In this episode, we welcome back Karen Kassow, a writer, certified master life coach, and founder of AI-Powered Homeschool.

As a neurodivergent parent raising two autistic children, Karen shares her journey and dedicated advocacy within the neurodivergent community.

She discusses the challenges faced by families in navigating special education services, especially with the potential removal of crucial programs like the family-paid caregiving waiver. Karen emphasizes the importance of making educated voting choices to support these programs and shares the heartbreaking stories of families that rely on them.

Karen talks about homeschooling as a viable, flexible alternative for neurodivergent families, offering various strategies and resources that cater to the unique needs of these children.

Listeners are encouraged to get involved in local disability resources and make their voices heard to enact change and support for families in similar situations.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:40 Meet Karen Caso: Life Coach and Advocate

01:57 Challenges in the Neurodivergent Community

02:29 The Importance of Educated Voting

09:31 Homeschooling for Neurodivergent Kids

16:18 Flexibility and Support in Homeschooling

19:34 Homeschooling Standards and Regulations

20:59 Idaho Homeschooling Regulations

21:47 Standardized Testing Concerns

24:43 Personal Homeschooling Experiences

26:09 Flexibility in Homeschooling

28:37 Challenges in Public Schooling

32:00 Homeschooling Resources and Support

35:16 Final Thoughts and Reflections

Connect with Karen:

Website: https://www.karenkossow.com/

Join the Neurodivergent Parenting Community: https://www.everybrainisdifferent.com/membership

Connect with Samantha Foote!

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

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

In this episode, Samantha and Lauren discuss summer burnout experienced by both parents and neurodivergent children.

They share personal stories and offer practical tips for recognizing signs of burnout, such as emotional dysregulation and behavioral changes.

Samantha and Lauren emphasize the importance of creating a balanced routine that includes adequate downtime and sensory-friendly spaces to help children self-regulate and recover from overstimulation.

They also discuss their own experiences and strategies for managing burnout and encourage listeners to share their own tips for overcoming burnout.

00:00 Introduction to Summer Burnout

00:38 Personal Experiences with Burnout

02:09 Recognizing Burnout Symptoms

06:11 Managing Burnout in Kids

09:01 Self-Regulation Strategies

10:29 Host's Personal Burnout

10:58 Conclusion and Next Episode Preview

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Connect with Samantha Foote!

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

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

In this episode, Samantha shares practical tips for implementing language shifts and going from telling kids what not to do using "don't" to telling what to do.

She emphasizes redirecting behavior with clear and positive alternatives, keeping instructions simple and specific, and being consistent in using positive language.

00:00 Introduction to Positive Language
00:55 Understanding the Impact of Negative Language
01:15 Shifting to Positive Instructions
02:10 Practical Examples and Tips
03:32 Consistency and Final Thoughts
04:17 Upcoming Events and Sign-Off

Parenting Power Hour: 2nd Thursday of the month from 12:45-1:45 PM MDT. Sign up at www.everybrainisdifferent.com

Connect with Samantha Foote!

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

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