This week, Christina chats with Dr. Nilong Vyas of Sleepless in NOLA, on the importance of sleep in early childhood. They’ll answer questions like, “Why is sleep important?” and “My child is a terrible sleeper. Is it me or something else?” Listen along for helpful information and tips and tricks around sleep. Resources mentioned in this episodeWhat is a sleep consultant and how do they help families?Sleep Disorders in ChildrenAutism Awareness & SleepMelatonin for Kids: A Guide for Parents and CaregiversSleepless in NOLADr. Vyas’ Bedtime ChecklistThank you Dr. Vyas for offering our families a discount on your services! For a 10% discount use code: INEEDSLEEP10Where to find Exceptional LivesFacebookInstagramTikTokLinkedIn

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 episode5 Things to Know Before Filing Taxes for People with DisabilitiesABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) AccountsSpecial Needs Alliance: Attorneys for Special Needs PlanningTax Help for People with DisabilitiesLiving and Working with Disabilities (IRS) Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA): free tax preparation help for taxpayers who qualifyWhere to find Exceptional LivesFacebookInstagramTikTokLinkedIn

Flying with kids with disabilities can be stressful and overwhelming. This week’s podcast episode has 5 tips to make the trip easier for you and your child.Resources mentioned in this episodeBetter parenting using self-regulationWhat is self-regulation and how can it help me be a better parent?¿Qué es la autorregulación y cómo puede ayudarme a ser un mejor padre?Co-regulation: Your secret tool for managing meltdownsHow can co-regulation help my child’s behavior? Strategies for parenting children with disabilities¿Cómo puede ayudarle a mi hijo la corregulación? Estrategias para ser padre de niños con discapacidadesUS Department of Transportation; Wheelchairs and Other Assistive DevicesDisabilities and Medical ConditionsWhat is the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower?Wings for Autism / Wings for AllTSA Notification CardWhat To Do When an Airline Damages Your WheelchairWhere to find Exceptional LivesFacebookInstagramTikTokLinkedIn

In this bonus episode, Christina discusses doing a pediatric sleep study with her son and his sensory needs.  Resources mentioned in this episodeThe importance of sleep in early childhood with Dr. Nilong VyasSleepless in NOLAOur Lady of the Lake Sleep MedicineWhere to find Exceptional LivesFacebookInstagramTikTokLinkedIn

This week, Christina chats with Dr. Nilong Vyas of Sleepless in NOLA, on the importance of sleep in early childhood. They’ll answer questions like, “Why is sleep important?” and “My child is a terrible sleeper. Is it me or something else?” Listen along for helpful information and tips and tricks around sleep. Resources mentioned in this episodeWhat is a sleep consultant and how do they help families?Sleep Disorders in ChildrenAutism Awareness & SleepMelatonin for Kids: A Guide for Parents and CaregiversSleepless in NOLADr. Vyas’ Bedtime ChecklistThank you Dr. Vyas for offering our families a discount on your services! For a 10% discount use code: INEEDSLEEP10Where to find Exceptional LivesFacebookInstagramTikTokLinkedIn

What do you do if you just found out your child has medically complex needs? Do you know how to be a great health care advocate for your complex kid? Christina gets helpful information and insight from Julia Roberts, parent and long-time advocate, in this week's episode. Resources mentioned in this episodeJulia RobertsChildren with Medical ComplexityHealth Insurance for a Child With Disabilities: Easily Navigate Coverage and ServicesHow to get medical insurance for a child with a disabilityHow to get the most out of health insurance for your child with disabilitiesFrequently Asked Questions about Health InsuranceWhat happens when a child with a disability turns 18?If you are undocumented (don’t have papers), you can get care at a Federally Qualified Health Center.Where to find Exceptional LivesFacebookInstagramTikTokLinkedIn

Speech Apraxia vs Autism: Are they related? If a child is speech delayed what can you do? Christina gets helpful information and insight from Kacy Woodson, a speech-language pathologist, in this week's episode. Resources mentioned in this episodeWho Are Speech-Language Pathologists, and What Do They Do?Childhood Apraxia of SpeechIs my child different? Six steps to assessing your child’s development.Understanding child development milestonesCDC’s Developmental MilestonesIs My Child Developing OK?What are Early Intervention Services? Can they help my child?The Special Education Evaluation ProcessWhere to find Exceptional LivesFacebookInstagramTikTokLinkedIn

Mr. Raymond A. Jetson says, “... If our children are going to feel present and valued and able to be the best version of themselves in the world, we have to be intentional about impacting the world in a way that creates space for that to happen.” In this week’s episode, Christina gets practical advice on how to build community for children with disabilities.Resources mentioned in this episodeMeet Raymond A. JetsonBuilding a Village of Support with Raymond A. Jetson (webinar)Children with disabilities need a village of support. Here are 3 ways to build that village for yours. (blog)Building a village of support: 3 ways to help children with disabilities live their best lives (podcast)Learn more about Cornelia de Lange SyndromeIntroduce your child with F-Words; it’s not what you think (podcast)Back to school for kids with disabilities: Dear Teacher, meet my son. (blog)How do I partner with the school to support my child? School communication tips for parents and caregiversWhere to find Raymond A. Jetson:Raymond A. Jetson on FacebookRaymond A. Jetson on TwitterRaymond A. Jetson on ThreadsRaymond A. Jetson on InstagramRaymond A. Jetson on LinkedInWhere to find Exceptional LivesFacebookInstagramTikTokLinkedIn

