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Early Intervention Matters

Early Intervention Matters

Von: Dr. Inyang Takon
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The Early Intervention Matters Podcast is a podcast that informs, inspires and equips parents and professionals who live and work with children with neurodevelopmental difficulties and disabilities like autism, adhd, tic-disorders, and learning difficulties.

© 2026 Early Intervention Matters Beziehungen Elternschaft & Familienleben Hygiene & gesundes Leben Seelische & Geistige Gesundheit Sozialwissenschaften
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  • From Diagnosis to Belonging: Autism, Fatherhood and Disability Advocacy | John Fela

    From Diagnosis to Belonging: Autism, Fatherhood and Disability Advocacy | John Fela
    Aug 12 2026
    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 after diagnosis: how do you build a life? Dr Inyang Takon and John explore the long journey through therapies, education, residential care, family pressures, adult transition, employment and community. They consider what happens when services are built around individual stages, but families must somehow carry the whole journey—and what a meaningful future looks like for a young person who will always need substantial support.John’s contribution to the wider disability conversation is this whole-life perspective. He challenges one-size-fits-all interventions, brings fathers’ often-unspoken experiences into view and argues that adulthood must offer more than somewhere to go during the day. Disabled people need purpose, relationships and meaningful ways to contribute. His message to schools, professionals, employers, churches and communities is equally clear: inclusion may provide access, but acceptance creates belonging. The real goal is not simply to make room for disabled people, but to recognise them as valued members of the community whose lives, interests and contributions matter.IN THIS EPISODEHow John’s experience as an educator, parent, job coach and advocate shaped his workChristopher’s early development and journey to an autism diagnosisWhy no single therapy or intervention will work for every autistic childThe importance of the relationship between a child and the professional supporting themThe financial and emotional risks of chasing every promised treatmentMaking the difficult decision to place a child in residential educationPreparing a young person with substantial support needs for adulthoodCreating meaningful employment around a person’s abilities and interestsWhy fathers’ experiences are often missing from disability conversationsHow grief, shame and the desire to “fix” things can cause some fathers to withdrawCreating support spaces where dads can participate without being forced to open upThe effect of disability on marriage, relationships and the wider familyThe role of faith, counselling and community in helping families remain resilientWhy inclusion is only a first step towards acceptance and belongingBuilding a society in which disabled people are known, valued and able to contributeCHAPTERS00:00 Introduction01:08 Meet John Fela: the “Swiss Army knife” of disability advocacy05:21 Christopher’s early development and diagnosis10:33 Navigating anxiety, changing needs and family support14:15 Why there is no one-size-fits-all autism therapy23:00 When professional knowledge meets lived parenting experience26:42 Supporting parents and protecting family relationships30:07 Transitioning from school into adulthood31:06 Employment, purpose and creating the right role40:02 The missing voices of fathers41:17 Why some fathers retreat into work or silence45:57 Creating support spaces that fathers will use50:01 Sometimes a dad only needs one person who understands53:57 Marriage, divorce, faith and family resilience1:00:59 The story behind Faith Like My Father1:05:59 Why inclusion is not the same as acceptance1:11:11 Organisations and resources for disability families1:15:14 Building a meaningful future for ChristopherABOUT JOHN FELAJohn Fela (M.Ed.) is a national disability advocate working with both faith-based and non-faith-based disability organisations. He previously worked for Joni and Friends, a global disability ministry.Before moving into disability advocacy, John spent almost 20 years in education, serving as a classroom teacher in public and private schools, mentor teacher and school director. He holds certifications in Montessori and traditional teaching methods and has trained in several specialisms, including ESL and Special Education.John is a public speaker, contributor to several disability advocacy platforms and author of Faith Like My Father, a memoir about his journey as a parent of disability.He lives in Lyons, Illinois, with his wife, Faith, and is father to his son Christopher, who is autistic and nonverbal.CONNECT WITH JOHNWebsite:https://www.johnfela.comFacebook:https://www.facebook.com/johnsspecialneedsblog/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/john_fela_1LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-fela-0b839920/X:https://x.com/jfelageller74BOOKFaith Like My Father:https://www.ballastbooks.com/ballast-bookstore/...
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    1 Std. und 10 Min.
  • Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) - When Symptoms are Real but Tests are Normal...

    Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) - When Symptoms are Real but Tests are Normal...
    Aug 10 2026

    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 symptoms while repeatedly being told that their medical tests are normal. This can leave families feeling dismissed, anxious and unsure about what to do next.

    Sagal explains the important relationship between physical symptoms, emotional wellbeing and chronic stress—without reducing the condition to being “all in the child’s mind.” She and Dr Takon also explore why adolescence can be a particularly vulnerable time and the crossover between FND, neurodivergence, anxiety and school attendance difficulties.

    In this episode, we discuss:

    * How FND can present in children and teenagers
    * Seizure-like episodes, tics, weakness, paralysis, fatigue and persistent pain
    * Why normal test results do not mean that the symptoms are not real
    * The relationship between physical symptoms and emotional wellbeing
    * FND in autistic and ADHD young people
    * Why some young people suppress or struggle to identify emotional distress
    * The impact of repeated medical investigations and feeling disbelieved
    * Why psychological support should be introduced early
    * Supporting children who are struggling to attend school
    * The importance of flexibility, routine and maintaining some normality
    * How parents, schools and healthcare professionals can work together
    * What can help a child or young person move towards recovery

    ABOUT SAGAL HASSAN

    Sagal Hassan is an ACP-registered Child and Adolescent Psychotherapist. She works with children, teenagers and families experiencing neurodivergence, chronic health conditions, functional symptoms, school attendance difficulties and complex emotional challenges.

