Early Intervention Matters
The Early Intervention Matters Podcast is a podcast that informs, inspires and equips parents and professionals who live and work with children with neurodevelopmental difficulties and disabilities like autism, adhd, tic-disorders, and learning difficulties.
Episodes
52 episodes
Seeing the Whole Child: Beyond the Diagnosis with Dr. Sudipta Sen
Summary: Dr. Sudipta Sen, a consultant paediatrician with over 33 years of experience across NHS and private practice, joins Dr. Inyang Takon to unpack what it really means to "see the whole child." Drawing on a career that began at ...
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From Diagnosis to Belonging: Autism, Fatherhood and Disability Advocacy | John Fela
John Fela describes himself as a “Swiss Army knife of disability advocacy”—and it is an unusually accurate description. He brings nearly 20 years in education, experience as a teacher, school leader and job coach, work with faith-based and non-...
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Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) - When Symptoms are Real but Tests are Normal...
What happens when a child experiences seizures, tics, weakness, paralysis or persistent pain—but hospital tests do not reveal an identifiable medical cause?That does not mean the symptoms are imagined or that nothing is wrong.In...
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"Pills Don't Give Skills": The Surprising Benefits of Coaching for Neurodiverse Children
Host: Dr. Inyang TakonGuest: Dr. Norrine RussellPodcast: Early Intervention MattersABOUT THIS EPISODEIn this episode, Dr. Inyang Takon sits down with Dr. Norrine Russell, founder of R...
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Parenting Harmony: Music, Autism and the Power of Everyday Connection
In this episode of Early Intervention Matters, Dr. Inyang Takon welcomes Craig Parks, founder of Parenting Harmony, camp director and children’s musician with more than 30 years of experience working with children and families.Craig shar...
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Supporting Neurodivergent Children in Nigeria: Barriers, Hope, and Progress
Dr. Inyang Takon and Dr. Gbemisola Boyede discuss the systemic, cultural, and resource barriers facing neurodivergent children and their families in Nigeria and across Africa, and the grassroots innovations, advocacy, and community-led a...
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From education to employment and independence - Advocacy for Young Autistic Adults in Transition - with Carol Waldman
Dr. Inyang Takon and Carol Waldman discuss the critical gaps in support for autistic young adults transitioning from education to employment and independence, and how parent advocacy and legislation can help close them.Every parent of a ...
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Autistic Adults, Independence & the System That Fails Them: April Ratchford talks to Dr. Inyang Takon
For many autistic young people, turning 18 means one thing: the end of support. The services, the structure, the familiar professionals? Gone. Left with a piece of paper for vocational rehabilitation and a world that was never designed with...
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Resilience and Grief in Parents of Neurodivergents: Navigating Feelings of Loss and Building Support Systems
What does it really feel like to grieve a future that hasn't happened yet? For parents of neurodivergent children, the moment of diagnosis can trigger a profound and often invisible grief... one that doesn't end, but ebbs and flows<...
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Changing the Conversation Around Childhood Obesity | with Dr. Evan Nadler
Dr. Inyang Takon welcomes Dr. Evan Nadler, an internationally recognised paediatric surgeon and childhood obesity specialist, for an honest conversation that challenges many of the assumptions surrounding childhood obesity.Drawing...
The Hidden Scripts Shaping Your Child's Confidence, Mindset & Success - With Dr. Albert Bramante
Dr. Inyang Takon is joined by Dr. Albert Bramante to explore the powerful connection between neurodiversity, mindset, self-esteem, emotional development, and the invisible "scripts" that shape how children see themselves and the w...
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Rare Epilepsy, Resilience, and Advocacy: Mike Gomoll's Inspiring Story
In this deeply moving episode of Early Intervention Matters, Dr. Takon speaks with Mike Gomoll, father, advocate, and founder of Joey's Song, about his family's journey through the challenges of Dravet syndrome, a rare and ...
