Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival Podcast

Are you ready to untangle the complexities of transition planning and become an effective advocate for your disabled person? Host Annette Hines, founder of Special Needs Law Group and Special Needs Family Services brings you an episode that can be a beacon to guide you through the maze of supports and resource systems. Whether you're a young disabled person stepping into adulthood, a caregiver stepping in for a sibling, or a professional wanting to offer the best for your clients, this episode promises to be a haven of insights. Let's begin by exploring person-centered planning. Identifying key questions, making sure the disabled person's voice is at the center of the life plan, and putting together an appropriate support team are all vital. But that's not all! We move forward into the unknown terrain of flexibility in planning and the pivotal role of evaluations and assessments in making transition as smooth as possible. There's also a discussion about how to navigate public benefits, housing, and state agencies, and even the legal decision-making process including understanding guardianship, supported decision-making agreements, power of attorney, and healthcare. Lastly, we invite you to check out and enroll in our exciting online transition planning course, the Special Needs Advocacy & Planning Masterclass (SNAP). Designed for parents, caregivers, professionals, or disabled adults, this on-demand course offers the ability to design a personalized disability support and life plan through video modules, a course and workbook. With the optional group coaching sessions, participants receive an individualized support network and a platform to discuss and learn from others embarking on the same transition journey. We look forward to welcoming you on this journey to become an empowered advocate! You can check out the course online and even get a free Disability Support Plan Worksheet: enroll.specialneedsfamilyservices.com/p/advocacy-planning-masterclass If you have questions about the course or coaching programs, we invite you to schedule a call with our team here: calendly.com/imartinez-31/specialneedsacademy

Have you been searching for a law firm that understands the unique challenges of your family? We can help you at Special Needs Law Group put legal planning in place to protect you and your loved ones now and in the future. Book a free call today with our team or contact us via our website: specialneeds-law.com/contact.

Host Annette Hines begins the episode with a reminder that even though summer just started for many of us, for parents with school-age kids, it's time to start thinking about returning to school. She recommends that parents dust off that IEP and review it for needed changes for the upcoming school year. If you have a high school student with disabilities, Hines' Special Needs Academy course, Special Needs Advocacy and Planning is a must! It includes detailed guidance on how to help prepare a student to transition into adulthood including information about assessments and evaluations and whether they are necessary for the transition process as well as a dedicated module on emerging adults, the IEP, and working with the school.

For the interview, Hines speaks with Rose Griffin, the founder of ABA SPEECH, which provides online courses and consulting related to Autism speech therapy for board certified behavior analysts and speech therapists. Currently, if you visit abaspeech.org, you can subscribe to receive a free IEP Goal Bank that provides real-life examples of specific, measurable goals. Griffin's work focuses on Autistic learners and integrating ABA into traditional speech therapy. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) according to Autism Speaks is a therapy approach based on the science of learning and behavior by using positive reinforcement with rewards as well as understanding causal relationships between what happens before and after a behavior occurs.

CONNECT WITH ROSEMARIE GRIFFIN

Website: http://www.abaspeech.org

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abaspeechbyrose/

Have you been searching for a law firm that understands the unique challenges of your family? We can help you at Special Needs Law Group put legal planning in place to protect you and your loved ones now and in the future. Book a free call today with our team or contact us via our website: specialneeds-law.com/contact.

Host Annette Hines of Parenting Impossible welcomes Lisa Candera, The Autism Mom Coach in a discussion about the burnout cycle and how she helps coach parents to get out of this cycle to live healthier. She calls her one-on-one coaching program, "Be the Solid Object," which she explains is "specifically designed for Type A mothers raising children with ASD." Candera works in one-hour Zoom coaching sessions during which she helps her clients engage in self-examination and radical acts of self-love. She also works as an attorney.

Hines and Candera discuss the differences between the roles of "therapy" and "coaching." Unlike therapy in which decisions are based as a clinician, past experiences and beliefs are explored, and diagnoses are made for individuals, coaching is a focus on the present to identify what thoughts are causing issues in our feelings and actions so that an interrupt or pause can happen before negative emotions and actions occur. While coaching can work well with therapy, Candera explains that coaching focuses on questions like:

Where are you right now? What are your pain points? Where do you want to be? How can we get you there?

