Water Prairie Chronicles Podcast

Learn how the powerful journey of being diagnosed with both Autism and ADHD as an adult offers a unique and valuable lens on how neurodiversity can manifest and the profound impact of understanding our children's unique wiring

Worried about your teen navigating job interviews and social situations? This episode reveals the crucial skills they need to shine, plus insider tips even employers might be missing!

What if living with multiple disabilities wasn't about limitations, but about ingenious solutions? In this episode, Ally Pack-Adair returns to share her strategies for not just managing, but truly thriving while living with multiple disabilies.

From quiet questions to Capitol Hill calls: Discover how any voice can ignite disability advocacy. In this episode of the Water Prairie Chronicles, host Tonya Wollum welcomes back Ally Pack-Adair, a passionate advocate and ambassador for the MDA.

Episode #122: Cortical Visual Impairment: The Most Confusing Blindness Explained

Dyslexia: is it a disability, or a hidden strength? You're about to hear a story that will challenge everything you thought you knew. Lynn and Jonathan Greenberg offer invaluable advice for parents, educators, and anyone seeking to understand ...

Are you a parent of a special needs child? Do you sometimes feel overwhelmed by the challenges of advocating for your child's needs? In this episode of the Water Prairie Chronicles podcast, we talk with Latonya Moore, a well-being coach and advocate for positive self-talk. Latonya shares her insights on how to overcome negative self-talk and build the confidence you need to be a strong advocate for your child. She also offers practical tips for managing stress and finding joy in your parenting journey. Whether you're a new or experienced parent, this episode has something for everyone. Latonya's message is one of hope and empowerment. She reminds us that we are not alone and that we have the strength to advocate for our children and create a better future for them.

Are you a parent of a neurodivergent child dreaming of family vacations but dreading the potential challenges?  You're not alone!  In this episode of Water Prairie Chronicles, host Tonya sits down with Jenifer Breaux, a retired army veteran, travel expert, and mom of two neurodivergent sons. Jenifer shares invaluable insights and practical tips for making travel accessible and enjoyable for neurodivergent families.

In this episode of the Water Prairie Chronicles, host Tonya Wollum and guest Lisa Jacovsky, an experienced ABA therapist and author, delve into the world of ABA therapy. They explore the core principles of ABA, discuss its potential benefits and challenges, and address common concerns and misconceptions parents may have. Lisa shares her expertise and offers valuable insights for families considering ABA therapy for their autistic child, including how to choose a qualified therapist and ensure a positive experience. They also touch on sensory processing, social anxiety, and the evolving understanding of autism.

Feeling overwhelmed by your child's emotions? We're diving deep into EFT tapping, a powerful technique that can help calm anxious kids and their parents too!

Discover how one autistic playwright is using theater to challenge stereotypes and inspire change. Join us as we sit down with Matteo Esposito, a talented autistic playwright, to discuss his journey, his work, and the power of theater to promote understanding and empathy.

Learn to navigate the IEP maze and support your child's unique learning needs! Are you confused about the difference between accommodations and modifications in your child's IEP or 504 plan? This episode breaks down the key concepts and provides ...

Beyond Medication: Discover the powerful connection between ADHD and diet.

Building a community of support: How one family created an accessible housing option to help their child with special needs thrive.

Discover the hidden reasons behind challenging behaviors in children with special needs.

Get a sneak peek into the making of "Made With Love," an upcoming film that aims to break down barriers and inspire change. Join us as we hear from the passionate filmmakers behind the project, who are dedicated to creating positive representation

It's not about lowering expectations but providing the right support and opportunities when hiring someone with Down syndrome. Hear about Matthew's proposal to his long-time girlfriend and advice for parents about work...

Navigating the Complexities of Special Needs Families in Divorce. Discover essential strategies for protecting your child's well-being, advocating for their needs, and building a brighter future.

Discover how the BELLYFLIES Method can help your child talk about emotions and develop strong coping skills. Are you struggling to understand how to help your child talk about emotions? Does your neurodivergent child experience really BIG emotions?

