Life at EASe
By Early Autism Services
Life at EASeMay 17, 2023
Highest Potential Pathways: Assisting Families Through Their Special Needs Journey
On today’s episode of Life at EASe we are speaking with Pam Beron regarding her coaching business, Highest Potential Pathways, where she focuses on assisting families through their special needs journey. Pam is a veteran special education teacher of 14 years. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Special Education Curriculum and Instruction and Master of Arts in Education specializing in behavior analysis. When her teaching career brought her to a virtual school, she began to fully realize the impact of coaching parents in order to best support their child with a disability at home so they can reach their highest potential. Pam coaches parents through some of the most challenging aspects of parenting a child with a disability: processing a diagnosis, learning about programs and resources available and choosing which ones best fit their family, navigating school systems with referrals and IEP processes, community involvement/inclusion, and home systems of support. Her mission is to empower parents to become their own best advocate for their child.
Pam plans to launch a course titled ‘Pathway to Your Best IEP: A Parent's Guide’ in July. Life at EASe listeners may use this link for a promotional offer Course Waitlist ! If you are interested in working with Pam please visit highestpotentialpathways.com to book a free 30 minute exploration session. Once you are on her website you may take a look at the different options you have in terms of services. You may also follow Highest Potential Pathways on Instagram @highestpotentialpathways where you’ll find helpful tips and resources.
Spot A Spider: Teaching Children to Recognize and Prevent Abuse
On today’s episode of Life at EASe, we are talking about protecting children from covert and overt abuse with Dr. Amy Saltzman. Amy is a former competitive gymnast, physician, mindfulness coach, author, victim/sur-thrivor of decades of covert emotional abuse, and expert on protecting children from abuse. She has a knack for translating difficult topics into “kid speak.” Dr. Amy is passionate about preventing abuse in sports, schools, music programs, religious settings, and community activities. She offers individual support, and group workshops on seeing, stopping, and healing from abuse.
Visit www.spotaspider.com for the How To Spot a Sneaky Spider and How To Spot An Obvious Spider videos. Dr. Amy’s videos are also available for screening for larger groups. You may contact Dr. Amy via email for more details regarding booking her for an in-person or zoom talk - info@spotaspider.com. If you would like to reach out to Early Autism Services with consultation requests please email us at info@earlyautismservices.com.
Creating an Inclusive Worship Community with Rockpointe Community Church, MI
On today’s episode of Life at EASe, we are speaking with Rockpointe Community Church in Sterling Heights MI about the importance of creating an inclusive worship community with Pastor Mickey and Kim Ryder. Mickey Badalamenti comes to Rockpointe via the business world. It was in this environment that he honed his project management and leadership skills. In responding to God’s call to move into full-time ministry, Mickey brings with him these significant assets. He also brings a passionate and articulate zeal for Truth that comes from being a former skeptic himself. Mickey is also the Campus Coordinator for Detroit Bible Institute, which is sponsored by a consortium of local churches and hosted at Rockpointe.
Kimberly Ryder is a busy homeschooling mother of four. She has a bachelor's degree in Interior Design with minors in Teaching and Art. Her passions for learning, education and people have led her to engaging in the Bridges Program at Rockpointe Community Church in Sterling Heights MI, where she has served for the last 7 years. Using both her formal training and personal Homeschool Education experience, she teaches the special needs students in the Bridges Program. While teaching the students planned lessons and engaging with them individually, she shares about God’s love for them and their intrinsic value in a relatable way.
You may reach Pastor Mickey at mickey@rockpointe.org and Kim at marie.ryder@yahoo.com directly about the Bridges Program. Feel free to check out a presentation we at Early Autism Services created outlining how to set up a more inclusive space. Education For Welcoming Families With Children With Autism To A Worship Community If you would like to reach out to us with consultation requests please email us at info@earlyautismservices.com
Finding Your Strengths with Dyslexia Coach Leddy Glenn
On this episode of Life at EASe, we are speaking with Leddy Glenn, Dyslexia Coach. Leddy was diagnosed with dyslexia in second grade, which started her journey as a student with disabilities. This came with educational support and taunting from classmates. Leddy decided to hide her dyslexia diagnosis, which left her feeling overwhelmed, ashamed, and insecure about who she was. After earning two Master’s Degrees and working for over 20 years with individuals and groups to explore their abilities, Leddy decided to stop hiding and become an advocate for others with invisible disabilities. Leddy works with middle-schoolers through adulthood teaching, and guiding to help find their strengths and supports that work for them to reach their goals and then exceed them. She will guide you to silencing your inner critic and give you tools to find your passions, strengths, and courage. Leddy is a lifelong learner who is a trained special education teacher, business owner, wife, and parent. If you would like to book a consultation with Leddy and find out more about the services she provides please visit her website https://leddyglenn.com or www.leddyglenncoaching.com. Leddy provides a free e-book on self-sabotage on her website. By reading Leddy’s book, you will learn about ways to overcome your insecurities and struggles and to learn how to be proud of the person you are.
