Today I’ll share parts of my conversation with Dr. Elizabeth McRae, a pediatric psychologist at the University of Alabama, to talk about empowering children with complex medical conditions and supporting the families who care for them.

We explore:

• The difference between pediatric psychologists and neuropsychologists
• How parents can help kids learn to advocate for themselves
• The RAISE program, which helps caregivers build resilience and find balance
• Why self-care and mental health are essential for families raising medically complex kids

Resources & Links:

Hydrocephalus Association RAISE Resilience Program: https://www.hydroassoc.org/raise-resilience-program/

Caring for the Caregiver: How to Recognize, Prevent, and Manage Burnout: https://www.hydroassoc.org/caring-for-the-caregiver/

Mindfulness for Hydrocephalus: Tools to Manage Stress: https://www.hydroassoc.org/mindfulness-for-hydrocephalus/

Neuropsychology 101: Understanding Cognitive Function in Hydrocephalus: https://www.hydroassoc.org/understanding-cognitive-function-hydrocephalus/

Support Groups: https://www.hydroassoc.org/find-a-community-network/

HydrocephalusCONNECT Peer Support: https://www.hydroassoc.org/hydrocephalusconnect-peer-support/

Easily Explain Hydrocephalus to a Child with Confidence: https://www.hydroassoc.org/how-to-explain-hydrocephalus-to-a-child/

Transitioning from Pediatric to Adult Care: https://www.hydroassoc.org/transitioning-from-pediatric-to-adult-care/

Timeline for a Successful Transition to Adult Care: https://www.hydroassoc.org/timeline-for-transitioning-to-adult-care/

Toolkit for Transitioning Medical Care: https://www.hydroassoc.org/toolkit-transitioning-medical-care/

Transitioning to Independence: https://www.hydroassoc.org/transitioning-to-independence/

Prescription Management: Helping Your Teen Master It: https://www.hydroassoc.org/teen-prescription-management/

Individualized Education Program (IEP): https://www.hydroassoc.org/individualized-education-program/

Your Healthcare Team: https://www.hydroassoc.org/your-healthcare-team-2/

Complications of a shunt system: https://www.hydroa

Learn more about hydrocephalus: https://www.hydroassoc.org
Request a Hydro Hero shoutout on the show: https://bit.ly/hydroheroform

Follow on Instagram: @taishaycameron, @hydroassoc