Early Intervention Matters

John Fela describes himself as a “Swiss Army knife of disability advocacy”—and it is an unusually accurate description. He brings nearly 20 years in education, experience as a teacher, school leader and job coach, work with faith-based and non-faith-based disability organisations, and years spent creating spaces for fathers of disabled children. Running through all of it is his lived experience of raising Christopher, his nonverbal autistic son, from diagnosis into adulthood.

That breadth matters because this episode is not simply the story of one father raising an autistic child. It is about the much bigger question that begins...

What happens when a child experiences seizures, tics, weakness, paralysis or persistent pain—but hospital tests do not reveal an identifiable medical cause?

That does not mean the symptoms are imagined or that nothing is wrong.

In this episode of Early Intervention Matters, Dr Inyang Takon speaks with child and adolescent psychotherapist Sagal Hassan about Functional Neurological Disorder, commonly known as FND, and related functional somatic symptoms in children and young people.

FND can be frightening and confusing for children, families, schools and healthcare professionals. A young person may experience real, disabling physical sy...

Host: Dr. Inyang Takon
Guest: Dr. Norrine Russell
Podcast: Early Intervention Matters

ABOUT THIS EPISODE

In this episode, Dr. Inyang Takon sits down with Dr. Norrine Russell, founder of Russell Coaching for Students, to unpack a critical distinction that many parents and professionals miss: the difference between coaching and therapy for neurodiverse children.

If you’ve ever wondered whether your child needs therapy, coaching or something else entirely, this conversation offers clarity, reassurance and a practical framework for thinking about executive functioning and skill development.

“Pills don’t give skills...

In this episode of Early Intervention Matters, Dr. Inyang Takon welcomes Craig Parks, founder of Parenting Harmony, camp director and children’s musician with more than 30 years of experience working with children and families.

Craig shares his personal journey of raising a son on the autism spectrum and explores how music, simple rituals and everyday presence can help parents build stronger connections with their children. 

He also introduces the Parenting A to E Method, a practical framework designed to help parents reduce stress and create more joy at home. From using music as a tool for...

Dr. Inyang Takon and Dr. Gbemisola Boyede discuss the systemic, cultural, and resource barriers facing neurodivergent children and their families in Nigeria and across Africa, and the grassroots innovations, advocacy, and community-led approaches creating real progress.

In Nigeria, a mother whose two-year-old isn't speaking is likely to hear: "He's a boy, he'll talk when he's ready." Then she visits her mother: "This child needs prayers." Then the pastor: "There's a spirit on this child." And in the middle of all of it, she is left entirely alone.

This is not a rare story...

Dr. Inyang Takon and Carol Waldman discuss the critical gaps in support for autistic young adults transitioning from education to employment and independence, and how parent advocacy and legislation can help close them.

Every parent of a neurodivergent child knows the dread of what's coming: the moment at eighteen when the services, the support structures, and the familiar systems suddenly fall away. 

What happens next is often left to parents to figure out alone.

In this episode, Dr. Inyang Takon speaks with Carol Waldman, founder of The Waldman Way and neurodiversity advocate, w...

For many autistic young people, turning 18 means one thing: the end of support. The services, the structure, the familiar professionals? Gone. Left with a piece of paper for vocational rehabilitation and a world that was never designed with
them in mind.

In this episode, Dr. Inyang Takon speaks with April Ratchford, autistic occupational therapist and host of the global recognised Adulting with Autism podcast. A mum of an Autistic son herself, she discusses what it really looks like to support autistic people through adulthood. 

April's story is disarmingly honest, practically grounded, and f...

What does it really feel like to grieve a future that hasn't happened yet? 

For parents of neurodivergent children, the moment of diagnosis can trigger a profound and often invisible grief... one that doesn't end, but ebbs and flows
throughout their parenting journey.

In this episode, Dr. Inyang Takon is joined by Lynn Banis, grief mentor and founder of Women Rising Together. They explore the emotional landscape of neurodivergent parenting. 

Lynn shares her own experience of successive personal bereavements, and how that shaped her approach to helping others walk through loss ra...

Dr. Inyang Takon welcomes Dr. Evan Nadler, an internationally recognised paediatric surgeon and childhood obesity specialist, for an honest conversation that challenges many of the assumptions surrounding childhood obesity.

Drawing on more than two decades of clinical experience, Dr. Nadler explains why obesity should no longer be viewed as a personal failure or lack of willpower. 

The discussion explores why many families become trapped in an exhausting cycle of diet and exercise programmes that produce limited long-term results, often leaving parents feeling blamed and children feeling ashamed. 

The episode goes on to...

Dr. Inyang Takon is joined by Dr. Albert Bramante to explore the powerful connection between neurodiversity, mindset, self-esteem, emotional development, and the invisible "scripts" that shape how children see themselves and the world around them.

