Advertise on podcast: The Parenting Epilepsy and Special Needs Podcast with Erica Hauser

As moms and caregivers of children with epilepsy, special needs, and complex medical needs, it can feel like there is always something that needs our attention. Doctors appointments. Therapies. Medications. School. Work. Family activities. Emergencies. And then there are all of the everyday responsibilities that come with being a mom, wife and caregiver and… the many other roles that we have. For years, I thought keeping everything moving meant I was doing a good job. But eventually, I realized something important: I couldn’t continue giving my energy to everyone and everything while consistently putting myself last. In this episode, I’m talking about what it means to protect your energy as a medical and special needs mom and why this isn’t selfish—it’s necessary. I share some of the changes I’ve made over the years to become more intentional about where I spend my time, attention, and energy, including learning that not everything requires an immediate response, being more selective about the people I spend time with, and recognizing when I actually need rest instead of another hour of scrolling on social media or attacking my to-do list. You may not be able to change your circumstances, but you may be able to make just one small positive change in how you spend your time and energy. In this episode, we talk about: Why medical and special needs moms can feel constantly exhausted and overwhelmed The pressure to keep everything moving and take care of everyone How I realized that putting myself last isn’t sustainable Learning to recognize what—and who—is draining your energy Being intentional about the people you spend your time with Recognizing when you need to rest and what that should look like Giving yourself permission to go off track and start over - we are all a work in progress Making small, positive changes instead of trying to change everything at once Asking yourself: “Is this something I truly need to give my time and energy to?” A challenge for you:This week, I want you to stop and think about where your energy is going. Who are you spending your time with? What are you thinking about every day? What activities are draining you? What could you say no to, postpone, delegate, or simply stop doing? You don’t have to completely change your life.  Start with one small adjustment. Protecting your energy isn’t about being perfect. It’s about becoming more aware of what allows you to show up as the mom, caregiver, wife, friend or simply the version of you that you want to be. And when you have a hard day—or a hard week—you can come back to this process and begin again. Remember:You are allowed to protect your energy. You are allowed to slow down. You are allowed to say no. And you are allowed to take care of yourself, too. If this episode resonated with you, please share it with another mom or caregiver who may need this reminder. And if you have a moment, please rate and review the podcast. It helps this show reach more moms who are parenting children with epilepsy, special needs, and complex medical needs. Follow along on Instagram: @parentingepilepsy_specialneeds You don’t have to navigate the epilepsy and special-needs parenting journey alone. DisclaimerThis podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to provide medical, mental health, or professional advice. The information shared should not replace guidance from your physician, healthcare provider, or other qualified professional. Always consult your healthcare team regarding your individual health and medical needs. #specialneedsparenting #epilepsy #parentingepilepsychildren #hemispherectomy #hemiparesis

