Learning to bet on oneself can take on a myriad of forms.  For Emily and her husband, Chris, this has included a beautiful daughter, Annabelle, who was born with special needs.  Over the years, Emily has accumulated a wealth of knowledge with respect to navigating the medical and government systems, the strength in building community, self discovery, and learning to advocate for herself and her family.  Regardless if you have a child with special needs, or even children at all, her journey brings with it lessons we can all learn about the power of vulnerability, establishing boundaries, and finding your voice. 

Some takeaways from this episode include:

• the joys and challenges of being a parent to a special needs child

• where to start if your child is diagnosed with special needs, as well as additional resources

• how to build your community, find support, and give support in return

• how having a child with special needs impacts family planning and your relationship with your partner

• finding your voice in the midst of expert opinions

• establishing boundaries, not only for your child and family, but for yourself

• the importance of self-care - mental, physical, and emotional

You can connect with Emily at @ejscherman and her list of suggested resources are as follows:

• Program Unit Funding (PUF) is a government program provided to approved Early Childhood Services (ECS) https://www.alberta.ca/early-childhood-education.aspx

• Family Support for Children with Disabilities (FSCD) The FSCD program works with eligible families to provide support and services based on each child and family’s needs.

  https://www.alberta.ca/fscd.aspx

• Inclusion Alberta is a family-based non-profit federation that advocates on behalf of children and adults with developmental disabilities and their families. Their dream is to create meaningful family life and community inclusion for individuals with developmental disabilities. https://www.inclusionalberta.org

• Dr. Deborah MacNamara – Child Psychologist - Developmental Science Translated Into Practical Lovehttps://www.Macnamara.ca

• Bright and Quirky - Help Your Bright Child Thrivehttps://www.Brightandquirky.com

• The Special Book by Melanie Dimmitt-  Antidotes to the obsessions that come with a child’s disability @the_special_book

   

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