Raising a Neurodivergent Child with Karen Davila (and son, David)

In our very first episode, Stephanie sits down with renowned journalist Karen Davila and her son David to discuss the challenges and rewards of raising a neurodivergent child.
This inspiring and candid conversation covers a wide range of topics:
The stigma surrounding neurodiversity and how to combat it
Different dietary approaches that can help neurodivergent children
Educational options for neurodivergent students
Practical advice for parents and caregivers
And of course, some heartwarming nuggets from both Karen and Stephanie.
The full episode was originally aired on October 3, 2023 on Spotify open.spotify.c...
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[@AmazingGrace1729]

This made me cry. David shared the love of Jesus to everyone listening. God bless you David and to Karen, you are amazing.

[@MariaAcosta-Cunanan-fd5gx]

I have walked in your shoes 18 years ago. My son is now 21 years old and is taking his Master’s Degree. I have seen the change in the Philippines with regards more information about ASD with social media which sheds light on the challenges to diagnosis, treatment, and dynamics in the family. Let us continue to talk about ASD. Acceptance by the parents are of utmost importance and the first step towards making your child’s life more meaningful.

[@Roseeposey9]

I see the world where I shine always, says David. What a remarkable and inspiring statement. That’s how we all should see the world people

[@cynthiadinglasan2750]

Naiyak ako dito sa episode na ito😢. Wow! Dami kong natutunan as a mother. Parang kulang pa pala ginagawa ko kumpara sa kanila. Dapat hindi mawawala yung word na EXTRA. Extra love, extra patience, extra undertstanding,extra everything. Kahit pa wala sa spectrum mga anak natin. Beautiful episode.❤❤

[@ellenflores6523]

Karen Davila is super Mom! She’s very loving that made David such a bright young man. I wish you will allow Karen to speak more!

[@joycelyncorpuz1812]

Karen is sensible, real, loving and inspiring

[@KatrinaCassandraEchonP.]

I have 2 kids with ASD. 7 and 4. Ang hirap lalo minimum wage earner lang.. pero nilalaban. We apply them for PWd. Sana ung government natin ma aware sa mga ganto sana my mag bigay ng free therapy. At sana dumami pa ang teachers sa sped. Kasi ang hirap pag mahirap ka taz my anak kang my ganito... 😢

[@jhen494]

Not only free therapy but also I wish na ang government sa Pinas mag lagay ng program on every school government for special ed kids where they can hire special ed teachers just like here in America

[@hyacinth_star8842]

I can feel you. But teachers' salary in the Phils is not enough and too much paper works. Sorry, to say - but I left the country for the greener pasture.

[@champs325]

don’t feel too bad. You are not missing out that much. i have 2 kids with autism here in the US. They had all kinds of therapies. Too many therapies minsan wala rin masyado improvement. Its really up to us parents pa rin and support from family members (kung meron) ang mas effective. FYI some family members can also be toxic. Pag napafeel mo sa anak mo yng love mo, yun ang pinaka effective na therapy it will come naturally.

[@Puge_GT]

@@hyacinth_star8842true. They might get free therapy services pero walang therapy providers kasi nasa ibang bansa na😢 sana talaga mapagtuunan ng government di lang ang education system kundi pati healthcare services 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@mariavictorialosaria964]

Salute to mothers like Karen, who is all support to David.its very important that a mother with autism is proactive.some mothers are in denial and by the time they will asked for help,it will be very late.David is very blessed to have Karen as a mother,who gave all the support to David.look at David now,he is a very nice young man, very respectful, artistic,very eloquent .

[@leasansebastian2185]

Unfortunately 😊pp😊poooo😮😮😅

[@LTian-so4td]

Thank you David for sharing your life stories with us. Such a beautiful love-filled story. Blessings on your future. Thank you Stephanie and Karen for giving us tools to help us help others in “our village/tribe”.

