Welcome to 'Hey! Am I Adopted?' – the podcast that opens the door to the world of adoption, hosted by the dynamic duo, father-daughter team, Emily and Gene Trowbridge, who are both adoptees. If you've ever found yourself pondering the unique journey of adoption or have burning questions about the process, you're in the right place. Join us as we delve into heartfelt conversations, share personal stories, and create a safe space for you to explore the intricacies of adoption. Whether you're a ...
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Emily Trowbridge Podcasts
Welcome to the Send Parenting Podcast. I'm your neurodiverse host, Dr Olivia Kessel, and, more importantly, I am a mother to my wonderfully neurodivergent daughter, Alexandra, who really inspired this podcast. As a veteran in navigating the world of neurodiversity, I have uncovered a wealth of misinformation, alongside many answers and solutions that were never taught to me in medical school or in any of the parenting handbooks. Each week on this podcast, I will be bringing the experts to yo ...
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EP 130: Why are neurodiverse girls being ignored with Sara Donnelly, former headteacher
53:38
53:38
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53:38Sara Donnelly, a head teacher of 14 years, shares why she's leaving education leadership after witnessing the system repeatedly fail neurodivergent children, in particular, girls. We also delve into why: • Girls with neurodiversity are often missed because they present differently than the stereotypical profile • Signs to watch for in autistic girl…
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EP 129: Protecting your child online with Emily Keeney of the ICO (Information Commissioner's Office)
35:52
35:52
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35:52The digital world offers a unique sanctuary for neurodiverse children—a place where they can connect, explore, and engage in ways that might feel challenging in person. But this digital refuge comes with hidden costs as platforms silently harvest our children's personal data, using it in ways most parents don't fully understand. Deputy Commissioner…
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EP 128: Most children have multiple diagnosis with Lizzie Shearing and Liz Britton from Learning DNA
1:03:30
1:03:30
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1:03:30The gap between what neurodiverse children need and what traditional education provides continues to widen, leaving parents desperate for answers while waiting years for diagnoses and appropriate support. In this eye-opening conversation, Lizzie Shearing and Liz Britton share how Learning DNA's revolutionary approach is transforming outcomes for ch…
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EP 127: Parenting Your Neurodivergent Child with Diane Dempster, co-founder of Impact Parents
40:51
40:51
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40:51We dive into a powerful conversation about parenting neurodivergent children from the inside out with guest Diane Dempster, coach, speaker, and co-founder of Impact Parents. Diane shares her personal journey as a "recovering yelling mom" and how she discovered that the way we show up as parents matters more than what we do. • How the "Super Mom tra…
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EP 126: ADHD Parenting: Heal Yourself, Help Your Child with Randy Free of Aspire Coaching
50:39
50:39
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50:39What if your journey to help your child with ADHD actually begins with healing yourself? Randy Free, founder of Aspire Coaching, offers a refreshing perspective that might just transform your family dynamics. When traditional parenting approaches fail with neurodivergent children, parents often feel trapped in cycles of conflict, meltdowns, and mut…
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EP 125: Financial protection for neurodivergent children with Lisa Chauhan & Cara Roughani of Send Protect
49:57
49:57
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49:57Financial planning for neurodivergent children is not just about money but about love, responsibility, and the legacy we leave when we're no longer here. • Cara explains how her journey with her autistic son during COVID lockdown led to creating SendProtect after noticing financial advisors weren't addressing SEND-specific needs • SendProtect offer…
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EP 124: When your child slips away with Guy Shahar of Transforming Autism
46:30
46:30
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46:30What happens when the child you thought you knew begins to slip away? For Guy Shahar, watching his one-year-old son Daniel lose words, self-feeding abilities, and connection was heartbreaking. "It's like you're losing your child," Guy shares, describing the helplessness that washed over him and his wife as traditional medical pathways offered littl…
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In this episode of the Hey, Am I Adopted? podcast, host Emily and Gene Trowbridge speaks with Thomas Mason about his adoption story. Thomas shares his experiences growing up adopted, the curiosity he had about his biological family, and the impact of adoption on his identity. He discusses the challenges of not having a medical history and how he na…
