Episode 98: Love Needs an Action Plan with Matthew and Carol Newell

In the final week of our “Month of Love” series, Annette invited two special guests to discuss the importance of seeking healing for all family members, not just the neurodiverse child. 

Matthew and Carol Newell are the Founders of the Family Hope Center in Greater Philadelphia and authors of “Healing Your Child’s Brain: A Proven Approach to Helping Your Child Thrive.” 

Since 1981, the Newell’s have worked both separately and together to help thousands of children with developmental disabilities and their parents through a neurological-based therapy program. After years of building their expertise in this field, Matthew and Carol got married and eventually had children of their own, a few of which have developmental and neurological difficulties.

They were able to apply the knowledge they had gained during their clinical work and careers to help their own children overcome their respective challenges. The couple admits that the results didn’t happen overnight, though — it took years of learning, dedication, patience, love, and continued faith in the brain’s ability to heal.

“If love could ‘fix’ your kid, they’d be done already — love needs an action plan,” Matthew says. “We developed a plan that would help heal your kid without making it their problem and one that we could measure every day; one that brings healing to the entire family.”

Matthew and Carol explain the importance of creating an environment that brings healing to both the child and the family as a whole. They discuss practical questions we as parents and caregivers should be asking ourselves to ensure our lives are balanced and we are able to be the best versions of ourselves for our health and our children.

Annette Hines has been practicing in the areas of Special Needs, Elder Law, and Estate Planning for more than 20 years. Ms. Hines brings personal experience with special needs to her practice and podcasts as the mother of two daughters, one of whom passed away from Mitochondrial disease in November 2013. This deep, personal understanding of special needs fuels her passion for quality special needs planning and drives her dedication to help others within the special needs community.