Living the Sky Life - Our Autism Journey
183 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 2 months ago - ★★★★★ - 25 ratingsThis podcast comes to you from a very tired, slightly slap happy and eternally hopeful warrior mom of a young adult son with severe, non-verbal autism. My hope is to bring together parents of special needs children and professionals so we may share stories and experience to build a worldwide village of support for one another. Living the Sky Life offers a personal connection and understanding from those who have likely walked in your shoes.
Homepage Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed
Episodes
S5: Episode 181 - Preparing but not stressing for adulthood & never losing hope that our kids will determine their own incredible future
April 04, 2024 11:00 - 1 hour - 95.7 MBJo-Ann Turning also known as “Mrs. Bacon” is one half of the married, blogging couple from Bacon and Juice Boxes: Our Life with Autism. She's mom to Eric (age 19 on the autism spectrum) and Anna Kate (age 22, recent college graduate who is now working in NYC.) When her son, Eric, was first diagnosed with autism 18 years ago, she couldn’t say the word “autism” without crying. After many years, and many experiences parenting in both the neuro-typical and special needs world, Jo-ann has be...
S5: Episode 180 - Uncovering GI issues with a nonverbal teen and beginning to plan for adulthood
March 21, 2024 11:00 - 1 hour - 121 MBKentucky mom & former ICU nurse, Rachel Moldoveanu shares her experience navigating through the world of Autism with her almost 15-year-old son Frankie while also parenting her two neurotypical daughters, Livi age 16 and Ellie age 6. Rachel's love of Diet Coke, Jesus and Kentucky basketball get her through the tough days! You can reach out to Rachel on FB: @Rachel Moldoveanu Rachel's first appearance on my show was January 2020 (Episode 12) if you want to listen to more of her family ...
S5: Episode 179 - Keeping hope alive... and the power of 'yet'
March 14, 2024 11:00 - 27 minutes - 37.7 MBOn this solo episode, I outline our 20 year journey to uncovering and resolving Skyler's GI issues. It finally feels like we are making significant progress! Through his smiles, laughter and decreased frustration (and subsequent hitting), it appears Skyler is becoming less uncomfortable in his own body! I provide a more detailed account of our experiences in my book 'Welcome to My Life - A Personal Parenting Journey Through Autism' which is available on Amazon. Want to be a guest on Livi...
S5: Episode 178 - Turning those labeled as "low functioning" into higher functioning individuals through a successful life & job skills training program
March 07, 2024 12:00 - 1 hour - 100 MBMike Stuart is a 74 year old retired educator who lives in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He and his wife Harriet and their 32 year old autistic son, Aaron, moved from Florida 16 months ago to be closer to their daughter and her family. In 2015, Mike created a life and job skills program for the more significantly-challenged autistic and other developmentally-disabled individuals called Operation Meaningful Life. It has been incredibly successful in turning Aaron into a skilled higher-fun...
S5: Episode 177 - The importance of improving GI health to eliminate additional neurological effects caused by IBD/Crohn's/ Colitis
February 22, 2024 12:00 - 1 hour - 89.4 MBJosh Dech is an ex-paramedic and Holistic Nutritionist, specializing in Crohn’s and Colitis, and other related gut issues. It was the successes his clients have had with complex digestive diseases, previously thought to be impossible to fix, that got him connected to some of the world’s most renowned doctors. Since then, he’s been recruited to the Priority Health Academy as a medical lecturer, helping educate doctors on the holistic approach to gut health, and inflammatory bowel dise...
S5: Episode 176 - Diving deep into the methods of toilet training
February 08, 2024 12:00 - 59 minutes - 81.7 MBDr. Mary Barbera “fell” into the autism world in 1999 when her first-born son, Lucas was diagnosed with autism. Since then, Mary transformed from a confused and overwhelmed parent to a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst and best-selling author. After earning a PhD, Mary launched her first online course in early 2015 and later built additional courses and a membership program to help both parents and autism professionals. In her vlogs, podcasts, books, webinars, and online courses, Mary tea...
