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In this episode of our “What I Wish I Knew” series, we’re talking about functional medicine—what it is, what’s helped us, and what we wish we understood earlier. We share real experiences navigating diet changes, supplements, specialists, and the cost of it all, while exploring a whole-body approach that looks beyond symptoms. We also talk about how to integrate functional and traditional medicine without feeling like you have to choose one or the other. If you’re curious about functional medicine but unsure where to start, this is a practical, honest starting point. What We Cover What functional medicine is and how it looks at the whole bodyHow diet, gut health, and environment can impact behavior and overall healthPractical ways to start without getting overwhelmed or spending a lotKey Takeaway: You don’t have to choose between functional and traditional medicine—start small, stay curious, and pay attention to what actually helps your child. Links: Listen to Previous Episodes Episode 38: Nonlinear Learning & Communication (with Dr. Vaish Sarathy) ⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lucky-few/id1349646917?i=1000624491053⁠⁠Episode 79: Understanding Functional Nutrition for Our Kids w/Down Syndrome (with Dr. Vaish Sarathy)https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lucky-few/id1349646917?i=1000487763974Episode 80: Assuming Intelligence in Our Kids w/Down Syndrome (with Dr. Vaish Sarathy)https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lucky-few/id1349646917?i=1000487049081Vaish Sarathy: ⁠https://www.meaningfulspeech.com⁠Follow Vaish Sarathy on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/meaningfulspeech/Speaking of Health & Wellness: https://speakingofhealthandwellness.com Let’s Keep the Conversation Going Are you using functional medicine with your child—or just starting to look into it? Feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to begin? We’d love to hear from you. Find us on Instagram: @theluckyfewpod

In this episode of The Lucky Few Podcast, we continue our “What I Wish I Knew” series with a real and honest conversation about AAC (Augmentative & Alternative Communication) - Supporting Communication Without Limiting It Micha shares her journey with her son Ace and how her understanding of AAC has evolved over time—from treating it like a therapy tool to recognizing it as a language and a way of life. Along the way, we talk through common misconceptions, frustrations, and the mindset shifts that can make all the difference. If you’ve ever wondered whether AAC is “right” for your child—or felt unsure where to start—this episode is a grounded place to begin. What We Cover What AAC actually is—and why it’s for more kids than people thinkThe shift from testing communication → modeling communicationHow to get started (IEP, evaluations, and real-world barriers)Key Mindset Shift + Takeaways AAC isn’t a tool you bring out for practice—it’s a language you live in. That means modeling instead of requiring, assuming competence even when it’s hard to see, and remembering that communication is about connection—not just requests. For many kids, the challenge isn’t understanding—it’s motor planning. And like any language, AAC only works when it’s used consistently in everyday life, not just during therapy or structured time. Links: AbleNet https://www.ablenetinc.com/ Torganization mentioned in the episode for helping families get AAC devices (including working with insurance). Mercedes’ “third class Titanic” photo reference (watch here): https://www.instagram.com/reel/DVMSIy0EsI5/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ== Let’s Keep the Conversation Going Are you using AAC with your child? Thinking about it? Struggling with it? We’d love to hear what’s working—and what’s not. Find us on Instagram: @theluckyfewpod

