This week Maria joins us in the studio as she shares her story being a special needs mom, as well as an educator. During her pregnancy she was given some news that started her on her path of motherhood that had lots of twists and turns, including watching her son undergo open heart surgery at 4 months old. Her story is full of bravery and honesty. As an educator she works hard to support the other families that need supports and need to be heard. One of the best supports that she was connected to by medical team during her pregnancy was the Down Syndrome Connection in the Bay Area. If you are can relate to her story and need support visit them at www.dscba.org .

Please leave Maria some loving and supporting comments and let her know that you connect with her story!

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Through sharing our candid experiences we hope to bring awareness, share resources and services while ultimately lifting each other up as we navigate our special needs journey together.

This weeks episode we are joined by Lexi, Christa's oldest daughter and sibling to Madison. Lexi shares a candid conversation about what life was like for her as a sibling. She shares that being a sibling sometimes feels isolating and alone because many of her peers don't quite understand what life is like growing up with a special needs sister. Although she shares her journey in a positive lite, she is clear to state that it isn't always easy. Please listen along as she shares her journey.

Please leave Lexi some comments and let her know that you connect with her story!

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Through sharing our candid experiences we hope to bring awareness, share resources and services while ultimately lifting each other up as we navigate our special needs journey together.

This week we have a really incredible guest...Allyson is a special needs mom that really encompasses what it means to give her all. She shares her journey about how she navigated a new marriage, then entering into the global pandemic of covid and then having her first child. When her son was born, she knew something was different because he wasn't content unless he was "moving". Without anything to go on and world that was shut down, she educated herself and helped her son. Not to far into her journey she finds out that her son is Neurodiverse. As a master at masking, her son is a wonderful reminder, that each child with Autism is unique. She is a beautiful, smart, strong and resourceful mom willing to stop at nothing to help children. Please listen along as she shares her journey.

Please leave Allyson some comments and let her know that you connect with her story!

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Through sharing our candid experiences we hope to bring awareness, share resources and services while ultimately lifting each other up as we navigate our special needs journey together.

This weeks episode features Adam, a special needs dad of 2 amazing and very special boys. Adam and his wife have been there for their boys from day one as they have overcome so much. He shares his story about navigating life with his wife, his boys and how they have all overcome many struggles as a family. From open heart surgeries, stroke survivor, Gestalt language, Autism and so much more their journey has been unique. Adam also shares his own inspirational story about taking control of his selfcare and losing over 100lbs, not once, but twice in the last 12 years. As a leader in his community, he lifts people up and brings them together to create a supportive and friendly group.

Please leave Adam some comments and let him know that you connect with his story!

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WEB: www.specialkindofchaos.com

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Through sharing our candid experiences we hope to bring awareness, share resources and services while ultimately lifting each other up as we navigate our special needs journey together.

As special needs parents we sometimes feel like we lose our own identity. We become 24/7 caregivers and that consumes our life, and in many ways it takes away our ability to be who we once were.

This week Carmen shares her advice about not losing yourself, just because you are a special needs parent. Carmen is a special needs mom to 4 and she shares her journey with us, as she navigated being a child with a disabled brother, to navigating the special needs world with a preemie. She also shares how she blended her family and ultimately added 2 more kiddos on the spectrum. She shows us that even though the journey can feel hard at times, look for the blessings. Her family has a magical bond and together everyone helps each other on their path.

Please leave Carmen some encouraging comments and let him know that you connect with her story!

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WEB: www.specialkindofchaos.com

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Through sharing our candid experiences we hope to bring awareness, share resources and services while ultimately lifting each other up as we navigate our special needs journey together.

This weeks episode you get to meet Nicole!! As a special needs mom to Rayna, she has figured out the key to her success is the support she gets, as well as the support she gives to other special needs parents. She is instrumental in connecting the families and friends around her to local services and support.

Rayna has a rare genetic disorder, Smith Lemli Opotz Syndrome (SLO), and has overcome so many different struggles throughout her life, through the dedication and advocacy of her mom and dad.

Nicole is a true superhero as she continues to not only take care of the needs of her daughter, but also help so many others.

If you would like to learn more about SLO or if you would like to make a donation on Rayna's behalf you can visit:

https://www.smithlemliopitz.org/living-with-slos/

Please leave Nicole some comments and let him know that you connect with her story!