Creating Inclusive Spaces with the All-Access Inclusion Network (AAIN)
On today’s episode, we have Blaire Donnelly-Mason. Blaire is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) and works as a Program Manager for Vanderbilt Kennedy Center’s Treatment and Research Institute for Autism Spectrum Disorders (TRIAD) in Nashville, Tennessee. Blaire helps lead TRIAD’s Community Engagement Program which includes the All-Access Inclusion Network, an innovative community network of arts, education, athletic, and entertainment organizations that works to promote full inclusion of autistic children and adults and other developmental disabilities.
Please contact Blaire- blaire.donnelly-mason@vumc.org for a consultation or meet and greet if you are needing assistance in creating a more inclusive space. There is no fee for this service. If you are a caregiver and would like more information about Autism resources available in the community, diagnostic information, speaking to a therapist, or any other need please contact the Autism Resource Line at 615 322 7565, or email autismresources@vumc.org. If you are interested in attending AAIN's biannual meetings (open to community members and providers) in June or December, register on their website https://vkc.vumc.org/vkc/triad/cei-AAIN/.
Cultural Barriers to Understanding Autism in the South Asian Community
On this episode of Life at EASe, we are discussing the Cultural Barriers to Understanding Autism in the South Asian Community with Sana Khan and Dr. Nayela Ahmad. Sana Khan is a Speaker, Writer and Coach. Born and raised in India, Khan has attained her engineering degree in India. She has a Masters in International Business from EAE Business School in Barcelona, Spain and UPC Catalonia, Spain. Khan has written a motivational eBook entitled, “Dreamcatcher Framework.” She has also co-authored two anthologies titled, “Pause and Pen" and "Hijri ". She coaches people to build inner confidence and break through their problems using NLP, TLT, and Mental Space Psychology. Dr. Nayela Ahmad is Special Educator, DIR Floortime Practitioner, Language Interventionist at Listening Ears by Oishi Care Clinic in Delhi and at The Nurture Clinic in Lucknow. Nayela is currently pursuing a Masters in Early Intervention in Deaf Education from Fontbonne University. You can find Sana on www.talkwithsana.com, FaceBook and YouTube: @TalkwithSana, Instagram: @sanakrblogs, Blog: adaydreameradiary@wordpress.com. You may find Listening Ears on FB and IG @listeningears_oishicare . You can find The Nurture Clinic on FB.
Caring for an Adult on the Spectrum: A Conversation with Author and Mom Linda Miller
On today's episode of Life at EASe we have with us the author of ‘AN IN-DEPTH EXPERIENCE WITH A CHILD WHO HAS A DISABILITY Serving the Role as an Autism Parent School Years MADE SIMPLER', Linda Miller. Linda L. Miller is an active parent of an adult son who has Autism. She is also married to a supportive husband and the proud parent of an adult daughter. Linda has spent many years volunteering with, and serving the role as a Secretary of a local parent formed Special Olympic group which consists of children in the community coming from similar backgrounds. Linda also holds an official position at her local church and is a founding member for a support group that acts as a liaison between the church and the Sick and Shut-in Committee. Linda currently works for the Federal Government and holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management, as well a certification for a Certified Licensed Associate in Project Management (CAPM). In 2021, Linda wrote and published her first book with the hopes of being able to help other parents of children with autism who are struggling with the diagnosis, and locating resources. The book is available at www.iccolors2publish.com, on Facebook under ICCOLORS2PUBLISH LLC, and Amazon.
Myth-Busting Speech and Occupational Therapies
On today's episode of Life at EASe we are mythbusting Speech and Occupational Therapies with one of one of our Speech-Language Pathologists, Chrissy Schenk, and one of our Occupational Therapists, Carly Shapiro. Chrissy is a passionate Speech-Language Pathologist, specializing in working with children on the autism spectrum, as well as AAC, stuttering, and feeding disorders. She has previously worked in the outpatient, home health care, acute care, and public school settings. She has an additional background as an IEP advocate for families of non-verbal children. A graduate of Augusta University with a degree in Occupational Therapy, Carly is passionate about working with children ages birth to 18 in a pediatric setting. She has experience working with children with a multitude of disorders and/or developmental delays.
