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

Follow us on Instagram: www.instagram.com/everybrainisdifferent

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

In this episode Samantha and Lauren speak with Janet Elliot, author of 'The Alien Savant,' a poignant exploration of her autistic brother's journey through a neurotypical world.

Janet recounts the challenges faced by her family in the 1960s and 1970s, highlighting the lack of understanding and resources for children with developmental disabilities during that time.

She discusses the evolution of special education and family advocacy, emphasizing the importance of recognizing strengths and fighting for appropriate educational and social services for neurodivergent individuals.

The conversation also touches on the ongoing need for societal acceptance and support for adults with disabilities, along with practical advice and valuable resources for parents and caregivers.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest

00:43 Janet's Involvement in the Neurodivergent Community

01:23 Challenges and Advocacy in the 1960s and 1970s

05:08 Michael's Education Journey

08:31 Michael's Adult Life and Continued Advocacy

12:30 Advice for Parents of Neurodivergent Children

14:40 Resources for Adults with Disabilities

18:57 Janet's Book and Where to Find It

21:31 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Connect with Janet:
Website: https://www.myguidedpen.com/
Buy the Book, The Alien Savant: https://www.bookshop.org/

Connect with Sweet Zola's: https://sweetzolascandy.com/

Connect with Samantha Foote!

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

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

In this episode, Rachel Forrester, an Idaho real estate broker and founder of the support group Idaho Autism Moms, shares her expertise in assisting families with special needs children in finding suitable homes in and around Boise, Idaho.

She discusses various considerations when buying a house, such as proximity to therapy services, neighborhood safety, and the importance of functional spaces like sensory rooms.

Rachel also addresses the challenges of moving with special needs children and offers strategies to make the process as smooth as possible, including the usefulness of video walkthroughs and conducting thorough neighborhood research.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:18 Rachel's Involvement in the Neurodivergent Community

01:11 Housing Needs for Families with Special Needs

02:30 Considerations for Home Features and Safety

07:25 Importance of Proximity to Resources

13:05 Navigating Neighborhood Safety and Community

19:21 Rachel's Free Guide and Final Thoughts

21:00 Conclusion and Highlights

Parenting Power Hour: www.everybrainisdifferent.com

Get Rachel's Guide:
tinyurl.com/rachelinboise

Connect with Rachel:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.208.rachel?igsh=MXA1Z2t4YWtxanQxaQ

Connect with Samantha Foote!

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

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

In this episode, Samantha Foote narrates a personal story about her son's meltdown during a family trip. She recounts the events leading up to the meltdown, the meltdown itself, and what they did after.

Samantha shares what she did well in managing the situation, , and also reflects on what she could have done better.

She emphasizes the importance of helping children return to a self-regulated state during meltdowns and discusses the plans they made to ensure her son had personal space and ways to calm himself for the rest of the trip.

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview
00:10 The Meltdown
02:41 Understanding the Meltdown
03:17 Reflecting on the Response
04:52 Moving Forward: Strategies and Plans
05:39 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

Connect with Us: www.everybrainisdifferent.com

Connect with Samantha Foote!

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

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

In this episode, Samantha and Lauren talk with Dana Kay, a board-certified health practitioner, and two-time international bestselling author.

Dana shares her extensive experience working with families across the US through her company, ADHD Thrive Institute, where she helps parents reduce ADHD symptoms naturally by focusing on biological triggers like diet, gut health, and inflammation.

She emphasizes the importance of supporting a child's biology rather than 'fixing' them, and discusses the profound impact of the gut-brain connection on overall health and behavior, providing insights into how gut health can influence ADHD symptoms and other disorders.

00:00 Introduction to Donna Kay

00:34 Donna's Work with Neurodivergent Families

02:14 The Gut-Brain Connection

04:15 Impact of Antibiotics on Gut Health

08:17 The Role of the Vagus Nerve

10:14 Strategies for Supporting Gut Health

20:16 Addressing Picky Eating

21:41 Donna's Personal Life and Interests

23:10 Conclusion and Resources

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

Connect with Dana:

Website: https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/adhdthriveinstitute

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

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

Connect with Samantha Foote!

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

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

In this episode, Samantha Foote discusses effective strategies for managing transitions for neurodivergent children. Understanding that transitions can trigger anxiety, resistance, or meltdowns, she emphasizes the importance of preparation and planning.

Suggestions include using visual schedules, musical cues, and countdowns to create predictability and ease anxiety.

Additionally, she highlights the need for consistent daily routines, transitional objects, positive reinforcement, sensory considerations, and supportive communication as vital tools for smooth transitions.

00:00 Introduction to Managing Transitions
00:10 Understanding Transitions and Their Challenges
00:32 Preparation and Planning for Smooth Transitions
00:43 Using Visual Schedules and Musical Cues
01:44 Creating Predictability with Consistent Routines
02:20 Utilizing Transition Objects for Comfort
02:47 Countdowns and Timers for Effective Transitions
03:03 Positive Reinforcement and Encouragement
03:43 Sensory Considerations for Transitions
04:42 Supportive Communication Strategies
05:39 Key Strategies Recap and Conclusion

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