Adventures in Autism
181 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 1 year ago - ★★★★★ - 215 ratingsWelcome to Adventures in Autism! This podcast was created as a safe place to come together and share our journeys with autism.
Host, Megan Carranza, shares her family’s experience with her son, Logan, and speaks with a variety of incredible guests. From fellow autism parents, to siblings, to experts in the field and individuals on the spectrum themselves! It’s all about support and finding a sense of community. These are people who just “get it”.
If you’re familiar with autism, then you know everyday is an adventure, you’ll hear all about those adventures here! Thanks for listening!
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Episodes
Episode 175- Part 2 of our PANDAS journey with Logan.
July 27, 2022 05:02 - 56 minutes - 52.4 MBPicking up where I left off (a month ago…but who’s counting!) and sharing Part 2 of our PANDAS journey with Logan. What saga this has been. Thank you so much for support and patience! I hope you enjoy listening. This podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp To get 10% off your first month go to: https://www.betterhelp.com/adventuresinautism Connect with Megan: IG: @adventuresinautismpod & megan.carranza FB: @Adventures In Autism Podcast Email: [email protected] Enjoying the sho...
Episode 174- PANDAS: A whole new diagnosis for Logan. (Part 1)
June 22, 2022 05:08 - 57 minutes - 53.6 MBI’m back today after a looong break with Part 1 of our PANDAS journey. I wasn’t planning on making this a two parter but there is SO MUCH to discuss with this story. This episode is extremely raw and vulnerable. I had wanted to wait and share all this til we had some kind of resolve with this situation, but as time goes on, I realized I might be waiting forever. So this episode covers the lead up to Logan’s PANDAS diagnosis. Once I had recorded almost an hour of audio and barely scratched the...
Episode 173- It’s April once again! Let’s talk autism awareness.
April 06, 2022 12:47 - 34 minutes - 31.5 MBToday I’m coming at you solo and talking about April and how I feel about autism awareness month. I’ve done an episode dedicated to this every year since AIA started so I decided to keep the tradition alive! I’m sharing my feelings on what this means to me- especially since it’s now been five years since Logan was diagnosed. I’m also talking about ways that I have (and plan to continue!) advocated for autism in April while the spotlight is shining on autism. I think even the small things we c...
Episode 172- Hot Topics: Medication. (Sharing our experience with everything related to meds.)
March 16, 2022 20:14 - 1 hour - 55.7 MBToday I’m coming at you with another installment of Hot Topics! On this episode, I’m sharing our journey with medication. Logan started meds a little over two years ago. This topic has been HIGHLY requested but I was hesitant to talk about until now because I wanted to this episode to be as informative and responsible as it could be. Now that we have two (plus) years under belt, I’m ready to share! We also seem to (finally!) be in a good spot with meds so this episode is coming at an appropri...
Episode 171- Putting everything into perspective. With autism mom, Kellee
March 02, 2022 17:00 - 37 minutes - 34.4 MBToday I’m chatting with autism mom, Kellee, all about her journey with her daughter, Selby. Selby was diagnosed with ASD in 2021 when she was 8 years old. Kellee shares how looking back, a lot of Selby’s behaviors could have been seen as “red flags”, but at the time autism was not on her radar. It wasn’t until Selby’s anxiety worsened during quarantine that Kellee felt comfortable moving forward with an evaluation which resulted in Selby’s diagnosis. Kellee says after initially feeling surpri...
Episode 170- Back at it! Life updates & answering listener questions
February 16, 2022 06:12 - 50 minutes - 46.3 MBI’m back baby! Today I’m sharing some life updates and talking about what we’ve been up to while the podcast was on hiatus. I’m also answering listener questions which is always fun! I want to say a huge THANK YOU to everyone that continues to support the pod (and the new listeners as well!) whether I’m showing up or not. You guys are truly the best and I’ve missed you! I hope you enjoy listening! Connect with Megan: IG: @adventuresinautismpod FB: @Adventures In Autism Podcast Email: advent...
Episode 169- Happy New Year! Setting goals & intentions for 2022.