Mary shares her personal experiences growing up with blind parents in the 20th century. Through her captivating storytelling, Mary takes you on a journey of challenges, triumphs, and unwavering love. Learn about the unique experiences of ...

In this episode, we're exploring the critical topic of inclusion and advocacy. Join us as we discuss the importance of creating a more inclusive society, the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities, and the powerful stories of those who ...

Learn about the challenges and triumphs of parenting a child with epilepsy and cerebral palsy. Discover practical tips, valuable resources, and the emotional impact of this journey.

In this heartfelt conversation, Tonya Wollum sits down with filmmaker Jay Silverman to explore the challenges of parenting a child with limited speech. Jay opens up about his personal journey and how his movie, CAMERA, was influenced by ...

Communicating beyond words using AAC devices. In this interview Tonya speaks with Julia Pearce about the use of AAC devices for children with speech impairments. The conversation highlights the different types of AAC devices available, from simple...

A Mother's Journey through Unexpected Illness and Loss In this heartfelt conversation, Tonya Wollum sits down with Julia Pearce, a dedicated advocate and mother, to explore the challenges and triumphs of parenting a child with epilepsy. Discover ...

Mind over matter: The Path to the Paris 2024 Paralympics as a Blind Swimmer. Evan Wilkerson, a visually impaired swimmer, shares his inspiring journey to the 2024 Paralympics. Learn about his training, challenges, and dreams of representing Team USA.

Explore the challenges and opportunities faced by students with ADHD transitioning to college. College professor and ADHD coach Dr. Lauren Kerr-Heraly shares her insights on: executive function skills, support systems, self-advocacy, and more!

Wondering how your child with a disability will be financially secure? This interview reveals 3 life-changing steps! Jim Lange, a CPA and attorney, shares key strategies to secure their future. He emphasizes the importance of government benefits...

It might not be about the writing at all! Discover the hidden reason behind why your child hates writing.

Forget "toughen up" - This mom reveals the secret weapon for raising a child with special needs (and it's not what you think.)

In this interview, Tonya Wollum, the host of the Water Prairie Chronicles, chats with Latisha Anderson about the challenges and triumphs of raising a child with a disability. Latisha shares her perspective on how parents can empower their children to overcome limitations and setbacks. Latisha shares some of the setbacks she has faced in her own life in addition to having a learning disability, and she speaks of her role today as the parent of a child with special needs.

Jason, a grieving father who lost his son with special needs, shares his journey. Highlighting the lack of support for grieving men, Jason describes his healing process through journaling and creating a Facebook page to offer a safe space for others.

Is Self-Care Selfish? Why Putting Yourself First Makes You a Better Parent. For parents raising children with special needs, a picture-perfect life can feel far out of reach. In this episode, we talk about breaking free from that cycle and ...

Ever wonder what it's like to have an autism sibling? This heartwarming interview with Sarah Boss dives deep into her experience growing up alongside her brother on the autism spectrum. Sarah offers a unique perspective ...

Forget tantrums! Discover the Music Therapy Hacks Parents of Neurodivergent Kids NEED to Know! Struggling with your neurodivergent child? Board-certified music therapist Samantha Foote joins Water Prairie Chronicles to show how music & positive ...

In this episode, Kristin & Todd Evans, authors on marriage with disabled children, share their struggles and winning strategies. Open communication, avoiding assumptions, and professional help are key. Self-care, shared responsibilities, and celebrating small victories strengthen the bond. Though challenging, marriage can thrive with effort and support! Their book offers tools for couples on this journey.

Raising a child with special needs is a constant challenge, and when bipolar disorder enters the mix, it can feel overwhelming. But there is help and support available. In this episode, I'm talking with George Brooks, a mental health advocate and fat

Discover the keys to unlocking stronger parent-child bonds with seasoned coach Kathy Bowers on this episode of the Water Prairie Chronicles. Join us as Kathy shares over 40 years of expertise, offering practical strategies to enhance communication and relationships with your children. Don't miss out—tune in to learn how to transform your family dynamics today!

