Autism Family Resource

Are you a parent of an autistic or neurodivergent child searching for the right support? Look no further! The Autism Family Resource Podcast is your go-to guide, here to empower you on this unique journey. Each episode, we dive deep into actionable tips, routines, and success stories from fellow parents, healthcare pros, and individuals who truly get it. Our mission is to equip you with the tools, resources, and knowledge to help your child—and your entire family—thrive both at home and in your community. You're not alone on this journey. I’m Brian Keene, a licensed pediatric occupational therapist and the founder of Pure Hearts Therapy. We offer neurodiversity-affirming, home-based, and virtual therapies for families in the Phoenix metro area. Don’t miss out on insights that can make a difference! Hit subscribe and be the first to know when new episodes drop. Got questions? Contact us at [email protected] or visit www.pureheartstherapy.com for more info.

40 Thriving with Neurodiversity: J.D. Barker on Autism, Creativity, and Parenting with Purpose 01/01/2025

39: Discovering Hope and Purpose with Kari Baker 12/11/2024

38: Early Intervention for Autism: The Early Start Denver Model 11/20/2024

38: Early Intervention for Autism: The Early Start Denver Model Welcome back to the Autism Family Resource Podcast! Are you a parent of a child with autism struggling to find the right support and therapy for your child? You are not alone. Many parents find it challenging to navigate the world of autism care, especially with the numerous therapies and approaches available. But what if there was a different approach to autism care that focused on the whole family and was more collaborative and supportive? What if there was a therapy that was more play-based and encouraged intrinsic motivation? We have good news! There is. In this episode, we have another awesome guest on our show, Will Martin, from Soar Autism Center. Soar Autism Center is doing amazing work, taking a fresh approach to autism care that is centered on whole family support, early intervention, and collaborative care. Guest: Will Martin MEd, BCBA is a board-certified behavior analyst and Head of Care Model Design implementation at Soar Autism Center. Soar provides Early Start Denver Model-based therapy to children with autism in the Phoenix and Denver metro areas. Website: Social Media: , , Key Takeaways: The Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) is a play-based intervention that encourages intrinsic motivation. The goal of ESDM therapy is to find something the child likes and incorporate therapy into that activity. DTT stands for Discrete Trial Training and is one of the original forms of ABA. It involves repeated practice of skills in an isolated or controlled context. When looking for an ABA provider for your child, it is important to ask questions about the type of therapy and the approach used. Red flags that may indicate your child would benefit from an autism assessment include: communication struggles, challenging behaviors, and difficulties engaging with your child in play. Any interventions or therapies should match the child's values and the family's values. Soar Autism Center typically serves children between two and five years old. Sometimes, they will serve children a little older than that if they are getting ready to transition to school. Soar Autism Center takes all major insurance, including Medicaid and most commercial insurance plans. Once an assessment is complete, the BCBA, speech-language pathologist, and occupational therapist will get together and make clinical recommendations. Soar Autism Center Resources: Website: Social Media: , , Subscribe Now & Leave a Review , , s, Visit our Website: Follow Us: /episode/index/show/theautismfamilytoolkit/id/33895052

37 Navigating Divorce with a Special Needs Child: Expert Advice from Mary Ann Hughes 10/28/2024

37 Navigating Divorce with a Special Needs Child: Expert Advice from Mary Ann Hughes Divorce is never easy, but when you have a child with autism or other special needs, the process can feel even more overwhelming. The Autism Family Resource Podcast is here to provide practical guidance and support during this challenging time. In this episode, we welcome Mary Ann Hughes, a compassionate and experienced special needs divorce coach and mother of two sons on the autism spectrum. Mary Ann shares her personal and professional insights to help families confidently navigate this difficult transition and prioritize their child's well-being. Guest: Mary Ann Hughes is a certified divorce coach and mediator specializing in families with special needs children. Website: Social Media: , , Key Takeaways: · Share the news of divorce with your child: Mary Ann emphasizes the importance of using a positive tone and creating a social story to help your child understand the changes that are happening. o Mary Ann's YouTube video on creating a social story for divorce: · Take a meticulous and child-centric approach: Don't rush into major decisions. Carefully consider your child's long-term needs, including therapies, education, and financial resources. · Focus on the future: Divorce is a difficult transition, but it's not the end. Maintain a positive outlook and focus on building a new life for yourself and your child. · Protect your child's benefits: Understand the legal and financial implications of divorce on your child's eligibility for government benefits. Seek guidance from a knowledgeable family law attorney or financial expert. · Consider mediation: Mediation can be a less adversarial way to reach agreements and co-parent effectively. Special Family Transitions Resources: Subscribe Now & Leave a Review , , s, Visit our Website: Follow Us: /episode/index/show/theautismfamilytoolkit/id/33322832

36 Supporting Your Child's Mental Health with the CALM Compass created by Mitch Leppicello 10/09/2024

36 Supporting Your Child's Mental Health with the CALM Compass created by Mitch Leppicello Guest: 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: 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 to learn more about Mitch Leppicello and his CALM Compass program. And don't forget to subscribe to The for more valuable resources and support on your parenting journey. Mitch Leppicello Resources: , Subscribe Now & Leave a Review , , s, Visit our Website: Follow Us: /episode/index/show/theautismfamilytoolkit/id/33322382

35 The lockdown's impact on kids social skills with Lenora Edwards 06/23/2024

35 The lockdown's impact on kids social skills with Lenora Edwards In this episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, host Brian Keen welcomes back Lenora Edwards, head speaker and chief knowledge officer at Better Speech, to discuss the lingering effects of the lockdown on children's social and emotional regulation skills. Lenora shares her expertise in speech pathology and offers valuable strategies to help children, particularly those on the autism spectrum, improve their communication skills and navigate social situations effectively. Guest: Lenora Edwards is a distinguished Speech Language Pathologist at BetterSpeech.com—a nationwide online platform dedicated to providing top-notch speech therapy services. BetterSpeech.com offers free consultations to help determine how they can assist you or your loved one. They provide flexible appointment times, including evenings and weekends, to accommodate your schedule. With a range of pricing options to fit different needs and itemized bills for insurance reimbursement, BetterSpeech.com ensures accessible and affordable speech therapy for all. Main Topics Discussed: The long-term impact of the lockdown on children's social and emotional skills. The role of Better Speech in providing accessible therapy. Strategies for helping children develop social and communication skills. The importance of exposure to social interactions for language development. Techniques for parents to support their children’s social skills at home. The significance of modeling and practicing social interactions. Bullet Point Recap: Introduction: Brian Keen reintroduces Lenora Edwards and highlights the ongoing effects of the lockdown on children's social skills. Guest Introduction: Lenora Edwards discusses her background and the mission of Better Speech, an online platform offering speech therapy. Impact of Lockdown: Children missed out on vital social interactions and language exposure due to isolation during the lockdown. Language Development Delays: The lockdown led to significant delays in children's language development, making it harder for them to understand and interpret social cues. Real-life Examples: Lenora shares instances where children struggle with social interactions due to a lack of practice. Strategies for Parents: Techniques for helping children develop social skills, such as brainstorming solutions and modeling appropriate behaviors. Role of Therapy: The importance of professional support in addressing social and communication challenges. Encouraging Communication: Tips for parents to create opportunities for social interactions and practice at home. Final Thoughts: Trusting parental instincts and seeking professional help when needed. BetterSpeech Resources: Website: Facebook: lnstagram: Linked In: You Tube: Subscribe Now & Leave a Review , , s, Visit our Website: Follow Us: /episode/index/show/theautismfamilytoolkit/id/31851117

34 Robby the Dyslexic Taxi: Transforming Challenges into Creativity 01/25/2024

33 Preventa Wear: A Mother’s Innovative Solution to Diaper Digging 12/23/2023

33 Preventa Wear: A Mother’s Innovative Solution to Diaper Digging In this taboo-busting episode, Brian Keene welcomes Cindi Seifert, a devoted mother and the founder of Preventa Wear to share her journey raising her daughter Kyla, a 25-year-old with autism and epilepsy. The taboo topic of diaper digging, a behavior many parents face in silence, takes center stage as Cindi opens up about the challenges she encountered and the innovative solution she crafted to empower families worldwide. Guest: Cindi Seifert, a compassionate mother and the visionary founder of unfolds her remarkable journey as a caregiver and entrepreneur. Her commitment to addressing the challenges of incontinence and providing specialized clothing solutions has transformed Preventa Wear into a global phenomenon. Bullet Point Recap: Origins of Preventa Wear: Cindi shares the genesis of Preventa Wear, born out of the daily struggles with Kyla's diaper digging behavior and the need for a supportive solution. The Preventa Wear Collection: A diverse range of sensory-friendly, fashionable, and functional outfits, including adult-sized onesies, wheelchair pads, and stylish apparel for individuals with various neurological disorders. Breaking the Silence: Cindi's openness about the taboo topic of diaper digging aims to shatter societal silence and connect with families facing similar challenges. Global Impact: The Prevent Aware movement extends beyond autism, reaching families dealing with Alzheimer's, Down syndrome, and other neurological disorders worldwide. Empowering Families: Cindi's mission goes beyond providing clothing; it's about offering support, understanding, and a sense of community to families navigating the often isolating journey of caregiving. The Preventa Wear Website: Cindi directs listeners to the , where families can explore the range of products, find resources, and connect with a community that understands their unique experiences Prevent Aware Resources: Subscribe Now & Leave a Review , , s, Visit our Website: Follow Us: /episode/index/show/theautismfamilytoolkit/id/29210313

