Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival Podcast

This episode commemorates International Rare Disease Day which occurs on last day of February annually. This day is dedicated to raising awareness for the approximately 300 million people around the world living with a rare disease. Host Annette Hines recognizes this day in memory of her daughter, Elizabeth who died in 2013 because of mitochondrial disease - a rare or orphan disease.

Moreover, every February is a month that Hines reminds caregivers and families of disabled loved ones to care for themselves. An important part of self-care is thinking positively. She shares the metaphor of the coffee bean and its ability to create something amazing from adversity from Damon West's book, The Coffee Bean, which teaches readers how to transform their environment, overcome challenges, and create positive change: https://coffeebeanbook.com/

Let us know what you think of this episode! Please leave a review or a comment on our website: https://specialneedscompanies.com/podcasts

Have you been searching for a law firm that understands the unique challenges of your family? We can help you at Special Needs Law Group put legal planning in place to protect you and your loved ones now and in the future. Book a free call today with our team or contact us via our website: specialneeds-law.com/contact.

Do you know what to do with your estate planning documents? Are you sure your assets will be distributed as per your desires? Join Host Annette Hines, and her husband and law partner, Mark Worthington, as they reveal the complex and often bewildering realm of estate planning, focusing especially on how to adequately fund your estate plan. They will decode the impact of trusts, wills, and other documents on diverse types of assets, highlighting the paramount importance of arranging ownership and designating beneficiaries aptly to secure your goals. Beyond the basics, they will explore the intricate challenges of planning for the division of your assets among your children, especially when you have to balance between typical and disabled children. They provide practical advice on assigning specific assets like a house or a vehicle to the special needs trust, the significance of letters of intent, and the right time to transfer assets to the special needs trust. In honor of their brave little Chihuahua, Trixie, who recently underwent surgery, Mark and Annette hope to empower you with the same strength and knowledge to ensure a secure future for your loved ones. Join them on this enlightening journey to properly fund your estate plan. Ready to start mapping out your future? Check out our online Special Needs Estate Planning Masterclass! It provides all the tools you need to create a plan to protect you, your special needs loved one, and all your assets.

Have you been searching for a law firm that understands the unique challenges of your family? We can help you at Special Needs Law Group put legal planning in place to protect you and your loved ones now and in the future. Book a free call today with our team or contact us via our website: specialneeds-law.com/contact.

Who doesn't seek the comfort of familiar surroundings when dealing with life’s complex challenges? This sentiment rang true for Host Annette Hines during this heart-to-heart with Jessica Guzman, an extraordinary ABA (Applied Behavioral Analysis) therapist and behavioral consultant. They unravel the profound sense of solace found in the natural environment and Annette's own personal experiences with her late daughter, Elizabeth. They delve into the thrilling world of ABA therapy in autism, offering insights into the journey of becoming a BCBA, modifying environments to influence behavior, and diverse approaches to ABA. They also take a unique dive into the world of Behavior Analysis, highlighting the distinct roles of a BCBA and a behavior consultant. Jessica gracefully details her role of empowering parents and caregivers to take up her job, and the ultimate goal of clinicians to reach a point of termination and transition towards natural support. She elevates the conversation with her goal of making applied behavior analysis more accessible, providing caregivers with the tools to avoid challenging behaviors and a gentle reminder to be kind to themselves. The final segment takes a reflective turn as we share our thoughts on life's imperfections, the comfort of familiar connections, and the shared joys and challenges of parenting. Jessica and Annette discuss the joy of witnessing parents teaching their children, the immense pride it brings, and the necessity for compassion in the time of a pandemic. They wrap up with a fun conversation about traveling woes, the pressures of portraying perfect lives on social media, and the simple pleasure of sharing a homemade apple pie. We promise you an episode filled with laughter, poignant moments, and enlightening discussions. Tune in as they navigate the intricate maze of autism, behavior analysis, and above all, parenting. This episode was originally recorded in September 2020, yet the recommendations from Jessica still apply to parents of autistic children today.

Have you been searching for a law firm that understands the unique challenges of your family? We can help you at Special Needs Law Group put legal planning in place to protect you and your loved ones now and in the future. Book a free call today with our team or contact us via our website: specialneeds-law.com/contact.

