Understanding the Adolescent Brain & Hydrocephalus with neuropsychologist Dr. Andy Zabel

Understanding the Adolescent Brain & Hydrocephalus with neuropsychologist Dr. Andy Zabel

Season 2 is all about the adolescent stage of hydrocephalus. To kick things off, Dr. Andy Zabel shares his insights as a neuropsychologist on brain development during this stage of life. We sat down to discuss executive functioning, when parents should consider a neuropsych evaluation, the impact of relationships and technology, and much more.  For more resources connected to this conversation please see the links below:  Practical Tips and Tools for Dealing with Memory and Executive Function Challenges [https://vimeo.com/317571955] Neuropsychology 101: Understanding Cognitive Function in Hydrocephalus [https://www.hydroassoc.org/understanding-cognitive-function-hydrocephalus/] Hydrocephalus and it’s Impact on Cognitive Development and Education [https://vimeo.com/632376950] Essential Guide: Developmental Milestones in Hydrocephalus [https://www.hydroassoc.org/developmental-milestones-in-hydrocephalus/]  Grey is the New White? Not in the brain! [https://www.hydroassoc.org/grey-is-the-new-white-not-in-the-brain/] Signs and Symptoms of a Shunt Complication [https://www.hydroassoc.org/complications-of-shunt-systems/] Types and causes of hydrocephalus [https://www.hydroassoc.org/types-and-causes/]  Learning Disabilities in Children with Hydrocephalus [https://www.hydroassoc.org/learning-disabilities-in-children-with-hydrocephalus/] Podcast: Helping Children with Hydrocephalus Thrive with Neuropsychologist Dr. Jennifer Queally [https://www.hydroassoc.org/podcast-neuropsychologist-jennifer-queally/] IEP Strategies and Dealing with the School System Session with Dr. Zabel and Ashley VanCleef [https://vimeo.com/885436102?] School and Hydrocephalus [https://www.hydroassoc.org/school/] Middle School with Hydrocephalus: Smart Preparation [https://www.hydroassoc.org/middle-school-with-hydrocephalus/] Individualized Education Program (IEP): Communication Skills for Parents [https://www.hydroassoc.org/individualized-education-program/] Driving and Hydrocephalus [https://www.hydroassoc.org/driving-and-hydrocephalus/] Does hydrocephalus have an impact on one’s ability to drive? [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5fmfR-NxyLY&list=PLAYKANaEHonlWK9-i3bR687KtiC9R544q&index=13] National Conference on Hydrocephalus, HA CONNECT [https://hydrocephalusconference.org/]  Search HA's Hydrocephalus Resource Library [https://www.hydroassoc.org/hydrocephalus-library/] Hydrocephalus Resources [https://www.hydroassoc.org/resources/] HA's Medical Advisory Board [https://www.hydroassoc.org/medical-advisory-board/] Learn more about hydrocephalus: https://www.hydroassoc.org [https://www.hydroassoc.org/] Request a Hydro Hero shoutout on the show: https://bit.ly/hydroheroform [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc8ixosshZ85SAWbsfasMc5UR7RSfEZDx5WFrNNAjfM3bII0g/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=105815449341885032024] Follow on Instagram: @taishaycameron [https://www.instagram.com/taishaycameron], @hydroassoc [https://www.instagram.com/hydroassoc/]

Season 2 Trailer: The Adolescent Stage of Hydrocephalus

June 24th we kick off season 2 of Hydro Heroes Unite. This season is all about the adolescent stage of hydrocephalus. We'll discuss brain development, mental health, IEP & 504, and living an active life with medical experts and professionals who dedicate their careers to helping kids and families thrive. And the best part, we'll hear from kids and teens living with hydrocephalus about their unique lived experience. Follow the show on your listening app of choice so you never miss an episode.   Learn more about hydrocephalus: https://www.hydroassoc.org [https://www.hydroassoc.org/] Request a Hydro Hero shoutout on the show: https://bit.ly/hydroheroform [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc8ixosshZ85SAWbsfasMc5UR7RSfEZDx5WFrNNAjfM3bII0g/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=105815449341885032024] Follow on Instagram: @taishaycameron [https://www.instagram.com/taishaycameron], @hydroassoc [https://www.instagram.com/hydroassoc/]

