Shows
2024-03-0853 minEmbracing HollandFinding Hope in the Desert with Christina AdamsChristina Adams, journalist, writer, disability advocate, and camel milk investigator, shares with us her powerful early intervention story of her son with autism and how she was able to help him through diet and camels. She outlines what she calls her “crazy camel journey” and how her research and travels to Isreal took her to a place of healing. She shares her website with us as a resource that details how camel’s milk can help several conditions, from allergies and gut issues to neurodevelopmental issues. Join us as we learn about the amazing qualities of camels and how their...
2023-01-111h 09
On The RecordUnderstanding the spectrum of autism through DNASPARK -- a large database of DNA from people with autism and their families -- offers insight into the spectrum of the disorder. Neuropsychologist Ericka Wodka of Kennedy Krieger Institute explains how the enormous number of SPARK participants helps researchers investigate other conditions that commonly affect people with autism. And Angie Auldridge, whose son, Mark, has autism, tells how genetic testing revealed a rare mutation and set his treatment on a different path. Connect with SPARK through Kennedy Krieger Institute.Do you have a question or comment about a show or a story id...
2022-09-2116 minEmbracing HollandA Cure for Austin with Hannah LoweJoin us as we talk to Hannah Lowe, founder of the L-CMD Foundation and mother to Austin, who has LMNA-related congenital muscular dystrophy. Like many rare disease families we've talked to, her son's condition was caused by a random genetic mutation. There is no treatment or cure, and given how rare it is, they are unsure about his prognosis or life expectancy, making the mission even more urgent. The L-CMD Foundation she started inspires hope for a stronger tomorrow by seeking treatments and, ultimately, a cure. We talk about balancing grief with action, and Hannah exemplifies this in her...
2022-09-111h 00Embracing HollandHard Landings with Cammie McGovernIf you’ve ever worried about what adulthood might look like after high school or you’ve ever been inspired to create a meaningful space for your child to spend adulthood, tune in to our interview with critically acclaimed author, Cammie McGovern. Cammie McGovern was awarded a creative writing fellowship at Stanford University, and has received numerous prizes for her short fiction. Her stories have appeared in many magazines including Glamour, Ladies Home Journal, Redbook and Seventeen , and she is the author of another novel, The Art of Seeing. She lives in Amherst, Massachusetts with her hu...
2022-07-241h 12Embracing HollandEnjoying Your Child with Leylani CardosoThis week we chat with Leylani Cardoso, warrior parent, and mother of Sophia, her daughter with Down Syndrome. Leylani and her family helped Sophia bring her passion for food and entertaining to life by creating the YouTube Channel Cheeky Sassy Me
2022-05-161h 13
The Grit and Grind of Autism- Finding Light Along the JourneyContingency Plans w/ Angie AuldridgeSend us a textOh yes we did... we dove head first into one of the most taboo topics. No one talks about this outside of their home and often outside of their head. Lover of scones and her family. Angie is a wife, and mother of three children who have a number of different diagnoses, including autism, epilepsy, ADHD, PANDAS, and a number of other medical complications. She spends her days managing the advising and registration department at her local community college and her evenings cheering on and celebrating her children's inch stones. She ch...
2022-04-0544 minEmbracing HollandEmbracing Autism with Lia McCabeFor this episode, we share with you another Maryland parent and fellow autism mom, Lia McCabe, who started AutismWish.org which seeks to fulfill the wish lists of families across the country without all of the red tape of government programs. She and her husband also host a podcast called Embracing Autism, which is child focus and helps parents to understand and embrace their neurodiverse children. Give it a listen, follow, and subscribe to support their mission of helping families in the face of fear and the unknown. We talk about: Neurodivergent parenting...
