Give the Gift of Connection
How To Know If Your Child Needs a Diagnosis or Extra Support | Ep. 122
Have you ever wondered, “What’s going on with my child? Is this ‘normal’ behavior, or is there something more going on?” If you’ve asked these questions, you may be wondering if it’s worth seeking a diagnosis for your struggling child.
All children go through more challenging developmental seasons, but some children are wired differently altogether, also known as neurodiverse. These kids often benefit from the understanding and support of professionals.
In today’s episode, Stacy Bellward (podcast host) and Lynne Jackson (Connected Families Co-Founder) are joined by Mandy Cuda, MD. Listen in on a profound conversation to help parents navigate the choice to seek a diagnosis or support for a child who is struggling.
Through this conversation, you’ll learn:
- to reflect on your motivations for seeking a diagnosis
- how to know when to seek help and what to do if/when it is time
- how you can include your child in the process of seeking support and normalizing differences
- the power of your curiosity and observations over time to guide you
- that you know your child best
- that your child may have incredible potential masked in the struggle
- the importance of prioritizing sleep, activity, and nutrition to help find your child’s baseline
- current information about genetic and environmental impacts on neurodiversity
- about the complexity of overlapping diagnoses in neurodivergent people
We hope that you have been encouraged by today’s podcast, and we look forward to getting to know you. Please check out our website, and don’t forget to reach out if you need help. It is a joy to be able to walk with you as you parent your kids in God’s grace and truth!
Mentioned in this podcast:
- Submit your own Welcome for the CF podcast
- Psalm 139
- Isaiah 40:25-31
- Connected Families Certified Parent Coach Program
- Share the Connected Families Podcast with a friend
- 7 Calming Strategies free online course
Guest Bio:
Dr. Amanda “Mandy” Cuda is a family physician and Connected Families Parent Coach-in-training. She lives in Washington with her husband, a military pediatric urologist, and four amazing kids. Her connection with Connected Families began more than 20 years ago when, as a new Wheaton college grad, she worked with Jim and Chad in Minnesota. She went on to earn her MD from the Uniformed Services University and an MPH from the University of Washington. She served in the military for most of her healthcare career but has also served in community primary care and virtual care delivery.
Does your child need help calming down?
Would a free course presenting you 7 sensory strategies to calm your child be useful?
If yes, take our FREE online course 7 Practical Calming Strategies for Kids.
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