CED's Parent Network Specialist (PNS), Alyssa Flowers, is newer on her Autism mom journey with her daughter, Isabella. From infancy, Alyssa felt that something was different about her daughter, but being a new parent, she was led to believe that her intuition was only first time parent anxieties and uncertainty. Five years later, Alyssa's concerns are finally validated and she can seek the support and services her daughter needs and deserves. Parents always know their child best, and a mother should always trust her intuition.

Connect with Alyssa and our team of other PNSes.

Sponsored by the West Virginia Department of Human Services, Office of Maternal, Child, and Family Health/Children with Special Health Care Needs Program and the West Virginia Family 2 Family Health Information Center and Produced by the West Virginia University Center for Excellence in Disabilities.

Episode Transcript Here

If you have a story that you would like shared on the podcast, please send us an email at courtney.ringstaff@hsc.wvu.edu

Harry Psaros discusses his "dAdication" to helping his son with Autism succeed. Who started as a child with significant deficits, limited communication skills, and an uncertain future, Harry took on a "warrior's mentality" and educated himself and his family about how to best serve and raise his son. He sought new therapies and methodologies to help his son better integrate to his environment and improve his communication. Years later, Harry's son is a soon to be college graduate with a bright future. Still navigating life with Autism, but has grown far from the child he was. Harry writes about his experiences as an Autism dad and gives other dads the knowledge and resources that helped his family along the way in his book, From Struggle to Strength a Father's Journey with Autism and the Power of Hope and Positivity.

Opinions shared by the guests of the show are their own and do not necessarily represent the official views of the hosts, the Department of Human Services Office of Maternal Child and Family Health/Children with Special Health Care Needs Program, the West Virginia Family 2 Family Health Information Center, nor the West Virginia University Center for Excellence in Disabilities.

More information about Harry Psaro's book, Struggle to Strength a Father's Journey with Autism and the Power of Hope and Positivity.

Sponsored by the West Virginia Department of Human Services, Office of Maternal, Child, and Family Health/Children with Special Health Care Needs Program and the West Virginia Family 2 Family Health Information Center and Produced by the West Virginia University Center for Excellence in Disabilities.

Episode Transcript Here

"It feels that you're climbing a mountain, without a guide or a backpack...and some days the sun isn't even shining". - Dr. Norrine Russell discusses her feelings and challenges early on as she navigated life with her two complex children. A lack of support and resources around her led to her founding a local support group in the Tampa Bay area and then to Russell Coaching, for children and young adults with ADHD, Autism, Learning Differences, Anxiety, and Giftedness.

For more information about Russell Coaching.

Sponsored by the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, Office of Maternal, Child, and Family Health/Children with Special Health Care Needs Program and the West Virginia Family 2 Family Health Information Center and Produced by the West Virginia University Center for Excellence in Disabilities.

Episode Transcript Here