January 05, 2022 06:05 - 31 minutes - 29.3 MBToday I’m flying solo and ringing in 2022 with AIA! I’m sharing some updates to start- talking all about Logan’s birthday and how we celebrated Christmas as a family. I’m also giving details on our two “Christmas miracles” which are my sisters stable scan (!) and Logan’s reading! Both of these situations feel like the greatest gifts and it certainly made our Christmas and New Years all the more joyful. Later in the episode I’m talking about what goals I’d like to see Logan achieve this year, ...
Episode 168- The Genetics of Autism. With Pamela Feliciano, scientific director of SPARK
December 15, 2021 06:02 - 44 minutes - 41.5 MBToday I’m chatting with Pamela Feliciano. Pam is the mother of a teenage son with autism and the scientific director of SPARK (Simons Powering Autism Research for Knowledge), the world’s largest autism study. Pam shares her journey with her son and how his autism diagnosis inspired her to work in this field. On this episode, Pam gives a crash course in the genetics of autism. We discuss the genetic links found in autism as well the different mutations. Later we talk all about the benefits of ...
Episode 167- Manny returns! Reflecting back on Logan’s year & answering listener questions.
December 08, 2021 06:03 - 1 hour - 61 MBToday I’m chatting (once again!) with my husband, Manny, in honor of Logan’s ninth birthday in just a few days. Manny and I have made this our annual tradition to reflect back on Logan’s past year and all the ways he’s grown. We’ve seen him mature and change so much this over this last year! We’re talking about the highs and the lows and everything in between. Later, we’re answering listener question which is always fun! I’m very grateful for Manny coming back on pod…I barely had to convince ...
Episode 166- Throwing out the parenting manual, with mom & podcaster Megan Champion
December 01, 2021 03:59 - 46 minutes - 43.4 MBToday I’m chatting with mom and fellow podcaster, Megan Champion. Megan shares her journey with raising a neurodiverse child. From the time her son was a baby, Megan had noticed differences between him and his twin sister. It wasn’t until toddlerhood that those differences became concerning. Megan sought out therapy for him and many of her concerns were addressed and he excelled. However his behavior, particularly with meltdowns was becoming problematic. Megan shares how typical parenting str...
Episode 165- Getting diagnosed with ASD as an adult. With Pro Golfer, Billy Mayfair.
November 17, 2021 06:04 - 33 minutes - 30.9 MBToday I’m chatting with professional golfer, Billy Mayfair. Billy shares his journey of getting an autism diagnosis as an adult. After his wife encouraged him to be evaluated, Billy received his diagnosis of ASD in November of 2019. Billy explains how hearing that he had autism was initially very surprising to him. However after reading his doctors report, he felt it made a lot of sense and could see how all his life, autism had been a part of him. Billy talks about how he enjoyed golf as a k...
Episode 164: Sister Chats- Updates and more with Mel
November 10, 2021 06:04 - 1 hour - 60.7 MBToday I’ve got my sister, Melissa, back on the pod with an update! Mel hasn’t done an episode with me since May so we had a lot to cover. Fair warning, this is definitely an emotional one. We’re discussing her most recent MRI and finding out that her cancer is growing. As always Mel and I keep real, which means lots of laughs and tears. We’re talking about the reality of this situation and how difficult it’s been. Later, we’re getting a little more lighthearted and answering some listener que...
Episode 163- Understanding the nuance of autism, with Dr. Kat Lewitzke
November 03, 2021 05:04 - 46 minutes - 42.6 MBToday I’m chatting with clinical psychologist, Dr. Kat Lewitzke. Dr. Kat is the clinic director of Bright Pine Behavioral Health, a private mental health facility located in metro-Detroit (established in 2017). She specializes in pediatric neuropsychology and working with individuals diagnosed with autism, ADHD, learning difficulties, behavioral concerns, and emotional dysregulation from youth through adulthood. Dr. Kat especially focuses on early childhood in the assessment and diagnosis of ...
