Embracing Holland

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 Asp...

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 Ma...

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 fami...

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 fuel...

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 fri...

This episode was created in response to a listener's email wanting to hear about how families make the decision to have another baby following their diagnosis. Rachael Lividini shares her experience of having a baby after having her first child diagnosed with autism and rare genetic disease. This episode is filled with such joy and gratitude, and must-listen for those families considering expandin...

This episode is all about attending church with family members with disabilities and our tour guides for this one are Stephanie Watkins and Kris Detrow. We talk about: Finding a church with all of the family member's needs in mind Handling behaviors at church as a family Different church models of accommodating children with disabilities Communicating your family's needs What makes a church Handli...

This week's episode is packed full of wisdom, resources, thoughts, ideas and best of all the treasure that is Ms. Eva Queen. She shares with us the humanity of embracing people who are different. We talk about: Eva's advocacy work in the disability community that spans decades Her mission to bring inclusion to churches Dedication to preserving marriages The importance of early intervention and rac...

In this episode, we talk about distance learning, homeschooling, unschooling, and all of our feelings and opinions about what the fall may look like. Some highlights IEP considerations for homeschooling Maryland's eligibility requirements for the Autism Waiver Maryland Autism Waiver Info Becoming better school partners as a result of our front-row seat to learning Homeschool resources mentioned AF...

What we talk about… Jenn and her son Jake's work with their local police department on autism understanding and awareness Jenn's pivot from a media career to one of community advocacy for people with disabilities  Seeing behavior as communication - "Don't shape by shaming" Mental health advocacy Adoption Being mentored by Temple Grandin's Mom!  Bio Jenn Lynn is passionate about helping all familie...

Join us as we hear from three fathers who share with us what it has been like to parent children with disabilities, and how their view of their role and their children has changed over time.   We learn about... - The impact on marriage and friendships - Division of labor - Change of parenting - Civic duty to serve - Pivoting your goals and dreams - Reacting to a new normal Simone LaFray and the Ch...

This week on the podcast we bring you Tracy Umezu's story of losing two daughters in two years and her resolve to bring joy to others in her daughters' memory. Tracy takes us on a walk through her grief, her experience of seeing heaven, and gives us ideas on how to love others after the loss of a child. Tracy shares her story through her beautiful writing on her site, www.seizeyourjoy.org. Check h...

Denise Sullivan Near is a Children's book author who turns her first-hand experience with her sweet little girl into a fun, very simply written, educational picture book. Through "Nessie and Her Tisms," Denise teaches young children about some of the unique behaviors of children on the spectrum by nurturing their natural curiosity. She is a mother, a wife, a writer, a Dental Hygienist and an Autis...

This week on the podcast we asked four sisters how their lives are impacted by the important role of being a sibling to someone with a disability. Between a pair of Hannahs and our two sweet little girls, you'll get a glimpse of their wisdom and we hope that you come away with ideas on how to care for, love, and support these special sibs. Adam's Camp   Special Needs Family Camp   Wisconsibs   Sib...

Three different moms of children with disabilities share what it looks like to feel supported through difficult times. If you ever wonder what special needs parents may appreciate tune in. And if you are a special needs parent and aren't sure how to ask for help, most definitely tune in. Sam shares ways parents can be supported that you may not have thought of, Shelley discusses what it looks like...

 Diana is the mother of two boys on the autism spectrum.  She has a vested interest in homeopath and alternative therapy for treating symptoms of autism and the environmental toxicity link to autism including vaccines. She volunteered extensively for six years with Autism Speaks raising funds for the annual walk, recruiting legislative support, spreading awareness within the community and was the...

This week on Embracing Holland we chat about all things stay at home orders, and include resources that may be helpful as you hunker down at home. ⁣ *Handling working & being home with kids⁣ *Schedules⁣ *Navigating children's anxiety⁣ *Occupying littles⁣ *Guarding our mental health⁣ *Home haircuts⁣ ⁣ ...and more! ⁣ Mayim Bialik - Some Thoughts From Home video -  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aUn...

Laura is Simon's mom and the Director of Communications for Little Lobbyists. Laura believes that, regardless of health or ability, all people have the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. She also believes that every person has gifts to share, celebrate, and use to make our world more beautiful. Laura is a graphic designer, small business owner, and adjunct professor. She believe...

Christina is a dedicated wife, mother of three, and passionate advocate for people impacted by disabilities. She has coordinated events to fund research, supports and service dogs for families. She has served on local committees, coached an adaptive cheerleading team, and won awards for successful fundraising endeavors including those for "Team Bubba," honoring her son with autism. She is the foun...

Meg & Angie share their special needs lifehacks Surviving medical & blood work appts Navigating insurance issues Money-saving ideas Making mealtime & grocery shopping easier Organizing & homes for things Taking meds Preparing for new things Elopement & wandering Obtaining medical equipment & fencing Technology to keep children safe Potty challenges And much more!  Tune in and check out our show no...

Meet Catherine Hughes. Hailing from southeast of Pittsburgh, PA in a small town recently dubbed as "the most boring town in Pennsylvania," Catherine Hughes is the daughter of two English professors. She is a passionate advocate, innovative storyteller, and community strategist. For over 16 years, she has provided comprehensive support and passionate advocacy to individuals and self-advocates, thei...

Join us as we embark on the Maiden Voyage of Embracing Holland. Before we dive into sharing interviews and topical episodes we thought we would start the journey with an introduction to who we are and how we landed here. Angie is the mother of three children, a college disability advisor, and wife to her high school sweetheart, Isaac (Ike). Their middle child, Mark (nicknamed Mighty), was diagnose...

Hi, I'm Angie Auldridge, and I'm Megan Barrett, Welcome to Embracing Holland.  When Meg and I received each of our children's diagnoses, we found ourselves in the land of worry, grief, and unknown, but after a while, when we realized that this excursion was not temporary we settled in and began to see life in a new way. As a special needs rite of passage we were each handed the Welcome to Holland...