S5: Episode 175 - Chatting with an OG of the Spelling Method for Communication and why it's important to always presume competence
February 01, 2024 12:00 - 1 hour - 98.6 MBDawnmarie Gaivin is the Founder & Executive Director at Spellers Center San Diego, located in Oceanside, CA. Before her career moved into the world of nonspeaking autism, Dawnmarie worked for over 11 years as a trauma & transplant RN. In 2005 her first son regressed and was diagnosed with autism. A year later, her second son followed the same path. Today her eldest, Evan (20) is a nonspeaker and fluent letterboard communicator. Her younger son, Trey (18) is a minimal speaker who uses multi...
S5: Episode 174 - Sharing a love of the outdoors & spending quality time with each other has created an unbreakable bond between these sisters
January 25, 2024 12:00 - 34 minutes - 46.9 MBClaire Thomas is 15-years-old and has a 12-year-old sister named Leah, who was diagnosed with autism as a toddler. Claire enjoys spending time outside whether it's hunting with her dad or fulfilling her passion for photography by capturing the beauty around her. When she's not doing either of those hobbies, Claire is quite busy in high school as a member of the swim team. According to her mom, Claire is a great helper and wonderful sister, often taking Leah on walks to explore the woods...
S5: Episode 173 - Appreciating her brother for his authenticity, ability to find enjoyment in the little things and naivety to negativity in the world
January 18, 2024 12:00 - 35 minutes - 48.7 MBChelsea Waxler lives in Columbus, Indiana with her fiancé, Chris. She is the older sister to brother, Braxton who is 20-years-old and on the autism spectrum. After being able to witness firsthand the success her brother has had with his therapies, she found herself being drawn to autism therapy and wanted to provide high quality services to families in her own community. As a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and the Owner/Founder of Kindred Ties Therapy in Columbus, she has proudly...
S5: Episode 172 - Declaring that her brother is amazing, this little sister loves that he constantly tries to make everyone laugh
January 11, 2024 12:00 - 33 minutes - 46 MBLee is 13 years old and in the 7th grade. She lives at home with her mom, dad, brother, grandmother and two beloved cats, Leo and Max. Her older brother Jack (age 16) has autism, cerebral palsy and developmental delay. Lee enjoys creating video animation, writing, gaming and playing Dungeons and Dragons with her friends. She wants to be a videographer when she grows up. You can follow their family on FB: @Loving Jack or on their blog: loving-jack.com
S5: Episode 171 - A tremendous bond between brothers within a loving and supportive large family
January 04, 2024 12:00 - 35 minutes - 49 MBCharlie Cariello is a senior at Bedford High School in New Hampshire. He resides with his parents, three brothers, one sister, and a dog named Wolfie. An avid sports aficionado, Charlie is captain of the varsity baseball team, as well as the Christian Youth Organization’s basketball team. He performs leadership duties for Student Council and works part-time in an Italian restaurant. In his spare time, Charlie enjoys rooting for his beloved Buffalo Bills, visiting his grandfather, and fishi...
S5: Episode 170 - Now an adult, this younger sister reflects on the many ways her relationship with her autistic brother has grown and become stronger
December 28, 2023 12:00 - 48 minutes - 66 MBMadison Urquiola is 25-years-old and currently works as the assistant athletics director for external operations/ sports communications at her alma matter Young Harris College. Her brother, Jordan Urquiola is 27-year-old brother and has autism. Madison loves spending time with her family, boyfriend, and dog. She enjoys the peace of the North Georgia Mountains and every year looks forward to the fall season. You can connect with Maddie via Twitter @maddieUrq or FB: @Madison Urqui...
S5: Episode 169 - Today's guest takes her role as big sister & protector seriously as she shares with me all the ways she appreciates her autistic brother
December 21, 2023 12:00 - 33 minutes - 46.1 MBNatalie is in the 8th grade and loves the theater. She has been in several performances at her school and in local community theater. She loves animals, especially her cat, Willie and dog, Yogi. Natalie attends numerous Special Olympics events to support her little brother, Quinn, who has autism. Natalie is kind, loving and loyal. She is a fierce protector of her brother!
S5: Episode 168 - Two brothers join me for a discussion about life as an autism sibling
December 14, 2023 12:00 - 43 minutes - 59.6 MBAaron Long is a 15-year-old sophomore who enjoys soccer, lacrosse, and ice skating. He also loves Christmas! According to his family, he consumes copious amounts of Kit Kats; would have a house full of cats and dogs if he could and when he's not in school or at a sport practice or game, like hanging out at the arcade. Justin Long is an 18-year-old senior who is looking forward to graduation in May. Currently, hockey is life! Justin would like to become a marine biologist and travel the wo...
