The Parenting Epilepsy and Special Needs Podcast with Erica Hauser

Nervous yet Hopeful: Trying New Treatments for Epilepsy

In this episode, I open up about our family's next step in managing our daughter's epilepsy — an inpatient stay at our local children's hospital to fully commit to the ketogenic diet. After more than a decade of navigating epilepsy together, including multiple surgeries, countless medications, a VNS device implant, and an earlier attempt at a modified keto diet, we are once again stepping into new territory with cautious optimism. I share honestly about why I'm nervous — from the challenges of reworking meals around a child with very specific food preferences (and a serious resistance to drinking water!), to worrying about social situations and travel. I also talk about what it means to be a medical parent whose brain has been wired to worry, and the intentional work it takes to shift that mindset toward hope. In this episode, I cover: * The emotional complexity of being cautiously optimistic after years of trying other treatments * The real, practical challenges of transitioning a picky eater to keto * Navigating social situations and travel on a restrictive diet * Why it's okay — and completely human — to be nervous when trying something new for your child A message for fellow medical parents: You are not alone. Whether you're facing a surgery, a new medication, a diet change, or a device implant — other parents are right there with you, feeling the same fears. Do your research, trust your decision, and keep moving forward. Stay tuned for a future episode where I'll share how the experience went and what we learned along the way. Connect with me:  You can connect with Erica on Instagram @parentingepilepsy_specialneeds and be part of a community that understands the ups and downs of the special needs & epilepsy parenting journey.

Keeping Your Special Needs Child Busy This Summer

Summer break can bring excitement, but for parents of children with epilepsy and special needs, it can also bring stress, planning and a lot of questions. In this episode, I’m sharing practical ideas, personal experiences and helpful resources that have worked for our family when it comes to keeping your child active, engaged, social and supported throughout the summer months. From ESY and adaptive camps to hiring caregivers, accessible activities and inclusive summer fun, this episode is packed with ideas to help you create a summer plan that works for YOUR child and family. Whether your child thrives on routine, needs specialized care, loves sensory-friendly activities or simply enjoys spending time with peers, I hope this episode gives you encouragement and inspiration as you head into summer. * Extended School Year (ESY) * Sensory-friendly events * Adaptive summer camps * Special recreation programs * Miracle League & Power League baseball * Pool lift chairs and adaptive flotation devices * Caregiver resources including neighborhood groups and Care.com You know your child best. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, advocate for accommodations and search for opportunities that truly fit your child’s needs. The right environment, caregiver, camp or activity can make all the difference. Thank you so much for listening and for being here. Flotation Device Website: https://www.theraquatics.com/cepasqflba.html [https://www.theraquatics.com/cepasqflba.html] Connect with me:  You can connect with Erica on Instagram @parentingepilepsy_specialneeds and be part of a community that understands the ups and downs of the special needs & epilepsy parenting journey.

Why Friendships Matter When You’re Parenting a Child With Epilepsy and Special Needs

In today’s episode, we’re talking about something that often gets pushed to the bottom of the priority list for caregivers and special needs moms… friendship and connection. As summer approaches, I’ve been reflecting on the importance of socializing — both for our children with epilepsy and special needs and for ourselves as caregivers. In this episode, I’m focusing on the importance of maintaining friendships and intentionally making time for connection, even when life feels exhausting and unpredictable. As moms and caregivers of medically complex children, it can feel incredibly difficult to commit to plans. Between seizures, therapies, appointments, hospital stays, exhaustion and caregiving responsibilities, sometimes it feels easier to stay home. But meaningful friendships and supportive relationships can play such an important role in our mental health, emotional wellbeing and overall happiness. In this episode, I discuss: * Why friendships matter so much for caregivers * The importance of making intentional time for connection * Finding friends who understand the unpredictability of special needs parenting * Why some friendships naturally change during difficult seasons of life * Connecting with other special needs parents for support and advice * The value of friendships with both special needs parents and parents of neuro-typical children * How supportive friendships can help reduce caregiver stress and burnout * Ways to meet other parents through support groups, adaptive sports, school and social media * Why the “right” friendships leave you feeling recharged instead of drained This episode is a reminder that your life and circumstances may look different than others, but you still deserve friendship, laughter, support and moments that refill your cup. You are not alone, and there are other parents out there looking for connection too. If this episode encouraged you, please share it with another special needs mom or caregiver who may need this reminder today. Thank you so much for listening and for being here. Connect with me:  You can connect with Erica on Instagram @parentingepilepsy_specialneeds and be part of a community that understands the ups and downs of the special needs & epilepsy parenting journey.

A Mother’s’ Day Message to Special Needs Moms: You Are the Reason They Thrive

Mother’s Day can bring a mix of emotions—especially for moms raising children with special needs and epilepsy. In this episode, I’m taking a moment to speak directly to YOU—the moms who show up every single day with strength, love, and unwavering dedication. From managing appointments and advocating fiercely, to navigating sleepless nights and emotional highs and lows… this journey is not easy. But your impact? It’s everything. Your child is who they are today because of you. This episode is a reminder to take a moment on your special day to reflect, and recognize just how far you’ve come—and just how incredible you truly are. You are your child’s advocate.You are their comfort.You are their strength. And even on the hardest days… you are the reason they continue to thrive. Connect with me:  If this episode was resourceful, please share it with another parent who might benefit from hearing this information!   You can connect with Erica on Instagram @parentingepilepsy_specialneeds and be part of a community that understands the ups and downs of the special needs & epilepsy parenting journey. A Special Mother’s Day Reminder

When Children Stare at Disabilities: Turning Curiosity into Connection

When children notice differences, they often stare. It’s natural curiosity — but what happens next can become a powerful teaching moment. In today’s episode, I’m sharing my perspective as a mom parenting a daughter with a visible disability and special needs, and offering an invitation to rethink what happens when children stare. Instead of seeing these moments as awkward or something to avoid, what if we saw them as opportunities for connection, kindness, and inclusion? I’m sharing how I typically respond when a child stares at my daughter in her wheelchair, why I often invite a simple hello, and why I believe parents have an incredible opportunity to help their children move from curiosity to compassion. In this episode, we discuss: • Why staring doesn’t have to be something we as parents fear  • How a simple “hello” can turn discomfort into connection  • Why children’s questions should be welcomed, not shushed  • The missed opportunity when parents pull their children away  • How to use curiosity as a teachable moment about disability and inclusion  • Ways to encourage children to approach differences with kindness and respect  • Why these small everyday interactions can leave lasting impressions for both families This conversation is not about having the perfect response — it’s about creating more openness, understanding, and humanity in natural everyday moments.  If you are parenting a child with disabilities, I hope this episode makes you feel seen.  If you are parenting a curious child who notices differences, I hope this episode gives you encouragement to lean into those moments rather than rush past them.  Sometimes inclusion begins with something as simple as a smile… and the courage to say hello. Connect with me:  If this episode was resourceful, please share it with another parent who might benefit from hearing this information!   You can connect with Erica on Instagram @parentingepilepsy_specialneeds and be part of a community that understands the ups and downs of the special needs & epilepsy parenting journey.