The mud room. It's our point of departure when we leave our house. And in that room, post-Christmas, Tess unleashes a neat-o surprise.

Tess knows. 

Stronger Every Day is sponsored by The Disorder Channel. It's dedicated to rare diseases and other types of disabilities. Over 200 film and video titles, including a few video versions of this podcast. Available for free right now on Roku and Amazon Fire TV. The Disorder Channel. The most rare stories in the world. https://www.thedisordercollection.com/

Are you on our Discord server RARE & RELATABLE? It's a 24/7 chatroom for people dealing with rare diseases and other types of disabilities. We even have a closed channel for Hao-Fountain / USP7 families. Click here to join: discord.gg/7UFUPAFs8K

Certain handheld objects give Tess a sense of peace. They keep her from getting bored.

The wonderful world of fidgets. Where can I get more of these?

Stronger Every Day is sponsored by The Disorder Channel. It's dedicated to rare diseases and other types of disabilities. Over 200 film and video titles, including a few video versions of this podcast. Available for free right now on Roku and Amazon Fire TV. The Disorder Channel. The most rare stories in the world. https://www.thedisordercollection.com/

Are you on our Discord server RARE & RELATABLE? It's a 24/7 chatroom for people dealing with rare diseases and other types of disabilities. We even have a closed channel for Hao-Fountain / USP7 families. Click here to join: discord.gg/7UFUPAFs8K

The phenotyping study begins for our girl in Germany. How does Miss Tess do?

Wrapping up a three-part series about our recent trip. I share tips and tricks! #TravelingWithAutism

Special shout-out to Gretchen McCulloch and Lauren Gawne, hosts of the great linguistics podcast Lingthusiasm, which totally saved me while I was in the hospital with Tess. 

Stronger Every Day is sponsored by The Disorder Channel. It's dedicated to rare diseases and other types of disabilities. Over 200 film and video titles, including a few video versions of this podcast. Available for free right now on Roku and Amazon Fire TV. The Disorder Channel. The most rare stories in the world. https://www.thedisordercollection.com/

Are you on our Discord server RARE & RELATABLE? It's a 24/7 chatroom for people dealing with rare diseases and other types of disabilities. We even have a closed channel for Hao-Fountain / USP7 families. Click here to join: discord.gg/7UFUPAFs8K 

We explore Heidelberg, getting some z's but not a lot. And we finally meet up with the scientist who knows more about Hao-Fountain than anyone else. 

More about our recent trip to Germany for the USP7 phenotyping study. #TravelingWithAutism

Stronger Every Day is sponsored by The Disorder Channel. It's dedicated to rare diseases and other types of disabilities. Over 200 film and video titles, including a few video versions of this podcast. Available for free right now on Roku and Amazon Fire TV. The Disorder Channel. The most rare stories in the world. https://www.thedisordercollection.com/

Are you on our Discord server RARE & RELATABLE? It's a 24/7 chatroom for people dealing with rare diseases and other types of disabilities. We even have a closed channel for Hao-Fountain / USP7 families. Click here to join: discord.gg/7UFUPAFs8K 

Tess takes her first voyage across the Atlantic. At long last, we begin our trip to Germany for the phenotyping study.

Two words:  Jet. Lag.  

Stronger Every Day is sponsored by The Disorder Channel. It's dedicated to rare diseases and other types of disabilities. Over 200 film and video titles, including a few video versions of this podcast. Available for free right now on Roku and Amazon Fire TV. The Disorder Channel. The most rare stories in the world. https://www.thedisordercollection.com/

Are you on our Discord server RARE & RELATABLE? It's a 24/7 chatroom for people dealing with rare diseases and other types of disabilities. We even have a closed channel for Hao-Fountain / USP7 families. Click here to join: discord.gg/7UFUPAFs8K 

Germany, take two. Let's go see Dr. Schaaf.

Let's try this again.  