Together, they discuss how children begin forming beliefs about themselves before the age of eight and how those beliefs can influence confidence, behaviour, academic achievement, relationships, and even future success. 

The conversation explores the concept of self-sabotage, why some children struggle despite having great potential, and how parents, educators, and caregivers can help build healthier patterns o...

In this deeply moving episode of Early Intervention Matters, Dr. Takon speaks with Mike Gomoll, father, advocate, and founder of Joey's Song, about his family's journey through the challenges of Dravet syndrome, a rare and severe form of epilepsy.

Mike shares the emotional rollercoaster of navigating early symptoms, delayed diagnosis, treatment setbacks, and the uncertainty that so many families experience when searching for answers. He offers a candid look at the realities of caring for a child with a complex neurological condition and the profound impact it has on the entire...

Marc shares the reality of living with undiagnosed ADHD, the impact it had on his confidence, relationships, and daily life, and how receiving a diagnosis helped him make sense of years of frustration and self-doubt. He speaks candidly about reaching a breaking point, the importance of seeking support, and the transformative role that therapy, vulnerability, and self-awareness played in his recovery.

The conversation also explores the unique challenges surrounding mental health within the Black community, where stigma, cultural expectations, and societal pressures can often make it difficult for individuals—particularly Black men—to seek help or openly disc...

In this episode of Early Intervention Matters, Dr. Inyang Takon speaks with Onyi A. Udoji, child development specialist, neurodivergent learning practitioner, consultant, educator, advocate, and Director of The Chelis Group, about the realities of neurodiversity in Nigeria and the urgent need for greater awareness, inclusion, and early intervention.
Drawing on both personal experience and professional expertise, Onyi shares her journey into advocacy and explains how gaps in the educational system inspires her to work in The Chelis Group. Together, they explore the cultural beliefs, stigma, and misconceptions that often prevent families from seeking support for neurodiverse children.

<...

When families receive an ADHD diagnosis, many struggle to know what to do next.

In this episode, Dr. Inyang Takon is joined by ADHD coach and educator Tiara Brumberg to discuss executive functioning, emotional regulation, and practical strategies for supporting children and teens with ADHD.

Together they explore the challenges families face after diagnosis, the importance of coaching and community, and how parents can build systems that help neurodivergent children thrive.

Whether you're a parent, clinician, educator, or neurodivergent adult, you'll come away with practical insights and...

Dr. Inyang Takon speaks with Samantha Foote about the transformative role of music therapy in supporting neurodivergent children and their families.

Drawing from both professional expertise and personal experience, Samantha explains how music accesses multiple areas of the brain, supports emotional regulation, and creates opportunities for connection, communication, and growth

What You’ll Learn

 How music therapy supports neurodivergent children  The science behind music and brain connectivity  Practical emotional regulation strategies using music  Why gradual co-regulation matters for children  Common myths and misconceptions about music therapy  Challenges families face in accessing support services 

⏱...

For many families and professionals, chronic illness and neurodiversity can feel complex and overwhelming. This conversation offers a different lens—one that asks better questions, looks deeper, and recognises that health issues often have root causes.

In this thought-provoking episode of Early Intervention Matters, Dr. Inyang Takon sits down with Dr. Jess Armine to explore a different way of understanding neurodiversity and chronic illness—one that starts at the cellular level.

Drawing from years of experience in functional medicine, Dr Armine breaks down how mitochondrial function, cellular health, and underlying root causes play a critical role...

In this powerful episode of Early Intervention Matters, Dr. Inyang Takon speaks with Jessica Danel, a mother of special needs children, entrepreneur, and advocate, who shares her honest journey through diagnosis, advocacy, and resilience.

If you’re a parent, caregiver, or professional supporting neurodiverse children, this conversation is a reminder that:

You don’t need to have all the answers.
 You just need the courage to take the next step.

🎯 What You’ll Learn

 How to navigate neurodiversity diagnosis and early intervention What advocacy really looks like...

In this episode of Early Intervention Matters, Dr. Takon and Dr. Diana Fannon explore the challenges families face following a neurodiversity diagnosis and what it truly means to advocate effectively for your child.

Drawing on her extensive experience in special education advocacy, Dr. Fannon shares practical strategies to help parents navigate complex school systems, communicate with confidence, and understand their educational rights. The conversation also highlights how these challenges are shared globally, with many families struggling to access the support their children need.

Alongside practical guidance, Dr. Fannon offers an important reminder: advocacy matters—but so...

In this episode of Early Intervention Matters Dr Takon is joined by Lena Livinsky, M.A., an integrative speech-language pathologist and feeding specialist, who shares a holistic approach to understanding feeding challenges in children, picky eating and why it’s more than just a behaviour.

