Child Advocacy with David Slonim - Pam and The Purple Couch Podcast

Advocating for your child is one of the most important roles a caregiver can take on. But do you know your legal rights when it comes to protecting their future? On this episode of Pam and the Purple Couch Podcast, we sit down with attorney David Slonim, who brings over 20 years of experience in family advocacy and guardianship law. From understanding IEPs and 504 plans to navigating the complex world of guardianship, medical decision-making, and estate planning, this episode is packed with critical insights for parents, grandparents, and caregivers raising neurodivergent children. We discuss: ✔️ The legal steps for securing guardianship for a child with disabilities ✔️ How to protect your child’s financial future and decision-making rights ✔️ The importance of estate planning and setting up a special needs trust ✔️ What happens when grandparents take on caregiving roles ✔️ How to prepare for medical, financial, and educational transitions In a world where unexpected changes can disrupt a child's support system, knowledge is power. Whether you're a parent thinking about the future or a grandparent stepping into a caregiver role, this episode will provide the legal guidance you need to make informed decisions. Listen now! https://youtu.be/m2HNeFmE3lA Found this helpful? Like, share, and subscribe to support more families navigating similar challenges. #PamAndThePurpleCouch #KnowYourRights #Guardianship #SpecialNeedsParenting #IEP #Advocacy #AutismAwareness #Neurodiversity #EstatePlanning #CaregiverSupport

00:00 Introduction to Caregiver Rights 03:12 Navigating Guardianship for Children with Disabilities 06:12 Understanding Developmental Disabilities and IEPs 08:52 The Importance of Guardianship and Legal Counsel 12:05 Challenges in Pursuing Guardianship 15:07 Resources for Grandparents Raising Grandchildren 18:08 Planning for the Future: Estate Planning and Guardianship 20:50 The Role of Evaluations in Guardianship 23:59 Final Thoughts on Guardianship and Caregiving The Pam and the Purple Couch Podcast: A Raw, Essential Parent-Provider Perspective, Breaking Down Science into Everyday Language.” Puzzle Box Academy Website: ⁠⁠https://www.puzzleboxacademy.com/ ⁠⁠ Puzzle Box Academy Instagram: ⁠ https://www.instagram.com/puzzleboxacademy/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6FOscherUiOlakvFsncTTE?si=f409628b277a4f73 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/puzzle-box-academy/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/puzzleboxacademy In every episode of "Pam and the Purple Couch Podcast,” we bridge the gap between the scientific community and everyday people, demystifying the world of autism through the unique dual lens of parents and providers. Discover a space where scientific knowledge meets heartfelt experience, bringing you closer to understanding the multifaceted reality of autism spectrum disorder. Whether you're a parent navigating the nuanced pathways of raising a child on the spectrum, a provider keen to connect more deeply with those you serve, or an individual eager to broaden your understanding of autism, this podcast invites you into a community rooted in empathy, clarity, and inclusivity. Join us as we delve into relevant topics, untangle complex terminologies, and present ground-breaking research in a language everyone can understand. From personal narratives to expert interviews, “The Pame and the Purple Couch Podcast” brings raw and essential conversations to the forefront, encouraging dialogue that is both meaningful and accessible. Subscribe now and become a part of a journey where we foster a deeper understanding and develop a shared language, embracing the beautiful spectrum of autism with open hearts and open minds. Host Bio: Pamela Furr, affectionately known as Puzzle Box Pam, is the founder/CEO of Puzzle Box Academy and Kaleidoscope Interventions. She is a seasoned educator, holding a degree in early childhood education.