Helping Kids Be Kids

In the podcast episode titled 'From Diagnosis to Resilience: Empowering Parents of Children with Special Needs,' host Mindy Wiggins engages in a heartfelt conversation with Kimberly Fritz, a dedicated mother whose son, Noah, has special needs. Kimberly shares her journey from the initial realization that her son was different to navigating the challenges of obtaining a diagnosis and finding the right resources. She highlights the crucial role of organizations like the Little Light House in providing support and community for families facing similar situations. Throughout the episode, Kimberly emphasizes the importance of embracing adaptive challenges and advocating for inclusive facilities, while also encouraging parents to actively engage in play and create lasting memories with their children. This inspiring conversation sheds light on the resilience and determination required in the world of special needs parenting, offering valuable insights and support for listeners."

Little Light House: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.littlelighthouse.org⁠/link-in-bio/⁠⁠⁠⁠

Join THECREW: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZQZ65_fqxI

Teens share their unique perspectives on the blessings and challenges of being the sibling of someone who has special needs. For more information on the information discussed in this episode, visit

https://positivepsychology.com/coping/

https://positivepsychology.com/maladaptive-coping/

https://positivepsychology.com/coping-skills-worksheets/

Little Light House: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.littlelighthouse.org⁠/link-in-bio/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Join THECREW: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZQZ65_fqxI

Betty Esparza is an LLH parent whose daughter Alyssa is part of the 50th graduating class.  Betty chatted with us about her journey with Alyssa and Russell-Silver Syndrome.  For more information on Russell-Silver Syndrome visit https://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases/4870/russell-silver-syndrome

Little Light House: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.littlelighthouse.org⁠/link-in-bio/⁠⁠⁠⁠

Join THECREW: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZQZ65_fqxI

Join us as we interview Jeremy Warren is the executive director of DOSA (Dads On Special Assignment), a group specifically for fathers of children with special needs.  For more information about DOSA and how you may get involved, Jeremy may be reached at [email protected] or check out dosausa.org  

Little Light House: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.littlelighthouse.org⁠/link-in-bio/⁠⁠⁠⁠

Join THECREW: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZQZ65_fqxI

Insight from parents of children with special needs. Listen in as a group of Little Light House parents talk about the challenges their families have face and give advice on how similar families can get through them stronger than ever. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or where ever you get your podcasts!

Little Light House: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.littlelighthouse.org⁠/link-in-bio/⁠⁠⁠

HKBK Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/helpingkidspodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

Join THECREW: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZQZ65_fqxI

Traveling with a child with special needs can present unique challenges, but with careful planning and preparation, it can also be a rewarding and enriching experience. Join our host as she interviews Lorie McNeal, of Dreaming About Vacations and Dreaming About the Mouse, a travel advisor certified to plan for hundreds of destinations.  She can be reached at [email protected] or (918) 906-5730.

Little Light House: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.littlelighthouse.org⁠/link-in-bio/⁠⁠

HKBK Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/helpingkidspodcast⁠⁠⁠ 

Join THECREW: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZQZ65_fqxI

Kim Kite is the Director of Volunteers at LLH.  Her story of being the sibling of a person with special needs and how she came to work at the Little Light House is so encouraging. 

Little Light House: ⁠⁠https://www.littlelighthouse.org⁠/link-in-bio/⁠

HKBK Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/helpingkidspodcast⁠⁠ 

Join THECREW: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZQZ65_fqxI

Brittany Chandler is an LLH parent whose daughter Brooklyn is part of the 50th graduating class.  Brooklyn’s unique journey with down syndrome, arthritis, and tuberculosis is inspiring.  The information in the article that Brittany referenced can be found at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8932915/

Little Light House: ⁠https://www.littlelighthouse.org⁠/link-in-bio/

HKBK Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/helpingkidspodcast⁠ 

Join THECREW: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZQZ65_fqxI

Little Light House: https://www.littlelighthouse.org
HKBK Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/helpingkidspodcast
HKBK Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/helpingkidspodcast
Join THECREW: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZQZ65_fqxI

Learn to identify and accommodate your sensory differences as well as your child's. In this episode, Jodi Howe, Occupational Therapist, discusses the senses, including proprioception and vestibular. We talk about sensory processing, thresholds, and Winnie Dunn's Sensory Profile. Sensory seekers benefit from fidget toys, a rubber band, or a piece of Velcro under their desks. Sensory avoiders are helped by paintbrushes and tools that help them explore messy textures without over stimulating their systems. Understanding these underlying needs will help you decipher what your kids need and give them tools to self-advocate. Thanks, Retrospec Films for recording and editing the audio of this podcast!