Tara Cohen opens up about her son Will's autism diagnosis and how it transformed her family and career. From navigating meltdowns to discovering AAC as a communication lifeline, Tara shares her honest reflections on parenting, resilience, and hope. What began as a search for a medical ID bracelet led to a career at Lauren's Hope—where she now helps other families feel safe and supported. This heartfelt episode reminds caregivers that advocacy grows from love and that even small acts of compassion can make a life-changing difference.

Timestamps

• 00:00 – Introduction

• 03:10 – Early diagnosis and emotions

• 07:45 – Advocacy and ESE Pre-K

• 12:30 – Discovering Lauren's Hope

• 18:40 – Communication with AAC

• 25:15 – Managing epilepsy

• 31:00 – Finding silver linings

• 37:00 – Advice for caregivers

Resources Mentioned

• Lauren's Hope Medical ID Jewelry

• ESE Pre-K (Florida early intervention)

• Temple Grandin (2010 film)

• Children's Mercy Kansas City (neurology and epilepsy care)

Child Life On Call Resources

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Links and Resources:

• SupportSpot Website
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• 92% of parent users say the SupportSpot app's helped them understand medical procedures and treatment better.
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• 73% of parent users believe the SupportSpot app's has made them feel more empowered to advocate for their child in healthcare

Learn more here.

Meet the host:

Katie Taylor is the co-founder and CEO of Child Life On Call, a digital platform designed to provide parents, kids, and the care team with access to child life services tools and resources. She is a certified child life specialist with over 13 years of experience working in various pediatric healthcare settings. Katie is the author of the children's book, and has presented on the topics of child life and entrepreneurship, psychosocial care in the hospital, and supporting caregivers in the NICU setting both nationally and internationally. She is also the host of the Child Life On Call Podcast which features interviews with parents discussing their experiences throughout their child's medical journey. The podcast emphasizes the crucial role of child life services in enabling caregivers both at and beyond the bedside.

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The Child Life On Call Podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. The content shared in each episode, including stories, discussions, and interviews, is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you heard on this podcast. The views and opinions expressed by guests on the Child Life On Call Podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Child Life On Call. Child Life On Call does not endorse any specific medical treatments, procedures, or opinions shared in the podcast. If you or your child are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or seek immediate medical attention. By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge that Child Life On Call and its affiliates are not responsible for any decisions made based on the information provided.

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