Embracing Holland

We are still here, and we have both missed you all.  

Christina Adams, journalist, writer, disability advocate, and camel milk investigator, shares with us her powerful early intervention story of her son with autism and how she was able to help him through diet and camels. She outlines what she calls her “crazy camel journey” and how her research and travels to Isreal took her to a place of healing. She shares her website with us as a resource that details how camel's milk can help several conditions, from allergies and gut issues to neurodevelopmental issues. Join us as we learn about the amazing qualities of camels and how their milk can be a part of your healing journey! 

Join us as we talk to Hannah Lowe, founder of the L-CMD Foundation and mother to Austin, who has LMNA-related congenital muscular dystrophy. Like many rare disease families we've talked to, her son's condition was caused by a random genetic mutation. There is no treatment or cure, and given how rare it is, they are unsure about his prognosis or life expectancy, making the mission even more urgent. The L-CMD Foundation she started inspires hope for a stronger tomorrow by seeking treatments and, ultimately, a cure. We talk about balancing grief with action, and Hannah exemplifies this in her graceful and determined approach to saving her son. 

If you've ever worried about what adulthood might look like after high school or you've ever been inspired to create a meaningful space for your child to spend adulthood, tune in to our interview with critically acclaimed author, Cammie McGovern.    Cammie McGovern was awarded a creative writing fellowship at Stanford University, and has received numerous prizes for her short fiction. Her stories have appeared in many magazines including Glamour, Ladies Home Journal, Redbook and Seventeen , and she is the author of another novel, The Art of Seeing. She lives in Amherst, Massachusetts with her husband and three children, the eldest of whom is autistic. She is one of the founders of Whole Children, a resource center that runs after-school classes and programs for children with special needs.

This week we chat with Leylani Cardoso, warrior parent, and mother of Sophia, her daughter with Down Syndrome. Leylani and her family helped Sophia bring her passion for food and entertaining to life by creating the YouTube Channel Cheeky Sassy Me

For this episode, we share with you another Maryland parent and fellow autism mom, Lia McCabe, who started AutismWish.org which seeks to fulfill the wish lists of families across the country without all of the red tape of government programs. She and her husband also host a podcast called Embracing Autism, which is child focus and helps parents to understand and embrace their neurodiverse children. Give it a listen, follow, and subscribe to support their mission of helping families in the face of fear and the unknown.    We talk about: Neurodivergent parenting Empathizing with sensory needs The formation of Autism Wish and the Embracing Autism Podcast Accepting behaviors that are harmless How IQ testing is not designed for children who are non-verbal Maintaining a positive perspective Growing to understand that a diagnosis doesn't mean future dreams are gone Lia's website Autism Wish   Autism Wish Facebook Page   Lia's Recommended Books   More Than Words: A Parents Guide to Building Interaction and Language Skills for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder or Social Communication Difficulties by Fern Sussman   The Reason I Jump by Naoki Higashida   Other books mentioned Autism Breakthrough by Raun K. Kaufman An Early Start for Your Child with Autism: Using Everyday Activities to Help Kids Connect, Communicate and Learn by Sally Rogers

This episode is all about taking care of the caregiver. Rory Lawrence, mother of a child with complex medical needs and staff member with David's Refuge, talks with us about the organization she works for that pours into parents turned caregivers, and how she and her husband have found meaningful respite. We also talk about practical ways to weave in self-care that don't require a sitter but can actually make a difference.    Links   Sensory Pathway Booklet   The Intentional Family:  Simple Rituals to Strengthen Family Ties   Mae Bae Fan Club - Unique Apparel for Special Kids and Those Who Care for Them   David's Refuge   Rory's Email - rorylawrence@davidsrefuge.org    David's Refuge Private Facebook Page

Despite ending the year on a turbulent note for our families, we are ending season two of the podcast with our awesome finds that brought us joy this year! We share with you gift ideas, sanity savers and problem solvers that we hope will bring a little joy and make your life a tad easier.  Best wishes for a healthy, uneventful holiday season free from meltdowns and a bright new year sans trips to the ER and calls from your child's school!  XO XO Angie & Meg   NillyNoggin Caps - To Improve the EEG Experience Compression Sheet Buzzy Personal Vibrating Ice Pack for painless injections   Therapy Sensory Silk Swing   Hand Tally Counter - Best Fidget Ever!    Movement Sensory Sox    Aromatherapy Essential Oil Diffuser Necklace   Hex Lights    Curtain String Lights   Floor Lamp   Plant Therapy Kid Safe Oils - Tummy All Better   Migraine Stick   Sonic Bomb Alarm Clock and Bed Shaker   The Libby App - listen to books for free!   Books Angie loved this year Beach Read by Emily Henry   People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry   Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes     The Midnight Library by Matt Haig   The Body: A Guide for Occupants by Bill Bryson   Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid    Books Angie didn't love, but a lot of other people did, so you might! The Grace Year by Kim Liggett     Untamed by Glennon Doyle 90 degree Lightning Cable 90 degree USB Type C Cable 90 degree Micro USB Cable   And if you can only read one book, read this one - Underestimated - An Autism Miracle by J.B Handley and Jamison Handley   In case you're interested, here's more info on Spelling to Communicate Chore Slap Bracelets Family Devotional - Angie's weekly ritual and current version of Sunday worship Foundations - 12 Biblical Truths to Shape a Family Zenni Optical Affordable Glasses Hatch Baby Rest Sound Machine - Not the Nest - that's an entirely different device we also love Microwave Omelet Maker  Microwave Egg Poacher  Microwave Cookware Set Olive and June - The Winter Collection    YUMILashes Keratin Lash Lift   TUSHY Classic Bidet Sleep Training Clock  Gel Nail Polish Set  Bidet

Have you ever seen the meme about a special needs parent who fell in a hole? Well, that's where Meg and I find ourselves. When we started this podcast journey our mission was to highlight families with disabilities doing innovative things but to also share the reality of the ups and downs of raising children with disabilities, so this episode is a life update and a peek into where we are in the metaphorical Holland. We hope this brings someone some comfort who may also be in a hole.

We continued our chat about smearing with our guest, Jennifer Sheppard, who created an adaptive clothing line out of a dire need for an alternative to wet suits for her own son who struggles with the behavior. We also shared a bit more of our chat with Genevieve, and our own lessons learned from dealing with poo.    We talk about:   How we've become desensitized What we've found to be helpful in the aftermath Ways to clean up the mess Specific products and strategies that have been helpful Finding adaptive clothing solutions for when you can't watch your child 24/7 Jennifer's Adaptive Clothing Line - The Wild End of the Spectrum Life on the Wilder End of the Spectrum    FB page - The Wilder End of the Spectrum  Products We Reference (not sponsored or affiliate links, just products we've purchased and found helpful)   Ruggable - Washable Rugs   Clorox Healthcare Hydrogen Peroxide Cleaners   Bissell Pro Heat Pet Carpet Cleaner   Book   What to Do about Smearing  

Fecal smearing and ingesting are taboo topics that often elicit a considerable amount of shame for families. We felt like it was time to give this topic some attention to those who are struggling in the dark and aren't comfortable reaching out for suggestions in the online support groups. In response to very little information openly available to families struggling with smearing and consuming feces (scatolia and coprophagia), Genevieve Engleman, The Remote OT, shares with us the background behind the behavior, information to reduce the stigma, and ways we can try to prevent and address this issue.  We talk about:Why mammals may consume their own fecesHistory and incidence of these behaviorsReducing the stigma and shame associatedWhat the behavior may be communicatingHow to address any potential medical problems that could lead to these behaviorsWhat do do if and when it happensWays to use OT, and sensory play to meet the needs currently served by poop playGenevieve's WebsiteThe Remote OT

This week we chat with Joya Van Der Laan, a functional medicine family nurse practitioner whose curiosity and her own daughter's autism diagnosis lead her down the biomedical path. We learn how she has used her personal and professional experience to create videos to teach parents how to create their own autism game plan, focused on helping parents address common symptoms and challenges associated with an autism diagnosis. Her videos cover everything from sleep, meltdowns, constipation and seizures to PANS and PANDAS. Tune in to learn about Joya and how her website could help your family!We talk about:How overwhelming it was to face an autism diagnosis even as a medical professionalFeeling the pressure to “fix” her childUsing functional medicine to find the root cause of symptomsDeciphering between “voodoo” and scienceCreating a resource to quell the overwhelm and ease the burden on parents Testing to determine deficiencies and starting with basics like dietThe importance of sleep for everyone!Healing is an artform not an end gameWatching other children improve while her daughter struggled which led to learningHow the desperation to help our kids can sometimes cloud our judgement with interventionsBeing methodical with trying new things to determine what's working and what's notHow functional medicine can help parents too!Joya's WebsiteYour Autism Game PlanBooksHow to End the Autism EpidemicThe Explosive ChildThe Autism RevolutionHealing the New Childhood Epidemics - Autism, ADHD, Asthma and AllergiesNutrient PowerDoctors to followDr. Mark HymanDr. Jeffrey Bland

