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ETB39 –  In this episode I talk with Mary Ann Hughes, mother of 2 young adults with Autism about finding quality care for loved ones with special needs.  As a single mother managing her company, Special Family Transitions, Mary Ann has had to stretch her comfort zone most recently when she sent both of her boys for the very first time to a week long summer camp.

Mary Ann believes as special needs moms and parents we don’t spend enough time taking care of ourselves.  She notes there is so much stress involved with having special. needs children it can take a toll on the family and sometimes the marriage.  Mary Ann encourages you to take time for yourself so you can be the best parent you can be for your kids.

To help you find quality caregivers you can trust,  Mary Ann shares an abundance of possibilities for securing respite care, some of which you may not have ever considered.

Connect with Mary Ann:
Email address: Maryann@specialfamilytransitions.com

Website: https://www.specialfamilytransitions.com/

Special Family Transitions YouTube channel (please subscribe )
https://youtube.com/channel/UChI4BaUMGf50O2yPE_YnjFA

Special Family Transitions Facebook Page:
https://m.facebook.com/specialfamilytransitions

Private Facebook group:
Divorce Journey Support for Moms of Children with Autism & Special Needs:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/309739357366936/

Special Family Transitions on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/specialfamilytransitions/

Respite Resources:
Take Time Texas
https://apps.hhs.texas.gov/taketimetexas/search.cfm

Texas State Information on Respite Providers or Programs
https://archrespite.org/respite-locator-service-state-information/176-texas-info

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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ETB 38: In this episode I share a few stories about Josiah from the past few years when he was walking through a very long, very difficult season.  With so many challenges including aggression, destruction and self-injurious behaviors it was easy at times to lose sight of hope.

As a mom desperately trying to figure out how to best help my child,  it was heartbreaking to watch him struggle so much.  There is nothing like watching someone you love suffer and feel powerless to alleviate it.  Even after all the interventions, it was discouraging to see little to no improvement.

But I’m here to tell you, things drastically improved.  Despite the daunting forecast from a psychiatrist who told us Josiah would spend the rest of his life in a long-term psychiatric facility because he was too combative and self-injurious to live at home,  Josiah has become a different person.  He has made remarkable progress and continues to amaze me with his growth and abilities.

Don’t give up on your kids!  If you are in a difficult season and can’t imagine how things could ever get better, hang in there!  Pray without ceasing, reach out to others, seek support from those who has been where you are,  get respite if you need it but don’t ever give up hope!

Respite Care:
https://www.navigatelifetexas.org/en/family-support/respite-care-for-children-with-disabilities

Support Groups for Parents of Children with Special Needs:
https://blog.bayada.com/be-healthy/eight-support-groups-for-parents-raising-children-with-special-needs

GHFEDS – Galveston Houston Families Exploring Down Syndrome
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/