S5: Episode 167 - My daughter shares her honest feelings about growing up with an autistic brother who has profound needs
December 07, 2023 12:00 - 48 minutes - 67 MBKendall is an 18-year-old college freshman majoring in BioChemistry with her career goal set on being either a veterinarian or pathologist. Kendall has always assumed the role of 'little, big sister' to her brother Skyler who is 20-years-old. Due to Skyler being nonverbal and his profound need for support in all other areas of life, Kendall has navigated childhood inside our home on her own. She's very honest and candid during our discussion and it was evident that there are still aspect...
S5: Episode 166 - Both a sibling and a mom to loved ones on the autism spectrum, Kylie has spent her life advocating for less ignorance & bullying and more inclusion & resources
November 30, 2023 12:00 - 52 minutes - 71.8 MBKylie and her husband Ray live in rural west central Minnesota close to Hutchinson, MN. Together they are the parents of their 12-year- old son Griffin and 5-year-old identical twin girls Greta and Ganessa. Kylie's younger brother Dwayne is on the autism spectrum so her perspective and understanding as an autism sibling came in handy when her twin girls were both diagnosed with autism at the age of 3.
S5: Episode 165 - Chatting with a special education teacher, who is also on the autism spectrum, about her new children's book 'Call Me Mosely'
November 16, 2023 12:00 - 54 minutes - 74.7 MBShelby Jones is 31 years old and lives in Kentucky. She has been a special educator in moderate to severe disabilities for the last three years and was an ECE assistant for 4 years prior. She also has experience as a mental health professional. Shelby was diagnosed with autism as an adult and recently wrote a children’s book on autism. Her journey with sharing her life on the spectrum and advocating for those with disabilities is just getting started. FB link: https://www.facebook...
S5: Episode 164 - The importance of identifying the good moments in each day and finding happiness within yourself. Choose your hard!
November 09, 2023 12:00 - 59 minutes - 81.5 MBShannon is the proud mom of two children, now young adults. Her son Jordan is 27 and her daughter Madison is 25 years old. Jordan was diagnosed with autism when he was 5 years old. She is his primary caregiver and guardian. Shannon founded Not Your Average Autism Mom out of a desire to create what she wished she would have had available earlier in her journey raising Jordan. There are many therapies and services available for children on the spectrum but having traveled this parenti...
S5: Episode 163 - Choosing to put yourself first and having the strength to end an unhealthy relationship
November 02, 2023 11:00 - 55 minutes - 75.6 MBRachel Flanagan lives in Minnesota with her daughter Seeley. Rachel is creative, motivated and is more than willing to learn – she is sleepless, funny and is always found with a cup of coffee. Rachel explores her own strengths and struggles as well as Seeley’s complexities and magic in a blog and page called FlanaVille. She writes as she speaks, real, raw and from the heart. Rachel is also a co-host on the Table for Five, No Reservations Podcast. *****************************************...
S5: Episode 162 - Learning to communicate more clearly and overcome our natural instinct as autism parents to live in 'fight or flight' mode in our marriage
October 26, 2023 11:00 - 56 minutes - 78.2 MBKate Swenson, founder of Finding Cooper's Voice and the nonprofit, The More Than Project, is a mother to four kids, a wife, and a proud Minnesotan. She writes and creates videos about her life as a mother and an autism advocate for Facebook, Instagram, and her website, Finding Cooper's Voice. Kate became a published author in 2022 with her book, Forever Boy, A Mother's Memoir of Autism and Finding Joy, which highlights the transformation that she went through after her son's diagnosis. *...
S5: Episode 161 - The importance of prioritizing your spouse and many other things a 33 year marriage has taught them
October 19, 2023 11:00 - 1 hour - 87.1 MBCorey and Andrea Landreth are the parents of 4 grown children, and their 3rd born son, Trent is 25 years old and on the autism spectrum. They moved to El Dorado, Kansas to begin Real Life Christian Church in 2006 where Corey is the lead pastor. Andrea is a school psychologist in the public school system. They began the Drawings by Trent business in 2015 for their son with the goals of encouraging families, educating communities and inspiring everyone through Trent's art and their story. The...
S5: Episode 160 - Keeping laughter, communication and teamwork at the forefront of our marriage
October 12, 2023 11:00 - 55 minutes - 76 MBAt long last... my husband Josh sits down with me for a discussion about parenting and keeping the foundation of our marriage strong even through the most stressful and challenging times.