Welcome to Season 3 of the Water Prairie Chronicles, your go-to podcast for all things related to parenting children with special needs! Find out about Season 3 updates, announcements, and projects that will make this season one to remember.

Which was our most popular episode of Season 2?

Language Impairment and Speech Delays in Children

Homeschooling Neurodiverse Kids

The significance of the Hunger Games movie in the Disability Community

Insights for Parents on Mental Health and Invisible Disabilities

Show Notes: In this empowering episode, we dive into the world of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and the pivotal role of the Parent Input Statement. Join us as we welcome Heather Wright, a Master IEP Coach, who shares invaluable insights on how parents can effectively advocate for their child's education. Discover the secrets to crafting a compelling Parent Input Statement, one that goes beyond mere concerns and transforms your child's educational journey. Learn how to embrace your essential role in shaping your child's IEP and why preparation is the key to a successful IEP meeting. This episode is a must-watch for parents, guardians, and anyone involved in the IEP process. It's time to supercharge your advocacy, foster collaboration, and unlock your child's full potential in their educational experience. Don't miss this chance to take your child's education to the next level. Connect with Heather: WEBSITE: http://www.heatherwrightconsultant.com INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/heatherwrightconsultant FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/heatherwrightconsultant Are you getting our newsletter? If not, subscribe at https://waterprairie.com/newsletter Support our podcast and help us share more incredible stories by making a donation at Buy Me A Coffee. Your contribution makes a significant impact in bringing these stories to light. Thank you for your support! https://BuyMeACoffee.com/waterprairie Music Used: “LazyDay” by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Artist: http://audionautix.com/ ******************* Heather Wright, M.Ed. is a special education consultant who began her career more than 16 years ago as a middle school special education teacher. She is passionate about the world of special education and supporting families through this seemingly difficult process by providing them with the tools that allow them to be an advocate for their child all while developing a plan to move their education forward.  She provides a variety of services to meet the unique needs of families, starting with a free 30 minute phone consultation.  She obtained her masters degree in Learning Disabilities and Behavior Disorders from Georgia State University, in Atlanta, Georgia and is also a member of the Master IEP Coach® Network.  She currently works with families of children with learning disabilities, autism, developmental delays, behavior disorders, and other health impairments, to get the supports and services in the public-school setting, through collaboration. Parents know their children best and are their best advocates; however, they don't have to be alone!  Heather grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and moved to Georgia in 2006, where she lives with her husband and two fur babies. When she is not working you can find her cooking and baking, crafting, binge watching her favorite show, or enjoying the lake.

Show Notes: In this episode of the Water Prairie Chronicles, Tonya speaks with Dr. Stephanie Dueger, an author, educator, parent coach, and psychotherapist who works with expectant and new parents and their little ones up to age 5. The discussion revolves around supporting parents who are expecting a child with special needs. They emphasize the importance of seeking help and resources to cover the potential financial and emotional challenges. Dr. Dueger also talks about the significance of informing older siblings about the situation, keeping communication open, and being sensitive to their emotional needs. The conversation extends to the role of extended family and friends in supporting parents during this time. Dr. Dueger suggests offering practical help, such as making meals, listening, and finding helpful resources for the family. She emphasizes that each family's journey is unique and encourages embracing the experience of parenthood, no matter the challenges it may bring. Overall, the interview provides insights and guidance on navigating the complexities of preparing to parent a child with special needs, emphasizing the importance of community support, open communication, and embracing the journey of parenthood.

Show Notes: In this interview, Tonya speaks with Anouk Brière-Godbout about parenting emotionally intense children, especially those with special needs. They discuss various challenges faced by parents of such children and common misconceptions. Anouk emphasizes that these children often experience intense emotions that may not be understood by others. They also discuss strategies for dealing with meltdowns and finding solutions that work for each child. Anouk provides valuable insights into the world of parenting emotionally intense kids, including the importance of self-care for parents. She mentions her website and podcast, "Parenting the Intensity," as resources for parents looking for support and strategies. Overall, this interview sheds light on the challenges and needs of parents in this unique situation and offers a resource for support and understanding.

