Discovering A Disability: Featured on the STAR-NET Podcast

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I recently sat down with Dr. Anni Reinking from Illinois STAR-NET podcast to be part of their Family Interview Series on their podcast. I was introduced to STAR NET when they were a sponsor for a Caregiver Retreat I attended. It is one of the ways STAR NET provides family-centered support for families with special needs. The retreat included a relaxing getaway for female caregivers as well as opportunities to network with other caregivers in our community.

Listen in as I tell our story on the STAR-NET podcast. When our child was a toddler, we slowly realized that the extra needs he had were masked by being gifted. Investigating this eventually led to a diagnosis of Autism. The combination of being gifted and also having a disability such as Autism is called being “twice exceptional”, or “2e”. Being 2e has both advantages and disadvantages when it comes to growing up and learning. It’s a big reason that our family finds homeschooling the least restrictive and best personalized education experience for our children.

Illinois STAR NET’s mission is “to provide a variety of opportunities for personal and professional growth for those who touch the lives of young children, ages birth through eight, with an emphasis on children with special needs. STAR-NET supports family-centered, researched and effective practices in early childhood education and care.” They are funded by a grant from the Illinois Department of Education.

Take a listen and let me know part of our story you identify with.