Jan. 22, 2025

Navigating Invisible Differences: Empowering Parents and Children on Unique Journeys with Kari Baker part 2

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Kari Baker as we dive into the complexities and triumphs of parenting children with invisible neurological differences. Kari shares invaluable insights on navigating special education systems, mastering IEP meetings, and understanding parental rights. From handling emotional challenges to teaching self-advocacy, this episode is packed with practical tools and heartfelt stories that highlight the beauty and strength of children with autism and other unique needs.

Discover strategies for managing social hurdles like bullying and tantrums, fostering open communication, and nurturing passions to unlock new paths for your child’s growth. Kari's personal experiences shed light on the courage and resilience it takes to help children thrive in their own extraordinary ways.

This episode is a must-listen for parents, educators, and advocates seeking inspiration, encouragement, and actionable guidance for supporting children with special needs while celebrating their strengths and individuality.

Keywords: parenting children with neurological differences, invisible disabilities, autism support, IEP meetings, parental rights, special education, self-advocacy, social challenges, communication strategies, fostering passions, resilience in parenting, Kari Baker interview, raising children with autism.

In this heartfelt and insightful episode, Kari Baker joins us to explore the complexities of parenting children with invisible neurological differences. From her own experiences as a parent and advocate, Kari shares invaluable advice on navigating the emotional challenges, special education systems, and the unique joys that come with raising neurodivergent children.

Together, we dive into topics like:

Managing isolation and uncertainty as a parent.
Mastering IEP meetings and understanding parental rights.
Teaching self-advocacy to empower children in social challenges.
Using strategic techniques like the “poker face” to handle tantrums effectively.
Encouraging passions to create fulfilling life paths for children.

This episode is a testament to the resilience, love, and determination that define families navigating similar journeys.

Key Topics Covered:

Navigating Special Education:
- How to prepare for and approach IEP meetings.
- Understanding the importance of parental rights in the special education process.
Social Challenges and Advocacy:
- Teaching children to advocate for themselves in peer interactions.
- Handling bullying and fostering confidence in difficult moments.
Parenting Strategies That Work:
- The power of communication in building resilience.
- Using a “poker face” approach to de-escalate emotional moments.
Celebrating Strengths and Growth:
- Finding pride and joy in your child’s unique journey.
- Stories that showcase the positive impact of children with special needs on the world.

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🎙️ Listen now for tools, stories, and a sense of shared community as we celebrate the beauty of raising children with invisible differences.

@Real Talk with Tina and Ann

Chapters

00:08 - Parenting Children With Invisible Differences

10:48 - Helping Children Navigate Social Challenges

24:22 - Empowering Parents of Children With Disabilities

28:33 - Navigating the Autism Community Together

35:14 - Finding Purpose in Parenting Special Needs

46:38 - Celebrating the Beauty of Autism

Transcript

Kari Baker

My Background
I grew up in the Pacific Northwest, but my family moved to the Arizona desert when I was in high school. It was a culture shock to say the least, and not just the exchange of pine trees for cacti. I attended University of Arizona (Bear Down) and upon graduation I promptly moved to California to fulfill my dream of living at the beach that was sparked by watching episodes of Beverly Hills 90210. I was a banker's daughter, so my finance-laden genes pushed me to pursue a career in the investments business. Ironically, while I helped my clients get wealthy, I was anything but. After almost ten years of renting cracker jack boxes, (I actually lived in the laundry room at one point) and spending more on rent and food than I made each month, I moved back to Arizona. That's where all the pieces fell into place. I met my husband, John. We married and had a son, Brady. I built a successful business in 401(k) consulting. Everything was going just as planned. Then came my son's autism diagnosis when he was three, and "everything" changed.

Over the last decade I found a new faith I didn't know was possible, a new purpose to help others, and a new perspective on success. I started writing about our family's experiences, and founded KIND Families, a resource for Kids with Invisible Neurological Differences. Finally, after thirty years in the financial services business, I felt a strong pull from God to step away completely. I sold my practice, and have devoted my time to projects that encourage others in fait…

Navigating Invisible Differences: Empowering Parents and Children on Unique Journeys with Kari Baker part 2

Kari Baker

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