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EP 123: Creating calm in the classroom with Lisa Danahy, Founder & Director of Create Calm
52:44
52:44
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52:44Dr. Olivia Kessel speaks with Lisa Danahy, Founder & Director of Create Calm, yoga therapist and author of Create Calm in the Classroom, a book about understanding and supporting children's nervous systems through breath and movement techniques. She talks about why playful approaches work better than verbal instructions for neurodivergent children …
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In this episode of the Hey, Am I Adopted? podcast, hosts Emily, Gene, and Kay Trowbridge discuss the complexities of Mother's Day from the perspective of adoptees. They explore the emotional challenges that many adoptees face on this day, contrasting their experiences with those of birth mothers. The conversation delves into the significance of bio…
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EP 122: When educators and parents work together with WITH Lynn How of Positive Young Mind & Izzy Felton, host of the SEND Network Podcast
46:55
46:55
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46:55The SEND Parenting Podcast joins forces with the SEND Network Podcast to explore the transformative power that emerges when parents and educators collaborate effectively for neurodiverse children, featuring Lynn Howe who brings unique insight as both a SENCO and parent of a neurodivergent child. We delve into how: • Children frequently mask difficu…
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In this episode of the Hey, Am I Adopted? podcast, hosts Gene and Emily Trowbridge discuss Emily and her husband David's journey into adoption. They explore the foster to adopt program they are entering, the personal motivations behind their decision, and the unique challenges and considerations that come with adopting older children. The conversat…
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EP 121: Medication for ADHD with Jane Trowbridge of Sensational Tutors
44:22
44:22
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44:22Should you consider medication for your child with ADHD? As both a doctor and the mother of a neurodivergent teenager, I've navigated this question from multiple perspectives—and discovered that much of what we believe about ADHD medication simply isn't supported by science. The hesitation many parents feel about medication stems from understandabl…
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EP 120: The legal lifeline for SEN families with Richard Orr, CEO of SOS SEN
50:06
50:06
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50:06Richard Orr, CEO of SOS SEN charity, shares how they empower families navigating the special educational needs system through legal support, advice centres, and their national helpline. Their pre-action protocol letters achieve a remarkable 97-98% success rate in resolving cases without going to tribunal, saving families from lengthy legal battles …
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EP 119: The reality of a neurodivergent household with Greer Jones, Host of The Unfinished Podcast
1:01:02
1:01:02
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1:01:02Two mothers, both podcast hosts, both raising neurodivergent children in the UK, come together for an honest conversation about the realities that many parents never see coming. Dr. Olivia Kessel (SEND Parenting Podcast) and Greer Jones (The Unfinished Idea) share their raw, unfiltered experiences navigating a system that often feels designed to ex…
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EP 118: Caregivers self-care guide with Eleonora Magri, founder of Inclusi
40:26
40:26
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40:26Dr. Olivia Kessel explores the essential yet often overlooked topic of caregiver self-care with behavior analyst Eleanor Magri, revealing how nurturing ourselves is not selfish but necessary for effectively supporting our neurodivergent children. • Neurodiversity family specialist Eleanor Magri introduces the concept of holistic support that includ…
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In this episode of the Hey, Am I Adopted? podcast, hosts Emily, Gene, and Kay Trowbridge delve into the complexities of adoption through personal anecdotes and reflections. They explore the emotional nuances of being adopted, the challenges of identity, and the risks involved in searching for biological parents. The conversation highlights the impo…
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EP 117: Beyond Labels: Navigating Neurodiversity as a Parent
58:12
58:12
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58:12Ross Jones shares his profound journey of discovering his ADHD at age 36 and how this diagnosis transformed his understanding of himself, his relationships, and his approach to parenting his neurodivergent children. • Learning to recognize the difference between tasks you don't like versus tasks that are genuinely challenging for your neurodivergen…
