The Picky Table

Amber welcomes Andrea Pointer, a licensed and certified speech-language pathologist and founder of Kids Always Kount in Daphne, Alabama. Andrea is an expert on Integrated Listening Systems, a unique listening therapy that uses special equipment and audio to treat a variety of special needs. Listen and learn all about it!

We're turning the tables this week, as Amber talks candidly about her journey with myotonic dystrophy, the muscle disorder that contributed to her first husband's early death. Now that her daughter has been diagnosed with the same disorder, Amber and her family travel to Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia to meet with a neurogeneticist and gain additional insight into how this condition could impact her later in life.

Imagine if you learned that your newly born baby has Down Syndrome. It’s something few parents expect or prepare for. This week, Amber talks with three moms who faced that very situation and are now raising amazing children with Down Syndrome.

This week we’re talking about hippotherapy. Not hippopotamuses…horses! Amber talks with Kristye Chastang, a physical therapist who owns Buckaroo Barn in Bay Minette, Alabama. Kristye is a certified therapist in hippotherapy, a unique therapy option that takes place on horseback. Hippotherapy offers movement and assistance that can’t be found elsewhere - and incorporates the fun of riding on a horse.

A diagnosis of Spina Bifida took Rick and Lauren Bennett by surprise. At 25 weeks, their daughter Nora underwent an in utero surgery to correct her spinal defect. With incredible candor, heart, and humor, the Bennetts take us through their journey, from learning about Nora’s condition and the intense surgery that saved her life, to their hopes for their daughter’s future.

The second in a two-part series on food allergies, Amber talks with three moms whose kids have significant food allergies. They cover the top eight allergy foods, what to look for on food packaging, and how to replace dangerous ingredients with safe alternatives. If you have a little one with food allergies - or think you might - this podcast is for you.

Food allergies have come to the forefront in recent years. For some, it's just a matter of avoiding one or two problem foods. For others, it's a life-or-death situation that can be set off by just a touch. Amber talks with three moms whose young kids suffer from severe food allergies. They discuss how to cope, what to avoid, and how to prepare your kids for the days ahead.

Maura Coley is an amazing woman! After suffering a spinal injury at age 17 that left her in a wheelchair, she chose to live life to its fullest. Maura raced competitively in college, "lap-packed" Europe, became a speech pathologist, and has a wonderful, thriving family. Most recently, Maura and her husband, Kevin, opened We Rock the Spectrum in Daphne, Alabama, a unique gym that caters to special needs children, as well as typical kids. We know you'll enjoy Maura's inspiring story!

Stephanie Williamson is a counselor who specializes in children and adolescents. This week Amber talks with Stephanie about a variety of mental health issues that affect children, from anxiety to ADHD to oppositional defiance disorder. They discuss when to seek the help of a therapist, what to expect, and what to look for if your child has issues. This episode is a must for anyone with children.

The NICU is a challenging environment, whether you are a parent or a practitioner. Tiffany McInnis, a mom of four, spent six grueling months in the NICU after giving birth to premature twins. Candace Raybon, MS, OTR/L, worked for many years as an Occupational Therapist in a NICU ward, caring for these tiny patients. Amber talks with both about the stresses and special circumstances of the NICU.