It is Behind the Breakthroughs 75th episode and it is time to give thanks!  In this episode Dr. Annette Nunez and Maylene Johnson reflect upon all the empowering guests they had on for Season 3 and highlight why they represent the seasons theme of empowerment.  They express how grateful they are to be able to connect with so many people and to share so many inspirational stories. Listen to this episode and get a recap of Season 3 and if you missed an episode go back and listen to all the empowering guests

In this episode Dr. Annette Nunez and Maylene Johnson chat with Jess Brooks and her staff Marlow Partin.  Jess catches everyone up on how she spent her holidays, tasty foods she has been eating, new games she has been playing, and her favorite decks of cards.  It is an episode filled with girl talk and sisterly love!

In this episode we chat with Denise Voight a nutritionist and formulator of My Spectrum Heroes Supplement.  Denise's passion is to educate people by giving them the tools and knowledge of what to put versus what foods and supplements not to put in their child's body. She developed a supplement, My Spectrum Heroes, that would help give the best nutrients.  To find out more about My Spectrum Heroes Supplement go to myspectrumheroes.com and use discount code BREAKTHROUGH20 to get 20% off your first purchase.

This is the tenth vignette that Dr. Annette Nunez and Maylene Johnson share.  In this episode Dr. Nunez shares her personally health journey.  She discusses the importance of self-care, positive thinking, doing research, and trusting your intuition.  This episode is meant to empower and educate ALL women!

In this episode we chat with Alexandra Herold who is the founder and CEO of PATTI + RICKY an inclusion marketplace offering stylish and functional clothing and accessories for women, men, and kids of all Abilities. PATTI + RICKY was featured on The Today Show sharing that many designers whose products are featured on the site have disAbilities or a loved one with disAbilities. PATTI + RICKY is the one-stop shop for people with disAbilities, visible and non-visible, temporary and lifelong disAbilities.

In this episode we chat with Rachel Bolin, a mother warrior who shares her daughter's autism journey from the initial diagnosis to currently receiving ABA services.  She shares her daughter's journey on social media as a way to connect with other parents.  When a recent video of her daughter repeating positive self-affirmations went viral, Rachel realized the importance of social media and how her optimistic outlook on life can positively encourage others on their journey.

In this episode we chat with Anothony Ianni, motivational speaker, author, coach, and first known individual with autism to play basketball for Michigan State, a D1 University.  Anthony shares growing up with autism during a time when little was known about the disorder.  He overcame many obstacles in academics, was bullied, and how playing basketball changed it all.  Basketball taught Anthony to navigate his world, be a good teammate, person, and giving purpose in life. Anthony's story is a game change

Dr. Annette Nunez and Maylene Johnson start 2020 off with a bang by having a fun and uplifting conversation with Jess and Val Brooks.  They chatted about Jess's recent vacation to Disneyworld and which rides she found to be the scariest.  Jess also shared how her nursing studies were going and gave some helpful health advice to Annette and Maylene on how to stay healthy during the winter season.  This podcast episode will be sure to start your New Year off to a positive start!

This is the first episode of 2020 and in this episode Dr. Annette Nunez and Maylene Johnson reflect upon 2019 and chat about what is ahead for 2020.  They encourage listener's to change their mindset about yourself and the children, clients, etc. in your life.  2020 is a new year and represents a fresh start.  It is a great time to reset your mindset and to let go of habits that are hindering yours and your child's growth.  Set new goals with NO LABELS in mind.

In this episode Dr. Annette Nunez and Maylene Johnson do another Annette's Vignettes and talk about the importance of forming a real human connection with any child diagnosed with autism.  They remind parents and professionals not to underestimate a child just because of their diagnosis, but to treat the child how they would like to be treated... with respect.  Take the time to get to know a child, relate to them find out what their likes and dislikes are, be creative and come up with different strategies that will work specifically for that child.  When you treat a child with a diagnosis like a human being and not like a diagnosis, they will and can accomplish amazing things in life. This will be the last podcast episode until January 2020.   MINDSHIFT (takeaways) Look at your calendar take note of what days are typically harder. It could be a Monday, Friday, or weekend day.  On harder days pair it with a positive quote to help your mindshift and to keep you in a positive state. For professionals, take the time to get to know your client and create a therapeutic plan that is meaningful to them. For parents, create meaningful moments with your child. Try not to focus on getting to the next step, but really take the time to develop meaningful memories and deep relationships because that is what will get your child to the next step.