Moments of Joy

We’re diving into a powerful conversation that every caregiver needs to hear. I’m joined by my friend, Dr. Tiyahri Wilson, Counseling Psychologist and Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), as we talk about the mental health of parents raising children with special needs. Dr. Wilson brings both professional insight and heartfelt compassion—offering practical tools, encouragement, and reminders that our wellness matters too. As ca...

In this episode of the Moments of Joy podcast, Camille Joy discusses the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) process for children with special needs. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the special education system, advocating for children's rights, and the necessity of evaluations to identify needs. Camille shares personal stories and insights on navigating IEP meetings, the significance of documentation, and the power ...

In this conversation, Areva Martin shares her journey as an advocate for autism awareness and support, stemming from her personal experiences as a mother of a child with autism. She discusses the disparities in services available to families based on socioeconomic status and race, the importance of early diagnosis and intervention, and the need for community support. Areva emphasizes that communication can take many forms and that ...

In this episode of the Moments of Joy podcast, Camille Joy interviews Irisa Leverette, who shares her journey of raising her son Darius, who is on the autism spectrum. They discuss the importance of autism awareness and acceptance, the challenges of navigating the education system, and the need for advocacy. The conversation also touches on planning for the future, employment opportunities for individuals with autism, and the impac...

In this episode of the Moments of Joy podcast, host Camille Joy sits down with R&B singer Faith Evans to discuss her journey as a mother raising an autistic son, Ryder. Faith shares her experiences from the initial concerns about Ryder's development to navigating the complexities of autism diagnosis, early intervention, and the challenges faced within the school system. The conversation highlights the emotional impact of the di...

In this heartfelt episode of the Moments of Joy Podcast, I open up about the emotional rollercoaster that comes with receiving a diagnosis for your child—whether it's autism, ADHD, developmental delays, or another special need. As a special needs parent, I share the top lessons I wish I knew from day one. 💛 If you're a parent, caregiver, or family member navigating the world of special needs parenting, this episode will bring you ...

In this episode of Moments of Joy, I sit down with the Houston Area;  Katy, Texas Police Department to discuss Project Guardian, a program designed to improve interactions between law enforcement and individuals with special needs. We dive into how this initiative helps keep our loved ones safe and how you can advocate for similar programs in your own community. Every child deserves to be understood, and as parents, we have the pow...

"To the Parent Who Needs Encouragement—This is for You"

Welcome back to Moments of Joy! If you're feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or just in need of a little encouragement, this episode is for you. As parents raising children with special needs, we carry so much on our shoulders—but you are not alone. In this episode, I share words of hope, strength, and joy to remind you that you are doing an incredible job. Take a deep breath, pr...

During this weeks episode I'm sending a special shout out to all of the parents raising children with special needs. 

Autism has been something that over the years has gained a lot of attention.  Its gotten awareness but its time for more acceptance. 

This episode has been brought to you by Big Heart  Toys! 

This weekend Maison received a pretty cool set of toys from @bighearttoys. They are great for all special needs children. At ...

Today Im sitting down with Teresa Girolamo, Ph.D., she is an autistic language in autism researcher and assistant professor in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences at San Diego State University. As director of the Brain, Environment, and Language Lab, she works with racially and ethnically minoritized autistic individuals with language impairment. This population is underserved in research, hindering our ability to develop suppor...

Today Im chatting with the creator of the platform Nigh Functioning Autism Tiffany aka TJ. She is a 39 year old mom of two who has been diagnosed with Autism. I love her platform because there is nothing like being educated from an adult with Autism. Tiffany adds another layer and that is being Autistic and Black. During this episode  she educates us on sooooo many topics. The puzzle piece, aac devices, meltdowns, speech, special e...