For this episode we speak with Megan Martin, personal trainer, health coach and purveyor of holistic wellness who used lessons learned from her own health journey to help her son with autism. She shares with us what the biomedical approach means and how she used it to address her son's symptoms, including how she did an at home fecal transplant. We talk about:Personal illness and disease that led to path of holistic healingExploring functional medicineLifestyle factors and diet being the foundation for disease prevention and treatmentSupporting the entire body to help with brain functionAddressing GI dysfunction as not just another symptom of autismUsing diet to address autism symptoms, including eczema Naturopathic doctors and what they doAll about fecal microbiota transplants (currently only FDA approved for C-Diff but many clinical trials in patients with autism)Using the AMD Ion Cleanse foot bath for detox and she get her son to sit stillOther alternative treatments to tryLinksAutism Research Institute - Gi webinar Arizona State University Uses Bacteria to Improve Autism Symptoms Stanford University - Microbiome studiesAMD - Ion CleanseThe Autism Community in ActionRecovering Kids Facebook GroupDetoxing Kids - A Parent Guide to Safe Metal DetoxAutism Effective Biomedical Treatments: Have We Done Everything We Can?ATEC - Autism Treatment Evaluation ChecklistPersonalized Vitamins and Minerals

Does the thought of traveling with your children and family members with disabilities and complex medical needs intimidate you and make you shy away from leaving the house? This is the episode for you! Join our friend of the show and fellow complex medical needs mom Kristy Kargel, as we chat about how to navigate airports, long trips, and making it from point A to point B without excessive stress. We talk about:Finding accessible changing facilitiesBringing medically necessary items as carry-on itemsCalling the airline two weeks prior to discuss specific travel needsRenting a modified vanWriting into a waiver plan to justify funds to be utilized to cover travel needsShipping supplies ahead of time from a durable medical equipment providerPre-ordering groceries and having them delivered to your destinationRenting a shower carePacking day by day for items necessary for each dayProviding packets and information for fellow passengersBoarding the planeFAA approved seat harness available to keep passengers uprightNoise-canceling headphones (for kids & adults)Video and photo social storiesBathroom locator apps for accessible restroomsThe courage to give it a goBed tentsFree passes to national and state parksBeach wheelchairsDrive through zoos and safarisAccessible parking passesEasing into traveling and prepping the whole familyLowering expectationsLinksTSA Cares Mamava Accessible Travel in Florida  FAA Approved HarnessAutism on the Seas (For autism, Down syndrome and other disabilities) Best Bathroom Locator AppsBest Autism Bed TentsWheelchair Friendly Lodging in National Parks  FREE Lifetime Pass for National Parks Facebook page for travel tips  Great travel tips for wheelchair users

Andrea Faris Roberts, renaissance woman, innkeeper, two-time non-profit starter, and mother of two children, including a son with Down's Syndrome. She graciously invited us to her flagship inn called the Terrace Guest House to tell us the story of its inception and discuss the importance of getting away. Join us as we discover how she created a beautiful way for parents and caregivers to experience true rest, what it took to create multiple sanctuaries for parents to recharge and how important it is to put ourselves on our own to-do list. #getinthecarWe talk about:The deep need for sleepCreating an organization from personal painReese’s Rainbow - international adoptions for children with Down's SyndromeThe significant impact of caregiving and the unmet need for restCreating a network of partner Inns (B&Bs) to serve families (40+)Curating the nation’s first year-round respite innThe unique thing about this sanctuary experience that meets unrealized needsRecuperative rest, not a vacationPutting yourself on your own to-do listWishing that our kids didn’t have to struggleThe trauma and challenges of raising a child with a disabilityNot “Embracing Holland” Her annual “Mommy & Me” trip for parents to get away with their child without a disability, or their own mom, or other special needs mom friend, or by yourselfAndrea’s advice for new parentsLinksA Mother's RestAngie's Blog Post About Staying at the Inn Brick Fundraiser Social MediaFB - A Mother's Rest - public page

Shelley Kramm went from designer to special needs mom, to advocate then to non profit organization founder, then blogger, and she shares with us how she made her way through each of those roles as she focused on inclusive play and empowering women. We talk about:Finding out her daughter has cerebral palsyHer transformation from mom to special needs momDiscovering the need for inclusive play spacesPutting her landscape design and architecture degree to useDeciding to start a non profit so all kids could have a place to playMaking the connections to make her dream a realityRaising a million dollars for her parkThe birth of Hadley’s ParkHow over 50 parks were built in the mid atlantic area to serve everyoneWhat exactly an inclusive park is and how it caters to all, no matter the disabilityPivoting from one organization to another project, The DC LadiesDeriving joy from empowering womenThe shock of becoming a single parentCreating an online community for special needs momsLinksShane's Inspiration - Inclusive PlayBecoming ShelleyWashington Post Article - A Playground for HadleyI am Able - How Sarah Kramm advocated for her sisterSocial MediaIG - @SEKrammFB - Becoming ShelleyHadley’s Park - Facebook PageSpecial Needs Moms of Montgomery County - Facebook PageSpecial Needs Moms of Montgomery County - Private Facebook Page

