Mixed Needs Mama Podcast

Terrie Hellard-Brown
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  • Parenting
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A podcast for Christian mamas of mixed-needs families with children who are neuro typical and neuro divergent. We discuss family culture, faith, and parenting joyfully even in the challenges of life.

  1. 19h ago

    Is Neurodivergence Real? A Christian Mom Responds to Matt Walsh

    Matt Walsh says neurodivergence isn't real. An autism advocacy group demanded an apology, he answered with a mocking one, and X erupted. In this episode, Terrie steps back from the shouting and pulls apart the three questions everyone is mixing together: Are autism, ADHD, and dyslexia real? Is "neurodivergent" a useful word? And is the neurodiversity philosophy true? Terrie looks at where the term came from and why its boundaries have become so blurry, takes on the most common claims from the online debate (that people use the label to avoid work, to excuse rudeness, or that it's tied to critical theory), and makes room for the families who often get left out of the conversation, including those caring for adults with profound autism. Then she turns to Scripture: Galatians 6, 2 Thessalonians 3, John 9, Exodus 4, 1 Corinthians 12, and the story of Mephibosheth in 2 Samuel 9. The result is a picture of disability and responsibility that holds both truths: we carry one another's burdens, and each of us carries what we can. She closes with practical steps for parents and churches, and a prayer for families who are afraid of the future. CHAPTERS 00:00 The online controversy and why it matters to families 02:02 Three separate questions behind the neurodivergence debate 03:48 Autism, ADHD, and dyslexia are real diagnoses 04:37 What "neurodivergent" means, and where the umbrella gets fuzzy 08:38 Neurodiversity philosophy, faith, and disability 12:10 Profound autism and the people broad debates can overlook 14:49 When to use specific diagnoses instead of umbrella labels 18:18 Critical theory claims, employment, and stereotypes 23:04 A diagnosis explains behavior; it does not excuse it 25:37 Families' long-term fears and the church's responsibility 32:15 What Scripture says about burdens, work, and disability 39:01 Practical guidance for parents: identity, language, and evaluation 42:26 Practical steps churches can take for long-term support 45:05 Recap, closing prayer, and resources for families RESOURCES MENTIONED Episode on critical disability theory: https://youtu.be/Is2v-8CUT3I?si=0YKm1vsOeWbBmXZW One-minute book review of the Mephibosheth picture book: https://youtu.be/aBLPwamzMcw The Family PEACE Challenge: https://wholefamstore.mysamcart.com/27-7-days-to-fewer-blowups-at-home-1/ Tame My Anxious Thoughts (guided journal, 7th grade through adult): https://link.amazon/B005nITAo Thought Tamer (children's journal, ages 9–12): available next week on Amazon thewholefamily.love SCRIPTURE Galatians 6:2, 5 | 2 Thessalonians 3:10 | John 9:1–3 | Exodus 4:10–16 | 1 Corinthians 12:22 | 2 Samuel 9 JOIN THE CONVERSATION Does your church have a disability or special needs ministry? What has helped your family? Share ideas and resources in the comments so we can encourage each other. #Neurodivergent #Autism #ADHD #SpecialNeedsParenting #ChristianParenting #MixedNeedsFamily #DisabilityMinistry

