• Gentle Parenting for Children with Autism | Insights from Veronica Klepp
    Sep 12 2024

    About Veronica Klepp:

    Veronica Klepp is a devoted mother of two autistic children, ages 6 and 3, who has passionately championed the principles of gentle parenting for the past five years. At 29 years old, she has dedicated herself to creating a nurturing and understanding environment for her children, knowing that the path to growth is paved with patience, perseverance, and progress.

    Veronica’s approach to parenting is grounded in the belief that neither she nor her children need to be perfect, but that the continuous effort to improve and adapt is key. Through candidly sharing her experiences, Veronica offers valuable insights and practical techniques to other parents who may be navigating similar challenges. Her journey has made her an advocate for compassionate parenting, where empathy, understanding, and resilience are at the forefront.

    Her story is one of ongoing learning and development, where each day presents new opportunities to strengthen her family’s bonds and assist others in the complex journey of raising neurodiverse children. Veronica’s commitment to gentle parenting extends beyond her home; it is a mission to support and uplift other families seeking a more harmonious and joyful life.

    🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more expert insights on parenting, mental health, and neurodiversity!

    00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

    01:47 Veronica's Parenting Journey

    02:45 Challenges and Discoveries in Gentle Parenting

    04:54 Impact of Diet on Behavior

    08:13 Artificial Dyes and Their Effects

    16:23 Transitioning to Dye-Free Foods

    20:49 Exploring Natural Remedies and Vitamins

    27:24 Exploring Brain Mapping and Nutrition

    28:06 Introduction to the A E I O U Y Parenting Method

    28:36 Implementing the A E I O U Y Method

    32:05 Creating a Calm Down Corner

    35:37 The Holiday Tree Tradition

    38:30 Time In vs. Time Out and the Teddy Bear Method

    42:34 Dietary Changes and Dye-Free Products

    50:17 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

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    52 mins
  • Self-Care & Support for Parents of Neurodiverse Children | Insights from ElisSelf-Care & Support for Parents of Neurodiverse Children | Insights from Elisabeth Fitzgerald
    Sep 5 2024

    Elisabeth shares her expertise in working with neurodivergent individuals, including her personal journey with dyslexia, her professional experience, and practical advice for parents. Learn about the importance of self-care, creating supportive home environments, and promoting independence for children with autism. Elisabeth also explains the fundamentals of CBT and how it can help manage and restructure cognitive processes. For more information and to connect with Elisabeth, be sure to check out the links provided.

    00:00 Introduction and Special Guest Announcement

    00:39 Meet Ms. Elisabeth: Background and Expertise

    01:30 Elisabeth's Journey with Dyslexia

    08:54 Understanding Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

    13:17 Mock CBT Session: Helping Parents of Autistic Children

    21:18 Promoting Self-Care and Independence for Parents

    25:56 Creating a Supportive Home Environment

    28:21 The Importance of Breathing Techniques

    33:55 Final Thoughts and How to Connect with Elisabeth

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    36 mins
  • Autism & Mental Wellness: MissNatasha’s Journey | Advocacy & Creative Expression
    Aug 29 2024

    This heartfelt conversation covers early childhood experiences, overcoming personal challenges, and the importance of self-acceptance. Tune in to hear how MissNatasha's insights can help parents and educators support children with exceptionalities, and learn about her impactful initiatives like 'Create Instead of Hate' and 'A Sincere Peer Ear.'

    00:00 Introduction and Guest Announcement

    01:02 Meet MissNatasha

    03:45 MissNatasha's Journey with Autism

    05:24 Challenges and Triumphs of Growing Up Undiagnosed

    11:28 The Importance of Empathy and Understanding

    13:32 MissNatasha's Transition to Advocacy

    16:47 Exceptionally You: The First Book

    22:28 Other Works by MissNatasha

    24:57 Discussing the Latest Book Release

    25:26 Introduction to 'Autistically Yours'

    26:40 Mental Wellness and Advocacy

    29:10 A Sincere Peer Ear Initiative

    31:21 Preschool Readiness and Education

    33:35 Personal Experiences and Challenges

    41:15 Empowering Parents of Children with Autism

    49:45 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

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    51 mins
  • Building Bridges in Autism: Jamiel Owens Shares His Inspiring Journey | Autism Support
    Aug 22 2024

    In this episode, host Jessica T. Moore welcomes special guest Jamiel Owens, an autism father, author, and family relations coordinator at the Center for Autism Research at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Jamiel shares his inspiring journey from initial diagnosis of his son with autism, through his advocacy work for fathers and families navigating autism. He discusses his platform, the Ausome Show, his non-profit Ausomeness Inc., and his numerous books and resources designed to support the autism community. The discussion covers his personal and professional experiences, the importance of parental support and engagement, and practical advice for parents at various stages of their child's autism journey.

