middle School Student Success

2021-08-0336:48

Is your child with unique needs entering middle school this year? Are you concerned about their ability to navigate this transition? Get the help you need with our expert, ADHD Specialist and Coach, Dr. Cindi Britton.Dr. Cindi BrittonPersonal Coaching is her second career. Her first career, of over 38 years, was in K-8 public education serving as a School Principal and Teacher. Throughout her career she served as a “coach” to parents, teachers and students. She has met the challenge of ...

Discover Your Unlikely Guru

2021-07-2730:14

Do you know how to tap into your gut instinct? Do you know how this can positively impact your parenting? Do you believe that beneath all the layers of armor we’ve built up from all that life throws at us, there is an UNLIKELY GURU patiently waiting. Well join us to learn more from our special guest Jaime Mazza.Jaime MazzaJaime is an Early Intervention Speech-Language Pathologist, Instructor of Neuroscience and Communication, boy mom, and mindful parenting blogger. Jaime is also an expert at ...

Summer IEP Prep

2021-07-2314:24

Do you hate going to your child's IEP meeting? Do you wish there was something you could do now, to set yourself up for IEP success? Check out this week's episode with our host Crystal Sanford for helpful IEP tips.Crystal Sanford, M.Ed.. M.A. CCC-SLP Crystal is the owner and director of Sanford Autism Consulting (https://www.sdautismhelp.com), a consulting practice offering IEP advocacy and parent empowerment classes for fellow special needs families throughout the U.S. Crystal specializes i...

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