ETB 13: Rocking the Big Sister Role with Brianna TenBrink ~ Part 1

01/19/22 • 62 min

In this episode I talk with Brianna TenBrink, an eloquent, wise and compassionate 23 year old big sister to 16 year old Myah and 15 year old Leah, her younger siblings who are on opposite ends of the Autism spectrum. Brianna shares her perspective on how her experiences as the only neurotypical child in the family shaped the person she is today. From a young age Brianna took it upon herself to become the 'glue' that helped hold the family together. Her sisters made her a better person and influenced and directed Brianna's purpose and passion in life. Service and Teaching are at the heart of who she is and Brianna has aspirations to make lasting positive changes for all people with disabilities.

Brianna is the eldest sibling to two younger sisters with Autism on vastly different sides of the spectrum
For the past 13 years, Brianna has been a tireless advocate for individuals, much like her siblings, winning the Sibling Scholarship from Knapps and Roberts law firm, the Rose Award from disAbility Connections, Inc., and Advocate of the Year award from the Arc of the Gulf Coast which granted her the opportunity to speak on the experiences of being a sibling at district-wide conferences.
Brianna is a Partner in the Texas Partners in Policymaking Program, a Marketing Advisor & Sensitivity Panelist for Disability Book Week, and the Director of Marketing and Sales for Neural Divergence, LLC.
Brianna is the co-founder of Project LEAH (Leaders Ending Abuse and Harm), which is an organization that armors parents, families, and allies of loved ones of students in the Texas Public School System who have endured abuse with educational, legislative advocacy training to foster macro-level change.

This is part one of a 2 part series. Tune in January 26th for the second half of this awe-inspiring conversation.
Connect with Brianna:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebriannashley/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/briashten
Project LEAH Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/4127855043987645/
Connect with Sandy:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/sandydeppisch
Embrace the Blessing Facebook Group: http://bit.ly/ETB4ME
Website: http://www.embracetheblessing.com/

Brianna is the eldest sibling to two younger sisters with Autism on vastly different sides of the spectrum
For the past 13 years, Brianna has been a tireless advocate for individuals, much like her siblings, winning the Sibling Scholarship from Knapps and Roberts law firm, the Rose Award from disAbility Connections, Inc., and Advocate of the Year award from the Arc of the Gulf Coast which granted her the opportunity to speak on the experiences of being a sibling at district-wide conferences.
Brianna is a Partner in the Texas Partners in Policymaking Program, a Marketing Advisor & Sensitivity Panelist for Disability Book Week, and the Director of Marketing and Sales for Neural Divergence, LLC.
Brianna is the co-founder of Project LEAH (Leaders Ending Abuse and Harm), which is an organization that armors parents, families, and allies of loved ones of students in the Texas Public School System who have endured abuse with educational, legislative advocacy training to foster macro-level change.

Previous Episode

ETB 12: Perinatal Stroke, Infantile Spasms & Subsequent Autism Diagnosis with Laura Tayerle

In this episode I talk with Laura Tayerle, the very first special needs mom I met many years ago when her daughter Morgan was just 5 years old. Laura inspired me in so many ways long before my own special needs child was ever born. She was the mom who modeled how to be a voice for your child, how to treat them just like anyone else and how to juggle it all with strength and determination.
Laura discusses Morgan's early years and what life was like for a young mom in a new town navigating the complexities of an unexpected diagnosis. She walks us through the joys and challenges of raising Morgan, who is now 32 years old, along with her 2 younger sisters and discusses the successful transition Morgan has made in living away from home with a support staff to assist her.
Perinatal Stroke - Child Neurology Foundation:
https://www.childneurologyfoundation.org/disorder/perinatal-stroke/
GI Symptoms Linked to Behavioral Problems in Children, Especially Those with Autism
https://health.ucdavis.edu/newsroom/news/headlines/gi-symptoms-linked-to-behavioral-problems-in-children-especially-those-with-autism/2020/08

Autism & GI Problems: How to Help
https://www.elemy.com/studio/mood-disorders/autism-and-gi-issues/
Bristol Stool Scale
https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/poop-chart-bristol-stool-scale
Baby Sense Alarm
https://www.amazon.com/Babysense-Temperature-Infrared-Lullabies-V24R/dp/B083KMZD58/ref=pd_lpo_1?pd_rd_i=B083KMZD58&psc=1
Sleep Safe Bed: https://sleepsafebed.com/
Sleep Safe Bed GiveAway - One Free Bed is Given Away Each Quarter:
https://sleepsafebed.com/giveaway/

Connect with Sandy:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/sandydeppisch
Embrace the Blessing Facebook Group: http://bit.ly/ETB4ME
Website: http://www.embracetheblessing.com/

Next Episode

ETB 14: Rocking the Big Sister Role with Brianna TenBrink ~ Part 2

In this 2nd half of a 2 part episode I continue to talk with Brianna TenBrink, an eloquent, wise and compassionate 23 year old big sister to 16 year old Myah and 15 year old Leah, her younger siblings who are on opposite ends of the Autism spectrum. Brianna shares her perspective on how her experiences as the only neurotypical child in the family shaped the person she is today. From a young age Brianna took it upon herself to become the 'glue' that helped hold the family together. Her sisters made her a better person and influenced and directed Brianna's purpose and passion in life. Service and Teaching are at the heart of who she is and Brianna has aspirations to make lasting positive changes for all people with disabilities.

Brianna is the eldest sibling to two younger sisters with Autism on vastly different sides of the spectrum
For the past 13 years, Brianna has been a tireless advocate for individuals, much like her siblings, winning the Sibling Scholarship from Knapps and Roberts law firm, the Rose Award from disAbility Connections, Inc., and Advocate of the Year award from the Arc of the Gulf Coast which granted her the opportunity to speak on the experiences of being a sibling at district-wide conferences.
Brianna is a Partner in the Texas Partners in Policymaking Program, a Marketing Advisor & Sensitivity Panelist for Disability Book Week, and the Director of Marketing and Sales for Neural Divergence, LLC.
Brianna is the co-founder of Project LEAH (Leaders Ending Abuse and Harm), which is an organization that armors parents, families, and allies of loved ones of students in the Texas Public School System who have endured abuse with educational, legislative advocacy training to foster macro-level change.

If you haven't heard the first half of Brianna's interview, be sure to listen to it in its entirety. You won't want to miss any of this awe-inspiring conversation.
Connect with Brianna:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebriannashley/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/briashten
Project LEAH Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/4127855043987645/
Connect with Sandy:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/sandydeppisch
Embrace the Blessing Facebook Group: http://bit.ly/ETB4ME
Website: http://www.embracetheblessing.com/