When do you know it’s time to explore epilepsy surgery? This is a question I see come up again and again among parents of children with complex drug resistant epilepsy, and it’s one that my husband and I had to face when our daughter was still a toddler. In this episode, I’m sharing our personal journey of how we went from trying multiple medications to beginning an extensive epilepsy surgery evaluation—and ultimately making the incredibly difficult decision to move forward with a hemispherectomy. Our daughter’s epilepsy journey began with infantile spasms. After initially becoming seizure-free with medication, her seizures returned around 18 months old and quickly became more difficult to control. We tried multiple anti-seizure medications, but the seizures continued. Our medical team initially explored a right frontal lobectomy, hoping to control the seizures while preserving as much function as possible. Unfortunately, seizures returned just days after that surgery and continued to worsen. Eventually, the possibility of a hemispherectomy entered the conversation. In this episode, I talk about: • What led us to begin an epilepsy surgery evaluation • What the epilepsy surgery workup looked like for our family • The emotional toll of waiting and making a life-changing decision for your child • Things I wish I had done differently to support myself and our family emotionally • Why taking care of yourself during this process matters, too • And perhaps most importantly: why beginning a surgical workup does not mean you have committed to having surgery If you are currently considering an epilepsy surgery evaluation for your child, I hope sharing our experience helps you feel a little less alone. Every child’s epilepsy journey is different, and the decision about whether surgery is appropriate should be made with your child’s epilepsy care team based on their individual diagnosis, testing and circumstances. A resource I strongly recommend:The Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Alliance (PESA) provides information and support for families navigating epilepsy surgery and the surgical evaluation process. https://epilepsysurgeryalliance.org/about/surgery-info/surgical-evaluation-process/ A note from me: I am sharing our family’s experience—not medical advice. If you are wondering whether an epilepsy surgery evaluation may be appropriate for your child, talk with your child’s epileptologist or epilepsy surgery team. And remember: a surgical workup is a process of gathering information. It does not automatically mean surgery. If this episode could help another epilepsy parent, please share it with them. And if you’re enjoying Parenting Epilepsy & Special Needs, please consider following the podcast and leaving a review. It helps other parents just like you find this community. Connect with Erica: Instagram: @parentingepilepsy_specialneeds You don’t have to navigate the epilepsy and special-needs parenting journey alone. #specialneedsparenting #epilepsy #parentingepilepsychildren #hemispherectomy #hemiparesis

When you’re parenting a child with epilepsy or complex medical needs, there can be so much to manage that your own feelings get pushed to the bottom of the list. The appointments. The medications. The seizures. The research. The decisions. The therapies. The uncertainty about what comes next. And somewhere in the middle of all of it, you may find yourself simply… keeping busy. Keeping busy to avoid the very valid and true feelings that you are having. In this episode, I’m talking about something I wish I had given myself permission to do more of during the years leading up to my daughter’s hemispherectomy surgery: feel my feelings and get them out into the open. During those early years of parenting a child with epilepsy, when my daughter was between 1 and 4 years old, I experienced so many emotions—anxiety, fear, sadness, anger, overwhelm and exhaustion. But instead of really processing those feelings, I often pushed them down and kept moving. There was always something else that needed to be done. And when you’re faced with decisions as enormous as considering brain surgery for your child, it can feel almost impossible to explain what you’re experiencing to someone who hasn’t lived it. You can feel hopeful one day and terrified the next. You can believe that surgery might be the answer while simultaneously wondering, How is this even my life? Why does my child have to go through this? Those feelings CAN coexist. And having them does NOT mean you are a bad mom, an ungrateful mom, or a weak mom. It means you’re human. In this episode, I share my own experience of pushing difficult emotions down and why I now believe it is so important for moms and caregivers to make space for what they are feeling. In this episode, we talk about: Why moms of children with epilepsy and special needs may push their emotions aside The anxiety, fear, sadness, anger and overwhelm that can come with a complex medical journey Why staying constantly busy can sometimes become a way of avoiding difficult feelings Why it’s okay to vent without wanting someone to “fix” the situation Journaling, meditation and therapy as possible ways to process difficult emotions Why having hard feelings does not make you a bad or ungrateful mom Giving yourself permission to be human while caring for your child Sometimes the strongest thing we can do is acknowledge what we are feeling, give ourselves permission to feel it, and find a safe place to let it out. If you’re in the middle of a difficult season right now, I hope this episode reminds you that you don’t have to carry every emotion alone. You are strong. You are brave. And you are human, too. Connect With Me If this episode spoke to your heart, share it with another parent who might need the reminder that they are not alone. Follow along on Instagram: @parentingepilepsy_specialneeds And if you enjoyed this episode, please consider following the podcast, leaving a review, and sharing this episode with another mom or caregiver in the epilepsy and special needs community. Your support helps this podcast reach other parents who may need to hear these words. Thank you for being here, and I’ll see you on the next episode. #specialneedsparenting #epilepsy #parentingepilepsychildren #hemispherectomy #hemiparesis

There are so many things that nobody prepares you for when you become the parent of a child with a disability, complex medical needs, and mobility challenges. For our family, life changed significantly after our daughter underwent a hemispherectomy at just 4 years old. When we left inpatient rehabilitation with a wheelchair, we thought it would be temporary. However, life went a different direction than we originally anticipated and her wheelchair became her primary way of getting around. Over time, I had to learn how to adapt—not only to caring for a child who uses a wheelchair, but also to all of the everyday planning, problem-solving, advocacy, and adjustments that come with it. In this episode, I’m sharing some of the everyday things I never realized would become part of our lives as a family raising a child with epilepsy, disabilities, and complex medical needs. We’ll talk about: • Grocery shopping and planning ahead when you’re out with your child• Calling restaurants to make sure they can accommodate a wheelchair• Navigating birthday parties• Traveling• Finding accessible and family bathrooms in public places• Responding when children stare or ask questions about a wheelchair• Bathing, grooming, and caring for a child with physical disabilities as they grow older• The emotional side of realizing your teenager still needs help with everyday personal care• Making your home more accessible and purchasing equipment that makes everyday life easier One of the biggest things I’ve learned is that you don’t necessarily figure everything out all at once. You learn as you go. You adapt. You problem-solve. You find what works for your family. And sometimes, you simply take it one day at a time. There are moments when I grieve the things I imagined my daughter’s life would look like, especially when I think about the independence that many 13-year-olds have. But there are also so many beautiful moments—the smiles, laughs, hugs, accomplishments, and little victories—that remind me why we continue to do everything we do. If you are a special needs mom, epilepsy mom, medical mom, or caregiver who is navigating life with a child who uses a wheelchair, I hope this episode reminds you that you are not alone. You don’t have to have everything figured out. Take it day by day, use the resources available to you, lean on parents who have walked this road before you, and find what works for your child and your family. And most importantly, don’t forget to appreciate the little things that make your child uniquely them. If this episode resonated with you, please share it with another parent who may need to hear it. And if you have a moment, please rate and review the podcast—it means so much to me and helps this podcast reach more moms and caregivers who need support. Follow along on Instagram: @parentingepilepsy_specialneeds #specialneedsparenting #epilepsy #parentingepilepsychildren #hemispherectomy #hemiparesis

When you’re the mom of a child with epilepsy, special needs, or complex medical needs, it can feel like you’re never truly able to turn your brain off. You’re constantly watching, checking, monitoring, planning, researching, anticipating, and preparing for what might happen next. For some of us, seizures have been part of our child’s life for years. We know that a seizure cluster can happen unexpectedly. We know that rescue medication might be needed. We know that sometimes plans change quickly and a trip to the ER can happen without warning. So how do you ever truly relax when your brain has learned that the next emergency could happen at any time? In this episode, I’m talking about hypervigilance and the exhaustion that comes from living in a constant state of “ON.” I share my own experience as a mom of a child with epilepsy and complex medical needs, including what it feels like to constantly anticipate the next seizure, medical appointment, procedure, or unexpected challenge. But this episode isn’t about telling you to stop being vigilant or to simply “stop worrying.” We know that being prepared and paying attention can be an important part of caring for a medically complex child. Instead, I want to talk about finding small moments where we can stand down. Moments where we aren’t researching. Moments where we aren’t checking. Moments where we aren’t anticipating the next problem. Moments where we can remind ourselves: “Right now, we are okay.” In this episode, I share 9 strategies I’m personally working on to help calm my nervous system, stay grounded in the present, and create small breaks from constantly scanning for what might go wrong. Why moms of medically complex children can feel like they are constantly on high alert The connection between uncertainty, fear, and hypervigilance Identifying your personal “always on” behaviors Creating small “stand-down moments” Why having an emergency plan can sometimes help quiet the brain Grounding yourself in what is happening right now instead of what might happen Giving your brain something else to focus on Learning to hand over responsibility to another caregiver Creating a “worry window” instead of immediately researching every concern Using breathing and bedtime meditation to help quiet a racing mind Why taking care of yourself doesn’t make you a less attentive or less devoted caregiver You can be vigilant when you need to be. You can have a plan. You can pay attention. And you can also give yourself permission to breathe. You don’t have to stand guard every second of every day. This isn’t about pretending that nothing difficult will happen. It’s about giving yourself permission to experience the moments of peace that exist between the difficult ones. Because you deserve to experience the good moments, too. Choose one of the strategies from this episode and try it this week. You don’t have to completely change the way you think or learn how to relax all day. Start with 10 minutes. Ten minutes where you don’t have to solve anything. Ten minutes where you aren’t researching. Ten minutes where you aren’t checking. Ten minutes where you simply allow yourself to be present. You may be surprised by how much even a small break can help. If this episode resonated with you, please share it with another mom or caregiver who may need the reminder that she isn’t alone. Connect with me: You can connect with me on Instagram: @parentingepilepsy_specialneeds And if you have a moment, please rate and review the podcast. Your reviews help this podcast reach other parents who may need to hear that they aren’t alone. Until next time, remember: You don’t have to stop being vigilant. You just need to give yourself permission to stand down sometimes. #specialneedsparenting #epilepsy #parentingepilepsychildren #hemispherectomy #hemiparesis

