Episodios
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Weâre back! As you may have noticed, we took the summer off of podcasting as our families navigated some big changes and milestones this summer. We didnât mean to disappear, but we *may* have forgotten to tell you that we were taking a break. Sorry about that.
So today, weâre catching you up on all the changes in our lives during the last few months. Gwen is giving updates on all three of her kids âyes, you read that right: three. Sheâs covering Rylanâs adventures, Reagan adjusting to a new sibling, and of course, introducing their new family addition!
Meanwhile, Kristen shares how Graham is continuing to gain confidence, Jameson is loving school, and how Hayden has finally found a place in the world that feels well-matched to both his strengths and interests.
If your family has also been in a state of change this year, this episode will feel very relatable. Let's dive in!
In this episode, youâll learnâŠ
[00:00] Intro
[01:03] Kristen and Gwen acknowledge their unexpected absence (sorry, friends!)
[03:15] Gwen describes the way her family has expanded
[10:09] Kristen explains the big changes that her family experienced this year
[16:21] Gwen and Kristen discuss the sticky topic of neurodivergent kids transitioning into adulthood
[22:57] Gwen and Kristen each share hopeful stories of their children finding success navigating the adult (and soon-to-be adult) world
[29:05] The lesson Gwen and Kristen keep learning over and over again
[37:33] The Last Word with Rylan and M
Get full show notes and the episode transcript: https://www.youdontwantahug.com/post/ep-27
If you canât get enough of us, and want stay up to date with our other projects and ways you can connect, join our newsletter: https://www.youdontwantahug.com/
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When it comes to the brains of our neurodivergent kids and friends⊠There can be a lot going on. Constant input that they struggle to filter, regular therapy that they may not be able to implement yet, and expectations from a society thatâs not built for them: it can be so overwhelming and dysregulating.
And while manual therapy interventions can result in slow, steady progress, using the principles of neuroplasticity can help accelerate and regulate the brains of our kids much faster. And thatâs where Brain Harmony comes in.
In todayâs episode, Gwen and Kristen are joined by Carol Garner-Houston to discuss neuroplasticity, what a therapy accelerant is, and how Brain Harmony can make a difference âquicklyâ in the lives of our neurodivergent kids.
This episode might change your life, and you canât miss it. Letâs dive in!
In this episode, youâll learnâŠ
[00:00] Intro
[01:03] Kristenâs not-so-good morning
[04:46] Gwenâs revelation on summer planning
[08:03] The therapy that was life-changing for Gwen and her kids
[16:19] How the brain reacts during therapies and how Brain Harmony helps to accelerate that process using
[23:30] The scientific basis for Brain Harmony and an explanation of neuroplasticity
[30:06] Gwenâs experience with Brain Harmony and why she appreciated using it for her family
[37:37] How accelerants like Brain Harmony can help calm a dysregulated nervous system
[41:41] What you actually hear when you listen to Brain Harmony
[45:36] The symptoms that Brain Harmony can help treat and how to start working with Brain Harmony
Get the Brain Harmony quiz here!
Get the Brain Harmony course on screen safety!Get full show notes and the episode transcript: https://www.youdontwantahug.com/post/ep-26
If you canât get enough of us, and want stay up to date with our other projects and ways you can connect, join our newsletter: https://www.youdontwantahug.com/
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¿Faltan episodios?
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Imagine with us for a moment: What would it feel like to be in a concert hall⊠but having a personalized audio experience created for your own individual needs? And not only that, but someone ten feet away from you could have their own audio experience tailored to their preferences that is incredibly different from your own. Sound fictional? Well, not anymore, and it could be a major game-changer for our neurodivergent loved ones.
In todayâs episode, Gwen and Kristen are joined by two guests, Jen VanSkiver and James Bobel, to discuss new audio technology that could be revolutionary for those with auditory processing disorder. James describes what this new technology feels like and how it works. He also discusses possible use cases with Jen as they imagine just how inclusive the world could be if this technology were implemented broadly.
This is such a mind-blowing episode, and you canât miss it. Letâs dive in!
