Isn't That Special? special needs: family: fun

Episode 55 - Who Has Time for Therapy?

Jen and Deena talk about trying to schedule anything and catch up on therapy progress.  Perhaps they have a ways to go...they don't seem "fixed" yet!

Episode 54: We're Back! And Check Out That New Acronymn!

Jen and Deena are back after a few months break and they found out that they are even more in sync than they thought!  Without knowing it about the other,  they both "started" therapy so may as well share it all with you! Come along for the ride!

Birthday Episode

Episode 52: Silent Night Christmas Episode

Jen and Deena share some stories of what Christmas is all about.  Sometimes it's all about taking some time to be still and silent and seek the magic of the season.  Merry Christmas, friends, and a Blessed New Year!

Episode 51: Yippee Ki Yay!

Join us as we discuss pushing on and finding joy even when life keeps hitting. Christmas is coming and we are fighting to find the joy! Yippee Ki Yay is our motto this week.....from one of our favorite Christmas movies....die hard. But maybe don't die!

Yippee Ki Yay!

Join us as we discuss pushing on and finding joy even when life keeps hitting. Christmas is coming and we are fighting to find the joy! Yippee Ki Yay is our motto this week.....from one of our favorite Christmas movies....die hard. But maybe don't die!

Episode 50: Battle for JOY

Jen and Deena (and a special guest opening!) chat about what makes their Holiday season Joyful despite trying times. It might be a battle this year, but there's always a reason to celebrate!

Episode 49: Thankful-ish

Happy Turkey Day!! Join us as we talk about the things we are thankful for....mostly! 

Thankfulish

Happy Turkey Day!! Join us as we talk about the things we are thankful for....mostly! 

Advocate Like A Mother

Join us for this episode where we talk about being advocates not only for our kids but also for ourselves.  We can't take care of our families if we don't advocate for ourselves as well! Its a tough topic but an important good one!

Episode 48: Advocate Like A Mother

Join us for this episode where we talk about being advocates not only for our kids but also for ourselves.  We can't take care of our families if we don't advocate for ourselves as well! Its a tough topic but an important good one!

Episode 47: It's Never Too Early!

Jen and Deena get the holidays rolling early!  Believers in ALL things holidays, they kick it off with thinking about SIMPLIFYING the holidays this year.  Actually, they ramble a good bit with some tips thrown in for good measure!  It's time to get JOYFUL!

Episode 46: Sure, We Allow It

This week on Isn't That Special join us as we talk about some of the things we let our special needs kiddos get away with. Won't keep shoes on? Won't go to bed without a certain routine? Kicks things to get your attention. We allow it! Whatever it takes to get the job done =)

Sure, We Allow It

This week on Isn't That Special join us as we talk about some of the things we let our special needs kiddos get away with. Won't keep shoes on? Won't go to bed without a certain routine? Kicks things to get your attention. We allow it! Whatever it takes to get the job done =)

Halloween Special Part 2

Join in on the spooky fun as Jen and Deena tell some home state Halloween stories!  No tricks, just treats as they just enjoy some good old fashioned hauntings!

Halloween Special Part 1

Jen and Deena give reviews for 4 Halloween movies and other chatter... The Adams Family, The Haunting of Bly Manor, Hocus Pocus, and the Shining

Episode 43: When Self Help Isn't Enough

Deena and Jen talk about when self care just isn't enough to promote mental health.  They talk about resources available in an immediate crisis and how to get professional help when you are struggling. https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vSLKu391DcF5-iB45GS3V5CiaCW9GvfxCLXDqCtXsx5IY65JpVsy5d1nSJgsmNSA9YHoH6tTW_GjtzK/pub

Episode 42: Poop - the Struggle is Real

Jen talks candidly about a topic many special needs family face along with a diagnosis- constipation.  Her daughter underwent the surgical procedure of having a Malone procedure.  Find out what it is and the hopeful end goal.  The struggle is real and brings along a myriad of other problems than the aforementioned inital diagnosis many face.  The struggle, literally, is real.

Episode 41: Self-Comfort or Self-Care?

Jen and Deena discuss the difference in self-comfort versus self-care.  While both are important, self-care is vital for exceptional families to stay healthy, physically and mentally while caring for others.  Deena honestly discusses her struggles with self-care and caregiver burnout during the pandemic.

Episode 40: Part 2 of a Mother's Rest

Jen and Deena continue the conversation with Andrea Roberts, founder of A Mother's Rest which is redefining the definition of respite for caregivers.  For event information, information of two inns owned and operated by A Mother's Rest, and information on the Bed and Breakfasts all around the county partnering with them, please visit www.amothersrest.org

Episode 39: A Mother's Rest part 1

Jen and Deena are so proud to introduce you to CEO and founder of A Mother's Rest, Andrea Roberts, as their special guest on this 2 part series.  A Mother's Rest is redefining what true respite looks like for extraordinary families.   Please find us on Facebook: Isn't That Special Podcast on Instagram: @specialneedspodcast please visit, donate, or sign up for a retreat at A Mother's Rest: https://www.amothersrest.org/

Episode 38: Say What You Mean!

In today's episode we discuss dreaded acronyms. Navigating the crazy special needs world gets even crazier when you toss a million acronyms in the mix. What do some of them mean? What do we need to know? Join us as we dive into the crazy!

Episode 37 Gadget, Gizmos, Whatsits, Oh My!

