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Christmas is over, and so is Hanukkah. And we may have missed the official date for Festivus, December 23rd, but is there ever really a bad time to air grievances? Of course not. And we have plenty of them. Join us as we share all the things that grind our gears in the special needs world. This is not an episode of solutions, but rather a space to recognize all the things that drive us batty and a place for you to know that we see you from our side of the trench. Happy Festivus!    Origins of Festivus

Join us as we explore all of the things giving us life and the things that could make great gifts for the people in your orbit, or yourself! Emphasis on yourself. We cover everything from tools and audiobooks to amazing water bottles, skincare for aging and acne-prone skin, items for dads, items only an autism parent would understand, and some of the people on the internet who do content we love! Meg's Sanity Helpers: Roku Remotes Roku Remotes Portion Cups 4oz. Portion Cups Multicharging Cables Multi-Charge Cables Spot Carpet Cleaner Bissell Pet Pro Cleaner Snag Tool Snag Nab It Tool Clothesline Retractable Clothesline Tiles Tile Tracker   Angie's Auditory Love: Ragey Spotify Playlist IEP Meeting Rage Playlist Life Changing Audiobook The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse   Meg's Mom's Faves: Owala Owala Free Sip Oil Spritzer Spritz or Pour Oil Dispenser Laundry Baskets Laundry Hamper Slippers Slippers Clover Hooks Clover Crochet Hooks   Angie Discovered Skincare: Acne Serum DRMTLGY 24 Hour Acne Serum Matte Tinted Moisturizer DRMTLGY Matte Universal Tinted Moisturizer SPF 46   Peptide Botanical Cleanser DRMTLGY Essential Cleanser gOAT Cleanser DRMTLGY g(OAT) Cleanser Undereye Concealer DRMTLGY Luminous Eye Corrector SPF 41  Gold Undereye Patches Grace & Stella Energizing Eye Masks Pumpkin Mask DRMTLGY Pumpkin Enzyme Mask Night Cream DRMTLGY Peptide Night Cream Not Skincare but Stuff Angie Likes Hippy Deodorant  Little Seed Farm Rosemary Patchouli Deodorant Cream SipHerbals Coffee Replacement Sip Herbals Faux Joe On Cloud 5 Shoes On Cloud Shoes   Dad's Faves: Work Lights LED Work Light Sketchers Sketchers Slip-Ins   Mark's Hygiene Things: Boxer Briefs for over pullups BAMBOO COOL Boys' Boxer Briefs  Sensory Jumpsuit Adaptive Clothing for Kids Special Needs Autism Sensory Jumpsuit Anti-Strip Romper with Back Zipper Lume Products Lume Full Body Deodorant  Anti-Dandruff Shampoo that doesn't sting your eyes! Shea Moisture Anti-Dandruff Shampoo Apple Cider Vinegar & Salicylic Acid For Removing Buildup System for a Healthier Scalp    Meg's Kids' Faves: Clip Goggles Swim Goggles Wireless Headphones Wireless Headphones Detective Costume Detective Costume Metal Detector Metal Detector Tile Covers Tile Tracker Covers Tile Slim Slim Tile Tracker   Angie's Sanity Savers: Farmhouse Metal Filing Cabinet Farmhouse Metal Filing Cabinet with a Drawer and 4 Adjustable Shelves with Large Barn Door  Blood of my Blood Outlander Prequel STARZ Outlander Blood of my Blood  Marco Polo Marco Polo Video Messaging App    Meg's TikTok and Reels: Shawna the Mom Shawna the Mom Purely Chickens Purely Chickens Jen Hamilton Jen Hamilton Simply Chickens Simply Chickens Cheese and Quackers Homestead Cheese and Quackers Homestead Dunkin Ducks Dunkin Ducks Happy Acres Homestead Happy Acres Homestead Rancher Nicki Rancher Nicki Lala Sewz Lala Sewz One Sweet Day Memory Quilts One Sweet Day Memory Quilts Sugar Spun Run Sugar Spun Run Sugar Spun Run PB Frosting Hot Mess Express - Women-Owned Nonprofit - Jen Hamilton referenced Hot Mess Express

After a three year hiatus, Angie and Meg are back, and this time, Angie is in the hot seat. After completing her doctorate, Angie is here to share with us how and why she did it, and what it all means. You'll find out about her research which was dedicated to learning about caregivers who started businesses with and for their children with intellectual and developmental disabilities to provide a pathway to meaningful employment. Truly, her work was an extension of idea behind this podcast. Tune in and find out what she learned about caregivers and herself! If you'd like to learn about the caregivers she interviewed and the insights gained, here's a copy of her published dissertation. For some orientation to the document, Chapter 1 is the "Why", Chapter 2 is the "What", Chapter 3 is the "How", Chapter 4 is what I found, and Chapter 5 answers the final question, which is what does it all mean?

