Living the Sky Life - Our Autism Journey
This 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.
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S5: Episode 181 - Preparing but not stressing for adulthood & never losing hope that our kids will determine their own incredible future
04/04/2024
S5: Episode 181 - Preparing but not stressing for adulthood & never losing hope that our kids will determine their own incredible future
Jo-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 become passionate about building bridges of hope for her family and other families like theirs. She's been honored to be invited to give several lectures at conferences and schools, works full-time outside the home, and is President of Special Wants, Inc. a 501c3 organization. If she's lucky enough to get a few hours to herself, Jo-ann loves to bake, cook, read and make watercolor greeting cards.
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S5: Episode 180 - Uncovering GI issues with a nonverbal teen and beginning to plan for adulthood
03/21/2024
S5: Episode 180 - Uncovering GI issues with a nonverbal teen and beginning to plan for adulthood
Kentucky 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 story!
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S5: Episode 179 - Keeping hope alive... and the power of 'yet'
03/14/2024
S5: Episode 179 - Keeping hope alive... and the power of 'yet'
On 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 Living the Sky Life? Connect with me via my website lauriehellmann.com to learn how!
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S5: Episode 178 - Turning those labeled as "low functioning" into higher functioning individuals through a successful life & job skills training program
03/07/2024
S5: Episode 178 - Turning those labeled as "low functioning" into higher functioning individuals through a successful life & job skills training program
Mike 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-functioning individual from his formerly designated "low-functioning" label. Through the FB group for Operation Meaningful Life, Mike shares programming and behavioral insights with his 12,000 followers. Mike and Harriet are now formulating the next major phase of Aaron's life: a permanent, secure, life-fulfilling, and compassionate residential model for Aaron and others who are considered more-heavily or severely challenged. You can connect with Mike via his FB page: @Operation Meaningful Life or his website:
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S5: Episode 177 - The importance of improving GI health to eliminate additional neurological effects caused by IBD/Crohn's/ Colitis
02/22/2024
S5: Episode 177 - The importance of improving GI health to eliminate additional neurological effects caused by IBD/Crohn's/ Colitis
Josh 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 disease. You can connect with Josh on FB & IG @Josh Dech and find his podcast ReversABLE on all platforms.
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S5: Episode 176 - Diving deep into the methods of toilet training
02/08/2024
S5: Episode 176 - Diving deep into the methods of toilet training
Dr. 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 teaches her unique step-by-step system and method to help children with autism (or signs of autism) talk more while reducing tantrums and other problem behaviors. Mary’s latest book Turn Autism Around was published in 2021 by Hay House and is helping parents and professionals start turning things around for young children with early signs of autism and older children with an autism diagnosis who are still struggling with talking, tantrums, eating, sleeping and potty training. For more information go to marybarbera.com to access her FB, IG & YouTube pages.
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S5: Episode 175 - Chatting with an OG of the Spelling Method for Communication and why it's important to always presume competence
02/01/2024
S5: Episode 175 - Chatting with an OG of the Spelling Method for Communication and why it's important to always presume competence
Dawnmarie 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 multiple modalities for effective communication. Dawnmarie is a former provider, cofounder of the Spellers Method, and an Assistive Technology Specialist (AT-ACP). In March 2021, Jamison Handley, a fluent speller, and his dad JB wrote a book entitled “Underestimated" about their journey learning how to spell for communication with her. In 2023 their award-winning documentary SPELLERS was released, showcasing how spelling and typing as a method of communication has liberated many nonspeakers from a lifetime of silence. Dawnmarie also currently serves as the interim co-director of Spellers Freedom Foundation, a nonprofit run by a board made up mostly of nonspeakers, who give scholarships and help create community for other spellers. Dawnmarie's children inspired her specific passion to support all nonspeakers in the development of purposeful motor skills and a reliable form of communication. You can learn more about her and the programs offered through her team at . You can connect with her via various social media accounts: IG = spellers__ IG = spellers center_sandiego FB = FB Group = Spellers Community
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S5: Episode 174 - Sharing a love of the outdoors & spending quality time with each other has created an unbreakable bond between these sisters
01/25/2024
S5: Episode 174 - Sharing a love of the outdoors & spending quality time with each other has created an unbreakable bond between these sisters
Claire 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 and nature together.
