Just Needs: parenting children with disabilities

“It’s tough and there’s some really, really hard days. Just don’t give up hope.” This week we talk to one parent about raising her child with disabilities. Listen along to hear some of the lessons she learned along the way. Resources mentioned in this episode Early Intervention (Louisiana) Early Intervention (Massachusetts) Six things you really, really don’t want to say to children with disabilit...

Do you know your rights under IDEA? It’s the law that requires schools to provide special education services to students with disabilities. Listen to this week’s podcast episode to learn more. Resources mentioned in this episode Federal law that supports Special Education Locate your state’s Department of Education website, then search for Special Education Locate your state’s Parent Training and...

When your student with a disability is ready to transition to adult life, it may feel like they are striking out on their own. But there are programs and resources that will continue to support them in this next phase of their lives. Learn more. Resources mentioned in this episode Program for Success Employment at Baton Rouge Community College A list of Comprehensive Transition and Post-Secondary...

Processing emotions takes time, patience, focus, practice, and follow-through. It’s easy for anxious kids to get overloaded. In this podcast interview, Exceptional Lives Team Member Carey Luckey talks about how tapping helps her son. Resources mentioned in this episode Is your child highly sensitive? What is tapping and how does it work? EFT tapping Gorilla Thumps and Bear Hugs: a Tapping Solution...

Setting New Year's resolutions that you don't follow through with can leave you feeling defeated. Instead, focus on how amazing you are this year and share that with those around you! We’ll be taking a short break from the podcast to celebrate the holidays with our families but we’ll be back in your feed the first week of January. Where to find Exceptional Lives Facebook Instagram TikTok...

You know that ‘bored’ feeling? No? Oh right, you’re a parent. These days, our devices are a source of constant entertainment, information, and connection -  but they can also increase our stress and take us away from our kids (even when we’re with them). Here’s the antidote.  Resources mentioned in this episode If you give a mom a minute… Exploring Nature to find our Calm How to Keep it Together:...

Let’s talk about overstimulation, especially during the holidays. Here’s the interesting part though, this is about overstimulation for us parents. Here are 4 tips that have helped me a lot. Resources mentioned in this episode Overstimulated by Life? 20 Ways to Give Your ADHD Senses a Break Study shows overstimulation caused by smartphones, while they promise the opposite Digital Overload: What Is...

Holiday gatherings can be stressful. If you’re welcoming a family with kids with disabilities, here are six things you can do to make sure they feel welcome. Resources mentioned in this episode What is a developmental disability? What is sensory processing? And can it help explain my child’s behavior? What are accommodations? Six Things Not to Say to Children with Disabilities (and Some Things To...

Extra stressed during the holidays? We are too. Here are some of our favorite parenting mantras to get us through. Resources mentioned in this episode What is self-regulation and how can it help me be a better parent? How can co-regulation help my child’s behavior? Strategies for parenting children with disabilities Where to find Exceptional Lives Facebook Instagram TikTok LinkedIn

If you are parenting an autistic child, you know that accidents and ambulances can be particularly overwhelming. Here’s what one mom did to make things easier on her child during an emergency. Resources mentioned in this episode What is Sensory Processing? And can it help explain my child’s behavior? Co-regulation: your secret tool for managing meltdowns What strategies can I give my child to help...

Building a village of support for our children with disabilities can help them live their best lives. Listen to our podcast for 3 steps to make that happen. Resources mentioned in this episode Webinar: Building a Village of Support Introduce your child with F-Words; it's not what you think Metromorphosis My child has a new disability diagnosis. Now what? Where to find Exceptional Lives Facebo...

If you’re parenting a child with a disability, you’ve probably seen the term self-regulation. In this week’s podcast, learn what self-regulation is and how improving your ability to self-regulate can help you be a better parent. Resources mentioned in this episode Center for Parent Information and Resources Louisiana Resource Directory Directorio de recursos en Luisiana Massachusetts Resource Dire...

