Saturday, April 20, 2024

special needs

Episode #81: How to Prepare for a Special Needs Baby

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.

📣 Connect with Stephanie:

WEBSITE: preparedforparenthood.com

EMAIL: info[@]preparedforparenthood.com

FACEBOOK: preparedforparenthood

PODCAST: Coming Soon!

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👉 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/

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Meet Today’s Guest:

Dr. Stephanie Dueger is an author, educator, parent coach, and psychotherapist who works with expectant and new parents and their little ones up to age 5. Her book, Preparing for Parenthood: 55 Essential Conversations for Couples Becoming Families (2020), is the book she wishes she’d had for herself when first becoming a parent and was the winner of a bronze medal for Parenting and Relationship books in the 2022 Global Book Awards and a finalist in the 2023 Book Excellence Awards. She facilitates parent workshops and courses and was the Editor-in-Chief of the academic Journal of Pre- and Perinatal Psychology and Health from 2019-2022. Dr. Dueger lives in Colorado with her husband, two daughters, and furball of a dog. Learn more about her work at https://preparedforparenthood.com.

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Episode #79: IEPs vs 504 Plans: Understanding the Differences

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.

📣 Connect with Helen:

WEBSITE: https://www.dynamislearningacademy.com/

FREE Advocacy Brochure: https://bit.ly/40vheZg

PODCAST: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/smart-parents-successful-students/id1581128395

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/dynamislearningacademy/

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/dynamislearningacademy

YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/channel/UC-DBFY2KmyXii8Zp41R0RbQ

📣 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/

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Episode #70: ADHD Coach’s Secrets: Empowering Special Needs Parents for Success

Show Notes:

In this insightful interview, Tonya talks with Arianna Bradford, an expert on ADHD and founder of the “Chase the Chaos” digital summit. Arianna shares her personal experiences with ADHD, discussing the challenges she faced growing up, the impact of her diagnosis, and her journey of self-discovery. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the diverse manifestations of ADHD and highlights the misconceptions surrounding the condition.

Throughout the interview, Arianna addresses common stereotypes about ADHD, debunking the myths and explaining how ADHD affects individuals differently. She emphasizes that ADHD is not solely a childhood disorder and provides valuable insights into the specific challenges adults with ADHD may encounter.

Arianna sheds light on executive functioning and the difficulties it poses for people with ADHD, including time management, organization, and impulsivity. She discusses strategies to cope with these challenges, such as creating routines, using reminders, and employing various tools and apps.

The conversation delves into the relationship between ADHD and emotional regulation, highlighting the heightened emotional sensitivity often experienced by individuals with ADHD. Arianna shares coping mechanisms and encourages seeking professional support to manage emotions effectively.

Tonya and Arianna discuss the benefits of a supportive community for people with ADHD, acknowledging the significance of connecting with like-minded individuals who understand the challenges and triumphs associated with the condition.

Arianna further explores the link between creativity and ADHD, describing how ADHD individuals often have a strong ability to recognize patterns, which is sometimes mistaken for psychic abilities. She encourages embracing this creativity and incorporating self-care practices into daily life.

The interview concludes with Arianna sharing her upcoming “Chase the Chaos” digital summit, a platform for people with ADHD who enjoy focusing on multiple interests. The summit aims to create a community where diverse interests are celebrated, and individuals can learn from experts and share experiences.

Overall, Arianna’s expertise and personal journey provide a comprehensive understanding of ADHD, breaking down stigmas and offering practical strategies for navigating life with this unique condition.

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Connect with Arianna:

Website: https://youradhdone.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thearibradford/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AdhDONE

Resource mentioned during this episode:

Chase the Chaos Online Summit: https://chasethechaos.thrivecart.com/ctc-summit-ticket/

Theta Wave Study: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4973024/

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/

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Episode #56: Building a Supportive Community for Individuals with Down Syndrome

Show Notes:

In this episode, we take a tour of the new location for Gigi’s Playhouse Raleigh, a non-profit organization that provides support, resources, and programs for individuals with Down syndrome and their families. We speak with volunteers and staff to learn more about the impact Gigi’s Playhouse has on the Down syndrome community. Additionally, we sit down with Michelle and Matthew Schwab, advocates for Down syndrome, to discuss a range of topics related to raising a child with Down syndrome, including medical care, education, and social interactions. Join us for an informative and inspiring conversation about the beauty of Down syndrome and the importance of building a supportive community.