S5: Episode 159 - Navigating the minimal options available when our loved ones age out of traditional services
October 05, 2023 11:00 - 1 hour - 86.1 MBMalinda Dalton-Cook resides in the San Diego area with her husband Chad and their 21-year-old daughter Paige, who is on the autism spectrum. Malinda is the CEO/Founder of Paige's Pantry, which is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and is also the host of the Autism Mastermind Podcast. You can connect with Melinda on IG/FB: @autismmastermind
S5: Episode 158 - Empowering your vision of 'home' and helping families coordinate future housing options for their loved ones
September 28, 2023 11:00 - 57 minutes - 78.4 MBPam founded Partners4Housing to provide a better way for families of people with IDD to find roommates and set up shared housing solutions. Her career has spanned 30 years in special needs housing, and she is an acknowledged expert in her field and a Friends of Housing Award Honoree. As housing coordinator in Seattle, she assisted 450 people with IDD with their move into housing over a 5-year period and has an in-depth working knowledge of how to help people navigate SSI, SSDI, State Resid...
S5: Episode 157 - Living by the motto 'what is standing in your way might just become the way' while enjoying and learning to navigate adulthood with her sons one day at a time
September 21, 2023 11:00 - 1 hour - 91.6 MBMolly is the mom to adult quadruplet men (they turned 21 this year). Her son, Benjamin is impacted greatly by Autism and Epilepsy and her son, Issaac is also impacted by Autism but it presents differently than with his brother Ben. The 'typical' boys, Max & Caleb, have been incredible siblings and role models. Molly started her small business, 'No Label Knits' a few years ago with the hopes of incorporating Ben and Issac. The limits of employment and other outside opportunities for the au...
S5: Episode 156 - An overview of the various housing alternatives for autistic adults
September 14, 2023 11:00 - 1 hour - 85.5 MBBetsy Hicks-Russ is a leading expert with over 25 years of experience in holistic health as the former CEO of Green Health Wellness as well author of Picky Eating Solutions (2010) that evolved into an online course. Betsy is also the Director of Autism Odyssey and creator of the Be Kind Vest. Betsy has delivered lectures around the world about meal planning, special diets, and holistic health for autistic individuals. Her experiences with her 30-year-old son, Joey has driven her to become...
S5: Episode 155 - Chatting with a Kentucky mom who decided to create a solution for adults with disabilities who have no options due to aging out
September 07, 2023 11:00 - 1 hour - 102 MBKaren South has worked in healthcare her entire life, starting with her first job in the kitchen of a nursing home at age 15 to being a dental tech while she was serving in the Navy, to being an EMT, nursing assistant and a radiation therapist. After graduating from the University of Cincinnati, she worked many years with teenagers that were in state's custody living in a residential facility. She says all of these roles prepared her for her favorite role, which is being a mom to 4 children...
S4: Episode 154 (Solo Episode) - Neurotypical milestones and managing emotions
June 08, 2023 11:00 - 21 minutes - 29.7 MBI will be taking a summer break from the podcast to enjoy the few months I'll have with my daughter before she heads off to college. When I return for Season 5, I'd like to discuss a few key topics that come up often and would love for you to be a part of those discussions!! I'm looking for guests to talk about: *Challenge of maintaining relationships when parenting a neurodiverse child - marital issues / divorce, isolation from friends or close family or have difficulty finding a partne...
S4: Episode 153 - Sparked by a desire to encourage valuable conversations around kindness & inclusion, this incredible mom created a company to assist with her mission of Raising Rebels
June 01, 2023 11:00 - 44 minutes - 61.2 MBLauren Emmett is a proud mom of two adorable kids, her son Wilson and daughter Charlie. Her oldest, Wilson, was diagnosed with autism when he was three years old. After those first few years of motherhood, especially the long, isolating road to a diagnosis, she was determined to try and help others who were beginning a similar journey. She knew the more understanding and acceptance of differences there is in the world, the easier it may be for her boy, and so many others, to navigate throug...
