Today’s guest is Erin Prosser, an IEP expert consultant and a mom of a daughter diagnosed with STXBP1. "You don't see it coming. Being a rare disease parent hits you like a ton of bricks."  In today's episode Katie Taylor had the chance to speak with Erin Prosser, an IEP expert consultant and a mom navigating the complex world of pediatric healthcare due to her daughter Lucy's rare neurodevelopmental disorder. Erin shares her profound journey from a second-time, confident mom to a whole new role as a crucial advocate for her daughter's specialized needs.  The challenges and triumphs of parenting Lucy led Erin to a new career path helping other parents ensure necessary services and support for their children. This episode dives deep into the realities and emotional challenges of parenting a child with significant medical needs, including the strategies Erin has employed to ensure her daughter receives the best possible care and education through effective IEP management. "I think the best kinds of experts are those who have walked the path themselves. The best teachers are the ones who have been students and have had to have a process and said, this can be better and I want to fill it." Key Insights and Lessons: Early Identification and Advocacy: The importance of recognizing symptoms early, advocating for proper diagnosis, and persistently seeking appropriate treatments. Navigating IEPs and Special Education: Listeners gain an in-depth look at navigating Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), where Erin uses her personal and professional experiences to help other parents secure necessary services and support for their children. Community and Support Systems: The crucial role of community support and early intervention therapies in managing children’s condition and the value of connecting with other families facing similar challenges. Mental Health and Coping Strategies: The significance of mental health for parents in similar situations is underscored, with therapy and community support as coping tools. Resources and Tips: IEP coaching for rare disease families Ketogenic Diet for Epilepsy   Whether you are a parent or professional, we want you to join our community. Sign up for our newsletter here. Whether you're a parent, healthcare professional, or simply interested in learning more about child life, this podcast is for you. Listen to another episode of the Child Life On Call Podcast discussing rare diseases here.   Whether you're a parent, healthcare professional, or simply interested in learning more about child life, this podcast is for you. Learn 6 Positions to Help Kids Feel Comfortable and Safe Here are some of our favorite affiliates that help promote positive coping for kids: 10% off Coping Kits and other select merchandise at Present Over Perfect Meet the host:  Katie Taylor is the co-founder and CEO of Child Life On Call, a digital platform designed to provide parents, kids, and the care team with access to child life services tools and resources. She is a certified child life specialist with over 13 years of experience working in various pediatric healthcare settings. Katie is the author of the children's book, and has presented on the topics of child life and entrepreneurship, psychosocial care in the hospital, and supporting caregivers in the NICU setting both nationally and internationally. She is also the host of the Child Life On Call Podcast which features interviews with parents discussing their experiences throughout their child's medical journey. The podcast emphasizes the crucial role of child life services in enabling caregivers both at and beyond the bedside. Instagram.com/childlifeoncall Facebook.com/childlifeoncall linkedin.com/in/kfdonovan