#119 - Complicated Behaviors: Hyperphagia ( food obsessions)

Hyperphagia is a common characteristic of Prader-Willi Syndrome and is an extreme, unsatisfied, drive to consume food to the point of being life threatening. This episode discusses the best ways to provide food security for those with hyperphagia such as what to put in the IEP, navigating social gatherings, food schedules, and tips for storing food. About the Guest Jessica Patay is a mother, wife, and advocate/cheerleader for Special Needs Mothers.  She has been married to her husband, Chris, for 23 years and they reside in the Palos Verdes area in Southern California. They have two sons and a daughter, all teenagers.  Their second son, almost age 17, was born with a rare, medically complex genetic disorder, called Prader-Willi syndrome. Because Jessica is passionate about serving, mentoring, and inspiring other Special Needs Moms, she launched and leads a non-profit organization called We Are Brave Together.  WABT provides resources, respite, support groups, mentoring and inspiration for moms caring for children or adult children, any age, with any diagnosis, disability or challenge. She believes in the power of gathering to empower, strengthen and uplift moms in their unique, diverse and difficult journeys. WABT offers support groups, workshops, retreats and inspirational events.  (During this quarantine, WABT is offering weekly Zoom Support Group meetings On Monday nights at 8 pm.)  You can find out more at wearebravetogether.com and see their resourceful and inspirational posts on Instagram @wearebravetogether Jessica Patay has always been a lover of words, ever since 2ndgrade when she declared she wanted to be a famous “arthur.”  She has been blogging (infrequently) since 2012 for moms and Special Needs Moms.  Her superpower is her honesty in truth-telling from the trenches of Motherhood.  She is a three-time alumnus with Expressing Motherhood, a stage show of storytellers and performers all sharing about motherhood.  Mentioned in this Episode Prader-Willi Foundation California Prader-Willi Syndrome Association USA Foundation for Prader-Will Research We Are Brave Together website, zoom calls/retreats/gatherings, podcast, Facebook Page, Instagram Page