32 Considering Home Schooling? 11/20/2023

32 Considering Home Schooling? Synopsis: In this episode, Brian Keene welcomes Manisha Snoyer, a teacher, tech entrepreneur, and host of the ". They discuss alternatives to the traditional education system, focusing on homeschooling as a customizable and flexible solution for families, especially those with special needs. Guest: Manisha Snoyer is a renowned educator, speaker, and innovator in the field of personalized learning and childhood education. With over a decade of experience, she has worked passionately to bridge the gap between traditional education systems and individualized learning methodologies. Manisha's expertise extends to the intersection of technology and education, as she leverages digital tools to enhance learning experiences. Bullet Point Recap: Manisha Snoyer's 20 years of teaching experience and recognition of issues in the education system. Cottage Class as a tech platform supporting teachers in starting micro-schools and aiding homeschooling families. Diverse and modern landscape of homeschooling, addressing challenges faced by families with special needs. Examples of customized curriculum recommendations based on a child's preferences and needs. Cottage Class as a marketplace connecting families with tutors and providing training in child-centered communication. Overview of Arizona's innovative Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) and their impact on homeschooling. Steps for families interested in homeschooling, including visiting the "Teach Your Kids" website. Emphasis on affordability and support for all families interested in joining the homeschooling community. Encouragement for families to explore homeschooling and seek help from available communities and specialists. Resources: Teach Your Kids Homeschooling Community Resources: https://teachyourkids.substack.com/ Subscribe Now and Leave a Review , , , & Visit our Website: Follow Us: /episode/index/show/theautismfamilytoolkit/id/28716028

31 Scan Me Home: Iron-on QR code solution for child safety. 08/28/2023

31 Scan Me Home: Iron-on QR code solution for child safety. Synopsis: In this episode of the Autism Family Resource podcast, host Brian Keene interviews Justin Behnke, father of a nonspeaking child on the autism spectrum, who created the innovative safety product ScanMeHome.com. Justin shares his personal journey, the inspiration behind his product, and practical tips for enhancing child safety in the community. Guest: Meet Justin Behnke, father of a nonspeaking child on the autism spectrum and founder, director, and CEO of ScanMeHome.com, a QR code solution for child safety. Main Topics Discussed: ScanMeHome.com: A Lifeline for Parents: ScanMeHome.com offers an extra layer of security and peace of mind. Iron-on QR code tags are discreet, washable, and highly effective. Designed for children with disabilities, like nonverbal kids, but applicable to many other diagnoses, like dementia. Exclusive Listener Discount: Justin offers a 50% lifetime discount with the code "VIPMEMBER." His mission is to make child safety accessible to all families. Community Safety and Awareness: Justin emphasizes the importance of community involvement and education. Making people aware of your child’s safety technology, be it QR code or Apple Air Tag, can create a safer environment for everyone. Recap: Justin, a father of a nonspeaking child on the autism spectrum, discusses ScanMeHome.com, a safety product for children. He shares his personal journey and the inspiration behind creating the product. ScanMeHome.com offers an added layer of security for children with disabilities. QR codes are highly effective in child safety and include vital information. Practical tips for parents include staying close to children in public and parking near entrances. Promote awareness and education in the community for child safety. A discount code "VIPMEMBER" offers a 50% discount on ScanMeHome.com memberships for listeners. Resources: VIPMEMBER is your discount code. This gives people half off for life, including their sign-up and monthly. Subscribe Now & Leave a Review , , , & Visit our Website: Follow Us: /episode/index/show/theautismfamilytoolkit/id/27875256

30: Communication Devices Part 3: AAC Device Best Practices 08/15/2023

30: Communication Devices Part 3: AAC Device Best Practices Communication Devises Part 3: AAC Device Best Practices Synopsis: On today’s episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, host Brian Keene continues his discussion with Lydia Mackay and Stacey Dover, Phenix area speech-language pathologists. Lydia and Stacey delve into the significance of communication, the joy of language development, and the transformative power of AAC in the lives of individuals with communication difficulties. This episode, part three of the three-part series, focuses on AAC devices. Guests: Lydia Mackay and Stacey Dover are speech-language pathologists based in the Phenix area. They specialize in working with individuals who use AAC in various settings, such as schools and homes. They have experience providing evaluations and training for augmentative communication devices and have worked extensively with non-speaking individuals and those with special needs. They are passionate about supporting communication development and empowering individuals to express themselves effectively. Main Topics Discussed: Introduction to AAC and Its Impact Defining AAC and its role in communication Transforming lives through effective communication Building Language through Play and Interaction Understanding the joy of language development The importance of social interactions in language acquisition Creating a communication-rich environment Implementing AAC in Daily Routines Making AAC a seamless part of routines Strategies for incorporating AAC devices into daily activities Balancing fun and learning through modeling The Role of Modeling in AAC Exploring the concept of modeling How modeling enhances receptive language skills Letting the child lead and nurturing expressive language growth Creating Meaningful Connections with AAC Recognizing the importance of social connection Empowering families to navigate AAC challenges Personal stories that demonstrate the impact of AAC Bullet Point Recap: Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) empowers individuals with communication challenges. Language development is a joyful process influenced by social interactions. Incorporating AAC into routines enhances communication success. Modeling is a powerful strategy for nurturing receptive and expressive language. AAC strengthens meaningful connections and improves overall quality of life. For AAC resources, FAQ, and flowcharts: Subscribe Now & Leave a Review , ,, & Visit our Website: Follow Us: /episode/index/show/theautismfamilytoolkit/id/27754680

29: Communication Devices Part 2: Obtaining an AAC Device 07/30/2023

29: Communication Devices Part 2: Obtaining an AAC Device Communication Devises Part 2: Obtaining an AAC Device Synopsis: On today’s episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, host Brian Keene continues his discussion with Lydia Mackay and Stacey Dover, Phenix area speech-language pathologists, about the process of obtaining Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices in Arizona. This episode, part two of the three-part series, focuses on AAC devices. Guests: Lydia Mackay and Stacey Dover are speech-language pathologists based in the Phenix area. They specialize in working with individuals who use AAC in various settings, such as schools and homes. They have experience providing evaluations and training for augmentative communication devices and have worked extensively with non-speaking individuals and those with special needs. They are passionate about supporting communication development and empowering individuals to express themselves effectively. Main Topics Discussed: How to initiate the process of obtaining an AAC device for a child in Arizona. The importance of working with a contracted AAC agency for specialized services. The role of a multidisciplinary team in the evaluation process, including speech therapists and occupational/physical therapists. Conducting a thorough evaluation to find the right AAC device that suits the child's needs and abilities. The significance of considering the family's input and the child's physical abilities during the evaluation. The possibility of using loaner devices during the evaluation phase. Recap: In Arizona, families should initiate the process of obtaining an AAC device for their child to support their communication needs, as early intervention is crucial. To get an AAC device, families can work with their therapists or directly contact an AAC provider agency for assistance. The evaluation process involves a multidisciplinary team, including speech therapists and occupational/physical therapists, to find the best match for the child's communication requirements. The evaluation considers various factors, including the child's physical abilities, communication needs, and family input. Loaner devices may be available to use during the evaluation period. Part three of the series will focus on implementing the AAC device in daily life and discussing the pros and cons of different devices and features. For AAC resources, FAQ, and flowcharts: Subscribe Now & Leave a Review , ,, & Visit our Website: Follow Us: /episode/index/show/theautismfamilytoolkit/id/27602754

28 Communication Devices Part 1: Who Needs Them 07/12/2023

28 Communication Devices Part 1: Who Needs Them In this episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, host Brian Keene sits down with Lydia Mackay and Stacey Dover, speech-language pathologists from the Phenix area, to delve into the world of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). They discuss the importance of communication, language acquisition, and the various communication options, such as AAC devices. This is the first part of a three-part series to provide valuable insights and guidance for parents of non-speaking or special needs children. Guests: Lydia Mackay and Stacey Dover are speech-language pathologists based in the Phenix area. They specialize in working with individuals who use AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) in various settings, such as schools and homes. They have experience providing evaluations and training for augmentative communication devices and have worked extensively with non-speaking individuals and those with special needs. They are passionate about supporting communication development and empowering individuals to express themselves effectively. Main Topics Discussed: Defining communication and debunking the misconception that it is solely verbal. Exploring language acquisition and how it develops through babbling and word formation. Emphasizing the role of context and interaction in language learning. Introducing AAC as a tool for augmenting and supplementing communication. Highlighting the importance of engagement, feedback, and positive social interaction in language development. Considering sign language as a visual form of communication and its potential benefits. Addressing the question of when it's time for a child to get an AAC device. Stressing the importance of self-advocacy and providing individuals with the means to express themselves. Key Takeaways: Communication encompasses various modalities beyond verbal speech, including body language and literacy. Language acquisition begins with babbling and gradually shapes into meaningful words through positive reinforcement and social interaction. AAC serves as a tool to support and augment existing modes of communication. Engagement, context, and interaction are crucial in language learning and should be prioritized in the parent-child relationship. Sign language can be considered a form of communication, but the ability to hear oneself say words is important, which AAC devices can facilitate. The decision to introduce AAC should be based on individual needs and communication challenges. AAC devices empower individuals to self-advocate and express their needs effectively. For AAC resources, FAQ, and flowcharts: Subscribe Now & Leave a Review , ,, & Visit our Website Follow Us: /episode/index/show/theautismfamilytoolkit/id/27445308

