UNspecial LLC Podcast

In this powerful conversation, Krista Petraco Bourne shares her journey as a mother of an autistic son, discussing the challenges and triumphs she has faced. Krista emphasizes the importance of communication, early intervention, and the gut-brain connection in addressing autism. Her faith and determination to help others shine through as she shares her mission to raise awareness and provide resources for families affected by autism.

"Disability, disability, disability" is often the reaction to Autism. But is Autism actually a disability? Or a DIFFERENT ability?

In this video, Christian Armstrong shares his inspiring journey living life with Autism. He presents special needs under a whole different lens.

He shares:

➡️ Daily life with Autism

➡️ How Special Needs individuals should be treated

➡️ His amazing journey from being nonverbal to nearly hiding his Autism

➡️ Advice to parents and people with autism or other special needs

➡️ And much more!

If you’re a parent, caregiver, or an individual with Autism, Christian will encourage you with his inspiring story, share practical tips, and give you hope for the journey ahead.

Don’t miss this — it could open doors you didn’t even know were possible.

Special thanks to Christian for being on and sharing his story with the world!

Zack Ponder speaks with Angelina Neglia, a dedicated advocate for children with disabilities, particularly her son Tyler, who has Kabuki syndrome. Angelina shares her personal journey, detailing the challenges faced in navigating medical systems, securing appropriate education, and advocating for funding and support services. She emphasizes the importance of being proactive, building relationships with specialists, and understanding the intricacies of special education and healthcare systems. The conversation also touches on community advocacy, environmental issues, and the need for better communication among agencies. Throughout, Angelina highlights the victories and achievements of her son, showcasing the potential for success despite the obstacles faced.

#specialneeds #advocate #iep #interview #specialeducation #autism

Darby Russo shares her experiences growing up with her brother Brady, who has special needs. She discusses the unique challenges and joys of being a sibling, the importance of advocacy, and the lessons learned from their journey together. Darby emphasizes the need for understanding and acceptance of individuals with special needs, highlighting their humanity and the joy they bring to the world. The conversation also touches on family dynamics, public perception, and advice for parents navigating similar situations.

Brian Barrett shares his unique journey of adoption, parenting six children, two of whom are on the autism spectrum. He discusses the challenges and blessings that come with raising children with special needs, the importance of self-care for parents, and the dynamics of a large family. Brian emphasizes the need for support, understanding, and faith in navigating the complexities of parenting. He also offers valuable advice for other parents facing similar challenges, highlighting the significance of community and open communication.

Zack Ponder and Holly Sabel discuss their journey with autism, focusing on the GAPS diet and its impact on health. They explore the importance of gut health, the challenges of dietary changes, and the role of parental advocacy in navigating medical advice. Holly shares her experiences with dietary implementation, educational pathways for children with autism, and the complexities of balancing family life with dietary needs.

Jody Deel shares his profound journey of adopting his son Micah, who is visually impaired. He discusses the challenges and joys of the adoption process, the emotional experience of meeting Micah for the first time, and the ongoing journey of integrating him into their family. Jody emphasizes the importance of community support, the unique dynamics of parenting a child with special needs, and the aspirations he has for Micah's future. The conversation serves as an inspiring testament to the power of love, resilience, and faith in the face of challenges.

Kendra Lynn Keller shares her experiences growing up with siblings on the autism spectrum. She discusses the challenges and joys of being a sibling to Jameson and Whitley, who both have autism. Kendra reflects on her understanding of autism, the importance of family support, and her aspirations for the future, including her desire to become an anesthesiologist. Throughout the conversation, she emphasizes the need for empathy and understanding towards individuals with special needs, and the importance of standing up against bullying. Kendra's insights provide a unique perspective on the impact of autism on family dynamics and the growth that comes from navigating these challenges together.

Lisa Waner shares her journey as a grandmother to Emma, a child with special needs, and discusses the importance of love, acceptance, and support in navigating the challenges that come with parenting and grandparenting. She emphasizes the need for open communication, understanding, and the role of faith in their family's journey. Lisa also reflects on her background in education, the emotional toll of watching loved ones struggle, and the significance of self-care for caregivers.

There are some parenting secrets you should know, and Claire is ready to tell you! Claire Powers, a speech and language pathologist, shares her journey through burnout and the importance of self-care for parents of autistic and neurodivergent children. She emphasizes the need for parents to prioritize their mental health to effectively support their children. Claire discusses the challenges parents face, including guilt and the need for support, and highlights the significance of community and collaboration in navigating the parenting journey. The conversation also touches on the role of parents as experts in their children's lives and the importance of effective communication in the IEP process.