S4: Episode 152 - Catching up with the Educated Debutante
May 25, 2023 11:00 - 1 hour - 104 MBAdrian H. Wood, PhD, is a rural Eastern NC mother of four, one with extra special needs. Past preschool teacher, nanny, children's ski instructor, early interventionist, college professor, early childhood researcher, wife and full-time mama. In writing after a 20-year hiatus, she offers personal glimpses where satire meets truth, faith meets irony, despair meets joy and this educated debutante escapes the laundry and finds true meaning in graceful transparency. You can connect with Adrian ...
S4: Episode 151 - Preparing for their adult son's future & dedicated to support the special needs community, these business savvy parents founded Sammy Socks to accomplish both of those goals
May 11, 2023 11:00 - 58 minutes - 80.8 MBSally and Mark Lyons live in Hutto, TX with their 25-year-old son, Samuel who is on the autism spectrum. Sally and Mark are both retired teachers. Worried about the uncertain future for their son, due to limited employment opportunities and minimal options for adult level programming for those with autism, Mark & Sally started the company Sammy Socks. Their hope is for the business to continue well beyond their lives to support Samuel throughout adulthood. You can connect with them via...
S4: Episode 150 - This outspoken dad and his autistic adult son have made it their mission to ensure every non-speaker in the world has access to Spelling to Communicate (S2C)... the revolution has begun
May 04, 2023 11:00 - 1 hour - 93.8 MBJ.B. Handley is the best-selling author of How to End the Autism Epidemic and the co-author of Underestimated: An Autism Miracle which he wrote with his now 21-year-old autistic son, Jaime. Their book, Underestimated inspired the new full length documentary, SPELLERS, which challenges the conventional wisdom of 'experts' that non-speakers with autism are cognitively disabled. The film blends beautiful cinematography with heart-wrenching stories of eight spellers and provides a strong mess...
S4: Episode 149 - Frustrated by the lack of clean, supplement options on the market, a passionate mom set out to change that and partnered with a medical professional to create Simple Spectrum Supplements
April 27, 2023 11:00 - 45 minutes - 62.4 MBHeather Grimaldi, MS is the Founder of Proof Positive ABA Therapies. As a behavior analyst and Clinical Director, Heather’s focus was on supporting families and team members tasked with implementing behavior-analytic interventions. In late 2016, the long-running Autism Learning Partners created one of the largest Autism therapy platforms in the U.S. with its acquisition of Proof Positive. Heather knows the benefits of high-end supplements from her firsthand experience in the Autism space. ...
S4: Episode 148 - Assuming the role of full-time caregiver & homeschool teacher to her 12-year-old autistic son can be overwhelming, so this mom makes her own health & wellness a priority
April 20, 2023 11:00 - 59 minutes - 81.2 MBChristine De Gregorio is a mom to two wonderful boys Gianni (1.5 years old), and Abryn (13 years old). Abryn, who is on the autism spectrum, came into her life when he was 8 months old when she met her now husband and she feels so blessed that he did. He first made Christine a mom and has helped her grow in so many ways. Abryn reminds her everyday to enjoy the simple things in life. She's absolutely in love with being a mom to two amazing boys. In her free time, Christine loves to shop, co...
S4: Episode 147 - After suffering much heartbreak & loss, this loving mom focuses on the joy, happiness & growth found in the journey raising her nonspeaking, autistic son
April 13, 2023 11:00 - 1 hour - 89.5 MBNicole Gottesmann has not had the easiest road into parenting and adult life. After suffering the sudden loss of her first born child, she was elated to learn she was pregnant again. Not soon after that, her husband unexpectedly passed away. As a widowed, single mom raising her beautiful son Gabe, Nicole refused to let her prior traumas overshadow her appreciation for all the blessings she still had in her life. Her handsome, 13-year-old son Gabe, who was diagnosed with nonverbal autism, ...
S4: Episode 146 (solo episode) - HAPPY 20TH BIRTHDAY SKYLER!!
April 06, 2023 11:00 - 30 minutes - 41.2 MBWhere has the time gone... I can't believe my favorite son Skyler is 20-years-old today!! My greatest hope for you Skyman, as you celebrate this special birthday and enter a new decade of life is that you never lose that spark in your eyes and determination in your heart to keep growing, achieving and teaching the world not to underestimate non-speakers!! Love you Buddy!!
