We sit down with Tracy Slepcevic, Air Force Veteran, bestselling author of Warrior Mom, and Certified Integrative Health Coach. Tracy shares her powerful journey of helping her son with autism thrive through integrative health approaches. From healing diets to removing environmental toxins, Tracy offers practical advice for parents, teachers, and health professionals looking to improve the quality of life for children with special needs.

To connect with Tracy, you can visit her website: warriormom.org, or check out her Autism Health Summit at autismhealth.com.

Episode Highlights:

[2:22] Tracy shares her initial motivation for exploring integrative health—her son’s autism diagnosis.

[3:45] The gut-brain connection and its impact on autism: how diet plays a crucial role in reducing inflammation.

[5:05] Tracy discusses how removing gluten, dairy, and soy from her son’s diet improved his behavior and speech.

[7:38] Why environmental toxins matter: How removing chemicals from your home can improve your child’s health.

[10:49] Practical tips for getting picky eaters to take essential supplements like omega-3s.

[20:29] The role of physical exercise: how martial arts and outdoor play helped her son develop better social skills.

[41:08] The importance of setting a clear intention: how Tracy’s mindset helped her stay resilient during her son’s healing journey.

[35:45] Tracy’s favorite detox routine—epsom salt baths with essential oils to help children relax and improve sleep quality.

[44:55] Tracy’s Autism Health Summit: A gathering of experts and parents to share strategies for improving the lives of children with autism.

We sit down with Mariela De Santiago, an experienced therapist and advocate for children with special needs, to uncover specific, practical ways to help your child feel happier, more understood, and confident in being their true selves. Mariela explains how small, intentional actions can transform your child’s day by addressing their unique sensory and emotional needs. You’ll learn about sensory tools to ease anxiety, the surprising role of storytelling in emotional regulation, and simple strategies to create a safe environment for growth. Whether you’re a parent navigating daily challenges, a special education teacher, or a health professional looking for actionable insights, this episode will give you the tools to support the children in your care with confidence and compassion.

Episode highlights:

• [02:15] Mariela emphasizes the need for creating a “safe zone” for children with special needs: “It’s not just about providing comfort—it’s about helping them feel safe enough to express who they truly are.”

• [08:30] Discover how sensory experiences, like a specific texture or sound, can help calm a child: “Every child has a sensory ‘sweet spot,’ and finding it can change everything in moments of stress.”

• [12:45] Learn why celebrating small, incremental progress is crucial: “You don’t need big breakthroughs every day. Recognizing the small steps builds the child’s confidence and your patience.”

• [17:20] How storytelling and favorite books can help children connect with and understand their emotions: “Storytelling isn’t just a bedtime activity—it’s an emotional lifeline that can help your child make sense of what they’re feeling.”

• [22:50] Advice for parents on balancing advocacy with self-care: “You’re the expert on your child, but your own emotional well-being is the foundation of your ability to support them.”

We sit down again with Lenora Edwards, Board-Certified Speech-Language Pathologist, to dive deeper into practical strategies for enhancing the lives of children with special needs. In this episode, we focus on balancing eye contact encouragement with cultural sensitivity, managing screen time, and the importance of maintaining a supportive environment for both children and caregivers.

Episode Highlights:

• @2:31 - Introduction to Lenora Edwards and the focus of the episode on communication and eye contact.

• @15:37 - Lenora explains how discomfort with eye contact can impact language development and why it’s important to check for underlying issues like vision problems.

• @17:33 - Discussion on finding the balance between encouraging eye contact and respecting a child’s comfort level, especially in children with autism.

• @21:29 - Lenora highlights the importance of engaging with children at their level, both physically and in tone of voice, to reduce intimidation and foster connection.

• @27:09 - Insight into how excessive screen time might affect eye contact and communication, and strategies for balancing screen exposure with real-world interactions.

• @36:36 - Claudie Pomares adds to the conversation by discussing the benefits of multi-sensory experiences in supporting eye contact and language development.