Show Notes: In this episode, Helen Panos, owner of Dynamis Learning in Atlanta, GA, and Heather Wright, a Master IEP Coach, share a wealth of knowledge and guidance on the important topics of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and 504 plans for students with disabilities. These passionate advocates offer a comprehensive overview of these plans, emphasizing the critical role that parents play in their children's educational journey. Throughout the discussion, the conversation underscores the need for a collaborative approach, emphasizing that the school system, educators, and parents should work as a team to ensure that each student's unique strengths and weaknesses are recognized and addressed. Additionally, they highlight the importance of early intervention, early identification of potential issues, and ongoing communication to foster a supportive educational environment. Overall, this podcast interview provides an essential resource for parents, teachers, and anyone interested in the world of special education. The conversation highlights the importance of advocating for every child's unique needs and creating an inclusive educational environment through collaboration and communication.

Special needs parenting is hard! You can get lost in the process of helping your child through all the stages of growing up, and many parents lose themselves along the way. Our guest in this episode, Megan Gibson, understands how parenting challenges can cause a special needs parent to feel like they get lost along the way, and she's made it her mission to help others find the freedom to be themselves. During this interview, Megan emphasizes the importance of staying true to your values and vision as a parent, even in the face of criticism or uncertainty. Throughout the conversation, Megan discusses her relationships, both past and present, highlighting the importance of surrounding oneself with supportive people who share your values and vision. She also touches on the difficulty of the transition when your children become more independent and offers guidance on navigating this challenging stage. Overall, Megan's journey is a testament to the power of resilience, self-awareness, and the importance of staying true to your values as a parent. Her story is not just about parenting; it's about personal growth, transformation, and self-discovery. Megan's willingness to share her experiences is both heartwarming and enlightening, offering hope and guidance to others on their parenting and self-improvement journeys.

Show Notes: Join us in this enlightening episode as we delve into the world of emotional intelligence with our guest, Melissa. She introduces us to a fascinating game that not only brings joy and laughter but also enhances our emotional awareness. Learn how Melissa's innovative game helps individuals of all ages expand their emotional vocabulary, connect with others, and improve communication skills. Discover how Melissa's game fosters vulnerability in a safe space, allowing players to share and express their emotions effectively. Whether you're a parent looking for engaging activities to connect with your kids or an educator seeking valuable resources for your classroom, this episode offers a treasure trove of insights. Tune in to explore the transformative power of emotional intelligence and find out where you can access Melissa's game and upcoming resources. Plus, don't miss the bonus emotional tools she's giving away for free. Join us on this journey toward emotional intelligence and strengthen your connections with those around you.

Show Notes: In this insightful episode, join us as we delve into the complexities of special needs sibling relationships and the challenges of growing up with disabilities. Our guest, Melissa Ortiz, opens up about her personal experiences as a person with a disability and the dynamics she faced with her sister. From childhood memories to adult understanding, Melissa shares candidly about the trials and triumphs that shaped their relationship. She provides valuable advice for parents striving to strike a balance between their non-disabled and disabled children, emphasizing the importance of communication, age-appropriate explanations, and fostering mutual respect. Melissa also discusses her passion for advocacy and her efforts at ABLE Americans, a resource hub aimed at connecting families and providing vital information. Join us for an enlightening conversation that sheds light on the power of support, understanding, and unity within families facing the challenges of disability. Melissa has been a guest on earlier episodes. To hear her story of growing up with Spina Bifida, check out Episode 72. To learn more about her work with ABLE Americans, be sure to listen to Episode 74. ******************* Connect with Melissa: Twitter: @dcbelleonwheels Instagram: @dcbelleonwheels Facebook: @melissa.d.ortiz.5 Email: mOrtiz@nationalcenter.org Connect with Us: https://linktr.ee/waterprairie Support this channel: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/waterprairie Music Used: “LazyDay” by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Artist: http://audionautix.com/