You can help your child with problem-solving by introducing new ideas to develop their thinking. This week’s podcast discusses Scaffolding, which is a way to build problem-solving skills from the ground up. Resources mentioned in this episode Zone of proximal development Fixed vs. Growth Mindset Where to find Exceptional Lives Facebook Instagram TikTok LinkedIn

It’s hard to envision how your child with a disability will transition to adulthood. Let’s set them up with the support they need for adult life in today’s podcast! Resources mentioned in this episode and suggested reading from our LA guides VIDEO Families & Stories - Supporting your child’s transition to adulthood, with Tanja & Andy   VIDEO Families & Stories— How routines help as you...

Response to intervention (RTI) is a system schools use to help students who are struggling. If your child has a disability, RTI could be the way to help. Find out what you should know about RTI in today’s podcast. Resources mentioned in this episode Components of literacy Reading Interventions videos Hard Words: Why aren't kids being taught to read? Special Education Evaluation Reasons why ki...

What does it mean if your child is a late bloomer? Listen to our podcast as we share the stages of child development and the questions you can ask yourself about developmental delays. Resources mentioned in this episode What If My Child Missed Developmental Milestones? Is My Child Developing OK? March is CP Awareness Month   Where to Start: Choosing the Best Supports and Therapies for Your Child C...

An often time-consuming aspect of back-to-school for children with disabilities is paperwork! Listen in while Christina shares one parent’s thoughts on those endless forms in this week’s podcast. Resources mentioned in this episode IEP annual meetings What is Response to Intervention (RTI)? How can it help if my child struggles in school? If you give a mom a minute Feeling parent stress? Us too. H...

We’re back in school. Is your child with disabilities working with a new teacher? In this week’s podcast learn how to introduce your child to their teacher using helpful F-words! Resources mentioned in this episode The ‘F-words’ in childhood disability: I swear this is how we should think! Meet my Child document Full letter by Julie McIsaac, PhD. to her son’s teacher Where to find Exceptional Live...

Dyslexia is the most common learning disability, but it often goes undiagnosed. In this podcast, we talk about what to watch for, what to do if you’re concerned, and how to support your child. Resources mentioned in this episode Does my child have dyslexia? International Dyslexia organization If your child is struggling in school: think, observe and ask questions About the student evaluation Ident...

Pool safety is important for everyone, more so for children with disabilities. Parents need hints for summer, some that are not always obvious. This week’s podcast contains 9 quick tips for water safety and UV awareness. Resources mentioned in this episode How to climb out of the pool Swimsuit colors for water safety Sunscreen for people of color Sunscreen application tips Assign an adult to be Wa...

The transition to adulthood is hard. For kids with disabilities, it can bring extra challenges. In this podcast, we talk about how to help our kids get ready. Resources mentioned in this episode How do I help my teen with a disability prepare for the transition to adult life? Preparing for college Employment: How to Prepare for Getting a Job Supported Living & Housing What is vocational rehabi...

Parenting comes with meltdowns - it’s part of the deal. But did you know that co-regulating with your child is often the fastest and most effective way to diffuse things when your child is upset? You may already be doing it, even if you’ve never heard of it. Learn more. Resources mentioned in this episode It Takes Two: The Role of Co-Regulation in Building Self-Regulation Skills Co-regulating with...

Advocating for your child with a disability can be hard. Here are 6 practical tips to help you make sure they get what they need. Resources mentioned in this episode Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Solving disagreements with the school Find your state’s parent training and information center The Impact of Racism on Discipline for Students of Color with Disabilities (video) Helpi...

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. But what does mental health look like for those of us caring for children with disabilities? How can we support our children while still tending to our own needs? Here are a few ideas for you. Resources mentioned in this episode MentalHealth.gov   Psychology Today: find a therapist Where to find Exceptional Lives Facebook Instagram TikTok LinkedIn

One of the best ways to support children with disabilities is to support their families. But how? Exceptional Lives offers our 3 favorite tips. Resources mentioned in this episode MA resource directory (English) MA resource directory (Spanish) LA resource directory (English) LA resource directory (Spanish) Exceptional Lives on Facebook ELI Massachusetts parents group ELI Louisiana parents group Ex...