37 Navigating Divorce with a Special Needs Child: Expert Advice from Mary Ann Hughes
Release Date: 10/28/2024
51: Finding Your People: The Power of Support and Community
Autism Family Resource
Episode Overview In this episode, Brian sits down again with autistic advocate Mandy Pinkley to explore one of the most important (and often overlooked) parts of parenting a neurodivergent child: community. Together they talk about: Why parents often feel isolated even when surrounded by people How finding the right community can change everything for both parents AND kids The role of digital connections and why online spaces can be incredibly supportive How families in small or rural towns can create their own support systems What it means to raise your hand first — and be the...
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Helping Peers Become Better Advocates: Inclusion, Empathy & Real Conversations
Autism Family Resource
Host: Brian Keene, Pure Hearts Therapy Guest: Mandy — Autistic Advocate, Peer Mentor, Neurodiversity Educator 📘 Episode Summary In today’s episode, Brian welcomes back Mandy—an autistic advocate whose insight, honesty, and lived experiences help bridge understanding between neurodivergent individuals and the communities around them. This conversation explores: What true inclusion looks like How peers can become better allies The power of online communities Healthy boundaries and safety for autistic adolescents Why children should be believed, supported, and...
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49: Growing Up Autistic: Mandy’s Story, Emotional Depth, Digital Safety & Empowering Families
Autism Family Resource
In this episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, Brian sits down with autism advocate Mandy Pinckley, who shares her lived experiences growing up autistic, navigating deep emotions, overcoming isolation, and finding her voice as a speaker and advocate. Mandy opens up about the challenges she faced in childhood, the bullying she endured, and the obstacles that come with being a late-diagnosed autistic girl. She also discusses digital safety, online vulnerabilities for autistic teens, and how her painful experiences led her to advocacy work—including speaking at the CARD Conference about...
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48 Redefining “Okay” in Autism Parenting
Autism Family Resource
🔍 Episode Overview: In this episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, host Brian Keene sits down with licensed therapist and autism advocate Megan Ashley to explore how empathy and cultural context shape our understanding of autism. From decoding sensory experiences to the challenges of masking and gender disparities in diagnosis, this conversation is packed with insight and practical tools for parents. Learn how to redefine what “okay” really means for your autistic child—and why listening without bias is one of the most powerful things you can do. 🧠 In This Episode, You’ll...
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47: Transform Family Dynamics & Empower Your Child
Autism Family Resource
When raising a child with autism, ADHD, or sensory challenges, many families focus primarily on child-centered therapy. While occupational therapy, speech therapy, and behavior therapy are incredibly important, family support is just as crucial for long-term success. At Pure Hearts Therapy, we believe real change happens when parents are empowered too. In a recent episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, Brian Keene sat down with Lisa Chan, a parent coach, pediatric occupational therapist, and expert in child behavior, to discuss how parents can transform family dynamics and...
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46 Empowered Advocacy: Navigating Autism, Community, and Equity with Dr. Martine Laventure
Autism Family Resource
In this powerful episode, host Brian Keene welcomes Dr. Martine Laventure, a licensed social worker, mother, and passionate advocate for autism and inclusion. Together, they explore the complexities of navigating an autism diagnosis as a parent, the importance of building a village, and how cultural understanding shapes access to care. Dr. Martine shares her personal journey as a mother to an autistic child, how she uses her lens as a clinician and parent, and offers encouraging, real-world advice for families trying to find their footing. They also discuss...
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45 Calming the Chaos: Understanding Mouthing and Chewing Behaviors in Children
Autism Family Resource
Autism Family Resource Podcast Episode 45 (Sensory integration series Part 2) Welcome Back! In this episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, we delve into the world of sensory needs and explore the often-misunderstood behaviors of mouthing and chewing in children. Join us as we welcome back occupational therapist Dipali Devani for the second episode of our Calming the Chaos Sensory series. Dipali sheds light on the reasons behind these behaviors, how sensory needs influence these actions, and practical strategies to support your child. Guest: Dipali Devani Dipali Devani is a licensed...
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44 Embracing the Autism Voyage: Parenting, Life Planning, and Entrepreneurship with Michael Pereira
Autism Family Resource
Autism Family Resource Podcast Episode 44 Episode Title: Embracing the Autism Voyage: Parenting, Life Planning, and Entrepreneurship with Michael Pereira Welcome Back! Parenting a neurodivergent child is a journey filled with unique challenges, unexpected turns, and moments of profound growth. In this episode, we embark on an insightful conversation with Michael Pereira, founder of The Autism Voyage, as he shares his personal parenting experiences, practical daily living strategies, and financial planning insights for families with special needs. We'll also explore how entrepreneurship can...
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43 Navigating Divorce with Care: Mediation Tips for Protecting Your Kids
Autism Family Resource
Welcome Back! Divorce is never easy, and when a child with special needs is involved, the process can feel even more overwhelming. In this episode, we explore key legal and emotional considerations to help families navigate divorce while prioritizing their child’s well-being. Our guest expert, Anna Krolikowska, a seasoned family law attorney and mediator, shares practical advice on choosing the right divorce process, effective co-parenting strategies, and minimizing conflict to create the best possible outcome for your child. Guest: Anna Krolikowska Anna Krolikowska is a respected family...
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42 Calming the Chaos: Understanding and Addressing Sensory Sensitivities in Children
Autism Family Resource
Welcome Back! Join us as we explore how sensory sensitivities impact neurodivergent children and share practical strategies for creating a calmer, more supportive environment. Our guest, Dipali Devani, an occupational therapist and Ayurveda practitioner, shares expert insights on recognizing sensory triggers, creating calming spaces, and empowering children to regulate their responses. Whether your child struggles with certain textures, loud noises, or strong smells, this episode is packed with actionable tips to help you build a more harmonious home environment. Guest: Dipali DevaniDipali...
info_outlineDivorce is never easy, but when you have a child with autism or other special needs, the process can feel even more overwhelming. The Autism Family Resource Podcast is here to provide practical guidance and support during this challenging time. In this episode, we welcome Mary Ann Hughes, a compassionate and experienced special needs divorce coach and mother of two sons on the autism spectrum. Mary Ann shares her personal and professional insights to help families confidently navigate this difficult transition and prioritize their child's well-being.
Guest:
Mary Ann Hughes is a certified divorce coach and mediator specializing in families with special needs children.
Website: https://www.specialfamilytransitions.com/
Social Media: Facebook, Instagram, YouTube
Key Takeaways:
· Share the news of divorce with your child: Mary Ann emphasizes the importance of using a positive tone and creating a social story to help your child understand the changes that are happening.
o Mary Ann's YouTube video on creating a social story for divorce: https://youtu.be/wQtGlyZwCUI?si=5emzhpcbkK9yTUwO
· Take a meticulous and child-centric approach: Don't rush into major decisions. Carefully consider your child's long-term needs, including therapies, education, and financial resources.
· Focus on the future: Divorce is a difficult transition, but it's not the end. Maintain a positive outlook and focus on building a new life for yourself and your child.
· Protect your child's benefits: Understand the legal and financial implications of divorce on your child's eligibility for government benefits. Seek guidance from a knowledgeable family law attorney or financial expert.
· Consider mediation: Mediation can be a less adversarial way to reach agreements and co-parent effectively.
Special Family Transitions Resources:
https://www.specialfamilytransitions.com/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChI4BaUMGf50O2yPE_YnjFA
https://www.facebook.com/specialfamilytransitions
https://www.instagram.com/specialfamilytransitions/
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