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Pediatric psychologist Dr. Elizabeth McRae returns to the show after her Season 1 conversation on caregiver resilience and advocacy. Today I'll be sharing parts of our conversation about mental health in adolescents living with hydrocephalus. We explore how anxiety, depression, school stress, and chronic symptoms shape daily life for teens, and how families can support emotional well‑being and self‑advocacy. I'm grateful to have her back to share her knowledge and heart with the community. 

Start Here: Mental Health & Emotional Well-Being

• Emotional Well-Being
  https://www.hydroassoc.org/emotional-well-being/
• Understanding Anxiety, Depression, and Mental Health in Hydrocephalus
  https://www.hydroassoc.org/understanding-anxiety-depression-and-mental-health-in-hydrocephalus/
• Overcoming Emotional Struggles and Building Resilience
  https://www.hydroassoc.org/emotional-struggles-and-resilience/
• Mindfulness for Hydrocephalus: Tools to Manage Stress
  https://www.hydroassoc.org/mindfulness-for-hydrocephalus/

For Teens and Young Adults

• Resources for Teens and Young Adults
  https://www.hydroassoc.org/teen-young-adult-hydrocephalus-resources/
• Helping Teens Navigate Social Dynamics and Build Confidence
  https://www.hydroassoc.org/teens-navigate-social-dynamics/
• How to Explain Hydrocephalus to Your Teachers and Friends
  https://www.hydroassoc.org/explaining-hydrocephalus-to-teachers-friends/
• Monthly Teen Online Hangout
  When: 1st Sunday of the month
  https://www.hydroassoc.org/find-a-community-network/

For Parents and Caregivers

• Self-Care is Not a Luxury, it's a Responsibility: Advocacy & Resilience with Pediatric Psychologist Dr. Elizabeth McRae 
• Resources for Parents
  https://www.hydroassoc.org/parent-hydrocephalus-resources/
• Empowering Your Child to Be Their Own Advocate: Navigating Healthcare with Confidence
  https://www.hydroassoc.org/empowering-your-child/
• Our Shared Journey: Parent Support Group
  When: 2nd Monday, Quarterly
  https://www.hydroassoc.org/find-a-community-network/

Daily Life, Balance, and Self-Care

• Wellness & Self-Care
  https://www.hydroassoc.org/wellness-self-care/
• Balancing Life with Hydrocephalus: Key Strategies for Success
  https://www.hydroassoc.org/balancing-life-with-hydrocephalus/

Understanding Symptoms and Related Health Conditions

• Complications of Shunt Systems
  https://www.hydroassoc.org/complications-of-shunt-systems/
• Headaches and Hydrocephalus
  https://www.hydroassoc.org/headaches-and-hydrocephalus/
• Precocious Puberty and Hydrocephalus: Helpful Insights
  https://www.hydroassoc.org/precocious-puberty-and-hydrocephalus/
• Related Health Conditions
  https://www.hydroassoc.org/related-health-conditions/

Community and Connection

• Peer Support Program: HydrocephalusCONNECT
• https://www.hydroassoc.org/hydrocephalusconnect-peer-support/
• 19th National Conference on Hydrocephalus, HA CONNECT (July 23–25, Indianapolis, IN)
  https://hydrocephalusconference.org/
• WALK to End Hydrocephalus
  https://www.hydroassoc.org/find-a-walk-near-you/

Explore All Resources

• Hydrocephalus Resources
  https://www.hydroassoc.org/resources/
• Hydrocephalus Resource Library
  https://www.hydroassoc.org/hydrocephalus-library/

Support Tools for Younger Audiences

• A Helpful Companion for Learning at Home: Order My Hydro Bear
  https://www.hydroassoc.org/my-hydro-bear/

Learn more about hydrocephalus: https://www.hydroassoc.org
Request a Hydro Hero shoutout on the show: https://bit.ly/hydroheroform

Follow on Instagram: @taishaycameron, @hydroassoc

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Today I’ll be sharing parts of my conversation with Camille, a 15-year-old high schooler who loves musical theater, singing and writing and was diagnosed with hydrocephalus when she was ten years old. Camille is our first brave adolescent voice this season speaking out in her own words about her experience living with hydrocephalus. 

