Parenting Great Kids Podcast - Episode 175
Raising a Child with Autism
with guest Jessica Daley
Hosted by Dr. Meg Meeker | August 29, 2022 | 37:10 min.
Today's Guest(s)
Jessica Daley is a writer, speaker and media producer. Though she’s been writing for more than 15 years, Jessica first began her career in media production in 2019 at Dr. James Dobson’s Family Institute. As a member of the broadcast department, Jessica helped facilitate Dr. Dobson’s nationally syndicated radio show, Family Talk.
In 2021, Jessica was hired as a producer at PFC Audio Video, where she continues to play a pivotal role in the content creation of multiple podcasts and radio shows. As opportunities arise, she happily shares her story through writing and speaking as the survivor of domestic violence and now-single-mom to two children, one of whom has autism.
Jessica has a successful blog called Even Still where she shares the life-experiences that she has lived and more importantly, what she has learned in the process of healing from multiple, significant traumas.
Combining her practical professional experience, with her God-given gifts of empathy and creativity, Jessica proves to have a very unique ability to merge different viewpoints into one cohesive and heartfelt message.
When she’s not working, you can find Jessica playing with her children, enjoying nature, helping friends as they journey through their own trials, and pursuing other creative endeavors.
EPISODE NOTES
Parents, what do you do if you suspect that your child may be on the autism spectrum? How do you get a diagnosis? And what’s next if you do get an autism diagnosis? Jessica Daley, the mother of a now 6-year old son who has been diagnosed with autism, joins Dr. Meg in a conversation where she vulnerably and honestly shares both the struggles and the joys from her journey as a parent of an autistic child.
DR. MEG MEEKER with guest JESSICA DALEY
From suspecting something was different with her son early on when he was a toddler, to researching on her own and approaching her son’s pediatrician with questions and concerns, to a formal diagnosis of autism, guest Jessica Daley has been on an unexpected journey that many parents may find themselves also facing. Jessica explains the importance of having a good pediatrician, as she shares, “Pediatricians hold the key and open the door for parents to get the resources and tools that are needed to support our children with autism, so having a pediatrician that you trust, that you feel supported by, who cares about you and your child, is vitally important to the autism journey.” Jessica further describes her son’s individual needs, which have included speech therapy, occupational therapy and even physical therapy at times, as well as what she anticipates that life will be like going forward, as her son continues to grow throughout childhood and into adulthood. Listen in as Jessica and Dr. Meeker discuss the complexities (and victories!) of supporting a child with autism – shared from the engaging viewpoints of both a parent and a pediatrician.
FROM THE PRODUCER
Thanks for listening to Episode #175, Raising a Child with Autism, and for helping Dr. Meg’s parenting revolution reach more than FIVE MILLION downloads!
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