S4: Episode 145 (Re-Release) - At 25, Emily typed her first words "I have been buried under years of dust." Those words would become the title of her memoir co-written with her mom
March 30, 2023 11:00 - 50 minutes - 68.7 MBValerie Gilpeer is an attorney who has been practicing law for forty years. She shifted her civil law practice twenty years ago in favor of representing families of disabled children trying to obtain educational services from local school districts. She has continued to focus on disability rights law through her volunteer work with several nonprofit organizations in the Los Angeles area. Emily Grodin is a college student studying journalism, psychology, and creative writing and has been re...
S4: Episode 144 - (Re-Release) "Be Kind To Everyone" and provide all children with opportunities to learn job skills & find joy in everything they do
March 23, 2023 11:00 - 1 hour - 92.6 MBJackie Moore received a Bachelors degree in Rehabilitation Psychology from the University of Central Missouri. Less than three years ago she launched Jordyn's Summer Shirt Project to teach Jordyn, her daughter with autism, job skills. Jordyn has not only learned job skills, she’s learned to independently do a job. They have been featured on 94.9 The Bull radio station, 11 Alive News, Fox5 Atlanta and Forsyth County News. Jackie lives in Atlanta, Georgia with her husband Ben and their two...
S4: Episode 143 - (Re-release from 12/2021) Spreading joy throughout the world with their adult son's love of drawing, these parents share how they managed their expectations while navigating the tough side of autism
March 16, 2023 11:00 - 1 hour - 98.9 MBCorey and Andrea Landreth are the parents of 4 grown children. They moved to El Dorado, Kansas to begin Real Life Christian Church in 2006 where Corey is the lead pastor. Andrea is a school psychologist in the public school system. They began the Drawings by Trent business in 2015 for their son with the goals of encouraging families, educating communities and inspiring everyone through Trent's art and their story. There were many difficult years, but seeing Trent's raw joy and incredible ab...
S4: Episode 142 - After years of observing therapy sessions with his son, this proud autism dad turned his passion for marketing into a mission to create therapy toys for all those with developmental challenges
March 09, 2023 12:00 - 1 hour - 91 MBLuis, is the Autism Dad behind MEAVIA, a brand inspired to design and develop toys and learning aids for kids with Autism and other developmental challenges. When he’s not sketching toy ideas on napkins, Luis is spending time with his daughter London (8) and son Myles (5) who is on the spectrum with level 2 Autism. Before setting out on this new adventure, Luis spent his entire career in Corporate Marketing. Now, he is completely immersed in the world of Autism and driven to help Myles liv...
S4: Episode 141 - Letting go of personal guilt & control to allow your child to thrive, become independent and enjoy life in a group home
March 02, 2023 12:00 - 1 hour - 97.1 MBGina Schaal and her husband Dan have been married for 21 years & live in Chaska, a SW suburb of Minneapolis. They have two sons, 18-year-old Carter & 16-year-old Casey. Gina holds a BS degree in Medical Laboratory Science & works for a large healthcare system in the Twin Cities. Lab people are known for their type A personalities which she believes has been one of her biggest assets to raising a special needs child. Organization is key as is her love of research & analyzing that rese...
S4: Episode 140 - Choosing to live in the present and not sweat the small stuff, this UK mom learned from her son that joy can be found in the smallest things
February 23, 2023 12:00 - 1 hour - 85 MBKelly and her husband Rob live in Kent, UK and have two children, Carson (14) and Kendra (11). Carson is nonverbal and autistic with severe learning disabilities. Kendra is also on the autism spectrum. Kelly started her FB blog "This is Carson, his autism journey and our family" almost 4 years ago with the goal of reaching out to families like her own. Before starting her page, she hadn't seen many bloggers with children like Carson and wondered if those parent caregivers often felt isolated...
S4: Episode 139 - Chatting with an autistic mom who is also raising two sons also on the autism spectrum about her family & soon to be released children's book
February 16, 2023 12:00 - 1 hour - 99.2 MBTiffany Hammond is the voice behind Fidgets and Fries. She is an Autistic mother and advocate. Tiffany is a storyteller, using her own personal experiences with Autism and parenting two Autistic boys to guide others on their journey. Her activism is rooted in challenging the current perception of Autism being a lifelong burden, cultivating a community that explores the concept of Intersectionality and Autism, and inspiring thought leaders through storytelling, education, and critical discour...
S4: Episode 138 - A strong believer in finding joy along your journey, this triathlon loving mom has helped her adult sons uncover their love of running while advocating about inclusion for the masses.