In this episode, youâll learnâŠ
[00:00] Intro
[01:05] Some really big life updates for both Gwen and Kristen
[06:56] How Rylan is handling the big change in the Vogelzang household
[09:46] What auditory processing is and how it affects the neurodivergent community
[17:07] What HOLOPLOT is and how it is transforming audio engineering by controlling sound
[21:07] Where and how this new technology is being implemented
[28:37] What it feels like to experience HOLOPLOT audio technology
[35:35] How Jen VanSkiver envisions using HOLOPLOT technology and the endless ways it can make spaces more accessible for everyone
[47:59] The Last Word with Rylan
Get full show notes and the episode transcript: https://www.youdontwantahug.com/post/ep-25
If you canât get enough of us, and want stay up to date with our other projects and ways you can connect, join our newsletter: https://www.youdontwantahug.com/
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One year!! Can you believe we made it this far, friends? Because we sure canât. You Donât Want a Hug has officially been published for a year, and it has been a wild ride.
In todayâs episode, weâre sharing joy, frustration, hope, and gratitude as we look back on this last year of podcasting. Weâll be discussing the many lessons weâve learned, reading notes sent to us by you lovely listeners, offering advice here and there, and weâre going to be pretty raw and honest about the future of the podcast.Quite frankly, we need your help to keep this podcast going. If you want to support us and the production of YDWAHR, consider donating to our GoFundMe here:
This fun little episode is one you canât miss! Letâs dive in!
https://www.gofundme.com/f/fund-the-future-of-you-dont-want-a-hug?utm_source=customer&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_campaign=p_lico+share-sheet&attribution_id=sl:05e43f5c-1789-4820-8549-9a5b3e1f75f6
In this episode, youâll learnâŠ
[00:00] Intro
[01:04] Gwen and Kristen celebrate a very special birthaversary
[02:52] Gwenâs Rylanism that captures the very real feelings sheâs having about her kids today
[09:15] What Gwen and Kristen have learned after a year of podcasting
[12:02] Listener emails weâve received covering isolation from local community, finding reassurance and joy in this podcast, and affirmations for Gwenâs bird obsession
[18:05] Kristenâs advice on teaching autistic children how to swim
[26:03] The future of You Donât Want a Hug, Right?
Get full show notes and the episode transcript: https://www.youdontwantahug.com/post/ep-24-itâs-our-birthaversary-a-look-back-and-the-future-of-the-podcast
If you canât get enough of us, and want stay up to date with our other projects and ways you can connect, join our newsletter: https://www.youdontwantahug.com/
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And weâre not going to sugar coat it friends: navigating puberty with neurodivergent kids is rough. And itâs not just because we have to explain to our kids the importance of showering and explaining the function of certain parts of their anatomy in great and uncomfortable detail.
Puberty also brings with it some intense emotional and personality changes. The little kids that we knew so well are maturing into adults that we often donât understand quite as well anymore, and that transition can be tough too.
In this episode, weâre reflecting on what puberty looked like for our kids, the direct and honest ways we navigated conversations with our kids, and the tricky emotional and relationship territory that our kids find themselves in now.
All these changes are necessary and important⊠but that doesnât make it easy. Weâre here for you, friends, as you travel down this road. Letâs dive in!
In this episode, youâll learnâŠ
[00:00] Intro
[01:56] Gwenâs very exciting Rylansim and a Grahamism that highlights some personal growth
[06:16] Why puberty and autism donât mix well (according to both science and personal experience!)
[11:25] The very factual, detailed approach that can help some neurodivergent kids navigate puberty more easily (and why it doesnât work for all of them)
[17:48] The stark personality changes that Gwen and Kristenâs kids went through during puberty
[21:11] The difficulties in navigating sexuality and sexual behavior in neurodivergent teens
[27:44] Why some neurodivergent teens experience additional fear and uncertainty than their peers when it comes to growing up and maturing in new ways
[35:19] The Last Word
Get full show notes and the episode transcript: https://www.youdontwantahug.com/post/ep-23-puberty-autism-don-t-mix-navigating-puberty-with-our-neurodivergent-kids
If you canât get enough of us, and want stay up to date with our other projects and ways you can connect, join our newsletter: https://www.youdontwantahug.com/
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Burnout. Itâs a word that comes up often in society and is often synonymous with being tired and needing a vacation. But when it comes to neurodivergent folks, autistic burnout can look radically different and have long-lasting effects.