Episode 162- Getting past grief and finding acceptance, with autism dad, Brad Sader
October 27, 2021 05:03 - 52 minutes - 48.4 MBToday I’m chatting with autism dad, Brad Sader, all about his son, Jack. Jack is 10 years old now and Brad shares their journey up until this point. Brad talks about the early days of Jack’s ASD diagnosis and how it initially came as surprise for him and his wife. Brad explains how he struggled with feelings of grief and how difficult that time was. He also talks about how finding support and community helped him get to a better, more accepting place. Today Jack is thriving and Brad is a very...
Episode 161- Dealing with Separation Anxiety (Mini Episode)
October 13, 2021 05:04 - 31 minutes - 28.8 MBToday I’m flying solo with a mini episode all about dealing with separation anxiety. This topic was suggested to me by a listener and after I mentioned it on a previous episode, I got several more inquiries for this topic specifically. So ask and you shall receive! I’m sharing our experience with separation anxiety through the years and explaining how it was once a major issue we dealt with. As Logan has gotten older, his separation anxiety has gotten soooo much better. To the point where he ...
Episode 160- Autism was there all along, with Nicole Studt
October 06, 2021 06:14 - 50 minutes - 46.3 MBToday I’m chatting with autism mom, Nicole Studt. Nicole is sharing her unique journey with her son, Nathan, who is now 14. The really interesting thing about their story is that while Nathan was diagnosed with ADHD at 5 years old, it was only recently (in August of 2020) that he received an autism diagnosis. Nicole talks about how she had noticed differences in her son, but could never quite figure out why. She explains what led to his ASD diagnosis and how despite the fact that it came late...
Episode 159- Listen and learn with Tiffany Joseph (@nigh.functioning.autism)
September 29, 2021 05:04 - 33 minutes - 31.2 MBToday I’m chatting with Tiffany Joseph, who many of you might know better as @nigh.functioning.autism. Tiffany and I connected on Instagram right after I started the podcast. I am SO glad we did because over the years I’ve learned so much from her. Tiffany has a very unique perspective as both an individual on the spectrum, and as a parent to autistic children. She is also an AAC user and she uses her device during the episode. This was an awesome first for AIA! Tiffany and I talk about her i...
Episode 158- Logan eloped from our home. Here’s what happened.
September 22, 2021 05:04 - 34 minutes - 32.2 MBToday I’m sharing a very scary and unfortunate incident that happened last week. I’m honestly still processing all my feelings and emotions around this but I felt it was important to share in case it could help another parent. On Wednesday last week, Logan eloped from our home. It took us around 15 minutes to find him (he was actually just a couple blocks from our house) which may not sound long, but it felt like an eternity. We are beyond grateful that he was safe and sound when we found him...
Episode 157- Paving their own way & thinking outside the box. With autism mom, Lisa Vaillancourt
September 15, 2021 12:53 - 1 hour - 57.2 MBToday I’m chatting with autism mom, Lisa Vaillancourt. Lisa and I chat all about her adult son, Alex, who is now 26. Lisa is another listener turned guest and I loved hearing all about their journey! Lisa talks about Alex’s early days as well as what he’s up to now. She explains how during his school years, they really had to adapt and think outside the box to find ways to best serve Alex in regards to his education. Lisa shares how living in a small town has its up and down sides, but for Al...
Episode 156- Life Updates: New routines, unexpected emotions & Logan’s first sleepover!
September 08, 2021 05:03 - 35 minutes - 33.1 MBToday I’m flying solo and sharing some life updates! These past few weeks have been BUSY with school starting and adjusting to our new schedule. I’m talking about the transitions and how we’re all fairing. (Spoiler: mom is having just as hard of a time as the kids!) I’m also talking about some recent highs and lows we’ve been experiencing. The lows being anxiety, sleep issues and some tough emotional moments. And the highs like Logan’s first sleepover! Overall, we’re definitely taking the goo...
Episode 155- Finding support makes ALL the difference. With Laura Baginski
September 01, 2021 12:44 - 53 minutes - 49.3 MBToday I’m chatting with autism mom Laura, who is a listener turned guest! Laura and shares her journey with son, Owen. When Laura initially reached out to me, one of the things she really wanted to talk about was the importance of support. Laura works for a local nonprofit that provides many awesome resources for special needs families, one of which is a monthly support group. Laura explains how after Owen was diagnosed with ASD, she decided to attend the support group herself. Laura describe...
