Parenting Severe Autism podcast

20/11/2024

It's time for a new episode, and I am requesting your input!

Navigating the intricate world of parenting a child with severe autism can be both challenging and rewarding. As a parent, I've experienced firsthand the profound impact external factors like supermoons can have on his behavior, and the importance of understanding these triggers. Through personal anecdotes, I unveil the struggle of handling well-meaning yet sometimes insensitive comments from family, and how I've empowered Jacob to assert himself in such situations. It's all about finding effective strategies to manage everyday challenges, such as thunderstorms, and teaching our children to navigate through life's unexpected events with strength and confidence.

Engaging with a child who has a deep affinity for media can be a complex endeavor. My journey with Jacob showed me that traditional methods, like cartoon-based social stories, often missed the mark. I share the insights gained from understanding Jacob's unique individuality and the broader implications for educational systems that struggle to accommodate neurodiverse children. We explore the necessity of shifting perspectives to better support these unique minds, while highlighting the humor and lessons learned from Jacob's adventurous spirit, from his innocent "I need sock" incident to his fearless exploration of potentially dangerous situations.

The podcast also touches on the emotional sacrifices and personal dreams often altered when raising a child with severe autism. I invite listeners to reflect on their own narratives, fostering a supportive community where shared stories become a source of solace and mutual strength.

Navigating the intricate world of parenting a child with severe autism can be both challenging and rewarding. As a parent, I've experienced firsthand the profound impact external factors like supermoons can have on his behavior, and the importance...

13/11/2024

New week, New Episode❤️

After years of navigating the unique challenges of raising a child with severe autism, I've amassed a treasure trove of stories and insights that I’m excited to share with you. This episode takes you on a deeply personal journey through my life as...

06/11/2024

Episode 36 just came out!

Imagine finding a hidden gem—a 50-acre sanctuary that promises tranquility and safety for a child with severe autism. That's exactly the unexpected joy we stumbled upon as we embarked on a journey to create a sensory-friendly haven for my son, Jac...

24/10/2024

Latest Episode Here:

What happens when a phone conversation turns into an emotional storm? Join us as we navigate the unpredictable waters of raising a child with severe autism, sharing stories of heartache and hope, laughter and lessons. You'll hear about the time ou...

16/10/2024

I'm back! New Episode and more to come! Thank you for being here.

After a well-needed break, I'm back with the Parenting Severe Autism Podcast to share insights and gratitude with you all. I've got exciting news to kick things off: our podcast has caught the attention of some key players who could really make a difference for families like ours. But life's never straightforward, is it? I also dive into a rather unexpected proposal from a podcast platform manager that stirred up some mixed emotions, opening up conversation about navigating the often-complicated support systems available—or not so available—to families dealing with severe autism.
Balancing a family when one child has severe autism is no easy feat, especially when parenting styles clash. I candidly share the ups and downs of this dynamic, touching on how it affects my relationship with my spouse, who has turned to alcohol as a means of coping. In this episode, I emphasize how important it is to maintain structure and boundaries, both for the well-being of my child and the sanity of our home. My return to managing the household is aimed at restoring peace and stability, offering hope and advice to those in similar situations.
When it comes to healthcare, the struggle is real, and managing my son's medication has been a test of patience and advocacy. This episode sheds light on the inefficiencies of the healthcare system that many of us face, from delays in crucial appointments to educators inadvertently fostering unhealthy habits. Despite these challenges, we hold onto cherished moments—like watching my son’s unique imagination come alive in a backyard wiffle ball game. As we look to the future, planning for our child's well-being remains a priority, even as we dream of a more fulfilling life. Join me as I share experiences both heartwarming and challenging, offering solidarity and encouragement to families just like ours.

After a well-needed break, I'm back with the Parenting Severe Autism Podcast to share insights and gratitude with you all. I've got exciting news to kick things off: our podcast has caught the attention of some key players who could really make a ...

12/05/2024

Happy Mother’s Day to all of you Superheroes ❤️
You are amazing and I love you!

07/04/2024

https://www.buzzsprout.com/1989825/episodes/14840410

As the sun sets on another April, we welcome a time of acceptance that extends far beyond a single month. Imagine shifting this conversation to the heart of summer, when the world is in full bloom, or perhaps as we turn the page to a new school year—moments ripe for the seeds of awareness to take root. Today, I'm going to share a lunar eclipse story, one that unveils the unexpected beauty and chaos of parenting a child with severe autism. It's a tale that might sound familiar to those who walk this path, a narrative that intertwines the challenges of the unexpected with the triumphs of communication breakthroughs.

Parenting a child with severe autism means embracing complexity in every facet of family life. From the mystery of an unusual dark spot to the heartwarming surprise of my son's first full sentences, this episode peels back the curtain on our intricate family dynamic. Hear how the need to collect belongings and a misadventure in the night turn into a moment of pure joy and connection. As I recount how autism has reshaped our routine, including a reduced work schedule to meet home needs, you'll be reminded that sometimes, the messiest moments lead to the greatest leaps forward.