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In this episode of the Hey, Am I Adopted? podcast, hosts Emily and Gene Trowbridge reflect on their journey over the past year, discussing the purpose of their podcast, which focuses on adoption from the adoptee's perspective. They share insights on adoption statistics, personal experiences, and the importance of community engagement in sharing ado…
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EP 116: Sensory Processing Disorder with Julie Davis of Future Steps
1:00:04
1:00:04
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1:00:04We dive deep into sensory processing difficulties in neurodivergent children with Julie Davis, an occupational therapy expert with over 35 years' experience and founder of Future Steps. This conversation explores how sensory processing shapes development, influences behavior, and impacts daily functioning in ways many parents might not recognize. •…
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EP115: Parenting while autistic with Jessica Whalley, author of The Autistic Mom
1:10:00
1:10:00
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1:10:00This episode provides a deep dive into the raw and insightful journey of Jessica Whalley as a neurodivergent parent navigating the complexities of raising her nonverbal autistic son. Jessica's personal revelations about her own diagnoses of autism and ADHD offer a profound perspective into the world of neurodiversity while providing support for oth…
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Does it make any difference when you're told?
30:39
30:39
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30:39In this episode of the Hey, Am I Adopted? podcast, hosts Emily and Gene Trowbridge delve into the complexities of adoption, focusing on the implications of being told or not told about one's adoption. They explore themes of identity, the emotional impact of adoption, and the relationship between adoption and addiction. Through personal anecdotes an…
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EP 114: EOTAS Casestudies with Joanna Gibbs, Founder of Sensational Tutors
46:02
46:02
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46:02We offer a deep dive into the innovative EOTAS framework, highlighting its vital role in reshaping education for neurodiverse children. The episode sheds light on practical insights gathering from real success stories shared by Joanna Gibbs of Sensational Tutors, equipping parents with actionable strategies. • Exploring the significance of the EHCP…
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EP 113: The legal side to alternative education (EOTAS) with Adam Friel and Douglas Hamer of Geldards
1:33:48
1:33:48
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1:33:48In this episode, we explore the complexities of EOTAS (Education Otherwise Than At School) and its significance for neurodiverse families navigating alternative educational routes. We unpack critical questions about the legal framework, EHCP requirements, and strategies to empower parents in advocating for their children's needs. • Definition of EO…
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In this follow-up episode of the Hey! Am I Adopted podcast, hosts Emily and Gene Trowbridge continue the conversation on unexpected family discoveries. This time, they sit down with Rob, who shares his emotional journey of uncovering his biological family through DNA testing. Building on themes from the previous episode, Rob reflects on growing up …
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EP 112: Neurodiversity in families with Amy White
1:05:52
1:05:52
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1:05:52The episode features an engaging discussion on how parenting a neurodivergent child can lead to insights about one's neurodiversity. Amy White shares her experiences with her son Jack's autism diagnosis and how that journey prompted her own self-exploration. • Exploration of intergenerational neurodiversity in families • Amy's journey from her son’…
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In this episode of the Hey, Am I Adopted? podcast, host Emily Trowbridge engages with brothers Johnny and Jimmy, who share their unique reverse adoption story. They discuss their experiences with ancestry research, the surprising discovery of a new family member, and the emotional dynamics that come with such revelations. The conversation delves in…
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EP 111: Building resilience in adolescent girls with Kim McCabe, founder of Rites for Girls
50:59
50:59
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50:59This episode addresses the critical transition girls face when moving from primary to secondary school, especially concerning the challenges of puberty and neurodiversity. Experts share insights on the importance of community support and the role of mothers in empowering their daughters as they navigate these pivotal years. • Discussion of the tran…
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EP 110: Underdiagnosis of ADHD in girls and women with Rosie Turner
57:00
57:00
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57:00This episode focuses on the underdiagnosis of ADHD in women and girls, exploring the emotional impact this has on their mental health. Rosie Turner shares her journey from misdiagnosis to understanding her ADHD, highlighting the unique challenges faced by women's evolving symptoms and the importance of exercise and self-acceptance. • Examining how …
