Our Content
Perspectives For Parents:
Advice & Support from Parents & Caregivers
What to Look for in an ABA Provider
March 8, 2022
Need services for an autistic child? In this short video from Donyelle Clark-Kennedy, BCBA, learn how to select the right ABA provider.
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A 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…
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Storytelling as a self-advocacy skill for teens with disabilities
February 28, 2022
Telling their own story is a self-advocacy skill for teens with disabilities. In this short video, Dr. Leslie Grover talks about how to get your teen started.
Read moreHow are Civil Rights and Disability Rights connected?
February 23, 2022
How are the Civil Rights movement and the Disability Rights movement connected? Dr. Leslie Grover of Assisi House in Baton Rouge explains how one would not exist without the other.
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 moreLoving Well
February 10, 2022
When we have a spouse, a child with a disability, and other children can we have enough love to go around? How do we do “family love” well?
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Does 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 moreSupporting parents and caregivers of children with disabilities
January 25, 2022
Exceptional Lives is proud to have supported parents of children with special needs or disabilities on the roller coaster of the past 2 years. Please help us continue our work in 2022.
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My child has a disability and I don’t: an episode about finding role models
January 19, 2022
On January 20th, my daughter saw herself in the mirror when we watched the presidential inauguration. Black women took the stage, and one used American Sign Language to recite the Pledge of Allegiance. Her jaw dropped. In this podcast, we talk role models. If we don’t share our child’s disability, we have that much more…
Read moreWhat is the Difference Between a Child with Special Needs or a Disability and a “Special Needs Child”?
January 19, 2022
Child with special needs? Special needs child? The language changes all the time. How to keep up? Here are some ways to think about this as we support our kids.
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
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My 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.
Read moreI’m a mama to a child with disabilities. Yes, I look tired. Here’s why I don’t care.
November 23, 2021
Parents of kids with disabilities are often the squeaky wheel, the recipient of sideways looks in the store. But so many people miss how much richer my life is with this child.
Read more4 Pieces Every IEP Goal Should Have
November 3, 2021
4 Essential Parts of a Great IEP Goal For Your Child With Special Needs By Dr. Howard, Professor & Board Member of the Federation of Children With Special Needs
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We’re proud to announce that we’ve reached 1 million website views.
October 7, 2021
We’re proud to announce that we’ve reached 1 million website views. Thank you to the families, caregivers, and providers who continue to use our resources and tools. We take pride in the work that we do supporting families of children with disabilities. We hope to continue to reach and support families that need our…
Read moreExceptional Lives, Inc. Awarded Grant From The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana Foundation To Pilot Peer Support Program
October 1, 2021
New Orleans, Louisiana: Exceptional Lives, a not-for-profit that works in Louisiana, was recently awarded $23,840.00 of grant funding from the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana Foundation to pilot a peer support program for rural BIPOC families.
Read moreLiteracy FAQ: Where do I start to help my child catch up with reading skills? (video)
September 30, 2021
Watch this 2-minute video to learn some ways to help your child catch up with reading skills.
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