• @43:33 - Lenora addresses the cultural differences in communication, emphasizing the need for cultural awareness when encouraging eye contact.

• @45:39 - Lenora discusses the importance of not shaming children when encouraging eye contact and finding a balance that preserves the parent-child relationship.

We sit down with Lenora Edwards, a certified speech-language pathologist, to explore practical strategies for improving communication and quality of life for children with special needs. In part 1 of this episode, we discuss the early signs of dementia observed through speech, how technology can support communication without replacing human interaction, and actionable tips for creating a stress-free, quality-driven communication environment. Claudie Pomares, creator of Sensory Enrichment Therapy, adds her expertise on brain chemistry and sensory processing, offering invaluable advice for parents and professionals alike.

Episode Highlights

00:10 - Lenora discusses her journey from nursing to speech-language pathology and what drew her to working with nonverbal children.

06:22 - Lenora explains early indicators of dementia observed through speech and the importance of timely diagnosis.

08:32 - Claudie shares how loss of smell can be an early sign of brain dysfunction and how Mendability’s sensory motor activities can assist.

10:05 - Lenora clarifies the role of technology in speech therapy, emphasizing that devices are tools to support, not replace, human interaction.

17:54 - Lenora advises on creating a stress-free communication environment and the importance of quality over quantity in daily interactions.

24:38 - Lenora outlines three key elements for improving communication: consistency, modeling, and encouragement, along with the importance of pausing.

33:35 - Claudie emphasizes the significance of tone of voice and gentle physical contact in fostering communication, particularly for nonverbal children.

41:51 - Lenora highlights the value of working with a speech-language pathologist and introduces a free guide on effectively using AAC devices.

We sit down with Michelle Choairy, founder of Collective Wisdom for Complex Kids, who shares her personal journey and valuable insights on how to improve the quality of life for children with special needs. Michelle discusses her "Thrive Method," a system she developed to help parents navigate the complexities of raising a child with developmental delays or other challenges. In this heartfelt conversation, Michelle opens up about the importance of building a support system, managing meltdowns, and celebrating small victories. Claudie Pomares, creator of Sensory Enrichment Therapy, also joins the discussion to provide practical strategies for calming the brain during stressful moments.

Episode Highlights:

[00:37] Michelle introduces herself as a “mom of a complex kid” and explains why she prefers this term over more specific labels.

[06:10] Michelle shares the story of her son’s early birth and the challenges that led her to found Collective Wisdom for Complex Kids.

[10:12] Michelle introduces her “Thrive Method” and explains the first step: building a supportive team.

[23:12] Michelle talks about the power of “front-loading” to prevent meltdowns and offers practical tips on managing transitions.

[32:16] Claudie Pomares discusses the science behind sensory overload and how cool water and pleasant scents can help manage meltdowns.

[38:53] Michelle shares her recent discovery of using cold therapy to calm her son during meltdowns and how it has transformed their daily life.

[42:29] Michelle emphasizes the importance of celebrating small wins and how it can lead to greater success for children with special needs.

[49:01] Michelle stresses the importance of self-care for parents, urging them to take time for themselves to better support their children.

We sit down with Kristof Morrow, a US Navy veteran, accomplished author, award-winning journalist, and photographer, who navigates his creative and professional life while living with Tourette’s. Kristof shares his unique experiences, the challenges and triumphs of living with Tourette’s, and the profound impact of storytelling and writing. Join us as we explore how words can connect us, the importance of finding what makes you “tick,” and how to create a supportive and empathetic environment for neurodivergent individuals.

Episode Highlights:

@03:22 - The importance of patience and belief when living with loved ones with Tourette’s.

@07:10 - Thoughts on the usefulness of cards explaining neurological conditions.

@13:35 - Channels his ADHD into productive and creative outlets.

@16:31 - Kristof reflects on how he discovered his love for writing and storytelling.

@20:51 - How creative writing helps Kristof connect with others and find pride in his work.

@24:56 - Claudie discusses the importance of reading beautiful, age-appropriate texts to neurodivergent children.

