23. Communication with a sibling when the other sibling requires more time or energy
Release Date: 01/09/2023
51: Finding Your People: The Power of Support and Community
Autism Family Resource
Episode Overview In this episode, Brian sits down again with autistic advocate Mandy Pinkley to explore one of the most important (and often overlooked) parts of parenting a neurodivergent child: community. Together they talk about: Why parents often feel isolated even when surrounded by people How finding the right community can change everything for both parents AND kids The role of digital connections and why online spaces can be incredibly supportive How families in small or rural towns can create their own support systems What it means to raise your hand first — and be the...
info_outline
Helping Peers Become Better Advocates: Inclusion, Empathy & Real Conversations
Autism Family Resource
Host: Brian Keene, Pure Hearts Therapy Guest: Mandy — Autistic Advocate, Peer Mentor, Neurodiversity Educator 📘 Episode Summary In today’s episode, Brian welcomes back Mandy—an autistic advocate whose insight, honesty, and lived experiences help bridge understanding between neurodivergent individuals and the communities around them. This conversation explores: What true inclusion looks like How peers can become better allies The power of online communities Healthy boundaries and safety for autistic adolescents Why children should be believed, supported, and...
info_outline
49: Growing Up Autistic: Mandy’s Story, Emotional Depth, Digital Safety & Empowering Families
Autism Family Resource
In this episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, Brian sits down with autism advocate Mandy Pinckley, who shares her lived experiences growing up autistic, navigating deep emotions, overcoming isolation, and finding her voice as a speaker and advocate. Mandy opens up about the challenges she faced in childhood, the bullying she endured, and the obstacles that come with being a late-diagnosed autistic girl. She also discusses digital safety, online vulnerabilities for autistic teens, and how her painful experiences led her to advocacy work—including speaking at the CARD Conference about...
info_outline
48 Redefining “Okay” in Autism Parenting
Autism Family Resource
🔍 Episode Overview: In this episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, host Brian Keene sits down with licensed therapist and autism advocate Megan Ashley to explore how empathy and cultural context shape our understanding of autism. From decoding sensory experiences to the challenges of masking and gender disparities in diagnosis, this conversation is packed with insight and practical tools for parents. Learn how to redefine what “okay” really means for your autistic child—and why listening without bias is one of the most powerful things you can do. 🧠 In This Episode, You’ll...
info_outline
47: Transform Family Dynamics & Empower Your Child
Autism Family Resource
When raising a child with autism, ADHD, or sensory challenges, many families focus primarily on child-centered therapy. While occupational therapy, speech therapy, and behavior therapy are incredibly important, family support is just as crucial for long-term success. At Pure Hearts Therapy, we believe real change happens when parents are empowered too. In a recent episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, Brian Keene sat down with Lisa Chan, a parent coach, pediatric occupational therapist, and expert in child behavior, to discuss how parents can transform family dynamics and...
info_outline
46 Empowered Advocacy: Navigating Autism, Community, and Equity with Dr. Martine Laventure
Autism Family Resource
In this powerful episode, host Brian Keene welcomes Dr. Martine Laventure, a licensed social worker, mother, and passionate advocate for autism and inclusion. Together, they explore the complexities of navigating an autism diagnosis as a parent, the importance of building a village, and how cultural understanding shapes access to care. Dr. Martine shares her personal journey as a mother to an autistic child, how she uses her lens as a clinician and parent, and offers encouraging, real-world advice for families trying to find their footing. They also discuss...
info_outline
45 Calming the Chaos: Understanding Mouthing and Chewing Behaviors in Children
Autism Family Resource
Autism Family Resource Podcast Episode 45 (Sensory integration series Part 2) Welcome Back! In this episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, we delve into the world of sensory needs and explore the often-misunderstood behaviors of mouthing and chewing in children. Join us as we welcome back occupational therapist Dipali Devani for the second episode of our Calming the Chaos Sensory series. Dipali sheds light on the reasons behind these behaviors, how sensory needs influence these actions, and practical strategies to support your child. Guest: Dipali Devani Dipali Devani is a licensed...
info_outline
44 Embracing the Autism Voyage: Parenting, Life Planning, and Entrepreneurship with Michael Pereira
Autism Family Resource
Autism Family Resource Podcast Episode 44 Episode Title: Embracing the Autism Voyage: Parenting, Life Planning, and Entrepreneurship with Michael Pereira Welcome Back! Parenting a neurodivergent child is a journey filled with unique challenges, unexpected turns, and moments of profound growth. In this episode, we embark on an insightful conversation with Michael Pereira, founder of The Autism Voyage, as he shares his personal parenting experiences, practical daily living strategies, and financial planning insights for families with special needs. We'll also explore how entrepreneurship can...
info_outline
43 Navigating Divorce with Care: Mediation Tips for Protecting Your Kids
Autism Family Resource
Welcome Back! Divorce is never easy, and when a child with special needs is involved, the process can feel even more overwhelming. In this episode, we explore key legal and emotional considerations to help families navigate divorce while prioritizing their child’s well-being. Our guest expert, Anna Krolikowska, a seasoned family law attorney and mediator, shares practical advice on choosing the right divorce process, effective co-parenting strategies, and minimizing conflict to create the best possible outcome for your child. Guest: Anna Krolikowska Anna Krolikowska is a respected family...
info_outline
42 Calming the Chaos: Understanding and Addressing Sensory Sensitivities in Children
Autism Family Resource
Welcome Back! Join us as we explore how sensory sensitivities impact neurodivergent children and share practical strategies for creating a calmer, more supportive environment. Our guest, Dipali Devani, an occupational therapist and Ayurveda practitioner, shares expert insights on recognizing sensory triggers, creating calming spaces, and empowering children to regulate their responses. Whether your child struggles with certain textures, loud noises, or strong smells, this episode is packed with actionable tips to help you build a more harmonious home environment. Guest: Dipali DevaniDipali...
info_outlineGuest:
Crestina Yaiva is a stay-at-home mom of twins aged 9. She has a business of her own, making handmade jewelry using textiles. Her son Franco is on the autism spectrum as well as non-speaking, while Vincent is neurotypical.
Overview:
Crestina had noticed that her son Vincent is always so kind and loving to others, but when it came to his brother, he seemed to be a bit distant. Franco has always had a tendency to be somewhat isolated and play by himself. The boys would have decent interactions, but they seemed brief, and Vincent seemed to be a little more distant from his brother. Eventually, Crestina came across an article that really helped her bring her boys closer together. The article was centered around “not blaming the baby.” This entails taking accounting for your time or how you are feeling and making an effort not to blame the sibling with more needs for being tired or not having time. Crestina began to rephrase the way she communicated with Vincent, and she began to notice that Vincent began to bond more with his brother and have less resentment towards him. Crestina still continues to be intentional about how she communicates about her capacity and needs and takes a neutral stance instead of “blaming the baby”.
Recap:
-
“Don’t blame the baby”
-
Avoid using one child as an excuse not to have attention or energy for the other child.
-
-
Look for support groups like SARRC and Sibships for siblings of neurodiverse children.
Resources:
Sibshops
SARRC https://autismcenter.org/sibling-support
Autism United: https://azaunited.org/services/sibshops
Crestina's Business Page
Website https://cocochenzo.com/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coco_chenzo/
Episode 14: How to manage the emotions of the sibling of an autistic child
Subscribe Now & Leave a Review
Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcast, & Stitcher
Visit our Website
Follow Us: