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ETB39 –  In this episode I talk with Mary Ann Hughes, mother of 2 young adults with Autism about finding quality care for loved ones with special needs.  As a single mother managing her company, Special Family Transitions, Mary Ann has had to stretch her comfort zone most recently when she sent both of her boys for the very first time to a week long summer camp.

Mary Ann believes as special needs moms and parents we don’t spend enough time taking care of ourselves.  She notes there is so much stress involved with having special. needs children it can take a toll on the family and sometimes the marriage.  Mary Ann encourages you to take time for yourself so you can be the best parent you can be for your kids.

To help you find quality caregivers you can trust,  Mary Ann shares an abundance of possibilities for securing respite care, some of which you may not have ever considered.

Connect with Mary Ann:
Email address: Maryann@specialfamilytransitions.com

Website: https://www.specialfamilytransitions.com/

Special Family Transitions YouTube channel (please subscribe )
https://youtube.com/channel/UChI4BaUMGf50O2yPE_YnjFA

Special Family Transitions Facebook Page:
https://m.facebook.com/specialfamilytransitions

Private Facebook group:
Divorce Journey Support for Moms of Children with Autism & Special Needs:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/309739357366936/

Special Family Transitions on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/specialfamilytransitions/

Respite Resources:
Take Time Texas
https://apps.hhs.texas.gov/taketimetexas/search.cfm

Texas State Information on Respite Providers or Programs
https://archrespite.org/respite-locator-service-state-information/176-texas-info

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

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ETB 38: In this episode I share a few stories about Josiah from the past few years when he was walking through a very long, very difficult season.  With so many challenges including aggression, destruction and self-injurious behaviors it was easy at times to lose sight of hope.

As a mom desperately trying to figure out how to best help my child,  it was heartbreaking to watch him struggle so much.  There is nothing like watching someone you love suffer and feel powerless to alleviate it.  Even after all the interventions, it was discouraging to see little to no improvement.

But I’m here to tell you, things drastically improved.  Despite the daunting forecast from a psychiatrist who told us Josiah would spend the rest of his life in a long-term psychiatric facility because he was too combative and self-injurious to live at home,  Josiah has become a different person.  He has made remarkable progress and continues to amaze me with his growth and abilities.

Don’t give up on your kids!  If you are in a difficult season and can’t imagine how things could ever get better, hang in there!  Pray without ceasing, reach out to others, seek support from those who has been where you are,  get respite if you need it but don’t ever give up hope!

Respite Care:
https://www.navigatelifetexas.org/en/family-support/respite-care-for-children-with-disabilities

Support Groups for Parents of Children with Special Needs:
https://blog.bayada.com/be-healthy/eight-support-groups-for-parents-raising-children-with-special-needs

GHFEDS – Galveston Houston Families Exploring Down Syndrome
http://ghfeds.org/

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

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ETB 36 – In this episode I talk with Mike Lutey, owner of Special Strong – South East Houston. Special Strong provides science-based adaptive and inclusive fitness programs for children, adolescents, and adults with mental, physical and cognitive challenges.

Mike believes giving up his corporate job to become the very first franchise in Special Strong’s history, is his calling.  The franchise was founded in 2016 by Daniel and Trinity Stein. Daniel Stein was diagnosed with a learning disability, mood disorder and autoimmune issues at an early age and used specialized exercises to overcome his challenges.

Mike noticed with his sister Melissa, who has Down syndrome that after high school there were no real outlets for activity, fitness or even social outlets.  That’s one reason he puts a big emphasis on group classes.  Melissa was a big inspiration for Mike making his career move.  He saw so much growth when she was just part of a group.

Along with the group classes, Mike also offers one-on-one classes for anyone who needs that extra attention or maybe just needs to build up a trust factor before joining group activities.

Currently,  his class offerings include Boot Camp, Kickboxing, Bounce Camp, Adaptive Aquatic Fitness and Adaptive Dance.  Special Strong – South East Houston offers  a 7 day free trial.  Mike invites people to come in for a week and try all the classes. He says, “Come and try them out.  See what you like, what works, what doesn’t work.  We also have a free session for our one-on-ones.  Come and try it all.  We welcome that. ”

Special Strong has a non-profit scholarship for services for anyone who may need it.  See the link below.

Connect with Mike:
Email:  Mike.Lutey@specialstrong.com
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/specialstronghoustontx
Cell:  832-338-4861

Special Strong Champions Foundation Sponsorship Application
https://form.jotform.com/specialstrong/sschampions-scholarship-application

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

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ETB 33:  In this episode I announce a brief break as we quarantine, then head out on a family vacation.

I will see you on July 6th with another amazing parent to inspire and encourage you.  Until then, here are some things to keep you entertained:

Play Wordle
https://www.nytimes.com/games/wordle/index.html

Become a Lego Sculptor (and leave your Law Degree behind)
https://youtu.be/8CP9hzSm60Y

Learn to Frost a Cake – A Beginner’s Guide
https://youtu.be/OxcWDrPAeWM

Play the Harmonica
https://youtu.be/ddM5RlWSJ4E

Start Your Own Podcast
https://youtu.be/Q8pfZna6H6Q

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

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ETB 32:  In this episode I share a story about a time when Josiah at 9 years old, left our home unescorted and none of us were aware that he was even gone.   Sadly, this was not the first time it happened and it most definitely was not the last.  We had some pretty frightening experiences with Josiah eloping.   Despite our best efforts to keep him safely INSIDE our home, he was clever and oh so fast at figuring out how to slip away unattended.  He had no sense of danger or the ability to protect himself.

Fortunately, we either found him pretty quickly each time or he was returned to us by a kind stranger.   I’m so grateful Josiah’s eloping days are over.  It was a terrifying time for us.

Statistics suggest nearly half of children with autism wander or bolt from safe places.  If you have a child who wanders, my heart goes out to you.  Elopement is a very difficult behavior to work through.

Here are some resources and products that may help:

What to Do When Your Child Elopes
https://www.marcus.org/autism-resources/autism-tips-and-resources/what-to-do-when-your-child-elopes

Wandering Off (Elopement) Autism Tool Kit
https://pediatrust.com/Autism-Wandering-Off-Elopement

The Autism Project – Elopement Prevention Community
https://theautismproject.org/training-education/elopement-prevention/elopement-prevention-general-resources

AngelSense Tracking Device
https://www.angelsense.com/gps-for-autism-wandering/

Autism Elopement and Wandering Kit for Families
https://parentingchaos.com/autism-elopement-wandering-kit-for-families/

Pathfinders for Autism – Tracking Devices
https://pathfindersforautism.org/resources/safety/tracking-devices/

The Best Kids GPS Trackers and Wearables of 2022
https://www.safewise.com/resources/wearable-gps-tracking-devices-for-kids-guide/

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