Accepting The Unacceptable, Parenting Autism, Epilepsy, Special Needs

065| Suffering Consciously

Are you suffering right now? I want to talk about this because it's been top of mind as I look out into the world. Civil unrest, racial divide, a pandemic that's costing hundreds of thousands of deaths. Jobs lost, families fearing eviction, schools out, kids home, loved one's dying or being sick, and there's not much we can do about it. I've struggled the last few months and many times have felt lost. Not knowing where I'm going or what I'm doing. In this episode, I am talking about what it ...

067 | Suffering Consciously

Are you suffering right now? I want to talk about this because it's been top of mind as I look out into the world. Civil unrest, racial divide, a pandemic that's costing hundreds of thousands of deaths. Jobs lost, families fearing eviction, schools out, kids home, loved one's dying or being sick, and there's not much we can do about it. I've struggled the last few months and many times have felt lost. Not knowing where I'm going or what I'm doing. In this episode, I am talking about what it ...

066 | How to Find the Right Babysitter Pt. 2

In this episode, we are going to be talking about how to let others care for your special needs child. The reason why this is an important topic is because as special needs moms, we wear all the hats. We take care of our children, the house, our marriage, other kids, work, cooking, cleaning, errands, doctor’s appointments, and the list goes on. I understand that not everyone has the means to hire a nanny or babysitter all the time. So, this topic relates to you letting go of full control to ...

065 | How to Find the Right Babysitter Pt. 1

Okay. I hear you. Hiring a babysitter is too expensive. No one can take care of your kids as well as you can. How could you trust someone or find the time to find someone? How do you know if they are treating your kids well when you aren't there? I get it and I hear you. These are things I used to tell myself. But I am doing this episode because I think one of the most important things as a special needs parent is to have some balance in your life. A lot of times when we are the sole person ...

064 | (Q&A) How Do You Feel About People Using The R Word?

On this Q&A episode of the podcast, I am responding to a question I got on Instagram that was really really good! It's all about how offended we are when we hear the R word. In the special needs arena, that is very hurtful. I have a lot of thoughts about this because it's something I’ve struggled with over the last few years, and I’ve finally come to a certain peace with it. I want to share that because we need to talk about things like this and how the world views our kids or how they throw...

063 |(Q&A) How Do You Balance Work, Family, and Self-Care as a Special Needs Mom?

In this episode, it's going to be a little different. I have had the idea of adding a second episode a week. I get a lot of questions from people, a lot of questions that are really good and important to me and to the special needs community, so I really want to discuss them with all of you. In this episode, and for future Q&A's, I am just going to answer questions. YOUR questions. Please let me know if this is something you enjoy and if you have anything you'd like to ask me, DM me on Insta...

062 | How to Get to a Place of Acceptance - with Jody Warshawsky

Today we are talking about acceptance. It is my biggest dream for every parent that has a child with special needs because what you can do with acceptance can change the world. You cannot be the best, most effective, and most loving parent until you get to this phase. The journey is you discovering what that purpose is. And I believe that your child was put here to transform the world and bring a new consciousness to our planet. But it starts with you. It starts with the mama.  And that is w...

061 | Depression and Feeling Hopeless - with Jody Warshawsky

When my daughter Remy was diagnosed with autism, I had ALL the feels. I struggled and I felt alone. I didn’t know how I was going to be the kind of mother that Remy needed, and I didn't understand why she had special needs. How could God do this to a child? Why did God choose me? What did I do to deserve this? But I had SUCH a radical transformation when I was able to go through truly grieving the child I thought I was going to have. It was such a hard thing to do, but I'm really happy and p...

060 | I'll Do Anything to Change My Child's Diagnosis - with Jody Warshawsky

Today’s topic is ALL about bargaining. The word bargaining is confusing for a lot of people, and whenever we talk about the stages of grief, we don't even know what it really is and want to move on to the “better” stages, because who needs bargaining? But it's one that will actually keep us stuck the longest. I don't think we even realize we are doing it. So, in today’s podcast, you'll learn all about what bargaining is and what it isn't, and why it's the foundation for getting to that place...

059 | How Anger Shows Up In Special Needs Parenting - With Jody Warshawsky

This episode is a heavy topic, but I am really excited about it. It is about anger and grieving what your old ideas or thoughts were for your child. It is a previously recorded episode and it's one of the first one I've ever done. I wanted to play it because the discussion of the stages of grief still rings true for any mom or any parent who is processing through a diagnosis for their child. If we don't process through it, the whole journey is nothing but pain, struggle, and agony. My bigges...