In this episode, we’re talking about travel and accessibility—what’s actually available, what we’ve learned the hard way (and the helpful way), and the questions that come with it. Fresh off an international trip, Heather shares real-life stories of navigating airports, museums, and public spaces with accessibility services—and realizing oh… this changes everything. Also, turns out you might not need to stand in that two-hour line. Just saying. We also wrestle with the bigger question: Should we use these services if our kids can do it without them? We talk about: Using accessibility services in airports (like TSA Cares and pre-boarding)Skipping long lines at museums and major attractionsFree and discounted access for people with disabilities and their companionsThe tension between presuming competence and accepting supportLetting go of pressure and adjusting expectations while travelingWhy flexibility matters more than having the “perfect” tripWe share stories from New York, London, and Paris—and how these supports made travel not just possible, but enjoyable. At the end of the day, this is about knowing your child, trusting your instincts, and using what’s available to make space for your family. Your family belongs in these places. Related Episodes Can a Person with Down Syndrome Travel the World? (Ep. 278) – Exploring what’s possible with global travel.https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/278-can-a-person-with-down-syndrome-travel-the-world/id1349646917?i=1000672187141Planes, Trains & Presuming Competence (Ep. 296) – Travel, transitions, and supporting our kids well.https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/296-planes-trains-presuming-competence/id1349646917?i=1000704406975Traveling with the Lara Family (Ep. 35) – A real family’s experience traveling with Down syndrome.https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/35-traveling-with-the-lara-family/id1349646917?i=1000446155118How to Keep Your Kids with Down Syndrome Healthy While Traveling (Ep. 129) – Simple ways to stay healthy on the road.https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/129-how-to-keep-your-kids-with-ds-healthy-while/id1349646917?i=1000532940758 CONNECT WITH THE PODCAST ⁠⁠WEBSITE⁠⁠ ⁠⁠INSTAGRAM⁠⁠ ⁠⁠FACEBOOK⁠⁠ CONNECT WITH HEATHER AVIS WEBSITE: ⁠⁠THE LUCKY FEW OFFICIAL⁠⁠ IG: ⁠⁠THELUCKYFEWOFFICAL⁠⁠ ⁠⁠FACEBOOK⁠⁠ ⁠⁠I LIKE YOU SO MUCH⁠⁠ ⁠⁠THIS IS DOWN SYNDROME⁠⁠ CONNECT WITH MERCEDES LARA IG: ⁠⁠HOORAY4THELARAS⁠⁠ IG: ⁠⁠HUMANLY.TV⁠⁠ ⁠⁠FACEBOOK⁠⁠ CONNECT WITH MICHA BOYETT ⁠⁠MICHABOYETT.COM⁠⁠ IG: ⁠⁠ACEFACEISMYFRIEND⁠⁠ IG: ⁠⁠MICHABOYETT⁠⁠ LISTEN TO ⁠⁠THE SLOW WAY⁠⁠ DISCOUNT CODE Friends, grab your narrative shifting gear over on ⁠⁠The Lucky Few Merch Shop⁠⁠ and use code PODCAST for 10% off! HELP US SHIFT THE NARRATIVE Interested in partnering with The Lucky Few Podcast as a sponsor? Email ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠ for more information! LET’S CHAT Email ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠ with your questions and Good News or Shout Outs for future episodes.

Friends, we’re bringing back one of our favorite conversations — our interview with Noah Matthews Matofsky, who starred as Slightly in Disney’s Peter Pan & Wendy. When this film premiered, Noah became the first actor with Down syndrome to have a speaking role in a live-action Disney feature film. And we had the joy of sitting down with him not long after the movie was released. In this episode, Noah joins us from the UK to share: How he went from school plays to being cast in a Disney film What it was like auditioning during lockdown Learning lines and filming stunts (yes, he had a stunt double!) Six months on set in Canada Red carpets, press tours, and being recognized in public Why representation matters His dreams for what’s next (Harry Potter? Toy Story? We’re planting seeds.) We also hear from Noah’s dad about what it was like supporting him through filming, balancing family life, and watching his dream unfold. This conversation is joyful, funny, and hopeful. It’s a reminder that our kids belong on every stage — including the biggest ones. Noah is also an ambassador for Down Syndrome UK and continues to use his platform to encourage others: “Don’t take it as a disadvantage. Add that to your life and do more in your life.” We’re so proud of him. And we’re so grateful for the way representation continues to grow. Follow Noah⁠ on Instagram for more behind the scenes and see what’s next! Noah has been invited to be a keynote speaker at the International Down Syndrome Congress in Florida this summer and is ⁠raising funds⁠ for his travel expenses. CONNECT WITH THE PODCAST ⁠⁠WEBSITE⁠⁠ ⁠⁠INSTAGRAM⁠⁠ ⁠⁠FACEBOOK⁠⁠ CONNECT WITH HEATHER AVIS WEBSITE: ⁠⁠THE LUCKY FEW OFFICIAL⁠⁠ IG: ⁠⁠THELUCKYFEWOFFICAL⁠⁠ ⁠⁠FACEBOOK⁠⁠ ⁠⁠I LIKE YOU SO MUCH⁠⁠ ⁠⁠THIS IS DOWN SYNDROME⁠⁠ CONNECT WITH MERCEDES LARA IG: ⁠⁠HOORAY4THELARAS⁠⁠ IG: ⁠⁠HUMANLY.TV⁠⁠ ⁠⁠FACEBOOK⁠⁠ CONNECT WITH MICHA BOYETT ⁠⁠MICHABOYETT.COM⁠⁠ IG: ⁠⁠ACEFACEISMYFRIEND⁠⁠ IG: ⁠⁠MICHABOYETT⁠⁠ LISTEN TO ⁠⁠THE SLOW WAY⁠⁠ DISCOUNT CODE Friends, grab your narrative shifting gear over on ⁠⁠The Lucky Few Merch Shop⁠⁠ and use code PODCAST for 10% off! HELP US SHIFT THE NARRATIVE Interested in partnering with The Lucky Few Podcast as a sponsor? Email ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠ for more information! LET’S CHAT Email ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠ with your questions and Good News or Shout Outs for future episodes.