Stronger Every Day is sponsored by The Disorder Channel. It's dedicated to rare diseases and other types of disabilities. Over 200 film and video titles, including a few video versions of this podcast. Available for free right now on Roku and Amazon Fire TV. The Disorder Channel. The most rare stories in the world. https://www.thedisordercollection.com/

Are you on our Discord server RARE & RELATABLE? It's a 24/7 chatroom for people dealing with rare diseases and other types of disabilities. We even have a closed channel for Hao-Fountain / USP7 families. Click here to join: discord.gg/7UFUPAFs8K

Evaluations. They're a huge part of our life with Tess. They aren't really fun. 

If you're doing a questionnaire about your kid--to get services, Medicaid, IEP stuff--I'm with you. 

Stronger Every Day is sponsored by The Disorder Channel. It's dedicated to rare diseases and other types of disabilities. Over 100 film and video titles, including a few video versions of this podcast. Available for free right now on Roku and Amazon Fire TV. The Disorder Channel. The most rare stories in the world. https://www.thedisordercollection.com/

Are you on our Discord server RARE & RELATABLE? It's a 24/7 chatroom for people dealing with rare diseases and other types of disabilities. We even have a closed channel for Hao-Fountain / USP7 families. Click here to join: discord.gg/7UFUPAFs8K

We have a birthday girl in the house. This week, Tess turns the big one-three.

It's been quite a ride so far with this gal. 

Stronger Every Day is sponsored by The Disorder Channel. It's dedicated to rare diseases and other types of disabilities. Over 200 film and video titles, including a few video versions of this podcast. Available for free right now on Roku and Amazon Fire TV. The Disorder Channel. The most rare stories in the world. https://www.thedisordercollection.com/

Are you on our Discord server RARE & RELATABLE? It's a 24/7 chatroom for people dealing with rare diseases and other types of disabilities. We even have a closed channel for Hao-Fountain / USP7 families. Click here to join: discord.gg/7UFUPAFs8K 

A call for help. A bat-signal in the night sky of life with a rare disease. One man sees the signal. And he answers. 

Solving the toothbrush conundrum. 

Stronger Every Day is sponsored by The Disorder Channel. It's dedicated to rare diseases and other types of disabilities. Over 100 film and video titles, including a few video versions of this podcast. Available for free right now on Roku and Amazon Fire TV. The Disorder Channel. The most rare stories in the world. https://www.thedisordercollection.com/

Are you on our Discord server RARE & RELATABLE? It's a 24/7 chatroom for people dealing with rare diseases and other types of disabilities. We even have a closed channel for Hao-Fountain / USP7 families. Click here to join: discord.gg/7UFUPAFs8K

What is Tess's favorite item from the lavatory? Raise your hand if you think you know the answer.

An update on life with our new puppy Penny. 

Stronger Every Day is sponsored by The Disorder Channel. It's dedicated to rare diseases and other types of disabilities. Over 100 film and video titles, including a few video versions of this podcast. Available for free right now on Roku and Amazon Fire TV. The Disorder Channel. The most rare stories in the world. https://www.thedisordercollection.com/

Are you on our Discord server RARE & RELATABLE? It's a 24/7 chatroom for people dealing with rare diseases and other types of disabilities. We even have a closed channel for Hao-Fountain / USP7 families. Click here to join: discord.gg/7UFUPAFs8K

It's time once again for the great powwow among experts to work on Tess's education. I'm talking, of course, about her IEP. 

We've been through this a few times now. It helps that we have a dream team.

Stronger Every Day is sponsored by The Disorder Channel. It's dedicated to rare diseases and other types of disabilities. Over 100 film and video titles, including a few video versions of this podcast. Available for free right now on Roku and Amazon Fire TV. The Disorder Channel. The most rare stories in the world. https://www.thedisordercollection.com/

Are you on our Discord server RARE & RELATABLE? It's a 24/7 chatroom for people dealing with rare diseases and other types of disabilities. We even have a closed channel for Hao-Fountain / USP7 families. Click here to join: discord.gg/7UFUPAFs8K

Gather round. I want to tell you a story about someone who really sees Tess.

Tess's cousin is deeply interested in helping her. 

