In this episode, Samantha and Lauren talk with Kari Baker, a former financial services executive, author, speaker, and founder of Kind Families. Kari shares her journey from the financial sector to becoming an advocate for the neurodivergent community after her son was diagnosed with autism and ADHD. She talks about the importance of advocacy, the need for early diagnosis, and shares valuable parenting strategies for neurodivergent children. Kari further elaborates on the invisible nature of autism, the challenges of masking, and the significance of open communication about diagnoses to foster an understanding environment.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:39 Meet Carrie Baker

00:58 Carrie's Journey into Neurodivergence

02:33 Parenting Neurodivergent Children

03:43 Challenges and Strategies

04:49 Dealing with Judgement

06:53 Advocating for Your Child

11:21 The Importance of Diagnosis

12:55 Brady's Story

13:56 Creating a Supportive Community

17:06 Resources and Support

17:50 Carrie's Book and Podcast

21:55 Future Plans for Kind Families

24:32 Carrie's Personal Interests

25:09 Conclusion and Highlights

Join us for the Parenting Power Hour: www.everybrainisdifferent.com

Join the Neurodivergent Parenting Community:

The Neurodivergent Parenting Community | Every Brain is Different

Link to episode 59 about autistic people in entertainment with Marlene Sharp and Judith Uttal:

59 - Marlene Sharp and Judith Uttal - Autism in Entertainment

Find Kari on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn: @kariabaker
Kari's website: www.kariabaker.com | www.kindfamilies.com

The KIND Families Podcast:

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/br/podcast/the-kind-families-podcast/id1727783515

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5BKcP3X2VA53QrVAVVLW56?si=6fceee13e79047fe&nd

Connect with Samantha Foote!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everybrainisdifferent

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@everybrainisdifferent