27 Exploring Natural Healing Of Autism Symptoms 06/21/2023

27 Exploring Natural Healing Of Autism Symptoms Guest Karen Thomas is a mom and the author of "Naturally Healing Autism: The Complete Step-by-Step Resource Handbook for Parents.” She is passionate about spreading the possibility of drug-free recovery and is set to help parents whose children are on the autism spectrum get natural recovery. This passion was born out of her personal experience. She went through a long research process to get help for her son, who now lives without autistic symptoms. Topics Discussed Karen shares how her experience as a Cranial Sacral Therapist helped her to ignore the traditional treatment advice for Autism she got and sought to find a lasting treatment for her son. When my son was diagnosed with Autism, now 17 years ago, I was told to drug him and try behavioral therapies but I didn't want to do that because I wanted to find out what the causes were, not just mask symptoms, especially with dangerous drugs. My background is that I have been a Cranial Sacral Therapist for over 20 years, which means I work on the bones of the head to balance the brain, and I have extensive courses and research on the brain. So I knew when my son was diagnosed that the brain can and does heal, but I didn't know that much about autism, so I began, like most parents on the journey, seeking various therapists and practitioners and people. Some challenging experiences He had extreme oppositional defiance, extreme OCD, obsessive-compulsive disorder, trouble sleeping, would wake up screaming from stomach ache at 3 am, and constant headaches. I mean, everything was just pointing to these issues of health and behaviors. I knew that the behaviors had a lot to do with health, so I started to work with them, and today you wouldn't even imagine he could ever act in that aggressive way that he used to or have the irritability that he used to because today, he is so calm and easy going and kind and relaxed. Karen shares how she overcame gut inflammatory problems by curating a proper diet plan for her son. The gut controls the brain and controls the immune system. So if your child is always sick, it leads to a gut issue, which is why we need to start from the gut. We also need to start with detoxification support and pathway because even the dietary changes alone are going to start killing off the bad bacteria, and there is a work term that's called “die of” When these bad bacteria die off, they start to release more toxins, so you can see an increase in worsened behaviors of your child and this is happening. You have to support the detoxification pathway better with binders and mutational support. The starting point of a detoxification process and Keren's experience with her son. My food guide is the best resource to start looking at, and it explains why you want to remove these specific foods and the purpose behind them. When we have more education, we tend to take more responsibility, and knowledge helps us know why we want to continue pursuing it because it can be challenging… So for my son, I noticed that he started sleeping better and that was good because there were so many ups and downs that I didn't know then, that I do now, that I can lead parents now correctly through. Karen talks about diet change and creating substitutes for autistic children. I think if you switch to organic foods, that will help a lot even if in the beginning, you are getting an organic chicken nugget and it still has the gluten covering on it, things like that but at least, you are not getting the antibiotics and hormones and additional pesticides because our kids are already so toxic… So just start making some substitutions, it will be a process of trial and error to find the things that your child will eat and like. Recap ● It is okay to refuse to accept the status quo when your child's health is concerned, no matter how long it will take, keep doing your research, and you will eventually get a break. ● Every child's level of recovery is different and the definition is to regain health. ● There are 4 stages of detoxification: Dietary changes, Heavy metal detox, clearing co-infections, and finding supplements. These stages have to be followed in the correct order for effective results. Subscribe Now & Leave a Review , ,, & Visit our Website Follow Us: Connect with Karen (@recoveringautism) /episode/index/show/theautismfamilytoolkit/id/27143424

26 Overcoming Bartonella Disease And Managing Autism 05/03/2023

26 Overcoming Bartonella Disease And Managing Autism Guests Debbie Kimberg is the definition of the word 'BRAVE.' She is a writer and doubles as an advocate. She is a mom of autistic children and has gathered a wide range of experience in caring for and trying to find solutions for her kids. Sammy Kimberg is her son and was diagnosed with being on the autism spectrum and having Bartonella disease after a series of tests and disappointing results that would have left other parents discouraged from finding solutions. In this episode, both mother and son share their story of managing this medical condition. Discussion: Debbie's story about learning about her and her children's condition. "Sammy was not severely autistic as a young toddler, but as he continued to progress through school, he had several behaviors that qualified him to be autistic. when he was in middle School we stumbled on a Doctor who tested him for something called Bartonella, which is an infection just like Lyme. Sammy tested positive. I and my other children got tested, and we were all positive." Learning about Lyme's disease "I was born and raised in St. Louis, I had never met anyone with Lyme disease before. You think Okay, well, we are going to get some antibiotics, everything is going to be so much better. He took his first antibiotic, which was augmentin, and it damaged his pretty sweet, mild kind of personality. He started having fights and became verbally more aggressive. Lyme disease is caused by a bacteria called perrella. There are 300 strains as they call it, but it's variants like COVID. Everybody talks about Lyme but the star in our story and what we are seeing a lot in the autistic community is the infection called Bartonella." Sammy's experience dealing with Bartonella "I had a lot of issues in school. I did bad consistently getting D's and C's and I was in special education class. Sometimes, my teachers help me in the hallway and stuff. Some of the medications helped me a lot in school, but some of them made me a lot worse." How Sammy went from being a picky eater to having a voracious appetite "I think one of the big things to point out is that the picky eating went away. He was more food aversion. It's like you are pregnant and you look at stuff and he's like yeah that doesn't look good more than the textures themselves. 8 weeks into treatment, and all of a sudden he would be doing everything, and not only was he eating everything, he was eating a ton." Debbie's advice on how to navigate Bartonella and Lyme's disease "If the mom or dad has issues with anxiety, depression, OCD , panic mood swings, bad temper or autoimmune disease, they should consider getting their kids screened because he could change their lives and trajectory. The sooner you do it the better but if you want to get screened there's a problem because the CDC has not acknowledged that these kinds of infections can cause the symptoms in children. One big reason that CDC had that opinion, is because the lab test doesn't work and if it doesn't work the research isn't going to work either. The way to find doctors who will be able to treat these diseases is through your Facebook line groups. Also, people can DM me. If you need help, I will help." Sammy shares a bit of his plans and his support systems. "I am planning to go to the University of Texas and double major in music and computer science. My biggest support is definitely my mum and doctor. My support at school were some teachers, they were always nice." Recap · It's okay to say no when something doesn't feel right. You know your child best, so continue to advocate for your family, and look elsewhere for answers if your questions concerning your family's health aren't being answered. · Consider getting your child screened if as a parent, you have a history of mental-related issues no matter how mild it was (is). · Sammy's treatments didn't cure his autism, but it cured the symptoms related to bartonella and Lyme disease. If you have a child or family with this condition and you are finding it difficult to access a good doctor, visit to get a doctor's directory. Connect with Debbie Debbie's website: Instagram and Tiktok: @hijacked brains If you learned a thing or two about this episode, do well to share, follow for more, like, comment, and subscribe. Visit for more /episode/index/show/theautismfamilytoolkit/id/26727183

25 Strategies for picky eaters with The Autism Dietitian 04/06/2023

25 Strategies for picky eaters with The Autism Dietitian Guest: Brittyn Coleman is a Registered Dietitian, Autism Nutrition Expert, and the Creator of the. She works with parents and children with autism and gives solutions to picky eaters by looking deep to find the cause of their symptoms. Growing up with a brother on the autism spectrum, Brittyn has firsthand experience of what picky eating looks like. Seeing how difficult it was to deal with her brother's eating habits, she decided to dedicate her practice as a dietitian to picky eaters who are on the autism spectrum to help them expand their diet, live at their optimum ability, and by extension, perform brilliantly in school. Overview: The beginner's diet for picky eaters. It would be unwise to list what an ideal diet plan should look like because of individual preferences. Some children select their food because they have Sensory Processing Disorder, others for a different reason. The first step would be identifying the various categories their current meal plan falls into and formulating new meals with similar properties. Brittyn's thoughts on the expansion of food preference as children get older. An explanation for the possibility of this happening would be, Exposure. Naturally, an older child will have more exposure to various kinds of meals than a younger child, but this can only happen with some effort or a major push from the parents or an expert. Merely showing them pictures of food and allowing them to touch and smell them can build their interest. How do picky eaters get the right amount of nutrients in their diet? It is important to note that kids on the autism spectrum eat a lot of processed food because the taste is familiar, so they know what to expect. These foods, as expected, have a limited number of nutrients, but a feeding therapist can help them expand their diet. While supplements are helpful, there shouldn't be a full dependence on them. So if you use supplements, get professional help in expanding your diet. How to deal with constipation. A few veggies and fruits with a good amount of fiber can help lucky eaters have easy bowel movements. A few of them are Pears and Chia seeds. Beans and legumes can help also. Supplements like Magnesium are also advised. How do you control weight gain and loss? To help control the children's weight, a fiber-rich, nutrient-dense diet is the main focus. The problem becomes getting them to eat these foods. An autism-based dietitian or nutritionist can help with this. The primary aim is to expand their diet, help them eat healthier, and integrate healthy living into their lifestyle. How do you help children when they get burned out on their favorite food? It can be stressful for the parent to get used to a child's favorite food and suddenly have to start sourcing for new ideas when they get bored, only to go back to the previous meal when they have settled into a new meal plan. To navigate this, a few changes can be made to that particular food to offer variety so the child doesn't get bored. Is nutrition deficiency a contributor to picky eating? Absolutely yes, it is. When certain important nutrients are missing from your food, you can experience a severe change of preference for food. Introducing supplements to fill in the gap and break the circle is advised. For kids on the spectrum, it can be really hard. The best approach to help picky eaters is to collaborate with an autism nutrition expert. Recap: Nutrition is hard. It is stressful for many families, but I know that small changes make a difference, and these little small changes build up over time. Be patient and use the resources around you. Reach out to an expert. Make an effort to modify foods so your child is not burned out. Resources: Website: Instagram: Podcast: Subscribe Now & Leave a Review , ,, & Visit our Website Follow Us: /episode/index/show/theautismfamilytoolkit/id/26462205