This week we’re revisiting Episode 3 of The Lucky Few Podcast—originally recorded in April 2018. In one of our very first conversations, Heather, Mercedes, and Micah sit down with Liz Plachta, founder of Ruby’s Rainbow, to talk about what’s possible for individuals with Down syndrome after high school. At the time, this conversation felt hopeful. Now, it also feels proven. What started as one mom’s idea—to help one person with Down syndrome go to college—has grown into something much bigger: 1,015 scholarships awarded $3,776,000 in scholarship funds 26+ awareness campaigns changing the narrative And that momentum hasn’t slowed. Ruby’s Rainbow is currently in the middle of its 2026 “3/21 Pledge” campaign, with a goal to raise $600,000 by World Down Syndrome Day (March 21) to fund at least 120 scholarships. As of early March 2026, they’ve already surpassed that $600,000 goal—another signal of how much belief and support continues to grow around this work. This episode captures the early heart behind that movement—and why raising expectations still matters Give the gift of a dream. Change a life. Help someone with Down syndrome go for their college dreams! Take the 3/21 Pledge TODAY 321pledge.org/ CONNECT WITH THE PODCAST ⁠WEBSITE⁠ ⁠INSTAGRAM⁠ ⁠FACEBOOK⁠ CONNECT WITH HEATHER AVIS WEBSITE: ⁠THE LUCKY FEW OFFICIAL⁠ IG: ⁠THELUCKYFEWOFFICAL⁠ ⁠FACEBOOK⁠ ⁠I LIKE YOU SO MUCH⁠ ⁠THIS IS DOWN SYNDROME⁠ CONNECT WITH MERCEDES LARA IG: ⁠HOORAY4THELARAS⁠ IG: ⁠HUMANLY.TV⁠ ⁠FACEBOOK⁠ CONNECT WITH MICHA BOYETT ⁠MICHABOYETT.COM⁠ IG: ⁠ACEFACEISMYFRIEND⁠ IG: ⁠MICHABOYETT⁠ LISTEN TO ⁠THE SLOW WAY⁠ DISCOUNT CODE Friends, grab your narrative shifting gear over on ⁠The Lucky Few Merch Shop⁠ and use code PODCAST for 10% off! HELP US SHIFT THE NARRATIVE Interested in partnering with The Lucky Few Podcast as a sponsor? Email ⁠[email protected]⁠ for more information! LET’S CHAT Email ⁠[email protected]⁠ with your questions and Good News or Shout Outs for future episodes.

