Advertise on podcast: Thriving Special Families

Are you parenting an autistic child? Do you wonder what the future holds for them? Can they really thrive in the midst of a diagnosis? Well there is much to learn and hope to be gained from our discussion from autism self-advocate Ayanna Davis (https://linktr.ee/Phenomenallyautistic). Ayanna Davis Phenomenally Autistic Ayanna, is an autism advocate born and raised in Westchester county, New York. Along with having Autism she has survived over 220 seizures, lives with chronic illness and has 2 auto immune disease disorders. But, she doesn't let that stop her from spreading her message of self love, joy and equality. She is an Autism advocate, children's book illustrator- 16 books to date, creator of 4 coloring books for girls to color and so much more! Crystal Sanford, M.Ed.. M.A. CCC-SLP Crystal is the owner and director of Sanford Autism Consulting (https://www.sdautismhelp.com​), a consulting practice offering IEP advocacy and parent empowerment classes for fellow special needs families throughout the U.S. Crystal specializes in supporting fellow families impacted by Autism, as well as other unique challenges such as learning disabilities and ADHD. To learn more about IEP assistance and help advocating for the special education your child deserves, contact Crystal at [email protected]. Need help parents/caregivers? Access our free IEP guide and much more: https://www.sdautismhelp.com/resources Want to work with Crystal? Here's how:  Get started by scheduling your 20-minute FREE consultation with Crystal: Get empowered!  Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/thrivingsf)

Has being a parent of a child with special needs added an extra struggle to your marriage? Is there hope? Definitely! Join us in a riveting conversation with Dr. Michael Barnes (licensed Professional Counselor and Diplomate in the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress). Bring your questions and leave empowered! Michael F. Barnes, Ph.D., MAC, LAC, LPC Dr. Michael Barnes is a Master Addiction Counselor, Licensed Addiction Counselor, Licensed Professional Counselor, and Diplomate in the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress. He serves as the Chief Clinical Officer at the Foundry Treatment Center in Steamboat Springs, Colorado.  Dr. Barnes comes to the Foundry after serving for five years as the Clinical Manager of Residential Services at CeDAR (Center for Dependency, Addiction, and Rehabilitation) at the University of Colorado Hospital and 10 years as a full-time clinical professor in Counseling.  Most recently he served as the Clinical Coordinator and Clinical Associate Professor in the MA Program in Counseling at the University of Colorado Denver. Dr. Barnes has developed trauma integrated clinical models for the treatment of individuals with co-occurring addiction and trauma and he speaks nationally on Families, Trauma, and Addiction, Trauma Integrated Addiction Treatment, and Compassion Fatigue. https://www.drmikebarnes.com Crystal Sanford, M.Ed.. M.A. CCC-SLP Crystal is the owner and director of Sanford Autism Consulting (https://www.sdautismhelp.com​), a consulting practice offering IEP advocacy and parent empowerment classes for fellow special needs families throughout the U.S. Crystal specializes in supporting fellow families impacted by Autism, as well as other unique challenges such as learning disabilities and ADHD. To learn more about IEP assistance and help advocating for the special education your child deserves, contact Crystal at [email protected]. Need help parents/caregivers? Access our free IEP guide and much more: https://www.sdautismhelp.com/resources Want to work with Crystal? Here's how: Get started by scheduling your 20-minute FREE consultation with Crystal: Get empowered!  Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/thrivingsf)

Are you parenting a school-age child who is a little quirky? Maybe socially awkward? Let’s consider today...could they be quirky or is it Autism? Our host, Crystal Sanford, dives into some of the hallmark challenges and strengths for those identified with Autism. Learn more about how Autism presents for children K-12 and next steps if you’re considering a diagnosis for your child.  Crystal Sanford, M.Ed.. M.A. CCC-SLP Crystal is the owner and director of Sanford Autism Consulting (https://www.sdautismhelp.com​), a consulting practice offering IEP advocacy and parent empowerment classes for fellow special needs families throughout the U.S. Crystal specializes in supporting fellow families impacted by Autism, as well as other unique challenges such as learning disabilities and ADHD. To learn more about IEP assistance and help advocating for the special education your child deserves, contact Crystal at [email protected]. Need help parents/caregivers? Access our free IEP guide and much more:  https://www.sdautismhelp.com/resources Want to work with Crystal? Here's how: Get started by scheduling your 20-minute FREE consultation with Crystal: Get empowered!  Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/thrivingsf)