In todayâs episode, Becca Lory Hector shares her experience of being diagnosed with autism as an adult after an extensive bout of autistic burnout. She explains why her burnout occurred, what support she wished she had received, and what might have kept her from getting to that point, if only sheâd had the language and framework to ask for the support she needed.
She also shares what a workplace that doesnât only include neurodivergent folks, but offers them truly belonging, would look like, and why this change is so necessary for our workplaces.
Becca shares so much of herself, and her insights are so enlightening for the parents of autistic and neurodivergent kids. Letâs jump in!
In this episode, youâll learnâŠ
[00:00] Intro
[02:07] Gwen and Kristen recap their lives since the last episode and share their Rylanism and Grahamism
[09:54] An introduction to who Becca Lory Hector is and why sheâs so passionate about advocacy
[13:07] Beccaâs experience of receiving an autism diagnosis as an adult
[17:03] The way Beccaâs autism presents, after masking for so many years
[22:10] Beccaâs perspective on how parents can prepare their autistic children to advocate for themselves
[26:24] What autistic burnout is and how it presents differently than is often portrayed in society
[34:58] The support Becca wishes she could have received while recovering from autistic burnout
[43:16] Why our workplaces need to change and not just for those with neurodivergence
[48:21] The âBâ in DEIB and why itâs crucial when it comes to making space for autistic folks in the workplace
[58:17] The Last Word
Get full show notes and the episode transcript: https://www.youdontwantahug.com/post/ep-22-flipping-the-lens-the-autistic-experience-with-becca-lory-hector
If you canât get enough of us, and want stay up to date with our other projects and ways you can connect, join our newsletter: https://www.youdontwantahug.com/
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Isolation and loneliness are realities for parenting raising humans with neurodiversity. Weâve experienced both and know how difficult it can be through the many ages and stages of our kidsâ lives.
In todayâs episode, we talk all about isolation and loneliness and their impact on neurodiverse families. We go into the data behind it, share stories related to feelings of isolation in many different areas of our lives, and offer strategies for how weâve coped over the years.
In this episode, youâll learn...
[01:31] Some Rylan-isms and Graham-isms to start off the show
[05:02] The data on isolation and its impact on neurodiverse families
[08:52] Kristenâs experience of isolation in raising triplets
[16:10] How Gwenâs isolation began during infertility
[19:30] What isolation looked like for us during our childrenâs early education years
[26:36] How we spent so many years trying to be âtypicalâ families when weâre anything but
[31:14] The isolation we felt from our religious communities
[35:53] The difference between isolation and loneliness and how weâve learned to cope and find support
[43:27] The Last Word from one of our kids and their thoughts on isolation
Get full show notes and the episode transcript:
https://www.youdontwantahug.com/post/ep-3-neurodiverse-families-and-the-many-faces-of-isolation
If you canât get enough of us, and want stay up to date with our other projects and ways you can connect, join our newsletter: https://www.youdontwantahug.com/
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Therapy plays an important role in our neurodiverse childrenâs lives⊠But letâs be real: the act of constantly driving all over to drag our kids into dingy, uncomfortable waiting rooms multiple times a week is not fun.
In this episode, Gwen and Kristen dive into this phenomenon: why parents of neurodiverse kids end up in this situation, how to make the process and experience a little more tolerable, and when it might be time to pull the plug on certain therapies (and escape the excruciating waiting room experience.)
Plus, weâve got our usual -isms, The Last Word from our kids, and Gwen even wrote a little ditty about the waiting room experience. This is one super relatable episode that you wonât want to miss.
