The Happy Sensory Corner

This episode's topics:

1. The “stance of safety” — Bethany’s signature body-language checklist that dropped restraint/seclusion rates by 97 %.

2. Caving — why shrinking space (hoodies, under-table forts) flips a child’s brain from panic to calm.

3. Screen-time transitions — turning games off without a fight using oxytocin, dopamine, and a 12-minute rule.

4. Parent-first de-escalation — Claudie’s one-minute smell-and-touch protocol that calms y...

Our guest, John Fela, shares his personal journey of raising a nonverbal son with autism and finding his role as a caregiving father—after years of not knowing where he fit in.

We cover:

• How dads process disability differently than moms

• What dads actually need but rarely ask for

• What saved John’s marriage… until it didn’t – and how he rebuilt again

• The emotional cost of “not being the breadwinner” in a special needs famil...

Steph Katzovi, middle-grade author and former Deloitte speechwriter, shares how:

• Storytelling builds empathy and self-awareness in children.• Parents can create meaningful connections even when their child doesn’t talk back.

• Humor disarms stress, fosters bonding, and adds lightness to difficult routines.

• Reading aloud—even without expecting a response—can become a lasting gift.

• Her own children’s personalities helped shape her ...

Nate Pope, co-founder of NCX Brain Recovery, specializes in treating post-concussion syndrome and brain trauma using whole-brain, multi-sensory integration approaches.

In this episode, he breaks down why therapy that mimics real life works better than isolated drills, why younger kids can’t always apply what they’ve learned in new situations, and how fMRI scans show what traditional therapy often misses.

Kim shares Mendability’s exp...

Dr. Theodore Henderson, MD, PhD, president of Neuro-Luminance Inc., joins us to share groundbreaking research and clinical results on multi-watt infrared light therapy. Topics like photobiomodulation, neuroplasticity, and brain detoxification are areas close to his heart — and areas where his pioneering work is changing lives. We discuss how his techniques not only improve symptoms but create long-term brain repair, even in conditi...

Brent Dowlen is a father, men’s development coach, and host of The Fallible Man Podcast. He’s worked with dads who want to show up better — but aren’t sure where they fit in their family’s day-to-day life.

In this conversation, we talk about the real, quiet power of dads: how they build courage, calm storms, and help neurodivergent kids believe in themselves.

We discuss how dads can:

• Be present early on (even in the NICU)

...

This is probably the most powerful podcast about forgiveness you will ever hear. Why? Because it’s not filled with platitudes or clichés. Instead, Katharine Giovanni, an award-winning author, speaker, and forgiveness coach, reveals her 7-step system that not only tells you how to forgive but taps into the energy field of everything to make it work.We discuss:- Why forgiveness is often misunderstood and why it’s not about “letting g...

Topics covered in this episode 1. Why most school systems are working exactly as designed—and failing the kids who need them most (Bibi’s core argument) 2. How radical love can drive educational reform one child at a time (Bibi’s doctoral work) 3. What to ask when choosing a school for your neurodivergent child (Bibi’s practical lens) 4. Why parents and professionals must prepare for grief, discomfort, and community tension as part...

Mark Gray is a personal trainer who specializes in helping busy people — including parents — prioritize movement and live pain-free.

Topics that are especially close to his heart, both professionally and personally:

• Gamifying exercise to make it fun for kids with autism and developmental delays

• Why doing short bursts of high-intensity movement helps re-activate brain development

• How to build a consistent habit even when life fee...

Parents of neurodivergent kids often put their own well-being last—but what happens when that leads to burnout? In this episode, Michelle Reittinger, a mentor and advocate for a personalized approach to mental health, shares how parents can proactively manage their emotional resources before they reach a breaking point.

We discuss:

• Turning symptoms into signals – Why anxiety and depression aren’t personal failures, but messages f...

Vandana Atara Aura, a certified medical Reiki master, shares how energy healing can regulate the nervous system, why neurodivergent individuals often have heightened intuitive abilities, and how gentle touch can help those who struggle with sensory overwhelm.

These are areas close to Vandana’s heart, as she has seen firsthand how energy healing has helped her neurodivergent son find calm and balance.

Claudie Pomares, co-founder of M...

How can parents move beyond managing behavior to truly understanding their child's needs? In this episode, Andrea Polalck—founder of Autism Parent Solutions and an expert in parenting children with autism—shares her approach to addressing the root causes of behavior rather than just reacting to it.

We discuss:

• Shifting from discipline to connection: Why focusing on a child’s unmet needs creates lasting change.

• Building parent...

This episode covers:

1. How genetics affect your health – Dr. Tamar Lawful, a top pharmacist blending genomics and nutrition, explains how DNA can shape your body's response to stress, inflammation, and energy levels.
2. Why parents need to prioritize their own well-being – Dr. Tamar shares why parents should put their health first and how doing so ultimately benefits their child.
3. Practical ways to improve brain function through nutriti...

In this episode, we welcome DJ Stutz, an experienced educator and parenting coach, to talk about three key topics that shape the way we raise and support children with special needs:

- Managing Power Struggles

- Avoiding Situations Where Children Internalize Self-Doubt.

- How to Handle Public Meltdowns Without Being Judged.

Claudie joins the conversation to explain how brain development plays a role in emotional regulation and learning...

Anne Poirier, intuitive eating counselor and author of The Body Joyful, shares:

- How parental food beliefs shape children’s eating habits and relationships with food.

- Strategies for parents to navigate sensory sensitivities and restrictive eating.

- Why self-care for parents is critical to fostering a positive family food culture.

Claudie adds practical sensory enrichment techniques, like playful games, to help children feel less an...

Topics covered in this episode:
• Overcoming Reading Challenges: David Chalk shares his personal journey—from struggling with dyslexia, face blindness, and other cognitive hurdles to learning to read at 62—and explains how a flow-based, gamified method can revolutionize learning for neurodivergent children and adults.
• Gamification & Flow in Education: David details how creating a state of flow through focused attention, immedia...

In this episode, we explore three transformative topics with Carrie Lingenfelter, a former speech therapist, early childhood interventionist, and advocate for conscious parenting:

This episode features Dara Erck, founder of SAM+LEO, a company creating innovative health products specifically for teens. We explore three key topics:

- The role of family conversations in fostering emotional well-being and how parents can use tools like "news highlights" to connect with their teens.

- Practical strategies for managing screen time and supporting mental health in today’s digital age.

- The pressure to be perfect i...

This episode features Robert and Ryan DeLena, father and son, who share their extraordinary journey from navigating the challenges of therapeutic schools and restraints to discovering Ryan’s passion for skiing, which transformed his life. Robert reflects on the difficult decisions parents face when raising children with special needs, offering heartfelt advice to parents trying to support their children’s happiness and self-discove...