Early Intervention Matters

In this episode of Early Intervention Matters, Dr. Takon and Dr. Diana Fannon explore the challenges families face following a neurodiversity diagnosis and what it truly means to advocate effectively for your child. Drawing on her extensive experience in special education advocacy, Dr. Fannon shares practical strategies to help parents navigate complex school systems, communicate with confidence,...

In this episode of Early Intervention Matters Dr Takon is joined by Lena Livinsky, M.A., an integrative speech-language pathologist and feeding specialist, who shares a holistic approach to understanding feeding challenges in children, picky eating and why it’s more than just a behaviour. We discuss what picky eating is and why it should be seen as a symptom of underlying factors such as gut healt...

In this episode of Early Intervention Matters, Dr. Inyang Takon is joined by Christopher Scott Wyatt, a college instructor, researcher, blogger, and neurodivergent parent.  We explore the limits of labels, the importance of understanding each child’s needs, and practical ways to support them at home and in school. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Neurodiversity and the Podcast 00:49 Christopher&apos...

Guest: Gazit Chaya Nkosi (they/them) Dr Inyang Takon interviews Gazit Chaya Nkosi who shares their expertise on neurodiversity, affirming approaches to communication, and supporting families through systemic challenges. Discover practical strategies, the importance of radical acceptance, and how to foster meaningful lives for neurodivergent individuals. Key  topics Neurodiversity and systemic oppr...

In this insightful interview, Daniela Feldhausen, an expert in dyslexia and reading support, shares her journey from law to teaching, her work with Kids Up Reading Tutors, and practical strategies for supporting children with reading difficulties. Discover early signs of dyslexia, effective teaching methods, and how to empower children and parents alike. Key  topics Early signs of dyslexia and bra...

In this episode, dental expert Dr. Ivy Fortune Glavee shares insights on managing dental health in neurodivergent children, emphasizing early intervention, tailored approaches, and innovative tools to improve oral hygiene and prevent dental issues. Key Topics Dental well-being in children with neurodiversity Early registration and routine dental visits Sensory considerations in dental care Signs o...

In this episode of Early Intervention Matters, Dr. Inyang Takon speaks with Emma Graham, a school librarian, about her journey and the evolving role of librarians in supporting student wellbeing, particularly for neurodiverse children. Emma shares her personal experiences and insights from a survey she conducted, highlighting the importance of creating safe spaces for students and the need for rec...

In this episode of the Early Intervention Matters podcast, Dr. Inyang Takon welcomes Ayanwole Boluwatife Joshua, a neurodiversity advocate from Nigeria, to discuss the importance of awareness and advocacy in neurodiversity. They explore Ayanwole's personal journey with dyscalculia, the role of parents in supporting neurodiverse children, and the need for community support. Ayanwole emphasizes...

In this episode of the Early Intervention Matters podcast, host Inyang welcomes Shruthi, a passionate advocate for children's emotional well-being and the host of the Conscious Children Project.  The conversation delves into the importance of community support in parenting, emphasizing that parents should not feel pressured to be everything for their children.  Shruthi shares her journey from...

In this episode, we explore the complexities of developmental delays in children, featuring insights from Dr. Ngozi Oluonye, a consultant pediatrician. The conversation covers the definition of developmental delay, its causes, the importance of early intervention, and how parents can advocate for their children. Dr. Oluonye emphasizes the need for ongoing monitoring and support, as well as the sig...

In this episode, Inyang and Keith discuss the critical role of sleep in children's development, particularly for those with neurodiverse conditions.  They explore normal sleep patterns, common sleep difficulties, and the distinction between medical and behavioral sleep issues. The conversation focuses on the importance of promoting healthy sleep habits and routines, as well as the impact of s...

In this podcast episode, Dr. Inyang Takon discusses the intersection of faith and neurodiversity, emphasizing the need for faith communities to better understand and support neurodiverse families. She highlights the challenges faced by these families in faith settings, the importance of education and awareness among faith leaders, and the necessity of creating inclusive environments. Inyang advoca...