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Marc Paisant on ADHD, Mental Health, and Finding Himself Again - Interview with Dr. Inyang Takon
Marc shares the reality of living with undiagnosed ADHD, the impact it had on his confidence, relationships, and daily life, and how receiving a diagnosis helped him make sense of years of frustration and self-doubt. He speaks candidly about re...
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Changing Minds, Changing Lives: Neurodiversity Awareness in Nigeria - With Onyi A. Udoji
In this episode of Early Intervention Matters, Dr. Inyang Takon speaks with Onyi A. Udoji, child development specialist, neurodivergent learning practitioner, consultant, educator, advocate, and Director of The Chelis Group, about the realities...
The "Messy Middle" of ADHD: Coaching, Executive Function & Practical Strategies for Families - with Tiara Brumberg, ADHD coach
When families receive an ADHD diagnosis, many struggle to know what to do next.In this episode, Dr. Inyang Takon is joined by ADHD coach and educator Tiara Brumberg to discuss executive functioning, emotiona...
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How and Why Music Therapy Works for Neurodivergent Children — With Samantha Foote
Dr. Inyang Takon speaks with Samantha Foote about the transformative role of music therapy in supporting neurodivergent children and their families.Drawing from both professional expertise and personal experience, Samantha explains how m...
Treating Symptoms Vs Root Causes: (Understanding Functional Medicine) - with Dr. Jess Armine
For many families and professionals, chronic illness and neurodiversity can feel complex and overwhelming. This conversation offers a different lens—one that asks better questions, looks deeper, and recognises that health issues often have root...
Neurodiversity, Advocacy & Resilience: Jessica Danel’s Story of Strength and Faith
In this powerful episode of Early Intervention Matters, Dr. Inyang Takon speaks with Jessica Danel, a mother of special needs children, entrepreneur, and advocate, who shares her honest journey through diagnosis, advocacy, and resilience...
Better IEP Meetings: A guide for Special Needs Parents - Dr. Inyang Takon interviews Dr Diane Fannon
In this episode of Early Intervention Matters, Dr. Takon and Dr. Diana Fannon explore the challenges families face following a neurodiversity diagnosis and what it truly means to advocate effectively for your child.Drawing on her extens...
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Picky Eaters: Causes, Myths, and Solutions - Dr. Inyang Takon Interviews Lena Livinsky
In this episode of Early Intervention Matters Dr Takon is joined by Lena Livinsky, M.A., an integrative speech-language pathologist and feeding specialist, who shares a holistic approach to understanding feeding challenges in children, picky ea...
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Beyond Labels: Insights into Parenting Neurodivergent children - Dr Inyang Takon interviews Christopher Scott Wyatt
In this episode of Early Intervention Matters, Dr. Inyang Takon is joined by Christopher Scott Wyatt, a college instructor, researcher, blogger, and neurodivergent parent. We explore the limits of labels, the importance of understa...
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Support and Acceptance for Neurodivergent Individuals: Dr Inyang Takon interviews Gazit Chaya Nkosi
Guest: Gazit Chaya Nkosi (they/them)Dr Inyang Takon interviews Gazit Chaya Nkosi who shares their expertise on neurodiversity, affirming approaches to communication, and supporting families through systemic challenges. Discover pr...
From Law to Literacy: Daniela's Journey to Support Children with Dyslexia and other Reading Difficulties
In this insightful interview, Daniela Feldhausen, an expert in dyslexia and reading support, shares her journey from law to teaching, her work with Kids Up Reading Tutors, and practical strategies for supporting children with reading difficulti...
Dental Intervention Strategies for Children with Neurodiversity - with Dr. Ivy Fortune Glavee
In this episode, dental expert Dr. Ivy Fortune Glavee shares insights on managing dental health in neurodivergent children, emphasizing early intervention, tailored approaches, and innovative tools to improve oral hygiene and prevent dental...
Creating Safe Spaces: Exploring The Evolving Role of Librarians in Schools - With Emma Graham
In this episode of Early Intervention Matters, Dr. Inyang Takon speaks with Emma Graham, a school librarian, about her journey and the evolving role of librarians in supporting student wellbeing, particularly for neurodiverse children. Emma sha...
