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The mystery of autism becomes deeply personal in this intimate conversation with Jessica, a mother whose journey with her autistic son ultimately inspired her own career in special education. Jessica takes us through the pivotal moment when her toddler son seemed to change overnight around his second birthday – suddenly struggling with motor skills despite previously reaching developmental milestones early.

What makes this episode particularly valuable is Jessica's honest portrayal of both the challenges and triumphs. She shares her initial denial upon getting the diagnosis, followed by her fierce determination when medical professionals suggested limitations her son might face. "We'll see," she responded, launching into years of dedicated advocacy and support-seeking that would transform both their lives.

Through Jessica's experiences, we gain practical insights into what actually works for families navigating autism. Her son's unexpected love of music therapy – especially drums and rock concerts – challenges assumptions about sensory sensitivities. Her praise for dedicated special education teachers illustrates how crucial school support systems can be. Most poignantly, she describes the delicate balance between maintaining essential routines while preparing her son for life's inevitable interruptions.

As her son approaches high school graduation with plans to detail cars alongside his father, Jessica reflects on her transformation from advocate to educator. Now completing her own degree in special education, she'll soon support other families through similar journeys. Her advice resonates with wisdom earned through experience: "Don't be scared to get support. Don't stop. Always ask for help."

Whether you're personally connected to autism or simply seeking to understand neurodiversity better, this conversation offers genuine perspective without clinical detachment. Jessica's story reminds us that behind every autism statistic is a family navigating a unique path with creativity, determination, and above all, unconditional love.

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What does it really mean to be on the autism spectrum? Beyond stereotypes and misconceptions, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) represents a fascinating variation in how human brains develop and function.

We dive deep into understanding autism as a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how people interact, communicate, and experience the world around them. The spectrum nature of autism means presentations range widely - from individuals with subtle social differences to those facing significant challenges in daily functioning. You'll learn why many autistic people find comfort in routine and predictability, how sensory sensitivities can impact everyday experiences, and the unique cognitive strengths many autistic individuals possess.

The episode explores practical support strategies that make a real difference, from clear communication techniques to sensory-friendly environmental adjustments. We break down effective educational approaches for autistic students, including structured classroom environments, visual supports, and strength-based learning that leverages special interests. Understanding proper diagnosis processes helps identify the specific support each person needs to thrive.

Our conversation emphasizes that autism represents a different - not lesser - way of experiencing and interacting with the world. By promoting acceptance, education, and appropriate supports, we can create environments where autistic individuals flourish on their own terms. Join us on this journey toward greater understanding and share your thoughts on our Facebook page about autism or other disability topics you'd like us to cover in future episodes.

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Breathing is something most of us take for granted—until it becomes difficult. In this deep dive into Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Kevin and Palmy explore the complex reality of living with compromised lungs.

The hosts break down COPD's telltale signs: shortness of breath during physical activity, persistent coughing with mucus production, wheezing, chest tightness, frequent respiratory infections, chronic fatigue, and unexplained weight loss. While cigarette smoking tops the list of causes, they also examine how air pollution, genetics, and secondhand smoke contribute to this progressive lung condition. Palmy shares a striking workplace memory of knee-high cigarette smoke filling an office during winter months—a vivid reminder of how unavoidable secondhand smoke was before modern regulations.

Beyond breathing difficulties, COPD creates a cascade of complications. The heart works overtime trying to compensate for reduced oxygen, respiratory infections become more frequent and dangerous, and the psychological toll of chronic illness often leads to depression. The hosts share powerful personal stories about family members who began smoking as children and suffered the consequences decades later—including one particularly poignant account of lung damage persisting 15 years after quitting.

From preventive strategies like air purifiers and vaccinations to treatment options including oxygen therapy and surgical interventions, this episode offers practical insights for both patients and caregivers navigating COPD's challenges. Whether you're dealing with COPD personally, supporting someone who is, or simply wanting to understand this common condition better, this conversation provides valuable perspective on the journey from diagnosis through management of this chronic respiratory disease.

Have questions about COPD or ideas for future disability-focused topics? Connect with us through our website or Facebook page—we'd love to hear from you and continue this important conversation.

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Cancer treatments have evolved dramatically from automatic death sentences in the 1970s to manageable conditions where patients can live for additional years or even decades with proper care.

• Ruth's experience with her oncology team demonstrates the importance of having specialists who collaborate effectively with primary care physicians
• Different types of cancer treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, hormone therapy, and stem cell transplants
• Immunotherapy represents a breakthrough approach that helps the immune system recognize and fight cancer cells naturally
• Cancer can affect virtually any organ or system in the body, with varying risk factors and survival rates
• Five-year survival rates for localized cancers range from 36% for brain cancer to nearly 49% for esophageal cancer
• Recent advancements include improved treatments for breast cancer, genetic tools for pancreatic cancer, and CAR-T cell therapy
• Prevention strategies include avoiding tobacco, eating a healthy diet, staying physically active, protecting yourself from sun exposure, and getting regular screenings
• Regular healthcare check-ups are crucial for early detection, especially in areas with limited access to medical facilities

Remember to protect yourself from UV rays even on cloudy days - they still penetrate cloud cover and can cause sunburn!

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Cancer has evolved from a terrifying death sentence to a manageable condition for many patients, thanks to remarkable advances in treatment approaches. This transformation lies at the heart of our latest episode, featuring a candid conversation with Ruth Henry about her personal journey with biliary cancer.