Episode 154- Divergent roots & a bright future. (With Jenn @divergentroots)
August 25, 2021 05:03 - 1 hour - 69.7 MBToday I’m chatting with autism mom Jenn, who you might know as @divergentroots on Instagram. Jenn and I connected years ago and it was so great to get her on the pod! Jenn and I talked all about her beautiful family and especially her son Julian, who is on the spectrum. Jenn shares their journey and talks about their life in Maine. Our conversation covered just about every topic you can think of! From marriage to self care to Tik Tok, we cover it all. I can relate to so much of what Jenn shar...
Episode 153- Summer Recap & Back to School 2021-22! (+ listener Q&A)
August 18, 2021 05:01 - 45 minutes - 42 MBToday I’m finishing up the summer series with a recap of our summer break and talking about what’s to come for the 2021-22 school year. I’ve shared previously that this was our BEST summer in years and on this episode I’m giving more context on what that really means. In short, Logan is just in a great place and watching him flourish this summer has been such a joy. I’m really excited to see how this school year goes because I feel like he’s starting off with a major leg up! Later, I’m answer...
Episode 152- Expanding your family after an autism diagnosis (summer series)
August 11, 2021 14:55 - 31 minutes - 28.9 MBToday I’m flying solo and coming at you with another installment of the summer series! I’m talking about a topic that’s been highly requested and is very close to my heart: expanding your family after an autism diagnosis. Today I’m sharing our family’s journey and all the details on how we came to have our three incredible kids. This is a very personal topic for me and I know so many of you can relate. This is not something I’d ever want to “give advice” on, because it is so personal to every...
Episode 151- Hot Topics: All About ABA (from my perspective as a parent)
August 04, 2021 05:05 - 1 hour - 56.6 MBToday’s episode is another installment of Hot Topics and this one is all about ABA therapy! This was a highly requested topic and I understand why, there’s a lot to talk about with ABA! I’m sharing our entire experience with ABA from the very beginning of what it was like getting started, to our decision to take a pause from ABA in October 2020. Obviously there are a lot of thoughts and opinions regarding ABA therapy. This episode is not meant to sway you one or another, it really is just me ...
Episode 150- Weight Loss Journey Update: Getting Comfortable with The “New” Me.
July 28, 2021 05:05 - 43 minutes - 39.9 MBToday I’m flying solo and giving an update on my health/weight loss journey. Once again getting very personal! Over these past few months I’ve lost over 50lbs and I continue to get LOTS of questions. On this episode I’m answering those questions and giving my perspective on losing the weight. I hit my weight goal back in April and now I’m in “maintenance” mode. I’m sharing (very honestly!) how I felt about hitting my goal and how body image issues run deep. Overall, I’ve learned A LOT over th...
Episode 149- Stepping out of her comfort zone to share their story, with autism mom, Erica Tenlen
July 21, 2021 05:13 - 55 minutes - 51.5 MBToday I’m chatting with fellow autism mom, Erica Tenlen. Erica shares her journey with her son Finn, who was diagnosed with ASD last year. Erica was a listener of the podcast and after we connected on Instagram, I convinced her to come on the show! After sharing with me that she really enjoyed listening, but had yet to her a story that reminded her of their own, I knew she had to be guest. It’s always my goal to share a variety of stories on AIA, I wanted Erica to share hers for that reason....
Episode 148- Hot Topics: Navigating relationships (marriage, family & friends) after a diagnosis
July 14, 2021 05:02 - 1 hour - 58.3 MBToday I’m coming at you with another Hot Topic! This episode is all about navigating personal relationships after your child is diagnosed with autism. I’m sharing my own experiences within my marriage, and with family and friends. This topic is one that comes up A LOT in my DMs and was highly requested for the Hot Topics series. In addition to sharing my own background, I also got many responses from listeners that I’m discussing as well. Navigating (and nurturing) close relationships can be ...