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In this episode of the Hey, Am I Adopted? podcast, Gene Trowbridge and his family engage in a heartfelt discussion with several guests about their personal adoption stories. The conversation explores the motivations behind sharing these stories, the impact of community and connection among adoptees, and the complexities of biological relationships.…
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EP 109: Supporting teen mental health with Alicia Drummond, Wellbeing Hub for Teens
49:42
49:42
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49:42This episode focuses on the alarming rise in anxiety and other mental health issues among teenagers, especially neurodiverse youth and how parents can provide support. Alicia Drummond shares insights from her Wellbeing Hub initiative, discussing practical strategies for fostering emotional resilience and maintaining open communication. • Discussion…
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In this recap episode of the Hey, Am I Adopted? podcast, hosts Emily, Kay, and Gene Trowbridge discuss the multifaceted world of adoption, reflecting on their personal experiences and the common themes that arise in the stories of adoptees. They explore core characteristics of adoptees, including feelings of loss, rejection, shame, and guilt, and h…
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EP 108: Navigating family stress and neurodiversity with Lisa Chan
58:54
58:54
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58:54Imagine preparing for a family gathering while navigating the intricate world of parenting a neurodiverse child. The noise, the chaos, and the unsolicited advice often threaten to overwhelm. Through this heartfelt episode, we promise to equip you with strategies to create a compassionate and supportive environment for your family. We are thrilled t…
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EP 107: Supporting stressed teens with Dr. Naomi Fisher and Eliza Fricker
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1:01:34
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1:01:34Unlock the secrets to helping teenagers overcome burnout with insights from Dr. Naomi Fisher and Eliza Fricker, authors of "The Teenager's Guide to Burnout." Our conversation dives deep into the pressures faced by today's teens, examining how academic demands and societal expectations contribute to chronic stress. We question the traditional educat…
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In this episode of the Hey, Am I Adopted? podcast, Gene and Emily Trowbridge engage in a heartfelt conversation with Caroline about her adoption journey from Taiwan to Canada and her experiences growing up as an adopted child. Caroline shares her early life, the challenges of cultural identity, and her emotional journey of reconnecting with her bir…
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EP 106: Celebrating inclusivity in theatre with Chicken Shed Theatre
1:04:34
1:04:34
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1:04:34This episode highlights the transformative power of Chicken Shed Theatre, a leader in inclusive theatre arts for 50 years. Susan shares her heartfelt journey as a mother of a neurodiverse child, while Charlotte delves into Chicken Shed's core mission to foster acceptance, understanding, and growth through artistic expression. • The origins and hist…
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In this episode of the Hey, Am I Adopted? podcast, Gene and Emily Trowbridge revisit their conversation with Mike, an adoptee who has dedicated his life to understanding and advocating for adoption. The discussion delves into Mike's personal experiences with abandonment, family dynamics, and the impact of being adopted. Mike shares his unique persp…
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EP 105: Special Needs Education with Kelly Jarvis and Chrissa Wadlow
56:39
56:39
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56:39What if you could transform the education system for neurodiverse children? Kelly Jarvis and Chrissa Wadlow from Sunshine Support are revolutionizing how we support neurodivergent children in schools. Kelly’s journey as an educator breathing new life into special educational needs and Chrissa’s relentless advocacy for her daughter form a compelling…
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In this episode of the Hey, Am I Adopted? podcast, hosts Gene and Emily Trowbridge engage in a heartfelt conversation with Rye, who shares his adoption story and the unexpected journey of discovering a half-sister through DNA testing. Rye reflects on his loving upbringing, the impact of losing his mother, and the curiosity that arose during the COV…
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EP 104: Raising Resilient Kids with Dr. Maryhan
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33:57
