The daily thoughts of every special needs parent likely focus to a large degree on how to best support their special needs child to connect, communicate, and learn as well as possible. Regardless of their diagnosis, we want the best for them.

This was the focus of today's guest, Jennifer Briggs, when she set about learning how to use the "Sonrise Program" and then began implementing it for her 4 1/2 year old autistic daughter.

Her actions and her daughter's outcomes were so shocking and heartwarming, intense and hope-inducing that I stayed in a state of awe for most of the episode, and even started crying at a couple of points.

This is the kind of insight we all can benefit from, and there is much to sit with as you revisit your own beliefs and philosophy regarding your child's situation and propects, as well as whether there may be some elements you want to take away from Jennifer's wise shares.

Jennifer also speaks about her recently-launched book, Watching Sarah Rise. Both book and blog show more facets of the processs applied and her family's experiences, to help you along your way.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Jennifer and Her Family

03:55 The Role of Touch in Connection

06:49 Exploring the Sunrise Program

09:50 Building a Support Network

12:48 The Impact of the Sunrise Program

15:50 Creative Expression and Imagination

18:35 The Journey of Learning and Growth

21:21 Finding Volunteers and Community Support

24:12 The Emotional Journey of Asking for Help

34:53 Healing Through Connection

35:49 Empowering Volunteers in Autism Support

39:27 Session Dynamics and Volunteer Training

41:28 Building Relationships with Volunteers

44:33 The Journey of Writing a Book

45:34 Watching Sarah Rise: The Book's Purpose

47:57 Navigating Education and Support Systems

49:43 Documenting Progress and Insights

52:32 The Emotional Journey of Parenting

59:24 Universal Emotions in Special Needs Parenting

01:02:14 Book Launch and Community Engagement

About the podcast guest:

Jennifer Celeste Briggs is a bubbly, never-give-up, and heart-centred special needs mom. She lives in Pittsburgh, PA with her husband and two daughters. Her older daughter, Sarah, has a genetic anomaly and autism. When Sarah was four, Jenny got Son-Rise training at the Autism Treatment Centre of America and began working with Sarah to help her connect socially, verbally, and through increased eye contact.

Now, Jenny shares the story of this phenomenal journey, in her blog and a new book (links below). Jenny wants to help parents feel understood and to spread the word about the Son-Rise Program. She hopes that her words bring comfort, joy, and inspiration to readers whatever their journeys may be.
https://www.watchingsarahrise.comhttps://bookshop.org/p/books/watching-sarah-rise-a-journey-of-thriving-with-autism-jennifer-celeste-briggs/21608437

https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1647428246

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/watching-sarah-rise-jennifer-celeste-briggs/1145900741Watching Sarah Rise by Jennifer Celeste Briggs

You can also find the Watching Sarah Rise Blog here: https://www.watchingsarahrise.com/category/sarah-rise-weekly-updates/

About the podcast host:

Dr. Marcia Nathai-Balkissoonis a speaker, coach, andspecial needs parent, podcaster, author, and strategy lecturer. She runs the Special Needs Parent Podcast because she aims to make special needs parents feel valued, connected, and supported.

Get her Amazon bestselling book, Lighting the Path, at⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://books2read.com/lightingthepath⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

Find Marcia (and many resources to support your special needs parenting journey) on Facebook at⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/MarciaNB8/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and on Instagram @specialneedsparentjourney

Join the Special Needs Parent Space (a free community for parents like us) at https://www.facebook.com/groups/specialneedsparentspace