Discussing intellectual disability and neurodiversity with children

My New Life

Jessica Rolph is joined by Dr. Kate Barret and Dr. Terry Jo Bichell to bring listeners the story behind “Uncle Rob’s Pizza Party,” a Lovevery book about a toddler’s relationship with a man with Angelman Syndrome.

Lovevery’s Senior Advisor of Equity and Inclusion, Nicole Stamp, guides the conversation. This episode challenges some of the norms around how we discuss neurodiversity, particularly with our children.

Key Takeaways:

[2:15] Jessica explains why Uncle Rob’s Pizza Party has a special place in her heart.

[3:05] Jessica and Kate share how this book came to fruition.

[5:36] The sisters look back at their childhood growing up together with Rob and share interactions with other children around Rob’s condition, and why a book like this would have been helpful.

[7:13] Jessica and Kate talk about the process of actually creating the book.

[9:19] Jessica talks about the photoshoot for the book, which became her favorite day ever at work.

[10:47] Terry Jo shares her experience with Angelman syndrome.

[12:03] Terry Jo talks about the relationship between her son Lou, diagnosed with Angelman, and his nephew, Elio.

[15:52] Terry Jo shares what is important for a family to know If a child is showing any traits that could be markers of Angelman syndrome or any other cognitive diagnoses.

[17:51] Kate, from her background in occupational therapy, shares her advice for families who think that maybe their child is exhibiting behaviors that might be associated with some kind of diagnosis.

Mentioned in this episode:

Brought to you by Lovevery.com

Angelman.org

Cure Angelman

Combined Brain

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