We discuss what picky eating is and why it should be seen as a symptom of underlying factors such as gut health, sensory sensitivities, or past experiences with food exploring Lena’s BLOOM framework and attempting to address factors that contribute to problems with childhood nutrition.

Topics:

Dist...

In this episode of Early Intervention Matters, Dr. Inyang Takon is joined by Christopher Scott Wyatt, a college instructor, researcher, blogger, and neurodivergent parent. 

We explore the limits of labels, the importance of understanding each child’s needs, and practical ways to support them at home and in school.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Neurodiversity and the Podcast

00:49 Christopher's Journey as a Parent of Neurodivergent Children

03:31 Understanding Evolving Diagnoses and Their Implications

05:55 The Impact of Diagnosis on Parenting and Education

08:23 Navigating Healthcare and...

Guest: Gazit Chaya Nkosi (they/them)

Dr Inyang Takon interviews Gazit Chaya Nkosi who shares their expertise on neurodiversity, affirming approaches to communication, and supporting families through systemic challenges. Discover practical strategies, the importance of radical acceptance, and how to foster meaningful lives for neurodivergent individuals.

Key  topics

Neurodiversity and systemic oppressionAffirming communication and non-verbal supportPractical strategies for family and caregiver supportReframing Neurodiversity: A Holistic Approach to Support and AcceptanceThe Power of Affirming Communication in Neurodivergent Lives


Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Neurodiversity a...

In this insightful interview, Daniela Feldhausen, an expert in dyslexia and reading support, shares her journey from law to teaching, her work with Kids Up Reading Tutors, and practical strategies for supporting children with reading difficulties. Discover early signs of dyslexia, effective teaching methods, and how to empower children and parents alike.

Key  topics

Early signs of dyslexia and brain scansPhonological and phonics skills developmentImpact of reading difficulties on behavior and anxietyAssessment and intervention strategiesRole of assistive technology and parental support

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Reading Challenges
10:57 The I...

In this episode, dental expert Dr. Ivy Fortune Glavee shares insights on managing dental health in neurodivergent children, emphasizing early intervention, tailored approaches, and innovative tools to improve oral hygiene and prevent dental issues.

Key Topics

Dental well-being in children with neurodiversityEarly registration and routine dental visitsSensory considerations in dental careSigns of dental problems in non-verbal childrenPreventive dental care and parental involvemen

Takeaways

Start dental visits as early as six months to build rapport.Use tell-show-do technique to ease children into dental visits.Tailor dental care to sensory...

In this episode of Early Intervention Matters, Dr. Inyang Takon speaks with Emma Graham, a school librarian, about her journey and the evolving role of librarians in supporting student wellbeing, particularly for neurodiverse children. Emma shares her personal experiences and insights from a survey she conducted, highlighting the importance of creating safe spaces for students and the need for recognition and training for librarians. The conversation emphasizes the critical role librarians play in early intervention and the overall mental health of students in schools.

Takeaways

Emma's journey to becoming a librarian...

In this episode of the Early Intervention Matters podcast, Dr. Inyang Takon welcomes Ayanwole Boluwatife Joshua, a neurodiversity advocate from Nigeria, to discuss the importance of awareness and advocacy in neurodiversity. They explore Ayanwole's personal journey with dyscalculia, the role of parents in supporting neurodiverse children, and the need for community support. Ayanwole emphasizes the significance of building emotional connections in therapy, the challenges of generalization, and the necessity for self-care among parents. The conversation concludes with a hopeful vision for the future of neurodiversity in Africa, calling for better awareness, inclusion policies, and government support and public centers.<...

In this episode of the Early Intervention Matters podcast, host Inyang welcomes Shruthi, a passionate advocate for children's emotional well-being and the host of the Conscious Children Project. 

The conversation delves into the importance of community support in parenting, emphasizing that parents should not feel pressured to be everything for their children. 

Shruthi shares her journey from a corporate career to a more meaningful life focused on nurturing children's emotional intelligence through yoga and community engagement. 

The discussion highlights the significance of understanding each child's unique emotional needs and the role of parents in...

In this episode, we explore the complexities of developmental delays in children, featuring insights from Dr. Ngozi Oluonye, a consultant pediatrician. The conversation covers the definition of developmental delay, its causes, the importance of early intervention, and how parents can advocate for their children. Dr. Oluonye emphasizes the need for ongoing monitoring and support, as well as the significance of genetic testing in understanding developmental issues. The episode concludes with a message of hope for parents, highlighting the unique strengths of every child and the importance of nurturing their development.

Takeaways

Developmental delay is...

In this episode, Inyang and Keith discuss the critical role of sleep in children's development, particularly for those with neurodiverse conditions. 