24 Relationship tips for parents of neurodiverse children 01/30/2023

24 Relationship tips for parents of neurodiverse children Guest: Rach Wilson is a relationship coach for couples of neurodiverse children. Background/Importance Rach Wilson is not only a coach for couples with neurodiverse children, but she herself has two neurodiverse children. She has a wide range of expertise and experience to help a variety of couples through the challenges they face raising neurodiverse children. Rach is devoted to helping couples work through hard times, rekindle what’s been lost, and thrive in their relationships to strengthen their bond and gain the skills to get through any conflicts that come their way. Statistics Raising a neurodiverse child is one the hardest jobs in the world, and it plays a significant role in a couple's relationships. At times it can cause a large amount of stress. Stress is the highest factor leading to divorce. What is the main struggle you see among your clients? Some of the consequences that arise from stress are sleep deprivation and unintentionally forgetting to prioritize the relationship. This leads to distance, less intimacy, conflict, and ultimately destruction because the children come first. When walking into conflicts people often become defensive and begin to project while forgetting to take accountability for their role in the problem. People will play the blame game instead of trying to understand their partner. When communication becomes defensive reactions, problems will escalate drawing them closer to destruction. Oftentimes defensive behavior is stemmed from past trauma, whether it be from childhood trauma or from a past relationship. Every person comes into a relationship with baggage that causes unconscious behaviors to arise during conflicts. What are the first steps in resolving issues and stress in relationships? When couples fall into a state of extreme stress they are unable to take on any new information or rationally deal with anything other than what they must do. The first step is to get out of “Death Valley”. Once you are past that state of extreme stress, then it’s a good time to reflect on what’s been going on and work through problems. The best way to work through issues is to learn and implement better teamwork and communication skills. In order to build a stronger relationship with your partner you need to know yourself as well as your partner. Race mentions the Peace Process. During the peace process, you build skills to better learn about the triggers and baggage you both bring to the table and how to work through upsets as your best self. When you gain emotional awareness you can respond to each other in more real and honest ways. How does someone get out of “Death Valley” when they’re stuck? To get out of “Death Valley” the first thing to do is identify the problems going on with your child(ren) that are causing stress and meltdowns, then find a solution. Take the time to act on the small things like checking in with how your partner is doing. Give each other permission to openly vent and talk about issues going on to release built-up tension. Rach uses the traffic light system as an example. The traffic light system is made of three colors: green, orange, and red. There are three levels to orange. Green means everything is good, and red means you’re at low capacity and need space to yourself handle burnout and the inability to communicate properly. The first stage of orange is when you're moving out of green, the second stage is where you try to identify what you need to help get better, and the last stage is red’s around the corner. Sometimes it’s a quick move from orange to red, and there’s little time to counter the back to green. Talk Therapy vs Coaching Therapy is a good outlet to talk through things going on, but it doesn’t teach you the skills to shift and change situations or learn skills to heal better emotionally. Rach has studied a lot of different areas of coaching that help give couples a “power tool set” for healing and transformation. Talking about issues can be an important first step in progress toward growth. Then when you learn your baggage and trigger you to understand each better you can learn the skills it takes to resolve problems as they arise. Over time upsets become builders to make couples stronger to thrive down the road. What are some key takeaways for the listeners? Firstly, we all come into relationships with baggage and past trauma. Secondly, during heated moments we often project on one another because we are in defense mode like when our neurodiverse child(ren) is having a meltdown. Lastly, reach out to any professionals you may need to learn and work on the skills you need to build better teamwork and communication. How do they get a hold of you? Website - Link down below Action Plan: (some applicable things parents can implement at home) The traffic light system was a good example of how to identify better what’s going on with yourself and your partner. Recap: It’s impossible not to bring “baggage” to a relationship. Most of our ideas of how to be in a relationship come from what we have seen in prior relationships or caregivers Being in a healthy relationship requires skill building, and it can help to reach out to a professional like a relationship coach to understand how you show up and build communication skills to be more successful in your relationship. Resources: Website (Relationship Survival Guide is on the website) Facebook (Private message Rach telling her you heard her on the podcast if sending a friend request) Instagram Subscribe Now & Leave a Review , ,, & Visit our Website Follow Us: /episode/index/show/theautismfamilytoolkit/id/25720203

23. Communication with a sibling when the other sibling requires more time or energy 01/09/2023

22 DMI for gross motor skills 12/16/2022

22 DMI for gross motor skills Guest: Rebecca “Becca” Stoddard is a pediatric occupational therapist and owner of Breakthrough Therapy based in Phoenix, AZ. Becca is enthusiastic about working with children and their families to help them achieve their gross motor milestones. Becca has completed 2 courses on Dynamic Movement Intervention (DMI). She plans to complete a 3rd course at the beginning of the year. With experience in visor therapy settings, Becca uses both intensive DMI therapy and ongoing weekly DMI therapy at her practice. She also offers a free gross motor skills screening that can be done virtually, in person, and at home. Interview: What is Dynamic Movement Intervention (DMI)? DMI is a specialized, hands-on technique focusing on head control, trunk control, and achieving gross motor milestones. Some of those milestones are rolling, sitting, balancing, crawling, standing, and walking. DMI exercises look different from the traditional therapy approach. Some exercises use gravity and a lot of sensory input to get automatic responses from the child to help them reach milestones. There is also a unique box set that is used as the child gets older and progresses. One of the main parts of DMI is an emphasis on neuroplasticity. That’s a fancy term for creating new connections in the brain. The key factor in achieving this is repetition to create those new pathways. How do I know if my child would be a good fit for DMI therapy? When a child exhibits gross motor delays, it can be things like the inability to hold their head up, not being able to roll, and the inability to maintain balance while sitting up. In a study, gross motor delays can occur in up to 68% of children with autism. Children with autism are more at risk of delayed gross motor skills. What are some red flag diagnoses that might be indicated for gross motor delay? There is a wide range of diagnoses that can include gross motor delay. Some of the main ones are cerebral palsy, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injury, gross motor delays, and development delays. Every child is different and can be a possible candidate that can benefit from DMI therapy. What is an example of what DMI therapy may look like for a child? One example could be putting a child in an inverted upside-down position to work on core strength. The brain will automatically want to be upright when in an inverted position. Putting a baby in that position will force the body to create the desired response to be upright. Another example would be an exercise focusing on walking and stepping up on a surface. The thigh would be supported as the child tries to step up onto a box. DMI support goes from proximal to distal. As the therapy progresses, the support will go from the hips to the thigh to the ankles. What can a parent do at home to help their child strengthen and build gross motor skills? Parents can take their children to the playground and practice going up steps without holding onto the railing. With a baby sitting on the lap, lean him/her backward, and give the baby a chance to try and sit up to build belly muscles that work out core strength. When laying down, aid the baby with holding him/herself up with his/her arms and exercises on the knees. A website Becca refers her clients to is pathways.org as a reference to what to expect maybe their child to be doing at certain ages. Recap: - Work on core strength - Encourage play in various positions - Physical play with toddlers and slightly older children Resources: Instagram: @breakthrough_therapy_dmi Article Reference Research reference: Hedgecock, J. B., Dannemiller, L. A., Shui, A. M., Rapport, M. J., & Katz, T. (2018). Associations of Gross Motor Delay, Behavior, and Quality of Life in Young Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder. Physical therapy, 98(4), 251–259. Subscribe Now & Leave a Review , ,, & Visit our Website Follow Us: /episode/index/show/theautismfamilytoolkit/id/25102005

