Skip to main content
The eSpecial Needs Podcast

The eSpecial Needs Podcast

By eSpecial Needs

eSpecial Needs sits down with therapists, educators, and parents in the special needs community to discuss a wide variety of important topics.
Available on
Apple Podcasts Logo
Google Podcasts Logo
Overcast Logo
Pocket Casts Logo
RadioPublic Logo
Spotify Logo
Currently playing episode

Physical Activity and Sports for Individuals with Special Needs with Physical Therapist Kelly Behlmann

The eSpecial Needs PodcastApr 11, 2019

00:00
38:35
Your kiddo just got diagnosed, what's next? with Christina Narasimhan

Your kiddo just got diagnosed, what's next? with Christina Narasimhan

Christina Narasimhan is the Director for Region 2 of the St. Louis County, St. Louis Area First Steps discusses with host Katherine Blanner next steps after a diagnosis. 

Mar 06, 202134:25
Social Skills for Individuals Autism with EasterSeals Midwest's Melanie Mills

Social Skills for Individuals Autism with EasterSeals Midwest's Melanie Mills

In this episode of the eSpecial Needs Podcast, we sit down with Melanie Mills, who is the director of Autism Services for EasterSeals Midwest. 

Mar 06, 202135:02
Equine Therapy with guests Amy Willard and Kathy Castellitto of TREE House
Jul 29, 202047:54
DIY Sensory Solutions with Autism Mom Sarah Weirich

DIY Sensory Solutions with Autism Mom Sarah Weirich

Sarah Weirich, also known as @embracingthespectrum on Instagram, is a queen of sensory solutions for her son Tristan. They've decked out their two-bedroom apartment with a variety of sensory experiences. Learn Sarah's ideas and solutions. 

Jul 15, 202039:39
Meet Make-A-Wish®! with guest Ashley Hopkins

Meet Make-A-Wish®! with guest Ashley Hopkins

Ashley Hopkins, Wish Manager for Make-A-Wish® Missouri & Kansas, gives us insight as to how wishes are granted from start to finish. 

Jul 01, 202021:26
Funding profile: Variety

Funding profile: Variety

Variety is an international organization that provides kiddos with disabilities and special needs funding for therapies and equipment. In this episode, Susan Susch gives us insights as to how the organization got started, qualifiers for funding, and how to begin reaching out for funding. 

Jun 17, 202022:26
Raising a kiddo with autism from diagnosis to guardianship with guest Malinda Cook

Raising a kiddo with autism from diagnosis to guardianship with guest Malinda Cook

Malinda and Chad cook are the hosts of the podcast Autism Mastermind. In this episode, we discuss practical tips for parenting a kiddo with autism from diagnosis to guardianship. 

Jun 03, 202037:19
Therapy and Assistance Dogs for Individuals with Special Needs with Guest Pam Budke

Therapy and Assistance Dogs for Individuals with Special Needs with Guest Pam Budke

Pam Budke is the executive director for CHAMP Assistance Dogs. We discuss the ins and outs of therapy and assistance dogs for individuals with special needs or disabilities. 

May 20, 202030:54
Mini-Episode: Tips for parenting during lockdown from an autism parent

Mini-Episode: Tips for parenting during lockdown from an autism parent

Malinda Cook, host of the Autism Mastermind podcast, gives us tips and tricks for parenting her daughter, Paige, during lockdown. 

May 06, 202024:24
Mini-Episode: Tips for learning from home with guest Mary Blanner

Mini-Episode: Tips for learning from home with guest Mary Blanner

Guest Mary Blanner has 8 kids and used to home school all of them. To top it all off, she has a bachelor's in special education and is pursuing her master's in the same field.  These days, her kiddos, who now attend a private school, are learning from home again. In this episode of the eSpecial Needs Podcast, we discuss quarantine-time tips for parents of kiddos of all ages and abilities. 

Apr 22, 202026:12
Finding Friends with Kelly Quinn

Finding Friends with Kelly Quinn

Kelly Quinn is the State Director for the state of Missouri for Best Buddies international. We discuss the importance of finding, maintaining, and cultivating good friendships for individuals with special needs and/or disabilities. 

Apr 08, 202059:14
The Ins and Outs of Autism, Aggression, and ABA Therapy with Angela Craven

The Ins and Outs of Autism, Aggression, and ABA Therapy with Angela Craven

Angela Craven is a certified ABA therapist from St. Louis, MO. Craven gives us insights into behavioral techniques and therapies to help understand autism, aggression, and ABA. 

Jun 20, 201955:17
Special Needs Siblings with Lyndsey Boyer, OT/R

Special Needs Siblings with Lyndsey Boyer, OT/R

Lyndsey Boyer is the founder of our Special Needs Family Support Group here at eSpecial Needs. She is connected to the special needs community in a pretty unique way. Not only is she an occupational therapist, but she's also has a twin sister who has CP. In this episode of the eSpecial Needs Podcast, Lyndsey gives insight into the unique relationships families form with their loved ones with special needs. 

Jun 06, 201951:48
The Ins and Outs of the IEP Process with John Ourth

The Ins and Outs of the IEP Process with John Ourth

The IEP process can seem a bit daunting. Pack your bag with the necessary information and communication tools from special education teacher for Great Circle, John Ourth. He's written over 200 IEPs in his career, so he's got the tips and tricks that you need to know to help your kiddo. 

May 23, 201950:56
Sex Education for Individuals with Special Needs with Nicholas Maio-Ather

Sex Education for Individuals with Special Needs with Nicholas Maio-Ather

Just about every kid needs the birds and the bees talk at some point. For individuals with special needs, that doesn't always happen. We sit down with sex therapist Nicholas Maio-Ather to talk about the importance of talking to your kiddo with special needs, how to help them understand the anatomy of it, and the significance of teaching consent at an early age. Please keep in mind that the content of this podcast may not be acceptable for a workplace environment, or age-appropriate for younger children. 

May 09, 201901:14:18
Literacy for individuals with special needs with Mary Blanner

Literacy for individuals with special needs with Mary Blanner

eSpecial Needs sits down with early childhood special education reading specialist, Mary Blanner, to talk about the importance of literacy and the tips and tools to make it as effective as possible. 

Apr 25, 201934:21
Physical Activity and Sports for Individuals with Special Needs with Physical Therapist Kelly Behlmann

Physical Activity and Sports for Individuals with Special Needs with Physical Therapist Kelly Behlmann

eSpecial Needs sits down with Kelly Behlman, physical therapist and executive director/founder of the Disabled Athlete Sports Association (DASA) in St. Louis, MO, to talk about the importance of physical activity for individuals with special needs. Music is "Easy Saturday" by Bad Snacks, from the Youtube Music Archive. 

Apr 11, 201938:35
Ninja Therapy with Emily Martin MOT, OTR/L
Mar 28, 201941:27