Ruth shares how her diagnosis began with severe abdominal pain that led to the discovery of a malignant growth blocking her bile duct. Rather than focusing solely on eliminating her cancer, Ruth's medical team employs a strategy aimed at controlling the disease's growth while maximizing her quality of life. This paradigm shift represents one of the most significant changes in modern cancer care—treating cancer as a manageable chronic condition rather than pursuing aggressive treatments that often devastate healthy tissue.

The personalization of cancer treatment emerges as another crucial aspect of Ruth's experience. Every treatment she receives is meticulously tailored to her specific circumstances—her weight, height, age, and current health status. Blood work performed before each session ensures medication dosages remain precisely calibrated for her body on that particular day. When side effects become challenging, her medical team adjusts the frequency or strength of chemotherapy without abandoning effective medications. This individualized approach allows Ruth to continue living actively despite her diagnosis.

Perhaps most surprising is Ruth's relatively manageable experience with chemotherapy side effects. While she experiences fatigue and changes in appetite, proactive measures from her medical team have helped her avoid severe nausea and other debilitating effects often associated with cancer treatment. The healthcare professionals at her cancer center provide not just medical care but practical wisdom for navigating life during treatment—from hydration strategies after infusions to timing medications for optimal comfort.

As Ruth approaches her one-year treatment milestone, she reports feeling increasingly well as her medical team finds the perfect balance of therapy to control her cancer while minimizing side effects. Her story offers a refreshing perspective on living with cancer and illustrates how modern approaches are transforming outcomes for patients. Whether you've been touched by cancer personally or simply want to understand how treatment has evolved, this episode provides valuable insights into the changing landscape of cancer care.

Looking to learn more about modern cancer treatment approaches? Subscribe to our podcast for part two, where we'll dive deeper into treatment strategies and medical advances changing lives for cancer patients everywhere.

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Kevin and Palmi explore the complexities of diabetes management through a disability perspective, sharing personal experiences and discussing the newly recognized Type 5 diabetes linked to malnutrition.

• Different types of diabetes explained, including the rarely discussed pre-diabetic condition
• Managing diabetes through diet, especially increasing fiber intake to help regulate blood sugar
• Adapting exercise recommendations for people with mobility limitations
• How Kevin monitors blood sugar as someone with pre-diabetes
• The fascinating history of insulin discovery and how the scientists chose not to patent their life-saving discovery
• The newly classified Type 5 diabetes and its connection to malnutrition in developing countries
• Links between diabetes and other health conditions, including emerging research on dementia
• Practical strategies like proper water intake and stress management for better glucose control

Sweet tea or unsweet tea? Kevin has secretly asked listeners to weigh in on this debate while Palmi was outside. Let us know your preference!

the podcast Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1FKvJD2sF5/

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Money matters can be overwhelming for everyone, but for those navigating life with a disability, financial markets often seem doubly intimidating. What happens to your benefits if you start investing? Is trading even accessible? Can you practice without risking real money?

Today we tackle these questions head-on with practical, straightforward advice from disability advocates who understand both sides of the equation. The good news? Social Security offers a six-month grace period before investment income affects your benefits, giving you time to test trading strategies risk-free. We walk through completely free paper trading options through apps like Webull and Robinhood that let you practice with virtual money before putting a single real dollar at stake.

Beyond the basics, we explore how to read market movements, understand stock offerings, interpret financial news, and recognize market corrections versus true crashes. For the more adventurous, we even discuss advanced options like prop firms that provide trading capital to qualified individuals. Throughout the conversation runs a realistic thread – trading isn't for everyone's personality, and that's perfectly okay. The emotional rollercoaster of watching investments rise and fall isn't suitable for every temperament.

Whether you're curious about dipping your toe into penny stocks or simply want to understand how financial markets work from a disability-conscious perspective, this episode provides a judgment-free roadmap to start your journey. Have questions after listening? Reach out through our website, and we'll connect you with expert advice tailored to your situation.

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Financial independence while living with disability might seem like an impossible dream, but this episode shatters that misconception. Our guest Paul, a self-taught investor, breaks down realistic investment strategies that work even on limited disability incomes.

Starting with just $15-20 per month, Paul explains how platforms like Robinhood make investing accessible to beginners. He takes us through the pros and cons of various investment vehicles, from penny stocks (which offer quick returns but require constant attention) to cryptocurrency (highly volatile but educational for beginners). Most valuable is his breakdown of "paper trading" — a risk-free way to practice investment strategies using virtual money before committing actual funds.

For younger listeners, Paul makes a compelling case for Roth IRAs as a path to long-term wealth building. The math is startling: consistent small contributions from an early age can potentially grow to substantial retirement funds, all while being tax-advantaged in a way that particularly benefits those on fixed incomes.

Perhaps most reassuring is the confirmation that modest investment activities won't jeopardize disability benefits. As long as investment income remains below poverty-level thresholds, disabled investors can explore wealth-building without endangering their essential support systems.

Whether you're completely new to investing or looking to optimize your approach while navigating disability benefits, this episode provides practical, actionable advice from someone who's learned through experience. Ready to start your investment journey? Listen now, and discover how even limited resources can grow into meaningful financial independence.

I got a bit carried away with the last couple guests in that Palmi and I both agreed before this season to limit the time on our episodes to @30 min. This has left me with needing to edit the past couple episodes into two parts.

https://www.webull.com

https;//www.robinhood.com

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