Ep. 61 Understanding Autism with Gary Martinez Jr.

Kids Who Explore Parent Edition

English - March 29, 2022 13:59 - 25 minutes - 34.4 MB - ★★★★★ - 4 ratings
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Previous Episode: Ep. 60 Prioritizing Nature While City-Living with Kathryn Farrell

Next Episode: Ep. 62 A Year of Playgrounds with Natasha Dillinger

Gary Martinez raises his voice for all to hear, as he teaches others about autism. His daughter is on the autism spectrum, and she is his inspiration! His message is one of patience, perspective, and creativity and it is a great lesson for all of us!

Gary Martinez is a father of two, an inspirational speaker, the author of Living Life Through Their Eyes, Our Journey Together On the Autism Spectrum, a personal trainer, and he runs the S.T.A.R. Program, which is a digital Autism Course.

Signs of Autism He Noticed in his Daughter:

She didn’t respond to people
She was non-verbal
Her play was very lined up and organized
She was very repetitive

How He Helps His Daughter Thrive:

Allows her to have to her own space
Knows she may not be able to make eye contact
Learns about what she is fascinated with
Allows lots of play breaks
Offers physical space for moving her body
Uses the outdoors and music heavily
Tries to avoid overstimulation of the senses

How the Outdoors Has Helped His Daughter:

Got her comfortable walking on uneven surfaces
Comfort found in the outdoors, especially areas she knows
Repetitive motions are enjoyed, such as swings

Some Tips on Meltdowns:

Reduce meltdowns by offering play breaks as many times throughout the day as needed
During meltdown, let them experience it in a safe space
Evaluate meltdown, some may require distraction (listen to his story about enacting a Disney scene), or co-regulation

References:

Occupational Therapist: Angie Voss - http://asensorylife.com/index.html
Podcast: Ed Mylett - https://www.edmylett.com/podcasts/

Gary’s Call to Action is: Respect differences. Ask parents if they need any help – make a friend!

Follow Gary:

Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn: Gary Martinez Jr
IG: @gary_martinez_jr
TikTok: @garymartinezjr

Check out KWE’s #patch4apurpose to support 1, or all 8, charities:
https://kidswhoexplore.com/product/original-explorer-patch4apurpose/

Today’s Host: @adriannaadventures & @laurenrodycheberle from @kidswhoexplore
Production: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music