Lets explore how to honor neurodiversity in children's literature. Join us in a discussion with author and neurodiversity ally, Bracha Goetz. Bracha Goetz, M.A. Bracha Goetz is the Harvard-educated author of 40 books that help children’s souls shine.  One of her picture books, Let's Appreciate Everyone!, teaches young children how to interact more sensitively with children with special needs. Two of her other picture books, educate about personal safety. This is a topic that is especially important for children with special needs to absorb since they can be more vulnerable.  All of her books can be found on the Bracha Goetz Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/author/spiritualkidsbooks-brachagoetz Crystal Sanford, M.Ed.. M.A. CCC-SLP Crystal is the owner and director of Sanford Autism Consulting (https://www.sdautismhelp.com​), a consulting practice offering IEP advocacy and parent empowerment classes for fellow special needs families throughout the U.S. Crystal specializes in supporting fellow families impacted by Autism, as well as other unique challenges such as learning disabilities and ADHD. To learn more about IEP assistance and help advocating for the special education your child deserves, contact Crystal at [email protected]. Need help parents/caregivers? Access our free IEP guide and much more: https://www.sdautismhelp.com/resources Want to work with Crystal? Here's how: Get started by scheduling your 20-minute FREE consultation with Crystal: Get empowered!  Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/thrivingsf)

Part 2. Does your child demonstrate behavior challenges? Are you involved in ABA services? Learn along with us as expert Molly Moel, LMFT, BCBA helps to "unmask" ABA services for families. Molly Moel, LMFT, BCBA As a dually licensed Marriage & Family Therapist and Board Certified Behavior Analyst with 20 years of experience, Molly is passionate about working with children, teens, adults, couples, and families who are affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, anxiety, and other developmental, behavioral, and learning differences. Utilizing a positive and solution-focused approach, anchored in Applied Behavior Analysis, cognitive-behavior therapy, and family systems theory, she provides individual & family therapy, parent training, social skills training, and Functional Behavior Assessments in home, school, and community settings. compasstherapueticsolutions.com Crystal Sanford, M.Ed.. M.A. CCC-SLP Crystal is the owner and director of Sanford Autism Consulting (https://www.sdautismhelp.com​), a consulting practice offering IEP advocacy and parent empowerment classes for fellow special needs families throughout the U.S. Crystal specializes in supporting fellow families impacted by Autism, as well as other unique challenges such as learning disabilities and ADHD. To learn more about IEP assistance and help advocating for the special education your child deserves, contact Crystal at [email protected]. Need help parents/caregivers? Access our free IEP guide and much more: https://www.sdautismhelp.com/resources Want to work with Crystal? Here's how: Get started by scheduling your 20-minute FREE consultation with Crystal: Get empowered!  Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/thrivingsf)

Does your child demonstrate behavior challenges? Are you involved in ABA services? Learn along with us as expert Molly Moel, LMFT, BCBA helps to "unmask" ABA services for families. Molly Moel, LMFT, BCBA As a dually licensed Marriage & Family Therapist and Board Certified Behavior Analyst with 20 years of experience, Molly is passionate about working with children, teens, adults, couples, and families who are affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, anxiety, and other developmental, behavioral, and learning differences. Utilizing a positive and solution-focused approach, anchored in Applied Behavior Analysis, cognitive-behavior therapy, and family systems theory, she provides individual & family therapy, parent training, social skills training, and Functional Behavior Assessments in home, school, and community settings. compasstherapueticsolutions.com Crystal Sanford, M.Ed.. M.A. CCC-SLP Crystal is the owner and director of Sanford Autism Consulting (https://www.sdautismhelp.com​), a consulting practice offering IEP advocacy and parent empowerment classes for fellow special needs families throughout the U.S. Crystal specializes in supporting fellow families impacted by Autism, as well as other unique challenges such as learning disabilities and ADHD. To learn more about IEP assistance and help advocating for the special education your child deserves, contact Crystal at [email protected]. Need help parents/caregivers? Access our free IEP guide and much more: https://www.sdautismhelp.com/resources Want to work with Crystal? Here's how: Get started by scheduling your 20-minute FREE consultation with Crystal: Get empowered!  Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/thrivingsf)

