Shows
The Happy Sensory CornerAutism, Adulting, and the Sleep Secret: A Mom & Son's Unfiltered Talk - April RatchfordThis episode covers the following topics:Adulting with AutismCollege Experiences for Autistic StudentsPreparing for Adulthood for Autistic YouthSensory Enrichment for SleepApril, an occupational therapist and mom, shares her journey and expertise in navigating the transition of autistic young adults into adulthood, a topic close to her heart as she created the "Adulting with Autism" podcast to help other families.April and Z also share their experiences with Mendability's sensory-based sleep program, highlighting its positive impact on Z's sleep and overall well-being.Episode Highlights4:25 - April: "Little April...2025-07-231h 02
The Happy Sensory CornerHow gut bacteria make your child crave carbs and reject healthy food - Dr. Cody GolmanIn this episode, we cover:- Why kids and adults crave sugar—and how to gently reverse it - The difference between sugar-burning and fat-burning brains - What to do when your child only eats white foods - Why broccoli makes your child feel worse before it helps - Why emotions like sadness and anger need to be felt, not fixedThese are areas close to Dr. Cody Golman’s heart. As a former Army tank commander turned natural health practitioner, Dr. Golman has spent the last two...2025-07-1450 minThe Happy Sensory CornerWhat brain scans teach us about how dyslexic kids feel when they read - Dr. Rebecca TroyDyslexia, brain plasticity, and how movement and multisensory activities can change how a child reads—this episode with Dr. Rebecca Troy covers it all.We talk about:1. What brain scans reveal about dyslexia2. How to rewire the brain for reading in just 10–15 minutes a day3. Why traditional literacy programs miss the mark4. What it really means when a child isn’t “developmentally ready” to read5. How identity and confidence are shaped by the way we teachDr. Rebecca Troy is an expe...2025-07-0842 minThe Happy Sensory CornerWhy love and good intentions aren't enough: Understanding loss in adoption - Ana Maria DidioAdoption comes with invisible layers of grief, confusion, and strength-building that families don’t always talk about. In this episode, we cover: • The myth that “love will fix everything” in adoption • Early trauma and the primal wound, even in infant adoption • How to help children build identity and confidence • Why adoptive children sometimes push love away—and what to doThese are areas close to our guest Ana Maria DiDio’s heart. As an adoptive mother and author of the L.I.F.E. Adventures children’s book series, she sha...2025-06-2546 min
The Happy Sensory CornerHow Pleasure Builds Resilience in Children with Developmental Delays - Dr. Traci PotterfThis episode explores:Anxiety as a symptom, not a disorder Healthy hedonism — how embracing pleasure the right way supports long-term mental health.The microbiome’s role in brain health.Cultural parenting practices that prevent mental illness.Why we need to stop cleaning everythingTraci is a medical anthropologist and functional health practitioner who helps people uncover and address the hidden physiological and cultural causes of anxiety. We’ll talk about why many people are misled about their mental health, and what parents can do to reduce anxiety in thems...2025-06-1653 min
The Happy Sensory CornerCalmer behavior through fascia, touch, and sensory games - Dr. Satya SardonicusTopics covered in this episode • The fascia’s role as your body’s sensory superhighway • Vitalism and how healing happens from the inside out • Chronic stress as a whole-body pattern, not just a brain issue • The surprising neurological power of soft touch and smell • Bio-tensegrity: why posture and proprioception aren’t what you thinkTopics 1 and 2 are deeply rooted in Dr. Satya Sardonicus’s personal and clinical journey. She developed her approach after living with a brain herniation (Chiari malformation), navigating decades of debilitating symptoms, and rebu...2025-06-1256 min
The Happy Sensory CornerShe Lost Her Son, Survived Murder, and Found Autism—A Story of Grief, Guilt, and Masking - Sylvia Moore MyersSylvia Moore Myers is a grief counselor, autism awareness advocate, and speaker who discovered she was autistic at 61—after surviving the murder of her teenage son and an attempted murder months later. In this episode, she shares how grief recovery became the path to discovering her neurodivergence, and how she now helps families process loss—especially the subtle, ongoing grief that parents of autistic children often carry.This episode discusses:Late autism diagnosis and the grief of being misunderstood How unprocessed parental grief affects autistic children Th...2025-06-0541 min