Jackie Buzek, rare disease mom, doctorate level BCBA, and executive director of the Rise School Of Denver wrote a piece for the Mighty about her follow up on Welcome to Holland, where she shares what life has been like for her in this new, foreign land, so we knew that we just had to have her on the podcast! Join us as we find out how reframing our perspective can help us enjoy Holland! We talk about:Getting a rare diagnosis shortly after the birth of her first childWhat it’s like embark on the journey to Holland after spending a career serving others already thereCri du Chat, “cats cry syndrome”Finding your people, even if it’s on social media through a hashtagBeing taught how strong you can beThe transition from grief to loving HollandSurviving the turbulent entry into motherhoodWriting as a therapeutic outlet to process big feelingsLiving in the momentReframing difficult situations as opportunities to learnLinksWebsite - A Different UsOur Follow Up on Welcome to Holland - MIGHTY articleSocial MediaIG - @jackiebuzek

Bekah Bowman, mother, and author with a heart for ministry shares with us what it looks like to do the hard work of stepping into the church community to show them how to love kids with disabilities and to see the incredible gifts God has given them. Bekah continually points to joy in the middle of suffering and discusses how they are often roommates. We talk about:How her world was rocked upon the discovery of her children’s rare diseaseRaising two children with Batten disease, a rare degenerative disorderTreatment for her son Ely while grieving the loss of TitusThe freedom in finding others that understandChurch life and disability life being at odds with one anotherHow people with disabilities belong in church and the body is not complete without themWatching her boys teach people things about God that they would have never learnedHaving a painful experience at church and seeking a new church homeAsking a new church for what she neededHow healing it is to attend church when the entire family is loved and cared forThe weakest parts of the church are the most valuableJoni and Friends MinistryHer book, “Can’t Steal My Joy: A Journey to a Different Kind of Brave”LinksWebsite - Bekah BowmanJoni and Friends Bekah’s BookRoom For More Ministry - Coming soon!Social MediaFB - @Team4TitusElyIG - @bekahsbowman, @roomformoreministryRelated EpisodesTake Me to ChurchGroomed for This with Eva Queen

This week we chat with Kalani Brown, mother of a son with Down syndrome and chair of the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council, among many other roles. She shares with us the importance of inclusion and raising expectations for people with developmental disabilities.We talk about:Receiving a down syndrome diagnosis and discovering supportNavigating public school to find the balance of support and inclusionShifting the idea that children are “suffering” from Down syndromeLaunching into advocacy by serving in the communityHow Montessori concepts are designed for children with learning differencesChanging the narrative about people with developmental disabilitiesSetting high expectations and following the child’s leadLinksMaryland Developmental Disabilities CouncilState Developmental Disabilities CouncilDown Syndrome Diagnosis NetworkNational Down Syndrome SocietyNational Down Syndrome CongressLocal and National Down Syndrome Support NetworksDown Syndrome publicationsSting Sings Uplifting, Original Tune for World Down Syndrome DayBooksGifts:  Mothers Reflect on How Children with Down Syndrome Enrich Their Lives – Kathryn LynardGifts 2:  How People with Down Syndrome Enrich the World- - Kathryn LynardWhole Child Reading:  A quick-Start Guide to Teaching Students with Down Syndrome and Other Developmental Delays -  Nathalie HaleSupporting Positive Behavior in Children and Teens with Down Syndrome: The Respond but Don’t React Method – David Stein

This week we chat with Dee Sapp, Executive Director of Accessibility Bridge Corporation, mother of three including an olympic swimmer with an intellectual disability. Dee shares with us how her passion for community inclusion lead to great things for her son and to the birth of an organization that serves to encourage people with all disabilities to integrate into the larger society and connect them with resources. We talk about:Raising a son who is a competitive athlete with an intellectual disabilityGetting a proper, accurate diagnosis before the age of 18 to get appropriate servicesHow support decreased after elementary schoolPushing for inclusion in order to have successGetting the IEP team to think outside the boxExploring college options for students with intellectual disabilitiesDiscovering the Think College resourceBuilding the college wish list: social inclusion, academic inclusion, competitive sportsFinding recognized and accredited programsSwitching from public school to home school to prepare for collegeCreating a movement to rethink what people with disabilities can doCompany programs targeted for people with disabilities Redefining the end goal, and thinking beyond graduating from high schoolLinksAccessibility Bridge CorporationThink CollegeThink College Documentary

During this episode, we chat with April Green, author, special educator, minister, and collaborator about raising three children on the autism spectrum and what has risen out of her family’s challenges. She shares the importance of storytelling and how we can tell our own stories.We talk about:Parenting multiple children with autism that vary in presentationReckoning with the perception of autism Looking at the total child when making decisionsEncountering obstacles with the IEP team as a special educator Battling the school system to advocate for a diagnosisAcknowledging and accepting the call to ministryExperiencing church as a family with multiple disabilities and needsBeing bold to share storiesLetting it out and letting it flowPath to her book collaborations and how she’s helped others tell their storiesLinksBooksIt’s Going to Be AulrightAutism Relationships MatterSocial MediaApril Green Facebook PageApril Green InstagramPodcastKeeping it Moving with April and VondellRelated EpisodesAusome Author and Advocate with Catherine HughesTake Me to Church

In celebration of International SCN2A Awareness Day on February 24th, we explore how SCN2A, a rare genetic disease, impacts each child. You’ll hear from four moms with four very different children. They will show us what life has looked like for them since their diagnosis and what they are doing as a result of knowing the genetic cause for their children’s medical conditions. A BIG thank you to the four parents who shared their voices and stories for this episode.Katie Loosley Nikki BeasleyJenna PuteriKris RayOther episodes from SCN2A parentsSeizing Joy and Grace with Tracy UmezuGrowing a Family Gratefully with Rachael LividiniA Dad's Eye View The Art of Supporting the Special Needs MomLinksFamilieSCN2A FoundationFamilieSCN2A Global Support GroupSCN2A Related Autism & Epilepsy: The FamilieSCN2a FoundationSCN2A AustraliaSCN2A Insights PodcastSCN2A Families UK - FB pageSCN2A EuropeSimon Searchlight - SCN2A (Research)SPARK for Autism - SCN2AA Walk with Jo Facebook PageEye Gaze - Think Smart BoxLook to Learn - Activities for Eye GazeChildren’s Hospital of Philadelphia - Dr. Ingo HelbigChildren’s Mercy - Dr. Coffman

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 AspergersFinding the right kind of support for your childLearning how to motivate and encourage with the goal of independenceNavigating driving, medical appointments, college and employmentRaising expectations and setting the bar highDeconstructing and teaching independence skillsEncouraging self-advocacyPartners in Policymaking Starting a podcastCreating communityBeing an innovator, she is the creator of TheraPearls!Creating space for yourself and your marriageRelated episodesOthers who have completed Maryland’s Partners in Policymaking programFamilies That Advocate Together Stay Together with Laura HatcherAn Alternative Approach with Diana Wingate-GaiserThe World According to Jake's Mom with Jenn LynnGroomed for This with Eva QueenTake Me to Church (Stephanie Watkins)Guests who have completed PA’s Partners programAusome Advocate and Author Catherine HughesChanging Spaces and Creating Hope with Christina AbernethyLinksMaryland Partners in Policy Making ProgramLife 360 - Family Locator and GPS TrackerMaryland internist finds inspiration in her grocer's freezerArk Therapeutic Lip Blok MouthpieceKids Slurp Straw 9 PackStackable Stainless Steel Kids Cups for Toddlers

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 epilepsyTuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC)Traveling to Texas for brain surgeryLearning to navigate the systemTurning grief and energy toward rare disease advocacyThe TS Alliance and her work with the Maryland chapterBrynleigh’s Act for Seizure Safe SchoolsWays to introduce legislationGiving back and finding hopeThe joy found in paying it forwardRelated episodesFamilies That Advocate Together Stay Together with Laura HatcherChanging Spaces and Creating Hope with Christina AbernethyLinksMaryland General Assembly - HB370Maryland General Assembly - SB225 Find your Maryland RepresentativesKindness is Golden bookAmanda Gorman, Youth Poet Laureate, has speech and auditory processing issuesLow Intensity Support Services - LISS

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 childThe remarkable way that Aimee has turned her grief into actionA foundation built to nurture families running to multiple therapies Her come one, come all concept that serves all levels of functioningEquipping families while they are dealing with a new diagnosisPassing it on when its incredibly difficult to do soEliza's purposes and the lessons taught in her four and a half years hereThe ability to celebrate other’s successes The critical importance of saying their name, and allowing their memory to live onRelated episodesSeizing Joy and Grace with Tracy UmezuLinksThe Eliza Hope FoundationThe Pinecone CollectionCustom jewelry with all proceeds benefiting The Eliza Hope Foundation: Holland A blog post that Aimee wrote a month before Eliza passedEliza HopeAimee’s first blog post after Eliza’s passing

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 othersThe creation of emotional support orbsHelping others who are dealing with heavy thingsCreating and fueling a movementA creative way to connect during the pandemicLinksAll You Meep is LoveAll You Meep Is Love Facebook PageMeg's Favorite Cheap Crochet Hooks

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 friends and family!Quip ToothbrushSensory Theraplay BoxSkootle BoxThe Giving MangerKore Kids Wobble ChairLittle Sleeper KeeperLED DiffuserWeighted Stuffed Animal - Happy the HedgehogInflatable Pea PodKids Book RackOlive and June Poppy Nail Polish HolderThe Calm AppBook - Unbroken Faith: Spiritual Recovery for the Special Needs ParentDIY Platform SwingDIY Weighted Blanket4 oz. Portion CupsNo-Tie Silicone LacesNo-Tie Elastic LacesEcho Dot 3rd Gen AlexaMuseum PuttyShower DispenserWyze CameraGel Nail PolishUV Nail LampMedi Spout Pill Swallowing Bottle CapPill Swallowing CupMelissa & Doug Reusable StickersWater WowScented Water Activity BooksWaterproof Bluetooth SpeakerVisual TimerWool RovingBeauty Coil CottonBluetooth HeadphonesEcho Show 5 AlexaFood DispenserSliding Door LockEzy Dose Medicine SystemPill OrganizerKids Foam Armchair