As the clock struck midnight, marking the start of a new year, Annette found herself immersed in a flood of memories and significant events.

On this episode of Parenting Impossible, carrying the weight of sorrow from the loss of her beloved daughter Elizabeth but strengthened by ten years of affection and the development of the Special Needs Law Group, Annette extends an invitation to you to partake in a personal journey of transformation and the intricate process of decision-making that defines our lives. Annette shares a cherished story from her childhood, in which setting a butterfly free symbolized the infinite potential of wishes. This experience profoundly shaped her perception of influence and purpose in her life and career.

Annette communicates her hope for the coming year—a desire for empowerment and the capability to navigate the often stormy seas of social support systems. Eager to improve this process, she is excited to announce the launch of new group coaching programs designed to offer a guiding light of support, consultation, and advice beyond the scope of traditional legal services. You will sense this podcast's renewed vigor, infused with the energy to spark change and foster connections through these shared coaching experiences.

Annette welcomes everyone to join her as they confront the challenges and celebrate the victories in creating significant legacies for themselves and those they advocate for in the disability community.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Reflections on a decade of personal milestones: the loss of Annette’s daughter Elizabeth, her marriage, and the growth of the Special Needs Law Group
• The importance of transformation and the power of choices in personal and professional life
• A heartfelt letter from one of Annette’s clients and the profound impact of the Special Needs Law Group on the lives of those in the disability community
• Annette’s New Year's wish for empowerment and enabling individuals to navigate social support systems and take control of their futures
• New group coaching programs offering support, consultation, and guidance to those seeking to create a secure and fulfilling plan for their lives

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Supporting Resources:

• Sign up for the Special Needs Advocacy and Planning Masterclass AND Coaching Program: enroll.specialneedsfamilyservices.com/p/individuals-family-caregivers-cohort-group-coaching

***

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at

Have you been searching for a law firm that understands the unique challenges of your family? We can help you at Special Needs Law Group put legal planning in place to protect you and your loved ones now and in the future. Book a free call today with our team or contact us via our website: specialneeds-law.com/contact.

In the last episode of Annette Hines's three-part series of Telling Her Story, Annette talks about the relationships in her life. Learn all about Annette’s life story from finishing college to the present. It is all about the relationships and how they have carried her through the turmoil and challenges of her life. If you’d like to learn even more about Annette, check out her personal memoir, Butterflies and Second Chances: A Mom’s Memoir of Love and Loss available in paperback.

Married to her first husband right out of law school, followed by a pregnancy there after, life became difficult very quickly. Elizabeth was born prematurely with medical complications, that lead to a diagnoses of Mitochondrial Disease. Annette and her husband made a move from Virginia to Massachusetts to access better medical care and be near Annette’s family for support. Next came their second child, Caroline, who was, as doctors said “perfect.” Caroline’s entrance into the family brought about a trying sibling relationship as well as another child to nurture alongside of Elizabeth’s constant healthcare needs. The husband was not coping well with all the responsibilities of family life and Annette was having to care for him too. A mentally and physically exhausted caregiver, Annette decided it was best to end the marriage and became a single parent.

It was time to go back to a professional work life to support the girls. Annette's mom moved in to assist as a caregiver and provide support for her daughter. This was a time of adjustment as their family was not like other traditional families. Not really thinking she would ever find a life partner again; Annette is surprised when she meets Mark at a work event. They immediately connect through similar and shared marriage and family experiences. After dating for a period, they wed in a small and intimate church ceremony a few weeks before Elizabeth’s unfortunate passing. Their relationship is crucial in getting Annette through the mourning and grief over the loss of Elizabeth. Mark provides Annette with unwavering support throughout this challenging time. Annette believes that although they are “flawed” individuals they are extraordinarily strong together. People see Mark as a best supporting husband. Annette believes he is her co-star! So please join Annette and hear her story in detail on this Parenting Impossible episode of Telling Her Story, Part 3. If you would like to learn even more about Annette Hines please check out her book, , Butterflies and Second Chances: A Mom’s Memoir of Love and Loss.

Have you been searching for a law firm that understands the unique challenges of your family? We can help you at Special Needs Law Group put legal planning in place to protect you and your loved ones now and in the future. Book a free call today with our team or contact us via our website: specialneeds-law.com/contact.