Welcome back to the Autism Family Resource Podcast! In this episode, we spoke with Kari Baker—a local podcaster, author, and an inspiring mom who is navigating life alongside her 13-year-old son, who has both autism and ADHD. Kari shares her journey through powerful stories, lessons, and insights on finding kindness in the everyday moments of parenting and how she has grown through her experiences.

Guest:

Kari Baker’s path took a transformative turn with the birth of her son, Brady, and his autism diagnosis at age three. Driven by a new perspective on success and purpose, Kari shares her family’s journey and founded KIND Families, a resource supporting Kids with Invisible Neurological Differences. She is the author of Finding Kind: Discovering Hope and Purpose while Loving Kids with Invisible Neurological Differences.

Website: https://kariabaker.com/

Social Media: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn

Key Takeaways:

• Grieving the loss of an imagined ideal life is natural, yet there’s a greater reality: your child is perfect just as they are.
• Your child’s challenges are also what make them wonderfully unique—these qualities are gifts to be appreciated.
• Building connections with others on a similar journey is essentia—community matters.
• Your child has a bright future, and early intervention will greatly benefit them, you, and your relationship in the long run.

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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: https://soarautismcenter.com/

Social Media: Facebook, Instagram, YouTube

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: https://soarautismcenter.com/

Social Media: Facebook, Instagram, YouTube

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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: https://www.specialfamilytransitions.com/

Social Media: Facebook, Instagram, YouTube

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: https://youtu.be/wQtGlyZwCUI?si=5emzhpcbkK9yTUwO

· 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:

https://www.specialfamilytransitions.com/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChI4BaUMGf50O2yPE_YnjFA

https://www.facebook.com/specialfamilytransitions

https://www.instagram.com/specialfamilytransitions/

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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: ASD Parenting Journey

About this Episode:

Raising a child with autism comes with unique joys and challenges. One of the biggest hurdles parents face is understanding and supporting their child's mental health. In this episode, we're joined by Mitch Leppicello, a social worker and certified autism specialist, who shares his CALM Compass program—a practical guide to help you connect, communicate, and empower your neurodivergent child.

Bullet Point Recap:

The CALM Compass: Discover the four directions of this innovative program: Connect, Articulate, Lift, and Move. Each direction offers practical strategies to address common mental health challenges in children with autism.

Connect: Learn how to strengthen your relationship with your child and use it as a foundation for support during emotional and behavioral challenges.

Articulate: Understand the importance of clear communication and how to effectively help your child express their feelings and needs.

Lift: Gain insights into how to inspire and motivate your child when feeling down, discouraged, or overwhelmed.

Move: Explore the power of movement and sensory activities in promoting emotional regulation and well-being.

Real-Life Examples: Mitch shares relatable examples and scenarios to illustrate how to apply the CALM Compass strategies in everyday situations.

Call to Action:

Ready to find your way through the mental health maze? Visit ASD Parenting Journey to learn more about Mitch Leppicello and his CALM Compass program. And don't forget to subscribe to The Autism Family Resource Podcast for more valuable resources and support on your parenting journey.

Mitch Leppicello Resources:

ASD Parenting Journey, East Metro Family Counseling

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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:

1. The long-term impact of the lockdown on children's social and emotional skills.

2. The role of Better Speech in providing accessible therapy.

3. Strategies for helping children develop social and communication skills.

4. The importance of exposure to social interactions for language development.

5. Techniques for parents to support their children’s social skills at home.

6. 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: https://www.betterspeech.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yourbetterspeech/

lnstagram: https://www.instagram.com/betterspeech/

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/better-speech/mycompany/

You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/c/BetterSpeechVideo

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In this episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, host Brian Keene engages in a heartfelt conversation with Lynn and Jonathan Greenberg, a mother-son duo, about their personal journey with dyslexia. Jonathan, a college student born with dyslexia, shares the challenges he faced and how he discovered a deep love for writing, reading, and drawing with the support of his mother. Together, they turned obstacles into opportunities, creating the children's book "Robby the Dyslexic Taxi." The book celebrates determination, creativity, and the power of collaboration.

Guests:
Joining us today are Jonathan Greenberg, Author, and Illustrator, born with dyslexia, who found a creative outlet through art and storytelling, and Lynn Greenberg, Author, retired attorney, and devoted mother. Together, they collaborated on "Robby the Dyslexic Taxi And The Airport Adventure," addressing dyslexia and advocating for neurodiversity. Their story highlights resilience and creativity in navigating learning challenges.

Bullet Point Recap:
• Personal journey with dyslexia, challenges faced, and the creation of "Robby the Dyslexic Taxi."
• Jonathan's positive perspective on dyslexia as a superpower.
• The importance of parental support and trusting instincts.
• Description of the book's storyline and characters.
• The role of the Creative Cab Company in fostering a supportive community.
• Plans for a series exploring different learning differences.

Creative Cab Company:
www.creativecabcompany.com

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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 Preventa Wear, LLC, 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 Preventa Wear website, where families can explore the range of products, find resources, and connect with a community that understands their unique experiences

Prevent Aware Resources:

https://preventawear.com/

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Synopsis: In this episode, Brian Keene welcomes Manisha Snoyer, a teacher, tech entrepreneur, and host of the "Teach Your Kids" podcast. 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/

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