Dancing in the Rain: Scott + Angelica’s Story of Hope + Healing

In this final episode of Season One, I bring it home (literally) and share parts of my conversation with my husband Scott as he opens up about his perspective through Angelica’s hydrocephalus and Dandy-Walker diagnosis. Scott opens up about: * The shock of receiving a diagnosis during pregnancy * Navigating NICU life, Hurricane Maria and unexpected PICU transfers * Finding humor in hard places  * Advocating as a caregiver and trusting your gut (and your partners) * How resilience forms slowly, moment by moment This episode is funny, heartfelt, and deeply hopeful. Sometimes, the most powerful form of resilience is learning to smile, laugh, and eventually dance in the rain. It's a tribute to caregivers, partners, and every family who has ever weathered a storm together. If this season moved you, please share the episode or leave a review to help more hydro families feel seen and supported. Resources:  Hydrocephalus Association RAISE Resilience Program: https://www.hydroassoc.org/raise-resilience-program/ [https://www.hydroassoc.org/raise-resilience-program/] Caring for the Caregiver: How to Recognize, Prevent, and Manage Burnout: https://www.hydroassoc.org/caring-for-the-caregiver/ [https://www.hydroassoc.org/caring-for-the-caregiver/] Support Groups: https://www.hydroassoc.org/find-a-community-network/ [https://www.hydroassoc.org/find-a-community-network/] Mindfulness for Hydrocephalus: Tools to Manage Stress: https://www.hydroassoc.org/mindfulness-for-hydrocephalus/ [https://www.hydroassoc.org/mindfulness-for-hydrocephalus/] Resource for Parents: https://www.hydroassoc.org/parent-hydrocephalus-resources/ [https://www.hydroassoc.org/parent-hydrocephalus-resources/] Hydrocephalus CONNECT Peer Support: https://www.hydroassoc.org/hydrocephalusconnect-peer-support/ [https://www.hydroassoc.org/hydrocephalusconnect-peer-support/] Congenital Hydrocephalus: https://www.hydroassoc.org/congenital-hydrocephalus/ [https://www.hydroassoc.org/congenital-hydrocephalus/] Easily Explain Hydrocephalus to a Child with Confidence: https://www.hydroassoc.org/how-to-explain-hydrocephalus-to-a-child/ [https://www.hydroassoc.org/how-to-explain-hydrocephalus-to-a-child/] Complications of a shunt system: https://www.hydroassoc.org/complications-of-shunt-systems/ [https://www.hydroassoc.org/complications-of-shunt-systems/] Shunt Malfunction: Frequently Asked Questions: https://www.hydroassoc.org/shunt-malfunctions-frequently-asked-questions/ [https://www.hydroassoc.org/shunt-malfunctions-frequently-asked-questions/] Your Healthcare Team: https://www.hydroassoc.org/your-healthcare-team-2/ [https://www.hydroassoc.org/your-healthcare-team-2/] Hydrocephalus Resources: https://www.hydroassoc.org/parent-hydrocephalus-resources/ [https://www.hydroassoc.org/parent-hydrocephalus-resources/] WALK to End Hydrocephalus: https://www.hydroassoc.org/find-a-walk-near-you/ [https://www.hydroassoc.org/find-a-walk-near-you/] Learn more about hydrocephalus: https://www.hydroassoc.org [https://www.hydroassoc.org/] Request a Hydro Hero shoutout on the show: https://bit.ly/hydroheroform [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc8ixosshZ85SAWbsfasMc5UR7RSfEZDx5WFrNNAjfM3bII0g/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=105815449341885032024] Follow on Instagram: @taishaycameron [https://www.instagram.com/taishaycameron], @hydroassoc [https://www.instagram.com/hydroassoc/]