February 09, 2023 12:00 - 1 hour - 118 MBJulie Bockey is a Veteran, a registered nurse, a Type 1 diabetic and a dedicated triathlon competitor. She and her husband Shawn, who is also a triathlete, are the parents of two adult sons, Christian (26) and Jake (23) who were both diagnosed with ASD as toddlers. Both Christian, who is nonverbal, and Jake who is partially verbal and also a Type 1 diabetic, have joined their parents and found the joy in running/cycling and have achieved some incredible racing milestones in their own right. ...
S4: Episode 137 - Helping her son turn his passion for drawing into a fun family business, this NJ mom advocates and educates on the vast autism spectrum
February 02, 2023 12:00 - 1 hour - 93.5 MBJodi is a New Yorker currently residing in Northern New Jersey with her Gaffer husband Frank and two incredibly kind and creative children, Emily (21) and Liam (15). At the age of 14 months, Liam was diagnosed with ASD and began early intervention (OT, PT and Speech) in the spring of 2009. While Liam could only say a few words and had to learn the simplest of tasks, he miraculously learned quickly and retained the information allowing him to progress year after year. Liam's cognitive skills ...
S4: Episode 136 - Aging out of a broken system with no options leaves adult 'kids' & parents endlessly searching for support & opportunities throughout adulthood
January 26, 2023 12:00 - 37 minutes - 52 MBFeeling the stress of a broken system, parents like me are constantly searching for ideas, resources and a supportive community to help us ensure our autistic adult children aren't dismissed and forgotten about after reaching the age where they're no longer eligible for traditional services. Often times, parent caregivers are left to create their own version of day programming or leave the workforce much earlier than planned in order to navigate the tough reality - their adult aged loved ...
S4: Episode 135 - Keep the focus on overall mental health! Finding a balance between inclusion, oversharing on social media and placing your loved one in an uncomfortable environment.
January 19, 2023 12:00 - 1 hour - 105 MBCindy and Justin are mother and son duo advocates. Justin is 18 and has a dual diagnosis of Autism/ADHD, he was diagnosed at 18 months old. Aside from the role of mom, Cindy serves as Justin's full time carer/respite worker. She has dedicated the last 17 years to sharing their stories and experiences regarding autism, disability and most recently, Mental Health advocacy. In 2020, at the age of 49, Cindy was diagnosed with ADHD. She also has co-morbid diagnoses that include generalized anxiet...
S4: Episode - 134 - Advice from this powerhouse mom... "Don't sit back and wait for services & don't be afraid to ask for help!" Build a large parent network around you and rally together to demand a more secure future for our loved ones.
January 12, 2023 12:00 - 1 hour - 85.8 MBJenifer Thomas has been a single mom for 20 years to two amazing young men. Her oldest son Cobey who is on the autism spectrum is 27 years old and is 6'10! Cobey's younger brother, Cooper is 25 years old is a graduate of the University of TN. Jennifer has been a full time caregiver for Cobey since 1995. ***************************************** To purchase my book “Welcome to My Life – A Personal Parenting Journey Through Autism” click HERE or visit Amazon.com! You can easil...
S4: Episode 133 - As a full time parent caregiver who is extremely sleep deprived, this mom struggles to find time to pursue her passions & dreams
January 05, 2023 12:00 - 1 hour - 105 MBGrowing up Julie Fackrell always knew that one day she was going to live in California. She had no idea that mental illness and a late diagnosis of autism would be the vehicle that brought her there. Julie has two kids, Jacob is 28, Emma is 18 and they are the brightest stars that guide her. When she's not busily working the days away keeping schedules on track and completing various mom duties, Julie finds time to work on her art projects and indulges in self care which is usually playing p...
S4: Episode 132 - Chatting with a blogger, podcaster and mother of 4, about the uncertainty & stress autistic adults and their parent caregivers face when aging out of 'traditional' services, resources & funding
December 29, 2022 12:00 - 1 hour - 119 MBKim resides in Massachusetts with her husband and four children, two teenagers and two young adults. She is an advocate for autism with a passion for spreading awareness, understanding and acceptance. Her daughter Alyssa is a young adult with profound, nonverbal autism. She shares her daughter's journey into adulthood honestly and openly on her FB page @adventures in autism with Alyssa. She also is a cohost on the podcast Table for Five, No Reservations, where she discusses parenting, menta...