21 Echolalia & Speech Development 11/30/2022

21 Echolalia & Speech Development Guest: Jodi Thomas is a language pathologist and owner of Growing Voices Speech and Language Therapy based in East Valley Phoenix, AZ. Jodi Thomas has training in autism and gestalt language processing and opened her private practice to give children the 1 on 1 attention they deserve. Interview: There are two ways children develop language: analytical and gestalt. Children with autism often develop language using gestalt, and that requires using a different framework for evaluations and treatment to adequately meet their needs. Gestalt means whole. One key factor that is focused on with gestalt is echolalia. Echolalia is the repetition of another person’s spoken word. Different Types of Echolalia There are three types of echolalia. The first type is immediate echolalia. With immediate echolalia the child will simply follow another person’s speech. The second type is delayed echolalia. This type of echolalia tends to happen at a later time and can be produced with no communicative intent. This manner in a way a child communicates is called scripting. This means that the child is repeating words or phrases they’re heard from a parent or tv show. The last type is mitigated echolalia. This is where the child will make a change in wording or intonation made by the person that is speaking to him or her. These different types of echolalia are important to appropriately use gestalt language processing to treat a child. Different Stages of Gestalt Language Processing Children who develop a gestalt way of language development learn communication phrases in chunks. In stage 1, a child will start by simply mimicking phrases they hear. During this stage, they will repetitively use the phrases they have acquired and will even attempt to copy the tone of voice the original speaker has. In stage 2, a child will start to break down the chunks of phrases they’ve stored. A child will begin pairing those phrases together and even start to pair them with new words. Oftentimes they will also start to mix and match different echolalia with their phrases. When a child reaches stage 3, they will use two-word combinations with singular words. This can appear like a backslide in their language because the utterances of phrases can become shorter. During stages 4, 5, and 6, a child can self-generate sentences, learn grammar, and begin to answer questions. During all the stages, it’s important to validate your child’s communication and help them model new phrases to build their gestalt up. During all stages, try not to ask too many questions as it may overwhelm and frustrate your child. Ways to Model New Gestalt Phrases A child first needs to learn new phrases that can be broken down when he/she reaches stage 2. Some common mitigated phrases that can help a child do this begin with the words let’s, it’s, and I’m. Judy Thomas has noticed that many speech therapists try to use phrases that begin with “I want,” and this phrase can cause a child to get stuck in their development. The goal is for a child to create spontaneous utterances and not just memorize phrases. The best time to help a child model new phrases is during natural child child-led play. Recap: Don’t ignore your child’s echolalia. This is an important part of how your child communicates by learning the meaning behind your child’s use of phrases will help move development along. Model back-and-forth phrases through natural play to make learning fun for your child. Remember not to ask too many questions that may frustrate your child and cause him/her to shut down. Walk through the steps of the gestalt learning process appropriately with the help of a speech therapist. Resources: Subscribe Now & Leave a Review ,,, & Visit our Website Follow Us: /episode/index/show/theautismfamilytoolkit/id/25101918

20 What to do about delayed speech development 10/25/2022

20 What to do about delayed speech development Guest: Lenora Edwards is a Speech Language Pathologist for BetterSpeech.com. Along with over 150 other licensed therapists with an average of 10 years of experience, BetterSpeech.com is a nationwide online platform. They offer a free consultation on how they might help you or your loved one with appointments that include evenings and weekends. With varying prices to suit your needs, they even offer itemized bills to submit for reimbursement for those with qualifying insurance. Interview: In today’s episode, we’re going to learn some of the red flags that your child might be exhibiting when it comes to speech and communication delays, and when to consult a speech therapist. What are some red flags to look out for, and when is it appropriate to get a speech evaluation? During the early developmental stages children first experience receptive language, such as when you tell your child you’re going to pick him/her up. During this time children are learning the tones in our voice, and begin to learn what things mean. Children begin to understand language before they gain the ability to express it. Some things to look out for are how your child responds to the information you are giving. When you call your child’s name does he/she respond? Does he/she look at your face? Does your child follow the directions you are giving? Does the response you’re getting show that your child understands what you are saying? If you have any cause for concern in delays of speech and communication it is in your best interest to consult a speech therapist. Would you say that if there is a lack of receptive communication that would be a good time to get a consultation? Absolutely!! Some red flags to notice are lack of eye contact, not working to engage attention, or not following simple directions like come here. When you model what you’re asking your child can he/she model after you? Remember to keep talking to your child, and give your child the opportunity to communicate with you. Take your time, be patient, repeat what you want your child to do, and allow time for your child to process what you’re asking. What are some of the signs of concern when it comes to expressive language? For children in the younger stages babbling is a form of communication, as they grow older children then string together a series of consonants and vowels. If your child is only speaking in vowels or using a repetitive word that may be a red flag and need for a consultation. When you speak to your child make sure he/she can see your face to model after you, but if your child isn’t making eye contact or engaging with you when you are speaking that could be a sign of concern. What are some strategies parents can do at home? Offer opportunities for your child to communicate with you Playing developmental games Recap: When it comes to speech and communication development children learn to express themselves by learning from us. Keep talking to your child, and make sure what you're saying is digestible and not too much all at once. When in doubt, reach out BetterSpeech Resources: Website: Facebook: TikTok: N/A Instagram: Linked In: YouTube: Subscribe Now & Leave a Review ,,, & Visit our Website Follow Us: /episode/index/show/theautismfamilytoolkit/id/24799452

19 4-Phase Sensory Regulation Strategy 07/21/2022

19 4-Phase Sensory Regulation Strategy Guest:Janis Leinfuss, Amanda Newchok, and Erin O’Hara are the creators/authors of the Ready to Learn and Play framework. All are practicing pediatric occupational therapists each with over 20 years of experience. Interview:Ready to Learn and Play (RtLP) is teaching the “why” behind sensory regulation. TheRtLP framework solidifies sensory regulation-learned concepts through the meaningful understanding of WHY child-specific sensory-based interventions are beneficial, and HOW to choose effective sensory strategies based on exhibited sensory clues. Why was the program created and how was it developed?While doing group treatment sessions with students who had been receiving sensory based interventions for years, there was a realization that the students had no ownership of their treatment or have the ability to help create effective therapy plans. It took years of planning, creating, and gathering evidence to support the RtLP framework. As part of Janis’ doctoral research, a pilot study was conducted. A second follow up study was conducted with a larger sample size, as well as a third study that was done completely virtual due to the pandemic. This allowed the framework to be proven that it can be conducted in person as well as virtual to suit individuals needs. While conducting the three studies there was a large improvement in occupational performance. A scope was done for pre and post testing analysis to show occupational performance improvements in day to day activities involving components that were motor based, social and emotional. What are the 4 phases of the framework? Phase I is Sensory Experience:For the first phase students are exposed to various sensory strategies and techniques that teach them the multiple ways we can get sensory input. The students get to learn about the different sensory systems and how it affects them. The students categorize different sensory activities by pairing flash cards and visual supports. This is a neuro-educational step that involves an organizational memory strategy that improves memory recall. Phase II is Sensory Choices:In this phase the students learn about the combination of sensory strategies that can be used to best suit processing needs. The main focus of this phase is to teach the student about sensory regulation, such as when you might need to stimulate or repress different sensory systems. Some sensory behaviors are referred to as scattered actions, so in this phase the students are taught that these behaviors are clues to identifying sensory needs. The students are coached on how to connect the scattered action and the sensory category. This phase is all about empowering ownership of self regulating by allowing the students to customize and create sensory strategies that will work best for them as an individual. A unique aspect of this framework is that you get to reshape the negative context of sensory dysfunction and behaviors, and turn it into a positive tool that helps individuals become better informed when making decisions about their sensory needs. Students get to learn more about themselves to better understand and assign the reasons behind their sensory behaviors. This turns a complex concept into a simple understanding. Phase III is Generalization:This is the phase where students begin to practice the skills they’ve learned in various environments, and with various people. Throughout this phase students gain a better understanding that not at all strategies, techniques and supports can be used for all contexts. The practice of generalizing the knowledge they’ve learned about regulation supports from the previous phases helps the students to further maintain and recall sensory regulatory concepts long term. The main focus of phase III is to reflect on what they’ve learned so far about their options to support their regulation needs whether they are in the classroom, with their family or out in the community. Phase IV is Application:The final phase of the RtLP framework is to apply everything they’ve learned ongoing in every aspect of their daily lives. Supports are individualized to each student’s needs. The goal of this phase is to create a sensory lifestyle to maximize participation and performance. Throughout this framework a student and their educator gain an understanding of personal sensory needs to create unique strategies that are impactful to regulation. Sensory processing disorders can get in the way of fully engaging in one’s environment, so caregiver coaching is a very big element. While trying to achieve the right level of internal balance, this long standing phase may increase the students' readiness to learn and ability to more effectively access their educational programs in order to improve occupational performance. Example of how someone may implement this plan: In Phase I a child is learning about their sensory experiences and strategies to manage their needs. In Phase II a child might be exhibiting sensory clues by squinting his or her eyes as well as tensing their muscles. With coaching the child and caregiver can connect the scattered action to the system of eyes and pressure. Reflecting on the categories of eyes and pressures, a strategy or support can be chosen. That could mean wearing sunglasses and squeezing a stress ball. An example of Phase III would be looking at pressure-based options across environments. A big, bear hug might be acceptable with a trusted family member, but not so much as a young adult in a work environment. Phase IV is about maintaining a sensory lifestyle How can the guest be contacted about starting the RtLP framework? If your child is seeing an OT, talk to your child’s occupational therapist about seeking outmore information in regards to the Ready to Learn and Play framework. Parents can also contact us directly to compliment what they or their therapists are already doing. Ready to Lean and Play offers professional training as well as parent and school based training. Recap:The ready to learn and play sensory regulation Framework was created by Janis Leinfuss, Amanda Newchok, and Erin O’Hara. It was created to empower caregivers and kids to better understand sensory processing needs and be able to develop strategies to help kids self-regulate in various contexts. The framework has 4 phases. Sensory experience, sensory choices, generalization, and application. Phase I: Sensory Experience involves exploring various sensory inputs and learning to categorize those sensory experiences and learning sensory regulation strategies. Phase II: Sensory choices involve using behaviors (scattered actions) as clues to understand what sensory needs there may be and empower the child to use the learned strategies to be able to self-regulate. Phase III: Generalization involves applying sensory regulation strategies to various contexts and environments. Phase IV: Application involves providing ongoing supports to create a “sensory lifestyle” Resources: Ready to Learn and Play contact info: Facebook @Ready to learn and play Website: Email: Phone: 201-563-2773 Subscribe Now & Leave a Review ,,, & Visit our Website Follow Us: /episode/index/show/theautismfamilytoolkit/id/23813021

