Early Intervention Matters

Dr. Inyang Takon
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The Early Intervention Matters Podcast is a podcast that informs, inspires and equips parents and professionals who live and work with children with neurodevelopmental difficulties and disabilities like autism, adhd, tic-disorders, and learning difficulties.

  1. Picky Eaters: Causes, Myths, and Solutions - Dr. Inyang Takon Interviews Lena Livinsky

    6D AGO

    Picky Eaters: Causes, Myths, and Solutions - Dr. Inyang Takon Interviews Lena Livinsky

    In this episode of Early Intervention Matters Dr Takon is joined by Lena Livinsky, M.A., an integrative speech-language pathologist and feeding specialist, who shares a holistic approach to understanding feeding challenges in children, picky eating and why it’s more than just a behaviour. We discuss what picky eating is and why it should be seen as a symptom of underlying factors such as gut health, sensory sensitivities, or past experiences with food exploring Lena’s BLOOM framework and attempting to address factors that contribute to problems with childhood nutrition. Topics: Distinction between picky eating and ARFIDHolistic assessment framework (BLOOM)Causes of picky eating: health, sensory, environmentMyths and misconceptions about picky eatersStrategies for families: connection, boundaries, explorationChapters 00:00 Introduction to Picky Eating and Its Importance 02:27 Defining Picky Eating vs. ARFID 05:28 Factors Influencing Picky Eating 08:37 Understanding the Age of Onset 10:49 Picky Eating as a Symptom 12:36 The Role of Sensory Issues 15:14 Common Myths and Misconceptions 17:14 Addressing Root Causes Early 20:33 Understanding the Whole Child Approach 25:46 The Bloom Framework for Feeding Therapy 31:08 Addressing Nutritional Deficiencies in Picky Eaters 34:45 Connecting with Children: Strategies for Parents Resources: https://lenalivinsky.com/ https://lenalivinsky.com/shop https://lenalivinsky.com/workshop https://www.instagram.com/lena.livinsky/ About Lena Livinsky: Paulina “Lena” Livinsky is an integrative speech-language pathologist and pediatric feeding specialist with over 13 years of experience supporting children with picky eating and feeding challenges. She is the founder of Livin’Sky Kids and the creator of the BLOOM™ Framework, a whole-child approach that helps families look beyond behavior and understand what’s really driving a child’s eating. Lena is also the host of The Livin’Sky Podcast, where she shares stories and insights to help parents raise calm, curious eaters. Resources General Information for Parents www.school-doctor.com Questions? Email Us at eim@drtakon.com

    38 min
  2. Beyond Labels: Insights into Parenting Neurodivergent children - Dr Inyang Takon interviews Christopher Scott Wyatt

    APR 12

    Beyond Labels: Insights into Parenting Neurodivergent children - Dr Inyang Takon interviews Christopher Scott Wyatt

    In this episode of Early Intervention Matters, Dr. Inyang Takon is joined by Christopher Scott Wyatt, a college instructor, researcher, blogger, and neurodivergent parent.  We explore the limits of labels, the importance of understanding each child’s needs, and practical ways to support them at home and in school. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Neurodiversity and the Podcast 00:49 Christopher's Journey as a Parent of Neurodivergent Children 03:31 Understanding Evolving Diagnoses and Their Implications 05:55 The Impact of Diagnosis on Parenting and Education 08:23 Navigating Healthcare and Educational Systems 11:01 Daily Life and Support Strategies for Neurodivergent Children 13:34 Personal Insights from Living with Neurodiversity 16:12 Advocacy and Collaboration with Educators 18:48 Navigating the Educational Landscape for Neurodivergent Children 26:37 Understanding ADHD and Autism: Beyond the Labels 34:23 Cultural Perspectives on Neurodivergence and Parenting 37:12 Self-Care Strategies for Neurodivergent Parents 40:49 The Power of Listening in Parenting About Christopher Wyatt: As a diagnosed Autistic with ADHD (AuDHD) and physical disabilities, Christopher brings his experiences as a parent, researcher, educator, and Neurodiversity self-advocate to an audience.  As a speaker with more than 150 regional and national appearances and 15 years of consulting experience, Chris discusses autism, parenting, and education from the Autistic perspective.  RESOURCES: The Autistic Me on Social Media ·       Linktree: https://linktr.ee/cswyatt ·       Blog: https://www.tameri.com/autisticme/ ·       Podcast: https://autisticme.libsyn.com/neurodiversity ·       Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/autisticme/ ·       Twitter: https://twitter.com/autisticme ·       YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CSWyatt ·       LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/autisticme Resources General Information for Parents www.school-doctor.com Questions? Email Us at eim@drtakon.com