[@humblesuccess05]

As I can see, Karen is so proud of him. While he is talking super all eyes and she is really listening to his son.

[@mondeluta9977]

My grandson was diagnosed with GDD at 2 and a half years old. He manifested all the symptoms for autism. He underwent therapy at age 3, went to an inclusive school when he was 4 and 5 years old. He was officially out of GDD at 6 and now in Grade 2 at a normal school. The dev ped said that early detection and intervention made a lot of difference to my grandson.

[@lorelieVee]

Depende parin. I know someone diagnosed GDD at 1.8monts. Parents did all the intervention, ot speech, sped school aquatherapy. Child is now 9 years old and classified as asd level 3. Kaya depende di talaga

[@aissers6840]

Galing naman ni David, he can converse so well💙🤍💙🤍💙

[@CM-me8gc]

I may add to this my child was diagnosed with ASD level 1 ( previously called Aspergers) and provisional AdHd she grew up a normal child , but later on when she was around 11 or 12 started to show signs of anxiety and depression which are common mental health condition in people with adhd or in the spectrum. A neuropsychologist with PHD degree is the best one to go to, for neuropsych evaluation.

[@jocelyncuevo1751]

Salute to the parents of the kids with this condition. God bless!!

[@margauxbordeaux8968]

Mrs. Zubiri, your content is impeccable. The bond between Karen and David, a beautiful mother and child, is truly a testament to the real love they share for one another. It is both inspiring and moving to witness. As a mother, I hope you continue to always stand by the truth in every aspect of life. You are such a wonderful mother, and your dedication is commendable.

[@bechayramos5478]

Stephanie is not a wife of sen Migs, she is the sister.

[@rosariosultan844]

Proud of you Ms. Karen Davila. Kaya pala ganun mo ka love ung mga batang may biliary atresia noon.. Happy for your son na magcollege na siya. Remember MJ Sultan nung na feature mo sa Pasada 630 na need ng Liver transplant.. He's taking up Nursing now at 3rd Year. Thank you everyone. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and power. At maging open ang viewers...Don't be denials,.

[@ma.normaallawan3130]

I commend you Karen & Stephanie for being a good example to mothers who has children on this spectrum & your exemplary dedication to your sons: David & Max. May your tribe increase! Keep up your good work! May Jehovah bless you and safeguard you both. Numbers 6:24. 🙏💐👍🥰

[@Akosijaypee]

Karen is very respectful to his son.. ❤

[@LTian-so4td]

Thanks for sharing different aspects of life especially of children on the spectrum. I love how David is so thankful to God for his healing and continual prayers. God Bless families such as these!

[@OurSchonsWorld]

Wow, as a family with a child on the spectrum, I am truly amazed by how these two beautiful and strong women are raising their children. It's truly inspiring. Just when I thought we had learned so much, I realize there is always more to learn and understand. I just want to say thank you for this video. We still can be better parents for our child.

[@marygracevillegas9579]

This is very inspiring. Pls continue to lift up parents with kids in the spectrum. God bless you more

[@himomsbyhannah6285]

Naiyak ako. Watched the whole episode. Congratulations David.

[@gloriaavante571]

Wow! This is so enlightening and excellently presented. David, you are blessed! Mabuhay ka!

[@Tony_Med]

Karen is so fitting for this episode!❤

[@piemaraya2793]

Really insightful conversation. So sincere, so honest. Thank you very much! (andami ko ring luha. pero happy tears)

[@sheenzmay8615]

❤ i love this conversation! My son just started on this journey since August this year and hearing this conversation helps me digest & process this season. Thank you ladies.

[@marygracecalsado4532]

Watching this video made me cry and smile at the same time because I can really relate. I have a 17 y/o boy with autism as well.He was diagnosed a bit late when he was already 4 years old.God Bless you

[@michiriyuki]

David's progress is very inspiring! Hopefully my son will also get into college, a progressive and inclusive one where he can thrive and flourish.

