The UNspecial Podcast

On the Unspecial Podcast, the host interviews Jessi Mansfield about disabilities and the church, focusing on whether inclusion is a slogan or a lifestyle and how faith, autism, and families collide. Jessi shares her background (Marine Corps, primary care, nonprofit work with adults with developmental/intellectual disabilities) and how her stepson’s autism diagnosis brought uncertainty, mourning, and overwhelm, eased by supportive friends and later strengthened by returning to church. She describes finding Rhythm Church, the community care they received, and launching Rhythm’s special needs ministry, The Haven, after researching local needs and the lack of visible disability ministries. Jessi explains doing inclusion well through individualized supports, volunteer training, sensory-friendly options, and discipling kids in accessible ways, while also prioritizing parents’ spiritual support and community, and she offers encouragement to families and volunteers.website: www.unspecialllc.com#specialed #podcast #unspecial #specialneedsjourney #specialneedskids👉 For more personal content, check us our on Instagram: / unspecialllc👉 If you haven't yet, make sure you read Special Dayz, a book about Zack's special education journey: https://www.amazon.com/Special-Dayz-F...

In this special podcast episode, the host is joined by Kelly Carlson, an autism mother known as I am Kelly Leanne on Instagram. Together, they discuss how mold exposure has significantly impacted Kelly's life and her son’s health, leading to his autism diagnosis. Kelly shares the traumatic experiences of her pregnancy, her son's premature birth, NICU stay, and subsequent health challenges. They explore the connection between mold and autism, detailing Kelly's process of discovering mold in her home and the steps she has taken towards healing her son, including various therapies and lifestyle changes. Kelly's story sheds light on the struggles and resilience of parents caring for autistic children, the importance of environmental factors in health, and the need for greater awareness and support for affected families.00:00 - Introduction00:45 - Introduction of Kelly Carlson02:00 - Topic introduction: Mold and Autism04:00 - Kelly's Background and Pregnancy Challenges08:00 - NICU Experience and Early Symptoms11:00 - Initial Signs of Autism and Early Intervention16:00 - Discovery of Mold in the Home24:00 - Health Symptoms Related to Mold Exposure28:00 - Testing for Mold and Mycotoxins32:00 - Relocating and Temporary Housing Challenges38:00 - Positive Changes Since Moving Out42:00 - Dealing with Financial Strain46:00 - Emotional and Mental Coping Strategies51:00 - Societal Perceptions and Judgment56:00 - Advocacy and Awareness60:00 - Importance of Self-CareVisit our website: www.unspecialllc.com#specialeducation #specialed #podcast #unspecial #specialneedsjourney #specialneedskids #interview #truth #emotional👉 For more personal content, check us our on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unspecialllc/👉 If you haven't yet, make sure you read Special Dayz, a book about Zack's special education journey: https://www.amazon.com/Special-Dayz-Finding-God-Education/dp/B0FB2MXLGG/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?crid=3FXJ0P30N2DSA&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.XD98iO1ekOJzKB8AjmbMFT5SvQFaevPs3HnMM5a3sRuQA01jFDzyydaDbLlghmOjd66qy3Kyoanyq4Mrlx8dRoYT8BxFDVDqvjTeeh3Ok7I4yNgCX9b6hqfC0ck8nkszhVxwj7KWnIe2uhbCFL-k4LpHDv2DB36pjedqblmGD4s_olQEymMD_6OJ-6-ZAMoAA4P5uhrsmwLiuQtw3BLWQQ.2Kj7exdzRcLqdAPom-W4FlvFJYd4rmKLl39yIWSe7Ls&dib_tag=se&keywords=special+dayz&qid=1751127945&sprefix=special+dayz%2Caps%2C214&sr=8-1

This podcast episode centers on practical financial advice for parents of children with special needs. Zach, the host, invites Rt Beal, Vice President of Van Holes Financial Advisors, to discuss his journey and expertise in financial planning for the special needs community. Rt shares his own connection to the community through his brother-in-law and dives into the intricacies of creating a financial plan that includes both private and public resources. He also covers the common struggles parents face, such as lack of a plan, feeling overwhelmed, and the emotional challenge of planning for their child's future without them. The episode highlights the importance of specialized financial planners and understanding the balance between private financial resources and public benefits. It also touches on the psychological and emotional support that comes from financial planning, offering advice on insurance, government benefits, and stewardship of finances from a faith-based perspective.2:15 - Rhett Beal's Background and Connection to Special Needs6:30 - The Start of Rhett's Special Needs Financial Planning12:40 - Importance of Financial Planning for Special Needs Families15:55 - Rhett's Personal Story and Insights from His Brother-in-law23:10 - Impact of Financial Planning on Special Needs Communities28:30 - Common Challenges and Starting Points for Financial Planning32:00 - Differences Between Conventional and Special Needs Financial Planning37:00 - Government Benefits and Special Needs Trusts43:40 - Importance of Work and Independence for Special Needs Individuals50:20 - Role of Insurance in Financial Planning55:10 - Personal Success Stories and Relief Provided by Financial Planning1:00:00 - Mindset Shifts: From Scarcity to Abundance1:04:30 - Saver, Spender, Steward: Developing the Right Financial Mindset1:09:40 - Essential Qualities to Look for in a Financial Advisor1:14:00 - Rhett's Advice to Special Needs Parents: Asking the Right Questions1:18:50 - Conclusion and Ways to Connect with Rhett BealVisit our website: www.unspecialllc.com #specialeducation #specialed #podcast #unspecial #specialneedsjourney #specialneedskids #interview #truth #emotional 👉 For more personal content, check us our on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unspecialllc/👉 If you haven't yet, make sure you read Special Dayz, a book about Zack's special education journey: https://www.amazon.com/Special-Dayz-Finding-God-Education/dp/B0FB2MXLGG/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?crid=3FXJ0P30N2DSA&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.XD98iO1ekOJzKB8AjmbMFT5SvQFaevPs3HnMM5a3sRuQA01jFDzyydaDbLlghmOjd66qy3Kyoanyq4Mrlx8dRoYT8BxFDVDqvjTeeh3Ok7I4yNgCX9b6hqfC0ck8nkszhVxwj7KWnIe2uhbCFL-k4LpHDv2DB36pjedqblmGD4s_olQEymMD_6OJ-6-ZAMoAA4P5uhrsmwLiuQtw3BLWQQ.2Kj7exdzRcLqdAPom-W4FlvFJYd4rmKLl39yIWSe7Ls&dib_tag=se&keywords=special+dayz&qid=1751127945&sprefix=special+dayz%2Caps%2C214&sr=8-1