    47 min
  3. Support and Acceptance for Neurodivergent Individuals: Dr Inyang Takon interviews Gazit Chaya Nkosi

    APR 8

    Support and Acceptance for Neurodivergent Individuals: Dr Inyang Takon interviews Gazit Chaya Nkosi

    Guest: Gazit Chaya Nkosi (they/them) Dr Inyang Takon interviews Gazit Chaya Nkosi who shares their expertise on neurodiversity, affirming approaches to communication, and supporting families through systemic challenges. Discover practical strategies, the importance of radical acceptance, and how to foster meaningful lives for neurodivergent individuals. Key  topics Neurodiversity and systemic oppressionAffirming communication and non-verbal supportPractical strategies for family and caregiver supportReframing Neurodiversity: A Holistic Approach to Support and AcceptanceThe Power of Affirming Communication in Neurodivergent Lives Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Neurodiversity and Guest Introduction 02:22 Understanding the Role of a Speech Pathologist 04:57 Affirming Approaches to Communication and Neurodiversity 07:34 Practical Family Sessions and Parent Support 10:33 The Importance of Safety and Regulation in Learning 13:05 Challenging Societal Expectations and Educational Systems 15:47 Behavioral Interventions vs. Affirming Approaches 16:58 Strategies for Supporting Families and Children 23:10 Understanding Children's Emotional Responses 25:05 Navigating School Advocacy for Neurodiverse Children 27:30 The Journey of Acceptance in Parenting 30:06 Cultural Perspectives on Disability and Acceptance 32:42 The Importance of Parental Support and Connection 36:31 Practical Strategies for Communication with Children 41:29 Processing Grief and Finding Support 45:08 Self-Care for Parents: The Foundation of Support 49:31 YouTube Intro Early Intervention EIM Dr Takon.mp4 Resources and Guest links Gazit Chaya Nkosi's website : www.therootedcoop.com Gazit's YT channel : www.youtube.com/@therootedcoop Resources General Information for Parents www.school-doctor.com Questions? Email Us at eim@drtakon.com

    51 min
  4. From Law to Literacy: Daniela's Journey to Support Children with Dyslexia and other Reading Difficulties

    MAR 24

    From Law to Literacy: Daniela's Journey to Support Children with Dyslexia and other Reading Difficulties

    In this insightful interview, Daniela Feldhausen, an expert in dyslexia and reading support, shares her journey from law to teaching, her work with Kids Up Reading Tutors, and practical strategies for supporting children with reading difficulties. Discover early signs of dyslexia, effective teaching methods, and how to empower children and parents alike. Key  topics Early signs of dyslexia and brain scansPhonological and phonics skills developmentImpact of reading difficulties on behavior and anxietyAssessment and intervention strategiesRole of assistive technology and parental support Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Reading Challenges 10:57 The Impact of Reading Struggles on Anxiety 15:56 The Overlap Between Dyslexia and ADHD 25:07 Phonological Skills and Their Importance 29:57 Empowering Parents to Support Reading Development 36:49 Addressing Anxiety and Learning Challenges 41:56 The Role of Technology in Learning 47:36 Hope for Older Students Learning to Read Resources Kids Up Reading Tutors - https://kidsupreadingtutors.com Orton Gillingham Approach - https://www.ortonacademy.org Dr. Seuss Books - https://www.seussville.com Mother Goose Nursery Rhymes - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nursery_rhyme Guest links Website - https://kidsupreadingtutors.com Email - daniela@kidsupreadingtutors.com Resources General Information for Parents www.school-doctor.com Questions? Email Us at eim@drtakon.com

    57 min
  5. Dental Intervention Strategies for Children with Neurodiversity - with Dr. Ivy Fortune Glavee

    MAR 15

    Dental Intervention Strategies for Children with Neurodiversity - with Dr. Ivy Fortune Glavee