Self-Care is Not a Luxury, it’s a Responsibility: Advocacy & Resilience with Pediatric Psychologist Dr. Elizabeth McRae

Today I’ll share parts of my conversation with Dr. Elizabeth McRae, a pediatric psychologist at the University of Alabama, to talk about empowering children with complex medical conditions and supporting the families who care for them. We explore: * The difference between pediatric psychologists and neuropsychologists * How parents can help kids learn to advocate for themselves * The RAISE program, which helps caregivers build resilience and find balance * Why self-care and mental health are essential for families raising medically complex kids Resources & Links: Hydrocephalus Association RAISE Resilience Program: https://www.hydroassoc.org/raise-resilience-program/ [https://www.hydroassoc.org/raise-resilience-program/] Caring for the Caregiver: How to Recognize, Prevent, and Manage Burnout: https://www.hydroassoc.org/caring-for-the-caregiver/ [https://www.hydroassoc.org/caring-for-the-caregiver/] Mindfulness for Hydrocephalus: Tools to Manage Stress: https://www.hydroassoc.org/mindfulness-for-hydrocephalus/ [https://www.hydroassoc.org/mindfulness-for-hydrocephalus/] Neuropsychology 101: Understanding Cognitive Function in Hydrocephalus: https://www.hydroassoc.org/understanding-cognitive-function-hydrocephalus/ [https://www.hydroassoc.org/understanding-cognitive-function-hydrocephalus/] Support Groups: https://www.hydroassoc.org/find-a-community-network/ [https://www.hydroassoc.org/find-a-community-network/] HydrocephalusCONNECT Peer Support: https://www.hydroassoc.org/hydrocephalusconnect-peer-support/ [https://www.hydroassoc.org/hydrocephalusconnect-peer-support/] Easily Explain Hydrocephalus to a Child with Confidence: https://www.hydroassoc.org/how-to-explain-hydrocephalus-to-a-child/ [https://www.hydroassoc.org/how-to-explain-hydrocephalus-to-a-child/] Transitioning from Pediatric to Adult Care: https://www.hydroassoc.org/transitioning-from-pediatric-to-adult-care/ [https://www.hydroassoc.org/transitioning-from-pediatric-to-adult-care/] Timeline for a Successful Transition to Adult Care: https://www.hydroassoc.org/timeline-for-transitioning-to-adult-care/ [https://www.hydroassoc.org/timeline-for-transitioning-to-adult-care/] Toolkit for Transitioning Medical Care: https://www.hydroassoc.org/toolkit-transitioning-medical-care/ [https://www.hydroassoc.org/toolkit-transitioning-medical-care/] Transitioning to Independence: https://www.hydroassoc.org/transitioning-to-independence/ [https://www.hydroassoc.org/transitioning-to-independence/] Prescription Management: Helping Your Teen Master It: https://www.hydroassoc.org/teen-prescription-management/ [https://www.hydroassoc.org/teen-prescription-management/] Individualized Education Program (IEP): https://www.hydroassoc.org/individualized-education-program/ [https://www.hydroassoc.org/individualized-education-program/] Your Healthcare Team: https://www.hydroassoc.org/your-healthcare-team-2/ [https://www.hydroassoc.org/your-healthcare-team-2/] Complications of a shunt system: https://www.hydroassoc.org/complications-of-shunt-systems/ [https://www.hydroassoc.org/complications-of-shunt-systems/] Shunt Malfunction: Frequently Asked Questions: https://www.hydroassoc.org/shunt-malfunctions-frequently-asked-questions/ [https://www.hydroassoc.org/shunt-malfunctions-frequently-asked-questions/] Resource for Parents: https://www.hydroassoc.org/parent-hydrocephalus-resources/ [https://www.hydroassoc.org/parent-hydrocephalus-resources/] Hydrocephalus Resources: https://www.hydroassoc.org/paren Learn more about hydrocephalus: [https://www.hydroassoc.org/paren]https://www.hydroassoc.org [https://www.hydroassoc.org/] Request a Hydro Hero shoutout on the show: https://bit.ly/hydroheroform [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc8ixosshZ85SAWbsfasMc5UR7RSfEZDx5WFrNNAjfM3bII0g/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=105815449341885032024] Follow on Instagram: @taishaycameron [https://www.instagram.com/taishaycameron], @hydroassoc [https://www.instagram.com/hydroassoc/]