18 Free tools to support your family 06/08/2022

18 Free tools to support your family Guest: Michele Thorne Interview Parents and caregivers of children with autism often feel overwhelmed. They can feel uncertain on where or how to learn about ways of taking care of their own needs, as well as absorbing all the knowledge they can obtain to create strong, healthy, and empowered lifestyles for their families. Michelle Thorne is a mother of two children. She is the Founder and Executive Director of Care 4 the Caregivers that is based out of Arizona. Michelle was living a planned life that was taken off course when her children were diagnosed with autism. She fell into a deep depression that led to the question of why there was no organization dedicated to the needs of supporting parents and caregivers in her new community. In her opinion, the disability community as a whole is sorely overlooked, so she set out to create an organization that provides support and access to resources available to the public. What sort of resources does Care 4 the Caregivers offer? Educational webinars of various topics 21 day fitness programs that can be done at home Guided meditation Roadmaps that are step by step guides to navigate systems of care Parent Empowerment course: Stepping Stones Triple P How does a family access the Stepping Stones Triple P program? Through grants the program is taught all online through the Care 4 the Caregivers website. Families from other states may access the program as well. They are currently offering free life coaching for caregivers. Partnered with the Arizona Caregiver Coalition, there are also free health and wellness coaches for the caregiving community. Are all the services free to parents? Yes!!! The goal is to provide completely free services and resources to the community. There are also some free events for the caregiver to attend and enjoy. Visual supports for families On the Care 4 the Caregivers website you can go to the resource by topic section to find visual supports without having to jump through hoops. Through the work of an Arizonan illustrator you can find free visual support on techniques like getting dressed or hand washing. Take away message from guest The beginning years are difficult, but you’re not alone. There is a community of men and women that can be huge levers of support. Find your Tribe!!! Recap Michelle faced struggles understanding the system, and how to raise her children with limited resources Michelle created Care 4 the Caregivers for those who are going through similar struggles Care 4 the Caregivers provides a variety of free resources Michelle encourages finding a support system that can become your tribe Resources: Care4thecaregivers.org Subscribe Now & Leave a Review , , , & Visit our Website Follow Us: /episode/index/show/theautismfamilytoolkit/id/23361518

17 Strategies to communicate & connect with you non-speaking child 05/24/2022

17 Strategies to communicate & connect with you non-speaking child Guest Speaker Crestina Yaiva is a mother of twins. She and her husband have one child who has been diagnosed with autism, and struggles with communication. She shares her story, and how she learned to overcome obstacles of communicating with her non-speaking child. What were Crestina’s first thoughts and feelings when she learned her son was autistic? Around three years old Crestina noticed that Franco had some speech delays, and wouldn’t talk as much as his brother Vincent. When he was officially diagnosed around the age of four, Crestina felt somewhat relieved to have a place to start understanding her child better. However, she was also very overwhelmed by all the information and such that was being given to her. The first thing she did was join every Facebook group she could find from local to national. Her focus/goal was to learn how to better handle her son’s diagnosis. After some research, what did Crestina do to solidify her next moves? Once Franco completed testing, he was set up with a developmental pediatrician. Crestina was given a research book to help guide her on this new journey with her child. Crestina jumped into action setting Franco up with speech therapy, occupational therapy, and any other type of therapy that would aid in her son’s development. From there, she searched the internet for any reading material to further her knowledge. There were a couple books that proved to be very resourceful to her and her husband. Crestina found the book The Reason I Jump by Naoki Higashida to be her favorite. It truly helped her understand some of her son’s behavior, such as the random breakdowns and sensory overloads her son went through without her knowing the cause. She realized in her son’s mind time is not linear, and that changed her perspective for the better. As for her husband, the book Not My Boy by Kelly Simmons caused him to find a way to better cope with his son’s diagnosis and build a stronger relationship with him. What are some learning points that helped Crestina to connect more with her child from a non-speaking perspective? As a mother Crestina has the natural ability to anticipate her children’s wants and needs before they could even try to tell her. Crestina had to learn to take a step back, and create more opportunities for her son’s to find ways to express themselves without her doing it for them. This would help them to expand their communication skills. What are some examples of how Crestina created opportunities for her children to learn to communicate on their own? Crestina did her best to keep everything in sight, but out of reach. This included anything from toys to snacks. Her husband even built shelves to help as well. Through trial and error they began to find ways for their children to use different methods of body language and such to communicate their needs. What is the advice Crestina would give to other parents with non-speaking children? The biggest thing is to have patience. Children will not always communicate the way we may expect them too. Remaining open, receptive, and acknowledging of your child’s style of communication you can provide a sense of comfort and reassurance they will need. Recap: Seek the guidance and aid of a developmental pediatrician. Understand your child’s perspective, and find ways to connect Anticipate behaviors and communication, but find ways to create learning opportunities for your child to communicate. Resources: Recommended articles related to non-verbal communication Subscribe Now & Leave a Review , , , & Visit our Website Follow Us: /episode/index/show/theautismfamilytoolkit/id/23209391

16 Strategies to Make Travel Plans Manageable For Your Child 05/03/2022

16 Strategies to Make Travel Plans Manageable For Your Child Guest Intro: Dawn M. Barclay is an award-winning author with over 30 years of experience in her career of learning and sharing the different aspects of travel. After graduating from Tufts University with degrees in psychology and marketing, she began working as an agent at her parents’ firms, Barclay Travel Ltd and Barclay International Group Short-Term Apartment Rentals. From there she moved on to the business of travel trade reporting. She held the titles of senior or contributing author for Travel Agent Magazine, Travel Life, Travel market report, and most recently Insider Travel Report. Dawn is a mother of two residing in Hudson Valley, NY. She writes fiction under the alias of D.M. Barr while maintaining leadership roles in several writer organizations. Her new book Traveling Different is available now to preorder in hardcover form or as an audiobook. Interview: As far as travel is concerned, what is the biggest concern among families? Families with special needs are often nervous about the sensory issues they will encounter, the meltdowns that may occur as a result, and how those around them might perceive the situation. In a study by the IBCCES (International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards), out of 1,000 parents with special needs children interviewed 87 percent of them choose not to travel. From that group 93 percent would travel if they knew where to go or what to do. What inspired Dawn to write her book Traveling Different? In the early 2000s Dawn looked for a book that could help guide her, but was unsuccessful. In 2008 she started interviewing for the book she has now written. She spoke with autism and ADHD professionals until she hit a wall. When she discovered the IBCCES group a program they created helped navigate her way to writing her book. Due to the covid pandemic she utilized her time to conduct research and a series of interviews for which the book is based on. Recap: 1- Preparation: Children with sensory issues need a sense of predictability. Give your child a start to finish preview from the trip. This can be done in a few different ways. Think through from beginning to end Preview it for predictability Social stories, videos, experiences (house or friend) 2- Make the trip “child-centric'': Plan a trip around their needs and interests. Plan the trip around their needs Pace activities during the trip Cater to their special interests 3- You have resources: There are several hotels, airlines, and travel sites that have labeled themselves as autistic friendly or certified autism centers that have devoted their time in training individuals to handle those who have special needs. Her book lists phone numbers and URL’s for many places Museums, parks may have special travel related events and activities that’s Autism friendly. Her website is constantly being updated Resources: Autistic Family Travel Resources in Arizona https://www.visitmesa.com/autism-travel/ https://arcarizona.org/what-we-do/wings-for-autism/ https://www.azcentral.com/story/entertainment/events/2020/04/09/autism-friendly-places-phoenix-pal-experiences-diamondbacks-suns-mercury-restaurants-museums/5006120002/ https://www.belikebuddy.com/arizona Subscribe Now & Leave a Review , ,, & Visit our Website Follow Us: /episode/index/show/theautismfamilytoolkit/id/22997123