    Is Neurodivergence Real? A Christian Mom Responds to Matt Walsh

  2. Nov 6

    Your Child Is Not a Mistake: Josie Siler on Brokenness and Worth in Christ

    Josie Siler doesn't have children, but she remembers being the child who felt different. She grew up sickly, painfully shy, and wondering whether God could ever use her. Years later, she realized she had written her own story into a picture book about a donkey with a broken hee-haw. In this episode of Mixed Needs Mama, Terrie and Josie talk about helping kids, and their parents, believe they were made on purpose for a purpose. Terrie shares the day a pastor looked her in the eye and said, "You know your kids are not a mistake, right?" Josie explains why God rarely fulfills our dreams the way we expect, why the people around us often see God working in us before we do, and how she prays through everyday anxiety (yes, even road-trip bathroom anxiety). If parenting has you feeling broken, this one is for you. In this episode: Josie's new picture book, Poppy Possum and the Midnight Forest Games, and the message that nothing is impossible with God How Howie's Broken Hee-Haw turned out to be Josie's own story  Why "God chose you because you could handle it" never sat right with Terrie Encouraging kids when their dreams take an unexpected path Helping kids on the spectrum understand what a "relationship with Jesus" means The simple ministry of telling someone what you see God doing in them Why God may work most clearly through your weaknesses  ⏱ CHAPTERS 00:00 Intro 01:03 Poppy Possum and the promise that nothing is impossible 03:31 Howie's story and Josie's experience of chronic illness 06:00 Helping children know they are made on purpose 07:47 A parent's reminder: your child is not a mistake 09:56 Encouraging kids when God's plans take an unexpected path 15:00 Faith, neurodivergence, and making spiritual ideas tangible 17:34 Tell people where you see God at work in them 20:54 Broken but Priceless Ministries and identity in Christ 24:34 Finding Christ's presence in everyday anxieties 27:06 Creative work and why God uses our weaknesses 29:27 A life motto from 1 Corinthians 16:13–14 30:43 Choosing love when anxiety turns us inward 33:21 Josie's closing encouragement from Ephesians 3:20 If you or someone you love is struggling with thoughts of suicide, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, U.S.). 📚 MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Poppy Possum and the Midnight Forest Games by Josie Siler https://josiesiler.com/books-news/ Howie's Broken Hee-Haw by Josie Siler. A new edition with new illustrations is coming in March. Until then, message Josie on social media for a copy. https://josiesiler.com/contact-me/ Broken but Priceless Ministries: daily encouragement on Facebook, plus a free quarterly magazine. https://www.facebook.com/BrokenButPricelessMinistries/ and https://brokenbutpriceless.wordpress.com/ Josie's website: https://josiesiler.com/ Josie's earlier conversation with Terrie on Sparking Everyday Discipleship https://open.spotify.com/episode/2F23pwdyPbmo4ZDD7F16wj?si=5ffa0c93de544b7e Scripture referenced: Luke 1:37, 1 Corinthians 16:13–14, 2 Corinthians 12:9, Ephesians 3:20, Hebrews 10:24 Reflect: What do you see God doing in your child that they can't see yet? When will you tell them this week? Questions or comments? Leave them below. We'd love to hear from you. 🔗 CONNECT Website: https://terriehellardbrown.com/ Mixed Needs Mama and Sparking Everyday Discipleship are part of The Whole Family, encouragement for families raising kids with different needs.  #mixedneedsmama #christianparenting #josiesiler

