S2Ep23: Supporting Special Needs Moms: Stories of Strength and Resilience

Stephanie and Sarah share their powerful stories of navigating life as special needs moms. Stephanie’s son, Ben, has autism and a rare genetic disorder called Cohen Syndrome, while Sarah’s son, Liam, has autism and a speech disorder. Together, we explore the challenges, triumphs, and deep love that come with raising special needs children.We’ll also discuss how friends and relatives can provide the most meaningful support to these amazing moms. This conversation is for every mom walking this path, offering connection, community, and a reminder that you’re never alone.

00:00 Introduction 

0248 Sarah talks about Liam’s autism and childhood apraxia of speech diagnosis

0415 The fear but reassurance with a diagnosis

0520 Stephanie talks about Ben’s Cohen Syndrome diagnosis and autism

0749 Whole exome sequencing testing for mom dad and baby and having 2nd child

1049 Welcome to Holland analogy 

1214 Grieving the loss and the trauma of a different parenting experience

1325 Sarah talking about the diagnosis changing everything and nothing

1435 Stephanie advocating for exome sequencing testing 

1739 Challenges and wins in special needs parenting

2126 Advice for other special needs parents and moms 

2437 How to be a source of support for special needs parents 

2655 What moms need to do for their own self care 

3051 Create community with Stephanie and Sarah

Connect with Kristi Hujik:

Instagram - https://instagram.com/wholehealthkristi

Website - https://kristihujik.com Sign up for my free newsletter

Product discounts and links for you - https://linktr.ee/wholehealth

Subscribe to my Youtube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@wholehealthkristi13

Full Show Notes

Connect with Stephanie Cahill:

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/stephaniecahill_/

Welcome to Holland Poem - https://www.emilyperlkingsley.com/welcome-to-holland

Els for Autism School https://www.elsforautism.org/about-us/on-our-campus/

Read about Cohen Syndrome - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11665826/

Connect with Sarah Oberholtzer: 

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/livingthecounterlife

Read about Apraxia of Speech