Entry Level Mom Episode 32: Medical Needs & Neurodivergence with Katie Elise

In this episode, Katie Elise (a mom of twin boys, and a military wife) joins me to share her journey of motherhood and how she has learned to thrive while surviving challenging circumstances. She challenges the notion that we can only thrive when all conditions are perfect, that is not her experience (nor mine!)
Katie discusses her experience with one of her sons' congenital heart defect and  subsequent open-heart surgeries (and all that comes with that).
Katie also shares the importance of advocating for children, especially after an autism diagnosis for her boys. She discusses the model of neurodiversity where a range of differences is viewed as part of the natural human variation. 

Katie also talks about the goals of her podcast Thriving While Surviving, which is to create a community for moms with medical needs and neurodivergent children.

She emphasizes the significance of community support, and self-care practices for staying grounded in the present moment.

Takeaways

Motherhood can be challenging, but it is possible to thrive while surviving tough circumstances.

• Advocacy is crucial for children with medical and special needs.
• Understanding and embracing neurodivergence can help celebrate and affirm the unique traits of individuals.
• Building a supportive community and practicing self-care are essential for mothers.

Chapters

00:00
Becoming a Mother and Pregnancy

03:09
Congenital Heart Defect

05:42
Thriving While Surviving

07:43
Goals of the Podcast

10:56
Neurodivergence

14:25
Understanding Neurodivergence

18:20
Advocacy and Listening to Adult Voices

21:43
Lessons from Motherhood

22:07
Support and Self-Care

23:54
The Importance of Community

25:03
Advice to Younger Self

28:34
Practices for Grounding in the Present Moment

32:29
Where to Find Katie