The daily thoughts of every special needs parent likely focus to a large degree on how to best support their special needs child to connect, communicate, and learn as well as possible. Regardless of their diagnosis, we want the best for them.
This was the focus of today's guest, Jennifer Briggs, when she set about learning how to use the "Sonrise Program" and then began implementing it for her 4 1/2 year old autistic daughter.
Her actions and her daughter's outcomes were so shocking and heartwarming, intense and hope-inducing that I stayed in a state of awe for most of the episode, and even started crying at a couple of points.
This is the kind of insight we all can benefit from, and there is much to sit with as you revisit your own beliefs and philosophy regarding your child's situation and propects, as well as whether there may be some elements you want to take away from Jennifer's wise shares.
Jennifer also speaks about her recently-launched book, Watching Sarah Rise. Both book and blog show more facets of the processs applied and her family's experiences, to help you along your way.
Chapters
00:00Introduction to Jennifer and Her Family
03:55The Role of Touch in Connection
06:49Exploring the Sunrise Program
09:50Building a Support Network
12:48The Impact of the Sunrise Program
15:50Creative Expression and Imagination
18:35The Journey of Learning and Growth
21:21Finding Volunteers and Community Support
24:12The Emotional Journey of Asking for Help
34:53Healing Through Connection
35:49Empowering Volunteers in Autism Support
39:27Session Dynamics and Volunteer Training
41:28Building Relationships with Volunteers
44:33The Journey of Writing a Book
45:34Watching Sarah Rise: The Book's Purpose
47:57Navigating Education and Support Systems
49:43Documenting Progress and Insights
52:32The Emotional Journey of Parenting
59:24Universal Emotions in Special Needs Parenting
01:02:14Book Launch and Community Engagement
About the podcast guest:
Jennifer Celeste Briggs is a bubbly, never-give-up, and heart-centred special needs mom. She lives in Pittsburgh, PA with her husband and two daughters. Her older daughter, Sarah, has a genetic anomaly and autism. When Sarah was four, Jenny got Son-Rise training at the Autism Treatment Centre of America and began working with Sarah to help her connect socially, verbally, and through increased eye contact.
Now, Jenny shares the story of this phenomenal journey, in her blog and a new book (links below). Jenny wants to help parents feel understood and to spread the word about the Son-Rise Program. She hopes that her words bring comfort, joy, and inspiration to readers whatever their journeys may be.
https://www.watchingsarahrise.comhttps://bookshop.org/p/books/watching-sarah-rise-a-journey-of-thriving-with-autism-jennifer-celeste-briggs/21608437
https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1647428246
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/watching-sarah-rise-jennifer-celeste-briggs/1145900741Watching Sarah Rise by Jennifer Celeste Briggs
You can also find the Watching Sarah Rise Blog here: https://www.watchingsarahrise.com/category/sarah-rise-weekly-updates/
About the podcast host:
Dr. Marcia Nathai-Balkissoonis a speaker, coach, andspecial needs parent, podcaster, author, and strategy lecturer. She runs the Special Needs Parent Podcast because she aims to make special needs parents feel valued, connected, and supported.
Get her Amazon bestselling book, Lighting the Path, athttps://books2read.com/lightingthepath
Find Marcia (and many resources to support your special needs parenting journey) on Facebook athttps://www.facebook.com/MarciaNB8/ and on Instagram @specialneedsparentjourney
Join the Special Needs Parent Space (a free community for parents like us) at https://www.facebook.com/groups/specialneedsparentspace