The Happy Sensory CornerHow We Cut Restraints at School by 97 %: Safety Before Behaviour - Dr. Bethany BilodeauThis episode's topics:The “stance of safety” — Bethany’s signature body-language checklist that dropped restraint/seclusion rates by 97 %.Caving — why shrinking space (hoodies, under-table forts) flips a child’s brain from panic to calm.Screen-time transitions — turning games off without a fight using oxytocin, dopamine, and a 12-minute rule.Parent-first de-escalation — Claudie’s one-minute smell-and-touch protocol that calms your limbic system before you help your child.When defiance is actually fear — spotting five subtle “unsafe” cues long before meltdown.Claudie Pomares (Mendability program director)Claudie explains why Bethany’s moves wo...2025-05-2942 min
The Happy Sensory CornerWhy so many special needs marriages break down—one dad’s story of what helps - John FelaOur guest, John Fela, shares his personal journey of raising a nonverbal son with autism and finding his role as a caregiving father—after years of not knowing where he fit in. We cover: • How dads process disability differently than moms• What dads actually need but rarely ask for • What saved John’s marriage… until it didn’t – and how he rebuilt again• The emotional cost of “not being the breadwinner” in a special needs family• The power of a single dad friendship – and why it matters more than y...2025-05-2252 min
The Happy Sensory CornerWhy Reading to a Non-Verbal Child Matters—for Them and for You - Steph KatsoviSteph Katzovi, middle-grade author and former Deloitte speechwriter, shares how:• Storytelling builds empathy and self-awareness in children.• Parents can create meaningful connections even when their child doesn’t talk back.• Humor disarms stress, fosters bonding, and adds lightness to difficult routines.• Reading aloud—even without expecting a response—can become a lasting gift.• Her own children’s personalities helped shape her characters and stories.Claudie explains:• How a parent’s voice—especially during reading—releases serotonin in the child’s brain, helping them feel calm, focused, and safe.• The role of dop...2025-05-1446 min
The Happy Sensory CornerTherapy works—until kids leave the room. Why? - Nate PopeNate Pope, co-founder of NCX Brain Recovery, specializes in treating post-concussion syndrome and brain trauma using whole-brain, multi-sensory integration approaches. In this episode, he breaks down why therapy that mimics real life works better than isolated drills, why younger kids can’t always apply what they’ve learned in new situations, and how fMRI scans show what traditional therapy often misses.Kim shares Mendability’s experience using short sensory enrichment games to activate the brain’s self-healing mechanisms, and explains how these games tap into interconnectivity to support natural generalization and long-term resilience.Episode...2025-05-0653 min
The Happy Sensory CornerPhotobiomodulation: How light can rewire the brain, backed by clinical data - Dr Theodore HendersonDr. Theodore Henderson, MD, PhD, president of Neuro-Luminance Inc., joins us to share groundbreaking research and clinical results on multi-watt infrared light therapy. Topics like photobiomodulation, neuroplasticity, and brain detoxification are areas close to his heart — and areas where his pioneering work is changing lives. We discuss how his techniques not only improve symptoms but create long-term brain repair, even in conditions like traumatic brain injury and autism.Claudie Pomares, creator of Sensory Enrichment Therapy, shares how environmental experiences trigger natural brain healing in children with autism and developmental delays, why sensory input needs to be meaningful (not just st...2025-04-2949 minThe Happy Sensory CornerWhat kids learn from dad that they might not get from mom - Brent DowlenBrent Dowlen is a father, men’s development coach, and host of The Fallible Man Podcast. He’s worked with dads who want to show up better — but aren’t sure where they fit in their family’s day-to-day life. In this conversation, we talk about the real, quiet power of dads: how they build courage, calm storms, and help neurodivergent kids believe in themselves.We discuss how dads can: • Be present early on (even in the NICU) • Become calm anchors during meltdowns • Reframe their “p...2025-04-2257 min
The Happy Sensory CornerThe easiest way to forgive—and set your brain free from the pain of the past - Katharine GiovanniThis is probably the most powerful podcast about forgiveness you will ever hear. Why? Because it’s not filled with platitudes or clichés. Instead, Katharine Giovanni, an award-winning author, speaker, and forgiveness coach, reveals her 7-step system that not only tells you how to forgive but taps into the energy field of everything to make it work.We discuss:- Why forgiveness is often misunderstood and why it’s not about “letting go” or “moving on.”- The practical steps you can take to forgive yourself and others—even the “unforgivable”—through Katharine’s science-backed approach.- How this unique method, foc...2025-04-1545 min