In this episode, we continue our What I Wish I’d Known series in honor of World Down Syndrome Day (3/21) and this year’s theme: Together Against Loneliness. When we first became parents of children with Down syndrome, no one talked to us about loneliness. Not the loneliness that can come in high school.Not when siblings leave.Not when friends start driving.Not when graduation comes — and the path forward feels unclear.Not when your child is included, but still isolated. We talk about the loneliness our kids experience — and the loneliness we feel as parents. We unpack the difference between inclusion and belonging, and why belonging is what truly combats loneliness. World Down Syndrome Day isn’t just about celebration.It’s about awareness.It’s about connection. Wear the socks.Have the conversations.Extend the invitation. Let’s be together against loneliness. Show Notes 🌍 World Down Syndrome Day Official site (theme, resources, global events):https://www.worlddownsyndromeday.org/ College scholarships for students with Down syndrome:https://www.rubysrainbow.org/ Creators of the annual World Down Syndrome Day campaign videos:https://www.coordown.it/ This year’s campaign video (featuring Noah, focused on ending use of the R-word):https://www.youtube.com/@CoorDown Their classic video “Dear Future Mom”:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ju-q4OnBtNU Free programming and community for individuals with Down syndrome:https://gigisplayhouse.org/ 🎓 Ruby’s Rainbow🇮🇹 CoorDown (Italy)💙 GiGi’s Playhouse 🎉 Celebrate World Down Syndrome Day With Us We’ve been celebrating World Down Syndrome Day since the very beginning of this podcast. Revisit past conversations here: Episode 1 – World Down Syndrome Day 2018https://www.theluckyfewpodcast.com/episodes/1 Episode 53 – World Down Syndrome Day 2019https://www.theluckyfewpodcast.com/episodes/53 Episode 104 – World Down Syndrome Day 2020https://www.theluckyfewpodcast.com/episodes/104 Episode 156 – World Down Syndrome Day 2021https://www.theluckyfewpodcast.com/episodes/156 Episode 207 – World Down Syndrome Day 2022https://www.theluckyfewpodcast.com/episodes/207 Episode 259 – World Down Syndrome Day 2023https://www.theluckyfewpodcast.com/episodes/259 Episode 310 – World Down Syndrome Day 2024https://www.theluckyfewpodcast.com/episodes/310 CONNECT WITH THE PODCAST ⁠WEBSITE⁠ ⁠INSTAGRAM⁠ ⁠FACEBOOK⁠ CONNECT WITH HEATHER AVIS WEBSITE: ⁠THE LUCKY FEW OFFICIAL⁠ IG: ⁠THELUCKYFEWOFFICAL⁠ ⁠FACEBOOK⁠ ⁠I LIKE YOU SO MUCH⁠ ⁠THIS IS DOWN SYNDROME⁠ CONNECT WITH MERCEDES LARA IG: ⁠HOORAY4THELARAS⁠ IG: ⁠HUMANLY.TV⁠ ⁠FACEBOOK⁠ CONNECT WITH MICHA BOYETT ⁠MICHABOYETT.COM⁠ IG: ⁠ACEFACEISMYFRIEND⁠ IG: ⁠MICHABOYETT⁠ LISTEN TO ⁠THE SLOW WAY⁠ DISCOUNT CODE Friends, grab your narrative shifting gear over on ⁠The Lucky Few Merch Shop⁠ and use code PODCAST for 10% off! HELP US SHIFT THE NARRATIVE Interested in partnering with The Lucky Few Podcast as a sponsor? Email ⁠[email protected]⁠ for more information! LET’S CHAT Email ⁠[email protected]⁠ with your questions and Good News or Shout Outs for future episodes.

