Talk Fragile X

October got away from me, but I still wanted to share this important episode with you all! After all, Disability Employment Awareness shouldn’t just be focused on for one month out of the year, but rather every day! It’s an ongoing effort that needs our support!

The CEO Commission for Disability Employment was created to increase opportunities for individuals with disabilities to obtain and/or maintain employment. The CEO Commission for Disability Employment focuses on three main goals: Policy, Practice and Culture! Tune in to learn more about CEO Commissions purpose, current focuses, and what Disability Employment Awareness Month means to them! You don’t want to miss this opportunity to hear from such a kind and mission driven Director, Rob Snow!

This month is Disability Employment Awareness Month! I'm SO passionate about this very topic! As an Employment Specialist who sees and experiences firsthand the challenges and difficulties of promoting inclusion in the workplace for our neurodiverse peers, I share my experiences, encouragement and support! Tune in and share with your friends, family members, educators and even your boss!

I had the pleasure of welcoming Katie Clapp and Holly Roos from FRAXA Research Foundation on this weeks episode of Talk Fragile X! Katie and Holly talked all things World Fragile X Day 2023, as well as FRAXA’s significant research advancements that have been made this year, and what they look forward to in 2024. You don’t want to miss this episode!

Fragile X Syndrome is the leading genetic cause of Autism. It's caused by a mutation of the FMR1 gene responsible for cognitive and behavioral development. Fragile X is often passed on unknowingly. The month of July is Fragile X Awareness Month! An opportunity to continue to spread more awareness of Fragile X, and celebrate the organizations like FRAXA Research Foundation and The National Fragile X Foundation and their efforts to support and find effective treatments for individuals living with Fragile X. It's also an important opportunity to spread awareness of Fragile X to those who may not have otherwise heard of it. In this week's episode, I talk about the importance of awareness month, as well as an EXCITING special announcement! Tune in to find out more!

I'm back! It's been several months since I've released a new episode. It's been a hard last couple of months for so many reasons. I shed some more light on this in the episode, and I hope you'll take a listen. Don't worry, I'm not missing Autism Awareness Month!!

It's crazy that we are in 2023 now! I had a great time off my podcast duties for the last month or so of December, and now I'm ready to get to work! What better way to kick off the new year with a rare vulnerable episode. I don't often share life updates, but this one in particular I felt was important. Tune in to hear more! 

If you caught the Friends reference in the title, big thumbs up to you! If not, it's okay, you're still welcome here! It's crazy to think this is our last episode of 2022, but we are here! I will be taking a break from the podcast world for the remainder of the year to spend time with family. I will also be taking this time to continue making plans for 2023. I'm excited for another year of growth, advocacy, and connecting with all of you in the Fragile X community. Be sure to tune into this week's episode. There's so much to talk about! Otherwise, see you next year!

In this week's episode, I talk about the importance of Disability Employment Awareness Month, and how it's an opportunity to talk about the transition for our neurodiverse peers from high school to competitive integrated employment. Which is one of the biggest changes our neurodiverse peers face! For many of our children, routine is an essential part of their day to day lives. As well as a consistent environment. Both of these consistencies change once they face adulthood. As well as the opportunity for our neurodiverse individuals to experience employment and all that it entails. As a CRP (Community Rehab Provider), I talk about the challenges and successes that come with fighting to create inclusive employment opportunities for neurodiverse individuals. I also talk about how providers, educators and even families can be a part of preparing them for successful employment. You don't want to miss this episode! Be sure to subscribe to Talk Fragile X Podcast and leave us a review & comment. We want to hear from you!

Something that doesn’t seem to be talked about enough is the journey of finding the right therapists for our special needs children! For so many families, this can be a very challenging and emotional process. Ashley shares her journey of finding the right therapists for her full-mutation Fragile X son, Sebastian. She shares her emotional journey, as well as encouragement of important characteristics to look for in a therapist! She also shares a powerful reminder of why momma’s know their kiddo’s best!