In this week’s episode, Christina gets back-to-school tips from Julie McIsaac, Learning and Mental Health Consultant. Get some real-life tips to support your child and their teacher as we head back to school.Resources mentioned in this episodeMeet Julie McIsaac, Ph.D.Introduce your child with F-Words; it’s not what you think (podcast)How Can I Prepare for My Child’s Transition into School-based Services at Age 3?Is your child having behavior problems at school? Here’s how to helpFellow Parents, Let’s Talk About Mental Health.Mental Health and Children with Disabilities: a WebinarWhy is my child struggling in school?Individualized Education Plan (IEP)IEP (plan educativo individualizado)Better parenting using self-regulationHow to Create an Effective IEP & Build a Strong TeamBack to school for kids with disabilities: Dear Teacher, meet my son. (blog)How do I partner with the school to support my child? School communication tips for parents and caregiversJulie McIsaac, PhD on FacebookWhere to find Exceptional LivesFacebookInstagramTikTokLinkedIn

In this week’s episode, Christina talks with Dayna Abraham, bestselling author of Calm the Chaos: A Fail-Proof Roadmap for Parenting Even the Most Challenging Kids. They discuss supporting neurodivergent kids at home in a realistic and shame-free way.Here’s some more about Dayna. As a National Board Certified educator, parent of three neurodivergent children, and an ADHD adult herself, Dayna brings a unique and out-of-the-box perspective to parents raising kids in the modern world. Through her compassionate framework, Calm the Chaos, she has helped millions of desperate parents around the world, find peace and meet their children where they're at when conventional parenting tools have failed them.Where to find Dayna AbrahamFacebookInstagram YouTubeTikTokLinkedinWhere to find Exceptional LivesFacebookInstagramTikTokLinkedIn

We’re back in school. Is your child with disabilities working with a new teacher? In this week’s podcast learn how to introduce your child to their teacher using helpful F-words!Resources mentioned in this episodeThe ‘F-words’ in childhood disability: I swear this is how we should think!Meet my Child documentFull letter by Julie McIsaac, PhD. to her son’s teacherWhere to find Exceptional LivesFacebookInstagramTikTokLinkedIn

Resources for children with disabilities: what are they, how do I find them? If you’ve found yourself overwhelmed with where to start in getting support for your child with disabilities or developmental delay this podcast episode is for you. Listen along as I break down the systems of services in this week’s episode. Resources mentioned in this episodeMy child was just diagnosed with a disability. Now what do I do? (Podcast)My child has a new disability diagnosis. Now what? (Blog)My child is behind on her milestones. Is she a late bloomer or is it a developmental delay?What is Medicaid and how do I apply for a family memberMedicaidWhat is a Federally Qualified Health CenterFederally Qualified Health Center locator toolDifferent health insurance plans and how to applyNew to special education? Here’s what you need to knowIDEA - Special Education Terms & Acronyms: a glossaryIEP - Special Education Terms & Acronyms: a glossaryAccommodations - Special Education Terms & Acronyms: a glossaryEarly InterventionHow do I help my child transition into school services when they turn 3?EarlySteps in LouisianaFind your state’s Early Intervention programOffice for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities (OCDD) - LouisianaDepartment of Developmental Services (DDS) - MassachusettsParent Information and Training Center (PTIC)The application process for getting SSISupplemental Security IncomeWhere to find Exceptional LivesFacebookInstagramTikTokLinkedIn

Flying with kids with disabilities can be stressful and overwhelming. This week’s podcast episode has 5 tips to make the trip easier for you and your child.Resources mentioned in this episodeBetter parenting using self-regulationWhat is self-regulation and how can it help me be a better parent?¿Qué es la autorregulación y cómo puede ayudarme a ser un mejor padre?Co-regulation: Your secret tool for managing meltdownsHow can co-regulation help my child’s behavior? Strategies for parenting children with disabilities¿Cómo puede ayudarle a mi hijo la corregulación? Estrategias para ser padre de niños con discapacidadesUS Department of Transportation; Wheelchairs and Other Assistive DevicesDisabilities and Medical ConditionsWhat is the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower?Wings for Autism / Wings for AllTSA Notification CardWhat To Do When an Airline Damages Your WheelchairWhere to find Exceptional LivesFacebookInstagramTikTokLinkedIn