Show Notes In this episode of were talking about infantilizing — what it is, how it shows up, and why it matters. To infantilize someone is to treat them as younger or less capable than they are. For people with disabilities, this often shows up in subtle but harmful ways: baby talk, lowered expectations, behavior plans for age-appropriate teen behavior, speaking about someone as if they aren’t in the room, or limiting choices because we assume immaturity. We share real stories: When typical high school behavior is labeled as a disability issue How communication differences get mistaken for lack of intelligence The risk of tying maturity to verbal skills The hidden cost of withholding autonomy and choice How even we, as parents, have had to unlearn assumptions We talk about the radical assumption of competence — and how dignity starts with how we speak. Our kids’ age is their age.Their interests don’t define their intelligence.And adults deserve to be treated like adults. This conversation is nuanced. It’s uncomfortable at times. But it’s necessary. Let’s raise expectations.Let’s offer real choices.And let’s stop talking to adults like they’re toddlers. CONNECT WITH THE PODCAST ⁠WEBSITE⁠ ⁠INSTAGRAM⁠ ⁠FACEBOOK⁠ CONNECT WITH HEATHER AVIS WEBSITE: ⁠THE LUCKY FEW OFFICIAL⁠ IG: ⁠THELUCKYFEWOFFICAL⁠ ⁠FACEBOOK⁠ ⁠I LIKE YOU SO MUCH⁠ ⁠THIS IS DOWN SYNDROME⁠ CONNECT WITH MERCEDES LARA IG: ⁠HOORAY4THELARAS⁠ IG: ⁠HUMANLY.TV⁠ ⁠FACEBOOK⁠ CONNECT WITH MICHA BOYETT ⁠MICHABOYETT.COM⁠ IG: ⁠ACEFACEISMYFRIEND⁠ IG: ⁠MICHABOYETT⁠ LISTEN TO ⁠THE SLOW WAY⁠ DISCOUNT CODE Friends, grab your narrative shifting gear over on ⁠The Lucky Few Merch Shop⁠ and use code PODCAST for 10% off! HELP US SHIFT THE NARRATIVE Interested in partnering with The Lucky Few Podcast as a sponsor? Email ⁠[email protected]⁠ for more information! LET’S CHAT Email ⁠[email protected]⁠ with your questions and Good News or Shout Outs for future episodes.

In this episode of The Lucky Few Podcast, we continue our What I Wish I’d Known series by talking about inclusion — and being honest about how it actually feels. When we hear the word inclusion, we don’t immediately feel hopeful. We feel heaviness. Process. Fight. Sometimes discouragement. We talk about why inclusion so often becomes a disability service instead of a true community responsibility. We wrestle with school settings, adult programs, housing, and the limited options available once our kids grow up. We name the exhaustion of always being the one advocating — and the toll it takes on our kids to keep showing up in spaces not built for them. At the center of this conversation is this truth: The existence of a person with Down syndrome in the world is their resistance. Our kids take up space. They walk into rooms. They show up in communities that weren’t designed for them. That matters. Inclusion isn’t a program to be applauded. It’s a cultural shift. And while we may feel weary some days, we still believe our kids belong — not as a service, but as neighbors, coworkers, and friends. We see you doing the work. Take a breath if you need to. And keep going. Show Notes For more thoughtful work on disability, community living, and person-centered inclusion, visit Open Future Learning: https://www.openfuturelearning.org/** Interested in diving deeper? We’ve talked about inclusion before — especially in the context of school, IEPs, and advocacy. If you want to explore more episodes with an emphasis on inclusion in education and collaboration, start here: Episode 78: Building Trust (Not Barriers) w/Your Child’s IEP Teamhttps://www.theluckyfewpodcast.com/episodes/iep-advocacy Episode 94: IEPs During COVID-19 (ft. Vickie Brett & Amanda Selogie)https://www.theluckyfewpodcast.com/episodes/inclusive-education-project Episode 270: IEP Success: How to Plan, Communicate, and Collaborate (w/April Rehrig)https://www.theluckyfewpodcast.com/episodes/270-iep-success-how-to-plan-communicate-and-collaborate-april-rehrig Episode 272: What Do We Wish We Knew Before Our First IEP Meeting?https://www.theluckyfewpodcast.com/episodes/272-what-do-we-wish-we-knew-before-our-first-iep-meeting-heather-avis-mercedes-lara Episode 273: Breaking Down Barriers: The Parent’s Role in IEP Success (w/Ashley Barlow)https://www.theluckyfewpodcast.com/episodes/273-breaking-down-barriers-the-parents-role-in-iep-success-with-ashley-barlow

