5: Advocacy with Raising Deaf Twins and Navigating Tourette's

The Balancing Act: Mompreneur Edition

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Imagine balancing motherhood, entrepreneurship, and the advocacy for two children with special needs. That's exactly what our guest Samantha, a seasoned wedding photographer and dedicated mom of three, has been doing for 14 years. In this heartfelt episode, Samantha shares her compelling journey, from the emotional highs and lows of raising deaf twin boys—one of whom is also on the autism spectrum—to the intricate dance of managing her own adult-onset Tourette's syndrome. Her stories paint a vivid picture of resilience and the power of advocacy in both personal and professional realms.
Our conversation dives deep into the practical and emotional aspects of parenting deaf children, including the tough decisions around learning ASL and considering surgical options. Samantha provides invaluable insights into overcoming societal misunderstandings and communication barriers, emphasizing how crucial it is for parents to equip their children with the tools to define their own paths. We also discuss the evolving challenges of modern parenting, such as the impact of social media, and the significance of accessible experiences, like closed captions in movie theaters, to support children with special needs.
The episode wraps up with a candid discussion on the importance of self-advocacy and addressing personal challenges openly. Samantha shares her unique experience of navigating her professional life as a wedding photographer while dealing with Tourette's syndrome. She stresses the necessity of self-care and the courage to speak up about our needs, whether in social or professional settings. Join us for this enlightening episode as we explore practical advice and profound reflections on advocating for ourselves and our loved ones, fostering a supportive environment for children with special needs, and balancing personal identity with parenting.

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1. 5: Advocacy with Raising Deaf Twins and Navigating Tourette's (00:00:00)

2. Advocating for Deaf and Special Needs (00:00:30)

3. Navigating Deafness and Special Needs (00:12:37)

4. Speaking Up for Personal Needs (00:18:37)

5. Empowering Self-Advocacy for Adults (00:21:49)

6. Living With Adult-Onset Tourette's Syndrome (00:25:06)

7. Navigating Parenting and Advocacy (00:27:50)

8. Unexpectedly Expecting Twins (00:39:42)

9. The Journey of Childhood Hearing Loss (00:50:51)

10. Navigating Early Childhood Development Challenges (00:55:56)

11. Navigating Parenting and Special Needs (01:07:49)

12. Navigating Parenting With Acceptance (01:10:56)