HA Resources:

Request a Hydro Hero shoutout on the show

Hydrocephalus in Infants and Children

Headaches and Hydrocephalus

Headaches and Hydrocephalus: Causes and Types Explained

Guide to Managing Chronic Pain, Headaches, and Hydrocephalus

Adult Ask the Expert Series: Headaches and Hydrocephalus

I Can Relate Video Series: Headaches

I Can Relate Video Series: Types of Headaches

Shunt Systems

What to Expect with Hydrocephalus Shunt Surgery

High School and Hydrocephalus

Hydrocephalus in High School: Coping with Chronic Pain

Health Challenges and School

I Can Relate Video Series: After Brain Surgery, Do You Hide or Show Off Your Scars?

I Can Relate Video Series: Do You Share Your Scars?

Body Image and Scars: Living with Hydrocephalus

I Can Relate Video Series: What Subjects do you Find Difficult in School?

I Can Relate Video Series: Who do you tell that you have Hydrocephalus?

I Can Relate Video Series: Who Do You Share Your Condition With?

I Can Relate Video Series: How Do You Tell Your School About Your Condition?

How to Explain Hydrocephalus to Your Teachers and Friends

I Can Relate Video Series: Do You Feel Your Parents Are Overprotective?

I Can Relate Video Series: Are you Getting your Driver’s License?

Driving and Hydrocephalus

Strategies for Coping with Memory Issues and Forgetfulness

Community Networks (Support Groups)

Learn more about hydrocephalus: https://www.hydroassoc.org
Request a Hydro Hero shoutout on the show: https://bit.ly/hydroheroform

Follow on Instagram: @taishaycameron, @hydroassoc

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I sit down to talk with LaShonda, a mom of teen daughter Camille who was diagnosed with hydrocephalus at ten years old. We discuss their family's experience receiving the diagnosis, school experiences, advocacy and the challenges of supporting independence in a teenager living with a complex medical condition like hydrocephalus. 

National Conference on Hydrocephalus, HA CONNECT 

Request a Hydro Hero shoutout on the show

Hydrocephalus in Infants and Children

Congenital Hydrocephalus: Dandy-Walker syndrome

Headaches and Hydrocephalus

Shunt Systems

School and Hydrocephalus

Health Challenges and School

Shunt Revision Surgery: What to Expect During Surgery and Recovery

Exercise and Hydrocephalus: Stay Safe and Active

Staying Active and Hydrocephalus: Consensus Statements on Physical Activities

Teachers' Guide

How to Explain Hydrocephalus to Your Teachers and Friends

Middle School with Hydrocephalus: Smart Preparation

Individualized Education Program (IEP): Communication Skills for Parents

Helping Teens Navigate Social Dynamics and Build Confidence

High School and Hydrocephalus 

Complications of a Shunt System

Understanding a Shuntogram (Shunt Patency Study)

Traveling with Hydrocephalus

Search HA's Hydrocephalus Resource Library

Hydrocephalus Resources

Community Networks (Support Groups)

WALK to End Hydrocephalus

Peer Support, HydrocephalusCONNECT

The Hydrocephalus Association's RAISE Resilience Program

Learn more about hydrocephalus: https://www.hydroassoc.org
Request a Hydro Hero shoutout on the show: https://bit.ly/hydroheroform

Follow on Instagram: @taishaycameron, @hydroassoc

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Season 2 is all about the adolescent stage of hydrocephalus. To kick things off, Dr. Andy Zabel shares his insights as a neuropsychologist on brain development during this stage of life. We sat down to discuss executive functioning, when parents should consider a neuropsych evaluation, the impact of relationships and technology, and much more. 

For more resources connected to this conversation please see the links below: 

Practical Tips and Tools for Dealing with Memory and Executive Function Challenges

Neuropsychology 101: Understanding Cognitive Function in Hydrocephalus

Hydrocephalus and it’s Impact on Cognitive Development and Education

Essential Guide: Developmental Milestones in Hydrocephalus 

Grey is the New White? Not in the brain!

Signs and Symptoms of a Shunt Complication

Types and causes of hydrocephalus 

Learning Disabilities in Children with Hydrocephalus

Podcast: Helping Children with Hydrocephalus Thrive with Neuropsychologist Dr. Jennifer Queally

IEP Strategies and Dealing with the School System Session with Dr. Zabel and Ashley VanCleef

School and Hydrocephalus

Middle School with Hydrocephalus: Smart Preparation

Individualized Education Program (IEP): Communication Skills for Parents

Driving and Hydrocephalus

Does hydrocephalus have an impact on one’s ability to drive?

