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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/

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In this episode I talk with Ashley Bennett, boy mom of 3 and amazing Special Education teacher.  Her oldest son, Ashton was born when Ashley was  just 19 years old.  He  was diagnosed with Autism at age 1.  As a teen mom,  taking college classes in addition to working, Ashley had to come to terms with the unexpected discovery that her baby boy had developmental delays.  When Autism was mentioned, Ashley didn’t even fully comprehend what that meant for Ashton or for the future.

Ashley talks about the early years when much of her time and attention was devoted to educating herself and helping her young son get all the interventions and therapies he needed.  She believes her son’s diagnosis prompted a calling for her life’s work.  Ashley persevered through the challenges to achieve not 1, but 3 college degrees.   She currently motivates and inspires her High School Life Skills students every day, making a positive difference for them and for their families.

This is part 1 of a 2 part episode.   Tune in next week for the second half of Ashley’s adventures.

Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities
https://www.uhcl.edu/autism-center/

Early Childhood Intervention Services
https://www.hhs.texas.gov/services/disability/early-childhood-intervention-services

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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In this episode I talk with Brianna TenBrink, an eloquent, wise and compassionate 23 year old big sister to 16 year old Myah and 15 year old Leah, her younger siblings who are on opposite ends of the Autism spectrum.  Brianna shares her perspective on how her experiences as the only neurotypical  child in the family shaped the person she is today.   From a young age Brianna took it upon herself to become the ‘glue’ that helped hold the family together.   Her sisters made her a better person and influenced and directed Brianna’s purpose and passion in life.  Service and Teaching are at the heart of who she is and Brianna has aspirations to make lasting positive changes for all people with disabilities.

  • Brianna is the eldest sibling to two younger sisters with Autism on vastly different sides of the spectrum
  • For the past 13 years, Brianna has been a tireless advocate for individuals, much like her siblings, winning the Sibling Scholarship from Knapps and Roberts law firm, the Rose Award from disAbility Connections, Inc., and Advocate of the Year award from the Arc of the Gulf Coast which granted her the opportunity to speak on the experiences of being a sibling at district-wide conferences.
  • Brianna is a Partner in the Texas Partners in Policymaking Program, a Marketing Advisor & Sensitivity Panelist for Disability Book Week, and the Director of Marketing and Sales for Neural Divergence, LLC.
  • Brianna is the co-founder of Project LEAH (Leaders Ending Abuse and Harm), which is an organization that armors parents, families, and allies of loved ones of students in the Texas Public School System who have endured abuse with educational, legislative advocacy training to foster macro-level change.

This is part one of a 2 part series.  Tune in in January 26th for the second half of this awe-inspiring conversation.

Connect with Brianna:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebriannashley/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/briashten
Project LEAH Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/4127855043987645/

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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In this episode I talk with Laura Tayerle, the very first special needs mom I met many years ago when her daughter Morgan was just 5 years old.   Laura inspired me in so many ways long before my own special needs child was ever born.  She was the mom who modeled how to be a voice for your child,  how to treat them just like anyone else and how to juggle it all with strength and determination.

Laura discusses Morgan’s early years and what life was like for a young mom in a new town navigating the complexities of an unexpected diagnosis.  She walks us through the joys and challenges of raising Morgan, who is now 32 years old, along with her 2 younger sisters and discusses the successful transition Morgan has made in living away from home with a support staff to assist her.

Perinatal Stroke – Child Neurology Foundation:
https://www.childneurologyfoundation.org/disorder/perinatal-stroke/

GI Symptoms Linked to Behavioral Problems in Children, Especially Those with Autism
https://health.ucdavis.edu/newsroom/news/headlines/gi-symptoms-linked-to-behavioral-problems-in-children-especially-those-with-autism/2020/08

Autism & GI Problems:  How to Help
https://www.elemy.com/studio/mood-disorders/autism-and-gi-issues/

Bristol Stool Scale
https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/poop-chart-bristol-stool-scale

Baby Sense Alarm
https://www.amazon.com/Babysense-Temperature-Infrared-Lullabies-V24R/dp/B083KMZD58/ref=pd_lpo_1?pd_rd_i=B083KMZD58&psc=1

Sleep Safe Bed: 
https://sleepsafebed.com/

Sleep Safe Bed GiveAway – One Free Bed is Given Away  Each Quarter:
https://sleepsafebed.com/giveaway/

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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In this episode I talk with Kim Lindquist about life with Cowboy,  her 23 year old son who has Autism.  Kim shares how her faith helped her through early dark days of behavior challenges, anxiety and discouragement.  She encourages parents to seek help if they begin to notice signs of anxiety or depression.  Kim recommends Biomedical intervention and proposes it can work in conjunction with traditional medicine to bring about positive outcomes.  She believes that taking care of ourselves better equips us to care for others. Kim is a gifted writer, who injects humor into her stories of life with Autism.  Her desire is to help others have joy and most of all hope.

Connect with Kim:
https://www.kimlindquistauthor.com/

Autism Support: autismsocietytxgulfcoast@gmail.com

Connect with a Bible Study for Caregivers:
https://www.sagemontchurch.org/women/#/

Connect with Imagine Enterprises:
https://www.imagine-enterprises.org/

Medicaid Waivers Website:
http://texasmedicaidwaivers.com

HIPP – Texas Medicaid program that helps families pay for employer-sponsored health insurance premiums:
https://www.hhs.texas.gov/services/financial/health-insurance-premium-payment-hipp-program

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