Just Needs: parenting children with disabilities

A tribute to mamas and people filling those mama shoes this Mother’s Day…. If you give a mom a minute, she’ll try to fill it with “just one more thing”... Resources mentioned in this episode If You Give a Mouse a Cookie Where to find Exceptional Lives Facebook Instagram TikTok LinkedIn

DIR Floortime is an approach to supporting autistic children, yet many parents of autistic children only know about ABA therapy.  In this podcast, Julie McIsaac, Learning and Mental Health Consultant, talks about her experience as a certified DIR Floortime provider. Resources mentioned in this episode  ICDL: Home of DIR Floortime Keeping calm: mastering the art of self-regulation in 3 simple steps...

If you have the chance to learn more about what it is like to walk in your child’s shoes, why not take it? One of the best ways parents of autistic kids can understand our children’s experience is to listen to autistic adults.  Resources mentioned in this episode What is identity-first language and what does it have to do with autism… and my child? Autistic Self-Advocacy Network How listening to a...

Autistic child? Child with autism? It feels like the language is always changing. But identity-first language is a powerful way of shifting the conversation - and reflects so much of what we want to teach our children. Resources mentioned in this episode Autistic child or child with autism? Why identity-first language matters.   ¿Qué es el lenguaje “primero la identidad”?   Exceptional Lives value...

Dysgraphia is a learning disability that interferes with a person’s ability to express their ideas in writing. But you may not even know what it is. Here’s what to look for and what to do if your child is struggling. Resources mentioned in this episode What is dysgraphia?   Kitchen Conversations: Therapies and Accommodations to Support Children in School (35-minute video with English and Spanish c...

Nothing’s sure but… well, you know the end of that sentence. If your family includes a child or adult with a disability, here are 5 important things to know before you file your taxes in 2022. Resources mentioned in this episode ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) Accounts Special Needs Alliance: Attorneys for Special Needs Planning Tax Help for People with Disabilities Living and Working wi...

At age 22, young people with disabilities age out of special education. In this podcast, Exceptional Lives Team member Julie talks about her son’s transition and how she is learning to support him in this new part of his life while she learns to let go. Resources mentioned in this episode Legal changes when your child turns 18 Special Education Services Until Age 22 For Students Support for young...

How can you tell between a great IEP goal that will support your child with a disability – and one that doesn’t mean much? In this podcast, we will talk about 4 things that should be a part of every goal. Resources mentioned in this episode How to prepare for the IEP meeting   Special Education Terms 2 Know: IEP (2-minute video)   Federation for Children with Special Needs The IEP meeting: what to...

Special education (often called special ed or SPED ) means specialized teaching and related services to help children with disabilities or special needs make progress in school. How do you know if your child qualifies? And what does specialized teaching mean, anyway? In this podcast we’ll break down the systems and acronyms so you’re ready to support your child. Resources mentioned in this episode...

If your child has a delay or disability, they may qualify for school-based special education services or therapy when they turn 3. In this episode, we’ll talk about how and when to start getting your child (and yourself!) ready for this transition. Resources mentioned in this episode How Can I Prepare for My Child’s Transition into School-based Services at Age 3? ¿Cómo puedo prepararme para la tra...

If your young child has a disability or delay, you may have been referred to Occupational Therapy. But what does occupational therapy mean for a child? In this episode, we’ll talk about all of the ways OT can make a difference for your child. Kim Haynes and Anne Hindrichs of the McMains Child Developmental Center explains how OT can help a child with their most important work - play. McMains Child...

Sensory processing issues make it difficult for our brains to process and filter information that comes through our senses. When our kids are overwhelmed or understimulated, it shows up in their behavior. In this podcast, we will talk about how to understand and meet our kids’ sensory needs. Resources mentioned in this episode Dr. Jean Ayres, Occupational Therapist who developed the concept of sen...

On January 20th, my daughter saw herself in the mirror when we watched the presidential inauguration. Black women took the stage, and one used American Sign Language to recite the Pledge of Allegiance. Her jaw dropped. In this podcast, we talk role models. If we don’t share our child’s disability, we have that much more work to do to make sure they have role models. This is powerful stuff. Resourc...

It’s easy to say the wrong thing, even when we mean well. Here is what not to say to a child with a disability - and some great things to say instead. This podcast will take on both. Resources mentioned in this episode How can I help my child with problem-solving?   Where to find Exceptional Lives Facebook Instagram TikTok LinkedIn

Your child was recently diagnosed with a disability. Maybe this is the first time, or maybe it’s yet another diagnosis in a long string of them. You might feel confused. Or relieved. Or scared. Or overwhelmed. All of the above? That sounds about right. In this podcast episode, we’ll dive right into all of it. Resources mentioned in this episode Accepting your child’s diagnosis What is polymicrogyr...

Parents of kids with disabilities are often the squeaky wheel, the recipients of sideways looks in the store. The looks I get in the store are only looks of those that just don’t know; they can’t understand how much richer my life is because of this child. I embrace being the frazzled parent because I know I’m showing up for him. Resources mentioned in this episode What do you do if you think your...

Exceptional Lives envisions a world where families raising children with disabilities (or special needs) become effective advocates for their children. We support families, train providers and educators, and offer guidance grounded in our own personal experiences. Listen to this short podcast to learn more about how we can support you. Resources mentioned in this episode What is identity-first lan...