Candera uses a self-coaching method based on the think-feel-act cycle: How we're thinking impacts how we're feeling which drives our actions. Candera's blog post, The ABCs of Living in Survival Mode (link: https://theautismmomcoach.com/the-abcs-of-living-in-survival-mode/), which Hines asks about in the episode, really helps to outline how our thoughts are often externally created based on societal norms or expectations about women or family or lifestyle that are unrealistic.

For special needs parents, the three points Candera highlights for surviving during difficult times:

1) Allow it to be messy,

2) Basics only,

3) Commit to your essentials, are countercultural to the American societal messaging that many parents receive or Type A personalities believe in that they have to be successful super-achievers in every aspect of life, all the time.

Candera's goal is to help parents, especially those parenting special needs children, learn to interrupt the burnout cycle through awareness, acceptance, mind-management, nervous system regulation, and self-compassion.

Connect with Lisa Candera: Website: theautismmomcoach.com Get on her mailing list: https://mailchi.mp/theautismmomcoach/7-truths-every-asd-mom Instagram: @theautismmomcoach and Facebook: @theautismmomcoach

Have you been searching for a law firm that understands the unique challenges of your family? We can help you at Special Needs Law Group put legal planning in place to protect you and your loved ones now and in the future. Book a free call today with our team or contact us via our website: specialneeds-law.com/contact.

In this episode, Host Annette Hines speaks with Author Meg Zucker. They discuss empowering children with differences and disabilities. By embracing inclusivity, we not only create a brighter future for these children but also foster a society that is compassionate, understanding, and truly representative of the diversity of humanity.

More about Meg Zucker: She's an accomplished attorney and prominent figure in the field of anti-money laundering and financial crimes on Wall Street, holds degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and NYU School of Law. Alongside her legal career, she is the visionary behind Don't Hide It Flaunt It® (DHIFI), a nonprofit organization committed to promoting acceptance and empathy for diverse individuals. DHIFI focuses on delivering "flaunt it" Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and anti-bullying initiatives to a wide range of educational institutions, community service organizations, and Fortune 500 companies' diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. Meg Zucker serves as the founder and president of this transformative organization.

Meg Zucker's Book: Born Extraordinary: Empowering Children with Differences & Disabilities

https://www.libraryjournal.com/review/born-extraordinary-empowering-children-with-differences-and-disabilities-1794975

CONNECT WITH MEG ZUCKER

Website: https://megzucker.com/

Facebook: ​​https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088447746507

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MegZucker

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megzucker/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meg-zucker-971b2467/

Have you been searching for a law firm that understands the unique challenges of your family? We can help you at Special Needs Law Group put legal planning in place to protect you and your loved ones now and in the future. Book a free call today with our team or contact us via our website: specialneeds-law.com/contact.

Join Host Annette Hines in this episode as she addresses two common questions that have been on the minds of her listeners. The first question focuses on the milestones in a special needs child's life, while the second question explores the steps parents can take to prepare for summer programs catering to their child's unique needs.

Annette emphasizes that the timeline for milestones varies for each child and family, and it's essential not to compare your child's progress to others. Instead, she encourages celebrating individual achievements and providing support wherever necessary.

Legal matters and benefits resources related to healthcare, insurance, estate planning, and more can be overwhelming for any family. However, these complexities are even more pronounced for families with special needs children.

Request a copy of the Special Needs Companies eBook with a wealth of information pertaining to state and federal programs, laws, and assistance based on the many ages and stages of special needs children: https://specialneedscompanies.com/download-our-free-ebook/

It is our hope that this resource helps you through the unique, complex legal processes that only special needs families will encounter.

Let us know what you think of this episode! What questions do you have about your special needs child's development? Leave a comment on our website: https://specialneedscompanies.com/podcasts

Have you been searching for a law firm that understands the unique challenges of your family? We can help you at Special Needs Law Group put legal planning in place to protect you and your loved ones now and in the future. Book a free call today with our team or contact us via our website: specialneeds-law.com/contact.