National Conference on Hydrocephalus, HA CONNECT 

Search HA's Hydrocephalus Resource Library

Hydrocephalus Resources

HA's Medical Advisory Board

Learn more about hydrocephalus: https://www.hydroassoc.org
Request a Hydro Hero shoutout on the show: https://bit.ly/hydroheroform

Follow on Instagram: @taishaycameron, @hydroassoc

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June 24th we kick off season 2 of Hydro Heroes Unite. This season is all about the adolescent stage of hydrocephalus. We'll discuss brain development, mental health, IEP & 504, and living an active life with medical experts and professionals who dedicate their careers to helping kids and families thrive. And the best part, we'll hear from kids and teens living with hydrocephalus about their unique lived experience. Follow the show on your listening app of choice so you never miss an episode.  

Learn more about hydrocephalus: https://www.hydroassoc.org
Request a Hydro Hero shoutout on the show: https://bit.ly/hydroheroform

Follow on Instagram: @taishaycameron, @hydroassoc

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In this final episode of Season One, I bring it home (literally) and share parts of my conversation with my husband Scott as he opens up about his perspective through Angelica’s hydrocephalus and Dandy-Walker diagnosis.

Scott opens up about:

• The shock of receiving a diagnosis during pregnancy
• Navigating NICU life, Hurricane Maria and unexpected PICU transfers
• Finding humor in hard places 
• Advocating as a caregiver and trusting your gut (and your partners)
• How resilience forms slowly, moment by moment

This episode is funny, heartfelt, and deeply hopeful. Sometimes, the most powerful form of resilience is learning to smile, laugh, and eventually dance in the rain.

It's a tribute to caregivers, partners, and every family who has ever weathered a storm together.

If this season moved you, please share the episode or leave a review to help more hydro families feel seen and supported.

Resources: 

Hydrocephalus Association RAISE Resilience Program: https://www.hydroassoc.org/raise-resilience-program/

Caring for the Caregiver: How to Recognize, Prevent, and Manage Burnout: https://www.hydroassoc.org/caring-for-the-caregiver/

Support Groups: https://www.hydroassoc.org/find-a-community-network/

Mindfulness for Hydrocephalus: Tools to Manage Stress: https://www.hydroassoc.org/mindfulness-for-hydrocephalus/

Resource for Parents: https://www.hydroassoc.org/parent-hydrocephalus-resources/

Hydrocephalus CONNECT Peer Support: https://www.hydroassoc.org/hydrocephalusconnect-peer-support/

Congenital Hydrocephalus: https://www.hydroassoc.org/congenital-hydrocephalus/

Easily Explain Hydrocephalus to a Child with Confidence: https://www.hydroassoc.org/how-to-explain-hydrocephalus-to-a-child/

Complications of a shunt system: https://www.hydroassoc.org/complications-of-shunt-systems/

Shunt Malfunction: Frequently Asked Questions: https://www.hydroassoc.org/shunt-malfunctions-frequently-asked-questions/

Your Healthcare Team: https://www.hydroassoc.org/your-healthcare-team-2/

Hydrocephalus Resources: https://www.hydroassoc.org/parent-hydrocephalus-resources/

WALK to End Hydrocephalus: https://www.hydroassoc.org/find-a-walk-near-you/

Learn more about hydrocephalus: https://www.hydroassoc.org
Request a Hydro Hero shoutout on the show: https://bit.ly/hydroheroform

Follow on Instagram: @taishaycameron, @hydroassoc

Send us Fan Mail

Today I’ll share parts of my conversation with Dr. Elizabeth McRae, a pediatric psychologist at the University of Alabama, to talk about empowering children with complex medical conditions and supporting the families who care for them.