The Happy Sensory CornerOur education system is working exactly as it was designed - Dr. Bibi PirayeshTopics covered in this episode 1. Why most school systems are working exactly as designed—and failing the kids who need them most (Bibi’s core argument) 2. How radical love can drive educational reform one child at a time (Bibi’s doctoral work) 3. What to ask when choosing a school for your neurodivergent child (Bibi’s practical lens) 4. Why parents and professionals must prepare for grief, discomfort, and community tension as part of systemic change (shared perspective) 5. The myth that showing data and results will change institutional minds (Bibi’s personal story of frustration)Dr. Bibi Pirayesh, educational therapist and founder of...2025-04-1153 min
The Happy Sensory CornerYour kid won’t do 10 squats. But they’ll dodge a beanbag 20 times! - Mark GrayMark Gray is a personal trainer who specializes in helping busy people — including parents — prioritize movement and live pain-free. Topics that are especially close to his heart, both professionally and personally:• Gamifying exercise to make it fun for kids with autism and developmental delays• Why doing short bursts of high-intensity movement helps re-activate brain development• How to build a consistent habit even when life feels chaoticHe’s had his own health struggles and now helps others avoid long-term consequences by making small, doable changes.We talk about how to...2025-03-2555 min
The Happy Sensory CornerHealing Bipolar from the Inside Out: Support, Self-care and Sensory Enrichment - Michelle ReittingerParents of neurodivergent kids often put their own well-being last—but what happens when that leads to burnout? In this episode, Michelle Reittinger, a mentor and advocate for a personalized approach to mental health, shares how parents can proactively manage their emotional resources before they reach a breaking point.We discuss:Turning symptoms into signals – Why anxiety and depression aren’t personal failures, but messages from your brain that something needs attention.Building a real support system – Why most people’s offers of help fall flat and how to create a network that actually makes a difference.L...2025-03-1854 min
The Happy Sensory CornerChakras, brain plasticity, and neurodivergence - Vantana AtaraVandana Atara Aura, a certified medical Reiki master, shares how energy healing can regulate the nervous system, why neurodivergent individuals often have heightened intuitive abilities, and how gentle touch can help those who struggle with sensory overwhelm. These are areas close to Vandana’s heart, as she has seen firsthand how energy healing has helped her neurodivergent son find calm and balance.Claudie Pomares, co-founder of Mendability, brings in the neuroscience perspective, explaining how soft touch releases serotonin and fosters brain plasticity. She shares practical sensory enrichment strategies, including how to use scent in...2025-03-1248 min
The Happy Sensory CornerStretching, not stressing: A better way to help kids grow - Andrea PollackHow can parents move beyond managing behavior to truly understanding their child's needs? In this episode, Andrea Polalck—founder of Autism Parent Solutions and an expert in parenting children with autism—shares her approach to addressing the root causes of behavior rather than just reacting to it. We discuss:• Shifting from discipline to connection: Why focusing on a child’s unmet needs creates lasting change.• Building parenting confidence: How parents can trust their instincts and move past guilt.• Meeting children where they are: Why setting realistic expectations isn’t lowering the bar but creating...2025-03-0741 min
The Happy Sensory CornerDNA Testing to Find Out Why You’re Always Tired (And What to Do) - Dr. Tamar LawfulThis episode covers:How genetics affect your health – Dr. Tamar Lawful, a top pharmacist blending genomics and nutrition, explains how DNA can shape your body's response to stress, inflammation, and energy levels.Why parents need to prioritize their own well-being – Dr. Tamar shares why parents should put their health first and how doing so ultimately benefits their child.Practical ways to improve brain function through nutrition – Dr. Tamar breaks down simple dietary changes that can help optimize brain health and reduce inflammation.Dr. Tamar explains how genetic testing can help parents understand their unique health needs and make smal...2025-03-011h 15
The Happy Sensory CornerHow we react to our kids teaches them who they are - DJ StutzIn this episode, we welcome DJ Stutz, an experienced educator and parenting coach, to talk about three key topics that shape the way we raise and support children with special needs:- Managing Power Struggles- Avoiding Situations Where Children Internalize Self-Doubt.- How to Handle Public Meltdowns Without Being Judged.Claudie joins the conversation to explain how brain development plays a role in emotional regulation and learning, and she shares practical sensory enrichment techniques to help children feel calmer, safer, and more engaged.Episode Highlights:2025-02-2447 min
The Happy Sensory CornerLabeling food as ‘good’ or ‘bad’ impacts how children see themselves - Anne PoirierAnne Poirier, intuitive eating counselor and author of The Body Joyful, shares:- How parental food beliefs shape children’s eating habits and relationships with food.- Strategies for parents to navigate sensory sensitivities and restrictive eating.- Why self-care for parents is critical to fostering a positive family food culture.Claudie adds practical sensory enrichment techniques, like playful games, to help children feel less anxious and more curious about food.Episode Highlights[05:11] Anne shares her personal journey: “Helping others not struggle with food the way I did...2025-02-1841 min
The Happy Sensory CornerLearned to read at 62... time to rethink dyslexia? - David ChalkTopics covered in this episode:• Overcoming Reading Challenges: David Chalk shares his personal journey—from struggling with dyslexia, face blindness, and other cognitive hurdles to learning to read at 62—and explains how a flow-based, gamified method can revolutionize learning for neurodivergent children and adults.• Gamification & Flow in Education: David details how creating a state of flow through focused attention, immediate feedback, and belief transforms the traditional reading process into an engaging, almost magical experience.• Sensory Enrichment for Emotional Regulation: Claudie demonstrates a practical sensory enrichment technique—using an ice pack paired with a vanilla scent—to stimulate dopamine r...2025-02-0452 min
The Happy Sensory CornerEvery meltdown or fear is a window into what your child needs most from you - Carrie LingenfelterIn this episode, we explore three transformative topics with Carrie Lingenfelter, a former speech therapist, early childhood interventionist, and advocate for conscious parenting:
The role of spiritual awareness and high sensitivity in children’s development – Carrie shares how parents can support neurodiverse and highly sensitive children by nurturing their emotional and spiritual connections.
Reducing pressure and fostering connection for better communication – Carrie discusses how parental energy and mindful approaches can empower children to express themselves.
Practical strategies to balance demands and fill the "love bucket" – Carrie provides tools for helping children manage sensory and emotional overload in today’s fast-paced...2025-01-2958 min
The Happy Sensory CornerThe power of bedtime and car rides for meaningful conversations - Dara ErckThis episode features Dara Erck, founder of SAM+LEO, a company creating innovative health products specifically for teens. We explore three key topics:
- The role of family conversations in fostering emotional well-being and how parents can use tools like "news highlights" to connect with their teens.
- Practical strategies for managing screen time and supporting mental health in today’s digital age.
- The pressure to be perfect is crushing kids. Repair is a parenting superpower—don’t let guilt stop you from using it.
Epis...2025-01-2143 min
The Happy Sensory Corner"I ranked my teachers based on who hurt me the least" - Ryan and Robert DelenaThis episode features Robert and Ryan DeLena, father and son, who share their extraordinary journey from navigating the challenges of therapeutic schools and restraints to discovering Ryan’s passion for skiing, which transformed his life. Robert reflects on the difficult decisions parents face when raising children with special needs, offering heartfelt advice to parents trying to support their children’s happiness and self-discovery. Ryan shares his perspective as someone who lived through these experiences, providing practical tips for helping kids thrive in environments that work with their unique strengths.
Key topics covered:
- The Dark Side...2025-01-201h 03
The Happy Sensory CornerBetter Speech Development by Honoring the 'No' and Playing Dumb - Jeaneen TangIn this episode, we explore three key topics with Jeaneen Tang, a speech-language pathologist with over 20 years of experience specializing in early language development and parent training:
- Empowering Parents to Avoid the Need for Therapy
- Honoring the "No" to build trust
- Play Dumb to spark language development
We also talk about the brain functions involved in speech development and how to stimulate their development with sensory enrichment games.
Episode Highlights
[00:00] Jeaneen shares how her journey as a speech therapist and special needs parent influenced...2025-01-1358 minThe Happy Sensory CornerWhat caregivers get wrong about self-care: It’s not on the plate—it IS the plate - Jeanette YatesIn this episode, we’re joined by Jeanette Yates, a Certified Life Coach, Yoga Instructor, and Modern Mindfulness/Meditation teacher, to explore:
- The foundation of self-care as "the plate" that supports everything else in life—why it’s not optional and how caregivers can build a solid foundation for themselves.
- The challenges of caregiving and how Jeanette learned to set boundaries, prioritize her own needs, and redefine her relationship with guilt.
- Practical ways caregivers can meet their basic needs and why focusing on rest, nourishment, and small daily actions is transf...2025-01-0750 min
The Happy Sensory CornerFoster inclusion by teaching children they belong—start with mental hygiene - Delphia HowzeAbout the guest:
Delphia L. Howze is an award-winning HR and Diversity and Inclusion leader, CEO of D. Howze Solutions, and Chief Inclusion Officer for a national organization. She has spent over 20 years helping organizations create inclusive environments where everyone can thrive. Delphia is also the author of Including You: Leading Inclusion From Where You Are.
Episode Description
In this episode, we cover three key areas to help parents and educators foster inclusive environments for children with special needs:
The power of belonging: Delphia Howze shares her personal journey of overcoming...2024-12-311h 25
The Happy Sensory CornerHow to set goals - From a brain trauma survivor - Dan MacQueenDan MacQueen shares his journey of recovering from two brain hemorrhages and how his experiences led him to develop the "AAA framework" (Acknowledge, Accept, Adapt). A passionate advocate for resilience and personal growth, Dan explains how parents and professionals can embrace challenges and build momentum with small, consistent wins.Claudie Pomares, creator of Sensory Enrichment Therapy, complements Dan’s story by sharing practical tools for managing setbacks, including a neuroscience-based protocol using strawberry scent and ice to calm the brain during moments of high anxiety or distress. Together, they discuss how brain plasticity an...2024-12-2442 min
The Happy Sensory CornerFinding peace while the kids are screaming: A radical approach to mindfulness - NatNat BedardNatalie Bedard, founder of Lift OneSelf and a specialist in energy healing, shares her unique approach to mindfulness and parenting that blends nervous system awareness, emotional energy, and connection to foster profound healing and understanding. Natalie discusses how mindfulness can be practiced in chaos, such as meditating while her children fought, and why curiosity and honesty are crucial for building trust and connection with neurodivergent children. Together with Kim, they explore the idea of "rupture and repair" in relationships, the challenges of societal norms, and how parents can better understand and empower their children. 2024-12-1742 min
The Happy Sensory CornerWhy I left ABA: Ethical concerns that can’t be ignored - Anneke ElmhirstAnneke Elmhirst is a relationship coach and former behavior analyst. With her we discuss:
- Ethical concerns with ABA practices and how they can impact neurodivergent children.
- The importance of respect and self-regulation in building healthier relationships between neurodivergent children and their parents.
- How parent education can foster acceptance and long-term well-being for children with special needs.
Anneke shares her journey from behavior analysis to relationship coaching, revealing why she left the ABA field due to ethical concerns and how she now empowers families and individuals to thrive authentically.2024-12-0941 min
The Happy Sensory CornerKids thrive when we meet them where they are, not where we think they should be - Elaine Taylor-KlausWe sit down with Elaine Taylor-Klaus, master certified coach and co-founder of ImpactParents, to discuss her “coach approach” to parenting children with ADHD and other complex needs.
Elaine explains the P.I.N.C.H. framework, a practical tool for identifying what motivates kids. She also explores how shifting focus from children’s behavior to empowering parents can transform family dynamics.
Episode Highlights
[16:18] Elaine’s journey: How being an undiagnosed child in the 70s shaped her perspective and led to her diagnosis as an adult.
[19:46] The "aha moment": Elaine's discovery that coaching...2024-12-0250 min
The Happy Sensory Corner12 heartfelt thank you's for parents who never give up on their neurodivergent child - Carolyn SkowronContent Warning: This episode discusses topics related to suicide and mental health struggles. If you or someone you know needs support, please reach out to a trusted resource or helpline in your area.