We're re-releasing a previous podcast episode from June 2021 that features an interview with Él Martinez and their mother, Ivylee Martinez, regarding gender identity issues in celebratration of LGBTQ+ Pride month in June. Pride Month is a time to recognize the issues, challenges, and discrimination the LGBTQ+ community has faced and to celebrate the triumphs. Host Annette Hines and Él discuss the use of pronouns, labels, and terminology in both the LGBTQ+ community and in the disability community. Honoring each individual and their preferences in how they refer to themselves is essential. For example, people may have strong feelings about the use of terms like "special needs" or "disabled" and instead choose to use terms like "different" or "extrodinary."

Él explains how the use of pronouns (He/She/They) can be difficult and challenging for friends, family, teachers, and acquaintances to use correctly. Below are the definitions for various gender terms for those unfamiliar that they shares during the episode:

(Biological) Sex – assigned to a child at birth, most often based on external anatomy.

Gender Identity – the term(s) someone uses to define their gender, ex: male, non-binary, woman, fluid.

Gender Expression – the manifestation of someone's gender through their appearance.

Transgender – a term used to describe someone who does not identify with the label/biological sex they were assigned at birth.

Cisgender – a term used to describe someone who identifies with the label they were assigned at birth.

Él shares the message of acceptance at the end of the podcast. For youth: "You're perfect just the way you are; it's ok to explore; it's ok to change how you identify." To parents, Él says to have patience. Kids may not have the answers to the questions you are asking. Kids are still learning about themselves and to just listen to them and their needs and accept them as they are.

If you or someone you know needs assistance, please check out your local GSA (Genders and Sexualities Alliance) and/or local LGBTQ+ center or group. Other resources include GLSEN, which supports LGBTQ+ students in K-12 education, and Transgender Law Center.

Learn more about the advocacy work of Él Martinez on their website: https://www.elmartinez.org/

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Have you been searching for a law firm that understands the unique challenges of your family? We can help you at Special Needs Law Group put legal planning in place to protect you and your loved ones now and in the future. Book a free call today with our team or contact us via our website: specialneeds-law.com/contact.

In this episode, Host Annette Hines honors the legacies of Boston Marathon competitor Rick Hoyt and her daughter, Elizabeth, through a tribute to author and previous Parenting Impossible guest, Jess Ronne, and her use of the word "grit" to mean a will to persevere amidst the challenges of living as a special needs family.

Rick Hoyt and his father, Dick Hoyt, showed continual grit as Team Hoyt as they entered as dual Boston Marathon participants for the first time in 2012 with Dick pushing Rick in his wheelchair during the course. The marathon administration had to develop a new classification for their participation because no one before them had ever entered to run as a team. Rick Hoyt's cerebral palsy left him as a quadriplegic, and he recently passed away on May 22 due to complications in his respiratory system. Team Hoyt persevered with grit to complete the Boston Marathon course 32 times as well as over 1,000 other races, and their courage, determination, and indomitable spirit stand as a model to others that Yes You Can set goals, challenge yourself, and accomplish the difficult.

Hines also recounts the grit of her daughter, Elizabeth, who passed away 10 years ago in November of 2013. That same year in April, the Boston Marathon Bombing occurred right at the same time as Elizabeth's entrance into hospice and gradual ultimate decline. Each May, which is Elizabeth's birth month, Hines retells the legacy of her daughter and how Elizabeth fueled Hines' passion and desire to provide the resources families with disabilities need to protect themselves and their loved ones. Hines reminds listeners that despite the hardships and difficult moments that families and individuals with disabilities encounter, it's essential to cherish life and live in the present with grit.

Let us know what you think of this episode! Leave a comment on our website: specialneedscompanies.com/podcasts

Have you been searching for a law firm that understands the unique challenges of your family? We can help you at Special Needs Law Group put legal planning in place to protect you and your loved ones now and in the future. Book a free call today with our team or contact us via our website: specialneeds-law.com/contact.