15 How To Manage Your Child’s Sensory Needs 04/18/2022

15 How To Manage Your Child’s Sensory Needs Guest Introduction: Catie Sondrol is an occupational therapist and co-owner of Milemarkes therapy who has served many families throughout the Mohave Valley county in Arizona for the past 18 years. They provide occupational therapy, speech therapy, physical therapy, music therapy, habilitation, and adult day programs and work service programs. She has completed mentorship training with the STARS Institute and Avanti Therapeutic Projects. Interview from the dialogue: How would you in your own words describe sensory difficulties for the client’s you have seen in your past? Confusion, disorganization, or chaos of inputs to the body. When the brain is connecting the dots, the 8 senses afford a clear understanding of what’s happening both inside and outside of the body. But when the mangled messages become impairing or overwhelming it can lead to a variety of defensive behaviors. Do only children on the spectrum experience sensory issues? No, sensory doesn’t discriminate. Oftentimes there is a comorbidity. Sometimes there isn’t. What may sensory processing difficulties look like? Avoiding or shutting down, fleeing or escaping, or anger and fighting. When the body becomes overwhelmed by an input or is confused by how to process the input these external “behaviors” are what we often see. Routine and structure become input in the person’s life so that they can structure their environment to minimize the likelihood of experiencing the noxious sensory event. What are the various sensory (senses) that individuals may have trouble with? We all learn about our 5 senses in school. So of course those are senses we can have trouble with. But in OT school we learn about 3 other senses. Interoceptive, vestibular, and proprioceptive. Is my child hyposensitive or hypersensitive? We need to be careful with over all classifications or generalizations. Individuals are often a mixed back of this and it is specific to the sensory system. Example I might be hypersensitive to vestibular input meaning I don’t like to swing and feel like I am going to throw up, but I might be hyposensitive to touch which means I seek a lot of touch and deep pressure. We are talking about implementation of a sensory diet. You like to call it a sensory lifestyle. Can you elaborate more on that? A diet is a planned and scheduled activity program designed to meet a child’s individual sensory needs. A diet is something you discontinue. A lifestyle is something you maintain over a lifespan. Our sensory systems evolve and change as we grow, mature, have different environmental demands, etc. so it is only natural that your sensory supports need to grow and change too. Sensations are like “food” for our nervous system. Without a good supply and wide range of sensations the nervous system cannot develop to it’s maximum potential. Look at your own sensory lifestyle: when you are stressed do you chew gum, smoke, go for a run, punch a punching bag….. How do you implement a sensory lifestyle? Remember it is individualized! Sensory experiences should be part of everyone’s day, every day. Play is an essential part of a child’s development and is enriched with lots of sensory experiences. You need to consider the “why” or what the person is trying to get from the current sensory inputs in their day. Need to consider the frequency….how often should they get input Consider the duration….when they get it for how long do they need it Consider the intensity….how much of it should they get…what is the impact…the bang for your buck! *Remember if there is a sensory “behavior” you are trying to eliminate you can’t take away because it has a purpose (example chewing on a shirt)….you have to know the “why” and then find a socially appropriate replacement that will meet or exceed the threshold the body is receiving from it. ***It should leave a child feeling organized, good, and grounded. Doesn’t always have to purchased equipment….get creative with play.---making a fort, ninja warrior Sensory “smart” home: quiet spaces, reducing visual clutter Pressure garments Fidget toys Weighted blankets or vests Chewable “jewelry” Colored lenses Noise reducing headphones Music Bouncy or moving chairs Swing Dream pad Lycra bed sheets Recap: Sensory processing is: How we take in, understand and organize the sensory input we receive in our world. Sensory processing difficulties happen when a person is not effectively processing the sensory input they are receiving. This can present as behaviors in an attempt to manage the input. The 8 senses that can be impacted by sensory processing difficulties are: Touch Smell Taste Vision hearing Vestibular inner ear where we are at and orientated Interoception internal environment sleepy hungry Proprioception pressure joints movements When implementing a sensory lifestyle remember: Your child may need a lot of input from one sense and little or less input from another sensation. Consider frequency, intensity, and duration of the sensory activity Continue to make adjustments as our sensory needs may change day to day and overtime. Resources: To learn more about Milemarker’s therapy in Arizona or to reach out to Catie directly for more resources visit: https://www.milemarkers.us/ Subscribe Now & Leave a Review , , , & Visit our Website Follow Us: /episode/index/show/theautismfamilytoolkit/id/22832138

14 How to manage the emotions of the siblings of an autistic child 04/06/2022

14 How to manage the emotions of the siblings of an autistic child As an occupational therapist, I'm often dealing with or having interactions with the siblings of the clients I work with during therapy especially if they are younger in age. I regularly see how excited siblings get when it's time for therapy and their desire to want to participate as well. Unfortunately, the siblings of the children I work with aren’t always able to participate and this can lead to confusion, frustration, and feeling left out. And this isn’t just limited to just my therapy sessions. These misunderstandings can carry over into doctor appointments, school, and community settings. I’m going to address some commonly reported emotions that siblings of special needs children have and provide you strategies for you to address these feelings. 3 commonly, reported emotions expressed by siblings of special needs children are feeling left out, having to do too much, and inability to express their feelings. Feeling isolated or left out: Siblings of special needs children want to participate and be included in all the fun happenings for the family. Don’t we all? This desire to be included is multiplied when their sibling has “fun” therapists who bring fun activities for their sister and brother each week. It’s not just therapies at home. If your child has any specialty appointments outside of the home it can feel like they are missing out on a lot of fun from the outside looking in. Action Plan: Schedule 1 on 1 time with each child Find a time during the week with 1 on 1 time with your child providing undivided attention Allow your child to express themselves Allow your child to lead the conversation Make it about them and not the other sibling This time could be as short as 10 minutes the important thing is the intention and taking the time to create this space. Communicate with your child Communicate with your child about an perceived disparities Explain at an age appropriate level what therapies are for Begin to explain Autism and how their sibling may need some extra support as we all need various levels supports throughout different phases of our lives. Find ways to make sure all your children feel loved Explore family activities where everyone can be involved. Have each child be able to participate at a level that is appropriate for them. Feeling like they are asked to do too much/burnout Siblings often take on caretaker or protector roles of their siblings especially if they are older. Some of these role may be requested by you and others the sibling may feel like its their duty. Once common example is if both children go to school together. Your neurotypical child may see their sibling struggling at school physically, emotionally, or socially and they may feel like they got to protect them from other students or from getting hurt. At home, it’s common for parent’s to feel overwhelmed and ask their child for help. This is not wrong and expected in certain cultures. This can cause frustration and burnout though if these extra tasks become expected or if your neurotypical child has begun to take on a caretaking role for their sibling. This could easily feel unfair and unjust and lead to your child feeling like they can be a kid. Action Plan: Clarify responsibilities If you notice your child is doing more than what is required make sure to clarify what is a child’s responsibility and what is the parent’s responsibility. Express appreciation Make sure to provide verbal appreciation for the way your kids contribute around the house Self-Check Check-in to see if what you are asking of them is fair Every families values and customs are different Does all your children have the opportunity to explore, learn, and be a kid? Maybe consider ways of possibly expanding your support group if you are feeling overwhelmed. Feeling like they can’t express their feelings along with confusion, guilt, or embarrassment. As siblings continue to get older and begin to notice more differences in their siblings behaviors compared to their peers they may feel confused, embarrassed, and that they don’t have space to express themselves. When there isn’t communication and discussion related to the differences between your neurodiverse child and neurotypical child then your neurodiverse child’s behaviors or diagnosis could be perceived as a secret. With this in mind they may also feel like their needs are lesser and that they may not have the right to be “needy”. Also if there is a lack of communication they may not feel like they have the space to express themselves and their frustrations in a healthy manner. Action Plan: Communicate Teach them about autism at an age appropriate level Stemming Social skills Revisit top from time to time. Allow space to express their honest feelings without judgment and encourage honest communication Consider a counselor and/or support groups If any of your children are showing any distress or struggling consider consulting a mental health counselor. They can help your child express and understand their emotions that can feeling confusing and frustrating. Look for support groups: In Arizona, there is a support group for siblings of children with special needs called Sibshop and it is hosted by Arizona Autism United. These are 1 hour meetings where children ages 7-14 can connect, relate, and talk about their emotions. Currently these meetings are virtual but should return to in-person sessions eventually. Recap: Siblings of special needs children may feel a variety of emotions due to the complex family landscape. Common emotions/feelings include: 1. Feeling left out, Asked to do too much, and inability to express themselves. Feeling Isolated or left out Schedule 1 on 1 time Child led About them Communicate with child Talk about Autism Let them know why there are differences at home Find ways to make sure all your children feel loved Family group activities Asked to do too much Clarify what's their responsibility and what’s parents. Words of appreciation go a long way when your children are contributing and helping out. Check in with self to see if what you are asking is fair Unable to express self, confusion, guilt embarrassment Communicate, Communicate, Communicate Teach the siblings about Autism Provide spaces for open communication Consider counseling or support groups like sibshop Resources: Sibshops https://azaunited.org/services/sibshops Arizona Autism United hosts Sibshops which is held on the first Saturday of each month for neurotypical siblings of children with any type of special need. Siblings must be between the ages of 7 to 14 to participate. Registration is required and your first session is free! Right now sibshop free and is 1 hour and via zoom until they return back to in-person. Washington Post Article: 8 things siblings of children with special needs struggle with https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/parenting/wp/2016/12/20/8-things-siblings-of-children-with-special-needs-struggle-with/ Subscribe Now & Leave a Review , , , & Visit our Website Follow Us: /episode/index/show/theautismfamilytoolkit/id/22707290