The trek through autism parenting is an uncharted one, filled with day-to-day hurdles and the pivotal moments that test our resolve. Join me as I grapple with the home safety vigilance needed to protect my wandering son, and the delicate dance of balancing his routines with our own self-care, particularly in public spaces like the gym. We're preparing to dive deep into the heartache and hope, acknowledging the solidarity that holds us together. So, I invite you to lean in, share your stories, and find comfort in the shared journey of raising a child with severe autism.

06/04/2024

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13/01/2024

My podcast hosting platform has this new AI generated blog post option! It looks pretty good; I'm gonna drop it here from now on, each time an episode comes out.
(That means a new episode just came out!)

Navigating the complexities of severe autism as a parent or guardian brings a unique set of challenges, ones that often remain unseen by the broader public. These challenges are multifaceted, encompassing legal, emotional, and day-to-day hurdles that test the strength and resilience of those who walk this path. The journey begins with the daunting responsibilities that accompany legal guardianship. For many, this includes the meticulous and recurring process of annual reporting to the court, detailing how the minimal funds provided for their loved one's care are spent. It's a task that, while seemingly simple, adds to the heavy load of caring for an adult with severe autism. It’s a bureaucratic labyrinth that is further complicated by sudden deadline changes, adding to the unpredictability of a life already filled with constant adaptations. Moreover, there's the battle with insurance verifications, a Sisyphean task of proving, over and over, the ongoing needs of their child. Add to this the emotional toll of being placed on waitlists for essential services—lists like the PUNS in Illinois—that represent both a lifeline and a source of frustration due to their long waits and repeated requests for updated information. The personal narrative of a single father reveals another layer of this complex reality. From the moment of diagnosis to the continuous search for suitable educational environments, the process is a relentless test of advocacy and adaptation. Holidays and birthdays, moments typically filled with joy and celebration, become logistical and emotional challenges that are painstakingly navigated to provide a semblance of normalcy. Daily routines, such as bath time, become exercises in patience and innovation, as parents strive for independence for their children against a backdrop of intense needs. It's a silent trial, punctuated by moments of progress that are both cherished and heart-wrenching, as every small step forward is a monumental victory. The stories shared within the community are reminders that while the journey is fraught with hardships, there is a collective strength found in shared experiences. The message is clear: through the unyielding demands and the small, yet significant triumphs, there is a network of support, understanding, and a sense of solidarity. This episode of the Parenting Severe Autism Podcast serves as an open invitation to listen, learn, and connect with others who understand the reality of severe autism. It's a candid exploration of the resilience required to navigate this path, and an affirmation that no one has to walk it alone. By delving into these experiences, we hope to foster a greater understanding and to remind listeners of the importance of community support. Whether you're a parent facing similar challenges, a friend, or simply someone who wishes to gain insight into this aspect of the autism spectrum, this episode is for you. We invite you to join the conversation, share your own stories, and find comfort in the knowledge that your struggles are seen, your efforts are recognized, and your love for your child is the driving force behind every battle fought and every challenge overcome.

13/01/2024

Sharing my personal struggles with a system that often feels impersonal and indifferent to the realities we face.

Every year as I prepare for the daunting task of legal guardianship reporting, I'm reminded of the unique and enduring challenges that come with raising my son, Jacob, who lives with severe autism. This episode peels back the layers of our daily l...

02/12/2023

Welcome, friends, to another episode where we unmask severe autism, one layer at a time. What do you do when your child develops a new tick - like trying to talk with his mouth closed? Well, that's the recent challenge we've been facing with our son. Aside from the obvious communication difficulties this poses, it's also just one of many OCD tendencies he exhibits - tendencies that the medical field often dismisses as mere byproducts of autism. But we're not letting that deter us. It's our hope that, by sharing our experiences and challenges, we can offer a beacon of support and help to others on this journey.

As we navigate our way through this maze of parenting a child with severe autism, we've come to realize how important it is to question behaviors. Is it medical? Is it a side effect of medication? Or is it just a coping mechanism? This episode delves into these questions, as we explore the highs and lows, the fears and hopes, and the sheer complexities of understanding and managing our son's behaviors. We also explore the healthcare system's role in this journey, and the challenges it poses.

But it's not all doom and gloom. Amid these challenges, we've also found moments of joy and laughter. From his obliviousness to his demands for a Halloween costume, each day brings new experiences and learnings. And despite the tough decisions, like potentially moving for better care or managing our financial situation, we're here, taking it one day, one laugh, one challenge at a time. So, join us as we share our stories, our fears, our hopes, and our laughter, and remember, we're in this journey together.

Welcome, friends, to another episode where we unmask severe autism, one layer at a time. What do you do when your child develops a new tick - like trying to talk with his mouth closed? Well, that's the recent challenge we've been facing with our s...