We sit down with Carolyn Sophia Skowron, author of Unbreakable and advocate for mental health awareness, to share in the spirit of Thanksgiving. Carolyn brings her unique perspective as a neurodivergent individual, reflecting on heartfelt moments of gratitude for the people and experiences that have shaped her life. This special episode is all about appreciation, featuring 12 thank-you segments that highlight the impact of support, p...2024-11-2743 min
The Happy Sensory CornerLoving and Empowering Your Child: Lessons from a Transgender Scientist - Amethysta HerrickWe sit down with Amethysta Herrick, a scientist and advocate who brings a unique perspective on gender, identity, and what it truly means to understand and support a child’s individuality. Drawing from her experiences in genetics, chemistry, and personal transformation, Amethysta shares a compelling story that challenges traditional views on gender and urges us to see human diversity beyond rigid categories. She discusses the vast complexity of genetics, the many traits that don’t fit neatly into binary labels, and how our society’s constructs shape our perceptions of identity.
Amethysta’s powerful narrative not only speaks t...2024-11-1243 min
The Upside of Bipolar: Conversations on the Road to WellnessEP 54: Healing the Brain Through Sensory Enrichment Therapy: A Conversation with Claudie Gordon-Pomares, M.S.Ed & Kim PomaresSend us a message!In this eye-opening episode, Claudie Gordon-Pomares, M.S.Ed, and Kim Pomares share groundbreaking insights on:The inspiration behind Claudie’s development of Sensory Enrichment TherapyHow Sensory Enrichment Therapy activates the brain’s natural self-healing abilitiesThe remarkable impact of simple Sensory Enrichment Therapy exercisesThe process behind creating the Sensory Enrichment Therapy activitiesHow these straightforward activities cultivate an environment that promotes brain growthWebsite: www.mendability.comYouTube: 2024-11-081h 17
The Happy Sensory CornerWhat ancient African wisdom teaches about strengthening nonverbal bonds with your autistic child - Gao MotsemmeEpisode Description:
We sit down with Rao Mutsume, a healer specializing in generational trauma and personal empowerment, to explore the transformative power of African ancient quantum medicine. Rao shares her unique approach to helping parents reconnect with their true selves, emphasizing the importance of being present and understanding the non-verbal communication of energy. She discusses how parents can navigate the challenges of raising children with special needs by addressing their own suppressed emotions and finding personal empowerment.
Claudie, a contributor to the podcast, adds her perspective on the importance of maintaining personal passions and hobbies...2024-11-0544 min
Leta's Tap Styles (And My Autistic Life)Cutting Through Fabric: Navigating Autistic Sensory Issues in DanceSend us a textJoin us as we discuss how even the most well-meaning inclusive dance program can often overlook the daily challenges faced by autistic dancers. This week we explore fabric and clothing sensitivity issues, and how something as simple as wearing sleeves can be a sensory overload nightmare for dancers on the Spectrum. We go down a few bunny trails while we discuss how physically painful it can be dealing with a sensory overload. Something most dance teachers don't understand or overlook.We also discuss how Autistic Wings Dance Company's innovative dance studio...2024-11-0137 min
The Happy Sensory CornerStop suppressing their stimming – it’s a clue to their super talent and life’s purpose - Amanda TrisdaleWe sit down with Amanda Trisdale, founder of a nonprofit dance studio for autistic dancers, and her daughter, Lita, a talented tap dancer who has been mentored by some of the biggest names in Hollywood. Amanda shares her journey of creating a safe space where neurodiverse dancers can thrive, despite the challenges they face in traditional dance environments. She talks about the importance of letting children on the spectrum follow their passions and how stimming, often misunderstood, can become a superpower when embraced.
Claudie Pomares, our brain development expert, explains the neuroscience behind how dance can stimulate...2024-10-2943 min
Driven 2 Thrive: Purpose, Growth, and Lasting Impact For MenNurturing Unique Minds: Parenting Beyond LabelsSend us a textAre you struggling to understand and support a neurodivergent child in your life? In this eye-opening conversation, I sit down with Kim Pamres from Mendability, who sheds light on the often misunderstood world of neurodivergence and offers practical strategies for parents and caregivers.Kim challenges our preconceptions about what it means to be "normal" and reveals why labeling children can be more harmful than helpful. She explains how neurodivergent individuals process the world differently and why seemingly odd behaviors like stimming are actually crucial coping mechanisms.Understanding the...2024-10-221h 00