ETB 54: What does it really mean to be a parent of a child with autism? How do you navigate the challenges and celebrate the milestones? Join us on a deeply personal journey with Heather, a resilient mother who opens her heart about her experiences raising her son, Chase, who was diagnosed with autism at a tender age of 2.5 years.

Currently a stay-at-home mom who transitioned to homeschooling Chase after working as a para in schools, Heather offers unique insights into the world of children with special needs. She speaks about the bond she shares with her son, and how she has juggled through the challenges of his adolescence, including medication struggles and the tricky terrain of puberty.

As our conversation unfolds, Heather candidly discusses the aggressive behaviors Chase displays and the strategies she has employed to manage these situations. She underlines the importance of consistency, external intervention and support, a key aspect often overlooked. . This episode is a testament to Heather’s resilient spirit and unconditional love for her son, delivering a message of hope, insight, and valuable experiences for parents facing similar challenges. This is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

Join us to understand the realities, the hardships, and the triumphs of parenting a child with autism – a story told by a mother who has walked the path.

Connect with Heather:
Chase_sam@live.com
Training that Emphasizes Safety, Consistency, and Restraints as a Last Resort
https://www.crisisprevention.com/Blog/physical-restraints-as-a-last-resort
Christina Sullivan Foundation
https://www.christinasullivanfoundation.org/

Connect with Sandy:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/sandydeppisch
Embrace the Blessing Facebook Group: http://bit.ly/ETB4ME
Website: http://www.embracetheblessing.com/

ETB 53: What if you could turn the toughest moments of parenting a child with a disability into a source of strength and inspiration? Join me, Sandy Deppisch, as I take you on a roller coaster ride of emotions in the hospital stays that have become an all too frequent part of our lives. You’ll learn how to communicate your needs effectively to your support network, and understand the importance of asking for specific help, whether it’s a warm blanket or home-cooked meal.

Staying awake through the hospital nights, changing pull-ups, feeding, comforting, and dealing with beeping machines – sound familiar? Let’s embark on this journey of shared experiences, struggles and strength, as I read a touching blog post, “Going Home,” that vividly portrays our fears, tears, and triumphs. Find out how we can all make a difference by reaching out to each other, and remember that there’s always a community ready to lend a hand and a heart. Because parents like us, we’re not alone on this road less traveled, and together, we create a realm of understanding and support.

Connect with Sandy:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/sandydeppisch
Embrace the Blessing Facebook Group: http://bit.ly/ETB4ME
Website: http://www.embracetheblessing.com/

ETB 52:  Have you ever wondered what it takes to raise a child with Down syndrome? Embark on an intimate journey with Susan Aguilar, a mother who shares the honest truth about the joys and challenges she’s encountered while raising her son, Adrian. From the ease of his younger years to the hurdles of his adulthood, she paints a vivid picture of their undying resilience.

We unravel the secrets of her success in homeschooling a child with Down Syndrome, with Susan sharing her experiences of crafting and tweaking curriculums for Adrian. Experience the flexibility of homeschooling firsthand, and appreciate how it has allowed Adrian to hone essential skills.  We then shed light on a darker side of their journey, as Susan recounts their struggles with Adrian’s anxiety, which ebbs and flows with  the weekdays and weekends. Our discussion about the impact behavioral therapist, Josie Avila brought, reveals the coping strategies that have been instrumental in managing Adrian’s anxiety.

Lastly, we look towards the horizon as we envision Adrian’s future. As Susan shares her dreams for Adrian’s independence, we talk about the importance of a robust personal support network. Ending on an uplifting note, we introduce you to Adrian’s Tasty Treats, a testament to Adrian’s entrepreneurial spirit. This endeavor not only helps Adrian manage his anxiety but also enhances his social skills. We invite you to join us as we celebrate love, resilience, and hope in this unparalleled journey of parenting.

Adrian’s Tasty Treats
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088650903014

The Jet Pac
https://www.thejetpac.com/

Swallowing and Speech Services
https://www.swallowingandspeechservices.com/

Psychologist
https://www.drmgarcia.com/
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/michelle-garcia-the-woodlands-tx/77407

A Good Life Book
https://www.amazon.com/Good-Life-Your-Relative-Disability/dp/B000W5TBH6/ref=sr_1_1?crid=28PO1Q01XYIOA&keywords=a+good+life+by+Al+Etmanski&qid=1693769736&sprefix=a+good+life+by+al+etmanski%2Caps%2C113&sr=8-1

Connect with Sandy:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/sandydeppisch
Embrace the Blessing Facebook Group: http://bit.ly/ETB4ME
Website: http://www.embracetheblessing.com/

ETB 51: Have you ever pondered over the therapeutic power of writing in dealing with overpowering emotions? Join me, Sandy Deppish, on this personal journey as I revisit an old blog post titled ‘It’s Not About Me.’ You’ll discover how documenting the highs and lows of raising a child with a disability has helped me process my feelings and paved the path for resilience and hope.

This episode is also a heartfelt tribute to my son Josiah, and all children living with disabilities – the true heroes of our stories. Their courage, strength, perseverance, and infectious joy in the face of daily struggles are awe-inspiring. I hope my recount of their journey brings you the same inspiration and admiration they bring me every day. Let’s embrace the blessings our amazing kids bring to our lives, together!

Connect with Sandy:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/sandydeppisch
Embrace the Blessing Facebook Group: http://bit.ly/ETB4ME
Website: http://www.embracetheblessing.com/