In this episode of the Early Intervention Matters podcast, Dr. Inyang Takon welcomes Ayanwole Boluwatife Joshua, a neurodiversity advocate from Nigeria, to discuss the importance of awareness and advocacy in neurodiversity. They explore Ayanwole's personal journey with dyscalculia, the role of parents in supporting neurodiverse children, and the need for community support. Ayanwole emphasizes the significance of building emotional connections in therapy, the challenges of generalization, and the necessity for self-care among parents. The conversation concludes with a hopeful vision for the future of neurodiversity in Africa, calling for better awareness, inclusion policies, and government support and public centers.

Takeaways

- Awareness is crucial for understanding neurodiversity.

- Personal experiences shape advocacy efforts.

- Parents play a vital role in supporting neurodiverse children.

- Therapy should focus on building emotional connections.

- Generalization of skills is essential in therapy.

- Self-care for parents is important for effective support.

- Community support can alleviate feelings of isolation.

- Therapists must be empathetic and dedicated to their work.

- Government support is needed for public centers for neurodiversity.

- A hopeful future includes better awareness and inclusion policies.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Neurodiversity Advocacy

05:33 Joshua's Journey into Neurodiversity Advocacy

16:12 Understanding Neurodiversity and Its Importance

23:19 The Role of Assessments in Neurodiversity

24:01 Daily Life as a Neurodiversity Advocate

27:39 Building Emotional Connections in Therapy

28:53 Referral Processes and Community Impact

30:15 Therapy Frequency and Individualized Plans

32:51 Generalization in Therapy

35:35 The Importance of Consistency and Resources

39:42 Empathy in Therapy and Professionalism

44:03 Advice for Parents of Newly Diagnosed Children

50:27 A Hopeful Future for Neurodivergent Individuals

Resources:

Connect with Boluwatife Joshua Ayanwole:

LinkedIin: Boluwatife Joshua Ayanwole

Whatsapp contact: (+234) 810 780 6004

Resources

General Information for Parents

www.school-doctor.com

Questions? Email Us at

eim@drtakon.com

In this episode of the Early Intervention Matters podcast, host Inyang welcomes Shruthi, a passionate advocate for children's emotional well-being and the host of the Conscious Children Project.

The conversation delves into the importance of community support in parenting, emphasizing that parents should not feel pressured to be everything for their children.

Shruthi shares her journey from a corporate career to a more meaningful life focused on nurturing children's emotional intelligence through yoga and community engagement.

The discussion highlights the significance of understanding each child's unique emotional needs and the role of parents in modeling healthy emotional expressions.

Shruthi also provides practical strategies for parents to connect with their children, emphasizing the importance of routines, open communication, and the power of vulnerability in parenting.

Takeaways

• "I realized that I cannot be everything for my children."
• "It's about identifying your community and finding support."
• "Every child is different; we can't use the same lens for each child."
• "Modeling healthy emotional expressions is crucial for children."
• "Accepting mistakes as part of parenting takes the pressure off."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Early Intervention Matters Podcast

04:42 Understanding Emotional Skills in Children

10:10 The Role of Yoga in Children's Development

15:52 The Importance of Naming Emotions

20:42 Creating Space for Emotional Expression

23:36 Tools for Supporting Emotional Expression

25:56 Co-Regulation During Distress

29:24 Modeling Healthy Emotional Expressions

30:25 Understanding Children's Emotions

37:55 Daily Routines for Emotional Development

49:25 Navigating Parenting Challenges

54:47 Cultural Influences on åParenting

57:55 The Importance of Community in Parenting

01:00:20 Finding Balance: The Role of Support Systems

01:02:42 Understanding Children's Emotional Needs

01:05:15 The Conscious Children's Project: Bridging Generational Gaps

01:07:14 YouTube Intro Early Intervention EIM Dr Takon.mp4

Resources:
Dr. Takon:
email: eim@drtakon.com
website: www.drtakon.com
Resources for schools and parents: www.school-doctor.com

Shruthi's Resources:
Recommended Book - "How to talk so kids will listen & listen so kids will talk" by Adele Faber (Author), Elaine Mazlish (Author) https://a.co/d/ao7lahg

Connect with Shruthi online-

LinkedIn: https://linktr.ee/muditaacircles
Youtube Channel: https://youtube.com/@mindfullyshruthi?si=TYc3vI4I6wlZzJZg
Podcast Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5LEmKmNSFBUPBULvUvCUA0?si=a58b0831cb434fac
Website - www.muditacircles.com
Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shruthidesai/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mindfullyshruthi

Resources

General Information for Parents

www.school-doctor.com

Questions? Email Us at

eim@drtakon.com

In this episode, we explore the complexities of developmental delays in children, featuring insights from Dr. Ngozi Oluonye, a consultant pediatrician. The conversation covers the definition of developmental delay, its causes, the importance of early intervention, and how parents can advocate for their children. Dr. Oluonye emphasizes the need for ongoing monitoring and support, as well as the significance of genetic testing in understanding developmental issues. The episode concludes with a message of hope for parents, highlighting the unique strengths of every child and the importance of nurturing their development.

Takeaways

• Developmental delay is a descriptor for expected skills not emerging on time.
• Parents should monitor their child's development and seek help if concerned.
• Global developmental delay is used for children under five.
• Language delay is one of the most common developmental issues.
• Early signs of developmental delay can be subtle and hard to recognize.
• Genetic testing can provide insights into developmental delays.
• Parents should advocate for their child and persist in seeking help.
• Support networks are crucial for families dealing with developmental delays.
• Interventions should be tailored to the child's specific needs.
• Every child is unique and can show progress over time.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Neurodevelopmental Conditions
06:00 Understanding Developmental Delay
21:04 Causes of Developmental Delay
33:36 The Importance of Genetic Testing
40:01 Advocating for Your Child's Needs
41:57 Navigating Parental Concerns in Child Health
45:54 Understanding Pediatric Assessments
01:00:01 Interventions and Support for Developmental Delays
01:12:05 Messages of Hope for Parents
01:20:01 Outro Early Intervention Matters.mp3

Resources

General Information for Parents

www.school-doctor.co.uk

Questions? Email Us at

eim@drtakon.com