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 expanding. We talk about:Navigating the new and sometimes scary world of rare diseaseAwakening of the mama bear modeWrestling with the desire to have another babyGenetic and prenatal testingMaking peace with parenting a child with a disabilityFinding gratitude in the hard placesLinksHave a desire to break your phone addiction? Revelation Wellness Phone Freedom Challenge

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 mindHandling behaviors at church as a familyDifferent church models of accommodating children with disabilitiesCommunicating your family’s needsWhat makes a churchHandling hurt within the Christian communityWhat makes people walk away from the churchAlternatives to typical churchLinksHave a desire to break your phone addiction? Revelation Wellness Phone Freedom Challenge

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 decadesHer mission to bring inclusion to churchesDedication to preserving marriagesThe importance of early intervention and racial equity for children with disabilitiesEva’s journey raising her daughter with a disabilityTips for newly diagnosed familiesLinksFor a giggle, especially if you work at a college: Hamilton Higher Ed Parody Maryland Parent ResourcesEva’s non-profit organization - Community Advocates for YouKennedy Krieger InstituteParents Place of MarylandEva’s Book! All Things Are Possible by Eva L. QueenMarriage Ministry for parents of children with disabilities - The Hali ProjectSharing the Gospel with people impacted by disability Joni and Friends

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 highlightsIEP considerations for homeschoolingMaryland’s eligibility requirements for the Autism WaiverMaryland Autism Waiver InfoBecoming better school partners as a result of our front-row seat to learningHomeschool resources mentionedAFLS - Assessment of Functional Living Skills Teaching TextbooksThe Good & the Beautiful Homeschool Curriculum

What we talk about…Jenn and her son Jake’s work with their local police department on autism understanding and awarenessJenn’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 advocacyAdoptionBeing mentored by Temple Grandin’s Mom! BioJenn Lynn is passionate about helping all families dealing with Autism. She is mother of a teenage son, Jake, with Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, Anxiety Disorder, Mood Disorder NOS, and Executive Function Disorder. Lynn serves on the Commission for People with Disabilities of Montgomery County, All Clear Education Services, the Arc US Diversity Committee, Humana Behavioral Health and collaborates with I/DD professionals and doctors. Ms. Lynn strives to educate, enrich, and empower parents and community members by sharing what she's learned from 4 years training Law Enforcement, 2 years as an ABA technician, experience with PBIS training, first-hand behavior training at the Kennedy Krieger Institute, her work in special education (public/private schools), and her job with adults with special attributes. ​The former TV news producer speaks and writes uplifting and encouraging stories of living on the spectrum at theworldaccordingtojake.com, is a published author, adoption advocate, is a Director on the Mattie J.T. Stepanek Guild for Sainthood and performs professionally as a flute/piccolo player.​Upcounty Community ResourcesMaryland Teen Living With Autism Forms Relationship With PoliceThe World According to Jake Council appoints member of the Policing Advisory Commission to improve oversight of the Montgomery County Police Department

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 normalSteve O'Farrell on Amazon

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 her out and have a listen, you'll be glad you did.Seize Your Joy Today Show Parenting Contributor Families SCN2A Foundation

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 Autism Awareness Advocate. She currently lives in Williamsport, Maryland with her husband Seth and three beautiful children, Kynzee, Harper and Duke.Siblings of the Spectrum by Denise Sullivan Near Nessie and Her Tisms by Denise Sullivan Near Bath and Body Works Mint Lip Products

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 Siblings of Campers with ADHD Sibling Support Network

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 to acknowledge when professional help is needed and how beneficial it can be, and Joyce shares how we need to get over ourselves and make it known what we need.Image used with permission. https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/background

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 District Area Chair for their grassroots advocacy. Diana has spent countless hours advocating, emailing, calling and meeting with legislatures to help mandate insurance coverage in Maryland for children and adults with an autism diagnosis. This includes meeting with the Autism Technical Advisory Group at The Department of Mental Health and Hygiene and The Maryland Insurance Commission. This goal was accomplished through the collaboration of efforts with parents and stakeholders in the community including Pathfinders for Autism. The revised Habilitative Mandate went into effect April 17, 2014. Most recently Diana worked with local lawmakers to pass two very important pieces of legislation; ensuring P.A.N.D.A.S. was covered by insurance and ensuring pediatrics have access to medical marijuana in public and non-public school settings. Diana has 19 years of professional and financial experience with Johns Hopkins University. She is a warrior for her own kids and a dedicated advocate in the local and national community. Links from the showWhole Plant Access for Autism - Facebook GroupMaryland Medical Cannabis Commission Realm of Caring - Cannabis Education Research and SupportThe Rogue MapRogue Recovery Facebook Group