In this episode, youâll learnâŠ
[00:00] Intro
[05:51] What those waiting rooms where we spent hours, days, and months in with ALL of our kids are actually like
[09:10] Gwenâs waiting room ditty
[14:49] The things (and people) that made waiting in those dingy little rooms more tolerable
[16:17] What it felt like to question the usefulness of therapy in those waiting rooms
[22:34] The benefits and limitations of talk therapy for our neurodivergent children
[28:04] Our key takeaways from this episode on the purgatory that is the therapy waiting room and how to make it just a little bit better
[30:05] The Last Word
Get full show notes and the episode transcript: https://www.youdontwantahug.com/post/ep-21-the-purgatory-of-the-therapy-waiting-room
If you canât get enough of us, and want stay up to date with our other projects and ways you can connect, join our newsletter: https://www.youdontwantahug.com/
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Sports can be critically important to a childâs development and even their familyâs place in the community. Thatâs why our kids, regardless of ability, deserve more than a church basement to hone those social connections and their skills as athletes!
In todayâs episode, weâre interviewing Jen VanSkiver, Chief Officer of Strategic Growth for Special Olympics of Michigan and her daughterâs biggest advocate. Youâll learn how Jen has helped to facilitate the creation of a first-of-its-kind Unified Inclusion Center, how its stakeholders informed the buildingâs design, and why this project serves so much purpose for everyone, not just people with disabilities. Listen in now to hear how weâre changing the game of unified sports!
In this episode, youâll learnâŠ
[11:42] What led to Jenâs work at Special Olympics
[22:07] What the Unified Inclusion Center is and why it exists
[31:57] How stakeholders contributed to the design discussions
[42:55] The Last Word
Get full show notes and the episode transcript: https://www.youdontwantahug.com/post/ep-20-inclusion-over-ego-how-the-special-olympics-organization-embraced-universal-design-with-jen
If you canât get enough of us, and want stay up to date with our other projects and ways you can connect, join our newsletter: https://www.youdontwantahug.com/
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The classroom is the essential component across every school from K-12 to higher education. So why is it that physical space is often overlooked as being a central player in the learning experience? If youâre a parent to a child with a disability, then you know that their environment can make all the difference!
In todayâs episode, weâre interviewing Dr. Elif Tural and Dr. David Kniola, experts in the field of universal design and its various applications in educational settings and beyond. They share what universal design actually is, common barriers to learning in typical classrooms, and important aspects to consider when designing equitable spaces. Listen in to hear how universal design can benefit both neurodivergent populations and entire communities as a whole!
In this episode, youâll learnâŠ
[15:24] Defining universal design and purposeful learning spaces
[18:53] Common barriers to learning in typical educational settings
[22:13] Important aspects to consider in universal design and wayfinding
[26:47] The process of designing equitable spaces and why they benefit the whole
[33:42] Simple design solutions that can be implemented in classrooms right away
Get full show notes and the episode transcript:
https://www.youdontwantahug.com/post/ep-19-universal-design-for-classroom-spaces-with-virginia-tech
If you canât get enough of us, and want stay up to date with our other projects and ways you can connect, join our newsletter: https://www.youdontwantahug.com/
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Being a parent of neurodivergent children is challenging enough for most of us. But what does that look like when you introduce racial bias into the mix? How does that affect the way parents and children with disabilities are perceived by their schools and their providers?
In todayâs episode, weâre interviewing Jackie Bess, a wife and mom of three boys with autism whose story is an excellent demonstration of the intersection of race and disability. Jackie describes many of the struggles she faced throughout the autism journey including how she has learned to serve as her sonsâ most powerful advocate. Youâll learn some of the strategies she has developed to help keep her sons safe, how her experiences have impacted her own health, and why itâs essential for Jackie to ensure that her voice is heard. This is an episode sure to resonate with many people of color who are raising children with disabilities.
In this episode, youâll learnâŠ
[1:46] Jackieâs background and how she became an advocate for children with autism
[5:59] The story of how Jackieâs three sons came to be diagnosed with autism
[24:11] Strategies that Jackie and her husband use to keep their sons safe
[34:12] How Jackieâs experiences have impacted her own health
[38:58] Why Jackie has to ensure that she is taken seriously
[51:19] What Jackie loves most about each of her kids
Get full show notes and the episode transcript: https://www.youdontwantahug.com/post/ep-18-autism-unconscious-bias-and-the-intersection-of-race-and-disability-with-jackie-bess/
If you canât get enough of us, and want stay up to date with our other projects and ways you can connect, join our newsletter: https://www.youdontwantahug.com/
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Few things are more important to us as humans, especially to neurodivergent children, than access to quality healthcare. But did you know that Black and Hispanic children are less likely to be identified with autism than white children? This simple fact invites a closer look into the social currency that many of us take for granted and why the healthcare system looks vastly different to those of marginalized populations.