058 | Denial and How It Plays a Role in Special Needs Parenting - with Jody Warshawsky

This episode is about denial and it is one of THE most important episodes of this entire podcast. What I know now is that when you are raising a child with special needs, there is a part of you that has to die. And I know that sounds a little crazy, but raising a child with special needs requires you to change. It requires you to become a better version of yourself. Through change comes grieving and processing through the feelings that you are having. I am replaying these episodes because th...

057 | Depression and Why You Aren't Alone - with Jody Warshawsky

Currently, I am going through a season of depression in my life. This is not a comfortable topic for me to talk about, but I realize how important and crucial this discussion is right now. I also know that one of the BEST ways to overcome it is to talk about it. So, that's what I am doing in this episode. This is just coming from my own experience and my own journey with depression, what I’ve found helpful, and advice I have for you if you are in a season of depression yourself. I hope that ...

056 | How Hope Can Help You Process an Autism Diagnosis - with Sherilyn Toro

On this episode, I am talking with Sherilyn Toro who is an amazing mama of two kids. Her daughter was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes when she was ten years old, and her son, Gabe, was recently diagnosed with Autism. She is so incredible and openly shares about her hopes and fears surrounding her son’s diagnosis, how important Early Intervention was to his growth, her grieving process, how everything has affected her marriage, and what having two children with very different diagnoses is like...

055 | Homeschooling With an AAC Device - with Heather Cadenhead

I am speaking today with Heather Cadenhead, who is the incredible mama and home-school teacher of two boys. Her 8 year old son Milo is nonverbal and on the autism spectrum. Heather and her family have been on the autism journey for a few years now and she has learned a lot throughout her journey. She talks about finding resources for her son, getting a diagnosis, learning how to implement an AAC device into his communication, and how she came to the decision of homeschooling her two son’s ev...

054 | Grief, Acceptance, and Processing Special Needs Parenting - with Jody Warshawsky

This is a very different episode then the ones I’ve done in the past. I have had a lot on my mind and I wanted to share that with you. I believe that it really ties in to special needs parenting and has given me clarity about why I am even here, doing this podcast, and why I have such a passion to talk to parents with kids that have special needs. I share stories about my childhood, my relationship with my mom, grieving her death, and how I have become a stronger advocate for special needs f...

053 | When Life Gives You Two Ends of the Spectrum - with Stephanie Hanrahan

I am so excited to have Stephanie Hanrahan on the podcast for this episode because she is so vulnerable and unafraid to talk about the hard areas of her life. She shares the personal story of having a husband with a chronic illness, what its really been like being a mom of two kids on the spectrum, and how she achieved success by opening up and unashamedly sharing her truth through her website Tinkles Her Pants. I can't wait for you to listen! Here's how to connect with Stephanie Website...

052 | Autistic Interpretations - with Val Brooks

I am really excited about today’s episode because I am speaking with Valerie Brooks who is the mother of three kids, and currently a caretaker for her daughter Jess, an adult who is blind and has autism. People like Val and her daughter Jessica help me to see how amazing life can be, even when it is really hard. Val shares all of her struggles with being a young mom, raising her daughter Jessica, how lonely it has been, and how amazing their life is now. I loved hearing their story and I kno...

051 | From Loss and Tragedy to Love and Autism - with Nicole Gottesmann

In this episode, I am interviewing Nicole Gottesmann, who shares her powerful story of overcoming the tragedy and grief of losing her husband, her experience with getting an autism diagnosis for her son Gabe, dealing with breast cancer, and through it all, how she was able to find love again. Nicole's story is so beautiful and she is such an amazing example of resilience and determination. I can't wait for you to listen! Here's how to connect with Nicole  Instagram https://www.instagra...

050 | The First Year of an Autism Diagnosis - with Katie Poirier

In this episode, I am talking to Katie Poirier who was a former physician’s assistant and is now a stay-at-home mom to two kids under two. She talks about the birth of both of her children, Everett and Isla, Postpartum Depression, and her story about recently getting an autism diagnosis for her first child, Everett. It is an amazing conversation about Katie’s story, her growth, and how she has been able to find strength through shared experiences with other autism moms. Here's how to conne...

049 | How to Find Joy After an Autism Diagnosis - with Andrea Andrade

In this episode, I am interviewing Andrea Andrade who is the mother of 3 children, ages 22, 18, and 16. Her middle child, Teddy, was diagnosed with autism when he was just 2 years old, so she has almost 17 years of experience of being an autism mom. She talks about receiving an autism diagnosis, motherhood, raising three children, self-care, having an adult child with autism now, and so much good advice for mothers who are at different stages in the autism journey with their children.  Her...

048 | Injustice and Controversy: A Conversation About George Floyd and Myka Stauffer

So, this week I intended to put out a different podcast episode, but it just didn’t feel right. There are so many things going on in our world right now that it felt like it was important to address what is happening. The two big controversial topics that are discussed in this episode are the racism and injustice surrounding the story of George Floyd, and the sad and controversial story of the youtuber, Myka Stauffer. My friend and advocate Megan Carranza from the Adventures in Autism Podcas...

047 | Transitioning Back To Life After Covid Crisis

Download my free guide. 11 areas to focus on after an autism diagnosis ASDparenting.com/autism   I got a DM asking me how I have such peace with Remy doing ABA right now with the COVID crisis still happening.  I decided to record an episode on how I have that peace.  I give you steps for you to take to create that peace too.  Don't forget to subscribe to the show. We are moving into the summer season and you're not going to want to miss the line up of interviews that are coming...

046 | 11 Areas to Focus on After an Autism Diagnosis Pt. 2

Today, we are finishing up the topic about 11 Areas to Focus on After an Autism Diagnosis. I wanted to talk about this because when Remy was diagnosed with Autism, we didn’t have a manual, directions, or any type of instructions. I didn't have a guide, so I created one. It has been about 5 years now, and I can really see what has worked and what hasn't. So this is my love note to you. It is finishing up the breakdown of the FREE GUIDE I put together that specifically talks about the 11 areas...

045 | 11 Areas to Focus on After an Autism Diagnosis Pt. 1

I am SO excited about this topic. In this episode, I am talking about the eleven MOST important areas that should be focused on after an autism diagnosis. These are all things that I have really thought about over the years and have first-hand experience with after 5 years of being a mom to a daughter with autism. This is a breakdown of the FREE GUIDE that I put together that specifically talks about the 11 areas to focus on. If I had it to do over again, I wish that I could follow these ste...

044 | Homeschooling 101 - with Sasha Long

This podcast episode is an amazing Zoom Call Meetup that I had with Sasha Long who is a BCBA, M.A., and the founder and president of The Autism Helper, along with a bunch of parents from the Accepting the Unacceptable Facebook Community. Sasha talks with us about her emergency homeschooling curriculum that she created, answers our questions, and breaks down everything from how to use visuals, create reinforcements for our kiddos, schedule our days, use token boards, and so much more! Watch...

043 | Turning Panic Into Purpose

In this episode, we are talking about how to turn panic into purpose. Whether you are processing a special needs diagnosis, an autism diagnosis, or you are in the middle of a COVID-19 situation, whatever it is, I am going to be talking about four steps that you can take in order to use what you are going through as fuel to bring a sense of purpose to your life. If you'd like to be a part of the Autism Hope Focus Group https://go.jodywarshawsky.com/autism-hope/ Here's how to connect wit...

042 | Getting Through This Crisis

This episode is all about the seasons of life. I think this topic is SO important right now because we are in a season of life where a pandemic has caused the whole world to pretty much be locked in their houses. We may be in a difficult season right now, but trust me when I say no season lasts forever. The more we accept this, the easier it is to get through the ups and downs because we know it's just part of life. So I will be talking about how we can get through each season and even more ...

041|Corona Virus and Why We'll Be Okay

We are in the middle of a pandemic. Our lives are changing and life is going through a massive shift for every single one of us. We just want to know that we’ll be okay. So, in this episode, I am going to tell you how we are all going to get through this and why we'll be okay.  If you'd like to be a part of the Autism Hope Focus Group https://go.jodywarshawsky.com/autism-hope/ Here's how to connect with me Email: [email protected] FB Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/...

040 | How Music Improves Social Communication and Auditory Processing Disorder - with Julianne Hartley

I am SO excited about today’s episode because I am speaking with Julieann Hartley who is a board-certified neurologic music therapist. We are going to be talking all about how we can use music therapy to help support emotional resilience, coping skill development, communication, and auditory processing disorders in children, adults, and people that have Dementia and Alzheimers.  Here's how to connect with Julieann Instagram: Miss Julieann Instagram Facebook : Miss Julieann Facebook  ...