    In this episode, dental expert Dr. Ivy Fortune Glavee shares insights on managing dental health in neurodivergent children, emphasizing early intervention, tailored approaches, and innovative tools to improve oral hygiene and prevent dental issues. Key Topics Dental well-being in children with neurodiversityEarly registration and routine dental visitsSensory considerations in dental careSigns of dental problems in non-verbal childrenPreventive dental care and parental involvemen Takeaways Start dental visits as early as six months to build rapport.Use tell-show-do technique to ease children into dental visits.Tailor dental care to sensory sensitivities of neurodivergent children.Recognize behavioral changes as potential signs of dental issues.Preventive care and early detection save costs and reduce trauma. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Dental Wellbeing in Neurodivergent Children 04:56 Challenges in Dental Health for Neurodivergent Children 10:21 Tailoring Dental Care to Individual Needs 15:27 The Role of Parents in Dental Health 20:59 Managing Challenging Behaviors at the Dentist 25:56 Building Positive Dental Experiences 30:33 Effective Tooth Brushing Techniques 35:50 Addressing Sensory Issues in Dentistry 41:04 Understanding Dental Health Frequency 50:00 YouTube Intro Early Intervention EIM Dr Takon.mp4 Resources NHS Food Scanner App - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=uk.nhs.foodscanner&hl=en&gl=US Dentist Ivy Fortune Glavee YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/c/DentistIvy OraNurse Toothpaste for Children - https://oranurse.com/collections/kids-toothpaste LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivyfortuneglavee Twitter - https://twitter.com/IvyGlavee Resources General Information for Parents www.school-doctor.com Questions? Email Us at eim@drtakon.com

    51 min
  6. Creating Safe Spaces: Exploring The Evolving Role of Librarians in Schools - With Emma Graham

    FEB 2

    Creating Safe Spaces: Exploring The Evolving Role of Librarians in Schools - With Emma Graham

    In this episode of Early Intervention Matters, Dr. Inyang Takon speaks with Emma Graham, a school librarian, about her journey and the evolving role of librarians in supporting student wellbeing, particularly for neurodiverse children. Emma shares her personal experiences and insights from a survey she conducted, highlighting the importance of creating safe spaces for students and the need for recognition and training for librarians. The conversation emphasizes the critical role librarians play in early intervention and the overall mental health of students in schools. Takeaways Emma's journey to becoming a librarian was influenced by her difficult childhood.Librarians now play a multifaceted role beyond just managing books.Creating a safe and welcoming environment in libraries is crucial for students.Many students seek solace in libraries to escape anxiety and social pressures.Emma's survey revealed the significant impact librarians have on student wellbeing.Librarians often act as trusted adults for students in need of support.There is a need for better training and recognition of librarians' roles.Building trust with students takes time and consistent kindness.Librarians can provide valuable insights into students' behaviors and needs.The library should be seen as a vital part of the educational support system. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Early Intervention Matters 02:36 Emma's Journey to Librarianship 06:12 The Evolving Role of Libraries 09:11 Creating Safe Spaces for Students 15:23 Survey Insights on Librarians' Impact 23:32 The Importance of Early Intervention 30:23 The Need for Training in Libraries 32:28 Creating Supportive Library Spaces 34:48 Challenges in Supporting Neurodiverse Students 37:22 The Importance of Empathy and Listening 41:01 Building Trust with Students 44:24 Personal Journeys and Overcoming Challenges 48:50 Advocating for Librarians in Education 52:09 Outro Early Intervention Matters.mp3 Resources General Information for Parents www.school-doctor.com Questions? Email Us at eim@drtakon.com

    53 min
  7. Breaking Stigmas around Neurodiversity in Africa - with Boluwatife Joshua Ayanwole, OSHP, HSEP, AICSP.

    JAN 23

    Breaking Stigmas around Neurodiversity in Africa - with Boluwatife Joshua Ayanwole, OSHP, HSEP, AICSP.

