S3 EP8: Seizures and Speech | A Mother's Love and a Therapist's Insight with Jeaneen Tang

Join us for a powerful and moving conversation with Jeaneen Tang, a speech language pathologist and mother navigating the unique challenges of raising a child with disabilities. In this episode, Jeaneen shares her personal journey and professional expertise, offering a glimpse into the world of childhood communication disorders, particularly in the context of epilepsy. We'll explore the profound impact that a childhood brain injury and subsequent seizures have had on her son's development, and how Jeaneen's own experiences have shaped her approach to therapy. Discover the unconventional strategies she employs, including "playing dumb" and creating playful learning opportunities, to empower children to find their voice. This episode is a must-listen for parents, educators, and anyone touched by communication challenges or epilepsy. Jeaneen's insights provide a blend of professional expertise and heartfelt empathy, offering practical advice and inspiring hope for families facing similar journeys. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of speech, seizures, and the unwavering love of a mother. Key Discussion Points: ●The impact of brain injury and seizures on childhood development ●Unconventional speech therapy techniques that encourage communication through play ●How parents can become empowered advocates for their children's communication needs ●Navigating the emotional and social complexities of raising a child with disabilities ●Finding strength and resilience in the face of adversity About Jeaneen Tang: Jeaneen Tang is a speech language pathologist with over 20 years of experience working with children and adults. Driven by a deep passion for helping others communicate effectively, Jeaneen's expertise is amplified by her personal experience as a mother to a disabled child. She is the author of the book Play, Dumb, and Sabotage: Mindfully Undericipating the Child's Needs and Creating Opportunities to Practice Language. Find out more: Connect with Jeaneen Tang and access valuable resources on her website, playdumbandsabotage.com. You can also find her book on Amazon, available in paperback, ebook, and audiobook formats. Insights from the Sources This description is crafted to highlight the key themes and insights that emerged from your provided sources. Here are some key takeaways that informed the description: ●Jeaneen's son's condition: The description focuses on the specific challenges Jeaneen's son faces: physical disabilities resulting from a brain bleed and stroke, cognitive impairment impacting his social interactions, and the presence of seizures triggered by sound or physical stimuli. ●Jeaneen’s unique perspective: The description emphasizes how Jeaneen's personal experiences as a mother inform and enrich her professional work as a speech therapist. Her journey fosters a deep level of empathy and understanding, enabling her to connect with families facing similar struggles. ●Key strategies: The description showcases Jeaneen's innovative approach to speech therapy, including "playing dumb" to encourage language development in a playful and engaging manner. ●Empowering parents: The description emphasizes the importance of parent involvement in speech therapy. Jeaneen’s book provides a valuable resource for parents seeking practical strategies to support their children’s communication at home. ●Beyond speech therapy: The description acknowledges that Jeaneen's work extends beyond traditional one-on-one therapy. She is committed to training other therapists, educating parents and the wider community, and ultimately hopes to spread her message through a TED Talk. The podcast description aims to entice listeners by capturing the emotional depth and practical value of Jeaneen's story. It highlights the universal challenges of communication, the unique impact of seizures on daily life, and the power of finding connection and strength through adversity.