When I think back to the days and months following our daughter’s right hemispherectomy surgery, I want to give that woman, her husband and her kids HUGE hugs, because they did it. They survived what might have been the hardest period of their lives. But when you are in it, at least from my perspective as a mom, you don’t necessarily see it that way. You are focused on living minute by minute and day by day, simply trying to survive and get to the other side. You look for the wins. You celebrate every basic milestone. You pray through the challenging moments and keep moving forward. In this very vulnerable episode, I’m taking you back to our daughter’s hemispherectomy recovery in 2018 and sharing what those first seven weeks were really like. We knew she would be in the hospital for roughly one to two weeks after surgery because she would have a drain. After that, she would transfer to a local inpatient rehabilitation hospital, where she would spend another five to six weeks receiving intensive therapy. I stayed inpatient with her throughout that time. Being away from my husband and our other two daughters was incredibly difficult, but we knew how important this recovery period was going to be. There is so much that parents think about when considering a surgery as significant as a hemispherectomy. You think about the potential benefits, the risks, the recovery, and how this decision could change your child’s life and your entire family. Many parents seek multiple opinions and talk with other families before making this decision. We did, too.  And one thing I want to emphasize throughout this episode is that every child is different. Doctors can explain the medical facts, potential risks and possible outcomes based on your child’s condition, epilepsy and what they have seen with other patients. But there are so many parts of the day-to-day experience that they simply cannot predict. They aren’t living with your child day in and day out. They don’t see every little victory, every difficult moment or every unexpected challenge.  That’s where hearing from other parents can be so valuable. So, take a deep breath with me, because we’re going back. If you are a parent preparing for a hemispherectomy, recovering from one, or simply trying to understand what this journey can look like, I hope our experience reminds you that you are not alone. Please share this episode with another parent who may benefit from hearing it. And don’t forget to rate and review the podcast. It means the world to me and helps this show reach other parents who need this information and support. You can connect with me on Instagram at @parentingepilepsy_specialneeds and become part of a community that understands the ups and downs of parenting a child with epilepsy and special needs. If this episode spoke to your heart, share it with another parent who might need a reminder that they aren’t alone. Thank you for being here, and I’ll see you on the next episode. #specialneedsparenting #epilepsy #parentingepilepsychildren #hemispherectomy #hemiparesis