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=aUnWJSkHYDM Kendra Adachi - The Lazy Genius - http://www.thelazygeniuscollective.com/https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJDxz7WBmjSpYu4ogFbgxIQ Cape May Zoo Talks - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7NH6m3PG5s6FWn0RRXs1Sw San Diego Live Camshttps://zoo.sandiegozoo.org/live-cams *Also recommend the little mini-series Penguin Beach - https://zoo.sandiegozoo.org/videos Calm Chocolate - https://www.gooddaychocolate.com/products/calm?variant=6932889698369 Creekside Anxiety Comfort for Children - https://creeksidenaturals.com/product/anxiety-comfort/ Joy-Filled by Happy Healthy Hippy - https://happyhealthyhippieco.com/products/joy-filled Parasympathetic Essential Oil by Vibrant Blue Oilshttps://vibrantblueoils.com/product/parasympathetic-essential-oil/ Meditation Quickie - https://avivaromm.com/quick-meditation/How to Perform 4, 7, 8 breathing - https://youtu.be/YRPh_GaiL8sDr. Elisa Song - https://healthykidshappykids.com/2020/03/28/gratitude-coronavirus-resilience/ Autism Homeschool Helper - https://theautismhelper.com/emergency-home-school-kit/Jessa Seewald Little Boy Haircut Tutorial - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NnvaPAoEG1o Curly Cut Tutorial - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ORv2hInGB0YMen’s Cut Tutorial - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RJk2rHpocP0

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 believes in the power of great design for great organizations and specializes in communication for education, health care, and the arts. She loves being in the classroom helping creative people turn their passion into their profession. When she isn’t creating or teaching design, Laura works toward making the world a more beautiful place by volunteering on various board committees that support arts in education and the inclusion and celebration of people with disabilities. She loves being a mom to both her amazing kids, does a lot of yoga, bakes impressive cakes, and really appreciates a nice manicure.Laura can be reached at laura@littlelobbyists.orghttps://littlelobbyists.org/ https://cnd.com.ua/en/products/shellac-peacock-plume

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 founder of Love, Hope and Autism and is proud to be the coordinator for Changing Spaces Pennsylvania, a movement to build accessible restrooms with powered height adjustable adult sized changing tables across communities to promote inclusion. She is working with legislators to pass a bill in Pennsylvania that would require such facilities in hospitals, airports, museums, rest stops, malls and more. She also works as a Family Support and Community Engagement Specialist at Achieving True Self, supporting families like hers. Christina is committed to spreading a message of heightened awareness and acceptance of differences, ultimately inspiring hope. For her efforts, she won the ACHIEVA Award Of Excellence for Family Support in 2018 and in 2019 was awarded a medal by the Autism Connection of Pennsylvania. She is a two-time best selling coauthor, most recently including “You Are Not Alone: Stories, Resources and Hope From Autism Moms;” a book that is filled with inspiring stories, helpful resources, and ultimately hope for families to let them know that they are not alone in their journey and that they too were made for more.Top 5 Tips for Taking on an IEP with Confidencehttps://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=329167527805115You Are Not Alone: Stories, Resources and Hope From Autism Momshttps://www.amazon.com/You-Are-Not-Alone-Resources/dp/1701275155?fbclid=IwAR3IWY6Z6ngb3NsMHq_Qu8vYXgYEgG-oNBDeUe8ESLltBSn233AJSFAr0IETips and Tricks that helped us during the fluhttps://www.facebook.com/LoveHopeandAutism/videos/2599947736900132/