Episode 147- Celebrating milestones, no matter when they happen (Summer Series)
July 07, 2021 06:31 - 40 minutes - 37.3 MBToday I’m flying solo with another installment of the Summer Series! On this episode I’m talking all about milestones. Milestones are something every child experiences. As parents, these milestones often come with pressure and a “timeline”. However when you have a child on the spectrum, that timeline kind of goes out the window…and that’s ok! Today I’m sharing some of Logan’s important milestones and when they happened for him. Some of these might not seem like your typical milestones, but th...
Episode 146- A Life Suspended. With autism mom & author, Nicole Hendrick Donovan
June 30, 2021 05:07 - 53 minutes - 49.1 MBToday I’m chatting with autism mom and author, Nicole Hendrick Donovan. Nicole shares her journey with her son Jack, who is now 16. Jack is the youngest of four boys and Nicole explains how around his third birthday, she could no longer ignore the signs that Jack was developing in a different way from his brothers. Eventually, Jack was diagnosed with autism but it was a long road to get there. Nicole shares how despite getting services, there was a lack of understanding on how to deal with Ja...
Episode 146- A life suspended. With autism mom & author, Nicole Hendrick Donovan
June 30, 2021 05:07 - 53 minutes - 49.1 MBToday I’m chatting with autism mom and author, Nicole Hendrick Donovan. Nicole shares her journey with her son Jack, who is now 16. Jack is the youngest of four boys and Nicole explains how around his third birthday, she could no longer ignore the signs that Jack was developing in a different way from his brothers. Eventually, Jack was diagnosed with autism but it was a long road to get there. Nicole shares how despite getting services, there was a lack of understanding on how to deal with Ja...
Episode 145- Recapping our vacation in Tennessee & answering listener questions! (Summer Series)
June 23, 2021 13:46 - 36 minutes - 34.1 MBToday I’m continuing ‘The Summers Series’ on AIA! I’m recapping our vacation in Tennessee and answering listener questions about travel. I’m sharing some highlights from our trip (seeing the smokies, Logan crushing the lily pads and Laila’s face during the water slide…listen for details!) and talking about what didn’t work out so well- like waiting two hours for a table at dinner! Overall, we had FANTASTIC vacay and quality family time really is priceless. I’m answering listener questions reg...
Episode 144- The start of summer break & planning for vacation! (Summer Series)
June 16, 2021 04:14 - 29 minutes - 27.4 MBToday I’m kicking off ‘The Summers Series’ (which is more solo mini episodes through summer!) on AIA! On this episode I’m sharing the start of our summer (so far it’s been AWESOME!) and how we planned/prepped for our vacation. I recorded this episode the night before we left for Tennessee. Every time we take a trip, I get questions about how we make it work with our family’s unique needs. Today I’m sharing my best tips on how we set ourselves up for success! Every family is different, so what...
Episode 143- Hot Topics: Dealing with difficult & challenging behaviors
June 09, 2021 05:06 - 38 minutes - 36 MBToday I’m flying solo with another installment of Hot Topics! This topic came highly requested and it’s dealing with difficult/challenging behaviors. I’m sharing some of the behaviors Logan has struggled with and how we’ve dealt with them. This topic was important for me to talk about on the podcast because as autism parents, it can be really tough to deal with these behaviors. There was definitely a time when I felt very isolated and like I was the only parent dealing with behaviors like thi...
Episode 142- Sharing the other side of the story, with Jenny McCarthy
June 02, 2021 05:21 - 37 minutes - 34.7 MBToday I am chatting with the one and only, Jenny McCarthy! Jenny and I talk all about the early days with her amazing son, Evan. Everyone knows the public side of their story, but today Jenny is sharing the more personal side. We talk about Evan’s very scary seizure as a toddler and his eventual diagnosis of ASD. Jenny and I also discuss her feelings at that time, especially because when he was diagnosed in 2002, there was so little known about autism and there was hardly anything on the subj...
Episode 141- Sister Chats: It’s been one year since Mel’s brain cancer diagnosis
May 26, 2021 05:05 - 1 hour - 66.5 MBFor this episode, I am once again bringing my sister, Melissa, on the pod for a sister chat! Today (May 26) marks one year since Mel had a massive seizure that led to her brain cancer diagnosis. We’re talking about how she’s doing now, and how it feels to be one year out from that life changing event. (If you are a newer listener, check out episode 94 to hear more details on that.) Mel shares how she’s feeling both emotionally and physically. We also talk about the decision for her to move ou...
