Complex Kids, Simple Solutions

Most parents of kids with speech delays feel overwhelmed and unsure where to turn—until now.

Speech therapist Kira Howard shares her proven strategies for supporting children with apraxia and other Speech Disorders, revealing how her innovative techniques can accelerate progress—even when traditional therapy feels slow or frustrating.

Imagine understanding exactly how to boost your child's speech at home, even if you're not a therapist. Kira's practical, fun methods—like movement-based prompts and play-inspired exercises—are designed to fit effortlessly into your busy life.

You’ll discover her favorite hands-on cues for helping kids self-correct, how movement can unlock speech blocks, and why early intervention is shaping the future of children with complex communication needs.

In this episode, we break down:
The real reasons diagnosis takes so long, and what parents can do while waiting
How to identify early signs of apraxia in your young child and avoid costly delays
Why some children thrive with less traditional approaches like movement and play
The crucial role of parent advocacy and asking the right questions in therapy
Why the best providers often don't take insurance—plus tips to find specialists you trust

If you're a parent navigating speech challenges, or a caregiver seeking fresh ideas, this episode is packed with actionable insights.

Kira’s heartfelt stories and expert advice will empower you to become your child's strongest advocate—making therapy more effective and less stressful.

Don't miss this chance to learn how movement, play, and persistence can truly transform your child's communication journey.
Kira Howard is a licensed speech-language pathologist based in Utah, specializing in childhood apraxia and autism. Her passion is turning complex therapy techniques into simple, effective tools for parents and caregivers.
Perfect for parents of young children, speech therapy students, and anyone eager to support speech growth in a fun, natural way. Tune in to hear why early, movement-based interventions could change everything—and how you can start today.

In this episode, Dr. Carla Caturia shares her journey from education to coaching, focusing on empowering teenagers and parents through emotional intelligence, confidence, and resilience. Discover practical strategies to support youth in overcoming anxiety, building self-esteem, and developing vital life skills.

Adaptive Show Notes for "Understanding EMDR and Supporting Complex Kids"
In this episode
: Michelle welcomes Jenny Hornby, a counselor, children's book author, and EMDR-trained therapist, to explore innovative ways to help neurodivergent and complex kids process emotions and fears. Discover how trauma-informed tools like EMDR and engaging therapeutic stories can make a difference.
Key Topics
:
What EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is and how it aids emotional regulation in kids
The science behind bilateral movement and its role in de-escalating distress
How play therapy and creative activities support emotional processing
Practical tips for implementing EMDR techniques with children, including play and art strategies
The importance of connecting with children at their pace and using their language
The impact of storybooks, like "Made for This," on helping kids face fears and understand body sensations
Approaches for supporting parents through their own trauma triggers and repair in relationships
Techniques for managing rigid thoughts and encouraging asking for help (e.g., Nutella scenario)
Upcoming projects including a book about anger management in children.
Resources & Links
:
Francine Shapiro on EMDR
Anna Gomez's Resources on Play Therapy & EMDR
Inside Out Movie
Made for This Book on Amazon
How to Train Your Dragon Book Series

Connect with Jenny Hornby
:
LinkedIn
Website

Remember
: No matter how overwhelming parenting a complex or neurodivergent child may feel, repairing relationships and building resilience is always possible. Stay connected, stay hopeful, and keep supporting your child's journey.

Navigating Parenthood and Self-Care: Empowering Moms of Complex Kids with Lati Ghanem

In this episode of Complex Kids Simple Solutions, Michelle chats with Lati Ghanem about the emotional landscape of parenting children with unique needs. They explore how moms can recognize patterns, manage stress, and prioritize their own well-being while navigating the challenges of motherhood.
Key Topics:
The intersection of communication patterns and parenting challenges
The importance of trauma-informed, conscious parenting coaching
How cultural norms and self-imposed expectations impact moms of complex kids
The significance of grief and acceptance in managing expectations
Practical tools: meditation, journaling, and breathing techniques for stress relief
The 10-week coaching program "Breaking the Power Struggle" and how it works
Strategies for self-care: early mornings, grounding exercises, and time management
Recognizing signs that coaching can help and how to get started
The role of self-compassion and acknowledging moms' efforts

You know that feeling when your child has been practicing handwriting for years… and somehow, it still feels painfully hard?

The tracing.
The worksheets.
The repetition.
The tears.
The frustration.

And yet, nobody seems to stop and ask the real question:
What if the problem is not effort… but the way handwriting is being taught?

This week on the Complex Kids, Simple Solutions podcast, I sat down with handwriting specialist Holly Britton from Squiggle Squad, and this conversation honestly opened my eyes in a completely different way.

Because handwriting is not just about “pretty writing.”
It is about:
Motor planning
Brain-to-hand connection
Learning pathways
Processing language
Building thought organization
Coordination and sensory integration

And for many neurodivergent kids — especially kids with dyspraxia, apraxia, autism, ADHD, Down syndrome, or learning disabilities — handwriting struggles are often much deeper than schools realize.

One thing Holly said really stuck with me:
“If something is not improving, stop beating the dead horse.”
That hit hard.

Handwriting is not just a communication tool. It is a brain development tool.
Writing by hand helps children:
process information differently
strengthen memory
organize thoughts
improve language learning
deepen understanding

And if your child is struggling, that does not automatically mean they are lazy or incapable.

It may simply mean they need a different approach.

Holly also shared practical things parents can watch for:
anxiety around writing tasks
hand fatigue
difficulty planning movements
slow writing speed
inability to improve over time
frustration during handwriting assignments
better performance with larger tools like markers or styluses
struggling more when copying from a distance

If your child has been stuck in the same handwriting cycle for years, this episode is one you absolutely do not want to miss.

🎧 Listen to the full episode here:
https://www.squigglesquad.com

You can also connect with Holly here:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hollyhandwriting/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/squigglesquadhandwriting/
Substack: https://substack.com/@hollyonhandwriting

And as always, if you are feeling overwhelmed trying to figure out whether your child’s IEP, supports, therapies, or interventions are truly helping…
You do not have to figure it out alone.

Book your free 30-minute Match Call here:
https://specialeducationconcierge.com/contact-us