[@lavender1711]

This episode is packed with valuable insights and provided plenty of valuable takeaways.

[@lizlabao9087]

such a good and inspiring episode. very touching and informative. proud to both of you as their mothers and to your children.

[@cynthiafuller]

Salamuch po for sharing your story.

[@carineazuelo8885]

Proud of you Maam Karen and David, for inspiring kids like you.

[@lee-og2ot]

THIS EPISODE MAKES ME CRY A LOT!!! I HAVE A NEPHEW AUTISM SPECTRUM I LOVE MY NEPHEW SO MUCH

[@cookiejamcheerscat8812]

so worth watching this blog… nakakaiyak and so blessed ni Karen na ang bait ng Anak….

[@charly8409]

Thank you for this very inspirational and encouraging podcast. It is a Beacon of Hope for parents with children in the spectrum. The love of the mother ( Karen Davila ) for her son (David ) is so genuine and obvious. Love of family must have been a major ingredient for David's development.

[@outragd]

My daughter is now 29 years old. We live in the province and that time there were no schools which catered to her needs. It was so difficult I had to tutor her until high school and the pressure was terrible on her because we only had traditional schools and the curriculum was stressful. Most of the time I didnt know if what I was doing was right. She was able to graduate tho. She finished two courses but I still feel there are emotional and physical scars from the struggles.

[@FloritaCastañeto]

This is truly inspiring. An eye opener for everyone facing the same challenges.

[@lotsoflovebyvenus7628]

I'm happy that i watched this❣️ Thank Ms. Stephanie and Ms. Karen. You're both an inspiration to many! And to David, thank you. God bless you all❣️

[@cyndzgreys6396]

Kaiyak tong si david. Look at you david you speak spontaneously, you can express yourself well. True enough Ms Karen, when you do not take action thats injustice to your child. This is very inspiring

[@perlitayambao7989]

Sana po may mga program ang government for those na can't afford mag therapy

[@lornamauricio5498]

Very inspiring and thank you for sharing your stories . Hope a lot of people will learned from this topic.

[@mabelsto.domingo1824]

So proud of these moms for shedding light on neurodiversity. It is so present now in our lives among relatives and friends so we really need more information.

[@farmgirl768]

I hope Ms.Zubiri you can suggest to Sen.Migz to have a legislation about govt sponsored therapy centers. Children with asd need occupational therapy before they can go to SPEd

[@irismercado8768]

Hope Miss Zubiri relays your suggestion to Migz. Ang mahal ng therapy. Mayayaman lang ang maka afford . Paano naman ang mga batang nasa autism spectrum na hindi kaya ng mga magulang mapa enroll sa therapy?

[@gmmlyndejuan]

I am also a parent of a 4yr old with asd level 3, on going therapy. Hope people in our society that are capable like mrs zubiri, ms karen help our children to have more help from our government sana mgkaroon ng free therapy or school na afford nmn ng low income.

[@jeanettebonus7898]

Agree ..very costly going to occup therapy, P950 to1500 pesos

[@aobhaj]

You 2 are so lucky cz you all can afford the best high expensive doctors . Sana di lang nyo papalabas to, sana pakinggan at basahin nyo mga comments and DO SOMETHING TO HELP the one's who can't afford the best doctors. Kayo kasi may kakayahan to make a difference, so PLEASE HELP! 🙏😢🙏😢🙏😢🙏

[@bechayramos5478]

@@gmmlyndejuanMrs Zubiri, you mean the wife of Sen Migs is Aubrey and Stephanie is the sister of Sen. Migs.