Episode 140- Comparison is The Thief of Joy, with Emily Comer
May 19, 2021 05:23 - 52 minutes - 48.5 MBToday I’m chatting with autism mom Emily Comer, all about her adorable son, Levi. Levi is 4 years old and was just recently diagnosed with ASD in September. Emily details their journey leading up to the diagnosis and shares how they’re doing since. Emily and I talk about the differences of having both neurotypical children and kiddos on the spectrum. Emily also shares that once Levi was diagnosed, she really understood the meaning of the phrase “comparison is the thief of joy”. She talks abou...
Episode 139- Navigating a diagnosis during the pandemic, with Alexys Berry
May 12, 2021 05:06 - 49 minutes - 45.8 MBToday I’m chatting with autism mom and photographer, Alexys Berry. Alexys shares her journey with her daughter, Charlotte, who was just recently diagnosed with ASD in 2020. Alexys talks about the early signs that led them to seek a diagnosis. She also explains how the pandemic made the process more difficult. She actually received Charlotte’s diagnosis over Telehealth. Alexys also talks about her photography business and how she caters to families with kiddos on the spectrum so they too can h...
Episode 138- Life Updates: Tough times, planning for summer & Logan’s anxiety
May 05, 2021 05:01 - 43 minutes - 39.9 MBToday I’m flying solo and sharing some life updates. First, I’m talking about some of the more difficult stuff I’ve been dealing with lately. There has been a lot going on and I’m truly just so thankful for this community. You guys really are the best! Next I’m talking about how we’re planning for summer break which is right around the corner! I tend to dread summer and the lack of structure for Logan- but this year I feel differently! We’re going in with less lined up then usual but I’m ok w...
Episode 137- Catching up with Mama Fry (Eileen Shaklee)
April 28, 2021 05:06 - 1 hour - 64.1 MBToday I’m catching up with returning guest, Eileen Shaklee aka Mama Fry. Eileen is the lady behind the very successful blog “Autism With a Side of Fries” and she’s basically the OG autism mom blogger. I’ve been a fan of Eileen’s for years and she was last on the pod back in early 2019! Today she’s giving us updates on her beloved Kiddo who is on the verge of adulthood (!!) and just getting started with job training. We talked about covid really threw a wrench in their plans and how they are s...
Episode 136- For the Love of Gabe. With autism mom, Nicole Gottesmann
April 14, 2021 05:09 - 40 minutes - 37.1 MBToday I’m chatting with autism mom Nicole Gottesmann, all about her amazing son, Gabe. I am SO excited to welcome Nicole as guest. Ever since I started following her on social media, I have been so inspired by her story. Nicole is such an incredible and strong mother, I know you will be inspired too! Nicole started her motherhood journey as a single parent after Gabe’s father tragically passed away while she was pregnant. Despite her immense grief, Nicole says she had never been happier once ...
Episode 135- No Longer Buried Under Dust. With autism mom & author, Valerie Gilpeer
April 07, 2021 05:07 - 41 minutes - 38.5 MBToday I’m chatting with autism mom Valerie Gilpeer. Valerie shares her incredible story with her daughter Emily. Emily was diagnosed with autism as a young toddler back in the 90s. Though she was non speaking, Valerie never doubted her daughters intelligence. Throughout her school years, Emily’s communication was always her biggest struggle. Her lack of language led to frustration and aggression. It wasn’t until Emily was almost 25 years old that she had a major breakthrough and she began typ...
Episode 134- Autism Awareness Month 2021: What awareness, acceptance & advocacy mean to me
March 31, 2021 05:02 - 45 minutes - 42.3 MBToday I’m kicking off Autism Awareness Month (one day early!) on the podcast! I’m sharing what this month means to me and how it’s taken on a different light for me over the years. I’m reflecting back on Autism Awareness day from four years ago and telling the story of why I decided to share Logan’s diagnosis on that day. I’m also talking about the ways I personally advocate, raise awareness, and push for acceptance in my everyday life- it doesn’t always need to be a podcast or a flashy post!...
Episode 133- Learning to speak the language of autism, with Hayley Augusta
March 24, 2021 05:01 - 53 minutes - 49.1 MBToday I’m chatting with fellow autism mom and podcaster, Hayley Augusta. Hayley shares her journey with her son Charlie who was diagnosed with ASD in 2019. Charlie is also hyperlexic and extremely bright. Because he’s a twice exceptional kiddo, Hayley encountered a lot of differing opinions while they were seeking a diagnosis. Hayley explains how parents are expected to “learn a new language overnight” when you are thrust into the world of autism. I couldn’t agree more! We also talk about her...
Episode 132- Hot Topics: The Ins & Outs of IEPs
March 17, 2021 05:25 - 1 hour - 57.1 MBToday I’m coming at you with another installment of Hot Topics! This week it’s all about IEPs! I’m sharing our entire journey with the IEP process. From our first meeting (that I actually didn’t even realize was a meeting to discuss Logan’s IEP!) to this past year, and now gearing up for our fast approaching 2021 meeting, I’m sharing everything I’ve learned over the years. I’m no expert but I do have a good amount of IEP experience under my belt and I feel very different going into an IEP mee...
Episode 131- Neurodiversity is natural. With autism mom & ND Renegade founder, Sally Willbanks
March 10, 2021 06:24 - 45 minutes - 41.8 MBToday I’m chatting with autism mom and founder of ND Renegade, Sally Willbanks. Sally is coming to us all the way from Australia! On this episode, she is sharing her story with both her son and daughter. Her son was diagnosed with ASD first and Sally talks all about the early days of their journey and her concerns as a parent. More recently, her daughter was evaluated and she is on the spectrum as well. It was really interesting to hear the differences in her two kids and just how much Sally ...
Episode 130- A heart to heart with autism mom & educator, Jackie Killam
March 03, 2021 06:02 - 54 minutes - 50.6 MBToday I’m chatting with autism mom and educator, Jackie Killam. Jackie is very seasoned in the realm of autism parenting. Her twin daughters Tammra and Brooke were born in 1990- so Jackie definitely had a lot to share! We talk about the differences between autism awareness and resources in the 90s vs now. Jackie also shares how her experience as an educator gave her a different perspective when navigating the system for her daughters. Tragically, her daughter Tammra passed away in 2016. Jacki...
Episode 129- Hot Topics: All Things AAC!
February 24, 2021 06:26 - 56 minutes - 52.6 MBToday’s episode is a good one! I’m starting off a new, ongoing series on the podcast: hot topics! These episodes will be covering one specific topic and go into detail on our experience. For this first one I’m talking about all things AAC! I’m going way to back to the beginning and sharing the process of Logan starting his AAC and everything that entails. I get questions about Logan’s AAC all the time and I’m hoping this episode can not only answer those but also just explain what it’s like u...
Episode 128- Shining a Light on Special Siblings, with Jessica Leving
February 17, 2021 06:04 - 54 minutes - 50.2 MBToday I’m chatting with autism sibling, Jessica Leving. Jessica shares her journey with her brother, Billy. Jessica and Billy are both adults now and they have an awesome relationship. Growing up, Jessica felt discouraged the lack of services and resources for fellow special needs siblings and she wanted to change that. Her passion led her to write the children’s book “Billy’s Sister” and corresponding workbook, as well as her nonprofit The Center for Siblings of People with Special Needs. Je...
Episode 127- Our autism journey: How it started vs How it’s going
February 10, 2021 06:06 - 55 minutes - 51.7 MBToday I’m flying solo and reflecting back on the beginning of our autism journey. Since starting the podcast, I hear from parents everyday who are all on this journey with me. Some of them are just starting out, some have been at it for years. I felt inspired to do this episode for those parents who just heard the diagnosis of ASD. What I’m sharing today is the stuff I wanted to hear (and was looking for) back then but I couldn’t find it. I’m talking all about the early days and my feelings r...