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Perspectives For Parents:
Advice & Support from Parents & Caregivers
6 ways to be a fierce advocate for your child with disabilities
June 8, 2022
Advocating for your child with a disability can be hard. Here are 6 practical tips to help you make sure they get what they need. Narrated by Christina Kozik; Written by Julie McKinney
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Parents, let’s talk mental health
May 18, 2022
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. But what does mental health look like for those of us caring for children with disabilities? How can we support our children while still tending to our own needs? Here are a few ideas for you.Narrated by Christina Kozik; Written by Julie McIsaac
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Want to support children with disabilities? Support their families.
May 11, 2022
One of the best ways to support children with disabilities is to support their families. But how? Exceptional Lives offers our 3 favorite tips.Narrated by Christina Kozik; Written by Julie McIsaac
Read moreMother’s Day special podcast: If you give a mom a minute
May 4, 2022
A tribute to mamas and people filling those mama shoes this Mother’s Day…. If you give a mom a minute, she’ll try to fill it with “just one more thing”...Narrated by Christina Kozik; Written by Julie McIsaac
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Is DIR Floortime right for my autistic child?
April 28, 2022
DIR Floortime is an approach to supporting autistic children, yet many parents of autistic children only know about ABA therapy. In this podcast, Julie McIsaac, Learning and Mental Health Consultant, talks about her experience as a certified DIR Floortime provider.Narrated by Christina Kozik; Written by Julie McIsaac
Read moreI am the parent of an autistic child. What will I learn from listening to autistic adults?
April 13, 2022
If you have the chance to learn more about what it is like to walk in your child’s shoes, why not take it? One of the best ways parents of autistic kids can understand our children’s experience is to listen to autistic adults. Narrated by Christina Kozik; Written by Julie McIsaac
Read moreWhat is identity-first language and what does it have to do with autism?
April 6, 2022
Autistic child? Child with autism? It feels like the language is always changing. But identity-first language is a powerful way of shifting the conversation - and reflects so much of what we want to teach our children. Narrated by Christina Kozik; Written by Julie McIsaac
Read moreDoes my child have dysgraphia? How would I know?
March 30, 2022
Dysgraphia is a learning disability that interferes with a person’s ability to express their ideas in writing. But you may not even know what it is. Here’s what to look for and what to do if your child is struggling. Narrated by Christina Kozik; Written by Julie McIsaac
Read more5 tips for filing taxes for people with disabilities
March 23, 2022
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.Narrated by Christina Kozik; Written by Julie McKinney in consultation with Ken W. Shulman, Day Pitney LLP.
Read moreMy child with disabilities is now an adult. How do I let go and still support him?
March 16, 2022
At age 22, young people with disabilities age out of special education. In this podcast, Exceptional Lives Team member Julie talks about her son’s transition and how she is learning to support him in this new part of his life while she learns to let go. Narrated by Christina Kozik; Written by Julie McKinney
Read more4 pieces every IEP goal should have
March 9, 2022
How can you tell between a great IEP goal that will support your child with a disability – and one that doesn’t mean much? In this podcast we will talk about 4 things that should be a part of every goal. Narrated by Christina Kozik; Written by Julie McKinney
Read moreA crash course in navigating special education
March 1, 2022
Special education (often called special ed or SPED) means specialized teaching and related services to help children with disabilities or special needs make progress in school. How do you know if your child qualifies? And what does specialized teaching mean, anyway? In this podcast we’ll break down the systems and acronyms so you’re ready to…
Read moreWhat happens when my child is too old for early intervention?
February 16, 2022
If your child has a delay or disability, they may qualify for school-based special education services or therapy when they turn 3. In this episode we’ll talk about how and when to start getting your child (and yourself!) ready for this transition. Narrated by Christina Kozik; Written by Julie McKinney
Read moreDoes my child need Occupational Therapy?
February 2, 2022
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…
Read moreWhat are sensory processing issues? And do they explain my kid’s behavior?
January 26, 2022
Sensory processing issues make it difficult for our brains to process and filter information that comes through our senses. When our kids are overwhelmed or understimulated, it shows up in their behavior. In this podcast, we will talk about how to understand and meet our kids’ sensory needs. Narrated by Christina Kozik; Written by Julie…
Read more6 Things Not to Say to Children with Disabilities
January 12, 2022
It’s easy to say the wrong thing, even when we mean well. Here is what not to say to a child with a disability - and some great things to say instead. This podcast will take on both. Narrated by Christina Kozik; Written by Marisa Howard-Karp
Read moreMy child has a new disability diagnosis. Now what?
January 5, 2022
Your child was recently diagnosed with a disability. Maybe this is the first time, or maybe it’s yet another diagnosis in a long string of them. You might feel confused. Or relieved. Or scared. Or overwhelmed. All of the above? That sounds about right. In this podcast episode, we’ll dive right into all of it.…
Read moreYes, I look tired. Let’s talk about why I don’t care.
December 30, 2021
Parents of kids with disabilities are often the squeaky wheels, the recipients of sideways looks in the store. The looks I get in the store are only looks of those that just don’t know; they can’t understand how much richer my life is because of this child. I embrace being the frazzled parent because I…
Read moreWho is Exceptional Lives? Resources and support for families caring for children with disabilities.
December 30, 2021
Exceptional Lives envisions a world where families raising children with disabilities (or special needs) become effective advocates for their children. We support families, train providers and educators, and offer guidance grounded in our own personal experiences. Listen to this short podcast to learn more about how we can support you.
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