In this episode of the Unspecial Podcast, hosts Zach and returning guest Becky Lynn Davila discuss the complexities of autism treatment, focusing on the intersection of support, recovery, and holistic health approaches. Becky, a certified holistic health practitioner and autism health coach, shares her journey of helping her own child recover from autism and extending that support to over 400 families worldwide. The conversation addresses the polarized views within the autism community, the need for both acceptance and active health interventions, and the importance of addressing underlying health issues through biomedical treatments. Becky emphasizes that improvements in areas like gut health, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial function can lead to significant behavioral and developmental progress. Additionally, she underlines the necessity of personalized care, realistic expectations for gradual progress, and the importance of spreading awareness about these treatment options. The discussion also critiques the mainstream medical community's handling of autism, advocating for broader insurance coverage and professional referrals to specialized functional medicine practitioners.03:00 Bridging the Gap in Autism Treatment06:45 The Polarized Views on Autism Recovery10:15 The Role of Functional Medicine in Autism14:30 Personal Stories of Recovery and Improvement18:50 Challenges of Lab Testing and Individualized Treatment23:30 The Importance of Gut Health in Autism27:15 Setting Realistic Expectations for Biomedical Treatment31:40 Success Stories and Real-Life Examples36:20 The Limitations of Conventional Pediatricians41:00 The Role of Methylation and Supplements45:10 The Financial and Emotional Investment in Autism Treatment49:25 Combining Biomedical and Therapeutic Approaches53:00 The Broader Impact of Functional Medicine57:50 Becky’s Consulting Services and Approach1:02:30 Recommendations for New Autism Parents1:06:45 Hopes for the Future of Autism Treatment1:11:00 Closing Remarks and Contact Information👉 For more personal content, check us our on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unspecialllc/👉 If you haven't yet, make sure you read Special Dayz, a book about Zack's special education journey: https://www.amazon.com/Special-Dayz-Finding-God-Education/dp/B0FB2MXLGG/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?crid=3FXJ0P30N2DSA&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.XD98iO1ekOJzKB8AjmbMFT5SvQFaevPs3HnMM5a3sRuQA01jFDzyydaDbLlghmOjd66qy3Kyoanyq4Mrlx8dRoYT8BxFDVDqvjTeeh3Ok7I4yNgCX9b6hqfC0ck8nkszhVxwj7KWnIe2uhbCFL-k4LpHDv2DB36pjedqblmGD4s_olQEymMD_6OJ-6-ZAMoAA4P5uhrsmwLiuQtw3BLWQQ.2Kj7exdzRcLqdAPom-W4FlvFJYd4rmKLl39yIWSe7Ls&dib_tag=se&keywords=special+dayz&qid=1751127945&sprefix=special+dayz%2Caps%2C214&sr=8-1

The conversation covers the introduction to the podcast, the journey of co-hosting, the discovery of neuro-focused chiropractic care, the impact and improvements seen from chiropractic care, personal experiences with chiropractic care, the various therapies used, the decision to homeschool, and the challenges of schooling and parental anxiety when dealing with a child with autism. The conversation delves into the challenges within the school system, the impact of undertrained staff, and the topic of vaccine hesitancy and regret. The speakers discuss their experiences and insights, shedding light on the difficulties faced by students and parents within the education system, as well as the emotional impact of vaccine-related decisions. The conversation delves into the role of faith as a source of strength, the life-changing moment of finding faith, navigating marriage amidst challenges, shifting perspectives and finding hope, the journey of acceptance and hope, supporting children and finding hope, and trusting in God's plan.TakeawaysNeuro-focused chiropractic care for children with autismThe challenges and decisions involved in homeschooling a child with autism Challenges in the school systemImpact of undertrained staffVaccine hesitancy and regret Faith as a source of strengthNavigating marriage amidst challengesChapters00:00 Introduction and Podcasting05:04 Personal Experience with Chiropractic Care19:52 Challenges of Schooling and Parental Anxiety25:32 Challenges in the School System48:41 Vaccine Hesitancy and Regret59:31 Finding Strength in Faith01:05:15 Shifting Perspectives and Hope01:17:24 Supporting Children and Finding Hope01:28:16 Trusting in God's Plan