2022-03-0956 minEmbracing HollandCaring for the Caregiver with Rory LawrenceThis episode is all about taking care of the caregiver. Rory Lawrence, mother of a child with complex medical needs and staff member with David’s Refuge, talks with us about the organization she works for that pours into parents turned caregivers, and how she and her husband have found meaningful respite. We also talk about practical ways to weave in self-care that don’t require a sitter but can actually make a difference. Links Sensory Pathway Booklet The Intentional Family: Simple Rituals to Strengthen Family Ties
2022-02-091h 06Embracing HollandA Few of Our Favorite Things Year 2Despite ending the year on a turbulent note for our families, we are ending season two of the podcast with our awesome finds that brought us joy this year! We share with you gift ideas, sanity savers and problem solvers that we hope will bring a little joy and make your life a tad easier. Best wishes for a healthy, uneventful holiday season free from meltdowns and a bright new year sans trips to the ER and calls from your child’s school! XO XO Angie & Meg NillyNoggin Caps - To...
2021-12-1555 minEmbracing HollandCircling the Drain: A Postcard from a Darkened Alley in HollandHave you ever seen the meme about a special needs parent who fell in a hole? Well, that's where Meg and I find ourselves. When we started this podcast journey our mission was to highlight families with disabilities doing innovative things but to also share the reality of the ups and downs of raising children with disabilities, so this episode is a life update and a peek into where we are in the metaphorical Holland. We hope this brings someone some comfort who may also be in a hole.
2021-11-1234 minEmbracing HollandSmearing 102: From Devastation to InnovationWe continued our chat about smearing with our guest, Jennifer Sheppard, who created an adaptive clothing line out of a dire need for an alternative to wet suits for her own son who struggles with the behavior. We also shared a bit more of our chat with Genevieve, and our own lessons learned from dealing with poo. We talk about: How we've become desensitized What we've found to be helpful in the aftermath Ways to clean up the mess Specific products and strategies that have been helpful Finding adaptive clothing solutions for whe...
2021-09-2239 minEmbracing HollandSmearing 101: What to do about PooFecal smearing and ingesting are taboo topics that often elicit a considerable amount of shame for families. We felt like it was time to give this topic some attention to those who are struggling in the dark and aren't comfortable reaching out for suggestions in the online support groups. In response to very little information openly available to families struggling with smearing and consuming feces (scatolia and coprophagia), Genevieve Engleman, The Remote OT, shares with us the background behind the behavior, information to reduce the stigma, and ways we can try to prevent and address this issue.
2021-08-111h 08Embracing HollandCreating a Game Plan with Joya Van Der LaanThis week we chat with Joya Van Der Laan, a functional medicine family nurse practitioner whose curiosity and her own daughter’s autism diagnosis lead her down the biomedical path. We learn how she has used her personal and professional experience to create videos to teach parents how to create their own autism game plan, focused on helping parents address common symptoms and challenges associated with an autism diagnosis. Her videos cover everything from sleep, meltdowns, constipation and seizures to PANS and PANDAS. Tune in to learn about Joya and how her website could help your family!...
2021-07-0649 minEmbracing HollandHolistic Healing with Megan MartinFor this episode we speak with Megan Martin, personal trainer, health coach and purveyor of holistic wellness who used lessons learned from her own health journey to help her son with autism. She shares with us what the biomedical approach means and how she used it to address her son’s symptoms, including how she did an at home fecal transplant. We talk about: Personal illness and disease that led to path of holistic healing Exploring functional medicine Lifestyle factors and diet being the foundation for disease prevention and treatment Supporting the entire bod...
2021-06-191h 08Embracing HollandTravel Tips with Kristy KargelDoes the thought of traveling with your children and family members with disabilities and complex medical needs intimidate you and make you shy away from leaving the house? This is the episode for you! Join our friend of the show and fellow complex medical needs mom Kristy Kargel, as we chat about how to navigate airports, long trips, and making it from point A to point B without excessive stress. We talk about: Finding accessible changing facilities Bringing medically necessary items as carry-on items C...
2021-05-3135 minEmbracing HollandSleep Matters with Andrea Faris RobertsAndrea Faris Roberts, renaissance woman, innkeeper, two-time non-profit starter, and mother of two children, including a son with Down syndrome. She graciously invited us to her flagship inn called the Terrace Guest House to tell us the story of its inception and discuss the importance of getting away. Join us as we discover how she created a beautiful way for parents and caregivers to experience true rest, what it took to create multiple sanctuaries for parents to recharge and how important it is to put ourselves on our own to-do list. #getinthecar
2021-05-2254 minEmbracing HollandStill Standing with Shelley KrammShelley Kramm went from designer to special needs mom, to advocate then to non profit organization founder, then blogger, and she shares with us how she made her way through each of those roles as she focused on inclusive play and empowering women. We talk about: Finding out her daughter has cerebral palsy Her transformation from mom to special needs mom Discovering the need for inclusive play spaces Putting her landscape design and architecture degree to use Deciding to start a...
2021-04-2851 minEmbracing HollandFinding Hope in Holland with Jackie BuzekJackie Buzek, rare disease mom, doctorate level BCBA, and executive director of the Rise School Of Denver wrote a piece for the Mighty about her follow up on Welcome to Holland, where she shares what life has been like for her in this new, foreign land, so we knew that we just had to have her on the podcast! Join us as we find out how reframing our perspective can help us enjoy Holland! We talk about: Getting a rare diagnosis shortly after the birth o...
2021-04-1246 minEmbracing HollandJoy in Suffering with Bekah BowmanBekah Bowman, mother, and author with a heart for ministry shares with us what it looks like to do the hard work of stepping into the church community to show them how to love kids with disabilities and to see the incredible gifts God has given them. Bekah continually points to joy in the middle of suffering and discusses how they are often roommates. We talk about: How her world was rocked upon the discovery of her children’s rare disease Raising two chi...
2021-03-2943 minEmbracing HollandChanging the Narrative with Kalani BrownThis week we chat with Kalani Brown, mother of a son with Down syndrome and chair of the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council, among many other roles. She shares with us the importance of inclusion and raising expectations for people with developmental disabilities. We talk about: Receiving a down syndrome diagnosis and discovering support Navigating public school to find the balance of support and inclusion Shifting the idea that children are “suffering” from Down syndrome Launching into advocacy by serving in t...
2021-03-2126 minEmbracing HollandBuilding a Bridge to Inclusion with Dee SappThis week we chat with Dee Sapp, Executive Director of Accessibility Bridge Corporation, mother of three including an olympic swimmer with an intellectual disability. Dee shares with us how her passion for community inclusion lead to great things for her son and to the birth of an organization that serves to encourage people with all disabilities to integrate into the larger society and connect them with resources. We talk about: Raising a son who is a competitive athlete with an intellectual disability Getting a...
2021-03-1446 minEmbracing HollandEmpowered Through Storytelling with April GreenDuring this episode, we chat with April Green, author, special educator, minister, and collaborator about raising three children on the autism spectrum and what has risen out of her family’s challenges. She shares the importance of storytelling and how we can tell our own stories. We talk about: Parenting multiple children with autism that vary in presentation Reckoning with the perception of autism Looking at the total child when making decisions Encountering obstacles with the IEP team as a s...
2021-03-0156 minEmbracing HollandSCN2A VoicesIn celebration of International SCN2A Awareness Day on February 24th, we explore how SCN2A, a rare genetic disease, impacts each child. You’ll hear from four moms with four very different children. They will show us what life has looked like for them since their diagnosis and what they are doing as a result of knowing the genetic cause for their children’s medical conditions. A BIG thank you to the four parents who shared their voices and stories for this episode. Katie Loosl...
2021-02-2453 minEmbracing HollandPartnering for Independence with Carol BaltazarIn this episode, we explore what it’s like to raise a child with Aspergers to be as independent as possible, and how to advocate for and alongside them. Carol is an internal medicine physician who has a specialty practice in non surgical cosmetic procedures. She’s also the host of the Autism Mom MD Podcast, and an amazing advocate for her children and others! We talk about: Raising a son with Aspergers Finding the right kind of support for your child Lea...
2021-02-1446 minEmbracing HollandMotivated to Advocate with Lauren ShillingerIn this episode, we chat with Lauren Shillinger, a fierce advocate for her children and the passage of Brynleigh’s Act for Seizure Safe Schools. We talk about: Finding a cause of her daughter’s epilepsy Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC) Traveling to Texas for brain surgery Learning to navigate the system Turning grief and energy toward rare disease advocacy The TS Alliance and her work with the Maryland chapter Brynleigh’s Act for Seizure...
2021-01-3148 minEmbracing HollandA Foundation of Hope with Aimee DarbyIn this episode, we chat with Aimee Darby, founder of the Eliza Hope Foundation. We talk about: Recognizing and savoring the important moments The devastation that is losing a child The remarkable way that Aimee has turned her grief into action A foundation built to nurture families running to multiple therapies Her come one, come all concept that serves all levels of functioning Equipping families while they are dealing with a new diagnosis Pas...
2021-01-1452 minEmbracing HollandWhen Life Gets Life-y with Maura MooreIn this episode, we chat with teacher, Maura Moore, cheerleader of her students, encourager of those in her life, and developer of the Meep! Maura shares with us her vision to help those who are struggling and ways we can help too! We talk about: Using creativity and crafting to support others The creation of emotional support orbs Helping others who are dealing with heavy things Creating and fueling a movement A creative way to connect during the pandemic
2021-01-0435 minEmbracing HollandA Few of Our Favorite ThingsFor the last episode of our first season, we bring you a list of our most favorite things that would make wonderful gifts. From adaptive seating to innovative ways to swallow pills, to DIY options for swing, weighted blankets, to a tradition that will help your children focus on acts of service and more! We share product info and our experiences in hopes that these items will bring joy to your friends and family! Quip Toothbrush Sensory Theraplay Box Skootle Box The Giving Manger Kore Kids Wobble...
2020-12-1852 minEmbracing HollandGrowing a Family Gratefully with Rachael LividiniThis episode was created in response to a listener’s email wanting to hear about how families make the decision to have another baby following their diagnosis. Rachael Lividini shares her experience of having a baby after having her first child diagnosed with autism and rare genetic disease. This episode is filled with such joy and gratitude, and must-listen for those families considering expanding. We talk about: Navigating the new and sometimes scary world of rare disease Awakening of the mama bear mode Wrestling wit...
2020-11-2049 min
The Autism Mom MD PodcastEpisode #8 - Navigating College, with Angie AuldridgeMy guest today is Angie Auldridge. Angie an ASD mom, College Disability Support Services Advisor and Behavioral Intervention Team member as well as a blogger and podcaster. She serves on numerous committees and boards with the hope of improving the quality of life and services for people with disabilities.Connect with Angie Auldridge at:Blog - www.mightyandthebean.com Podcast - www.embracingholland.com Resources: https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/addm.html https://www.jhsph.edu/news/news-releases/2020/us-au...
2020-11-1141 minEmbracing HollandTake Me to ChurchThis episode is all about attending church with family members with disabilities and our tour guides for this one are Stephanie Watkins and Kris Detrow. We talk about: Finding a church with all of the family member’s needs in mind Handling behaviors at church as a family Different church models of accommodating children with disabilities Communicating your family’s needs What makes a church Handling hurt within the Christian community What makes people walk away from...
2020-11-0951 minEmbracing HollandGroomed For This with Eva QueenThis week’s episode is packed full of wisdom, resources, thoughts, ideas and best of all the treasure that is Ms. Eva Queen. She shares with us the humanity of embracing people who are different. We talk about: Eva’s advocacy work in the disability community that spans decades Her mission to bring inclusion to churches Dedication to preserving marriages The importance of early intervention and racial equity for children with disabilities Eva’s journey raising her daughter with a disability Tips f...
2020-09-1445 minEmbracing HollandWeathering The Back To School COVID StormIn this episode, we talk about distance learning, homeschooling, unschooling, and all of our feelings and opinions about what the fall may look like. Some highlights IEP considerations for homeschooling Maryland’s eligibility requirements for the Autism Waiver Maryland Autism Waiver Info Becoming better school partners as a result of our front-row seat to learning Homeschool resources mentioned AFLS - Assessment of Functional Living Skills ...
2020-09-0743 minEmbracing HollandThe World According to Jake's Mom with Jenn LynnWhat we talk about… Jenn and her son Jake’s work with their local police department on autism understanding and awareness Jenn’s pivot from a media career to one of community advocacy for people with disabilities Seeing behavior as communication - “Don’t shape by shaming” Mental health advocacy Adoption Being mentored by Temple Grandin’s Mom! Bio Jenn Lynn is passionate about helping all families dealing with Autism. She is mother of a teenage son, Jake, with Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, Anxiety Disorder, Mood Disorder NOS, and Executive Functio...
2020-08-101h 06Embracing HollandA Dad's Eye ViewJoin us as we hear from three fathers who share with us what it has been like to parent children with disabilities, and how their view of their role and their children has changed over time. We learn about... - The impact on marriage and friendships - Division of labor - Change of parenting - Civic duty to serve - Pivoting your goals and dreams - Reacting to a new normal Simone LaFray and the Chocolatiers' Ball
2020-07-151h 10
Elevating Motherhood044. Leaky Pelvis: Understanding Our Postpartum Bodies, Why We Leak, & What We Can Do About It with Physical Therapist Angie Peters, MPTNo more guessing. We’re going to be proactive gather information to help our bodies and ourselves. We are worth it. I’m worth it. You’re worth it.
Physical Therapist Angie Peters is BACK! And we’re talking all things leakage after babies. Because…no more guessing. We’re going to learn more so we can strengthen our bodies and regain our sense of dignity around things that effect many moms like a leaking pelvis.
Angie’s Bio:
Angie is a physical therapist on the island of Maui who specializes in pelvic floor rehab. I...
2020-06-171h 12Embracing HollandSeizing Joy and Grace with Tracy UmezuThis week on the podcast we bring you Tracy Umezu's story of losing two daughters in two years and her resolve to bring joy to others in her daughters' memory. Tracy takes us on a walk through her grief, her experience of seeing heaven, and gives us ideas on how to love others after the loss of a child. Tracy shares her story through her beautiful writing on her site, www.seizeyourjoy.org. Check her out and have a listen, you'll be glad you did. Seize Your Joy Today Show Parenting Contributor Families SC...
2020-05-281h 10Embracing HollandBeautifully Understood with Denise Sullivan NearDenise Sullivan Near is a Children’s book author who turns her first-hand experience with her sweet little girl into a fun, very simply written, educational picture book. Through “Nessie and Her Tisms,” Denise teaches young children about some of the unique behaviors of children on the spectrum by nurturing their natural curiosity. She is a mother, a wife, a writer, a Dental Hygienist and an Autism Awareness Advocate. She currently lives in Williamsport, Maryland with her husband Seth and three beautiful children, Kynzee, Harper and Duke. Siblings of the Spectrum Nessie and Her...
2020-05-2449 minEmbracing HollandLifetime Bonds - Wisdom from Special SistersThis week on the podcast we asked four sisters how their lives are impacted by the important role of being a sibling to someone with a disability. Between a pair of Hannahs and our two sweet little girls, you'll get a glimpse of their wisdom and we hope that you come away with ideas on how to care for, love, and support these special sibs. Adam's Camp Special Needs Family Camp Wisconsibs Siblings of Campers with ADHD Sibling Support Network
2020-05-1453 minEmbracing HollandThe Art of Supporting the Special Needs MomThree different moms of children with disabilities share what it looks like to feel supported through difficult times. If you ever wonder what special needs parents may appreciate tune in. And if you are a special needs parent and aren't sure how to ask for help, most definitely tune in. Sam shares ways parents can be supported that you may not have thought of, Shelley discusses what it looks like to acknowledge when professional help is needed and how beneficial it can be, and Joyce shares how we need to get over ourselves and make it known...
2020-05-041h 03Embracing HollandAn Alternative Approach with Diana Wingate-Gaiser Diana is the mother of two boys on the autism spectrum. She has a vested interest in homeopath and alternative therapy for treating symptoms of autism and the environmental toxicity link to autism including vaccines. She volunteered extensively for six years with Autism Speaks raising funds for the annual walk, recruiting legislative support, spreading awareness within the community and was the District Area Chair for their grassroots advocacy. Diana has spent countless hours advocating, emailing, calling and meeting with legislatures to help mandate insurance coverage in Maryland for children and adults with an autism diagnosis. This includes meeting with the...
2020-04-2047 minEmbracing HollandPandemic SurvivalThis week on Embracing Holland we chat about all things stay at home orders, and include resources that may be helpful as you hunker down at home. *Handling working & being home with kids *Schedules *Navigating children’s anxiety *Occupying littles *Guarding our mental health *Home haircuts ...and more! Mayim Bialik - Some Thoughts From Home video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aUnWJSkHYDM Kendra Adachi - The Lazy Genius - http://www.thelazygeniuscollective.com/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJDxz7WBmjSpYu4ogFbgxIQ ...
2020-04-1444 minEmbracing HollandFamilies That Advocate Together Stay Together with Laura HatcherLaura is Simon’s mom and the Director of Communications for Little Lobbyists. Laura believes that, regardless of health or ability, all people have the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. She also believes that every person has gifts to share, celebrate, and use to make our world more beautiful. Laura is a graphic designer, small business owner, and adjunct professor. She believes in the power of great design for great organizations and specializes in communication for education, health care, and the arts. She loves being in the classroom helping creative pe...
2020-04-0539 minEmbracing HollandChanging Spaces and Creating Hope with Christina AbernethyChristina is a dedicated wife, mother of three, and passionate advocate for people impacted by disabilities. She has coordinated events to fund research, supports and service dogs for families. She has served on local committees, coached an adaptive cheerleading team, and won awards for successful fundraising endeavors including those for “Team Bubba,” honoring her son with autism. She is the founder of Love, Hope and Autism and is proud to be the coordinator for Changing Spaces Pennsylvania, a movement to build accessible restrooms with powered height adjustable adult sized changing tables across communities to promote inclusion. She is working with...
2020-03-2322 minEmbracing HollandLife Hacks for Special Needs ParentsMeg & Angie share their special needs lifehacks Surviving medical & blood work appts Navigating insurance issues Money-saving ideas Making mealtime & grocery shopping easier Organizing & homes for things Taking meds Preparing for new things Elopement & wandering Obtaining medical equipment & fencing Technology to keep children safe Potty challenges And much more! Tune in and check out our show notes! Comfort Hold Different holds for supporting a child during a pediatric procedure https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/family-resources-education/health-wellness-and-safety-resources/helping-hands/comfort-hold-techniques Google Calendar for medical tracking Each child has...
2020-03-211h 11Embracing HollandAusome Advocate and Author with Catherine HughesMeet Catherine Hughes.Hailing from southeast of Pittsburgh, PA in a small town recently dubbed as "the most boring town in Pennsylvania," Catherine Hughes is the daughter of two English professors. She is a passionate advocate, innovative storyteller, and community strategist. For over 16 years, she has provided comprehensive support and passionate advocacy to individuals and self-advocates, their families, and surrounding natural supports throughout their communities. She considers herself a servant leader, one who cultivates, develops and maintains relationships with grace and grit in order to create, enhance, and promote services and programs that transform lives. On a personal...
2020-03-0849 minEmbracing HollandMaiden VoyageJoin us as we embark on the Maiden Voyage of Embracing Holland. Before we dive into sharing interviews and topical episodes we thought we would start the journey with an introduction to who we are and how we landed here. Angie is the mother of three children, a college disability advisor, and wife to her high school sweetheart, Isaac (Ike). Their middle child, Mark (nicknamed Mighty), was diagnosed with autism as well as a rare genetic mutation, SCN2A in 2015. Since this time she has spent the last five years volunteering on multiple community...
2020-03-0757 minEmbracing HollandEmbracing Holland TrailerHi, I'm Angie Auldridge, and I'm Megan Barrett, Welcome to Embracing Holland. When Meg and I received each of our children's diagnoses, we found ourselves in the land of worry, grief, and unknown, but after a while, when we realized that this excursion was not temporary we settled in and began to see life in a new way. As a special needs rite of passage we were each handed the Welcome to Holland poem with the intent of showing us that this place is not so bad and in fact c...
2020-03-0301 minElevating Motherhood019. Bellies, Backs, Bottoms, & Bladders: Physical Therapy for Moms with Angie Peters, MPTYou know the jokes… how moms can’t go to the trampoline park or even sneeze without peeing a little? We’ve just come to accept it as annoying and kind of funny at the same time. What if I told you there is something that can be done about it? That bladder issues after baby are common but not normal?
It’s true! And today’s guest, Angie Peters, is here to share valuable insights about pelvic floor health and physical therapy with us. It turns out there are a LOT of options that don’t just involve...
2020-01-0156 min