[@joshuahenrickvasquez4914]

Thank you so much for this! The podcast was truly inspiring, and I appreciate you highlighting the unique strengths and perspectives of neurodivergent individuals. They bring such a special energy and insight to the world, and it’s wonderful to see them celebrated. I can only imagine how proud you must be as a mom to such an amazing and talented person! 🥰😇

[@libertyoleamoyaraba665]

Congratulations to Karen, David ans Stefanie and to us all who sees the world beautiful and we shine as we live:)

[@cynthiastephie]

Ms. Stephanie Zubiri soo classyyyy and well spoken. I remember you being the Bayo model...❤

[@cherryraneses4726]

These children are the “Pure Souls” in my opinion. Born good, innocent, angel-humans!

[@dennisacuzar4731]

I like this type of conversation. Very informative and very real.

[@igo-wandererincanada]

Super nakakaiyak naman to! “What you can accept can’t get back to you!” Freedom nga talaga! This is so helpful for parents going through it.

[@francy2127]

This is long overdue government projects. Dept of education & dept of health must right now now provide decent center, clean & locations to be accessible to parents. Pay teachers really high salaries to provide a decent home. This program must be subsidized by government ❤️

[@mariateresaterrado4346]

Karen is a very sensible woman

[@jurissalas-chow1587]

Amazing video😍😍 Thank you for this share Awesome ♥️David

[@ynoel5844]

Salute to u Karen and David… from Toronto

[@valinalcantara7905]

Thanks for sharing your this episode specially to have kids spectrum we salute you miss karen and miss Stephanie we proud of you as a parents to your children ❤❤❤God love you ❤❤❤

[@vilmacosico5661]

Learned so much from this conversation.Go David n conquer the world!

[@joseoviedo4317]

This is a very educational discussion, particularly the effect of the food we take to our actions and behavior!! I've have learned a lot! Thank you all. Keep doing this ❤

[@kieraragones8944]

Super relate, and ang dami kung natutunan and naka inspire. Sana meron pang ganitong video po

[@joebertp.alberto7083]

Very educational and informative.b

[@rinapantoja3519]

This is how empowered all morhers should be. Thank you for sharing this

[@MsWatchamakulit]

Karen is such an emphatic and loving mother.

[@machristinamusni4046]

Thank you for opening up and sharing this aspect of your life..Please make a series on this topic... you're insights and experiences bring so much hope for parents like us .... may God bless you More and may your endeavors be successful ...

[@Maria-bi4dm]

Thank you for sharing your stories. I can relate.

[@gloriavelez3086]

Thank you for sharing. Very inspiring topic. Congratulations David. Keep it up.

[@charmieedang8558]

So inspiring ❤

[@aissers6840]

very enlightening... I have students who are diagnosed with ADHD.

[@nelibatalier6920]

So sweet of this young man, David. This is very inspiring..❤ A good friend has a daughter in the spectrum, she is so sweet too, love the little girl and doing therapy😊,..

[@gtiatco]

Love karen as a parent

[@darasannz919]

Congrats David, keep it up❤ Hope there will be another episode just for the Food (do's and don't). Thanks for sharing 👍

[@girlie0627]

Thanks for sharing!

[@jamielynnflores7565]

Watching this whole video made me realize a lot of things, especially as a psychology student who sees the need of this beautiful people that we have to have more power to extend help to them. Also, seeing my purpose why God let me took this path. May this video reach many people particularly parents who are in this journey. God bless ❤

[@AlexiMarie.2023]

Great topic! I find it really enlightening. Thanks for sharing! ❤

[@genninacanlapan8373]

I really hope you can make an episode about the GFCF

[@evelynerispe9685]

Idol ko po kita ma'am Karen halos lahat ko watch ur video po god bless

[@efledamandigma3719]

Congratulations David❤ wow.. you're gonna be an architect someday

[@itslynrectoofficial]

Karen is such a wonderful mom for raising David who is equally a wonderful son full of love and innocence. I just love them both and so as all the mothers out there who are not afraid to get out and tell the wold that they have children like David. I can see how proud Karen is for David and i know David will be successful in whatever endeavour he will choose to do in the future. Go for it David. You inspire us all. ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@JOANANNIBAN-ud2ql]

Thank you ma'am Karen, David and ma'am Zubiri for your sharing.. ❤ God bless 🙏🙏🙏

[@jesdevera6776]

Such an inspiring interview. ❤❤❤

[@yangligames6358]

Thank you for this episode. My son is turning 9 next month.