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33:57Dr Maryhan, a clinical psychologist and esteemed fellow podcaster, joins us to celebrate the 100th episode of the SEND Parenting Podcast. Have you ever wondered how to raise neurodiverse children within the UK education system without losing your mind? This milestone episode offers a treasure trove of insights as Dr. Maryhan shares wisdom from her …
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EP 103: Dealing With Conflict At Home with Sarah Fisher
33:08
33:08
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33:08Ever wondered how to transform your parenting approach to better support neurodivergent children? Sarah Fisher, an adoptive mom and author of "Connective Parenting," joins us for our milestone 100th episode to share her insightful experiences. Sarah opens up about her journey with her son, revealing the remarkable impact of Non-Violent Resistance (…
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EP 102: Disengaged In School with Dr. Chris Bagley
51:12
51:12
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51:12What if our education system could truly embrace individuality and foster genuine growth for every child? Join us for our 100th episode of the Send Parenting Podcast, featuring the astute Dr. Chris Bagley, who argues for revolutionary changes in how we perceive and implement education. Dr. Bagley, a educational psychologist and advocate for neurodi…
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In this episode of the Hey, Am I Adopted? podcast, Mike shares his profound journey through adoption, reflecting on his experiences as an adoptee and later as an adoptive parent. He discusses the emotional complexities of his early life, the challenges of parenting adopted children, and the societal perceptions surrounding adoption. Through heartfe…
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EP 101: Nutrition for Neurodivergent Children with Lucinda Miller
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33:39
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33:39Episode 101 Unlock the secrets to nurturing neurodivergent minds with the wisdom of Lucinda Miller, founder and clinical lead of NatureDoc, as we celebrate our monumental 100th episode. Lucinda returns to discuss her groundbreaking book, "Brain Brilliance," a nutritional guide tailored for neurodivergent individuals. From her beloved Cherry Sleepy …
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Episode 100 week long free event RSVP now to be part of this transformative event. What if there were ways to make the complex journey of parenting neurodiverse children a bit smoother? Join us for a week-long celebration of our 100th episode milestone on the Send Parenting Podcast, where we're offering just that. Dr Olivia Kessel, inspired by her …
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EP 99: Supporting Neurodiverse Children with Amanda Ashy
51:23
51:23
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51:23Episode 99 Amanda Ashy's inspiring journey from television producer to a champion for neurodiverse children offers a unique perspective on parenting. Join us as Amanda, a clinical nutritionist, mindfulness expert, and yoga teacher, shares how she transformed her life and career to focus on family regulation, connection, and resilience. Get ready to…
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100th Episode Celebration Event Announcement! 🎉
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7:05Click here for a link to sign up for the event. Hello, Neuro Nurturers, I am beyond excited to share this incredible milestone with you—the 100th episode of the SEND Parenting Podcast!🎙 This journey has been one of connection, learning, and empowerment, and I could not have done it without you. Your stories, your resilience, and your love for your …
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Ep 98: Rethinking Language Development with Cathy Schilling
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59:38
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59:38Episode 98 Unlock the secrets of gestalt language processing as we sit down with Kathy Schilling, a leading speech and language therapist and the visionary behind the Speech Den. Cathy unravels the intricacies of this unique form of communication, especially prevalent among neurodiverse children, and how it contrasts with traditional language devel…
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EP 97: Effective Communication and Emotional Regulation with Dr. Gilly Kahn
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48:08
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48:08Episode 97 Unlock the secrets of effective communication in neurodiverse families with invaluable insights from Dr. Kahn, a clinical psychologist and ADHD advocate. Discover how emotional regulation plays a pivotal role in shaping interactions between parents and children, and even between partners themselves. Dr. Kahn shares her personal journey w…
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In this episode of the Hey, Am I Adopted? podcast, Gene, Kay, and Emily engage in a heartfelt conversation with Scott, an adoptee who shares his unique journey of adoption, reconnection with his biological father, and the complexities of family dynamics. The discussion delves into the emotional aspects of being adopted, the challenges of relationsh…
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