The Search for the Silver Lining: Melissa & Abagail’s Hydrocephalus Story

In this heartfelt and often funny episode of Hydro Heroes Unite, I sit down with Melissa, a fellow NICU mom and twin mom, whose daughter Abagail lives with hydrocephalus, hemiplegia, cortical visual impairment, and epilepsy. Melissa shares her heart and her humor as she reflects on their family’s journey — from the early NICU days to navigating the complexities of hydrocephalus, including challenges many parents don’t expect. We talk about the power of trusting your instincts as a parent, finding silver linings even in tough times, and the huge difference it makes when doctors show humility, empathy, and true partnership. Melissa has been a long-time advocate for the hydrocephalus community, serving for eight years as co-chair of the National Capital WALK to End Hydrocephalus and continuing to champion disability rights and inclusion. Whether you’re a newly diagnosed family or years into this journey, this conversation is a reminder that you’re not alone — and that there’s strength in community, advocacy, and a little bit of humor along the way. Resources: Hydrocephalus in infants and children: https://www.hydroassoc.org/hydrocephalus-in-infants-and-children/ [https://www.hydroassoc.org/hydrocephalus-in-infants-and-children/] Acquired Hydrocephalus: https://www.hydroassoc.org/acquired-hydrocephalus/ [https://www.hydroassoc.org/acquired-hydrocephalus/] Shunt System: https://www.hydroassoc.org/shunt-systems/ [https://www.hydroassoc.org/shunt-systems/] Complications of a Shunt System: https://www.hydroassoc.org/complications-of-shunt-systems/ [https://www.hydroassoc.org/complications-of-shunt-systems/] Shunt Malfunction: Frequently Asked Questions: https://www.hydroassoc.org/shunt-malfunctions-frequently-asked-questions/ [https://www.hydroassoc.org/shunt-malfunctions-frequently-asked-questions/] Epilepsy and Hydrocephalus: https://www.hydroassoc.org/epilepsy-and-hydrocephalus/ [https://www.hydroassoc.org/epilepsy-and-hydrocephalus/] Cerebral/Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI) and Hydrocephalus: https://www.hydroassoc.org/understanding-cvi-and-hydrocephalus/ [https://www.hydroassoc.org/understanding-cvi-and-hydrocephalus/] ETV and ETV with CPC: https://www.hydroassoc.org/etv-and-etv-with-cpc/ [https://www.hydroassoc.org/etv-and-etv-with-cpc/] Get Support: https://www.hydroassoc.org/get-support/ [https://www.hydroassoc.org/get-support/] WALK to End Hydrocephalus: https://www.hydroassoc.org/find-a-walk-near-you/ [https://www.hydroassoc.org/find-a-walk-near-you/] Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH): https://www.hydroassoc.org/normal-pressure-hydrocephalus-2/ [https://www.hydroassoc.org/normal-pressure-hydrocephalus-2/] Hydrocephalus Resources: https://www.hydroassoc.org/resources/ [https://www.hydroassoc.org/resources/] Learn more about hydrocephalus: https://www.hydroassoc.org [https://www.hydroassoc.org/] Request a Hydro Hero shoutout on the show: https://bit.ly/hydroheroform [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc8ixosshZ85SAWbsfasMc5UR7RSfEZDx5WFrNNAjfM3bII0g/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=105815449341885032024] Follow on Instagram: @taishaycameron [https://www.instagram.com/taishaycameron], @hydroassoc [https://www.instagram.com/hydroassoc/]