    00:00 Welcome and Introduction

    01:04 Meet Jamiel Owens

    01:43 Jamiel's Background and Advocacy

    04:31 Early Diagnosis Journey

    13:35 Impact on Family and Marriage

    21:36 Supporting Fathers and Community

    31:23 Starting a Nonprofit: Ausomeness Incorporated

    31:50 Building the Ausomeness Platform

    32:01 Connecting and Vetting Organizations

    33:13 Employing Neurodiverse Individuals

    34:21 The Journey as an Author

    35:40 Publishing the First Book

    37:05 Books for Autism Families

    40:10 Role at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia

    41:47 Advice for Parents of Children with Autism

    49:35 Self-Care and Future Plans

    52:11 Final Thoughts and Staying Connected

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    57 mins
  • Educating Families on Occupational Therapy and Developmental Milestones
    Jul 26 2024

    Discovering Occupational Therapy: Insights with Delicia Hicks

    In this episode, host Jessica Timor is joined by her long-time friend, Delicia Hicks, an experienced occupational therapist. Delicia shares her professional journey, her passion for helping people, and the impact of occupational therapy. They discuss various aspects of therapy, including its significance for children and adults, the benefits of early intervention, and practical strategies for parents. Delicia emphasizes the importance of being proactive, consistent, and advocating for necessary services. The conversation offers a deep dive into occupational therapy, highlighting its importance in aiding developmental milestones and improving quality of life.

    00:00 Introduction and Special Guest Announcement

    00:43 Catching Up with Delisha Hicks

    02:10 Delisha's Journey into Occupational Therapy

    07:26 Understanding Occupational Therapy

    09:54 Occupational Therapy for Children

    21:03 Strategies for Parents at Home

    31:23 Early Intervention and Advocacy

    40:56 Community Outreach and Final Thoughts

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    47 mins
  • Breaking Barriers: Inclusivity in Special Education
    Jul 26 2024

    In this episode, host Jessica Moore welcomes back Dr. Karen Dukes, a notable figure in the world of disability and special education. They discuss Dr. Dukes' extensive background, her inspiration from her mother, and her journey from Detroit to Georgia as a special education teacher. Dr. Dukes emphasizes the importance of empowering parents to strengthen their families and shares her unique approach through Dukes Way Academy, providing educational and community services. They delve into strategies for inclusive education, the significance of social-emotional learning, and tips for homeschooling children with special needs. Dr. Dukes also talks about her children's book, 'The Teacher in Me,' and her ongoing mission to support parents and children through various initiatives. The episode wraps up with insights on how parents can be the first and most influential teachers for their children.

    00:00 Introduction and Special Guest Announcement

    01:59 Dr. Karen Dukes' Background and Passion for Special Education

    02:42 Early Influences and Experiences with Special Needs

    06:16 Challenges and Strategies for Parents of Special Needs Children

    14:20 Promoting Inclusion and Understanding in Society

    18:17 The Teacher in Me: Dr. Dukes' Children's Book

    22:56 Dukes Way Academy: Empowering the Community

    26:31 Connecting with Children in Daycares

    27:31 The Importance of Parenting Classes

    27:52 Social Emotional Learning in Daycares

    29:32 Homeschooling Challenges and Advice

    32:26 Socialization Tips for Homeschoolers

    36:05 Understanding Social Emotional Learning

    41:49 Addressing the Preschool to Prison Pipeline

    48:00 Creating Personalized Stories for Children

    52:03 Final Thoughts and Encouragement for Parents

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    54 mins
  • Introducing Empowered Parenting: Navigating Autism Together
    Jul 26 2024

    Empowered Parenting: Navigating Autism as a Social Worker and Parent

    In this heartfelt episode, Jessica T. Moore reflects on the life-altering moment when her son was diagnosed with autism in May 2022. Despite her extensive experience and resources as a social worker, she felt unprepared and overwhelmed. Transitioning to an early intervention social worker, she embraced the challenge and founded Empowered Parenting, offering a podcast, planner, and academy to support other parents in similar situations. She aims to provide a comprehensive resource hub featuring expert advice and practical tools, empowering parents to navigate the complexities of raising a child with autism.

    00:00 The Diagnosis: A Life-Changing Moment

    00:40 Initial Reactions and Overwhelm

    01:20 Finding Strength and Taking Action

    01:47 Navigating the Unknown

    02:49 Embracing the Journey

    04:43 Empowered Parenting: A New Mission

    06:03 Supporting the Community

    06:46 Resources and Tools for Parents

    07:59 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

    Purchase the Empowered Parenting Planner: https://a.co/d/4hOn5DR

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    9 mins