This week, our son Jack returned to school after 6 months of medical leave. In November 2016 he developed an infection that led to PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections). As time went on, we learned that strep was not the only trigger for the flares, and he was diagnosed with both PANDAS and PANS (Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome), […]
About Katie Emanuel
How to Reduce Back to School Stress
Around the United States, families are getting ready for the first weeks of school. Our family is in the middle of helping our oldest son re-enter mainstream school after a semester of medical leave, while also preparing our daughter to begin kindergarten. As soon as August arrived, we felt the stress rise.
The Importance of a Summer Boredom Balance
Three years ago, I was pregnant with our youngest of three. We lived in a small house with many diagnoses under one roof‑including autism, ADHD, a connective tissue disorder, hypotonia, anxiety, Crohn’s, Celiac’s, and severe food allergies. Many of the diagnoses were new and we had upwards of sixteen therapies and appointments per week to […]
Travel Tips for Special Needs Families
This past week, our family traveled from Boston, MA to Atlanta, GA. We made our way south and back by plane, train, bus, and car…and lived to tell the tale! Traveling with a special needs child can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are some useful tips to make your travels smooth sailing this summer.
What is Stress and How Can I Unwind?
I held his hand as the anesthesiologist put a small mask over his mouth and nose, and I watched him fall asleep. I squeezed his shoulder and kissed his cheek as his eyes lost focus and gently closed. After four days of GI, my oldest son, Jack, was “under” for his colonoscopy and endoscopy.
4 Ways to Confidently Communicate with Your Child’s Doctors
When our son Jack developed a mysterious illness in November of last year, our world turned upside down. Our once funny, vibrant, energetic boy could hardly get out of bed. Within a few short weeks, he was no longer able to attend school or participate in activities he had once loved. Over the course of […]
A Positive Look on Your Child’s Mental Health
In November 2016, our oldest son became very ill. His symptoms were physical at first, starting with his gastrointestinal system. Within a month, he was experiencing neuropsychiatric episodes. Within two months, his condition was so severe he was no longer able to attend school.
How To Balance Young Children's Needs During a Sibling's Hospitalization
As I mentioned in this recent post, giving time to your special needs child’s siblings each day is important. But what happens when emergency strikes? How do you balance time with each of your children when a hospitalization or medical emergency comes into play?