Summary In this exciting episode of Early Intervention Matters, host Dr. Inyang Takon speaks with Dr. Olasimbo Davidson about the often invisible struggles faced by children with learning difficulties. They discuss the definition of learning difficulties, their causes, and the importance of early intervention.  Dr. Davidson shares her personal experiences with learning challenges and emphasizes th...

Special episode with Dr. Inyang Takon, Consultant neurodevelopmental Paediatrician.  This podcast episode focuses on the journey of parents navigating the complexities of neurodiversity, particularly autism spectrum disorder. Dr. Inyang Takon, a neurodevelopmental pediatrician, discusses the emotional rollercoaster parents experience upon receiving a diagnosis for their child. The episode emphasiz...

In this episode of the Early Intervention Matters Podcast, Dr. Inyang Takon interviews Dr. Yewande Oshodi, an Associate Professor of Psychiatry and consultant psychiatrist, about the complexities of parenting.  They discuss the importance of intentional parenting, the impact of cultural backgrounds, and the challenges faced by migrant families. Dr. Oshodi emphasises the significance of communicati...

Summary In this enlightening podcast episode, pediatric occupational therapist Keith Dinauto shares his insights on sensory processing difficulties in children. He discusses the role of occupational therapy, the importance of early intervention, and how trauma can impact sensory processing. Keith emphasizes the need for collaboration between parents, therapists, and schools to support children eff...

Summary In this episode of the Early Intervention Matters podcast, Dr. Inyang Takon and Janine VanStee discuss the complexities of ADHD, particularly in educational settings. Janine shares her personal journey with ADHD and her extensive experience in education, highlighting the challenges of identifying and supporting children with ADHD. They explore the importance of individualized education pla...

Summary Dr Inyang Takon interviews Dr. Gilly Kahn, a clinical psychologist, discussing the often-overlooked emotional symptoms associated with ADHD, particularly in girls.  The conversation explores the nuances of emotional dysregulation, the differences in presentation between ADHD and autism, and the challenges of late diagnosis.  Dr. Kahn shares a case study of a teenage girl named Anna, highli...

Summary In this episode of Early Intervention Matters, Jesse Mungai shares his journey with ADHD from childhood to becoming a successful entrepreneur. The conversation explores the challenges he faced in school, the impact of medication, and how he navigated his early career. Jesse emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, taking action, and finding the right environment to thrive, offering val...

Summary: In this conversation, Jesse Mungai shares insights on living with ADHD, emphasizing the importance of understanding one's symptoms and leveraging them for productivity. He discusses strategies for managing work-life balance, the significance of support systems, and the role of diagnosis and medication.  Jesse also offers advice for young people with ADHD, highlights the need for bett...

Folu shares her inspiring journey as a mother of Tade, a young adult on the autism spectrum. She discusses the challenges faced during Tadi's diagnosis, the importance of early intervention, and the advocacy work she has undertaken to support not only her child but also other families in similar situations. Folu emphasizes the need for community support, the significance of education, and the...

Summary In this conversation, Dr. Olapeju Simoyan shares her personal journey of embracing creativity in her medical career and the positive impact it has on mental health and learning. The discussion highlights the need for a shift in educational approaches to foster creativity, which is essential in a rapidly changing workforce. Dr. Olapeju Simoyan and host Dr. Inyang Takon discuss the vital lin...

Dr. Iyang Takon explains the various neurodevelopmental disorders and discusses cultural barriers to assessment, and the role of family and community in supporting these children. The conversation emphasizes the need to normalize neurodiversity particularly in the African society and the consequences of delayed diagnosis, while also providing resources and encouragement for parents and caregivers....

Summary In this episode of the Early Intervention Matters podcast, Dr. Iyang Takon engages with DK Jonah, a personal and professional development coach, as she shares her journey through the challenges of neurodiversity and chronic illness. DK discusses her recent autism diagnosis, the cultural perceptions surrounding neurodiversity, and the importance of community support and advocacy. The conver...

Summary In this episode of the Early Intervention Matters podcast, Dr Inyang Takon and Speech and Language Therapist, Mayuri Dave discuss the critical aspects of speech and language development in children, emphasising the importance of understanding developmental milestones, seeking help when needed, and the role of parents in fostering communication skills. They explore the distinctions between...