Stronger Every Day is sponsored by The Disorder Channel. It's dedicated to rare diseases and other types of disabilities. Over 100 film and video titles, including a few video versions of this podcast. Available for free right now on Roku and Amazon Fire TV. The Disorder Channel. The most rare stories in the world. https://www.thedisordercollection.com/

Are you on our Discord server RARE & RELATABLE? It's a 24/7 chatroom for people dealing with rare diseases and other types of disabilities. We even have a closed channel for Hao-Fountain / USP7 families. Click here to join: discord.gg/7UFUPAFs8K

Apple picking. It's not just for people who need to get out of the house with their toddlers.

A fun surprise in the pumpkin patch. 

Stronger Every Day is sponsored by The Disorder Channel. It's dedicated to rare diseases and other types of disabilities. Over 100 film and video titles, including a few video versions of this podcast. Available for free right now on Roku and Amazon Fire TV. The Disorder Channel. The most rare stories in the world. https://www.thedisordercollection.com/

Are you on our Discord server RARE & RELATABLE? It's a 24/7 chatroom for people dealing with rare diseases and other types of disabilities. We even have a closed channel for Hao-Fountain / USP7 families. Click here to join: discord.gg/7UFUPAFs8K

Calendar invites. Rare parents get a lot of 'em. And we pretty much have to click yes every single time.

Mindset is key. 

Stronger Every Day is sponsored by The Disorder Channel. It's dedicated to rare diseases and other types of disabilities. Over 100 film and video titles, including a few video versions of this podcast. Available for free right now on Roku and Amazon Fire TV. The Disorder Channel. The most rare stories in the world. https://www.thedisordercollection.com/

Are you on our Discord server RARE & RELATABLE? It's a 24/7 chatroom for people dealing with rare diseases and other types of disabilities. We even have a closed channel for Hao-Fountain / USP7 families. Click here to join: discord.gg/7UFUPAFs8K

We've come a long way together, Tess Army.

Stay tuned through the end of this ep for an incredible surprise from my main man Daniel DeFabio. 

Stronger Every Day is sponsored by The Disorder Channel. It's dedicated to rare diseases and other types of disabilities. Over 100 film and video titles, including a few video versions of this podcast. Available for free right now on Roku and Amazon Fire TV. The Disorder Channel. The most rare stories in the world. https://www.thedisordercollection.com/

Are you on our Discord server RARE & RELATABLE? It's a 24/7 chatroom for people dealing with rare diseases and other types of disabilities. We even have a closed channel for Hao-Fountain / USP7 families. Click here to join: discord.gg/7UFUPAFs8K

Foundations often start small, with a few parents around a kitchen table. But they grow. And ours is growing now, thanks to a special tool. Do you want to know what the Matrix is?

This week:  I share three major pieces of news, including how to get involved. USP7 patient families, I'm looking at you on this. 

Stronger Every Day is sponsored by The Disorder Channel. It's dedicated to rare diseases and other types of disabilities. Over 100 film and video titles, including a few video versions of this podcast. Available for free right now on Roku and Amazon Fire TV. The Disorder Channel. The most rare stories in the world. https://www.thedisordercollection.com/

Are you on our Discord server RARE & RELATABLE? It's a 24/7 chatroom for people dealing with rare diseases and other types of disabilities. We even have a closed channel for Hao-Fountain / USP7 families. Click here to join: discord.gg/7UFUPAFs8K

There are no camps. No activities. No more summer school. What can we do in the last weeks of August, before school starts?

Tess is having herself a dynamite summer.

Stronger Every Day is sponsored by The Disorder Channel. It's dedicated to rare diseases and other types of disabilities. Over 100 film and video titles, including a few video versions of this podcast. Available for free right now on Roku and Amazon Fire TV. The Disorder Channel. The most rare stories in the world. https://www.thedisordercollection.com/

Are you on our Discord server RARE & RELATABLE? It's a 24/7 chatroom for people dealing with rare diseases and other types of disabilities. We even have a closed channel for Hao-Fountain / USP7 families. Click here to join: discord.gg/7UFUPAFs8K

Our family just took our first voyage in over three years, to Montreal and Quebec. We learned a ton. And I'm back this week with some more tips about traveling with autism, so you know what worked for us on the road with Tess.

Part two of two, with tips about what's been helpful for us as we travel with our Tess.

