36 Supporting Your Child's Mental Health with the CALM Compass created by Mitch Leppicello
Release Date: 10/09/2024
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_outline
41 Redefining Inclusive Education for Neurodiverse Students
Autism Family Resource
Welcome Back! In this episode, we sit down with Gail Ewell, the founder and executive director of Hope Technology School (HTS), to explore how friendships and inclusive environments can profoundly impact neurodiverse learners. Gail shares practical strategies for fostering inclusion at school, in the community, and at home. She also offers guidance on advocating for accessible spaces and the critical role of communication in empowering children to thrive. Whether you're a parent, educator, or community member, this episode is filled with actionable insights to help create a more inclusive...
info_outline
40 Thriving with Neurodiversity: J.D. Barker on Autism, Creativity, and Parenting with Purpose
Autism Family Resource
Welcome Back! In this episode, we sit down with J.D. Barker, a New York Times bestselling author known for his thrillers, to discuss his inspiring journey as a neurodiverse individual. Diagnosed with autism as an adult, J.D. reflects on his career transformation, shares strategies for navigating neurotypical expectations, and offers invaluable insights for parenting neurodiverse children. This heartfelt conversation is filled with practical advice, empowering takeaways, and hope for families navigating similar paths. Guest: J.D. Barker is an acclaimed author of numerous bestselling books,...
info_outline
39: Discovering Hope and Purpose with Kari Baker
Autism Family Resource
Welcome back to the Autism Family Resource Podcast! In this episode, we spoke with Kari Baker—a local podcaster, author, and an inspiring mom who is navigating life alongside her 13-year-old son, who has both autism and ADHD. Kari shares her journey through powerful stories, lessons, and insights on finding kindness in the everyday moments of parenting and how she has grown through her experiences. Guest: Kari Baker’s path took a transformative turn with the birth of her son, Brady, and his autism diagnosis at age three. Driven by a new perspective on success and purpose, Kari shares...
info_outlineGuest:
Mitch Leppicello, LICSW, is a seasoned mental health professional with over 30 years of experience supporting autistic children and their families. Mitch is a Certified Autism Specialist with a Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work from Fordham University in New York.
Website: https://eastmetrofamilycounseling.com/
Social Media: ASD Parenting Journey
About this Episode:
Raising a child with autism comes with unique joys and challenges. One of the biggest hurdles parents face is understanding and supporting their child's mental health. In this episode, we're joined by Mitch Leppicello, a social worker and certified autism specialist, who shares his CALM Compass program—a practical guide to help you connect, communicate, and empower your neurodivergent child.
Bullet Point Recap:
The CALM Compass: Discover the four directions of this innovative program: Connect, Articulate, Lift, and Move. Each direction offers practical strategies to address common mental health challenges in children with autism.
Connect: Learn how to strengthen your relationship with your child and use it as a foundation for support during emotional and behavioral challenges.
Articulate: Understand the importance of clear communication and how to effectively help your child express their feelings and needs.
Lift: Gain insights into how to inspire and motivate your child when feeling down, discouraged, or overwhelmed.
Move: Explore the power of movement and sensory activities in promoting emotional regulation and well-being.
Real-Life Examples: Mitch shares relatable examples and scenarios to illustrate how to apply the CALM Compass strategies in everyday situations.
Call to Action:
Ready to find your way through the mental health maze? Visit ASD Parenting Journey to learn more about Mitch Leppicello and his CALM Compass program. And don't forget to subscribe to The Autism Family Resource Podcast for more valuable resources and support on your parenting journey.
Mitch Leppicello Resources:
ASD Parenting Journey, East Metro Family Counseling
Subscribe Now & Leave a Review
Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts,
Visit our Website:
Follow Us: