With one of her children being on the spectrum, Andrea, a mother of three, undertook a health journey with Cason. Following this, she pursued a career in functional nutrition and extended her online health and wellness business to assist parents in healing through food, thereby improving the gut health of both themselves and their children.

Dr. Mariam Shapera is a family doctor, mother to three, one autistic and recently published first children’s book inspired by him. Advocating daily for her autistic son to allow him better accessibility and to increase awareness and acceptance of autism. Also she love learning from experts and other parents of kids with special needs.

Ashley Crenshaw is a mom ,parent advocacy coach and content creator from Charlotte, North Carolina. She has spent the last 8 years as an educator before transitioning to the non profit sector. Her main goal is to be a community builder for autism moms, letting them know that they are not alone. In her spare time she enjoys listening to podcast, working out and baking.

Parenting can be a challenging job, and it becomes even more demanding when it comes to raising children with special needs. Children with special needs often face unique challenges that require extra attention and support. They require a different approach to parenting that addresses their specific needs. Naked parenting is a unique quality that can benefit children with special needs

Educators play a critical role in advocating for children with autism. Here are some ways educators can fulfill their role: Early identification: Educators are often the first ones to notice signs of autism in children. They can use their expertise to identify symptoms and signals of autism and refer the child for an evaluation...

Tiffani is a remarkable single mom on a mission to inspire and support parents navigating the journey of raising a child with autism. With unyielding love and determination, she has faced the challenges and triumphs of parenting her amazing son, who happens to be on the autism spectrum. Despite having family and friends willing to help and support, there were many times where she felt isolated, alone, and overwhelmed. Tiffani intimately understands the unique challenges and joys that come with parenting in this extraordinary journey...

Parenting is a challenging role that requires a great deal of patience, perseverance, and love. Parenting a special needs child, however, presents a unique set of challenges that many parents struggle to overcome. Special needs children require additional care and support to help them thrive and reach their full potential, which can take an immense toll on their parents. In this essay, we will explore the various struggles that parents face in raising a special needs child and the ways in which they can be supported.

The term "pillar of parenting" refers to a fundamental principle or value that serves as a foundation for effective parenting. When it comes to children with special needs, there are several pillars of parenting that are particularly important. These may include:

1. Advocacy: Parents of children with special needs must be strong advocates for their kids, ensuring that they receive the support and services they need to succeed.

2. Flexibility: Raising a child with special needs can be unpredictable, so parents must be willing to adapt and adjust their parenting strategies as needed...

My child was diagnosed at the age of two years old; it was something that both my husband and I were not expecting. We had no clue what Autism was nor did we know how to support our precious son. In the beginning I wasn't coping. I wasn't sleeping. In fact, I was grieving for what in my mind was no more. I would lay in bed wondering if my child would one day say “I love you, Mum”? Would he be able to go to school? Would he have friends? Would people judge me? Would people judge him?

I battled with feelings of shame and blame for far too long. I drowned my sorrows with alcohol to numb the pain and constant negative self-talk took its toll. - Nathalie Karras

Rabbi Shoshana Meira Friedman is a writer, mother, climate activist, and passionate creative in many different media. She is co-founder and director of The Artist Beit Midrash of Hebrew College and JArts, and speaks and teaches for Dayenu: A Jewish Call to Climate Action. A late-diagnosed Autistic woman, she posts regularly @rabbishoshana about the transformative power of Autistic identity and neurodivergent-affirming parenting.

On today's show we have  Leticia and she's from Palm Beach. She's an attorney and she chairs the Executive Leadership Council for Palm Beach County Autism Speaks. She's an online health and wellness partner. She's been married to her husband last for nearly 12 years. And they have a nine-year-old daughter diagnosed with ASD at age two. They've been navigating this journey ever since. 

In today’s show, you will meet Jim, a father of two, including a 5-year-old boy with autism. He is a writer, blogger, and executive director of a regional construction trade association. He started the blog “Ps and Q: Parenting, Productivity, and Quarantine” in March of 2020 and writes daily about the challenges of being a working parent during the age of COVID, as well as his journey as a parent of a child with special needs. Jim lives near Denver, Colorado.

I am a mom of 4, my 2nd child is a girl with autism. I started my company because I needed to have control of my schedule to be available for my kids. At the time I was dealing with a second PPD, then I became a single mom, I was only 28, had no guidance, and was also alone in assessing her for the delays I was noticing. Fast forward 4 years and she is thriving, my schedule is overwhelming but I am available for her and her 3 siblings...

"We’re a functioning dysfunctional family of 6. My stepson is 7 and potentially on the spectrum, but hasn’t been tested. He lives with us. He has severe behavioral and emotional issues(he was with his mother but she couldn’t handle him and basically was like, I’m done you keep him) while his sister, my stepdaughter, who is 5, lives with her mother and we see her whenever mom allows it. I have a 6-year-old daughter that my husband has adopted and we have a 2-year-old son that is on the spectrum. I spend most of my days with him going to therapy or playgroups so he can socialize or do therapy at home...

Heather Stone founded Stone Insurance in 2003, delivering insurance options that are tailored to each

individual's needs. That same spirit of personalized care led to her becoming a special needs advocate

and establishing Invisible Parent as a valued resource.

Heather's passion for making health insurance both simple and understandable for all was ignited when

her disabled son developed health problems at a young age. That drove her to focus on finding

affordable health care solutions for all, whether through private insurers or public options such as

Medicare and the Health Insurance Marketplace.

Angharad Hughes is a coach who works with parents feeling overwhelmed. She talks about the importance of not comparing ourselves to others and using the word "should" less. She works with clients all around the world through Zoom and is currently writing a book called "Speak Your Truth". She explains that everyone needs to take time for themselves, even if it's just a few minutes, and that it's important to remove the guilt associated with that. She talks about how her son said she didn't feel like her parents knew the real him and that she wants to be his true self without shame or judgment. Angharad encourages parents to make the time for themselves to put on their own "gas mask" and remove the guilt associated with it...