If you are interested in learning more about our OT and SLP programs please visit our website earlyautismservices.com and click on the 'Our Services’ Tab. Any questions regarding Speech or OT services can be emailed to info@earlyautismservices.com. Families may enroll for just OT and/or ST services by filling out an intake form.
Autism Parenting Tips: How to be an Advocate for Your Child
On this episode of Life at EASe we are discussing ways to advocate for children with special needs with Author Reema Abdelkarim. Reema is a fulltime mother and wife who has been gifted with four children. Three of her girls were born with a rare genetic disorder, which causes epilepsy, growth retardation, and cerebral palsy among other health issues. Two of her children passed away from this condition. Reema has always loved writing, but it wasn’t until her daughter was born that she began penning her feelings down. She began writing her story in the hopes of helping others who are going through hardship and dealing with special needs children. Eleven years later, her autobiography ‘Living with Miracles’ was born. Australian customers can purchase her autobiography ‘Living with Miracles’ using the link livingwithmiracles.ctcin.bio which can be found on Reema's Instagram @ reema.abdelkarim International customers can purchase it through most online bookstores, such as Amazon, Book Depository, and Ebay.
*CONTENT WARNING*
This episode contains a personal account of seizures resulting in personal injuries. Some listeners may find the details shared in this story to be disturbing. Listener discretion is advised.
Sports and Autism: A Talk with Special Olympics PA
On today’s episode of Life at EASe we will be talking about Sports and Autism with Chase Trimmer, Director of the Philadelphia program for Special Olympics Pennsylvania. Chase works to bring people with and without intellectual disabilities together through sports training, competitions, leadership development and health education and services that promote equity and inclusion. Prior to becoming Director for Special Olympics PA – Philadelphia, Chase served on the Executive Advisory Board where he brought his passion for bringing communities together, promoting greater awareness and inclusion of differences, and learning from individuals, families and the communities he serves to the table. Loretta Claiborne is the Chief Inspiration Officer for Special Olympics. Check out the film Loretta Claiborne's Story, a film showcasing the inspirational story of Loretta, a Special Olympics runner overcoming social bias. Loretta is a 1996 recipient of the Arthur Ashe ESPY Courage Award. In order to learn more and get involved with Special Olympics in Philadelphia please visit www.specialolympicspa.org, the social links can be found at the top right of the home page. You may also email Special Olympics PA at philly@specialolympicspa.org.
'Traveling Different': Travel Tips for Parents of Neurodivergent Children
On today’s episode, in preparation for summer travels now that your littles are out of school, we have with us Author Dawn Barclay who will be speaking with us about her book ‘Traveling Different: Vacation Strategies for Parents of the Anxious, Inflexible, and Neurodiverse' currently available for preorder at http://www.travelingdifferent.com.Dawn M. Barclay is an award-winning author who has spent a career working in different aspects of the travel industry. She started as an agent with her parents’ firms, Barclay Travel Ltd and Barclay International Group Short-Term Apartment Rentals, and then branched out into travel trade reporting with senior or contributing editor positions at Travel Agent Magazine, Travel Life, Travel Market Report, and most recently, Insider Travel Report. She is a mother of two and resides in New York’s scenic Hudson Valley. She also writes fiction as D.M. Barr and holds leadership roles in several writer organizations. Dawn’s other fiction books can be found at http://www.dmbarr.com.
"National Alliance on Mental Illness: 'Together for Mental Health'"
On today’s episode of Life at EASe, in honor of Mental Health Awareness month, we will be speaking with Amy Federer with NAMI Philly (The National Alliance on Mental Illness) and their theme for this month 'Together for Mental Health.' Amy Federer is the Director of Operations at NAMI Philadelphia and is an Internationally Certified Crisis Intervention Training Coordinator. After working in the mental health field for 4 years, she moved over to the corporate world. Eventually she went back to the behavioral health field and hasn’t looked back since she did so, 5 years ago. She has dedicated her life to helping others who are struggling to get the help that they need because she and her family also struggle with mental illness. In order to learn more and get involved with NAMI please visit www.nami.org to find your local NAMI. If you are in the Philly region, check out www.namiphilly.org, and visit the Mental Health Resource Fair at Friends Hospital on Thursday, May 26th. Save the date and join NAMI at 'Nami Walks Philly' on September 25th.
