ADNP Syndrome: A Child Life Specialist's Journey to Diagnosis, Advocacy & Hope

ADNP Syndrome: A Child Life Specialist's Journey to Diagnosis, Advocacy & Hope

July 15, 2026 · 40 min · Episode 313

About this episode

Caitlin shares her family's journey navigating the challenges of ADNP syndrome, emphasizing advocacy, community support, and the coexistence of joy and grief in parenting.

When Caitlin noticed that her daughter, Kennedy, wasn't meeting developmental milestones, she trusted her instincts—even when others reassured her that everything was fine. As both a former Child Life Specialist and mom of a child with ADNP syndrome, Caitlin shares her family's journey from early concerns and endless appointments to receiving a diagnosis for a condition so rare that only about 500 cases have been identified worldwide. In this conversation, Caitlin opens up about navigating uncertainty, advocating for her daughter in healthcare settings, finding support through rare disease communities, and balancing the joy and grief that often coexist when parenting a child with complex medical needs. Whether you're a parent searching for answers, raising a child with a diagnosis, or supporting families through difficult seasons, Caitlin's story is filled with practical wisdom, encouragement, and hope. In this episode, you'll learn : • How to trust your instincts when something feels different about your child's development • What it was like receiving a rare disease diagnosis • Why finding the right medical providers matters • How parents can confidently advocate for their…

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