If your child has undergone a hemispherectomy, you already know that their needs can be incredibly unique—and those needs don’t disappear when they walk through the school doors. In fact, making sure your child’s entire school team understands how their brain surgery, epilepsy, and individual challenges impact learning and behavior can make a huge difference in their success at school. In this episode, I’m talking about what to do when you feel like your child isn’t getting the support they need at school, whether the issue involves a teacher, therapist, accommodations, IEP progress, or even your child’s educational placement. I’ll share a real-life example of a time when I realized my daughter was struggling with a therapy goal at school. Rather than simply accepting the negative progress report, I asked to observe a therapy session—and what I saw helped me understand why she was struggling. A few small changes to her environment and the way the therapist approached the activity made a significant difference. We’ll also talk about what to do when a teacher or therapist seems to focus more on what your child can’t do rather than recognizing their potential and finding ways to help them succeed. In this episode, I share practical ways you can: Identify where your child may not be receiving the support they need Talk with teachers, therapists, and school staff about your concerns Use your child’s IEP accommodations to better support learning and participation Ask the right questions when progress reports are concerning or overly negative Observe your child in a school or therapy setting when appropriate Help school staff understand what motivates your child Build a stronger partnership with your child’s school team Request more frequent communication when changes or interventions are being made Know when it may be time to seek help from a special education advocate I also talk about the importance of making sure your child’s school team receives appropriate education about life after hemispherectomy. Our children can be difficult to fit into a specific category because their needs may span across many areas: physical, cognitive, developmental, behavioral and communication just to name a few. You know your child best. That doesn’t mean you have to fight the school at every turn—but it does mean you should feel comfortable asking questions, advocating for your child, and making sure the people working with them understand what they need to thrive. Most importantly, advocacy doesn’t have to mean being adversarial. Sometimes, a conversation, observation, a few questions, or a small change in approach can make a tremendous difference. And when you reach a point where you feel unheard or disagree with your child’s educational placement or services, there are professionals who can help you understand your options and advocate for your child. If you’re the parent of a child who has undergone a hemispherectomy and you’ve ever wondered, “Is my child getting the support they need at school?”—this episode is for you. If you found this episode helpful, please share it with another parent who may need to hear it. And don’t forget to rate and review the podcast—it truly helps this show reach more parents who need this information. Follow me on Instagram: @parentingepilepsy_specialneeds Thank you for listening, and I’ll see you on the next episode! #specialneedsparenting #epilepsy #parentingepilepsychildren #hemispherectomy #hemiparesis

As moms and caregivers, so much of our day revolves around planning, preparing, anticipating, and staying one step ahead. We manage medications, meals, appointments, school schedules, therapies, personal care, routines, and countless other details that help our children have the best day possible. When you are parenting a child with epilepsy, special needs, and complex medical needs, that responsibility can feel even greater. And after years of doing it, sometimes we can forget something really important: We are not actually in control of everything. No matter how carefully we plan, something unexpected can happen that completely changes the plan—and when it does, it can bring up frustration, stress, anxiety, anger, sadness, or even fear. In this episode, I share a very real example from our summer when our daughter spent eight weeks on the ketogenic diet as we hoped it would help with her seizures. Things started out well, but toward the end of the diet, she suddenly stopped wanting to eat. What started as a few unfinished meals eventually turned into her barely eating at all. With a family vacation approaching, I found myself asking so many questions: Why isn’t she eating? Is something seriously wrong? Should we cancel our vacation? What am I supposed to do? I had plans. I had prepared. I was communicating with her medical team. I was doing everything I knew to do—and yet I still didn’t have the answer. Eventually, after continuing to advocate for her and reaching out to other parents who had been through similar experiences, we discovered that acid reflux could be contributing to what we were seeing. After discussing it with her doctor and beginning treatment, we started seeing gradual improvements in her eating. This experience reminded me of something I think so many special needs and epilepsy parents need to hear: We don’t have to have all of the answers. Sometimes we have to trust our instincts, keep asking questions, communicate with our child’s care team, and lean on other parents who truly understand what we’re going through. Because just when we think we have everything figured out, our children can throw us a curveball. And that’s okay. We aren’t failing when we don’t have the answer immediately. We’re human. Most importantly, none of us should have to walk this journey alone. A reminder for the special needs and medical moms out there.. If you’re in a season where you feel like you’re constantly trying to solve the next problem, anticipate the next seizure, prepare for the next appointment, or figure out the next treatment, I hope this episode reminds you that you don’t have to know exactly what comes next. Keep asking questions. Trust your instincts. Stay connected to your child’s care team. Lean on parents who understand. And give yourself grace when the plan changes. You are doing more than you realize. And you are not alone. If this episode resonated with you, please share it with another parent who may need to hear this reminder today. Don’t forget to rate and review the podcast—it means so much to me and helps this show reach more parents who need to know they aren’t alone. Connect With Me Follow Erica on Instagram @parentingepilepsy_specialneeds and join a community of parents navigating the ups and downs of epilepsy, special needs parenting, caregiving, and raising medically complex children. If this episode resonated with you, share it with another parent who might need a reminder that they aren’t alone. Thank you for being here, and I’ll see you on the next episode. #specialneedsparenting #epilepsy #parentingepilepsychildren #hemispherectomy #hemiparesis

