We're kicking off summer with a special mini episode! Kathy Hooven's 14 year old son Ryan has autism. Last summer he attended a choral camp and at the final concert Kathy had some surprising realizations. Tune in to hear her story.

Bringing Up Betty | True Tales of Special Needs Parenting

Loving Can Hurt with Kathy Hooven (BUB #21)

Donna Kirk's son Matthew was born in 1970. Due to oxygen deprivation during delivery he was born with severe brain damage and doctors advised Donna and her husband Ed to do the unthinkable - put him in an institution, have another baby as soon as possible, and get on with their lives. They called him a vegetable with a heartbeat. In this episode, you'll hear what happened with the Kirks rejected the advice of their doctors and took Matthew home to care for and love him as their son. Spoiler alert: he surprised everyone and had a fabulous life! Matthew was a child with brain damage, a young man with mental illness and a son and brother with extraordinary spirit. I loved gaining additional perspective from a mom who has been parenting her disabled son for so many years. I hope you will too - enjoy! Donna has written a beautiful memoir of Matthew's life and her experience as a his mother. I was surprised to read about so many experiences that felt familiar and relatable. Despite the difference in diagnosis, generation and medical advice given at the time, I saw so many parallels to to my own experiences as a mother. SHOW NOTES Visit Donna's Website Donna's Book Finding Matthew on Amazon More information about Pica Music for today’s episode from Kevin MacLeod Share on Facebook: http://bit.ly/bub20fb Share on Google+: http://bit.ly/bub20gp Share on Twitter: http://bit.ly/bub20tw

Finding Matthew with Donna Kirk (BUB #20)

Today we're doing something a little different. Betty's been sick and I didn't want to wait yet another week to put a new episode out, so instead I'm sharing a few uncut chunks of my chat with Mary Evelyn Smith that didn't make it into her story in episode #17. I had such a great time chatting with Mary Evelyn and found her so relatable. I think you'll really enjoy this unedited discussion on a few different topics. To sum it up, we chat about: The new (intense) forms of mom guilt that show up when your child's early childhood involves a lot of therapy (or maybe Mary Evelyn and I are just both really good at beating ourselves up?) How to ruin any fun/relaxing/enjoyable activity The terrible selection of children's books about disability and differences How to approach and teach your child about disabilities The connections that our kids (and their siblings) are not making about the world The responsibility we have as parents in shaping how our kids will be viewed and treated If you haven't had a chance, visit Mary Evelyn's blog, where she chronicles her family's beautiful (but real) life. -- Today's episode is sponsored by ezpz. The silicone ezpz Happy Mat has been a game changer for our family! It means Betty can eat at the table with us - without flinging a plate or tipping a bowl. Use the promo code BETTY at checkout to save 20% on your ezpz order today!

The New Meaning of Mom Guilt with Mary Evelyn Smith (BUB #19)

Robert Thornton is the founder and CEO of Paper Clouds Apparel, a business he launched to change lives and serve the special needs and disabled communities.   http://www.bringingupbetty.com/18

Buy a T-Shirt, Change a Life with Robert Thornton of Paper Clouds Apparel (BUB #18)

Mary Evelyn Smith tells the story of becoming a mother to her son Simeon, who has spina bifida, and daughter Franny, who does not have a disability. She explains why constant attention can be exhausting, and how parenting a child with special needs can make you feel like you've got a big secret.

When Your Second Child Doesn't Have a Disability with Mary Evelyn Smith (BUB #17)

In "Expectations and IEPs," Sarah tells the story of Betty's transition out of Early Intervention and into the public education system. How they made the first round of tough decisions about Betty's future, plus bidding farewell to the first round of Betty's wonderful helpers.   Episode 16 Show Notes

Expectations and IEPs (BUB #16)

Parents and individuals living with disabilities and special needs share the kindest things people have done to show love and support.

The Kindest Thing... (BUB #15)

Dawn offers tips and information for parents of kids with feeding struggles, swallowing disorders and general pickiness.

Making Mealtimes Easier: From Feeding Disorders to Picky Eaters with Dawn Winkelmann (BUB #14)

Parents share their unique experiences of raising kids with special needs, disabilities, developmental delays, diseases and other challenges.