Connect with Matthew:

Website: https://www.matthewschwabspeaks.com/

Connect with Us: https://linktr.ee/waterprairie

Support this channel: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/waterprairie

MOTHERS DAY BOOK BUNDLE GIVEAWAY!

Grab your chance to win 2 signed books about Sofia Sanchez, a teen actress, model, and advocate for Down syndrome!

Go to https://waterprairie.com/giveaway for details!

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/

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Episode #4: Special Needs Siblings

In this episode, Tonya talks with our son, Christopher, about growing up with a sibling who has special needs. Christopher shares how his understanding of his sister’s disability has changed since he was young, and he talks about their relationship today as young adults. Next week, Christopher will continue his conversation with Tonya and share some of the challenges he has had personally and how they have impacted his desire to play baseball in college.

Next week, in Episode #5, Christopher will continue his conversation with Tonya and share some of the challenges he has had personally and how they have impacted his desire to play baseball in college.

Connect with Us: https://linktr.ee/waterprairie

Support this channel: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/waterprairie

Music Used:

“Your Intro” by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/  Artist: http://audionautix.com/

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Episode #3 – Part 2: Space Camp, Surfing, and Zip Lining!

In this video podcast, Tonya talks with Olivia Wilkerson about what it was like to grow up having a visual impairment caused by Leber Congenital Amaurosis, a rare genetic cause of childhood blindness. 

During this part of Episode #3, Olivia speaks to teachers who work with visually impaired students about how they can help their students in the classroom and help them become advocates for their own needs. She also describes her adventures at Space Camp, outdoor adventure camps, her other activities, and what she plans to do in the future.

In Part 1 of this episode, Olivia shared her memories of her younger years in school and gave tips for parents of what they might consider asking to include in their visually impaired child’s IEP at school and what they can do to help prepare their child for success in middle school and beyond.

Watch Part 1 of Episode #3: https://waterprairie.com/2022/02/11/leber-congenital-amaurosis/

Olivia’s Instagram: @O_Wilkerson04

Some of the topics covered during Olivia’s interview can be explored more below:

Braille Challenge: https://brailleinstitute.org/braille-challenge/about

SCIVIS Space Camp: http://www.scivis.org/index.htm

Connect with Us: https://linktr.ee/waterprairie

Support this channel: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/waterprairie
Music Used:

  1) “Your Intro” by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/  Artist: http://audionautix.com/

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Episode #3 – Part 1: Growing Up With a Visual Impairment

In this video podcast, Tonya talks with Olivia Wilkerson about what it was like to grow up having a visual impairment caused by Leber Congenital Amaurosis, a rare genetic cause of childhood blindness. Olivia shares her memories of her younger years in school and gives tips for parents of what they might consider asking to include in their visually impaired child’s IEP at school and what they can do to help prepare their child for success in middle school and beyond.

During Part 2 of this episode, Olivia speaks to teachers who work with visually impaired students about how they can help their students in the classroom and help them become advocates for their own needs. Be sure to listen to Part 2 to hear about how Olivia’s been involved with Space Camp, outdoor adventure camps, her other activities, and what she plans to do in the future.

Watch Part 2 of Episode #3: https://waterprairie.com/2022/02/11/leber-congenital-amaurosis-and-space-camp/

Olivia’s Instagram: @O_Wilkerson04

Some of the topics covered during Olivia’s interview can be explored more below:
Braille Challenge: https://brailleinstitute.org/braille-challenge/about

Connect with Us:
https://linktr.ee/waterprairie

Support this channel:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/waterprairie

Music Used:
1) “Your Intro” by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Artist: http://audionautix.com/

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Episode #1: What’s It All About?

Your hosts, Steve and Tonya Wollum, talk about what Water Prairie is all about, how they came up with the idea, and who they want to serve through the information they will feature on the podcast and website. Find out where the name came from and hear some of the topics coming up soon.

Music Used: “Your Intro” by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Artist: http://audionautix.com/

Connect with us: https://linktr.ee/waterprairie

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