Jen and Deena talk about some of the things that they "can't live without" or that just make them smile around their house...also, just some things they blow their money on that they shouldn't!

Episode 36: Single Parenting part 2

Join Jen and Deena for the second part of their interview with some rockstar single parents.  

Episode 36 Single Parenting part 2

Join Jen and Deena for the second part of their interview with some rockstar single parents.  

Episode 35: All the Single Ladies Part 1

On this episode join Jen and Deena as we have some extraordinary guests! We will be discussing what it is like to be a single parent raising an exceptional kiddo. These gals are Rockstars and you guys are going to love them!

Episode 34: Faking It

Jen and Deena try to trick themselves into thinking 2020 hasn't been ALL bad....

Episode 33: Chronic Disappointment

On today's episode of Isn't that Special we discuss what its like to have chronic disappointments in our lives.  We offer some tips and suggestions and also just have some frank discussion about the roller coaster that is special needs parenting! 

Episode 32: Financial Planning part 2 with guest Nick Wallace

Jen and Deena are joined by Nick Wallace, a special needs financial planner, and discuss planning for the future for your exceptional loved one. Part 2

Episode 31: Financial Planning Part 1 with guest Nick Wallace

Jen and Deena are excited to welcome their first guest, Nick Wallace.  Nick is a financial planner that knows the ins and out of special needs planning more than most.  This is part 1 of a 2 part session with Nick as he discusses the first steps for those needing to plan for an extraordinary's loved ones future.

Episode 30: Don't Blink!

Jen and Deena discuss how things can change in the blink of an eye....kind of like how this episode turns out!  Things careen off course around minute 25... Join the community at Isn't That Special Podcast on Facebook!

Episode 29: We Are So Cool - Trends

Jen and Deena discuss current trends and what may be up and coming!  They may not be as cool as they think they are! Let the fun continue by joining the podcast Facebook group at Isn't That Special Podcast - you aren't alone!

Episode 28: Look a rainbow...oh...nawh, still pouring

Jen and Deena chat about the reality that the country is trying to recover and "reopen" and  things, in theory, should be looking up but nope. Suckville is hitting hard.  

Untitled Episode

Join Jen and Deena as we discuss setting boundaries! It can be tough to set boundaries but is so important and healthy especially for special needs families. https://psychcentral.com/lib/10-way-to-build-and-preserve-better-boundaries/

Episode 27 Boundaries

Join Jen and Deena as we discuss setting boundaries! It can be tough to set boundaries but is so important and healthy especially for special needs families. https://psychcentral.com/lib/10-way-to-build-and-preserve-better-boundaries/

Episode 27: Boundaries

Join Jen and Deena as we discuss setting boundaries! It can be tough to set boundaries but is so important and healthy especially for special needs families. https://psychcentral.com/lib/10-way-to-build-and-preserve-better-boundaries/

Episode 26: Your Wish is Granted

Jen and Deena share their experiences with the Make a Wish Foundation as well as talk about other resources that grant wishes for extraordinary families. Join our Facebook community at Isn't That Special Podcast

Episode 26 Your Wish is Granted

Jen and Deena share their experiences with the Make a Wish Foundation as well as talk about other resources that grant wishes for extraordinary families. Join our Facebook community at Isn't That Special Podcast

Episode 25: Get to Know Us Better

This week, Jen and Deena discuss answers to questions that don't matter. Like, they don't matter at all.  But we have a lot of fun!

Episode 25 - Get to Know Us Better

This week, Jen and Deena discuss answers to questions that don't matter. Like, they don't matter at all.  But we have a lot of fun!

Episode 24: You've Got a Friend

Jen and Deena discuss all things friendship for caregivers

Episode 24 - You've Got a Friend

Jen and Deena discuss all things friendship for caregivers

Episode 23: Faith (or not)

Join us this week on Isn't That Special for a frank discussion on faith. How does our faith play out in relationship to our special needs kiddos? 

Episode 22: We Need a Vacation

Jen and Deena discuss the joys and woes traveling with extraordinary families 

Birthday Blowout

Join us as we resume our "normal" format and discuss birthdays. Special needs birthdays can be a bit of a challenge. We will talk about the feels, the celebrations, the sadness and just surviving! Jolie turns 7 this week! So come celebrate with us and don't forget to join our Facebook group Isn't That Special Podcast! 

Episode 21: Birthday Blowout

Join Jen and Deena as they resume their  "normal" format and discuss birthdays. Special needs birthdays can be a bit of a challenge. They will talk about the feels, the celebrations, the sadness and just surviving! Jolie turns 7 this week! So come celebrate with them and don't forget to join the Facebook group Isn't That Special Podcast! 

Diversion 6: Jen and Deena Just Give Up!

Jen and Deena discuss things that we have and should give up already! https://www.facebook.com/groups/isntthatspecial/

Diversion 5: Who Even Are We?

Join us for some hangout time on diversion episode number.....whatever they are all running together! We discuss our weeks and life and just have some fun!

Diversion 5 Who Even Are We?

Join us for some hangout time on diversion episode number.....whatever they are all running together! We discuss our weeks and life and just have some fun!

Diversion 4: Checking in with ALL the Feels

Jen and Deena share their honest and candid, ugly and not, feelings about staying home these weeks of the pandemic.  They hope this lets you know you aren't alone with whatever you are feeling! We are here to chat anytime - feel free to private message us on the facebook community page! Isn't That Special Facebook group  - https://www.facebook.com/groups/isntthatspecial/