@27:37 - Kristof offers advice on the types of texts that can engage neurodivergent children.

@32:07 - Kristof reads a passage from his book, illustrating the power of acceptance and belonging.

We sit down with John Brink to discuss how to improve the quality of life for children with special needs. John shares his journey from surviving World War II to becoming a pioneering entrepreneur and ADHD advocate. He emphasizes the importance of resilience, community support, and viewing ADHD as a superpower. This episode is packed with practical advice and fresh perspectives for parents, special education teachers, and health professionals.

Episode highlights

[1:23] - John Brink: “My journey began in Holland during WWII, and those early experiences shaped my dreams and determination.”

[9:19] - John Brink: “I arrived in Canada with $25.47 and a strong belief in the power of attitude, passion, and work ethic.”

[12:45] - John Brink: “ADHD can be a superpower rather than a disability. It’s about how we view and support our children.”

[15:30] - John Brink: “Parents can help their children with ADHD thrive by recognizing and nurturing their unique strengths.”

[25:00] - John Brink: “I built a successful business in Canada despite many challenges, proving that perseverance pays off.”

[30:45] - John Brink: “Encouraging parents and educators to see the potential in every child is crucial for their development and success.”

We sit down with Zorina Pritchett, an entrepreneur dedicated to creating games that children with special needs can play with their friends and family, that she says she saw in a vision. They discuss ways to balance digital and non-digital activities to enhance social skills and emotional regulation in children with special needs.

Episode Highlights

04:13 - Zorina: Explains how her game, inspired by a vision, encourages family interaction and is accessible for children with special needs.

06:41 - Zorina: Describes the game’s mechanics, highlighting its focus on simplicity, quick play, and inclusivity.

09:32 - Claudie Pomares: Discusses potential sensory enhancements for the game to further stimulate brain development.

12:58 - Claudie Pomares: Comments on the importance of collaboration and helping children develop the capacity to ask for help.

21:15 - Kim: Talks about the guilt parents feel over screen time and how to balance it with non-digital activities.

22:11 - Zorina: Shares a personal story about learning to give herself grace while caring for her brother.

27:27 - Claudie Pomares: Suggests using tablets over phones to provide children with more enriching digital content.

In this episode, we delve into strategies for helping children gain control and manage transitions effectively. Petal Harrigain, a special education teacher, emphasizes the importance of visual schedules, timers, and consistent routines to reduce anxiety and help students predict their day. She shares her empathetic approach, always seeking to understand and support students through transitions, even offering choices to give them a sense of control. Claudie Pomares of Mendability highlights the role of sensory enrichment therapy in enhancing students’ ability to handle transitions, introducing practical activities like drawing letters on each other’s backs to improve serotonin production and fine motor skills. Together, they explore how a combination of empathy, structured routines, and sensory activities can significantly improve children’s ability to navigate changes in their daily lives.

Episode Highlights

[07:07] The importance of student autonomy:

“My why is to have all my students feel complete, purposeful, and fearless in their aspirations.”

[09:09] Using visual aids for smoother transitions:

“We use visual schedules, timers, and consistent routines to reduce anxiety and help students predict their day.”

[12:19] Empathy in handling transitions:

“Understanding and empathy are crucial in supporting students through transitions.”

[33:00] Practical sensory activity for calming students:

“Drawing letters on each other’s backs enhances serotonin production and fine motor skills, creating a bond between children.”

[45:40] Mentability Minute: A transition protocol:

“The Mentability Minute helps kids transition from the stress of transportation, boosting serotonin and dopamine to make them more resilient and engaged.”

In this episode, Claudie Pomares, creator of Sensory Enrichment Therapy, provides a training session targeting behavior regulation through sensory enrichment. Claudie highlights the areas of life this therapy aims to improve, such as emotional stability, social interaction, and academic performance, and explains the brain functions involved, including serotonin regulation and sensory processing. She details the specific protocols used and how these protocols stimulate the brain to enhance these functions, ultimately leading to better outcomes for students.

Episode Highlights: