Complex Kids, Simple Solutions

• Amanda Preston – Parenting 8 Neurodivergent Kids: Advocacy, PDA, and Real-Life Wisdom

  In this powerful episode of Complex Kids, Simple Solutions, Michelle sits down with Amanda Preston, a mom to eight neurodivergent children, a late-diagnosed ADHD adult, and a fierce advocate for families navigating complex needs.Amanda brings a rare blend of personal insight and professional expertise. As a registered social worker, author, and CEO of Deer Creek Family Support & Therapy, she specializes in Autism and PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance) and leads a national nonprofit serving foster and adoptive families. Her coaching business, Amanda Preston Co., helps parents feel seen, supported, and equipped to lead their families with compassion and clarity.Michelle and Amanda dive into what it really looks like to parent multiple neurodivergent kids, how to recognize PDA when typical parenting approaches fall short, and why traditional behavior models often do more harm than good. Amanda shares hard-won wisdom, a refreshing sense of humor, and the belief that thriving is possible—even in the chaos.This is an episode you’ll want to share with every parent who feels like they’re doing it alone.👤 About the Guest Amanda Preston is a mom to eight neurodivergent kids and a late-diagnosed ADHD adult. She’s an author, social worker, founder of a national nonprofit supporting foster/adoptive families, and CEO of Deer Creek Family Support & Therapy, a practice that supports neurodivergent families and specializes in Autism and PDA. Amanda also runs a coaching business offering courses and support for parents through Amanda Preston Co.🔗 Connect with Amanda Website: www.amandaprestonco.com Therapy Practice: www.deercreektherapy.ca Instagram: @the_neurodivergent_bunch Instagram: @thefostermomsocialworkerListen to this episode and more athttps://wisdom4complexkids.com/complexkidssimplesolutions 🎧 Connect with Michelle: Website: www.wisdom4complexkids.com Instagram: @michellechoairy Join the community: Wisdom 4 Complex Kids Facebook Group 💌 Have a question or want to share your story? Email Michelle at [email protected] 🧠 Want simple tools that actually work? Download the free advocacy toolkit: wisdom4complexkids.com/the-ultimate-advocacy-toolkit-pdf

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• Jenna Rowe – Music Therapy for Complex Kids: Confidence, Connection & Communication Through Song

  In this episode of Complex Kids, Simple Solutions, Michelle sits down with Jenna Rowe, board-certified music therapist (MT-BC) at Small Talk OC—and one of Drake’s favorite providers. With warmth, insight, and a little melody, Jenna shares how music therapy opens up new ways for complex kids to express themselves, regulate emotions, and build confidence.Jenna explains how music therapy differs from music lessons, why songs are so effective for language development, and how families can integrate music into everyday life to support their child’s progress. From co-treating with SLPs to creating personalized “social songbooks,” this episode is packed with real-life stories and actionable takeaways.Whether your child is preverbal, navigating behavioral challenges, or just lights up with music—this conversation is a beautiful reminder of how powerful and healing music can be.👤 About the GuestJenna Rowe is a board-certified music therapist (MT-BC) with a degree in Music Therapy from the University of Kansas. At Small Talk OC, she collaborates with speech-language pathologists to support children with developmental, behavioral, and neurological differences. Jenna has clinical experience in intellectual and developmental disabilities, apraxia, cerebral palsy, TBI, hospice care, and more. She provides adapted music lessons for voice, piano, guitar, ukulele, and percussion, and is trained in the Nordoff-Robbins approach. Her mission is to use music as a bridge to connection, growth, and joyful expression.🔗 Connect with Jenna Website: www.smalltalkoc.com Email: [email protected] to this episode and more athttps://wisdom4complexkids.com/complexkidssimplesolutions 🎧 Connect with Michelle: Website: www.wisdom4complexkids.com Instagram: @michellechoairy Join the community: Wisdom 4 Complex Kids Facebook Group 💌 Have a question or want to share your story? Email Michelle at [email protected] 🧠 Want simple tools that actually work? Download the free advocacy toolkit: wisdom4complexkids.com/the-ultimate-advocacy-toolkit-pdf

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• Jesseca Perez – Real Talk About Speech: Sensory, Connection & Communication That Counts

  In this episode of Complex Kids, Simple Solutions, Michelle sits down with Jesseca Perez, a pediatric speech-language pathologist who brings a refreshing, neurodiversity-affirming approach to communication. Jesseca is not only a dedicated SLP at Small Talk OC—she's also one of Drake’s therapists, making this conversation especially personal.Together, they explore what authentic speech therapy looks like when sensory needs are honored, communication is viewed as more than just words, and connection leads the way. Jesseca breaks down what parents should look for in a provider, how to build a collaborative team, and why supporting regulation is the first step toward meaningful language development.From movement-based sessions to practical strategies parents can start today, this is a must-listen for anyone navigating speech therapy with a complex kid.👤 About the Guest Jesseca Perez is the Lead Speech-Language Pathologist and Assistant Clinical Director at Small Talk OC, a neurodiversity-affirming private practice in Newport Beach, CA. She specializes in working with autistic children ages 2 through school age and is trained in gestalt language processing, sensory integration, and AAC. Jesseca is passionate about building connection through communication and empowering families to embrace their child’s strengths.🔗 Connect with Jesseca Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessecaperezslp Email: [email protected] to this episode and more athttps://wisdom4complexkids.com/complexkidssimplesolutions 🎧 Connect with Michelle: Website: www.wisdom4complexkids.com Instagram: @michellechoairy Join the community: Wisdom 4 Complex Kids Facebook Group 💌 Have a question or want to share your story? Email Michelle at [email protected] 🧠 Want simple tools that actually work? Download the free advocacy toolkit: wisdom4complexkids.com/the-ultimate-advocacy-toolkit-pdf

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• Elissa Kaustinen – When First Responders Understand: Autism, Law Enforcement & Sensory Support

  In this powerful episode of Complex Kids, Simple Solutions, Michelle talks with Elissa Green Kaustinen, the director of the FAST program at CHOC’s Thompson Autism and Neurodevelopmental Center—and a former school psychologist and special education administrator—about a groundbreaking collaboration between families and law enforcement.Elissa shares how a local partnership with Irvine PD led to post-certified autism trainings for police officers and the development of sensory support bags now carried in patrol cars and ambulances. These tools, designed to reduce stress and increase understanding during emergency interactions, are changing the game for families of neurodivergent kids.From real-life bodycam footage to nationwide efforts in Arkansas, Elissa explains how her team is influencing first responder training across the country—and what families can do right now to prepare for the unexpected. Plus, Michelle opens up about her own personal experience navigating a police call involving her son, Drake.This is a must-listen for any parent of a complex kid who’s ever asked, “What if this happens to us?”👤 About the Guest Elissa Green Kaustinen is the director of the Families, Agencies, and Schools Together (FAST) program at the Thompson Autism and Neurodevelopmental Center at CHOC. She has over 17 years of experience in public education, serving as both a school psychologist and a special education administrator. Elissa is passionate about inclusive practices, IEP development, and bridging the gap between systems to better support neurodivergent children and their families.Listen to this episode and more athttps://wisdom4complexkids.com/complexkidssimplesolutions 🎧 Connect with Michelle: Website: www.wisdom4complexkids.com Instagram: @michellechoairy Join the community: Wisdom 4 Complex Kids Facebook Group 💌 Have a question or want to share your story? Email Michelle at [email protected] 🧠 Want simple tools that actually work? Download the free advocacy toolkit: wisdom4complexkids.com/the-ultimate-advocacy-toolkit-pdf

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• Jill Lerman – Redefining Play for Complex Kids

  In this episode of Complex Kids, Simple Solutions, Michelle is joined by Jill Lerman—play and parenting coach, early childhood educator, and mom—who believes that every child is capable, curious, and worthy of connection through play.Jill and Michelle dive into what it means to let go of perfection and instead create space for sensory-seeking, out-of-the-box, messy, real-life play. Whether it’s a child who breaks every toy or refuses to join an activity, Jill shows how behavior is communication—and how parents can tap into that to support growth and regulation.They talk about teacher-parent communication, early intervention, how to approach differences in play, and why play isn’t about outcomes, but about relationships. For parents of complex kids, this is an invitation to reimagine what success looks like, one joyful moment at a time.👤 About the Guest Jill Lerman is a play and parenting coach, early childhood educator, play expert, and mom to a preschooler. She empowers overwhelmed parents and caretakers to connect and engage with their little ones through simple invitations to play and create—making parenting feel more joyful and manageable. Jill also consults with brands, teaches classes, and runs workshops on play and early childhood development.🔗 Follow & Support Jill Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jillybeansnyc Website: https://www.jillybeansnyc.com Playful Parenting Membership: https://jillybeansnyc.thrivecart.com/playful-parenting-membership/ Free Guide to Independent Play: https://jillybeans-nyc.ck.page/0d7fab4ab9Listen to this episode and more athttps://wisdom4complexkids.com/complexkidssimplesolutions 🎧 Connect with Michelle: Website: www.wisdom4complexkids.com Instagram: @michellechoairy Join the community: Wisdom 4 Complex Kids Facebook Group 💌 Have a question or want to share your story? Email Michelle at [email protected] 🧠 Want simple tools that actually work? Download the free advocacy toolkit: wisdom4complexkids.com/the-ultimate-advocacy-toolkit-pdf

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