Pool safety is important for everyone, more so for children with disabilities. Parents need hints for summer, some that are not always obvious. This week’s podcast contains 9 quick tips for water safety and UV awareness.Resources mentioned in this episodeHow to climb out of the poolSwimsuit colors for water safetySunscreen for people of colorSunscreen application tipsAssign an adult to be Water WatcherWhere to find Exceptional LivesFacebookInstagramTikTokLinkedIn

Self-care for caregivers: You’re tired and you know you need it. But how? And why would you want one more thing to add to your to-do list? This week on the podcast, I want to share with you how some things you’re already doing every day can be self-care.Resources mentioned in this episodeParents, let’s talk mental health (podcast)Fellow Parents, Let’s Talk About Mental HealthBetter parenting using self-regulation (podcast)"Calmness feels nice;" An interview about how tapping helped one mama's anxious child (podcast)Overloaded with Feelings: Could Tapping be the answer for your child?Self-care: What is it? Why is it so important for your health?Caring for Your Mental HealthEmotional Self-Care: What It Is and How to Make It Part of Your LifeThe Relational Dimension of Self-Care10 Spiritual Self-Care Tips To Be HappyWhere to find Exceptional LivesFacebookInstagramTikTokLinkedIn

There is often confusion and fear and difficulty when talking about mental illness, especially when children are involved. There doesn’t need to be though. This week’s podcast focuses on how you can support parents of children with mental illness. Listen along as we share 3 ways to be a great friend.Resources mentioned in this episode988 Suicide & Crisis LifelineThe Trevor Project: Help for LGBTQ+ Youth in CrisisFellow Parents, Let’s Talk About Mental Health (blog)Parents, Let’s Talk Mental Health (podcast)About Mental IllnessImportant Teen Mental Health Statistics For ParentsChildren’s Mental Health: Understanding an Ongoing Public Health ConcernChildren with disability: mental health & physical healthWhat is Sensory Processing? And can it help explain my child’s behavior? (blog)¿Qué es el procesamiento sensorial? ¿Y puede ayudar a explicar la conducta de mi hijo? (blog)What are sensory processing issues? And do they explain my kid’s behavior (podcast)Is your child struggling with reading? Here are 5 ways you can help at home.Parental Criticism May Worsen ADHD SymptomsDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder: The BasicHow to Discipline a Child With DMDDLong waiting lists, long drives and costly care hinder many kids’ access to mental health careMental illness in children: Know the signsTherapy to Improve Children’s Mental HealthMental Health and Children with Disabilities (video)Take a Mental Health TestWhere to find Exceptional LivesFacebookInstagramTikTokLinkedIn

In honor of Occuptional Therapy Month, we are re-releasing on episode on occupational therapy.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 Developmental Center (Baton Rouge, LA)What Is Occupational Therapy?Sensory Smarts: Find an Occupational TherapistKitchen Conversations: Therapies and accommodations to support young children with disabilities in school (webinar replay)One Quick Question: I thought OT was about workplace skills. Why does my child need OT if they don't work? (2-minute video)One Quick Question: "Will my young child with special needs need to do therapy forever?" (2-minute video)What are some activities for children who have difficulty accepting different foods or textures? (2-minute video)How to mix OT into summer fun (2-minute video)Am I doing enough? (2-minute video)Fellow parents: Let’s talk about mental healthWhere to find Exceptional LivesFacebookInstagramTikTokLinkedIn

“There’s no magic amount of knowledge.” This week I have a conversation with Nell Curran and she has some great insights into raising a neurodivergent child. Listen along as two neurodivergent moms talk about raising neurodivergent children.Resources mentioned in this episode5 things to do if your autistic child needs an ambulance (podcast)Body doubling and other parenting tips for neurodivergent adults (podcast)Neurotribes: The Legacy Of Autism And The Future Of Neurodiversity By Steve SilbermanWhere to find Exceptional LivesFacebookInstagramTikTokLinkedIn

Do you ever ask yourself, “as a neurodivergent parent, how can I teach my neurodivergent child skills that they’ll need?” This week on the podcast, I want to share some skills that I have discovered work for me and my family.Resources mentioned in this episodeNeurodivergent: What Is It, Symptoms, And TypesStimming: Why It Happens And How To Manage ItThe Link Between ADHD and Object PermanenceBody Doubling for ADHD: What It Is and How It Works?Body Doubling: Not Just for ADHDBody DoublingAdult Study Hall (online group for body doubling)WorkBuddies on TikTokWorkBuddies on DiscordWhere to find Exceptional LivesFacebookInstagramTikTokLinkedIn

“It’s tough and there’s some really, really hard days. Just don’t give up hope.” This week we talk to one parent about raising her child with disabilities. Listen along to hear some of the lessons she learned along the way.Resources mentioned in this episodeEarly Intervention (Louisiana)Early Intervention (Massachusetts)Six things you really, really don’t want to say to children with disabilities (try these instead) (Podcast)Exceptional Lives on FacebookExceptional Lives on InstagramExceptional Lives on LinkedInAnne Punzak Marcus on LinkedInWhere to find Exceptional LivesFacebookInstagramTikTokLinkedIn