We explore:

• The difference between pediatric psychologists and neuropsychologists
• How parents can help kids learn to advocate for themselves
• The RAISE program, which helps caregivers build resilience and find balance
• Why self-care and mental health are essential for families raising medically complex kids

Resources & Links:

Hydrocephalus Association RAISE Resilience Program: https://www.hydroassoc.org/raise-resilience-program/

Caring for the Caregiver: How to Recognize, Prevent, and Manage Burnout: https://www.hydroassoc.org/caring-for-the-caregiver/

Mindfulness for Hydrocephalus: Tools to Manage Stress: https://www.hydroassoc.org/mindfulness-for-hydrocephalus/

Neuropsychology 101: Understanding Cognitive Function in Hydrocephalus: https://www.hydroassoc.org/understanding-cognitive-function-hydrocephalus/

Support Groups: https://www.hydroassoc.org/find-a-community-network/

HydrocephalusCONNECT Peer Support: https://www.hydroassoc.org/hydrocephalusconnect-peer-support/

Easily Explain Hydrocephalus to a Child with Confidence: https://www.hydroassoc.org/how-to-explain-hydrocephalus-to-a-child/

Transitioning from Pediatric to Adult Care: https://www.hydroassoc.org/transitioning-from-pediatric-to-adult-care/

Timeline for a Successful Transition to Adult Care: https://www.hydroassoc.org/timeline-for-transitioning-to-adult-care/

Toolkit for Transitioning Medical Care: https://www.hydroassoc.org/toolkit-transitioning-medical-care/

Transitioning to Independence: https://www.hydroassoc.org/transitioning-to-independence/

Prescription Management: Helping Your Teen Master It: https://www.hydroassoc.org/teen-prescription-management/

Individualized Education Program (IEP): https://www.hydroassoc.org/individualized-education-program/

Your Healthcare Team: https://www.hydroassoc.org/your-healthcare-team-2/

Complications of a shunt system: https://www.hydroassoc.org/complications-of-shunt-systems/

Shunt Malfunction: Frequently Asked Questions: https://www.hydroassoc.org/shunt-malfunctions-frequently-asked-questions/

Resource for Parents: https://www.hydroassoc.org/parent-hydrocephalus-resources/

Hydrocephalus Resources:

Learn more about hydrocephalus: https://www.hydroassoc.org
Request a Hydro Hero shoutout on the show: https://bit.ly/hydroheroform

Follow on Instagram: @taishaycameron, @hydroassoc

Send us Fan Mail

In this heartfelt and often funny episode of Hydro Heroes Unite, I sit down with Melissa, a fellow NICU mom and twin mom, whose daughter Abagail lives with hydrocephalus, hemiplegia, cortical visual impairment, and epilepsy.

Melissa shares her heart and her humor as she reflects on their family’s journey — from the early NICU days to navigating the complexities of hydrocephalus, including challenges many parents don’t expect.

We talk about the power of trusting your instincts as a parent, finding silver linings even in tough times, and the huge difference it makes when doctors show humility, empathy, and true partnership.

Melissa has been a long-time advocate for the hydrocephalus community, serving for eight years as co-chair of the National Capital WALK to End Hydrocephalus and continuing to champion disability rights and inclusion.

Whether you’re a newly diagnosed family or years into this journey, this conversation is a reminder that you’re not alone — and that there’s strength in community, advocacy, and a little bit of humor along the way.

Resources:

Hydrocephalus in infants and children: https://www.hydroassoc.org/hydrocephalus-in-infants-and-children/

Acquired Hydrocephalus: https://www.hydroassoc.org/acquired-hydrocephalus/

Shunt System: https://www.hydroassoc.org/shunt-systems/

Complications of a Shunt System: https://www.hydroassoc.org/complications-of-shunt-systems/

Shunt Malfunction: Frequently Asked Questions: https://www.hydroassoc.org/shunt-malfunctions-frequently-asked-questions/

Epilepsy and Hydrocephalus: https://www.hydroassoc.org/epilepsy-and-hydrocephalus/

Cerebral/Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI) and Hydrocephalus: https://www.hydroassoc.org/understanding-cvi-and-hydrocephalus/

ETV and ETV with CPC: https://www.hydroassoc.org/etv-and-etv-with-cpc/

Get Support: https://www.hydroassoc.org/get-support/

WALK to End Hydrocephalus: https://www.hydroassoc.org/find-a-walk-near-you/

Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH): https://www.hydroassoc.org/normal-pressure-hydrocephalus-2/

Hydrocephalus Resources: https://www.hydroassoc.org/resources/

Learn more about hydrocephalus: https://www.hydroassoc.org
Request a Hydro Hero shoutout on the show: https://bit.ly/hydroheroform

Follow on Instagram: @taishaycameron, @hydroassoc

Send us Fan Mail

What every parent needs to know about helping kids with hydrocephalus thrive at home and school. Today’s conversation with neuropsychologist Dr. Jennifer Queally explores the impact of hydrocephalus on learning and development, how parents and schools can collaborate, and the challenges children face in self-advocacy. The conversation also dives into practical strategies for supporting independence, preparing for adulthood, and balancing the realities of parenting a child with a medical condition.

