In this 2nd half of a 2 part episode I continue to talk with Ashley Bennett, boy mom of 3 and amazing Special Education teacher.  Her oldest son, Ashton was born when Ashley was  just 19 years old.  He  was diagnosed with Autism at age 1.  As a teen mom,  taking college classes in addition to working, Ashley had to come to terms with the unexpected discovery that her baby boy had developmental delays.  When Autism was mentioned, Ashley didn't even fully comprehend what that meant for Ashton or for the future.

Ashley talks about the early years when much of her time and attention was devoted to educating herself and helping her young son get all the interventions and therapies he needed.  She believes her son's diagnosis prompted a calling for her life's work.  Ashley persevered through the challenges to achieve not 1, but 3 college degrees.   She currently motivates and inspires her High School Life Skills students every day, making a positive difference for them and for their families.

If you haven't heard the first half of Ashley's interview,  be sure to listen to it in its entirety.  You won't want to miss any of this amazing episode.

Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities
https://www.uhcl.edu/autism-center/

Early Childhood Intervention Services
https://www.hhs.texas.gov/services/disability/early-childhood-intervention-services

Connect with Sandy:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/sandydeppisch
Embrace the Blessing Facebook Group: http://bit.ly/ETB4ME
Website: http://www.embracetheblessing.com/

In this episode I talk with Ashley Bennett, boy mom of 3 and amazing Special Education teacher.  Her oldest son, Ashton was born when Ashley was  just 19 years old.  He  was diagnosed with Autism at age 1.  As a teen mom,  taking college classes in addition to working, Ashley had to come to terms with the unexpected discovery that her baby boy had developmental delays.  When Autism was mentioned, Ashley didn't even fully comprehend what that meant for Ashton or for the future.

Ashley talks about the early years when much of her time and attention was devoted to educating herself and helping her young son get all the interventions and therapies he needed.  She believes her son's diagnosis prompted a calling for her life's work.  Ashley persevered through the challenges to achieve not 1, but 3 college degrees.   She currently motivates and inspires her High School Life Skills students every day, making a positive difference for them and for their families.

This is part 1 of a 2 part episode.   Tune in next week for the second half of Ashley's adventures.

Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities
https://www.uhcl.edu/autism-center/

Early Childhood Intervention Services
https://www.hhs.texas.gov/services/disability/early-childhood-intervention-services

Connect with Sandy:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/sandydeppisch
Embrace the Blessing Facebook Group: http://bit.ly/ETB4ME
Website: http://www.embracetheblessing.com/

In this 2nd half of a 2 part episode I continue to talk with Sandra Weber, special needs preschool teacher and mother of 8.  Though life has come at her full force, Sandra's outlook in the midst of numerous difficult circumstances is truly remarkable.  She faces challenges with a positive perspective and staunch determination; enduring overwhelming hardship.  She is most definitely a pillar of strength for her family and an inspiration to others.

Sandra discusses the unique situations her family has faced, including the birth of triplets born at 32 weeks; 2 of whom have Down syndrome, while a 7 year old sibling was battling brain cancer and their 20 month old sibling passed away from an accidental drowning.

If you haven't heard the first half of Sandra's interview,  be sure to listen to it in its entirety.  You won't want to miss any of this incredible conversation.

Connect with GHFEDS ~ Greater Houston Families Exploring Down Syndrome
Website:  http://ghfeds.org/

Connect with Special Olympics:
https://www.specialolympics.org/

Teslong Digital Otoscope:
https://www.amazon.com/Otoscope-Teslong-Microscope-Inspection-Adjustable/dp/B07PHLG4C2/ref=sr_1_3?crid=273P8VKK659J&keywords=teslong+digital+otoscope+with+ear+wax+remover&qid=1644004963&sprefix=teslong+digit%2Caps%2C110&sr=8-3

Connect with Sandra:
[email protected]
https://www.facebook.com/sandradw

Connect with Sandy:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/sandydeppisch
Embrace the Blessing Facebook Group: http://bit.ly/ETB4ME
Website: http://www.embracetheblessing.com/

In this episode I talk with Sandra Weber, special needs preschool teacher and mother with 8 children of her own.  Though life has come at her full force, Sandra's outlook in the midst of numerous difficult circumstances is truly remarkable.  She faces challenges with a positive perspective and staunch determination; enduring overwhelming hardship.  She is most definitely a pillar of strength for her family and an inspiration to others. 

Sandra discusses the unique situations her family has faced, including the birth of triplets born at 32 weeks; 2 of whom have Down syndrome, while a 7 year old sibling was battling brain cancer and their 20 month old sibling passed away from an accidental drowning.  This is part 1 of a 2 part episode. 

