In this heartwarming episode of Navigating Neurodivergence & Special Needs with Little Superheroes, Jess sits down with Leah, the proud mum of Naz, a 17-year-old boy with cerebral palsy who is non-verbal and non-mobile. Despite these challenges, Naz has made incredible progress with speech and motor control, and Leah shares their family’s emotional journey, from navigating the early years of his diagnosis to the incredible breakthroughs he has achieved with the support of therapies, including Little Superheroes.

Leah’s candid and inspiring story reflects the strength, determination, and love required to raise a child with complex needs. From using an eye-gaze communication device to Naz saying his first words, Leah opens up about their struggles, triumphs, and what keeps her going through the hardest days.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• Naz’s journey from early diagnosis of cerebral palsy to achieving communication milestones.
• The emotional and physical challenges faced by parents caring for a child with complex needs.
• The power of family support, therapy, and maintaining resilience in the face of obstacles.
• Practical advice for parents of children with special needs, including maintaining balance in relationships, self-care, and making time for siblings.
• How Naz uses eye-gaze technology to communicate, and the incredible moment when he said, “I love you, mum.”

Key Takeaways:

1. Resilience and Strength: Leah’s story highlights the importance of resilience, not just for Naz but for the entire family. Finding joy in small victories can make all the difference.
2. Therapy Success: Leah shares how therapies, especially at Little Superheroes, have helped Naz become more relaxed, improve motor control, and even say a few words.
3. Family and Self-Care: Balancing caregiving with personal time and maintaining relationships is key. Leah emphasizes the importance of making time for yourself and your partner.
4. Emotional Connection: Despite being non-verbal, Naz communicates deeply with Leah using eye contact and body language, showing the profound connection between them.

This Week’s Highlights:

• Naz’s Communication Breakthrough: Leah recalls the emotional moment when Naz used his eye-gaze device to say, “I love you, mum, and I appreciate everything you do for me.”
• Therapy Progress: Naz has made notable improvements with Little Superheroes, including better motor control and the ability to hold objects, which has given the family hope for even more milestones.
• Kryptonite Moment: Leah shares the difficulty of balancing Naz’s care with the needs of the entire family, especially finding time for her husband and

New Therapy Slots Available: Due to popular demand, we opened up an extra day at her practice in Oxenford, offering revolutionary therapies for neurodivergent children. Limited spots available—click this link to inquire https://www.halaxy.com/book/little-superheroes/location/1140031

Consultation & Training Services: We also offer consultation and training services to childcare centres and schools with special needs departments. If you know anyone who could benefit, please contact us 0410 053 611 / [email protected]

Connect with us:
- www.littlesuperheroes.com.au
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/littlesuperheroes_/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085361951225

Interested in being a podcast guest? Fill out the form https://forms.gle/zNbMezugBZxAJxBa6

For inquiries, guesting opportunities, or collaborations, reach out to us at [email protected]