We are still here, and we have both missed you all.

Christina Adams, journalist, writer, disability advocate, and camel milk investigator, shares with us her powerful early intervention story of her son with autism and how she was able to help him through diet and camels. She outlines what she calls her "crazy camel journey" and how her research and travels to Isreal took her to a place of healing. She shares her website with us as a resource that details how camel's milk can help several conditions, from allergies and gut issues to neurodevelopmental issues. Join us as we learn about the amazing qualities of camels and how their milk can be a part of your healing journey!

Join us as we talk to Hannah Lowe, founder of the L-CMD Foundation and mother to Austin, who has LMNA-related congenital muscular dystrophy. Like many rare disease families we've talked to, her son's condition was caused by a random genetic mutation. There is no treatment or cure, and given how rare it is, they are unsure about his prognosis or life expectancy, making the mission even more urgent. The L-CMD Foundation she started inspires hope for a stronger tomorrow by seeking treatments and, ultimately, a cure. We talk about balancing grief with action, and Hannah exemplifies this in her graceful and determined approach to saving her son.

If you've ever worried about what adulthood might look like after high school or you've ever been inspired to create a meaningful space for your child to spend adulthood, tune in to our interview with critically acclaimed author, Cammie McGovern.    Cammie McGovern was awarded a creative writing fellowship at Stanford University, and has received numerous prizes for her short fiction. Her stories have appeared in many magazines including Glamour, Ladies Home Journal, Redbook and Seventeen , and she is the author of another novel, The Art of Seeing. She lives in Amherst, Massachusetts with her husband and three children, the eldest of whom is autistic. She is one of the founders of Whole Children, a resource center that runs after-school classes and programs for children with special needs.

This week we chat with Leylani Cardoso, warrior parent, and mother of Sophia, her daughter with Down Syndrome. Leylani and her family helped Sophia bring her passion for food and entertaining to life by creating the YouTube Channel Cheeky Sassy Me

For this episode, we share with you another Maryland parent and fellow autism mom, Lia McCabe, who started AutismWish.org which seeks to fulfill the wish lists of families across the country without all of the red tape of government programs. She and her husband also host a podcast called Embracing Autism, which is child focus and helps parents to understand and embrace their neurodiverse children. Give it a listen, follow, and subscribe to support their mission of helping families in the face of fear and the unknown.    We talk about: Neurodivergent parenting Empathizing with sensory needs The formation of Autism Wish and the Embracing Autism Podcast Accepting behaviors that are harmless How IQ testing is not designed for children who are non-verbal Maintaining a positive perspective Growing to understand that a diagnosis doesn't mean future dreams are gone Lia's website Autism Wish   Autism Wish Facebook Page   Lia's Recommended Books   More Than Words: A Parents Guide to Building Interaction and Language Skills for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder or Social Communication Difficulties by Fern Sussman   The Reason I Jump by Naoki Higashida   Other books mentioned Autism Breakthrough by Raun K. Kaufman An Early Start for Your Child with Autism: Using Everyday Activities to Help Kids Connect, Communicate and Learn by Sally Rogers

This episode is all about taking care of the caregiver. Rory Lawrence, mother of a child with complex medical needs and staff member with David's Refuge, talks with us about the organization she works for that pours into parents turned caregivers, and how she and her husband have found meaningful respite. We also talk about practical ways to weave in self-care that don't require a sitter but can actually make a difference.    Links   Sensory Pathway Booklet   The Intentional Family:  Simple Rituals to Strengthen Family Ties   Mae Bae Fan Club - Unique Apparel for Special Kids and Those Who Care for Them   David's Refuge   Rory's Email - [email protected]    David's Refuge Private Facebook Page

