The Parenting Epilepsy and Special Needs Podcast with Erica Hauser

What if this year didn’t ask you to do more—but instead asked you to be gentler with yourself? In this episode, I’m sharing my Word of the Year: Grace. For moms parenting children with epilepsy and special needs, life rarely follows a plan. Grace allows us to stay focused on what matters while remaining flexible when the unexpected arrives. By the end of this episode I want you to feel free from s...

As the year comes to a close, it can feel like there’s pressure to look back and point to wins, milestones, and moments worth celebrating. But what if this year had challenges or unexpected obstacles?  In this episode, I’m sharing a gentle reflection on what this year truly revealed—not through big achievements, but through the quiet strength that it took to get through the really difficult moment...

Some days hit harder than others—and often without warning. In today’s episode, I’m opening up and getting real about the overwhelming emotions, anxiety, and heaviness that can creep in, even when you consider yourself a strong person who’s been through a lot. As parents of children with epilepsy and special needs, we carry so much every single day. Sometimes it all shows up at once. I share a rec...

In this episode, Erica will discuss her family’s journey and how they arrived at the decision to proceed with their youngest daughter having a major brain surgery to remove the right side of her brain-  known as a hemispherectomy. She also shares the lessons they learned, what they did well and what they wish they had either done sooner or better. She wraps up by explaining how every child is uniq...

Holiday shopping can feel overwhelming when your child has unique sensory, developmental, or communication needs. In this episode, we explore stress-less gifting that brings genuine joy — not clutter or disappointment. Erica reminds listeners to focus on their specific child and the interests of their child. From sensory-friendly toys and skill-building tools to experience-based gifts that strengt...

In today’s episode, we explore what gratitude really looks like in the world of special needs parenting — and why it often shows up in the smallest, most unexpected places. Gratitude in our world isn’t about picture-perfect moments or big milestones. It’s about tiny victories, surprising lessons, quiet support, and the moments of peace that help us breathe again. We walk through the micro-moments...

If you feel mentally exhausted before the day even begins, you’re not alone. In this episode, Erica Hauser will dive deep into the mental load that special-needs moms carry every day — the invisible, nonstop planning, anticipating, and advocating that few people ever see. We’ll talk about why this hidden workload is so heavy, how it shows up in your daily life, and simple ways to ease the pressure...

Have you ever sat in an exam room and suddenly that wave hits you —“This doctor is not the right match for my child.”  This has happened to Erica Hauser a few times and in today’s episode she will talk about how to navigate that moment when you realize that the current provider is not a fit for your child.  Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is pause, step away, and save your emotional b...

The holidays can be magical — but also overwhelming, especially when your child thrives on structure and predictability. In this heartfelt episode, Erica opens up about how to plan for the holiday season with intention, grace, and compassion — keeping your child’s unique needs and your own peace in mind. You’ll hear practical tips for managing sensory overload, setting boundaries with family, choo...

This episode is a really personal one — because I’m sharing how my child’s diagnosis and the first few years of our journey of having a child with epilepsy and special needs have made me stronger in ways I never imagined. I see life differently…our family is different, but in a positive way. If you are in that early season of your journey then you will not want to miss this episode as Erica reflec...

In this heartfelt episode, Erica opens up about what it really means to care for yourself while raising a child with special needs. From dealing with burnout and guilt to finding tiny moments of peace in a demanding day, she reminds parents that self-care isn’t selfish — it’s essential. Connect with me: If this episode spoke to your heart, share it with another parent who might need a reminder tha...

Do you ever feel like no one understands what you’re going through, the struggles you encounter or the decisions that you need to make for your child as a parent of a child with epilepsy and special needs? While these are all real and very valid feelings, I am going to share with you the moment that I realized that it’s not necessary for the world to fully understand what it’s like to walk in our...

Have you ever said to yourself, “am I doing enough for my child?” It’s a very common question and thought that parents and caregivers of children with epilepsy and special needs ask on a regular basis. If you’re asking this question, Erica Hauser will give you the answers that you absolutely need to hear.  Connect with me: If this episode spoke to your heart, share it with another parent who might...

In this first episode Erica Hauser introduces the parenting epilepsy podcast! She goes over the purpose of the podcast and gives an introduction to how her family's epilepsy journey began.  Connect with me: If this episode spoke to your heart, share it with another parent who might need a reminder that they’re not alone. You can connect with Erica on Instagram @parentingepilepsy_specialneeds a...