In today’s episode, I’m sharing an honest update on our family’s experience with the ketogenic diet for epilepsy—what went well, what was harder than we expected, and why we ultimately chose to transition back to a regular diet. If you’re a parent considering the ketogenic diet for your child with epilepsy, I hope this episode gives you a realistic look at what the journey can involve. Every child responds differently, and while the ketogenic diet can be life-changing for some children, it wasn’t the right long-term solution for our daughter. In this episode, I discuss: What it’s like starting the ketogenic diet during a hospital admission The positive changes we noticed, including increased energy Why we made the difficult decision to stop the diet after eight weeks Why we’ll continue searching for the right seizure treatment with hope Over the years, our daughter has undergone numerous epilepsy treatments, including multiple medications, brain surgery, Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS), and now the ketogenic diet. While this chapter didn’t end the way we hoped, it reminded us that managing drug-resistant epilepsy often requires perseverance, flexibility, and the willingness to keep trying. If you’re walking a similar path, I hope this episode reminds you that you’re not alone. Sometimes treatments work for years, sometimes they don’t work at all—but every step brings us closer to understanding what our child needs. If this episode encouraged you, please share it with another parent navigating epilepsy or special needs parenting. Your ratings, reviews, and shares help this podcast reach more families who need support and hope. Connect with Erica: Instagram: @parentingepilepsy_specialneeds #specialneedsparenting #epilepsy #parentingepilepsychildren #hemispherectomy #hemiparesis

Back-to-school season can feel overwhelming for every family, but when your child has epilepsy, hemiparesis, special needs, or a complex medical history, there is so much more to prepare than buying school supplies. In this episode, I’m sharing my complete back-to-school planning routine that I’ve developed over the years as a mom of a daughter who had a hemispherectomy and still battles epilepsy and development delays. These are the exact steps I begin taking 4–6 weeks before school starts to help ensure my daughter is safe, supported, and set up for success from the very first day. From updating seizure action plans and medication forms to meeting with teachers, creating an “Introduction to Katie” document, and arranging specialized hemispherectomy training for new staff members, I’ll walk you through everything I do each year—and explain why these simple preparations make such a big difference. Whether your child is starting preschool, kindergarten, middle school, high school, or simply beginning another school year, I hope this episode helps you feel more confident, organized, and prepared. In this episode, you’ll learn: • When to begin preparing for the school year • What to consider when updating your child’s Seizure Action Plan and medication forms • Why meeting with your child’s school team before the first day is so valuable • What to include in an “Introduction to My Child” document for teachers, therapists, and paraprofessionals • Tips for preparing school supplies, adaptive equipment, clothing, and medical necessities • How hemispherectomy training can help educators better understand your child’s needs My hope is that these strategies help create a smoother transition into the school year while giving teachers, therapists, nurses, and support staff the knowledge they need to help your child thrive. If this episode encouraged you or gave you a new idea, please share it with another parent who could benefit. Your ratings and reviews help more families discover this podcast and find support on their epilepsy and special needs parenting journey. Follow along for more encouragement and practical tips on Instagram: @parentingepilepsy_specialneeds #specialneedsparenting #epilepsy #parentingepilepsychildren #hemispherectomy #hemiparesis