    She works at The Soke in Chelsea and also has an independent child and adolescent psychotherapy practice.

    CONNECT WITH SAGAL

    Website:
    https://www.sagalhassan.co.uk/
    Child and Adolescent Psychotherapist & Consultant
    Sagal Hassan Child & Adolescent Psychotherapy
    Highgate | Online | Harley Street


    E: info@sagalhassan.co.uk

    W: sagalhassan.co.uk
    LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sagalhassan


    ________________________________________________________________
    ABOUT EARLY INTERVENTION MATTERS:
    Hosted by Dr. Inyang Takon, Consultant Neurodevelopmental Paediatrician, UK. New episodes weekly.

    Website: www.drtakon.com

    General Information for Parents www.school-doctor.com

    Questions? Email Us at eim@drtakon.com

    Guest enquiries: podcast@drtakon.com

    Connect on LinkedIn:
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/inyang-takon-paeds/

    Substack Articles:
    https://neuropaeddoc.substack.com/ (Ask a Developmental Paediatrician)
    and
    https://braindiverse.substack.com/
    _____________________________________________________________

    If you found this conversation helpful, subscribe to Early Intervention Matters, leave a review or comment, and share the episode with another parent, educator or healthcare professional.

    This episode is for general educational purposes and is not a substitute for individual medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

    Support the show

    Resources

    Website: www.drtakon.com

    General Information for Parents www.school-doctor.com

    Questions? Email Us at eim@drtakon.com

    Connect on LinkedIn

    Subscribe to Ask a Developmental Paediatrician

    Read our SUBSTACK Articles for Short Simple Smart tips for parents, health professionals

    Guest enquiries: podcast@drtakon.com
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    56 Min.
  • "Pills Don't Give Skills": The Surprising Benefits of Coaching for Neurodiverse Children

    "Pills Don't Give Skills": The Surprising Benefits of Coaching for Neurodiverse Children
    Aug 5 2026
    Host: Dr. Inyang TakonGuest: Dr. Norrine RussellPodcast: Early Intervention MattersABOUT THIS EPISODEIn 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” is more than a catchy phrase—it’s a philosophy that has shaped Dr. Russell’s work with hundreds of neurodiverse students and their families.Whether your child has been diagnosed with ADHD, autism or a learning difference—or you’re navigating concerns and wondering where to turn—this episode will help you understand what kind of support can make a meaningful difference.WHAT WE COVER IN THIS EPISODE• Dr. Russell’s journey—from nonprofit youth work and academia to founding Russell Coaching in 2009, and how raising two neurologically atypical children shaped her approach.• Coaching versus therapy—the fundamental distinction: coaching focuses on building skills rather than treating mental health diagnoses, and why understanding this matters when choosing support.• Executive functioning explained—what it means to be “the CEO of your life” and why these skills are essential for self-regulation, independence and long-term success.• The role of medication—how medication can reduce symptoms but does not teach skills, and why medication and coaching may both be needed while serving fundamentally different purposes.• When to seek an evaluation for ADHD or autism—practical guidance on recognising the signs and advocating for early assessment.• Parent advocacy and empowerment—why parents should trust their instincts, advocate for early evaluation and recognise the relief that can come from understanding their child’s neurodiversity.• The age range for coaching—when coaching support can begin and how it evolves as children grow.ABOUT THE GUESTDr. Norrine Russell is the founder of Russell Coaching for Students, based in Tampa, Florida.With a background in youth development and education, and years of work at nonprofits serving children and families, Dr. Russell built her coaching practice around a simple but powerful idea: smart, capable children are too often written off by schools, paediatricians and sometimes their own parents—when what they actually need is a coach who understands how their brain works.Founded in 2009, Russell Coaching provides executive functioning coaching for neurodiverse students with ADHD, autism, anxiety and learning differences.Dr. Russell has held faculty positions at the University of Tampa, Eckerd College, Sweet Briar College and the University of Minnesota–Morris. She also consults with schools across the United States on supporting atypical learners.She is the parent of two neurologically atypical children—an experience that deeply informs her coaching philosophy.RESOURCES MENTIONEDRussell CoachingDr. Norrine Russell’s executive functioning coaching practice for neurodiverse students.Website: http://russellcoaching.comEmail: DrRussell@russellcoaching.comOffice: 212-716-1161Direct: 813-508-2367CONNECT WITH DR. NORRINE RUSSELLWebsite: http://russellcoaching.comEmail: DrRussell@russellcoaching.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/norrine-russell-820545184/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/russellcoachingllc/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drnorrinerussellYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMIal1N_IkKN1a87Sdx_g5wSUBSCRIBE, REVIEW AND SHAREIf this episode resonated with you, please subscribe to Early Intervention Matters wherever you get your podcasts, leave a review and share it with another parent, educator or professional who might benefit.Your support helps us reach more families navigating the neurodiversity journey._____________________________________________________________________ABOUT EARLY INTERVENTION MATTERS:Hosted by Dr. Inyang Takon, Consultant Neurodevelopmental Paediatrician, UK. New episodes weekly.Website: www.drtakon.comConnect on LinkedIn: / inyang-takon-paediatrician-co-founder-scho... Subscribe to Ask a Developmental Paediatrician:https://neuropaeddoc.substack.com/Read our SUBSTACK Articles: https://braindiverse.substack.com/for Short Simple Smart tips for parents, health professionals Guest enquiries: podcast@drtakon.com__________________________________________________________________________DISCLAIMERThis episode is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or clinical advice. Always consult a qualified professional regarding your child’s specific needs.Support the showResourcesWebsite: www.drtakon.comGeneral Information for Parents ...
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    45 Min.
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