    Your Child Is Not a Mistake: Josie Siler on Brokenness and Worth in Christ

  3. Oct 30

    Fidget Rings for Kids, Teens, and Adults: What to Buy and How to Make Your Own

    Discreet fidget rings for anxious kids, teens, and adults: favorite store-bought picks, plus easy wire-and-bead rings you can make together at home. Show notes In the third episode of our crafting series, Terrie shares one of her adult children's favorite calming tools: fidget rings. Rings are less obvious than a fidget toy, so they work well for teens and adults who want something quiet to calm themselves without drawing attention. Terrie covers three store-bought options. One is a men's black spinner ring with a small cross. Another is a "Faith Over Fear" spinner ring in silver or gold, a reminder for anyone dealing with anxiety. The third is an inexpensive 12-pack of colorful rotating rings for younger kids. For crafty families, Terrie walks through the wire-and-bead rings she makes herself. These include a horseshoe-style ring with beads in the center, a ring with beads that slide along a separate wire, and a coiled dragon ring with beads inside the coil. She also shares the tools you'll need and points to a tutorial for advanced crafters who want to make a true metal ring-within-a-ring. Making these with your kids is a chance to laugh and talk together. If they get frustrated along the way, it's also a chance to teach perseverance and patience. Chapters 00:00 Store-bought fidget rings for kids, teens, and adults 03:02 Handmade rings: spinning beads, a coiled dragon, and tools 05:08 Two easy wire-and-bead designs to try 06:33 Crafting together: connection, calm, and perseverance 08:12 Closing thoughts and future craft episodes In this episode: Why fidget rings work well for teens and adults Three affordable store-bought fidget rings How to make simple wire-and-bead fidget rings at home Tools and supplies you need for DIY rings Using craft frustrations to teach perseverance Resources mentioned: Men's black spinner ring with cross: https://link.amazon/B0iowX4cc  "Faith Over Fear" spinner ring (silver/gold): https://link.amazon/B0643HSQn  Kids' rotating fidget rings, 12-pack: https://link.amazon/B0brHVqPW  Horseshoe bead ring tutorial (also the base for the dragon ring): https://youtu.be/o-GgHGRJys8?si=Q7_bImaNRZNmrhQd  Sliding-bead ring tutorial (three wires across): https://youtu.be/hFkD5VrXImk?si=Ict6ztT7mBh_Rb0K  Another ring customers really like that they can fidget with: https://youtu.be/oJTnrtC9poA?si=GTnSZj9SojyYW6ak  Coiled dragon charms: https://share.temu.com/Cyrzvwy9lAC  Metal ring-within-a-ring tutorial for advanced crafters: https://youtu.be/qbgAt05cePs?si=Pjckpm47dSlo-njL  Tools/supplies:     24 gauge wire: https://link.amazon/B0gs1tm4H     16 gauge wire: https://link.amazon/B0bJh4GeK      rawhide hammer: https://link.amazon/B07vHMaq2 (you only need one of the hammers, but I have both and use both)     metal hammer: https://link.amazon/B08tjCPA9 (you only need one of the hammers, but I have both and use both)     ring mandrel: https://link.amazon/B0cqOHFgk      bent nose pliers: https://link.amazon/B09GM4MYm      needlenose pliers: https://link.amazon/B0ieCYGIQ      round nose pliers: https://link.amazon/B030j1cNC      seed beads: https://link.amazon/B023aZWrh      crystal beads: https://link.amazon/B08rqhZaU   Do you have a topic you'd like us to cover? Leave it in the YouTube comments. We read and respond to every one.

    Fidget Rings for Kids, Teens, and Adults: What to Buy and How to Make Your Own

  4. Oct 23 ·  Video

    Car Sickness Help for Kids: Make an Acupressure Bead Bracelet

    Does your child get car sick or nauseated on trips? In this episode of Mixed Needs Mama, Terrie walks you through making a simple acupressure bracelet with your kids, one they design themselves with beads they pick out. It gives them a tool to use when nausea hits and something to focus on besides how they feel. In this episode: Choosing the right elastic cord (thick vs. thin, and why you stretch it first) The binder-clip trick that keeps beads from sliding off while kids work Why the bracelet needs one bead larger than all the rest Finding the acupressure point on the inner wrist and how to use the bead on it Sealing the knot kid-safely with glue instead of a lighter, and hiding it inside a bead Peppermint as a second go-to for nausea Chapters 00:00 Introduction to parenting mixed needs families 00:19 Overview of practical tips for nausea relief 01:04 How to make a nausea relief bracelet 02:07 Choosing the right elastic thread and beads 03:00 Using acupressure points for nausea relief 04:36 Tips for sealing and customizing bracelets 06:41 Additional remedies and engaging children 20:41 Options for purchasing pre-made bracelets 22:02 Supporting neurodivergent children and building family culture Finding the spot: The point is called P6 (Nei Guan). It's on the inside of the forearm, about three finger-widths below the wrist crease, between the two tendons. Press or roll the large bead there when nausea starts. Here's a video that shows you: https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1JwpxHe6ir/  Want one made for you? Email Terrie at contact@terriehellardbrown.com with the colors you'd like and the wrist measurement. Bracelets are $8 + shipping. Prefer to buy one? https://link.amazon/A01WOtvvJ or https://link.amazon/B0g3QJmrq (Amazon has more styles as well) Amazon also recommends these items to help children with motion sickness: Tummy Pops: https://link.amazon/B0bZVW8gm,  Travel Ease: https://link.amazon/B04wWvJ3n  Herbal Gummies: https://link.amazon/B06n2jrUU  Patches: https://link.amazon/B06Rvmkbv  As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Resources: Scritchy Scratchy SOCKS: a picture book to help kids understand sensory differences and build empathy Shop books and family discipleship resources at terriehellardbrown.com Join the weekly newsletter and get free downloads, including more crafts that support your neurodivergent child: signup here Have a topic you'd like covered? Leave a comment here.