Meg & Angie share their special needs lifehacksSurviving medical & blood work apptsNavigating insurance issuesMoney-saving ideasMaking mealtime & grocery shopping easierOrganizing & homes for thingsTaking medsPreparing for new thingsElopement & wanderingObtaining medical equipment & fencingTechnology to keep children safePotty challengesAnd much more! Tune in and check out our show notes!Comfort HoldDifferent holds for supporting a child during a pediatric procedurehttps://www.nationwidechildrens.org/family-resources-education/health-wellness-and-safety-resources/helping-hands/comfort-hold-techniques Google Calendar for medical trackingEach child has a separate calendar, but you could create calendars based on whatever you want to track. https://lifehacker.com/track-medical-conditions-with-google-calendar-168218 TOILET TRAININGThe best videos ever - https://www.actcommunity.ca/education/videos/toilet-training-for-everyone?fbclid=IwAR1dIvCp_0fFIcADBbp-FZ7OH2BLZT11HfT6PJonayIVRKcieUvYzMI58gc ACCESSIBLE PARKINGLink for guidelines per state - https://autismawareness.com/parking-permits-for-autism/ WANDERING/ELOPEMENTSleep Safe Bed - https://sleepsafebed.com/?matchtype=e&network=g&device=c&keyword=sleep%20safe%20bed&campaign=651802980&adgroup=30470176262&gclid=Cj0KCQiAkePyBRCEARIsAMy5SctAEsnDcZ7NUw61Ve4xokeMg1OhpUCJQqFpPfmZuN__llNGNtmtCcIaArVOEALw_wcB Door sensor by Smart Thingshttps://www.smartthings.com/products/-/filter/categories/sensors Fencing - Apply for grants https://www.modestneeds.org/index.asp Locator - JioBit - Real-Time GPA tracker - https://www.modestneeds.org/index.asp Project Lifesaver - https://projectlifesaver.org/ DIY SwingBorrow option from Equipment Connection - https://www.equipforchildren.org/ FOODPrepdish - fits special diets - https://prepdish.com/VIDEO SOCIAL STORIEShttps://www.lcsc.org/cms/lib6/mn01001004/centricity/domain/21/socialstories.pdfPICTURE DAYDownload a YouTube video to your phonehttps://www.engadget.com/2014/05/28/how-to-download-youtube-videos-to-your-iphone/

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, their families, and surrounding natural supports throughout their communities. She considers herself a servant leader, one who cultivates, develops and maintains relationships with grace and grit in order to create, enhance, and promote services and programs that transform lives. On a personal level, her calling (not a career) allows her to give back some of what has so graciously been given to her family. She proudly serves as the Director of Family Support and Community Engagement at Achieving True Self servicing families across the Northeastern U.S.Catherine is a best-selling author and editor for multiple books including It's Going to be AUlright: Testimonies from Ausome Women Raising Ausome People, Made for More - Mental Health Edition and You Are Not Alone: Stories, Resources and Hope from Autism Moms. She is set to release several more works in 2020. Catherine manages a blog and social media platforms as The Caffeinated Advocate.If you were wondering about her caffeine of choice, she's a Dunkin' girl.Living with her in that "boring" (ok, it's not actually boring) town but not so boring household are Mama Betty, Christian, and their pets Callie, Cookie, Candie, Hannah, Maddie and Raven the Cats and the one and only Abby Dog.www.thecaffeinatedadvocate.comBooks by Catherine Hughes: amazon.com/author/hughescatherineFacebook: @caffeinatedadvocateInstagram: @caffeinatedadvocateLinkedIn: @catherineahughesAdvocate, Best-Selling Author, Editor, Speaker, and TrainerFounder of The Caffeinated AdvocateDirector of Family Support and Community Engagement, Achieving True SelfAutism Moms Are Beautiful Advisory BoardThe ABA in PA Initiative Board Member

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 diagnosed with autism as well as a rare genetic mutation, SCN2A in 2015. Since this time she has spent the last five years volunteering on multiple community groups and boards with the hope of improving the quality of life and services for people with disabilities. Angie's passionate about creating community, sharing stories and supporting others in the face of fear and uncertainly. During the time spent driving her son to his medical and therapy appointments, she began listening to podcasts, shows about autism, genetic research, parenting, true crime and everything in between. She fell in love with listening to others share their stories and wished that someday she could do some storytelling of her own in order to provide encouragement and hope to those who are walking alone in the early dark days of a new diagnosis.On a trip to a special education law conference, she shared her interest to do a podcast with her friend Meg, and very soon after they purchased sound equipment and began practicing recording in Angie's dining room. The goal was to provide a glimpse into the world of parents turning the corner of grief and loss to possibility and ingenuity. So they began searching for a podcast name and settled on Embracing Holland; a play on the name of the "Welcome to Holland" poem often given to parents of a newly diagnosed child. https://www.emilyperlkingsley.com/welcome-to-hollandAs part of Angie's travels, she's met a number of advocates, bloggers, small business owners, authors, speakers, and change-makers all determined to create resources that did not previously exist, advocate for change and use their voices to make a difference in the world, specifically for people with disabilities. And so they wanted to share their stories with you. You can find Angie on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and on her blog, www.mightyandthebean.com. Find Embracing Holland on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest. If you have an idea for a show, interview or question, please email us at hello@embracingholland.com The TED Talk mentioned,https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lies-our-culture-tells-us-about-what-matters-better/id160904630?i=1000440683496If you are encouraged by our podcast please consider leaving a review on iTunes here!

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 poem with the intent of showing us that this place is not so bad and in fact can be really beautiful. Some days are dumpster fires and other days are filled with unexpected joy. Regardless of the cause of your detour, the struggle to embrace this new life is universal.Our hope is to share with you how ordinary people on this journey have unpacked their bags and faced adversity with creativity, passion, and determination.We'll bring you interviews, field trips, cool stuff we find along the way and glimpses into the reality of raising children with differing needs. Join us as we embrace Holland!