    In this episode of the Early Intervention Matters podcast, Dr. Inyang Takon welcomes Ayanwole Boluwatife Joshua, a neurodiversity advocate from Nigeria, to discuss the importance of awareness and advocacy in neurodiversity. They explore Ayanwole's personal journey with dyscalculia, the role of parents in supporting neurodiverse children, and the need for community support. Ayanwole emphasizes the significance of building emotional connections in therapy, the challenges of generalization, and the necessity for self-care among parents. The conversation concludes with a hopeful vision for the future of neurodiversity in Africa, calling for better awareness, inclusion policies, and government support and public centers. Takeaways - Awareness is crucial for understanding neurodiversity. - Personal experiences shape advocacy efforts. - Parents play a vital role in supporting neurodiverse children. - Therapy should focus on building emotional connections. - Generalization of skills is essential in therapy. - Self-care for parents is important for effective support. - Community support can alleviate feelings of isolation. - Therapists must be empathetic and dedicated to their work. - Government support is needed for public centers for neurodiversity. - A hopeful future includes better awareness and inclusion policies. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Neurodiversity Advocacy 05:33 Joshua's Journey into Neurodiversity Advocacy 16:12 Understanding Neurodiversity and Its Importance 23:19 The Role of Assessments in Neurodiversity 24:01 Daily Life as a Neurodiversity Advocate 27:39 Building Emotional Connections in Therapy 28:53 Referral Processes and Community Impact 30:15 Therapy Frequency and Individualized Plans 32:51 Generalization in Therapy 35:35 The Importance of Consistency and Resources 39:42 Empathy in Therapy and Professionalism 44:03 Advice for Parents of Newly Diagnosed Children 50:27 A Hopeful Future for Neurodivergent Individuals Resources: Connect with Boluwatife Joshua Ayanwole: LinkedIin: Boluwatife Joshua Ayanwole Whatsapp contact: (+234) 810 780 6004 Resources General Information for Parents www.school-doctor.com Questions? Email Us at eim@drtakon.com

    59 min
  8. Building Emotional Resilience in Children: Insights from Shruthi Desai

    JAN 19

    Building Emotional Resilience in Children: Insights from Shruthi Desai

    In this episode of the Early Intervention Matters podcast, host Inyang welcomes Shruthi, a passionate advocate for children's emotional well-being and the host of the Conscious Children Project.  The conversation delves into the importance of community support in parenting, emphasizing that parents should not feel pressured to be everything for their children.  Shruthi shares her journey from a corporate career to a more meaningful life focused on nurturing children's emotional intelligence through yoga and community engagement.  The discussion highlights the significance of understanding each child's unique emotional needs and the role of parents in modeling healthy emotional expressions.  Shruthi also provides practical strategies for parents to connect with their children, emphasizing the importance of routines, open communication, and the power of vulnerability in parenting. Takeaways "I realized that I cannot be everything for my children.""It's about identifying your community and finding support.""Every child is different; we can't use the same lens for each child.""Modeling healthy emotional expressions is crucial for children.""Accepting mistakes as part of parenting takes the pressure off." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Early Intervention Matters Podcast 04:42 Understanding Emotional Skills in Children 10:10 The Role of Yoga in Children's Development 15:52 The Importance of Naming Emotions 20:42 Creating Space for Emotional Expression 23:36 Tools for Supporting Emotional Expression 25:56 Co-Regulation During Distress 29:24 Modeling Healthy Emotional Expressions 30:25 Understanding Children's Emotions 37:55 Daily Routines for Emotional Development 49:25 Navigating Parenting Challenges 54:47 Cultural Influences on åParenting 57:55 The Importance of Community in Parenting 01:00:20 Finding Balance: The Role of Support Systems 01:02:42 Understanding Children's Emotional Needs 01:05:15 The Conscious Children's Project: Bridging Generational Gaps 01:07:14 YouTube Intro Early Intervention EIM Dr Takon.mp4 Resources: Dr. Takon: email: eim@drtakon.com website: www.drtakon.com Resources for schools and parents: www.school-doctor.com Shruthi's Resources: Recommended Book - "How to talk so kids will listen & listen so kids will talk" by Adele Faber (Author), Elaine Mazlish (Author) https://a.co/d/ao7lahg Connect with Shruthi online- LinkedIn: https://linktr.ee/muditaacircles Youtube Channel: https://youtube.com/@mindfullyshruthi?si=TYc3vI4I6wlZzJZg Podcast Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5LEmKmNSFBUPBULvUvCUA0?si=a58b0831cb434fac Website - www.muditacircles.com Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shruthidesai/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mindfullyshruthi Resources General Information for Parents www.school-doctor.com Questions? Email Us at eim@drtakon.com

    1h 9m
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About

The Early Intervention Matters Podcast is a podcast that informs, inspires and equips parents and professionals who live and work with children with neurodevelopmental difficulties and disabilities like autism, adhd, tic-disorders, and learning difficulties.

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Inyang Takon
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    33
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Early Intervention Matters
  • Show Website
    Early Intervention Matters