Podcast Episode Synopsis:
In this episode of the Autism Blueprint Podcast, host Janeen Herskovitz, welcomes author and advocate Jan Stewart to share her journey of raising children with mental health and neuro-developmental disorders. Jan Stewart’s award-winning memoir, “Hold on Tight, A Parent’s Journey Raising Children with Mental Illness,” serves as a guide for parents navigating similar challenges.
Janeen and Jan discuss the importance of perseverance and embracing medications and therapy as powerful tools in supporting neurodivergent children. They touch on the significance of respite care and the need for parents to prioritize self-care and seek support from other parents facing similar struggles.
The conversation delves into the complexities of marriage when raising neurodivergent children, emphasizing the importance of communication, understanding, and shared responsibilities between partners. They also highlight the evolution of awareness and acceptance of neurodiversity over the years, while acknowledging the ongoing need for advocacy and education.
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In this episode:
- Jan Stewart’s Journey
- Challenges of Raising Children with Mental Health Disorders
- Importance of Support and Respite Care
- Navigating Medication and Therapy
- Insights on Marriage and Parenting
- Presumption of Competence for Neurodivergent Children
Get Jan’s Book at Amazon
Meet Jan Stewart
Jan Stewart is a highly regarded neurodiversity advocate, author, speaker and parent. Her award-winning memoir Hold on Tight is brutally honest and describes her emotional roller coaster journey raising two children with multiple mental health and neuro-developmental disorders. Her mission is to inspire and empower caregivers to have hope and persevere, as well as to better educate their families, friends, health care professionals, educators and employers.
Jan chairs the Board of Directors at Kerry’s Place Autism Services, which is Canada’s largest autism services provider, is a Today’s Parent columnist on autism and was previously ViceChair at Canada’s Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. She spent most of her career as a senior Partner with the global executive search firm Egon Zehnder. Jan is a Diamond Life Master in bridge and enjoys fitness, genealogy and dance.
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