  5. Oct 16

    DIY Zipper Bracelets: A Quiet, Wearable Fidget for Kids Who Stim

    Fidget toys are wonderful, but buying lots of them gets expensive fast. In this episode, Terrie shows you how to make zipper bracelets. They're colorful, inexpensive fidgets your kids can wear all day and zip and unzip whenever they need to. They're quiet until they're in use, they don't draw attention, and they're simple enough for older kids to make on their own. In this episode: Why fidgets and stimming still matter for older kids and adults The three supplies you need: zippers, clasp fasteners, and embroidery floss How to cut, fold, and sew the ends so the bracelet won't come apart Why a sharper needle works better than a blunt embroidery needle How to break in a stiff new zipper Other ways to wear them, including as a double ring Using them as a family craft or a Christmas stocking stuffer 📚 MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Supplies: Zippers: https://link.amazon/B0cNSD0Cq Clasp fasteners: https://link.amazon/B0fJ1B7Xf Embroidery floss: https://link.amazon/B05DYjDAQ Sharp large-eye needle: https://link.amazon/B00CLFv7F Fidget toys we love: ONO fidgets (great for teens and adults): https://getono.com/ Amazon favorites: https://link.amazon/B0iYgz9N5 https://link.amazon/B0jawEBJq https://link.amazon/B0eyYL5Vw Original tutorial and video: https://www.momsandcrafters.com/how-to-make-a-zipper-bracelet/ (She also has the products she used linked on her site so you can click from there as well. Scroll down on her page for the video demo) Join the conversation: What does your child use to fidget or stim? How do you handle it in public or at church? Share your quiet fidget ideas in the comments, along with any topics you'd like us to cover on a future episode. Affiliate disclosure: Some links above are affiliate links. If you buy through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. ⏱ CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction to Fidget Toy Ideas 02:01 Step-by-Step: Making the Zipper Bracelets 03:21 Tips for Securing the Fidget Bracelets 04:56 Creative Uses and Variations of Fidget Bracelets 06:16 Encouraging Kids to Make Their Own Fidgets 07:12 Closing Remarks and Resources  🔗 CONNECT Website: https://terriehellardbrown.com/ Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mixed-needs-mama-podcast/id1865657564  Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5T3VUhFFpSQxfdOOGqwB6X?si=1ea25d34f095457b  Mixed Needs Mama and Sparking Everyday Discipleship are part of The Whole Family, encouragement for families raising kids with different needs. #MixedNeedsMama #christianparenting #fidgettoys

    DIY Zipper Bracelets: A Quiet, Wearable Fidget for Kids Who Stim

  6. Oct 9

    The Discipline Conversation I Wish I'd Had with My Kids

    The Discipline Conversation I Wish I'd Had with My Kids In a mixed-needs home, fair discipline doesn't always mean the same discipline. Terrie disciplined her children privately to protect their dignity, and she tailored consequences to each child. A favorite device taken away for five minutes reached her neurodivergent kids in a way timeout never did. For her social-butterfly daughter, staying home was the consequence that mattered most. But there was a loophole she didn't see until her kids were grown. Her neurotypical daughter never saw her siblings being disciplined, so she assumed they were getting away with everything and that she was held to a higher standard. One conversation could have prevented years of hurt feelings. In this episode: Why private discipline protects your child's dignity and your relationship, and the blind spot it can create Why neurodivergent kids often don't connect a consequence to what they did, and what to do instead Matching consequences to each child's personality and needs Why explaining the why builds true discipline, not just compliance, and reflects God's heart behind His boundaries The family conversation about expectations and consequences that keeps siblings from feeling cheated Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Parenting and Discipline 01:52 Discipline Approaches in Public and Private 03:08 Different Needs of Neurodivergent and Neurotypical Children 04:19 Effective Discipline Techniques for Different Children 05:08 The Power of Explaining the 'Why' 06:24 Discipline as a Reflection of God's Heart 07:17 The Importance of Clarifying Discipline Reasons 08:32 Tailoring Discipline to Each Child 09:25 Having Ongoing Family Expectations Discussions 10:11 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Terrie is currently writing Parenting from God's Heart, which goes deeper into discipline as discipleship.