Does your child struggle with sensory issues? Join Amanda Lee, M.A.Ed, Center Director of Brain Balance San Diego/Chula Vista, to discover when your child’s sensory sensitivities should be a concern... from overreaction to bright lights and sounds to itchy clothing to picky eating to risk-taking to lack of focus. Amanda Lee, M.A.Ed Amanda is the Center Director at Brain Balance San Diego. Her background is in Education, STEM, and Wildlife Conservation. Daily she aims to inspire and be inspired, and coaches students and parents to actualize their full potential. As a lifelong learner, she’s a sponge for information and active in promoting equity and access to quality education. Previous workshop topics she has presented on include dyslexia, defiance, distance learning, executive functioning, early childhood development, outdoor learning, and more. https://www.brainbalancecenters.com/locations/california/san-diego Crystal Sanford, M.Ed.. M.A. CCC-SLP Crystal is the owner and director of Sanford Autism Consulting (https://www.sdautismhelp.com​), a consulting practice offering IEP advocacy and parent empowerment classes for fellow special needs families throughout the U.S. Crystal specializes in supporting fellow families impacted by Autism, as well as other unique challenges such as learning disabilities and ADHD. To learn more about IEP assistance and help advocating for the special education your child deserves, contact Crystal at [email protected]. Need help parents/caregivers? Access our free IEP guide and much more: https://www.sdautismhelp.com/resources Want to schedule a 20-minute FREE consultation with Crystal? Get empowered!  Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/thrivingsf)

Did your child experience significant learning loss last year during distance learning? Has your child been denied access to their free and appropriate education? If so, they may be eligible to receive compensatory education services (comp ed). Join us in our informative conversation regarding updates in the area of comp ed. Our guests will be special education attorneys: Vickie Brett, Esq. and Amanda Selogie, Esq. from the Inclusive Education Project (https://www.inclusiveeducationproject.org/). Amanda Selogie, ESQ. Amanda Selogie received a degree in Child and Adolescent Development, specializing in Education from California State University, Northridge and a Juris Doctorate from Whittier Law School. While at WLS, Amanda was a Fellow in the prestigious Center for Children's Rights Fellowship Program, served in the school's pro-bono Special Education Legal Clinic, and as Research Editor of the Journal of Child and Family Advocacy. Vickie Brett, ESQ. Vickie Brett was born and raised in Southern California. Vickie attended UC Riverside and received a Bachelor Arts in Political Science with a minor in Philosophy before becoming a very active Whittier Law School student and alumnus. Through the law firm, Selogie & Brett, LLP Vickie is committed to strengthening her clients who come to her disheartened and beaten down by the current education system. Because Vickie is bilingual, she represents and empowers many monolingual Spanish-speaking families living in Southern California. Crystal Sanford, M.Ed.. M.A. CCC-SLP Crystal is the owner and director of Sanford Autism Consulting (https://www.sdautismhelp.com​), a consulting practice offering IEP advocacy and parent empowerment classes for fellow special needs families throughout the U.S. Crystal specializes in supporting fellow families impacted by Autism, as well as other unique challenges such as learning disabilities and ADHD. To learn more about IEP assistance and help advocating for the special education your child deserves, contact Crystal at [email protected]. Need help parents/caregivers? Access our free IEP guide and much more: https://www.sdautismhelp.com/resources Want to schedule a 20-minute FREE consultation with Crystal? Get empowered!  Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/thrivingsf)

Music has the power to change lives, especially for those on the autism spectrum. Learn how "the magic of music" may be able to change your child's life! John Vento Since the 1980s, John has enjoyed success in business as owner of CIS Office Installers.  His love of music led him to a second career as front man for Neid’s Hotel Band, which in 2016 was voted Pittsburgh’s best bar band.  Through his performances, he has helped raise more than a quarter of a million dollars for area charities. His leadership, generosity and work ethic are well known throughout the Pittsburgh music scene.  He loves to perform and wants to create opportunities for others to share in that experience. https://bandtogetherpgh.org/ Crystal Sanford, M.Ed.. M.A. CCC-SLP Crystal is the owner and director of Sanford Autism Consulting (https://www.sdautismhelp.com​), a consulting practice offering IEP advocacy and parent empowerment classes for fellow special needs families throughout the U.S. Crystal specializes in supporting fellow families impacted by Autism, as well as other unique challenges such as learning disabilities and ADHD. To learn more about IEP assistance and help advocating for the special education your child deserves, contact Crystal at [email protected]. Need help parents/caregivers? Access our free IEP guide and much more: https://www.sdautismhelp.com/resources Want to schedule a 20-minute FREE consultation with Crystal? Get empowered! Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/thrivingsf)

Is your child with an IEP struggling in public school? Do you wish there was another alternative for their education? Maybe there is... Learn more about non-public school options for children with unique needs. Our special guest will be Lauren Donatelli, licensed Educational Psychologist. Lauren Donatelli Lauren is a licensed educational psychologist, providing services of assessment, intervention, and consultation in a private practice setting. She completed her Bachelors of Science in Psychology at the University of Oregon, at which time she had the opportunity to serve children and their families as a child victim advocate. During her graduate training at San Diego State University, Lauren participated in two grants: one focusing on professionals collaborating to better assist children with autism, and another focusing on serving native youth. Following the completion of her graduate program, where she earned her Masters of Arts in Education, and Education Specialist Degree, Lauren worked as a school psychologist for 5 years. During her last years working in schools, Lauren had the role of assessing the students in the district who were being served in non-public school settings. After starting a family of her own, Lauren decided to begin transitioning into a private practice setting, where she continues to provide services to children today. In the last year she began her own practice in Pacific Beach, serving children from all backgrounds in San Diego and the surrounding areas. Lauren is committed to completing assessments that consider the whole child, and in helping families to feel heard, and supported along the way (https://LDonatelli-LEP.com) Crystal Sanford, M.Ed.. M.A. CCC-SLP Crystal is the owner and director of Sanford Autism  Consulting (https://www.sdautismhelp.com)​, a consulting practice offering IEP advocacy and parent empowerment classes for fellow special needs families throughout the U.S. Crystal specializes in supporting fellow families impacted by Autism, as well as other unique challenges such as learning disabilities and ADHD. To learn more about IEP assistance and help advocating for the special education your child deserves, contact Crystal at [email protected]. Need help parents/caregivers? Access our free IEP guide and much more: https://www.sdautismhelp.com/resources Want to schedule a 20-minute FREE consultation with Crystal? Get empowered!  Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/thrivingsf)

Has stress and anxiety got you down? What will happen to my child this school year...will the IEP team ever listen to my concerns??? These are the thoughts of many parents/caregivers just like you. Learn how to dissolve your worries and stress with our guest Katie Nall, Ph.D.  Katie Nall, Ph.D Dr Nall is a Florida mathematician, a TEDx speaker, a professional member of National Speakers Association, and an Accredited Master Trainer and Practitioner in Emotional Freedom Technique, also known as EFT or Tapping. Dr. Nall shows how to dissolve WAFFLES – worries, anxiety, fear, frustration, lethargy, exhaustion, and STRESS! As a mother of three grown children, she experienced one child with chronic illness on 27 different medications – and gave over the medications to her child with an unsettling ending. In in a long-term institution of marriage, she has maintained her miserable skills in housekeeping and cooking with no desire for rehabilitation, and yet he stays (https://www.nalledgeco.com/). Crystal Sanford, M.Ed.. M.A. CCC-SLP Crystal is the owner and director of Sanford Autism Consulting (https://www.sdautismhelp.com​), a consulting practice offering IEP advocacy and parent empowerment classes for fellow special needs families throughout the U.S. Crystal specializes in supporting fellow families impacted by Autism, as well as other unique challenges such as learning disabilities and ADHD. To learn more about IEP assistance and help advocating for the special education your child deserves, contact Crystal at [email protected]. Need help parents/caregivers? Access our free IEP guide and much more: https://www.sdautismhelp.com/resources Want to schedule a 20-minute FREE consultation with Crystal? Get empowered! Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/thrivingsf)

Your family is diverse. Maybe you have a child with unique needs as well as "neurotypical" kiddos. How do you maintain balance in your parenting? Learn tips from a superhero sibling! Karishma Bali is a consultant, author, and successful entrepreneur (https://pulseathleticapparel.com). But, most importantly she shares her insight as a typical sibling of a sister with unique needs. Karishma Bali Karishma was born and raised in Chicago, IL USA. Karishma has lived in Europe and Asia for her studies, has completed several startup internships nationally and internationally, has consulted, developed and led many research projects, been a professor of entrepreneurship and is a published author in her series on academic strategy. Karishma is bilingual, completed her undergraduate studies from Loyola University Chicago, a tri-city Master’s in Global Entrepreneurship from the University of San Francisco , Master’s in Biology/Medical Physiology from Case Western Reserve University and is currently a consultant, the founder of Pulse Athletic Apparel, an athletic apparel company and co-founder of Onedrus, a company commercializing an air filtration technology developed by NASA. Crystal Sanford, M.Ed.. M.A. CCC-SLP Crystal is the owner and director of Sanford Autism Consulting (https://www.sdautismhelp.com​), a consulting practice offering IEP advocacy and parent empowerment classes for fellow special needs families throughout the U.S. Crystal specializes in supporting fellow families impacted by Autism, as well as other unique challenges such as learning disabilities and ADHD. To learn more about IEP assistance and help advocating for the special education your child deserves, contact Crystal at [email protected]. Need help parents/caregivers? Access our free IEP guide and much more: https://www.sdautismhelp.com/resources Want to schedule a 20-minute FREE consultation with Crystal? Get Empowered! Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/thrivingsf)