In todayâs episode, weâre interviewing Robin Ennis, a social worker and the LEND Self-Advocacy Discipline Director at JFK Partners on her own experience with health disparities among BIPOC Individuals. Robin shares her journey with hydrocephalus, how the misdiagnosis of her condition led to the loss of her vision, and how simply being heard by her providers might have changed the trajectory of her life. Whether you come from an underrepresented population or not, this episode promises valuable insight into the ways healthcare can look a little different for all of us and how to use your voice to advocate for yourself and your children.
In this episode, youâll learnâŠ
[1:37] Our experiences navigating the holiday season with neurodivergent children
[11:40] Robinâs personal experience with health disparities among BIPOC Individuals
[21:09] How the misdiagnosis of Robinâs condition led to the loss of her vision
[31:27] Disability, grief, and how Robin is making meaning out of her story
[40:24] Client work and the impact of race on a neurodivergence journey
Get full show notes and the episode transcript: https://www.youdontwantahug.com/post/ep-17-neurodivergence-and-paving-the-way-for-a-more-equitable-healthcare-system-with-robin-ennis
If you canât get enough of us, and want stay up to date with our other projects and ways you can connect, join our newsletter: https://www.youdontwantahug.com/
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As parents of neurodiverse kids, navigating the holidays can beâŠ. a lot. Trying to get our kids to tolerate all the events, all the activities, and all the routine changes on top of everything else is exhausting, frustrating, and quite frankly, maybe not worth it for us and our kids. And who says we actually have to do all of this stuff anyway?
In todayâs episode, weâre sharing our best holiday tips for surviving the holiday season, including managing schedules, adjusting the gift-giving process, and resetting expectations for what a fun holiday looks like. The truth is, the holiday season doesnât have to look any certain way. We get to decide what works best for our families and how we want to enjoy this precious time we get with them.
If youâre already feeling a little overwhelmed by the holiday season coming up, this episode is for you!
In this episode, youâll learnâŠ
[02:19] Why the holiday break is so different from summer break when it comes to the change in routine for neurodiverse kids
[08:04] How managing âand not overschedulingâ events during the holiday season can help your stress level during the holiday season
[13:20] Why you might want to rethink your process of gift-giving for neurodiverse kids
[16:34] Why Legos are absolutely magical for neurodiverse kids during the holiday season
[18:09] Why prioritizing your favorite holiday activities can be so helpful and why itâs okay to let go of the ones that donât work for your family
[24:12] Why letting go of societal expectations and embracing what works for your unique kids can make the holidays so much more enjoyable
[28:04] Aaaaand that includes letting go or adjusting formal dinners if you need to
[30:44] The Last Word
Get full show notes and the episode transcript: https://www.youdontwantahug.com/post/ep-16-legos-alone-time-adjusted-expectations-how-to-survive-the-holidays-with-neurodiverse-kids
If you canât get enough of us, and want stay up to date with our other projects and ways you can connect, join our newsletter: https://www.youdontwantahug.com/
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We have so much to be grateful for, and what better time to acknowledge that than with Thanksgiving just on the horizon? Since expressing gratitude is essential to our health and happiness, especially as parents of neurodiverse children, weâre on a mission to be more intentional with how we recognize all the things we have to be thankful for each and every day â whether theyâre obvious, a little quirky, or even a bit of a stretch!
In todayâs episode, weâre covering everything from letting go of control, to practicing greater compassion, to embracing all lifeâs challenges. If it has been a while since youâve taken a moment to reflect, or the chaos of daily life has felt a little too all-consuming lately, youâre in the right place. Join us as we slow down for just a few minutes to call out our favorite blessings.