They explore normal sleep patterns, common sleep difficulties, and the distinction between medical and behavioral sleep issues. The conversation focuses on the importance of promoting healthy sleep habits and routines, as well as the impact of sleep on behavior. 

Keith shares practical strategies for improving sleep and highlights the significance of consistency in implementing these strategies. The episode concludes with advice for parents on managing sleep issues and the importance of seeking professional help wh...

In this podcast episode, Dr. Inyang Takon discusses the intersection of faith and neurodiversity, emphasizing the need for faith communities to better understand and support neurodiverse families. She highlights the challenges faced by these families in faith settings, the importance of education and awareness among faith leaders, and the necessity of creating inclusive environments. Inyang advocates for proactive measures to embrace neurodiversity as a gift from God, urging faith communities to provide support and resources for neurodiverse children and their families.

Takeaways

Neurodiversity means different ways of processing information.Faith communities...

Summary

In this exciting episode of Early Intervention Matters, host Dr. Inyang Takon speaks with Dr. Olasimbo Davidson about the often invisible struggles faced by children with learning difficulties. They discuss the definition of learning difficulties, their causes, and the importance of early intervention. 

Dr. Davidson shares her personal experiences with learning challenges and emphasizes the need for parental involvement and support. The conversation also highlights the role of schools in identifying and accommodating students with learning difficulties, the emotional impact on children, and the necessity for teacher training. Ultimately, the episode conveys a...

Special episode with Dr. Inyang Takon, Consultant neurodevelopmental Paediatrician.

 This podcast episode focuses on the journey of parents navigating the complexities of neurodiversity, particularly autism spectrum disorder. Dr. Inyang Takon, a neurodevelopmental pediatrician, discusses the emotional rollercoaster parents experience upon receiving a diagnosis for their child. The episode emphasizes the importance of understanding neurodiversity, the role of parents in supporting their children, and the need for advocacy and resources. Real-life experiences from parents are shared to highlight the challenges and joys of raising neurodiverse children, along with cultural perspectives on acceptance and support.

In this episode of the Early Intervention Matters Podcast, Dr. Inyang Takon interviews Dr. Yewande Oshodi, an Associate Professor of Psychiatry and consultant psychiatrist, about the complexities of parenting. 

They discuss the importance of intentional parenting, the impact of cultural backgrounds, and the challenges faced by migrant families. Dr. Oshodi emphasises the significance of communication, setting boundaries, and allowing children to learn from their mistakes. The conversation also touches on the mental health implications of parenting styles and the need for continuous learning and adaptation in parenting approaches.

Takeaways

Intentional parenting is c...

Summary

In this enlightening podcast episode, pediatric occupational therapist Keith Dinauto shares his insights on sensory processing difficulties in children. He discusses the role of occupational therapy, the importance of early intervention, and how trauma can impact sensory processing. Keith emphasizes the need for collaboration between parents, therapists, and schools to support children effectively. He also addresses common myths about sensory processing and offers practical strategies for parents to help their children thrive. Throughout the conversation, Keith shares his personal journey and the significance of empathy in therapy, providing a hopeful message for families navigating...

Summary

In this episode of the Early Intervention Matters podcast, Dr. Inyang Takon and Janine VanStee discuss the complexities of ADHD, particularly in educational settings. Janine shares her personal journey with ADHD and her extensive experience in education, highlighting the challenges of identifying and supporting children with ADHD. They explore the importance of individualized education plans, the role of teachers, and the need for better training and understanding of ADHD in schools. The conversation also touches on cultural perspectives, the significance of community support, and the benefits of coaching for managing ADHD. Ultimately, they emphasize...

Summary

Dr Inyang Takon interviews Dr. Gilly Kahn, a clinical psychologist, discussing the often-overlooked emotional symptoms associated with ADHD, particularly in girls.

 The conversation explores the nuances of emotional dysregulation, the differences in presentation between ADHD and autism, and the challenges of late diagnosis. 

Dr. Kahn shares a case study of a teenage girl named Anna, highlighting the importance of understanding emotional symptoms and the need for comprehensive assessments. The episode also delves into therapeutic approaches for managing ADHD symptoms and introduces Dr. Kahn's new book, which aims to provide accessible in...

Summary:

In this conversation, Jesse Mungai shares insights on living with ADHD, emphasizing the importance of understanding one's symptoms and leveraging them for productivity. He discusses strategies for managing work-life balance, the significance of support systems, and the role of diagnosis and medication. 

Jesse also offers advice for young people with ADHD, highlights the need for better educational environments, and stresses the importance of transparency in parent-child relationships. He advocates for a shift in how society views neurodiversity, focusing on growth and potential rather than limitations.

Takeaways