EPs can feel overwhelming, emotional, and complicated—and that’s because they are. In this episode of The Lucky Few Podcast, we kick off our new season, What I Wish I’d Known About…, by talking about IEPs—what we wish we understood from the very beginning, and what we’ve learned the hard way. Fresh off a multi-hour meeting, we share honestly about the exhaustion, the tension, and the “us vs. them” dynamic that can creep in. We unpack how evaluations drive goals, how goals drive placement, and why learning the language of the IEP changes everything. We talk about inclusion, evolving expectations, and what it looks like to follow our child’s lead as they grow. Most importantly, we remind ourselves—and you—of this: Our kids are not problems to fix. The IEP exists to serve them. Whether this is your first meeting or your fifteenth, we hope this conversation helps you feel more steady, more informed, and less alone. SHOW NOTES: For more practical guidance, we’ve learned a lot from Ashley Barlow and her work at Ashley Barlow Co.. She offers clear, actionable resources to help you navigate IEPs, strengthen your advocacy skills, and understand your rights—all in one place. Check out more IEP Episodes: 78. Building Trust (Not Barriers) w/Your Child’s IEP Team – IEP advocacy tips. 94. IEPs during COVID-19, ft. IEP Lawyers Vickie Brett & Amanda Selogie – IEPs & distance learning. 272. What Do We Wish We Knew Before Our First IEP Meeting? – Reflections on early IEPs. 270. IEP Success: How to Plan, Communicate, and Collaborate (w/April Rehrig) – Practical IEP strategies. 273. Breaking Down Barriers: The Parent’s Role In IEP Success (w/Ashley Barlow) – Parent advocacy in IEPs. CONNECT WITH THE PODCAST WEBSITE INSTAGRAM FACEBOOK CONNECT WITH HEATHER AVIS WEBSITE: THE LUCKY FEW OFFICIAL IG: THELUCKYFEWOFFICAL FACEBOOK I LIKE YOU SO MUCH THIS IS DOWN SYNDROME CONNECT WITH MERCEDES LARA IG: HOORAY4THELARAS IG: HUMANLY.TV FACEBOOK CONNECT WITH MICHA BOYETT MICHABOYETT.COM IG: ACEFACEISMYFRIEND IG: MICHABOYETT LISTEN TO THE SLOW WAY DISCOUNT CODE Friends, grab your narrative shifting gear over on The Lucky Few Merch Shop and use code PODCAST for 10% off! HELP US SHIFT THE NARRATIVE Interested in partnering with The Lucky Few Podcast as a sponsor? Email [email protected] for more information! LET’S CHAT Email [email protected] with your questions and Good News or Shout Outs for future episodes.

We’re bringing back one of our favorite conversations in honor of an extraordinary athlete, mom, and advocate who continues to redefine what’s possible. Elana Meyers Taylor is a five-time Olympian and one of the most decorated athletes in winter sports history. She has earned one gold, three silver, and two bronze Olympic medals for Team USA, and is a four-time World Champion, with two gold medals in both the two-woman and mixed team events. She is also the most decorated Black winter Olympian of all time. But medals are only part of her story. Elana is mom to two boys. Her son Nico has Down syndrome, and both of her sons are deaf. In this episode, she shares what it was like to welcome Nico at the start of the pandemic while continuing to train at the highest level. It’s an honest look at motherhood, elite sport, and advocacy. Elana brings her family with her and uses her platform to speak openly about Down syndrome, ASL, and greater inclusion in winter sports. As we replay this episode, we’re cheering her on — not just for what she’s accomplished, but for how she leads.