    The Discipline Conversation I Wish I'd Had with My Kids

  7. Oct 2

    Hygiene Struggles with Autistic Kids: What Actually Helps

    Hygiene is one of the hardest things to teach when you're parenting kids on the spectrum. You teach it, they do it, and the next day it's like it never happened. In this episode of Mixed Needs Mama, Terrie Hellard-Brown shares what has actually worked in her mixed-needs family, from potty training through the teen years and into adulthood: • Why routines beat checklists for many neurodivergent kids • The detangling brush that ended the hairbrushing battles • Sensory-friendly options for teeth, periods, and cleaning chores • "Clutter blindness": why your child may not see the mess, and how to teach them to • Why patience and modeling matter more than reminders Chapters: 00:00 Why hygiene is so hard to teach 1:40 Routines vs. checklists 02:04 Sensory-friendly hair brushing 05:05 Potty training, periods & sensory-friendly options 07:22 Teeth: electric brushes, rinse & checking in 10:00 Teaching laundry and chores 11:25 Clutter blindness: teaching kids to see the mess 13:33 Modeling the habits you want 14:26 Gloves and tools for germ-averse kids 15:16 What's worked for you? + closing prayer What has helped your kids? Share it in the comments. Your idea might be exactly what another parent needs. 📚 MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE. 🔗 Detangling hairbrush: https://link.amazon/B06dqz4zd 🔗 Potty training blog post: https://www.twentyonedandelions.com/blog/a-moms-guide-to-potty-training-your-child-with-special-needs 🔗 The Whole Family: https://thewholefamily.love Mixed Needs Mama helps Christian parents in mixed-needs homes move from survival mode to sustainable peace. #MixedNeedsFamily #AutismParenting #ChristianParenting

    Hygiene Struggles with Autistic Kids: What Actually Helps

  8. Sep 24

    Protecting Your Child's Childhood: A Discussion on Parentification

    Summary In this episode, Annie shares her personal experience with parentification, exploring how taking on adult responsibilities as a child affected her development and relationships. Her insights offer valuable guidance for families navigating similar dynamics.   Key Topics Parentification and its effects on children Personal stories of childhood caregiving Balancing responsibility and childhood innocence Advice for families dealing with parentification The long-term impact on sibling relationships Sound Bites "Responsibility is not bad, but it should be shared equally." "Children should not have to carry adult burdens." "Let kids fall forward to learn and grow." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Parentification and Annie's Background 00:22 Early Memories of Taking on Parental Roles 00:42 The Year of Overwhelming Responsibility in Taiwan 00:45 The Emotional Toll of Parentification 00:46 Advice for Families Facing Similar Challenges 00:48 The Role of Translator and Cultural Responsibilities 01:03 The Impact on Annie's Personal Development 01:08 Moving to America and the Loss of Purpose 01:25 Lessons Learned and Moving Forward 01:53 The Importance of Allowing Children to Fail 02:02 Recognizing and Avoiding Enabling Behaviors 02:03 The Long-Term Effects on Adult Relationships 02:26 Encouragement for Parents and Caregivers 02:28 Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts

    Protecting Your Child's Childhood: A Discussion on Parentification
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A podcast for Christian mamas of mixed-needs families with children who are neuro typical and neuro divergent. We discuss family culture, faith, and parenting joyfully even in the challenges of life.

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