[@sua4112]

Buti sa Japan,libre treatment normal na pumapasok sa normal school may special lng silang room para matrain sa social relationship at mag aaral ayon sa kakayahan lng nila and to discover kung saan talent nila. Hanggang lumaki magwork at hanggang pagtanda ang government nakasupport. Sana sa Pilipinas kahit ordinary o mahirap na mamamayan may libreng treatment at pag aaral na maibigay sa may autism.

[@MrMrsTab]

What an insightful video. A lot of parents today measure the success of their kids when they’re able to enroll them in regular schools not knowing that regular schools will never be enough because teachers we’re not trained to handle neurodivergent children. It should always be progressive school because they are trained

[@rossanamanalo3908]

Sana may free program dito sa gobyerno ng Pinas na para sa mga batang autism na hirap sa buhay. Kaso corrupt ang mga pulitiko na nakaupo sa gobyerno😫

[@lalainecamua4976]

very inspiring topic..❤

[@09schuyler]

Very informative ❤❤❤ Salute to both of U ❤

[@trishagonzalez8319]

Happy tears for David!! ❤

[@pinaytunay]

i love david and i admire karen...grabeh! what an incredible story! question, can david someday get married? i mean, with his pure heart, i know he can have a happy and healthy relationship.

[@cherryraneses4726]

Stephanie, I am going to be your new follower.❤

[@marjoriehechanova3165]

Thank you for sharing your thought and feelings. Both of you are amazing mothers. You've given hope to all the family who have a neurodivergent child. We are an ausome family as well. My son is in the spectrum and he is in grade 12, homeschool. I Am inspired of your stories. We need more success stories like this to uplift the heart of those who are in beginning of their journey. ❤️❤️❤️

[@_melodyy.b]

Thank you for sharing i learned a lot.

[@pearljoancabunoc9489]

The pressure with school, this is what we are going through now.

[@earlparma5080]

thank you for this such an eye opener

[@suzannedeb181]

...a lot of things has already said about autism and i certainly believe that the diet that Karen is talking about is true...my son did that diet strictly, no birthday part, and gluten free food was a priority...things were already scientific when my son was diagnosed and i was serious about his condition....there was no treatment but son moved up the ladder paced by paced...i am happy that my son has unlocked the condition and is now working...he maybe having seizures but has been in medication...i am so proud of my son...if my son made it, anyone with the same condition hopefully unlock the condition...i heard that word re-wire...i guess that is one true aspect

[@evelynerispe9685]

I like this also story amazing explanation po that's why I like maam karen while I'm eating alone I'm enjoy watching all of you not boring kaya binilisan ko linis bahay para manood sayo alm mo naman po seguro ofw napasaya mo kami po

[@atemengs]

So enlightening...

[@francy2127]

Wow David.. is just a normal man. Very impressive 😍🥰🙏

[@paulinewee2408]

Happy for you David 🙏🏻

[@sherylreyes8267]

Thank you for sharing this podcast, I learned a lot and got inspired. I salute parents like you. God bless you always. 🙏🏻❤️

[@jltomato1]

they are angels on earth.

[@joiedeguzman700]

thank you for this, i am with you in the same journey :) and i am blessed to be in

[@chokbotchok1989ful]

I dont know anyone who is in the spectrum but i feel that it is my obligation to equip myself with even just a little bit of knowledge in case I come across somebody who is in the spectrum so I dont think or act ignorantly toward them. This conversation is informative to both people who may have someone i their life who is in the spectrum and those who dont.

[@ronalynuno5193]

Love. Very inspiring talk. I also have a son on the spectrum ❤