Despite ending the year on a turbulent note for our families, we are ending season two of the podcast with our awesome finds that brought us joy this year! We share with you gift ideas, sanity savers and problem solvers that we hope will bring a little joy and make your life a tad easier.  Best wishes for a healthy, uneventful holiday season free from meltdowns and a bright new year sans trips to the ER and calls from your child's school!  XO XO Angie & Meg   NillyNoggin Caps - To Improve the EEG Experience Compression Sheet Buzzy Personal Vibrating Ice Pack for painless injections   Therapy Sensory Silk Swing   Hand Tally Counter - Best Fidget Ever!    Movement Sensory Sox    Aromatherapy Essential Oil Diffuser Necklace   Hex Lights    Curtain String Lights   Floor Lamp   Plant Therapy Kid Safe Oils - Tummy All Better   Migraine Stick   Sonic Bomb Alarm Clock and Bed Shaker   The Libby App - listen to books for free!   Books Angie loved this year Beach Read by Emily Henry   People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry   Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes     The Midnight Library by Matt Haig   The Body: A Guide for Occupants by Bill Bryson   Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid    Books Angie didn't love, but a lot of other people did, so you might! The Grace Year by Kim Liggett     Untamed by Glennon Doyle 90 degree Lightning Cable 90 degree USB Type C Cable 90 degree Micro USB Cable   And if you can only read one book, read this one - Underestimated - An Autism Miracle by J.B Handley and Jamison Handley   In case you're interested, here's more info on Spelling to Communicate Chore Slap Bracelets Family Devotional - Angie's weekly ritual and current version of Sunday worship Foundations - 12 Biblical Truths to Shape a Family Zenni Optical Affordable Glasses Hatch Baby Rest Sound Machine - Not the Nest - that's an entirely different device we also love Microwave Omelet Maker  Microwave Egg Poacher  Microwave Cookware Set Olive and June - The Winter Collection    YUMILashes Keratin Lash Lift   TUSHY Classic Bidet Sleep Training Clock  Gel Nail Polish Set  Bidet

Have you ever seen the meme about a special needs parent who fell in a hole? Well, that's where Meg and I find ourselves. When we started this podcast journey our mission was to highlight families with disabilities doing innovative things but to also share the reality of the ups and downs of raising children with disabilities, so this episode is a life update and a peek into where we are in the metaphorical Holland. We hope this brings someone some comfort who may also be in a hole.

We continued our chat about smearing with our guest, Jennifer Sheppard, who created an adaptive clothing line out of a dire need for an alternative to wet suits for her own son who struggles with the behavior. We also shared a bit more of our chat with Genevieve, and our own lessons learned from dealing with poo.    We talk about:   How we've become desensitized What we've found to be helpful in the aftermath Ways to clean up the mess Specific products and strategies that have been helpful Finding adaptive clothing solutions for when you can't watch your child 24/7 Jennifer's Adaptive Clothing Line - The Wild End of the Spectrum Life on the Wilder End of the Spectrum    FB page - The Wilder End of the Spectrum  Products We Reference (not sponsored or affiliate links, just products we've purchased and found helpful)   Ruggable - Washable Rugs   Clorox Healthcare Hydrogen Peroxide Cleaners   Bissell Pro Heat Pet Carpet Cleaner   Book   What to Do about Smearing

Fecal smearing and ingesting are taboo topics that often elicit a considerable amount of shame for families. We felt like it was time to give this topic some attention to those who are struggling in the dark and aren't comfortable reaching out for suggestions in the online support groups. In response to very little information openly available to families struggling with smearing and consuming feces (scatolia and coprophagia), Genevieve Engleman, The Remote OT, shares with us the background behind the behavior, information to reduce the stigma, and ways we can try to prevent and address this issue.   We talk about: Why mammals may consume their own feces History and incidence of these behaviors Reducing the stigma and shame associated What the behavior may be communicating How to address any potential medical problems that could lead to these behaviors What do do if and when it happens Ways to use OT, and sensory play to meet the needs currently served by poop play Genevieve's Website The Remote OT

This week we chat with Joya Van Der Laan, a functional medicine family nurse practitioner whose curiosity and her own daughter's autism diagnosis lead her down the biomedical path. We learn how she has used her personal and professional experience to create videos to teach parents how to create their own autism game plan, focused on helping parents address common symptoms and challenges associated with an autism diagnosis. Her videos cover everything from sleep, meltdowns, constipation and seizures to PANS and PANDAS. Tune in to learn about Joya and how her website could help your family! We talk about: How overwhelming it was to face an autism diagnosis even as a medical professional Feeling the pressure to "fix" her child Using functional medicine to find the root cause of symptoms Deciphering between "voodoo" and science Creating a resource to quell the overwhelm and ease the burden on parents  Testing to determine deficiencies and starting with basics like diet The importance of sleep for everyone! Healing is an artform not an end game Watching other children improve while her daughter struggled which led to learning How the desperation to help our kids can sometimes cloud our judgement with interventions Being methodical with trying new things to determine what's working and what's not How functional medicine can help parents too! Joya's Website Your Autism Game Plan Books How to End the Autism Epidemic The Explosive Child The Autism Revolution Healing the New Childhood Epidemics - Autism, ADHD, Asthma and Allergies Nutrient Power Doctors to follow Dr. Mark Hyman Dr. Jeffrey Bland