Some weeks just feel…off. In this episode, I’m sharing what has been one of those weeks in our home. Between navigating my daughter’s ketogenic diet for epilepsy, challenging mealtimes, an intense seizure that required rescue medication, sleepless nights, and the emotional weight of caregiving, I found myself feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, and unlike myself. If you’re raising a child with epilepsy, special needs, or complex medical needs, you know that these difficult weeks happen. They don’t mean you’re failing—they simply mean you’re human. In this episode, I talk about: The stress and uncertainty of difficult mealtimes while on the ketogenic diet.An intense seizure that reminded me how quickly life can change.Why it’s important to recognize when you need a reset, too.Simple ways to care for yourself so you can continue caring for the people who depend on you. My hope is that this episode reminds you that you are not alone. We all experience seasons where everything feels heavier than usual. The important part isn’t pretending everything is okay—it’s recognizing when it’s time to pause, reset, and give yourself the same compassion you so freely give to everyone else. If this episode resonated with you, please share it with another parent who could use this reminder today. If you’re enjoying the podcast, I’d be so grateful if you would subscribe, leave a rating and review, and follow along on Instagram @parentingepilepsy_specialneeds. Every review helps more families navigating epilepsy and special needs discover this community. #specialneedsparenting #epilepsy #parentingepilepsychildren #hemispherectomy #hemiplegia

When my daughter had her first seizure in 2013, I had no idea how much our lives were about to change. In this episode, I share the advice I wish someone had given me during those terrifying first days and weeks of navigating an epilepsy diagnosis. From finding the right epileptologist and understanding seizure terminology to trusting your intuition and building a support network, these are the lessons that helped our family move from fear toward answers and strength. If your child has recently had a seizure or been diagnosed with epilepsy, this episode is for you. In this episode, I discuss: Why not all doctors and hospitals are the same when it comes to epilepsy care What a Level 4 Epilepsy Center is and why it mattered for our child How trusting my gut led us to the right diagnosis and treatment The importance of recording seizures and learning seizure terminology Why finding a community of other epilepsy parents can make a huge difference Key takeaway You are your child's biggest advocate. Ask questions. Seek second opinions when needed. Educate yourself about epilepsy. And most importantly, don't walk this journey alone. If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another family navigating pediatric epilepsy.. Together, we can help more parents feel supported and less alone on this journey. #Epilepsy #InfantileSpasms #SpecialNeedsParenting #DisabilityParenting #EpilepsyMom #SpecialNeedsMom #DevelopmentalDelays #ParentingJourney #CaregiverSupport #ParentingEpilepsy

When our daughter underwent a hemispherectomy at just four years old, we had no idea how many small tools and adaptive products would make such a big difference during and after her recovery. While we were still in the hospital, another epilepsy mom—whose daughter had also undergone a hemispherectomy—visited us with a gift bag full of items we didn’t even know existed. Looking back, those thoughtful gifts became some of the most valuable tools we used during rehabilitation and continue to use years later. In this episode, I’m sharing the seven products that helped our family navigate life after hemispherectomy surgery, including: A Dycem mat for improved stability during play, meals, and schoolwork A whiteboard slant board to support reading and writing with a visual field loss Search-and-find books to encourage visual scanning after hemianopia (partial visual impairment) A sensory brush to increase body awareness and sensory input EZPZ plates and bowls for greater independence during meals Small therapy balls to encourage two-handed play and use of a helper hand How an adaptive stroller became an essential part of our family’s daily life Whether your child is preparing for or  currently recovering from a hemispherectomy, or you’re simply looking for practical ideas from another parent who’s walked this road, I hope this episode provides encouragement and saves you some trial and error. You don’t have to figure everything out on your own. Sometimes the smallest tools can make the biggest difference. If this episode encouraged you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another family navigating pediatric epilepsy or hemispherectomy recovery. Together, we can help more parents feel supported and less alone on this journey. #Epilepsy #InfantileSpasms #SpecialNeedsParenting #DisabilityParenting #EpilepsyMom #SpecialNeedsMom #DevelopmentalDelays #ParentingJourney #CaregiverSupport #ParentingEpilepsy