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S5: Episode 173 - Appreciating her brother for his authenticity, ability to find enjoyment in the little things and naivety to negativity in the world
01/18/2024
S5: Episode 173 - Appreciating her brother for his authenticity, ability to find enjoyment in the little things and naivety to negativity in the world
Chelsea 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 supported some truly amazing kiddos and their families. Personally, Chelsea is an avid IU Hoosiers basketball fan, proud cat mama, and lover of all things fall. You can learn more about Braxton’s story, her sibling support group, and more about the services her company offers at www.kindredtiestherapy.com or through their Facebook page! Facebook: Kindred Ties Therapy Facebook: Chelsea Waxler LinkedIn: Chelsea Waxler
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S5: Episode 172 - Declaring that her brother is amazing, this little sister loves that he constantly tries to make everyone laugh
01/11/2024
S5: Episode 172 - Declaring that her brother is amazing, this little sister loves that he constantly tries to make everyone laugh
Lee 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:
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S5: Episode 171 - A tremendous bond between brothers within a loving and supportive large family
01/04/2024
S5: Episode 171 - A tremendous bond between brothers within a loving and supportive large family
Charlie 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 fishing with his friends. He plans to attend Bates College in the fall of 2024 with a major of Economics and Psychology.
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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
12/28/2023
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
Madison 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 Urquiola
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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
12/21/2023
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
Natalie 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!
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S5: Episode 168 - Two brothers join me for a discussion about life as an autism sibling
12/14/2023
S5: Episode 168 - Two brothers join me for a discussion about life as an autism sibling
Aaron 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 world and help others. He lovingly cares for many goldfish and enjoys celebrating his Italian heritage! Apparently, Justin never refuses beef stroganoff or an opportunity to taste unusual soda pop! Their older brother, Jared, who is 20 years old has autism and a unique & special relationship with each of his siblings.
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S5: Episode 167 - My daughter shares her honest feelings about growing up with an autistic brother who has profound needs
12/07/2023
S5: Episode 167 - My daughter shares her honest feelings about growing up with an autistic brother who has profound needs
Kendall 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 aspects and feelings regarding her relationship with Skyler that will take time to sort out and better understand.
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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
11/30/2023
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
Kylie 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.
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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'
11/16/2023
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'
Shelby 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: Book link: ***************************************** To purchase my book “Welcome to My Life – A Personal Parenting Journey Through Autism” click or visit Amazon.com! You can easily stay connected to the Living the Sky Life podcast and me in various ways. Please visit my website for all the links. I'd love to hear what you think, so if listening on the Apple platform, please leave a written review and rating of the podcast! If you are interested in being a guest on an episode of Living the Sky Life, please contact me!
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S5: Episode 164 - The importance of identifying the good moments in each day and finding happiness within yourself. Choose your hard!
11/09/2023
S5: Episode 164 - The importance of identifying the good moments in each day and finding happiness within yourself. Choose your hard!
Shannon 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 parenting journey for over two decades, she continues to see the need to support their caregivers along the way. Shannon is a Master Certified Life and Parent Coach working exclusively with moms raising autistic children. She provides families and educators with resources and information via her Not Your Average Autism Mom Weekly Podcast, Let’s TALK AUTISM Monthly Newsletter, their Signature FREE COURSE, Unburdened; Finding Balance Living Alongside Autism, and a PRIVATE MEMBERSHIP exclusively for female caregivers. Shannon shares her lived experiences in hopes of creating a more accepting and inclusive world for our children on the spectrum. You can connect with Not Your Average Autism Mom on social media (FB, IG) or via her website ***************************************** To purchase my book “Welcome to My Life – A Personal Parenting Journey Through Autism” click or visit Amazon.com! You can easily stay connected to the Living the Sky Life podcast and me in various ways. Please visit my website for all the links. I'd love to hear what you think, so if listening on the Apple platform, please leave a written review and rating of the podcast! If you are interested in being a guest on an episode of Living the Sky Life, please contact me!
