#52 Adaptive Toys for Kids with Disabilities: Inspiration from Daughter with Rett Syndrome

In this episode of It Happened To Me, we’re honored to welcome Sam Ahlstrom, father to Zoey, a remarkable young girl living with Rett syndrome. Sam shares his family’s journey from diagnosis to advocacy, offering an inspiring look into how they’ve transformed challenges into opportunities for connection and innovation.

Rett syndrome is a rare neurological disorder that impacts nearly every aspect of life, from mobility to communication. Sam recounts his family’s experience navigating this complex condition, from recognizing the early signs to adapting their daily routines. He also discusses the emotional and practical hurdles they faced as parents and how they found strength through community and creativity.

Highlights from the Episode:

• What is Rett syndrome? Sam explains the condition and its impact on individuals like Zoey.
• The diagnostic journey: How Sam and his wife Sarah discovered Zoey’s condition and adapted to the new challenges it brought.
• Creating connection during isolation: The inspiration behind the pRETTy happy. podcast, which became a lifeline for their family and others during the pandemic.
• Innovative solutions for complex needs: Sam shares the mission of pRETTy happy. place, the company he and Sarah founded to develop adaptive equipment and toys that bring joy and independence to individuals with complex medical needs.
• Building a community: Sam reflects on the importance of connection and support for families navigating rare diseases like Rett syndrome.

Key Takeaways:

1. The power of resilience: How Sam’s family turned challenges into opportunities for advocacy and innovation.
2. The importance of community: Building connections with others who understand the journey can make all the difference.
3. Creativity in action: How pRETTy happy. place is making life easier and more joyful for families like theirs.

Resources:

• Listen to the pRETTy happy podcast
• Check out pRETTy happy place’s shop
• pRetty happy place’s Ep 23 and Ep 24 with Colleen English 

Stay tuned for the next new episode of “It Happened To Me”! In the meantime, you can listen to our previous episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, streaming on the website, or any other podcast player by searching, “It Happened To Me”. 

“It Happened To Me” is created and hosted by Cathy Gildenhorn and Beth Glassman. DNA Today’s Kira Dineen is our executive producer and marketing lead. Amanda Andreoli is our associate producer. Ashlyn Enokian is our graphic designer.

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