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In this episode I talk with Jacquelyn Stephanou about her 20 year old son Will who has a dual diagnosis of Down syndrome and Autism.  Will’s diagnosis brought challenges, especially regarding communication.   By constantly reading, researching and connecting with others, Jacquelyn learned about Spelling to Communicate, a technique that teaches individuals with Autism & Apraxia the purposeful motor skills needed to communicate by spelling.   Students are taught to point accurately to letters on a letter board to spell out words and eventually create sentences.   For the first time in many years Will is now able to express his thoughts and feelings and even share his dreams for the future!  Jacquelyn believes in presuming competence and continually pushing boundaries to raise the bar.  The potential is there.  You just have to figure out how to tap into it to give your child every opportunity for success.

Books:
Prizant, Barry: Uniquely Human: A Different Way of Seeing Autism. NY: Simon and Schuster, 2016
https://www.amazon.com/Uniquely-Human-Different-Seeing-Autism/dp/1476776245

Podcasts:
Uniquely Human, Barry Prizant and Dave Finch, cohosts
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/uniquely-human-the-podcast/id1532460901
https://uniquelyhuman.com/

The Heumann Perspective, with Judy Heumann
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-heumann-perspective/id1558688277

Movies:
Crip Camp
https://youtu.be/OFS8SpwioZ4

Spelling2Communicate:
International Association for Spelling to Communicate (I-asc).
The best place to learn about the basics of S2C and to find practitioners around the globe.
Spelling to Communicate | S2C | I-ASC
https://i-asc.org/

Rapid Promoting Method/HALO
https://www.halo-soma.org/what-is-rpm

Communication Choice as a Human Right:
Communication First
https://communicationfirst.orghttps://i-asc.org

Books By and About Spellers:
Handley, JB, Handley, J. Underestimated: An Autism Miracle, 2020.
https://www.amazon.com/Underestimated-Autism-Miracle-Childrens-Defense/dp/1510766367

Tino, Gregory. The Autistic Mind Finally Speaks: Letterboard Thoughts, 2020.
https://www.amazon.com/Autistic-Mind-Finally-Speaks-Letterboard/dp/B08LJN18BY

Pena EV, Editor. Leaders Around Me: Autobiographies of Autistics Who Type, Point, & Spell to Communicate, 2019.
https://www.amazon.com/Leaders-Around-Autobiographies-Autistics-Communicate/dp/1791505953

Connect with Sandy:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/sandydeppisch
Embrace the Blessing Facebook Group: http://bit.ly/ETB4ME
Website: http://www.embracetheblessing.com/https://uniquelyhuman.com/

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In this episode I talk with an amazing mom,  Andrea Leger. whose second child, Andrew was born 7 weeks premature.  An hour after birth,  she learned Andrew had Down syndrome and was given a very bleak prognosis for his future.  Two days later Andrew was whisked into surgery and during his first few months of life there were some frightening moments.  Initially this young mom felt unprepared and unsure whether she could handle any of it.  She believes God gave her strength to get through it all.  Over the years,  she’s grown much stronger, fully embracing this journey! Andrew, now 23 years old, is delightful and brings joy to everyone he knows.

Connect with GHFEDS ~ Greater Houston Families Exploring Down Syndrome
Website:  http://ghfeds.org/

It’s Potty Time Video
https://www.amazon.com/Potty-Time-Barbara-Howard-M-D/dp/B00018D4J0

Connect with Sandy:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/sandydeppisch
Embrace the Blessing Facebook Group: http://bit.ly/ETB4ME
Website: http://www.embracetheblessing.com/

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In this episode I talk with Heather Burdeaux, case manager and multi-talented, super busy mom of 3 about navigating life with 2 children who have special needs.  Her oldest, Arabella has Down syndrome and her youngest, Darin, has a dual diagnosis of Down syndrome and Autism.  A  few years ago Darin’s behavior began to suddenly shift.  Heather took courageous steps to help her son through a very difficult period.  She believes in expectation management which ensures every family member is able to fully enjoy vacations and holiday gatherings as defined by each person’s individual needs.  She also encourages making time for your own friendships.  And, as an entrepreneur herself, Heather already has some great ideas about what the future might hold for Bella and Darin.

Connect with Heather:
Blog about raising her kids: http://shantijoy.wordpress.com
Medicaid Resources Website:  http://texasmedicaidwaivers.com

Connect with Arabella:
Arabella’s Wonderful Life YouTube Channel:  http://tinyurl.com/arabella911
Arabella’s Wonderful Life Shop: http://tinyurl.com/arabella911shop

Connect with GHFEDS ~ Greater Houston Families Exploring Down Syndrome
Website:  http://ghfeds.org/

Connect with Sandy:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/sandydeppisch
Embrace the Blessing Facebook Group: http://bit.ly/ETB4ME
Website: http://www.embracetheblessing.com/

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In this episode I talk with Jennifer Anderson.  I promise not all of my guests are named Jennifer.  If they were, I’d have to change the name to the Jennifer Show.  That would just be silly.   However, if your name IS Jennifer and you’d like to be a guest, let me know.  How hard could it be to change the podcast name,  right?  But I digress.  This Jennifer showed up the day we recorded wearing a sparkly tiara because she’s just that fun.  She was also wearing a special shirt that announces to the world how proud she is to be an advocate for Macie, her  high energy, dance loving, prayerful 14 year old daughter who has Down syndrome.  Jennifer believes in treating a child with special needs just as you would any other child.  She encourages setting goals, being consistent with expectations and embracing your child’s hopes and dreams.

Connect with GHFEDS ~ Greater Houston Families Exploring Down Syndrome
Website:  http://ghfeds.org/

Connect with Sandy:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/sandydeppisch
Embrace the Blessing Facebook Group: http://bit.ly/ETB4ME

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In this episode I talk with Jennifer Vincent,  part time nurse and busy, full time mother of 3, who shares about her youngest daughter,  Alexandra.   Born with Down syndrome and a heart defect,  Alexandra was diagnosed with diabetes at age 9.   She is also a thrill loving, sensory seeker who water skis, zip lines and indoor sky dives.  Alexandra has a very full life with lots of opportunity and adventure, including  going to Nationals in Chicago to represent Texas in the Miss Amazing Teen Pageant.  Jennifer believes having a disability should not stop your child from doing things.  You just need to provide the necessary accommodations and give them every opportunity to try new things.

Connect with GHFEDS ~ Greater Houston Families Exploring Down Syndrome
Website:  http://ghfeds.org/

Connect with Sandy:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/sandydeppisch
Embrace the Blessing Facebook Group: http://bit.ly/ETB4ME