039 | What Severe Non-Verbal Autism Really Looks Like - with Brittney Crabtree

I am so excited to have Brittany Crabtree on my podcast today to share her story. So many of us are scared when you think about getting an autism diagnosis. It feels like we're alone on an island and no one could possibly understand.  Brittney is the mother of 4, 2 of which have autism. Brittney was one of the first moms I met after Remy was diagnosed with autism who had walked the walk. Her story is one that needs to be heard and I'm honored to have had the opportunity to bring her st...

038 | Raising Teenagers and How I've Been Handling It

In today's episode, it's going to be a bit different because I am going to be talking about parenting teenagers. I will be explaining what happened recently with my son, why I decided to go public on social media, opening up a discussion about the challenges of raising teens, and where I am currently at with everything. I am loving connecting with you. Find me on social media or email me Email: [email protected] FB Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/608571542825070/ FB P...

037 | How to Be an Advocate For Your Child pt. 1- with Zach Warshawsky

In today's episode, I am joined by my husband Zach, and we are going to be talking all about how to advocate for your special needs child. We will be sharing the struggles and experiences that we have gone through in order to build an incredible team around our daughter Remy and how we've been able to give her the resources that she needs to thrive.  I am loving connecting with you. Find me on social media or email me Email: [email protected] FB Group https://www.facebook.com...

036| How To Stop Comparing Ourselves To Others

In the world of special needs, comparison can be extremely painful. When our child isn’t able to do something that they should be doing, it’s natural to wish that they weren’t struggling. It’s normal for us to want to make things better in our life when everything isn’t going well. The problem starts when we begin comparing ourselves and our children to others. So, this episode is all about how to stop comparing and focus on our blessings!   Heres where I hang out, send me a hello and le...

035 | Why Don't You Want People to Know He Has Autism?

Have you ever been worried about what people would say or think if they knew your child had autism? If you are, your not alone.  One of the many worried we have around raising a child with autism is what others think of them.  I'm talking today all about the judgment of others and why it might be time to start letting others into your journey.  Email: [email protected] FB Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/608571542825070/ FB Page https://www.facebook.com/acceptingtheuna...

034 | How to Accept the Unacceptable - Acceptance Part 2

This episode is all about how to get to a place of accepting the things in our minds that we find unacceptable. If that's accepting a child's illness or autism diagnosis or just accepting something you always thought shouldn't be happening.  I am loving connecting with you. Find me on social media or email me Email: [email protected] FB Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/608571542825070/ FB Page https://www.facebook.com/acceptingtheunacceptable/ Instagram https://w...

033 | Acceptance and What Gets In Our Way

032 | The Problem With Having the Perfect Plan For Your Special Needs Child

In this episode, I want to talk about the difference between preparing for something and planning for something. We all want the plan. When we walk out of the psychologist's office who just gave us the paper that says the word "autism" on it, we want the plan. We want the map that tells us where to go, what to do, what the right diet is or the right therapy, how we can get a hold of those resources, and ultimately what's next.  But as you know, they don't give you anything but a piece of p...

031 | I Lost 55 Pounds and This Is How I Did It - The Importance of Self Care As A Special Needs Parent

I am really excited to be talking about today's topic, which is mostly about my weight loss journey. I wanted to do this episode because it's  New Year, and so many of us want this year to be the one that we change and experience amazing things. One of those things is self-care! A lot of times, we give so much to our families, friends, our job, and school, but you cannot pour from an empty cup. Sometimes you may go without sleeping or eating, and all of the comforts you are used to just so y...

030 | The Holidays With Your Special Needs Child

The holiday episode. Whether you celebrate Christmas or not, we all have those traditions that we want to hold on to. I want to give you permission to adjust as necessary to fit the needs of your family. Christmas is known to cause anxiety and overwhelm, but when you throw in a new diagnosis, medical issues, or a child that doesn't fit into the regular box, it can be a time of great stress.  But it doesn't have to be — I'm sharing about my journey to being ok with changing things up on Chr...

029 | How To Be Courageous In The Face Of Adversity - with Brittany Joseph

In this episode, Im really excited to be joined by my friend Brittany Joseph who is a 26-year-old mother of five children that are between the ages of nine and two. She's married to her high school sweetheart, who is currently employed in the Air Force.  She walks us through her experience with becoming a mom at a young age and what it was like going through her journey of finding out that her daughter was diagnosed with epilepsy and autism.   Some valuable points discussed in this episo...

