In this episode of the Early Intervention Matters Podcast, Dr. Inyang Takon interviews Dr. Yewande Oshodi, an Associate Professor of Psychiatry and consultant psychiatrist, about the complexities of parenting. They discuss the importance of intentional parenting, the impact of cultural backgrounds, and the challenges faced by migrant families. Dr. Oshodi emphasises the significance of communication, setting boundaries, and allowing children to learn from their mistakes. The conversation...

Summary In this enlightening podcast episode, pediatric occupational therapist Keith Dinauto shares his insights on sensory processing difficulties in children. He discusses the role of occupational therapy, the importance of early intervention, and how trauma can impact sensory processing. Keith emphasizes the need for collaboration between parents, therapists, and schools to support children effectively. He also addresses common myths about sensory processing and offers practical strategies...

Summary In this episode of the Early Intervention Matters podcast, Dr. Inyang Takon and Janine VanStee discuss the complexities of ADHD, particularly in educational settings. Janine shares her personal journey with ADHD and her extensive experience in education, highlighting the challenges of identifying and supporting children with ADHD. They explore the importance of individualized education plans, the role of teachers, and the need for better training and understanding of ADHD in schools....

Summary Dr Inyang Takon interviews Dr. Gilly Kahn, a clinical psychologist, discussing the often-overlooked emotional symptoms associated with ADHD, particularly in girls. The conversation explores the nuances of emotional dysregulation, the differences in presentation between ADHD and autism, and the challenges of late diagnosis. Dr. Kahn shares a case study of a teenage girl named Anna, highlighting the importance of understanding emotional symptoms and the need for comprehensi...

Summary: In this conversation, Jesse Mungai shares insights on living with ADHD, emphasizing the importance of understanding one's symptoms and leveraging them for productivity. He discusses strategies for managing work-life balance, the significance of support systems, and the role of diagnosis and medication. Jesse also offers advice for young people with ADHD, highlights the need for better educational environments, and stresses the importance of transparency in parent-child relation...

Summary In this episode of Early Intervention Matters, Jesse Mungai shares his journey with ADHD from childhood to becoming a successful entrepreneur. The conversation explores the challenges he faced in school, the impact of medication, and how he navigated his early career. Jesse emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, taking action, and finding the right environment to thrive, offering valuable insights for young people and their support systems. Takeaways Jesse was diagnosed wit...

Folu shares her inspiring journey as a mother of Tade, a young adult on the autism spectrum. She discusses the challenges faced during Tadi's diagnosis, the importance of early intervention, and the advocacy work she has undertaken to support not only her child but also other families in similar situations. Folu emphasizes the need for community support, the significance of education, and the role of diet and health in managing autism. She encourages parents to be proactive advocates for thei...

Summary In this conversation, Dr. Olapeju Simoyan shares her personal journey of embracing creativity in her medical career and the positive impact it has on mental health and learning. The discussion highlights the need for a shift in educational approaches to foster creativity, which is essential in a rapidly changing workforce. Dr. Olapeju Simoyan and host Dr. Inyang Takon discuss the vital link between creativity and neurodiversity, emphasizing the importance of nurturing creative instinc...

Dr. Iyang Takon explains the various neurodevelopmental disorders and discusses cultural barriers to assessment, and the role of family and community in supporting these children. The conversation emphasizes the need to normalize neurodiversity particularly in the African society and the consequences of delayed diagnosis, while also providing resources and encouragement for parents and caregivers. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Neurodiversity and Early Intervention 02:47 Cultural Perspecti...

Summary In this episode of the Early Intervention Matters podcast, Dr. Iyang Takon engages with DK Jonah, a personal and professional development coach, as she shares her journey through the challenges of neurodiversity and chronic illness. DK discusses her recent autism diagnosis, the cultural perceptions surrounding neurodiversity, and the importance of community support and advocacy. The conversation highlights the complexities of navigating life as a neurodivergent individual and the tra...

Summary In this episode of the Early Intervention Matters podcast, Dr Inyang Takon and Speech and Language Therapist, Mayuri Dave discuss the critical aspects of speech and language development in children, emphasising the importance of understanding developmental milestones, seeking help when needed, and the role of parents in fostering communication skills. They explore the distinctions between language delay and autism, the challenges of selective mutism, and the significance of early int...

Summary In this episode of the Early Intervention Matters podcast, Dr. Inyang Takon and Dr. Kate Fadaka discuss the complexities of anxiety in children, including its causes, recognition, and the impact of parenting styles. They explore the differences in cultural perceptions of anxiety, the barriers to recognition, and the importance of seeking professional help when necessary. The conversation also highlights the role of schools in supporting anxious children and the effectiveness of thera...

This podcast episode discusses the critical transition from pediatric to adult services for children with additional needs. It emphasizes the importance of early planning, the role of education, setting goals for independence, health considerations, cultural perspectives, and the need for advocacy and community support. The conversation highlights the challenges families face and offers practical advice and resources to navigate this complex process. Takeaways Transitioning from pediatric t...

In this episode of Early Intervention Matters, Dr Inyang Takon and her guest, Izegbua discuss the challenges and experiences of parenting neurodiverse children, particularly focusing on the transition from Nigeria to the UK. Izegbua shares her personal journey, highlighting the importance of understanding support systems, navigating educational challenges, and advocating for children with special needs. The conversation emphasizes the need for resilience, knowledge, and a shift in mindset w...

Summary In this episode of Early Intervention Matters, Inyang discusses the journey of families with neurodiverse children, focusing on the referral process, personal experiences, and the importance of love and acceptance. Izegbua shares insights on navigating challenges, emphasizing that success is individual to each child and that parents should avoid comparisons. The conversation highlights the need for practical support, understanding, and the significance of nurturing a child's unique ab...

For no fault of ours, Many of us fail to realise the importance of transitions and the part it plays in the presentation of the child or young person. Your child may behave in one way at home which is their comfort zone and in a completely different setting he manifests many of the symptoms we know to indicate one neurological disorder or the other. There are reasons for this and we need to pay attention to this interesting phenomenon. This will help us to diagnose the child properly a...

The short answer to this is Yes! However, ADHD often presents itself in a different way in girls. In this episode, Dr. Takon discusses how ADHD shows up in girls and the signs to look out for. If you have any questions or queries about this topic, send an email to eim@drtakon.com and your question could be answered in a future episode. Resources General Information for Parents www.school-doctor.co.uk Questions? Email Us at eim@drtakon.com

One of the factors that prevents children from being diagnosed early is when parents are in Denial. This can cause unnecessary problems, suffering and difficulties for the child - now and in the future. This episodes tackles this issue as well as sheds some light on this condition to help parents understand the benefit of seeking and getting help if your child needs it. Resources General Information for Parents www.school-doctor.co.uk Questions? Email Us at eim@drtakon.com

This episode is particularly useful for teachers and parents because you are the ones who spend the most time with these children. In this episode, I will introduce you to Autism Spectrum disorder in general and then we will discuss the early signs and how they appear in children. It is my hope that you will discover what to think about, what to look out for and what to do if you are concerned. If you have a question you want me to address in future episodes, please email eim@drtakon....

This is my story of why I decided to launch the Early Intervention Matters podcast. You will hear about my qualifications, background and experiences as well as why I am passionate about this topic. I was interviewed by Eme Bassey on the Storyteller Changemaker Podcast and my answers to her questions will give you a good idea of why we are here and why Early Intervention Matters. Resources General Information for Parents www.school-doctor.co.uk Questions? Email Us at eim@drtakon...