Stronger Every Day is sponsored by The Disorder Channel. It's dedicated to rare diseases and other types of disabilities. Over 100 film and video titles, including a few video versions of this podcast. Available for free right now on Roku and Amazon Fire TV. The Disorder Channel. The most rare stories in the world. https://www.thedisordercollection.com/

Are you on our Discord server RARE & RELATABLE? It's a 24/7 chatroom for people dealing with rare diseases and other types of disabilities. We even have a closed channel for Hao-Fountain / USP7 families. Click here to join: discord.gg/7UFUPAFs8K

Our family just took our first big trip in over three years, to Montreal and Quebec. We learned a lot. And I'm gonna give you some tips about traveling with autism, so you know what worked for us with our Tess.

Tess did great on this voyage. 

Stronger Every Day is sponsored by The Disorder Channel. It's dedicated to rare diseases and other types of disabilities. Over 100 film and video titles, including a few video versions of this podcast. Available for free right now on Roku and Amazon Fire TV. The Disorder Channel. The most rare stories in the world. https://www.thedisordercollection.com/

Are you on our Discord server RARE & RELATABLE? It's a 24/7 chatroom for people dealing with rare diseases and other types of disabilities. We even have a closed channel for Hao-Fountain / USP7 families. Click here to join: discord.gg/7UFUPAFs8K

You may know that Tess didn't walk until she was five. She wore orthotics, or braces, for years. And now, at age 12, she's back in braces.

Working on helping Tess walk better. 

Stronger Every Day is sponsored by The Disorder Channel. It's dedicated to rare diseases and other types of disabilities. Over 100 film and video titles, including a few video versions of this podcast. Available for free right now on Roku and Amazon Fire TV. The Disorder Channel. The most rare stories in the world. https://www.thedisordercollection.com/

Are you on our Discord server RARE & RELATABLE? It's a 24/7 chatroom for people dealing with rare diseases and other types of disabilities. We even have a closed channel for Hao-Fountain / USP7 families. Click here to join: discord.gg/7UFUPAFs8K

We play a lot of music in our house. In the kitchen, in the car, wherever. Tess is making her opinions known about certain tunes.

What are Tess's current fave songs?

Stronger Every Day is sponsored by The Disorder Channel. It's dedicated to rare diseases and other types of disabilities. Over 100 film and video titles, including a few video versions of this podcast. Available for free right now on Roku and Amazon Fire TV. The Disorder Channel. The most rare stories in the world. https://www.thedisordercollection.com/

Are you on our Discord server RARE & RELATABLE? It's a 24/7 chatroom for people dealing with rare diseases and other types of disabilities. We even have a closed channel for Hao-Fountain / USP7 families. Click here to join: discord.gg/7UFUPAFs8K

Happy to tell you this week about the next phase of our search for a cure or treatment for Hao-Fountain Syndrome.

You, Tess Army, are helping us, and we're grateful. 

Stronger Every Day is sponsored by The Disorder Channel. It's dedicated to rare diseases and other types of disabilities. Over 100 film and video titles, including a few video versions of this podcast. Available for free right now on Roku and Amazon Fire TV. The Disorder Channel. The most rare stories in the world. https://www.thedisordercollection.com/

Are you on our Discord server RARE & RELATABLE? It's a 24/7 chatroom for people dealing with rare diseases and other types of disabilities. We even have a closed channel for Hao-Fountain / USP7 families. Click here to join: discord.gg/7UFUPAFs8K

This week, we say goodbye to a dear member of our family.

When is a service dog not a service dog? 

Stronger Every Day is sponsored by The Disorder Channel. It's dedicated to rare diseases and other types of disabilities. Over 100 film and video titles, including a few video versions of this podcast. Available for free right now on Roku and Amazon Fire TV. The Disorder Channel. The most rare stories in the world. https://www.thedisordercollection.com/

Are you on our Discord server RARE & RELATABLE? It's a 24/7 chatroom for people dealing with rare diseases and other types of disabilities. We even have a closed channel for Hao-Fountain / USP7 families. Click here to join: discord.gg/7UFUPAFs8K