In this episode, youâll learnâŠ
[10:46] That we canât control every outcome and why thatâs perfectly okay
[17:53] How weâve expanded our understanding of what it means to be human
[22:08] Why fitting in is overrated and the advantages of being your true self
[26:12] The power of community and sharing your experience with others
[29:18] How struggle can be a gift that makes your stronger
Get full show notes and the episode transcript: https://www.youdontwantahug.com/post/ep-15-here-are-the-things-we-re-most-grateful-to-have-learned-on-our-neurodiverse-parenting-journey
If you canât get enough of us, and want stay up to date with our other projects and ways you can connect, join our newsletter: https://www.youdontwantahug.com/
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Halloween can sometimes be a struggle for neurodiverse children. Thereâs costumes and candy and strangers to consider. Halloween can be adapted to fit the needs of your family. Donât feel like it has to be the same, traditional Halloween you see in the movies. Thatâs not always real life, friends. And if your kid tries to poop in someone elseâs house, itâs okay. Weâve been there.
In todayâs episode, weâve got a short and sweet conversation to share our pro tips for how to tackle Halloween like a badass parent of neurodiverse kids. We talk about costumes, candy, trick-or-treating, incorporating special treats like movies, recruiting reinforcements (like Grandma and Grandpa!), and more. Weâve got you covered for spooky season, donât you worry.
In this episode, youâll learnâŠ
[06:59] Our pro tips about costumes, candy, and pooping in neighborsâ houses, so you can tackle Halloween like a badass
[24:11] The Last Word
Get full show notes and the episode transcript: https://www.youdontwantahug.com/post/ep-14-it-s-spooky-season-our-top-tips-on-tackling-halloween-with-neurodiverse-kids
If you canât get enough of us, and want stay up to date with our other projects and ways you can connect, join our newsletter: https://www.youdontwantahug.com/
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Standardized testing and educational plans are a reality of life for us as parents of neurodiverse students. But it can be a bit daunting to think about, especially if youâre new to the process. There are forms and meetings and legalities that can overwhelm you if youâre not prepared. And honestly, itâs hard to be prepared for something you donât know much about. Thatâs why weâre here to help you.
In todayâs episode, weâre sharing how weâve navigated the individualized education program (IEP) process. We have a lot of trauma and angst around this issue and we want to be very transparent with you all when it comes to expectations for this process. We also talk about the history of standardized testing, why IEPs are so important for neurodiverse kids, and some strategies you can use to set yourselves up for success.
In this episode, youâll learnâŠ
[07:37] The big picture history on why standardized testing exists and the weight itâs given from a historical context
[11:31] What the focus on assessments has done to classrooms, plus the importance of IEPs and 504s for neurodiverse students
[20:47] Our personal experiences with the IEP process, and why we have compassion for IEP teams
[29:49] Some IEP hacks and resources weâve used over the years for our own kids
[41:46] Tips and strategies to set yourselves up for success
[49:09] What the What? Recap
[52:04] The Last Word
Get full show notes and the episode transcript: https://www.youdontwantahug.com/post/ep-13-iep-strategies-to-set-you-and-your-neurodiverse-child-up-for-success
If you canât get enough of us, and want stay up to date with our other projects and ways you can connect, join our newsletter: https://www.youdontwantahug.com/
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TW: This episode discusses suicide. Please listen with care.
It's suicide prevention month and we know that our population of neurodiverse youth and adults are impacted greatly by suicide, by suicidal ideation, and mental health issues because of bullying and other social challenges. Itâs a vital topic, and one thatâs hard to discuss, but we really have to do it because itâs so important.
In todayâs episode, we have our very first guest. Weâre so excited to talk to Anne Moss Rogers, a suicide prevention trainer, author, and advocate. Anne Moss tells the story of losing her son to suicide and why sheâs become to passionate about suicide prevention and bringing awareness to parents and schools. We also discuss why parents are afraid to ask their kids about suicidal thoughts, how social challenges can lead to suicidality for neurodiverse kids, and the importance of having a safety plan in place.