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S5: Episode 163 - Choosing to put yourself first and having the strength to end an unhealthy relationship
11/02/2023
S5: Episode 163 - Choosing to put yourself first and having the strength to end an unhealthy relationship
Rachel 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. ***************************************** To purchase my book “Welcome to My Life – A Personal Parenting Journey Through Autism” click or visit Amazon.com! You can easily stay connected to the Living the Sky Life podcast and me in various ways. Please visit my website for all the links. I'd love to hear what you think, so if listening on the Apple platform, please leave a written review and rating of the podcast! If you are interested in being a guest on an episode of Living the Sky Life, please contact me!
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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
10/26/2023
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
Kate 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, . Kate became a published author in 2022 with her book, , which highlights the transformation that she went through after her son's diagnosis. ***************************************** To purchase my book “Welcome to My Life – A Personal Parenting Journey Through Autism” click or visit Amazon.com! You can easily stay connected to the Living the Sky Life podcast and me in various ways. Please visit my website for all the links. I'd love to hear what you think, so if listening on the Apple platform, please leave a written review and rating of the podcast! If you are interested in being a guest on an episode of Living the Sky Life, please contact me!
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S5: Episode 161 - The importance of prioritizing your spouse and many other things a 33 year marriage has taught them
10/19/2023
S5: Episode 161 - The importance of prioritizing your spouse and many other things a 33 year marriage has taught them
Corey 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. There were many difficult years, but seeing Trent's raw joy and incredible ability brings hope to families going through the struggles of raising a child on the spectrum. You can connect with the Landreth family in the following ways: YouTube: (just under Drawings by Trent) Linktr.ee: Website: . (you will find information about Trent, our family, the business, and be able to visit our store!) ***************************************** To purchase my book “Welcome to My Life – A Personal Parenting Journey Through Autism” click or visit Amazon.com! You can easily stay connected to the Living the Sky Life podcast and me in various ways. Please visit my website for all the links. I'd love to hear what you think, so if listening on the Apple platform, please leave a written review and rating of the podcast! If you are interested in being a guest on an episode of Living the Sky Life, please contact me!
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S5: Episode 160 - Keeping laughter, communication and teamwork at the forefront of our marriage
10/12/2023
S5: Episode 160 - Keeping laughter, communication and teamwork at the forefront of our marriage
At 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.
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S5: Episode 159 - Navigating the minimal options available when our loved ones age out of traditional services
10/05/2023
S5: Episode 159 - Navigating the minimal options available when our loved ones age out of traditional services
Malinda 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
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S5: Episode 158 - Empowering your vision of 'home' and helping families coordinate future housing options for their loved ones
09/28/2023
S5: Episode 158 - Empowering your vision of 'home' and helping families coordinate future housing options for their loved ones
Pam 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 Residential Support, Medicaid-funded personal care services, supported employment income, and Section 8 housing subsidies. "I've been called an indomitable problem-solver. I love to work with parents to solve their unique challenges and leave their world a little better than I found it." You can connect with Partners 4 Housing on FB/IG/LinkedIn/YouTube: @partners4housing ***************************************** To purchase my book “Welcome to My Life – A Personal Parenting Journey Through Autism” click or visit Amazon.com! You can easily stay connected to the Living the Sky Life podcast and me in various ways. Please visit my website for all the links. I'd love to hear what you think, so if listening on the Apple platform, please leave a written review and rating of the podcast! If you are interested in being a guest on an episode of Living the Sky Life, please contact me!
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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
09/21/2023
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
Molly 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 autistic adult population is something she is dedicated to improve. A portion of the sale of each knit hat Molly handmakes goes toward Easter Seals WI due to how much they've enhanced Ben's life. In addition to being a full time caregiver for Ben, Molly carves out time to continue her life long passions - running and swimming. You can connect with Molly on IG: @no_label_knits ***************************************** To purchase my book “Welcome to My Life – A Personal Parenting Journey Through Autism” click or visit Amazon.com! You can easily stay connected to the Living the Sky Life podcast and me in various ways. Please visit my website for all the links. I'd love to hear what you think, so if listening on the Apple platform, please leave a written review and rating of the podcast! If you are interested in being a guest on an episode of Living the Sky Life, please contact me!