In today's episode, Heather Bench is a life coach specializing in special needs individuals and their families. Heather shares how she had noticed something was off with her daughter from birth and took her to the pediatrician for evaluation. Heather speaks about her journey as a parent of her daughter with autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disability and recently found out they were due to a rare genetic disorder called SYNGAP1, A disorder that affects the regulation of synapses in the brain. SRF stands for Syngap Research Fund, and February 28th is Rare Disease Day...

Laila Gowe, is a fierce mom and number one advocate for her son, Bennett.  She is always willing to share her journey of navigating resources and support for her child's best future. Laila inspires others with her kindness and determination to fight for her son's needs.

Her story is one of hope and resilience, and she offers valuable insights into the challenges and triumphs of being a parent of a child with unique needs. Laila always keeps things real about the joys and struggles of parenthood, and the importance of advocating for our children's best interests...

Latara is Healthcare Professional, Certified Cannabis Professional. She is a wife, mom, and grandma. Just want to do her part in helping to heal the world by sharing her family’s journey. She said, "Be Present In All Things and Thankful For All Things!"

One study showed that CBD may relieve pain by affecting receptors of the endocannabinoid system, which helps regulate pain, mood, and memory, in addition to many other physiological and cognitive functions...

How far can you go to prioritize the welfare of your child with special needs? Even to the point of quitting your job?

When Rebekah quit her job and pursue her passion for nutrition, she then realized during schooling that giving her autistic child Pediasure too much as per the doctor was not really doing him any favors. Some micronutrients are missing and were not totally helping him...

"I’m a 41-year-old mom of two amazing boys. Shallym my oldest is autistic and Ian my 20-month-old baby, so far has not shown any signs of any developmental disorder. I’m currently working from home, but I used to work in Hospitality. From restaurants to hotels and shopping malls as a general manager.  I have dedicated my time to the improvement of my kids (including my stepdaughter's) education, and emotional and mental health...

My oldest son is an overachiever, overachieving kid and easygoing. He made me believe I was a pretty perfect Mom and then I had baby #2! My middle son is on the autism spectrum and my youngest, a girl, we adopted from Hungary. She has been diagnosed with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorder. From the time my middle child was 14 months old, he has had severe and challenging behaviors. We quickly found out the traditional way of parenting only made things worse for him...

"I want to be on this podcast because I want to inspire others and remind them they aren't alone.  I felt so alone getting my son's diagnosis in 2020 and no one seemed to understand.  My circle became smaller and I felt safer at home.  I isolated myself and became very depressed.  I am still getting stronger every day and actually start Iowa Family Leadership Training Institute on March 4, 2023, through the University of Iowa."..

Modern medicine considers Autism to be an “incurable diagnosis,” but  Warrior Mom challenges this claim, sharing one mother’s journey to healing her son. For any parent who has heard the chilling words "your child has autism," Tracy Slepcevic offers hope, inspiration, and advice to help you navigate the system, evaluate different treatment options, and heal your child’s underlying conditions...

Hello! I am Ashley Brown, author of Maddox the Boy and the Pirate Adventure. I am a former teen mom, and a single mom/only parent to a very active, sweet, and wild guy named Maddox.  When I'm not writing, you can find me adventuring with Maddox, in the gym lifting weights, running marathons, gardening, reading, and trying out new recipes in the kitchen.

As his relationship with his wife began to fail, he lost jurisdiction over his kids and was left to live on the street and be homeless.  He sought help from friends and was able to recover. Through meditation, he realized playing the victim role was not helping his situation. He picked himself up and started over. One day a phone call asked him if he can be with his kids again since the mother lost her jurisdiction over the kids due to drug addiction...

My name is Gordana and I am a mom to a 9-year-old boy who has Autism. I am trying to raise awareness and inclusivity for all kids through my Instagram page, which I started as well, and helps other parents in whatever way I can...

"Hi, there! My name is Jaclyn and I’m so grateful we’ve connected! My passion is wellness and my purpose is to inspire people to live a healthier, happier, and more confident life.

My days: personal development, raising good humans, being a “girl mom”, bringing awareness around autism spectrum disorder, coping with ADHD, encouraging others through positive affirmations, and spending time with my hubby...

Ronald is a licensed barber who has a passion to serve the special needs community. He has a son who’s 16 and is on the spectrum.  He remembers what his wife and he went through when he did not like getting his haircut. It was very difficult for them and him.  So, because he knows what we went through, he wants to make it easier for other families with a sensory-friendly mobile barbershop.  This shop will serve as a safe haven for families because they will no longer have to travel to a barbershop. They will also enjoy the privacy of their loved ones and start having some difficulties receiving a haircut...

ABA Patient Advocacy was founded to help children with autism and their caregivers navigate and get the most out of treatments including ABA therapy, other behavioral therapies, and general healthcare.

ABA Patient Advocacy can also help you explore options for therapies. Not all autism therapy companies or providers are created equal. Danyell, the founder, is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and a Board Certified Patient Advocate. Early in her career, she recognized that there are often communication gaps between providers and caregivers...

Chad continues his life story. When the financial crisis hit the world in 2008, He started getting depressed and went to using drugs.  His real estate business was hanged in the balance and devastated. He battled his way to the court after some bust happened.

In this episode, he wants to clear out our minds to bring us into the serenity of calmness through a short meditation.

Please donate to the show in order for us to continue supporting parents with special needs children https://www.patreon.com/thenakedparentpodcast.

Your donation is greatly appreciated.