028 | Perfectionism and Why Its Ruining Your Life

Are you someone who tends to be anxious, feel like you are never settled, or constantly experience fear and depression? Do you ever think you are not enough? If so, there is a chance that you could be a perfectionist. Being a parent of a child with special needs is a very challenging task. You might be fearful that you aren’t doing enough and as a result, worry that your child will not succeed because of you. Does this relate to you? If so, this episode is definitely for you! Today we are go...

027 | Expanding Your Family After an Autism Diagnosis - With Leah Behrens

  Today, I am joined by Leah Behrens who is the author of the blog The Behrens Den and an amazing wife and mother to three children. Two of which have autism.    Leah shares her journey into motherhood, dealing with an autism diagnosis for both of her children, how to make your marriage work, experiencing a miscarriage, and advice for anyone who is thinking about having another child after a diagnosis.      Leah found out that she was pregnant when she was nineteen. Because she bec...

026 | Beliefs, How Your Belief System Shapes Your Special Needs Child

Every single one of us holds beliefs that we believe are true. Do you know that our beliefs shape both our happiness and our misery? What we believe can help us to raise our child with autism and special needs to be strong and independent and happy, or it can help them to grow up feeling like a victim and that there is something wrong with them.    In this episode, we are talking about the topic of beliefs. We don't often realize that the beliefs that we hold so closely shape everything ...

025 | Special Education and the Power of Being an Autism Helper - With Sasha Long

How should you respond when your child is consistently exhibiting negative behaviors, like a meltdown or tantrum? What types of curricular help are out there for parents that want to homeschool their child? What can you do to be an advocate for your child? Ensuring they get the help that they need both inside and outside of the classroom? These questions can be very overwhelming to think about. Today, I am joined by Sasha Long, author of the Autism Helper Podcast and creator of The Autis...

024 | Decisions, How To Know You're Making The Right Ones For Your Child

One of the scariest parts of parenting a child with special needs is knowing that the direction you are leading your child is the very best one. We fear that we wont meet the needs of our kids because we don't know how to navigate this special needs world. We want to give our children the best we can but its often difficult to know what the best is.  We have recently made the decision to pull Remy out of public special education. It was a big choice and one that I never anticipated making,...

023 | I know It's Hard But You Can Do It

Do you ever feel like your inadequate? that you don't know if you're cut out for this parenting stuff?    I had a little pity party this week so I totally understand.   In this episode, I talk about how you can keep your head up even though you can't see the road in front of you.

022 | Making Peace With Autism - With Megan Carranza

We never forget our child's first cry, first smile or the first time they start walking. Those are the milestones we dream of when picturing our future children. But we also never forget the first time we look at our child and wonder if we should be concerned with their development. Today I am talking to Megan Carranza from Adventure In Autism Podcast. She shares what it was like to receive an autism diagnosis for her son Logan, how it affected her marriage, what it was like to add 2 m...

021 | ABA Therapy - With Ashleigh Guich

ABA therapy (Applied Behavior Analysis) is a common type of therapy offered to people on the spectrum. But what is ABA therapy? Today I am speaking with Ashleigh Guich, BCBA all about ABA therapy and how it's used for people with autism as well as anyone else who can benefit from changing behaviors and learning good communication skills If you like this episode, DM Ashleigh and tell her what you thought. She is also happy to help in any way with questions or inquiries   Find Ashlei...

020 | I Accept My Childs Diagnosis But...

Hey there, do you ever get into weird funks in life? I totally get it, Im there right now.  It just seems like sometimes life gets heavy In this episode, I talk about a bunch of things. Depression, IEPs, Vaccines, Acceptance. All the stuff on my mind.  But what's really on my mind is what does acceptance really mean?  Can you accept your child but? I tell you what I think in this episode.  Thanks for listening.   With love, Jody PS Hit me up on Instagram, I would love to ch...

019 | You Are Enough

We all want to be the best parents. I remember when I was pregnant with my first son, I was going to be the best mom there ever was. I wasn't going to make all those mistakes that everyone else did.  But then he was born and I realized that there is a lot of things out of my control. I wasn't able to be perfect and felt it in a way I hadn't anticipated.  Fast forward to having a child with autism and epilepsy. My daughter Remy. She needed a different kind of mom. A kind that had all her...