13 Are You Missing Out On Resources That Can Help Your Family? 03/23/2022

13 Are You Missing Out On Resources That Can Help Your Family? Guest: Christina Broderick Christina’s Story: Christina Broderick is a mother of 2 special needs children with Autism. Her oldest son has a rare disorder called Phenylketonuria (PKU). Phenylketonuria is a rare disorder where individuals cannot break down the amino acid that make up proteins in our food. As a result, the amino acid Phenylalanine builds up in their blood or brain and can lead to brain damage if accommodations aren’t made. Her son was the first PKU diagnosis in over 30 years in her town of Lake Havasu City, Arizona. As a result, resources were limited. In 2010, Christina as a 19-year-old mother struggled to find a formula that was safe to feed her son. The formula she eventually found was very expensive! Christina also didn’t have a PKU specialist in her town, so she had to travel frequently typically 3.5-hour drives to Phoenix, AZ to see a specialist and get resources suitable for her son to include testing kits. For awhile all her son could eat was Rice Cereal. Christina was contacted by a representative of NORD (National Organization or Rare Disorders). NORD is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) provides assistance programs to help patients obtain lifesaving or life sustaining medication they could not otherwise afford. These programs provide medication, financial assistance with insurance premiums and co-pays, diagnostic testing assistance, and travel assistance for clinical trials or consultation with disease specialists. NORD helped Christina with resources a variety of resources to include food, gas reimbursement, medications, and funding. NORD also introduced her the company CAMBROOKE, which provides nutrition for those with serious medical disorders like PKU. When Christina’s son turned 6. NORD also introduced Christina to a new medication from Biomarin that was initially introduced for diabetic persons. The manufactures believed that this drug would be effective for individuals with PKU and began a study which included Christina’s son. The medication Kuvan made by BIOMARIN ended up being effective for her son. NORD’s pay for all her son’s PKU medications. Christina reports that NORD will provide support for undiagnosed individuals as well. Recap: If you have a child with a rare disorder like PKU, reach out to NORD. NORD provides education support programs, funding, and resources for individuals with rare disorders. Cambrooke provides low protein foods for individuals with PKU BIOMARIN provides medication for individuals with PKU. Regardless of your child’s diagnosis, you can become your child’s number 1 advocate by reaching out to see what resources may be available out there that will help your family through tough times. Christina works at RISE Services, Inc. Rise Services Inc. provides services that support children, adults, and families throughout Arizona, Utah, Oregon, Texas, and Idaho. NORD NORD Mission Statement: NORD, a 501(c)(3) organization, is a patient advocacy organization dedicated to individuals with rare diseases and the organizations that serve them. NORD, along with its more than 300 patient organization members, is committed to the identification, treatment, and cure of rare disorders through programs of education, advocacy, research, and patient services. CAMBROOKE Ajinomoto Cambrooke (formerly Cambrooke Therapeutics an expansion of Cambrooke Foods) was founded in 2000 by Lynn and David Paolella, the parents of two children diagnosed with a rare disease called phenylketonuria (PKU). PKU is one of the few genetic diseases, which is managed almost entirely with nutritional intervention. The Paolellas’ goal in forming Cambrooke was simple - to develop improved nutritional therapeutic options for those with serious medical disorders. BIOMARIN Kuvan® (sapropterin dihydrochloride) Tablets and Powder for Oral Solution is the first FDA-approved medication for phenylketonuria (PKU). Kuvan is a form of BH4, the cofactor of the PAH enzyme, which helps the enzyme break down Phe. Kuvan is to be used in conjunction with a Phe-restricted diet. Subscribe Now & Leave a Review , , , & Visit our Website Follow Us: /episode/index/show/theautismfamilytoolkit/id/22541129

12 This skill could be contributing to your child's lack of impulse control 03/08/2022

12 This skill could be contributing to your child's lack of impulse control Guest: Abigail Wool-Biringer. Abigail is an occupational therapist and specialist in executive functioning skills as they relate to ASD, ADHD and more. Background: Even with structure and support your child still may be exhibiting behaviors that may be tied to executive functioning development. What is executive Functioning? Executive functioning skills are a set of cognitive skills that basically function as the boss of the rest of the brain. They help plan, organize and delegate. They inhibit impulsivity and emotional responses. They keep track of time and problem solve when things are not going well. They allow us to learn from past mistakes and adjust behavior for the future. What might executive functioning difficulties look like? They show up in so many ways. Difficulty starting a task that is boring, repetitive or too challenging - so like homework, chores, getting off of something super fun like electronics and into a bedtime routine. They also might show up in ways like difficulty engaging at school, being flexible with the unexpected changes in routine, staying regulated when upset or frustrated, and so many more ways. If I’m a parent what would be some signs? The signs are all behavioral. Your child is DOING something that is causing difficulties at home, school, or the community. You can look to executive functioning to see if that could be a potential cause. If a parent suspects their child is having executive functioning difficulties what should they do? The first change should be to change your mindset. Dr. Ross Greene calls this a lens change. When you view your child as struggling with the EF skills, you can soften your approach. You can understand that these are skill deficits and not something that they are willfully doing in order to make parents or school staff life hard. So the first step is recognition. The next step is to problem solve and figure out what is hard for them and how can you help support them while they build those skills. What is a tool or activity/s that can promote executive functioning skills? Allowing your child to TRY when it comes to things like impulse control, flexibility, time management, organization, planning and more. Give them opportunities to problem solve and figure out what works for them while at the same time not allowing them to get so frustrated and overwhelmed that they never want to do it again if they experience failure. These skills take 20+ years to develop! Recap Executive Functioning is: A group of cognitive skills that are not fully developed until after age 20 but include all of the “boss” functions of the brain like planning, organizing, managing time, finishing a task and putting off more preferred activities while maintaining emotional regulation Signs of Executive Functioning difficulties could look like: Difficulty with any daily task or routine Big emotional responses to what may seem to others to be less of a big deal Difficulty shifting perspective or plan when something is not going as expected Academic, Home, or Community struggles that show up in a pattern of “behaviors” If you think your child may have executive functioning difficulties you can: (today’s tool) Shift your perspective to understand that they are struggling with a skill set first and not being purposefully bad Seek help and resources to guide your child to strengthen the EF skills that they need help with How can they reach you for more questions? Kids Empowered 4 Life Abigail currently has an online program about executive functioning skills. She also does one on one assessment and coaching/sessions, group coaching for teens online, parent coaching and is developing a series of workshops for parents. She has created a FB support group - Arizona + ADHD parent support. She is a tireless advocate for problem solving WITH your child and moving away from rewards and punishments b/c those do not build skills. Subscribe Now & Leave a Review , , , & Visit our Website Follow Us: /episode/index/show/theautismfamilytoolkit/id/22374974

11 How To Respond To Your Child's Meltdown Behaviors 02/08/2022

11 How To Respond To Your Child's Meltdown Behaviors Episode 10 discussed the importance of establishing safety and consistency, through the use of schedules and routines. When responding to behaviors, we want to continue to have compassion and stay consistent with how we respond to our child’s meltdowns. I want to remind you that all behaviors are a form of communication. Kids learn new behaviors from what they see and what has been modeled. Unfortunately, certain behaviors can be maladaptive and inappropriate so it’s on us to teach our children how to more effectively respond and communicate with others. To address behaviors and meltdowns, you need to: determine the cause of the behavior remain calm teach new behavior responses Determine Cause of Behavior One of the best ways to determine the cause of a behavior, is to ask your child with genuine curiosity. Be aware of your tone and body language Use a tone is calm, slower, and safe. If your kids feel safe they are more likely to open up and communicate. If you are loud and frantic your child is going to respond more erratically. By having control over our tone we are not only controlling the mood of the conversation and also modeling a positive behavioral response. Even if your child has limited communication skills, it's still important to remain calm when communicating with our children. You also want to take the opportunity to ask your children about their behaviors because it makes them feel heard and seen, it also gives them an opportunity to actually reflect on why they responded the way they did. Oftentimes your child may not know but that is ok. Your child is learning to reflect and learn about themselves. If your child is unable to express what led to their actions then you get to use your investigation skills. Investigate your child’s regular triggers or any major changes. You know your child the best. This could include things such as: A major routine change Not getting something they wanted or expected An overwhelming sensory experience such as loud noises, getting scared, or falling. Or even things that are happening inside the body such as hunger, a headache, a stomach ache, or getting hurt. It is believed that Autisitic children are more prone to having enteroception difficulties, which is difficulties understanding what is going on inside of their bodies. Often, If you do a little bit of investigating you are able to determine what led to the meltdown. Once you have determined the cause you can respond accordingly. Remain Calm Your initial response plan is to continue to remain as calm as possible especially if it isn't an emergency and make sure your child still feels safe and heard. You want to minimize your words if our child having a meltdown as your child is likely unreceptive to your words at the moment. *Think about times when you are angry and how willing you are to listen to others who are telling you what you should do. Once, your child is in a calm state and receptive to your words. You now have the opportunity to model or teach a more appropriate response. Teach An Appropriate Behavioral Response When teaching an alternate response the focus is to try to reduce shaming by finding a suitable redirection, explanation, and/or providing options or alternatives. It also helps to respond with intrigue, curiosity, and compassion. Here are some examples: Your child is throwing a toy in the house (its possible that your child doesn’t know or understand why we don't throw balls in the house) Wow! You are really good at throwing. What do you think about throwing a ball outside so we dont hurt anyone inside? U know what, how about we play catch or basketball? Your child is hitting the dog Are you ok? It looks like you may be trying to pet the dog. The dog prefers soft, nice hands. Like this. Your child ran outside in the street overwhelmed by the fire alarm that went off. That fire alarm sure was loud huh? You know what I do when I hear loud alarming sounds. I grab my headphones and go into the backyard. The front yard has cars and cars are dangerous Your child is mad because they can’t get on tablet compassion I understand. I want to use the tablet as well. There are so many fun games there! Right now, it is time to eat lunch. How about this: we can do 30 minutes of the tablet after lunch or 30 minutes after the park. Which one do you want to do? Providing options works well because you can set boundaries and parameters while at the same time giving your child a sense of autonomy and choice. In the last example you limited the tablet to 30 minutes but gave your child 2 options of when to play the table. Continue to experiment with options and see how they work for you. Recap The 3 strategies for reacting to meltdowns are Determine the cause of the behavior (remember behavior is communication) Ask your child Investigate the typical triggers Any major changes this week, yesterday, or prior to the behavior Remaining Calm Reduce the urge to yell or react suddenly Keep your tone calm and use minimal words Modeling appropriate behavior when your child is receptive. Guide them towards appropriately asking what they want or need Redirect to a behavior or communication that is more appropriate. Subscribe Now & Leave a Review , , , & Visit our Website Follow Us: /episode/index/show/theautismfamilytoolkit/id/22058474

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