In this episode, youâll learnâŠ
[01:44] An introduction to our very first guest on the podcast, Anne Moss Rogers, and how she became so passionate about suicide prevention
[21:31] Why parents are afraid to ask their kids about suicidal ideation
[30:01] How the research shows that social challenges can lead to suicidality for neurodiverse children, and why we need to be able to talk about it
[39:19] The importance of having a safety plan for instances of suicidal thoughts
[45:02] How parents of neurodiverse children who experience suicidal ideation can take care of themselves
[52:34] The Last Word
Get full show notes and the episode transcript: https://www.youdontwantahug.com/post/12-suicide-prevention-for-the-neurodiverse-population-with-anne-moss-rogers
If you canât get enough of us, and want stay up to date with our other projects and ways you can connect, join our newsletter: https://www.youdontwantahug.com/
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Most of us with neurodiverse children have IEP or 504 plans, and that means your child will have a team working with them at school. The team, your child, and you form an important dynamic when it comes to your childâs education and, from our experience, starting the year off on the right foot makes all the difference.
In todayâs episode, weâre continuing with our back to school series and weâre sharing why the school team partnership is so important, and the 5 key questions you should ask yourself in order for this partnership to succeed. We also share some stories that we hope will help you to learn from our mistakes.
In this episode, youâll learnâŠ
[01:15] All about our new program, The Communal Closet!
[11:27] Why itâs important to partner well with your neurodiverse childâs school teams this year, plus 5 key questions to consider for this partnership
[55:14] Our What the What segment, recapping the 5 questions to ask yourself regarding your childâs team at school
[56:57] The Last Word
Get full show notes and the episode transcript: https://www.youdontwantahug.com/post/ep-11-5-questions-to-ask-yourself-when-partnering-with-your-neurodiverse-child-s-school-team
If you canât get enough of us, and want stay up to date with our other projects and ways you can connect, join our newsletter: https://www.youdontwantahug.com/ -
Itâs back to school time, friends, and it's such a difficult time for neurodiverse families. Thereâs a lot of mental and physical prep work we have to do in order to get ourselves and our kids ready for the transition from summer. If youâre in the early years of back to school time, donât worry, it does eventually get a bit easier as you get more experience with it.
In todayâs episode, weâre kicking off our back to school series. Weâre sharing why back to school time is so hard for all of us, how parents need to prioritize their sanity, and the tools and strategies that weâve used to help alleviate the stress for all involved.
In this episode, youâll learnâŠ
[12:15] Why transitioning back to school is so hard for us as parents of neurodiverse kids and for the kids themselves
[19:44] How to prioritize yourself and your sanity during back to school time
[30:23] The strategies weâve personally used to ease the back to school transition for our kids
[42:17] Our What the What segment, recapping the key takeaways for back to school success
[44:27] The Last Word
Get full show notes and the episode transcript: https://www.youdontwantahug.com/post/ep-10-back-to-school-series-how-to-alleviate-stress-and-ease-anxiety-for-neurodiverse-family
If you canât get enough of us, and want stay up to date with our other projects and ways you can connect, join our newsletter: https://www.youdontwantahug.com/
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Kristen recently retired from her work at The Joshua School, a non-profit, facility school, approved by the Colorado Department of Education that partners closely with local school districts to provide the intensive services many of the students need. It was such a meaningful experience in her life and itâs something we really need to talk about.
In todayâs episode, Kristen shares what The Joshua School is, what she learned there, what she added to that environment, and what she's able to offer all of you as a result of working with the population of students who are significantly impacted by their neurodiversity.
In this episode, youâll learnâŠ
[05:32] Kristen explains what the Joshua School is
[11:26] Kristen talks about the roles she held there, and the wonderful staff she worked with
[14:32] Kristen reminisces about the students at the school and shares a few stories that have stuck with her
[23:40] How joy is the result of feeling safe and feeling like you belong
Get full show notes and the episode transcript:
If you canât get enough of us, and want stay up to date with our other projects and ways you can connect, join our newsletter: https://www.youdontwantahug.com/ep-9-reflections-insights-and-fond-memories-from-working-with-neurodiverse-students
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