61 episodes

Some people think of disabilities as "special needs." But as parents of children with disabilities, we know our kids just have needs... like everyone else. Settle in with our podcast for real talk about advocacy, friendships, developmental delays, evaluations, IEPs, sensory meltdowns, autism, and all the ups and downs that come with this gig. We don’t have all the answers, but we promise to try to figure it out with you. Join us.

Just Needs: parenting children with disabilities Exceptional Lives

    • Kids & Family
    • 5.0 • 3 Ratings

Some people think of disabilities as "special needs." But as parents of children with disabilities, we know our kids just have needs... like everyone else. Settle in with our podcast for real talk about advocacy, friendships, developmental delays, evaluations, IEPs, sensory meltdowns, autism, and all the ups and downs that come with this gig. We don’t have all the answers, but we promise to try to figure it out with you. Join us.

    Re-Release: The importance of sleep in early childhood with Dr. Nilong Vyas

    Re-Release: The importance of sleep in early childhood with Dr. Nilong Vyas

    This week, Christina chats with Dr. Nilong Vyas of Sleepless in NOLA, on the importance of sleep in early childhood. They’ll answer questions like, “Why is sleep important?” and “My child is a terrible sleeper. Is it me or something else?” Listen along for helpful information and tips and tricks around sleep.
     
    Resources mentioned in this episode
    What is a sleep consultant and how do they help families?Sleep Disorders in ChildrenAutism Awareness & SleepMelatonin for Kids: A Guide for Parents and CaregiversSleepless in NOLADr. Vyas’ Bedtime ChecklistThank you Dr. Vyas for offering our families a discount on your services! For a 10% discount use code: INEEDSLEEP10
    Where to find Exceptional Lives
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    • 31 min
    Re-Release: 5 tips for filing taxes for people with disabilities

    Re-Release: 5 tips for filing taxes for people with disabilities

    Nothing’s sure but… well, you know the end of that sentence. If your family includes a child or adult with a disability, here are 5 important things to know before you file your taxes in 2022.
    Resources mentioned in this episode
    5 Things to Know Before Filing Taxes for People with DisabilitiesABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) AccountsSpecial Needs Alliance: Attorneys for Special Needs PlanningTax Help for People with DisabilitiesLiving and Working with Disabilities (IRS) Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA): free tax preparation help for taxpayers who qualifyWhere to find Exceptional Lives
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    • 9 min
    Re-Release: Flying with kids with disabilities: 5 tips to make the trip easier

    Re-Release: Flying with kids with disabilities: 5 tips to make the trip easier

    Flying with kids with disabilities can be stressful and overwhelming. This week’s podcast episode has 5 tips to make the trip easier for you and your child.

    Resources mentioned in this episode

    Better parenting using self-regulation
    What is self-regulation and how can it help me be a better parent?
    ¿Qué es la autorregulación y cómo puede ayudarme a ser un mejor padre?
    Co-regulation: Your secret tool for managing meltdowns
    How can co-regulation help my child’s behavior? Strategies for parenting children with disabilities
    ¿Cómo puede ayudarle a mi hijo la corregulación? Estrategias para ser padre de niños con discapacidades
    US Department of Transportation; Wheelchairs and Other Assistive Devices
    Disabilities and Medical Conditions
    What is the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower?
    Wings for Autism / Wings for All
    TSA Notification Card
    What To Do When an Airline Damages Your Wheelchair
    Where to find Exceptional Lives
    Facebook
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    LinkedIn

    • 8 min
    Bonus: Pediatric Sleep Study: Sleepless in Baton Rogue

    Bonus: Pediatric Sleep Study: Sleepless in Baton Rogue

    In this bonus episode, Christina discusses doing a pediatric sleep study with her son and his sensory needs.
     
    Resources mentioned in this episode
    The importance of sleep in early childhood with Dr. Nilong VyasSleepless in NOLAOur Lady of the Lake Sleep MedicineWhere to find Exceptional Lives
    Facebook
    Instagram
    TikTok
    LinkedIn

    • 8 min
    The importance of sleep in early childhood with Dr. Nilong Vyas

    The importance of sleep in early childhood with Dr. Nilong Vyas

    This week, Christina chats with Dr. Nilong Vyas of Sleepless in NOLA, on the importance of sleep in early childhood. They’ll answer questions like, “Why is sleep important?” and “My child is a terrible sleeper. Is it me or something else?” Listen along for helpful information and tips and tricks around sleep.
     
    Resources mentioned in this episode
    What is a sleep consultant and how do they help families?Sleep Disorders in ChildrenAutism Awareness & SleepMelatonin for Kids: A Guide for Parents and CaregiversSleepless in NOLADr. Vyas’ Bedtime ChecklistThank you Dr. Vyas for offering our families a discount on your services! For a 10% discount use code: INEEDSLEEP10
    Where to find Exceptional Lives
    Facebook
    Instagram
    TikTok
    LinkedIn

    • 31 min
    How to be a great health care advocate for your complex kid

    How to be a great health care advocate for your complex kid

    What do you do if you just found out your child has medically complex needs? Do you know how to be a great health care advocate for your complex kid? Christina gets helpful information and insight from Julia Roberts, parent and long-time advocate, in this week's episode. 
    Resources mentioned in this episode
    Julia RobertsChildren with Medical ComplexityHealth Insurance for a Child With Disabilities: Easily Navigate Coverage and ServicesHow to get medical insurance for a child with a disabilityHow to get the most out of health insurance for your child with disabilitiesFrequently Asked Questions about Health InsuranceWhat happens when a child with a disability turns 18?If you are undocumented (don’t have papers), you can get care at a Federally Qualified Health Center.Where to find Exceptional Lives
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    • 37 min

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