Episode 126: Unheard No More: Navigating Care for Children with Special Needs

In this episode, Sandy Kibling interviews Paula Yoast, an attorney and mental health clinician, about her journey as an advocate for children with special needs. 

They discuss the challenges parents face in navigating the healthcare system, the importance of community support, and the need for effective advocacy. 

Paula shares her personal experiences, insights from her new book 'Tumbleweeds', and offers practical advice for parents dealing with special needs children. The conversation emphasizes the importance of persistence, community, and self-advocacy in ensuring children receive the care they need.

Takeaways:

• Pediatricians are not always aware of the full picture.
• Parents should seek second opinions if they feel unheard.
• Community support is crucial for special needs parents.
• Insurance companies can be a significant barrier to care.
• Advocacy is essential for getting necessary services for children.
• Parents should document their concerns and questions for healthcare providers.
• Building a network of other special needs parents can provide invaluable support.
• It's important to challenge the system when necessary for your child's health.
• Raising awareness about special needs can help reduce stigma.
• There is always hope and support available for parents.

Sound Bites

• "Pediatricians are not God."
• "You always have a right to ask someone else."
• "You can always live to fight another day."

Chapters

02:57 Navigating the Healthcare System
06:11 Finding Support and Resources
09:00 The Importance of Community for Special Needs Parents
11:51 Dealing with Insurance and Healthcare Challenges
14:52 Empowerment Through Advocacy
18:11 Raising Awareness and Building Community
21:12 Conclusion and Hope for Parents

Resources:

Paula Yoast - Website

Law Office of Paula Yoast

Tumbleweeds – How To Be An Advocate for Your Children and Yourself in a Failing System – The Book

Playbook AI Partners - Sandy Kibling's New Podcast

Want to be a guest on Get Savvy...Demystifying Healthcare? Send Sandy Kibling a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/getsavvydemystifyinghealthcare