Being a caregiver for a medically complex child is one of the most demanding roles a parent can take on — and some weeks are harder than others. In this episode, I'm sharing a particularly tough week in our journey caring for our daughter, who has epilepsy and a complex medical history, and the powerful lessons I took away from it. In this episode, I cover: What happened when our daughter experienced cluster seizures and her rescue medication stopped working as expected How connecting with other epilepsy parents in online communities led to a game-changing discovery about rescue medication timing The warning signs I learned to watch for and how trusting my gut made all the difference Why I almost skipped taking care of myself — and why I'm so glad I didn't Simple, small ways to recharge when you're running on empty as a caregiver Key Takeaway: You don't need a vacation or a big event to feel like yourself again. A walk, a coffee with a friend, or even a quick drive can have a bigger impact on your mental health than you think. Special needs moms and caregivers — you deserve a break too. Facebook Group Mentioned: Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Support Connect with me:  If this episode spoke to your heart, share it with another parent who might need a reminder that they’re not alone. You can connect with Erica on Instagram @parentingepilepsy_specialneeds and be part of a community that understands the ups and downs of the special needs & epilepsy parenting journey. #Epilepsy #InfantileSpasms #SpecialNeedsParenting #DisabilityParenting #EpilepsyMom #SpecialNeedsMom #DevelopmentalDelays #ParentingJourney #CaregiverSupport #ParentingEpilepsy

Can you believe we’re already halfway through the year? As moms, especially moms caring for children with epilepsy, special needs, or complex medical conditions, we spend so much time focused on everyone else that we rarely pause to reflect on ourselves. The days are busy, the schedules are full, and before we know it, months have passed. In this episode, I’m sharing a simple exercise inspired by a recent podcast that challenged me to stop, reflect, and think intentionally about the rest of the year. Together, we’ll explore three questions that can help you celebrate your accomplishments, create something meaningful to look forward to, and focus on one goal that could make a real difference in your life before the year ends. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, stuck, exhausted, or simply wondering where the year has gone, this episode is your reminder that it’s not too late to reset. In This Episode We Discuss: Why a mid-year reset can be exactly what you needThe importance of celebrating your accomplishments, even the small onesWhy having something to look forward to can help you navigate difficult seasonsThe power of focusing on one goal instead of trying to change everything at onceThe Three Questions: What have you accomplished this year that you are proud of?What are you looking forward to this year?What is one thing you would like to accomplish before the end of the year?A Reminder for Every Mom: Your accomplishments matter. Maybe you’re proud of getting more sleep, advocating for your child, attending appointments, getting your child to school on time, making time for exercise, or simply showing up every day when life feels hard. Small wins are still wins. And if you can’t think of anything you’re looking forward to right now, consider that your sign to create something. Schedule the coffee date, plan the walk, book the getaway, or put something meaningful on your calendar. You deserve to have something that brings you joy. The year isn’t over. It’s not too late to reset, refocus, and move toward what matters most to you. Thank you for being here and for allowing me to be part of your journey. If this episode encouraged you, please share it with another special needs mom who could use a reminder to pause and reflect. Until next time, take care of yourself one day at a time. #Epilepsy #InfantileSpasms #SpecialNeedsParenting #DisabilityParenting #EpilepsyMom #SpecialNeedsMom #DevelopmentalDelays #ParentingJourney #CaregiverSupport #ParentingEpilepsy