The Parenting Pivot: You Think You're Going To Italy And End Up in Holland

Parent Coaches Unleashed

Jana Kohn is an ASHA-certified Speech-Language Pathologist with a Master’s from Syracuse University. She has spent five years at Community High School District 128, supporting neurodiverse young adults in Extended Transition Services. Previously, she worked for seven years in a private clinic with children and adolescents with Autism and developmental disabilities. Jana is a neurodiverse-affirming practitioner.

Jill Malashock is a licensed speech-language pathologist and clinical supervisor in St. Louis with over 20 years of experience in Autism Spectrum Disorders. She specializes in early intervention, Childhood Apraxia of Speech, and AAC, and is certified in the Early Start Denver Model. Jill also teaches an Autism course at Fontbonne University. Outside of work, she enjoys time with her family.

In today’s episode, Jill shares her expertise in early intervention for children on the autism spectrum, focusing on caregiver education and strengths-based learning. Jana provides insights from her work with young adults, emphasizing individual support for developing independent living skills and competitive employment.

Takeaways

1. Foster early self-advocacy and independence
2. Resilience builds through challenges
3. Tailor parenting strategies to meet individual needs

Timestamps

00:00 - Introduction
02:34 - Individualized Support for Varying Levels of Independence
07:15 - Transitioning Responsibility to Young Adults
12:30 - Navigating Parent Expectations and Young Adult Goals
17:22 - Building Self-Determination and Resilience
23:05 - Teaching Self-Advocacy from an Early Age
26:57 - Non-Verbal Communication Methods in Early Development
30:21 - A Personal Journey: Understanding Speech Apraxia
35:11 - Early Disability Disclosure and Community Connection
39:30 - Empowering Independent Navigation of Challenges
45:22 - Resources and Support Systems for Parents
🔗 Connect with Jana Kohn & Jill Malashock
Youtube | www.neurodivergentinsights.com | www.explainingbrains.com/parents
American Speech Language Hearing Association | Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN)
Jill Malashock's email: [e-mail]
Jana Kohn's email: [e-mail]

🔗 Connect with Jessica Anger and Carrie Wiesenfeld:
Instagram | [e-mail]
Soaring Hawk Life Coaching | Ocean Waves Parenting