In this episode, Host Annette Hines welcomes guest Anna Maki, Director of Benefits Navigation at the Bobby Dodd Institute (BDI) in Atlanta, GA. She is a clinical counselor and benefits expert with a wealth of knowledge and experience in helping individuals and families with disabilities navigate the complex world of benefits. With a strong educational background and a track record of success, Anna developed the Benefits Navigation program and has positively impacted the lives of over 1,200 families. The BDI has a 70% success rate on initial Social Security Administration applications; 60% success rate at reconsideration, and 90+% success rate at hearings. Join Annette as she and Anna delve into the importance of benefits acquisition and learn about Anna's work with the Social Security Administration's work incentive planning and assistance program. Check out the BDI's Facebook page where you'll find Anna featured in reels answering questions about disability benefits.

CONNECT WITH ANNA MAKI

Website: www.bobbydodd.org Facebook: facebook.com/BobbyDoddInstitute

Have you been searching for a law firm that understands the unique challenges of your family? We can help you at Special Needs Law Group put legal planning in place to protect you and your loved ones now and in the future. Book a free call today with our team or contact us via our website: specialneeds-law.com/contact.

In this episode, Host Annette Hines has a great conversation with Anthony (Tony) Delauney about how to have family financial conversations and teach kids early about how to use money wisely. Anthony is a financial advisor, franchise business owner, and author of several financial education books, including three in the Owning the Dash series. His books include Applying the Mindset of a Fitness Master to the Art of Family Financial Planning (2019), The No-Regrets Retirement Roadmap (2021), and children's picture books Dash and Nikki and the Jellybean Game (2021), Lilly and May Learn Why Mom and Dad Work (2022) with more titles forthcoming.

Passionate about supporting growing families, Anthony's children's books help families find ways to discuss topics about money management including important lessons such as being patient in your decisions, helping one another, risk vs. reward, and the importance of earning and budgeting. He and Annette discuss the concept of gambling in his 2023 book, Rohan and Nyra and Big Sister's Bet, and how he received comments from some readers about whether or not this subject is appropriate to introduce to children. However, the issues of greed, constantly wanting more, and allowing our emotions to guide our behaviors are essential for kids to reflect on as these elements impact our lives in more situations in which risk is involved. Anthony asserts that it's essential to talk openly with children and help guide them early on about how to make thoughtful choices.

You can find Anthony Delauney's books at Mascot Books, Amazon or Barnes & Noble.

CONNECT WITH ANTHONY DELAUNEY

Website: https://www.owningthedash.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OwningtheDash/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/owningthedash

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anthony.delauney/

LinkedIn:

Have you been searching for a law firm that understands the unique challenges of your family? We can help you at Special Needs Law Group put legal planning in place to protect you and your loved ones now and in the future. Book a free call today with our team or contact us via our website: specialneeds-law.com/contact.

In this episode, Host Annette Hines speaks with Josh Fields, CEO and Co-Founder of The Next Step Programs (TNS) headquartered in Doylestown, PA. TNS is a nonprofit organization breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for people with disabilities as they transition out of high school into a world of employment. Josh is an experienced leader with a demonstrated history of working in the nonprofit and disability industry. He is a strong community advocate and social services professional with a bachelor's degree focused on Labor Studies and Employment Relations from Penn State University. In this episode, we talk about how people with disabilities can bring unique perspectives, skills, and experiences to the workplace. They often have to navigate the world in different ways, which can lead to creative problem-solving and innovative thinking.

If you have a loved one with disabilities who is a young adult or transitioning into the workplace and adult life, check out Annette Hines' Special Needs Advocacy and Planning Master Class: https://snap.specialneedsfamilyservices.com/special-needs-advocacy-and-planning/

CONNECT WITH JOSH FIELDS and THE NEXT STEPS PROGRAM:

Website: https://tnsprograms.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNextStepPrograms/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tnsprograms/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-next-step-programs-inc./

Have you been searching for a law firm that understands the unique challenges of your family? We can help you at Special Needs Law Group put legal planning in place to protect you and your loved ones now and in the future. Book a free call today with our team or contact us via our website: specialneeds-law.com/contact.