Thriving Special Families
Thriving Special Families is the perfect podcast for special needs families and caregivers...especially those impacted by Autism. Our weekly talk show is hosted by special education advocate, speech pathologist, and fellow special needs parent Crystal Sanford. While interviewing experts and caregivers alike, she offers insight, humor, and hope along your special needs journey. This is OUR show families...let's thrive!
Episodes
53 episodes
Autistic and Proud: One Woman's Story
Are you parenting an autistic child? Do you wonder what the future holds for them? Can they really thrive in the midst of a diagnosis? Well there is much to learn and hope to be gained from our discussion from autism self-advocate Ayanna Davis ...
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Season 2
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Episode 22
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29:33
Help and Hope for Marriages
Has being a parent of a child with special needs added an extra struggle to your marriage? Is there hope? Definitely! Join us in a riveting conversation with Dr. Michael Barnes (licensed Professional Counselor and Diplomate in the American Acad...
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Season 2
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Episode 21
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32:45
Just Quirky..... Or Autistic?
Are you parenting a school-age child who is a little quirky? Maybe socially awkward? Let’s consider today...could they be quirky or is it Autism? Our host, Crystal Sanford, dives into some of the hallmark challenges and strengths for those iden...
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Season 2
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Episode 20
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19:24
Celebrating Neurodiversity in Literature
Lets explore how to honor neurodiversity in children's literature. Join us in a discussion with author and neurodiversity ally, Bracha Goetz.Bracha Goetz, M.A. Bracha Goetz is the Harvard-educated author of 40 books ...
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Season 2
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Episode 19
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23:28
Unmasking ABA For Families (Part 2)
Part 2. Does your child demonstrate behavior challenges? Are you involved in ABA services? Learn along with us as expert Molly Moel, LMFT, BCBA helps to "unmask" ABA services for families.Molly Moel, LMFT, BCBAAs a d...
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Season 2
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Episode 18
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13:41
Unmasking ABA For Families (Part 1)
Does your child demonstrate behavior challenges? Are you involved in ABA services? Learn along with us as expert Molly Moel, LMFT, BCBA helps to "unmask" ABA services for families.Molly Moel, LMFT, BCBAAs a dually li...
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Season 2
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Episode 17
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38:32
Sensory Sensitivities
Does your child struggle with sensory issues? Join Amanda Lee, M.A.Ed, Center Director of Brain Balance San Diego/Chula Vista, to discover when your child’s sensory sensitivities should be a concern... from overreaction to bright lights and sou...
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Season 2
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Episode 16
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26:48
Compensatory Education: Where Are We Now?
Did your child experience significant learning loss last year during distance learning? Has your child been denied access to their free and appropriate education? If so, they may be eligible to receive compensatory education services (comp ed)....
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Season 2
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Episode 15
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38:46
The Magic of Music
Music has the power to change lives, especially for those on the autism spectrum. Learn how "the magic of music" may be able to change your child's life!John Vento Since the 1980s, John has enjoyed success in busines...
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Season 2
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Episode 14
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25:03
Is a Non Public School Right for Your Child
Is your child with an IEP struggling in public school? Do you wish there was another alternative for their education? Maybe there is...Learn more about non-public school options for children with unique needs. Our special guest will be ...
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Season 2
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Episode 13
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27:49
How To Dissolve Your Worries And Stress
Has stress and anxiety got you down? What will happen to my child this school year...will the IEP team ever listen to my concerns??? These are the thoughts of many parents/caregivers just like you. Learn how to dissolve your worries and stress ...
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Season 2
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Episode 12
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26:39
Superhero Siblings
Your family is diverse. Maybe you have a child with unique needs as well as "neurotypical" kiddos. How do you maintain balance in your parenting?Learn tips from a superhero sibling! Karishma Bali is a consultant, author, and successful ...
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Season 2
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Episode 11
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28:21
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Becoming Yours Child's Best Advocate (Part 3): Mental Health Needs
You are your child's best advocate parents/caregivers. Learn more about how to support them in their mental health care at school.Dena TibsheranyDena is the host of the Empower 2 Heal Podcast and founder of One World ...
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Season 2
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Episode 10
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33:57
Mental Health Matters: Secondary Trauma
When our kiddos hurt, we hurt. Learn more about the secondary trauma experienced by some parents/caregivers of children with unique needs.Michael F. Barnes, Ph.D., MAC, LAC, LPCDr. Michael Barnes is a Master Addictio...
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Season 2
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Episode 9
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35:33
What Autism Means To Me
Did you know that 1% of the world is identified with autism? Did you know that 1 in 54 children in the U.S. will be identified with autism by age 8? Let’s share and learn about autism with our host Crystal Sanford, autism mom, Speech Pathologis...
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Season 2
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Episode 8
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17:12
YOU Matter: Care For Caregivers (Part 4)
Caregivers need care, too. Learn how to refocus and refuel with our special guest, Sabrina Thomas. Sabrina Thomas Sabrina is an empowerment coach, author, special needs mom, and advocate who loves her work with famil...
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Season 2
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Episode 7
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30:37
Autism and TSC
Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC) is a rare genetic disease that causes tumors to form across the entire body. As the leading genetic cause of autism and epilepsy, TSC impacts 1 million people nationwide. But, in addition to the lasting health p...
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Season 2
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Episode 6
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25:53
Middle School Student Success
Is your child with unique needs entering middle school this year? Are you concerned about their ability to navigate this transition? Get the help you need with our expert, ADHD Specialist and Coach, Dr. Cindi Britton.Dr. Cindi Br...
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Season 2
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Episode 5
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36:48
Discover Your Unlikely Guru
Do you know how to tap into your gut instinct? Do you know how this can positively impact your parenting? Do you believe that beneath all the layers of armor we’ve built up from all that life throws at us, there is an UNLIKELY GURU patiently wa...
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Season 2
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Episode 4
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30:14
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Summer IEP Prep
Do you hate going to your child's IEP meeting? Do you wish there was something you could do now, to set yourself up for IEP success? Check out this week's episode with our host Crystal Sanford for helpful IEP tips.Crystal Sanford, M....
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Season 2
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Episode 3
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14:24
Help For The Dinner Table
The emotional burden of feeding your family is real. But, there is a way to make weeknight dinner a little easier in your home. Even with selective eaters, special diets, etc. Join me and our special guest, Marie Fiebach, business owner, podcas...
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Season 2
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Episode 2
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29:49
How to Emotionally Regulate Yourself While Your Child is Melting Down
What happens when your child is experiencing emotional and/or sensory overload? How do YOU stay grounded during your child's meltdown? There is hope families! Our special guest Lisa Candera, (lawyer, Autism mom, speaker, etc) will help us with ...
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Season 2
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Episode 1
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35:21
Your Autism Questions Answered
What questions do you have about Autism? Should you say "Person with autism" or "Autistic"? Why the puzzle piece to represent Autism? Join us LIVE to get your questions answered by J.R. Reed, public speaker, author, and neurodiversity advocate....
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Season 1
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Episode 33
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36:25
Humor & Hope for Special Families (Part 1)
Laughter is good for the soul. Join us in a fun-filled show with standup comedian Lisa Gilbert. She will share with us about how humor has helped her as an older mom of 9-year old triplets....and more. Get ready to LOL!Lisa Gilbe...
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Season 1
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Episode 32
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31:57
Parenting & Neurodiversity: One Mom's Story
What happens when your child is identified with special needs? How does life change? Learn more about one mom's story while parenting neurodiverse children. Gain insight, humor, and hope for your special needs parenting journey!L...
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Season 1
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Episode 31
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38:24
