227: Building Support Networks for Special Needs Families | Julie Foge

by | June 06, 2024 | Podcasts

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When Eliza was diagnosed with Prader-Willi syndrome, the flood of emotions from anger to isolation was overwhelming.

On this episode of Parenting Impossible, join Annette as she opens up about her personal journey and the moments that shaped her path in special needs parenting. Annette welcomes Julie Foge, a fellow special needs mom and founder of the Leaning Into Love website, to share her experiences and insights.

Julie and Annette cover advocating for their children amid the chaos of daily responsibilities, underscoring choosing battles and seeking support. Julie’s mission, inspired by her child’s rare disease and her background as a teacher, is to create a nurturing space for parents and caregivers. With her husband’s medical expertise adding another to their conversation, they dive into practical tips for managing the NICU experience, from using your voice effectively to reducing decision fatigue through community support.

Julie and Annette also tackle special education advocacy, offering strategies to foster productive collaboration with educators. Discover how simple tools like an “All About Me” page can help teachers understand your child’s unique needs.

In this episode, you will hear:

  • The emotional rollercoaster of parenting a child with special needs
  • Dealing with a diagnosis of Prader-Willi syndrome and feelings of isolation
  • The importance of advocacy in navigating daily challenges 
  • The need for support systems for both children and parents
  • Strategies for managing a NICU stay, including effective communication with medical staff
  • Leveraging community support to reduce decision fatigue
  • Techniques for successful special education advocacy, nurturing collaboration with educators, and creating personalized tools like an “All About Me” page
  • Julie’s dual perspective as a teacher and a special needs mom
  • Insights from Julie’s husband’s medical background with practical advice for parents
  • Overcoming the transition from NICU to home care, dealing with decision-making, and finding local resources for ongoing support

Resources from this Episode

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