Whether you’re new to this journey or years along, you’ll find encouragement, insights, and hope in this discussion.

Episode 5 Resources:

Breaking Myths About Hydrocephalus: What’s Fact and What’s Fiction?: https://www.hydroassoc.org/breaking-myths-about-hydrocephalus/

Types and Causes of Hydrocephalus: https://www.hydroassoc.org/types-and-causes/

Grey is the new White? Not in the brain!: https://www.hydroassoc.org/grey-is-the-new-white-not-in-the-brain/

As Your Child Grows: https://www.hydroassoc.org/as-your-child-grows/

Essential Guide: Developmental Milestones in Hydrocephalus: https://www.hydroassoc.org/developmental-milestones-in-hydrocephalus/

Shunt Systems: https://www.hydroassoc.org/shunt-systems/

ETV and ETV with CPC: https://www.hydroassoc.org/etv-and-etv-with-cpc/

School and Hydrocephalus: https://www.hydroassoc.org/school/

High School and Hydrocephalus: https://www.hydroassoc.org/high-school/College and Hydrocephalus: https://www.hydroassoc.org/college/Parent Resources: https://www.hydroassoc.org/parent-hydrocephalus-resources/

Transitioning from Pediatric to Adult Care: https://www.hydroassoc.org/transitioning-from-pediatric-to-adult-care/

Transitioning to Independence: https://www.hydroassoc.org/transitioning-to-independence/

Learn more about hydrocephalus: https://www.hydroassoc.org
Request a Hydro Hero shoutout on the show: https://bit.ly/hydroheroform

Follow on Instagram: @taishaycameron, @hydroassoc

Send us Fan Mail

What is hydrocephalus? How is it most commonly treated? And what should families know about living with this complex neurological condition? In this episode we’ll hear from Dr. Ramin Eskandari, a leading neurosurgeon, about the realities of hydrocephalus care.

We discuss:

• What hydrocephalus is and how it affects patients
• The most common treatment options, including shunts and ETV
• Warning signs of shunt malfunctions
• New research and advances in treatment
• The debate on activity restrictions for patients with hydrocephalus
• Developmental, psychological, and psychiatric concerns for patients and caregivers
• Why improving quality of life matters just as much as quantity of life

Whether you’re newly diagnosed, a longtime caregiver, or simply looking to better understand hydrocephalus, this episode offers clarity, guidance, and hope from one of the field’s most experienced voices.

HA Resources:

Hydrocephalus in Infants and Children: https://www.hydroassoc.org/hydrocephalus-in-infants-and-children/

Shunt Systems: https://www.hydroassoc.org/shunt-systems/

Complications of Shunt Systems: https://www.hydroassoc.org/complications-of-shunt-systems/

Shunt Malfunctions FAQ: https://www.hydroassoc.org/shunt-malfunctions-frequently-asked-questions/

Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy (ETV): https://www.hydroassoc.org/etv-and-etv-with-cpc/

Emerging Technology: https://www.hydroassoc.org/emerging-technology/

Newly Diagnosed - Next Steps: https://www.hydroassoc.org/whats-next-newly-diagnosed/

Essential Guide: Developmental Milestones in Hydrocephalus: https://www.hydroassoc.org/developmental-milestones-in-hydrocephalus/

Individualized Education Program (IEP): https://www.hydroassoc.org/individualized-education-program/

Consensus Statement on Physical Activities for Children with Hydrocephalus: https://www.hydroassoc.org/staying-active/#:~:text=Statement on Physical-,Activities,-for Children with

Staying Active: https://www.hydroassoc.org/staying-active/

Emotional Well-being: https://www.hydroassoc.org/emotional-well-being/

RAISE Resilience Program: https://www.hydroassoc.org/raise-resilience-program/

Research HA Funds: https://www.hydroassoc.org/research-we-fund/

Research Priorities: https://www.hydroassoc.org/research-priorities/

Learn more about hydrocephalus: https://www.hydroassoc.org
Request a Hydro Hero shoutout on the show: https://bit.ly/hydroheroform

Follow on Instagram: @taishaycameron, @hydroassoc