January felt heavy. So instead of pretending we had it all figured out, we talked honestly about what we wish we’d known earlier. In this kickoff episode of What We Wish We’d Known, Heather, Micah, and Mercedes reflect on lessons that only come with time, experience, and a lot of unlearning. In this episode, we talk about: Letting go of milestone pressure, assuming competence, and unlearning ableism Rethinking inclusion, communication (including AAC), and what real support looks like Identity, advocacy, and why the goal was never a “poster child” — just a whole human This episode is part reflection and part reset. Whether you’re brand new or years into this journey, we hope it gives you permission to breathe, recalibrate, and keep learning. 💛 DM us what you wish you’d known — and what you want us to cover this season. SHOW NOTES Check out AbleNet, an assistive technology company that helps families access AAC devices quickly, often handling insurance and paperwork on their behalf. DISCOUNT CODE Friends, grab your narrative shifting gear over on ⁠The Lucky Few Merch Shop⁠ and use code PODCAST for 10% off! HELP US SHIFT THE NARRATIVE Interested in partnering with The Lucky Few Podcast as a sponsor? Email ⁠[email protected]⁠ for more information! LET’S CHAT Email ⁠[email protected]⁠ with your questions and Good News or Shout Outs for future episodes.

Today we’re diving deep into the way our children communicate! We’re asking some difficult but important questions about how we support their speech and language. How do our kids feel when people cannot understand their speech? How do they feel when we, as their parents, cannot understand their speech? How are we supposed to implement all the speech therapy tools? When is it time to just focus on one area of growth for our kids? How do our kids use “self-talk” to share stories and self-soothe? And that’s a wrap on this season focused on brain health and Down syndrome! We hope you learned as much as we did from these last 10 episodes. We’ll see you again in the new year! SHOW NOTES Visit our Therapist Directory to find mental health support for your loved one with a disability. Fill out THIS FORM to be added to our therapist directory. SPONSOR Sign up for Enable SNP HERE.

Jennifer Gray is a certified speech-language pathologist with over 20 years of experience working with the Down syndrome community. Today we’re asking her all the questions we’ve forgotten to ask our children’s own speech therapists. When should speech therapy start for individuals with Down syndrome? (Hint: Jennifer says research shows it can be helpful before age 1) What makes speech more challenging for individuals with Down syndrome? Can individuals with Down syndrome experience speech regression? What is self-talk? We hope you learn something from this important conversation about communication for people with Down syndrome! -- SHOW NOTES Visit grayspeaktherapy.com Instagram: @downsyndromespeech and @grayspeaktherapy SPONSOR Sign up for Enable SNP HERE.

Last week we sat down for an interview with trauma expert Dr. Karyn Harvey and today the three of us are unpacking all of our feelings about it. We’re asking ourselves some pretty heavy questions about trauma and intellectual disability. Do our kids really encounter trauma every time they step out the front door? Are we holding our children to unrealistic standards and expectations for behavior? Do the benefits of an inclusive education outweigh the trauma that comes with it? Why have our kids never been offered mental health support at any of their regular screenings? Here’s what we know for certain: our children with intellectual disabilities understand when they are being excluded. And it’s our job to remind them just how incredibly lucky this world is to have them in it. Friends, we hope your children receive the mental health support they need so they can become exactly who they are meant to be. SHOW NOTES Learn more from Dr. Karyn Harvey and read her publications here. SPONSOR Sign up for Enable SNP HERE.

Dr. Karyn Harvey is a psychologist, author, trainer, speaker, and EXPERT in the field of psychology, intellectual disability, and trauma. Have you ever thought of the trauma that individuals with intellectual disabilities face each day? The examples are endless.. a negative diagnosis experience, being excluded, or even being placed in an institution. Today Dr. Karyn Harvey is on the show to teach us: How does trauma influence behavior? What do symptoms of trauma look like in people with intellectual disabilities? Can we assume that all individuals with intellectual disabilities face trauma? What does therapy look like for an individual with an intellectual disability? We’re also breaking down a few real-life examples of incidents in our child’s lives. This episode is full of wisdom for all of us who wish to support individuals with disabilities and their mental health. --- SHOW NOTES Learn more from Dr. Karyn Harvey and read her publications here. SPONSOR Sign up for Enable SNP HERE. JOIN THE LUCKY CREW Join us in celebrating and supporting The Lucky Few Podcast! For just $4.99 a month, you can help us continue shouting worth and shifting narratives for people with Down syndrome. Enjoy bonus episodes where we dive deeper into the most controversial issues, shop discounts, and more! Become an essential part of The Lucky Few movement today!