PeerKnect: Building Social Connections for Children of All Abilities
On this episode of Life at EASe we are speaking with Emily and Victoria about a revolutionary app - PeerKnect. PeerKnect is an app that parents and therapists may download and use in order to build social connections by posting playdates and events for children of all abilities. Emily Bruce is the CEO and Founder of Determinism, LLC, the developer of the platform PeerKnect. She is a Board Certified and licensed Behavior Analyst (BCBA, LBA) in the State of Tennessee with an M.S., in Psychology. Victoria Williams is a mother to a four year old daughter diagnosed with autism. She is an Inclusion Advocate for PeerKnect. Please visit www.PeerKnect.com for more information and to engage via their contact form. You may also check out their social media handles TikTok, Facebook, IG, and Twitter- @PeerKnect.
Special Needs Advocacy with MUHSEN: Building an Environment of Support In the Muslim Community
On this episode of Life at EASe we are speaking with Joohi Tahir, Co-Founder and Executive Director of MUHSEN (Muslims Understanding & Helping Special Education Needs). MUHSEN is a revolutionary non-profit founded by Shaykh Omar Suleiman. As a leader of this organization, Joohi advocates and markets the needs for which MUHSEN implements programs and services across North America promoting inclusion of all members of the community impacted by special needs through awareness, accommodation and acceptance. Visit MUHSEN'S website www.muhsen.org and follow them on FB, IG and Twitter @Muhsenorg for more information on their programs and services and to get involved. You may send questions or requests to info@muhsen.org . Check out our presentation on Education for Welcoming Families with Children with Autism to a Worship Community: https://youtu.be/GxSntzpCOoc . We look forward to being able to assist your place of worship in creating a more inclusive space for families with neurodivergent children.
Collaborative Care: ABA, Speech Therapy and Occupational Therapy
On this episode of Life at EASe we are speaking with Samara Shalom (Mrs. Sami) and Elina Mehrabi about the benefits of Collaborative Care when ABA, Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and any other therapy for that matter work, together in assisting a child with their goals. Sami is a Speech Language Pathologist and Founder of SpeechLeap. SpeechLeap provides speech and language evaluations and treatments to children and young adults up to age 21 in Baltimore MD. Elina Mehrabi is the lead OT with SpeechLeap. Elina started her career working with both adults and pediatrics with neurological and orthopedic conditions in an outpatient setting. As a mother, Elina enjoys integrating play-based activities to make therapy fun, and goal-oriented for children. Please visit www.Speechleap.com or call 410-846-4005 for more information about the Speech and OT services available at SpeechLeap. Please email info@earlyautismservices.com with any ABA related questions. Thank you for tuning in!
'Essential Resources for Children with Special Needs'
On this episode of Life at EASe we are speaking with Eric Jorgensen, Founder of Special Needs Navigator and host of the 'ABCs of Disability Planning' podcast. As a consultant with Special Needs Navigator, Eric helps families, individuals and professionals across the country navigate the maze of disability benefits, resources, and services available to those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Please visit Eric's website for helpful resources and for a free consult - https://www.specialneedsnavigator.us . You may email Eric with specific questions and to learn more about his consultations services eric@specialneedsnavigator.us FB @specialneedsnavigator & YouTube : Special Needs Navigator
"Autism & Zoom-Schooling: A Parent's Perspective"
On this episode of Life at EASe we are speaking with Mel McSherry, International Business Guide, Speaker, Author, & Mom to a wonderful ten year old on the spectrum.
As an entrepreneur since 2010, Mel has launched two successful businesses, become a 2x published author, and lives her life by design all while raising a ten year old son. Tune in to hear about some of the challenges Mel and her family faced with zoom-schooling and how she approached those challenges. Mel shares a few useful tips for caregivers who are zoom-schooling their child. You may find Mel on Instagram @mel_mcsherry. Visit her website for more details about her upcoming events, and consultation services Mel McSherry.
Welcome to Life at EASe
Early Autism Services provides behavior intervention therapy for children on the autism spectrum in 13 different regions across the US as well as in India and Australia. We are bringing you this podcast to encourage conversations about autism to foster understanding and awareness in order to help create a more accepting society. Stay tuned for our first episode!