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S5: Episode 156 - An overview of the various housing alternatives for autistic adults
09/14/2023
S5: Episode 156 - An overview of the various housing alternatives for autistic adults
Betsy 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 an impassioned expert on the relationship between nutrition, movement, and fresh air being vital for the mind and body. Betsy strives to give those who may not have a voice the chance to express themselves and seek freedom from prejudice and social barriers. Her dedication to health and wellness translates directly to her passion for caregiving and the mission to create space for people living on the autism spectrum to be heard, understood, and embraced. You can connect with Betsy at: AutismOdyssey.org; BeKindVest.com; PickyEatingSolutions.com and Tiktok/Instagram/Facebook @BetsyOnTheGo ***************************************** To purchase my book “Welcome to My Life – A Personal Parenting Journey Through Autism” visit Amazon.com! You can easily stay connected to the Living the Sky Life podcast and me in various ways. Please visit my website for all the links. I'd love to hear what you think, so if listening on the Apple platform, please leave a written review and rating of the podcast! If you are interested in being a guest on an episode of Living the Sky Life, please contact me!
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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
09/07/2023
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
Karen 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. Now that her children are adults, she spends most of her time caring for her 23 year old son, David who has Autism and is unable to live independently. He requires a great deal of support and 24/7 supervision. As David was preparing to age out of public school, Karen realized the lack of resources that are available for adults living with Autism or other disabilities. This realization prompted Karen to go back to school to become a therapeutic, adaptive fitness instructor and start a company called the Learning Curve of Kentucky. Her new company strives to provide individuals of all abilities with the support, training, encouragement and opportunities they need to have fulfilling careers, hobbies and social activities. Connect with Karen on FB: @TheLearningCurveofKY To purchase tickets for the 9/23/23 Autism Conference with keynote speaker Temple Grandin email Karen at: [email protected]
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S4: Episode 154 (Solo Episode) - Neurotypical milestones and managing emotions
06/08/2023
S4: Episode 154 (Solo Episode) - Neurotypical milestones and managing emotions
I 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 partner as a single parent? *Travel experiences with a neurodiverse child - tips/tricks for planning a trip, nightmare travel adventures (that you can laugh about now) or positive experiences that you didn't think were possible. *The aging out process & adult services - what was your experience finding resources and programming when your son/daughter turned 21-22 and suggestions or tips for parents to make note of when future planning. If you are interested in being a guest on Living the Sky Life, please visit the podcast tab of my website (lauriehellmann.com) or email me at [email protected]
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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
06/01/2023
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
Lauren 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 through it. She began blogging about her son’s journey at Wilsonsclimb.com and eventually launched Little Rebels with a Cause, an apparel brand to create conversations through clothing that donates a portion of sales to incredible nonprofits that work in the field of disability services and advocacy. You can connect with Lauren via FB: @wilsonsclimb and @littlerebelswithacause or IG: @wilsonsclimb_an_autism_journey and @littlerebelscause ***************************************** To purchase my book “Welcome to My Life – A Personal Parenting Journey Through Autism” click or visit Amazon.com! You can easily stay connected to the Living the Sky Life podcast and me in various ways. Please visit my website for all the links. I'd love to hear what you think, so if listening on the Apple platform, please leave a written review and rating of the podcast! If you are interested in being a guest on an episode of Living the Sky Life, please contact me!
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S4: Episode 152 - Catching up with the Educated Debutante
05/25/2023
S4: Episode 152 - Catching up with the Educated Debutante
Adrian 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 on FB and IG: @Tales of an Educated Debutante. ***************************************** To purchase my book “Welcome to My Life – A Personal Parenting Journey Through Autism” click or visit Amazon.com! You can easily stay connected to the Living the Sky Life podcast and me in various ways. Please visit my website for all the links. I'd love to hear what you think, so if listening on the Apple platform, please leave a written review and rating of the podcast! If you are interested in being a guest on an episode of Living the Sky Life, please contact me!
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