Dan MacQueen shares his journey of recovering from two brain hemorrhages and how his experiences led him to develop the "AAA framework" (Acknowledge, Accept, Adapt).

A passionate advocate for resilience and personal growth, Dan explains how parents and professionals can embrace challenges and build momentum with small, consistent wins.

Claudie Pomares, creator of Sensory Enrichment Therapy, complements Dan’s story by sharing practical tools for managing setbacks, including a neuroscience-based protocol using strawberry scent and ice to calm the brain during moments of high anxiety or distress.

Together, they discuss how brain plasticity and resilience can shape the path toward helping children with special needs live happier, more comfortable lives.

We will explore:

- Dan’s AAA framework and how acceptance is critical to moving forward after setbacks.

- A powerful sensory enrichment protocol from Claudie to help both parents and children during moments of overwhelm.

- Why small, attainable goals compound over time to create lasting change and momentum.

Episode Highlights

[4:20] Dan shares the terrifying moment he temporarily lost his vision on the London Tube and how it foreshadowed his brain hemorrhage.

[27:52] Dan introduces the "AAA framework" (Acknowledge, Accept, Adapt), emphasizing why acceptance is a key step in any journey of recovery or growth.

[32:51] Claudie explains the neuroscience behind using strawberry scent and ice to calm the amygdala during panic or meltdowns.

[39:35] Claudie shares the inspiring story of a stroke survivor who set the goal of learning to whistle—and achieved it through sensory enrichment.

[30:17] Kim reflects on Dan’s AAA framework and connects it to parents’ aspirations for their children to feel happy, confident, and comfortable in the world.

[42:17] Dan describes how daily persistence, even through setbacks, leads to compounded success over time.