LEAVE US A COMMENT ~ We love connecting with you!

WEB: www.specialkindofchaos.com

IG: specialkindofchaos.pod

FB: SpecialKindOfChaosPOD

Through sharing our candid experiences we hope to bring awareness, share resources and services while ultimately lifting each other up as we navigate our special needs journey together.

This weeks episode features Barrett, a special needs dad of a pretty special young man, Marco. He brings a little perspective into the discussion of what it is like to be a special needs dad. He has navigated many obstacles throughout his journey and has managed to create solutions, when he couldn't find them. He shares a little perspective on marriage, raising his children and even creating a residential home solution for his son Marco. Barrett shows us that even though sometimes it can be hard, we must do what we got to do to make things happen for our children.

Please leave Barrett some comments and let him know that you connect with his story!

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WEB: www.specialkindofchaos.com

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Through sharing our candid experiences we hope to bring awareness, share resources and services while ultimately lifting each other up as we navigate our special needs journey together.

This episode originally aired in 2022, but due to technical difficulties it is being re-released during the holiday season of 2024. Life Coach Hina Kalhoro shares about the importance of selfcare for our special needs caregivers.  Hina is a Certified Life Coach that truly GETS IT!  As a special needs mom of a medically complex child she has experienced first hand the challenges our special needs families face and the importance of taking care of yourself so that "burnout" can be minimized or avoided.  In this episode she gives some very simple pointers that you can immediately add into your day.  Her passion for helping our special needs parents navigate the day to day struggles really comes through, by reminding us not to feel guilty for taking care of ourselves.  She has made it her mission to motivate and empower the people that she coaches to reach their full potential in order to be the best version of themselves.....even while juggling the CHAOS that comes with being a special needs caregiver.

Here is how you can reach Hina Kalhorro:

• email:  [email protected]
• Article in Special Ed Magazine:  https://reader.mediawiremobile.com/epmagazine/issues/207706/viewer?page=55
• Documentary:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JOsY5eL9FFQ

Here is how you can reach us:

LEAVE US A COMMENT  ~ tell us about your parent support solutions!

• www.specialkindofchaos.com
• Find us on Facebook:  Special Kind of Chaos Podcast
• Join our Special Kind of Chaos Podcast Group to become part of the discussions.
• Find us on Instagram: @SpecialKindofChaos.POD
• 
  

Through sharing our candid experiences we hope to bring awareness, share resources and services while ultimately lifting each other up as we navigate our special needs journey together.

This episode is part 2 in our Regional Center special guest interviews. This episode was recorded in 2023, but wasn't released due to some unexpected life changes, until 2024.

In this episode we were joined by Gabriel Rogan, Executive Director of North Bay Regional Center, Courtney Singleton, Director of Community Services and Beth Dewitt, Director of Client Services. These three fielded questions from our listeners and didn't shy away from the hard questions.

Some of the questions asked were related to:

• Adult jobs and activities
• How to become a vendor
• Discrepancies with approval for items and services
• Service Coordinator trainings
• Why does it take so long to hear back from people
• Can non-insurance medical treatments be funded
• Is there outside of home respite available

• Can thy bring back Sex Ed classes again - Relationships De Coded
• Homebound respite at a family member's house (different Regional Center than home RC)
• Dental Services
• Social Recreational Basics

Here are some useful info to go along with this episode:

Here are some useful Info:

1. Department of Disability Services Regional Center Info https://www.dds.ca.gov/rc/
2. North Bay Regional Center https://nbrc.net/
3. If you think you need services: [email protected]
4. Intake Phone Number: 833-264-4335
5. NBRC FB: https://www.facebook.com/northbayregionalcenter

Here is how you can reach us:

LEAVE US A COMMENT ~ We love connecting with you!

• www.specialkindofchaos.com

• Find us on Instagram: @SpecialKindofChaos.POD
• Find us on Facebook:  Special Kind of Chaos Podcast
• Join our Special Kind of Chaos Podcast Group to become part of the discussions.

Through sharing our candid experiences we hope to bring awareness, share resources and services while ultimately lifting each other up as we navigate our special needs journey together.