Tune in next week for the second half of the story.

Ronald McDonald House:
https://www.rmhc.org/

Connect with Sandy:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/sandydeppisch
Embrace the Blessing Facebook Group: http://bit.ly/ETB4ME
Website: http://www.embracetheblessing.com/

In this 2nd half of a 2 part episode I continue to talk with Brianna TenBrink, an eloquent, wise and compassionate 23 year old big sister to 16 year old Myah and 15 year old Leah, her younger siblings who are on opposite ends of the Autism spectrum.  Brianna shares her perspective on how her experiences as the only neurotypical  child in the family shaped the person she is today.   From a young age Brianna took it upon herself to become the 'glue' that helped hold the family together.   Her sisters made her a better person and influenced and directed Brianna's purpose and passion in life.  Service and Teaching are at the heart of who she is and Brianna has aspirations to make lasting positive changes for all people with disabilities.

• Brianna is the eldest sibling to two younger sisters with Autism on vastly different sides of the spectrum
• For the past 13 years, Brianna has been a tireless advocate for individuals, much like her siblings, winning the Sibling Scholarship from Knapps and Roberts law firm, the Rose Award from disAbility Connections, Inc., and Advocate of the Year award from the Arc of the Gulf Coast which granted her the opportunity to speak on the experiences of being a sibling at district-wide conferences.
• Brianna is a Partner in the Texas Partners in Policymaking Program, a Marketing Advisor & Sensitivity Panelist for Disability Book Week, and the Director of Marketing and Sales for Neural Divergence, LLC.
• Brianna is the co-founder of Project LEAH (Leaders Ending Abuse and Harm), which is an organization that armors parents, families, and allies of loved ones of students in the Texas Public School System who have endured abuse with educational, legislative advocacy training to foster macro-level change.

 
If you haven't heard the first half of Brianna's interview,  be sure to listen to it in its entirety.  You won't want to miss any of this awe-inspiring conversation.

Connect with Brianna:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebriannashley/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/briashten
Project LEAH Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/4127855043987645/

Connect with Sandy:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/sandydeppisch
Embrace the Blessing Facebook Group: http://bit.ly/ETB4ME
Website: http://www.embracetheblessing.com/

In this episode I talk with Brianna TenBrink, an eloquent, wise and compassionate 23 year old big sister to 16 year old Myah and 15 year old Leah, her younger siblings who are on opposite ends of the Autism spectrum.  Brianna shares her perspective on how her experiences as the only neurotypical  child in the family shaped the person she is today.   From a young age Brianna took it upon herself to become the 'glue' that helped hold the family together.   Her sisters made her a better person and influenced and directed Brianna's purpose and passion in life.  Service and Teaching are at the heart of who she is and Brianna has aspirations to make lasting positive changes for all people with disabilities. 

• Brianna is the eldest sibling to two younger sisters with Autism on vastly different sides of the spectrum
• For the past 13 years, Brianna has been a tireless advocate for individuals, much like her siblings, winning the Sibling Scholarship from Knapps and Roberts law firm, the Rose Award from disAbility Connections, Inc., and Advocate of the Year award from the Arc of the Gulf Coast which granted her the opportunity to speak on the experiences of being a sibling at district-wide conferences.
• Brianna is a Partner in the Texas Partners in Policymaking Program, a Marketing Advisor & Sensitivity Panelist for Disability Book Week, and the Director of Marketing and Sales for Neural Divergence, LLC.
• Brianna is the co-founder of Project LEAH (Leaders Ending Abuse and Harm), which is an organization that armors parents, families, and allies of loved ones of students in the Texas Public School System who have endured abuse with educational, legislative advocacy training to foster macro-level change.

 
This is part one of a 2 part series.  Tune in January 26th for the second half of this awe-inspiring conversation.

Connect with Brianna:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebriannashley/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/briashten
Project LEAH Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/4127855043987645/

Connect with Sandy:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/sandydeppisch
Embrace the Blessing Facebook Group: http://bit.ly/ETB4ME
Website: http://www.embracetheblessing.com/

In this episode I talk with Laura Tayerle, the very first special needs mom I met many years ago when her daughter Morgan was just 5 years old.   Laura inspired me in so many ways long before my own special needs child was ever born.  She was the mom who modeled how to be a voice for your child,  how to treat them just like anyone else and how to juggle it all with strength and determination.

Laura discusses Morgan's early years and what life was like for a young mom in a new town navigating the complexities of an unexpected diagnosis.  She walks us through the joys and challenges of raising Morgan, who is now 32 years old, along with her 2 younger sisters and discusses the successful transition Morgan has made in living away from home with a support staff to assist her.

Perinatal Stroke - Child Neurology Foundation:
https://www.childneurologyfoundation.org/disorder/perinatal-stroke/

GI Symptoms Linked to Behavioral Problems in Children, Especially Those with Autism
https://health.ucdavis.edu/newsroom/news/headlines/gi-symptoms-linked-to-behavioral-problems-in-children-especially-those-with-autism/2020/08

Autism & GI Problems:  How to Help
https://www.elemy.com/studio/mood-disorders/autism-and-gi-issues/

Bristol Stool Scale
https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/poop-chart-bristol-stool-scale

Baby Sense Alarm
https://www.amazon.com/Babysense-Temperature-Infrared-Lullabies-V24R/dp/B083KMZD58/ref=pd_lpo_1?pd_rd_i=B083KMZD58&psc=1

Sleep Safe Bed:  
https://sleepsafebed.com/

Sleep Safe Bed GiveAway - One Free Bed is Given Away  Each Quarter:
https://sleepsafebed.com/giveaway/

Connect with Sandy:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/sandydeppisch
Embrace the Blessing Facebook Group: http://bit.ly/ETB4ME
Website: http://www.embracetheblessing.com/

In this episode I talk with Mary Ann Hughes, mother of 2 young adults with Autism  as she shares her special needs divorce story.   Mary Ann went from being completely blindsided and overwhelmed, unsure of what next steps were needed, to assembling a support team  of professionals who helped her successfully navigate a lengthly 2 year divorce process which culminated in a trial.

Some have estimated the divorce rate among families with children with autism or other disabilities to be as high as 70-80%.

Mary Ann used the wisdom she gained through her own experience in addition to ongoing work in the field to make a difference for others.  She created a company, Special Family Transitions, to guide special needs families through divorce with the best possible outcome and as little stress, time, and expense as possible.

Connect with Mary Ann:
Email address: [email protected]

Website: https://www.specialfamilytransitions.com/

 Special Family Transitions YouTube channel (would love for people to subscribe )
 https://youtube.com/channel/UChI4BaUMGf50O2yPE_YnjFA

Special Family Transitions Facebook Page:
https://m.facebook.com/specialfamilytransitions

Private Facebook group:
Divorce Journey Support for Moms of Children with Autism & Special Needs:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/309739357366936/

Special Family Transitions on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/specialfamilytransitions/

For Information on LoneStar LEND, or  to apply for the program:
https://med.uth.edu/pediatrics/neurology/pediatric-neurology-fellowship-programs/lonestar-lend-fellowship/

Connect with Sandy:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/sandydeppisch
Embrace the Blessing Facebook Group: http://bit.ly/ETB4ME
Website: http://www.embracetheblessing.com/

In this episode I talk with Kileen McDonald as she shares her struggles with infertility, her subsequent adoption of a beautiful baby boy with Down syndrome and her greatest joy in being a mom to her now 13 year old son, Ches.   Kileen also discusses the death of her spouse, Pam and talks about lovingly helping Ches process everything during those difficult days.  

Kileen believes in educating yourself about your child's diagnosis but encourages parents to make sure to get your education from the right sources.   NDSS - National Down Syndrome Society and NDSC - National Down Syndrome Congress are two great places to begin if you have a child with Down syndrome.

Connect with NDSS - National Down Syndrome Society
https://www.ndss.org/

Connect with NDSC - National Down Syndrome Congress
https://www.ndsccenter.org/

Connect with GHFEDS ~ Greater Houston Families Exploring Down Syndrome
Website:  http://ghfeds.org/

Connect with Sandy:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/sandydeppisch
Embrace the Blessing Facebook Group: http://bit.ly/ETB4ME
Website: http://www.embracetheblessing.com/

In this episode I talk with Mary Jane Williams, Executive Director of Family to Family Network.   Family to Family Network helps individuals with disabilities and their family members define and achieve success for themselves and their loved ones.

As a mother of 2 young adults with disabilities, Mary Jane discusses first hand the positive impact connecting with other families had made for family.  She encourages parents to learn everything possible about their child's diagnosis by attending training events offered through school districts and local organizations.   Mary Jane firmly believes it is important for families to see possibilities in their kids with disabilities. 

ALL children should be included and supported in our schools and community in order to ensure the future success of children with disabilities. 

Connect with Family to Family Network:
https://f2fn.org/

Email Address: 
[email protected]

Phone Number:
713-466-6304

Texas Partners in Policy Making :
https://txpartners.org/

Partners in Policy Making Online Courses:
https://partnersonlinecourses.com/

Connect with Sandy:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/sandydeppisch
Embrace the Blessing Facebook Group: http://bit.ly/ETB4ME
Website: http://www.embracetheblessing.com/https://uniquelyhuman.com/