Quick answer: This newsletter is where I’ll continue sharing Elizabeth’s journey and a parent’s perspective on therapy, growth, and day-to-day life with special needs.
Welcome to this special needs parenting newsletter. Hi to everyone! My name is Michele Gianetti, and I am a mother to 3 beautiful children.
Meet Elizabeth
My middle child, Elizabeth, has special needs. She was diagnosed at 2 ½ years old with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) and global dyspraxia. She also has an auditory processing disorder.
Her dyspraxia affects her gross motor and fine motor skills, and her speech. She did not talk until she was 5 years old. Her disorders affect her life each and every day.
Speech and occupational therapy were her first 2 therapies. They began when she was 22 months old. Her therapies in life have been consistent, vast, and varied. They have changed as she has grown and matured. But they have never stopped, even to this day.
If you are currently navigating therapy decisions, scheduling, or carryover at home, you may find this helpful: A Parent’s Perspective: Navigating the Therapy World.
She is currently 26 years old and has made amazing gains in life! But as I always say, she is a work in progress. But really, aren’t we all?
What to expect from this special needs parenting newsletter
I have had the absolute pleasure to write blogs for TalkTools for over 10 years. In these blogs, I share Elizabeth’s journey: the highs and the lows, the successes, and the failures.
I share how amazing she is and the gifts she brings to everyone around her. I also share when she shows her spicy side as well.
I am honest, and I want our story, her story, to help others. So much so that I have written 3 books about her life and journey: I Believe in You: A Mother and Daughter’s Special Journey, Elizabeth Believes in Herself: The Special Journey Continues, and Emily’s Sister.
I am so very excited to share that my blogs have found a new home here, in these newsletters/emails. I will continue to share about Elizabeth and her life. I will also be giving my parents’ perspective on topics that I hope you will find current and timely.
You can also browse the full A Parent’s Perspective newsletter archive here.
Start here
If you are new here and want a few “start with these” posts, here are three that many parents relate to:
- A Parent’s Perspective: The Journey of Feeding & Mealtime
- Avoiding Backsliding: The Active Effort of Practicing Good Habits
- A Parent’s Perspective: The Transition from School to Summer
If you want to read my previous blogs: CLICK HERE
Helpful TalkTools resources
If you want parent-friendly tools and downloads to support therapy at home, here are a few helpful TalkTools resources:
You may also see TalkTools mentioned by other clinics and therapists here:
- Speech Center of Katy: Unlocking Communication: The Power of Talk Tools
- Unlocking Language: Using TalkTools in Therapy
- PedsTeam: Talk Tools Trained Therapist and Oral Motor Skills
Thank you for joining this special needs parenting newsletter. I look forward to my new home and the opportunity for our journey to continue to help others.
See you next month!
Michele