Moms Talk Autism Podcast

Today we sat down with Lisa Baskin-Wright, our favorite IEP Coach to do a refresh on some IEP tips and tricks as we roll into a new school year. If you haven’t heard the first episode we did with Lisa, make sure to listen, but this will be a quick reminder for you to get you going and not create more mental load than we already have. PLEASE be sure to check out how you can work with Lisa at the links below! IEP Community: https://www.lisabaskinwright.com/iep-community Coaching & Products: https://www.lisabaskinwright.com/products

Jan Stewart is a Hope ambassador and a prestigious guest on this episode.  She is a highly regarded autism, neurodiversity and mental health advocate, author, and recipient of the prestigious Mom’s Choice Award®.  Her best-selling memoir Hold on Tight:  A Parent’s Journey Raising Children with Mental Illness describes her emotional roller coaster story of parenting two children with multiple, complex mental health and neurodevelopmental disorders.  Her mission is to inspire and empower readers to persevere, have hope, and know they are not alone, as well as to better educate families, friends, healthcare professionals, educators, and employers.  Her professional accomplishments and current efforts in this arena continue to supersede what is described here as she has many roles in governance. The work is never done! As a mom to two who are now adults, she shares with us vulnerably what her struggles were, the toll it took and what it looks like being on the other side, a new side, so hold on tight! Instagram and Facebook:  janstewartauthor Website:  www.janstewartauthor.com

A little bonus gift for you this week, courtesy of our friend, Danielle Bettmann, of Failing Motherhood Podcast. Danielle interviewed Shannon and Brittney on her show and was kind enough to share it with our audience too. We dive deep into the early years of diagnosis and what that looked like for each of our families: the process, the feelings, the grief, and the realizations we all came to learn as we parent neurodivergent kids. Check out this real and raw episode and don’t forget to head over to Failing Motherhood Podcast and check it out... lots of great topics and guests for all families! Failing Motherhood Podcast Failing Motherhood Instagram Danielle’s website

Fellow podcaster and Parenting Coach, Danielle Bettmann, is our guest in this week’s episode. Danielle helps parents of strong-willed children meet their kids’ deepest core needs, improve behavior, and find new levels of patience. As a mom of two, Danielle is passionate about eliminating shame from parents’ vocabulary, solving power struggles, and transitioning from school to home and back again. Danielle specializes in helping families who are struggling but don’t have a diagnosis yet or whose child does not meet the criteria for a specific diagnosis. We loved chatting with Danielle and hope this conversation is a helpful stepping stone to finding solutions for your family. Connect with Danielle and her podcast, “Failing Motherhood”: www.Instagram.com/parent_wholeheartedly    www.Facebook.com/wholeheartedlyomaha  www.failingmotherhood.com www.parentingwholeheartedly.com/unapologetic www.parentingwholeheartedly.com

Recovery is necessary after going through periods of Decision and Emotional and Physical Fatigue from being a caregiver (caregiver burnout syndrome). In this episode, our “downloading” continues but we cover and wrap up the topic of the Mental Load by hitting on these few points: Personal actions you can take How Friends, Family + Community can help  Importance of Systems, processes can save and hold us up, as one of our faves states in her book, Kelley Coleman, “Systems are our Self Care!”

Today we chat with special guest and dyslexia expert Jess Arce, managing director of 3D Learning Experts, which provides virtual tutoring services tailored to children facing brain-based learning challenges. The tutors help bridge the gap with their peers who are struggling with reading, writing, spelling, and math.  Jess also opens up about her journey and experience with her and her children’s multiple neurodivergent diagnoses, once again, dyslexia being the mainstay diagnosis in her story. Website: www.3dlearningexperts.com Facebook: facebook.com/3DLearningExpert Instagram: instagram.com/3dlearningexperts TikTok: tiktok.com/@3dlearningexperts

In this episode, we unpack two of three prongs to what encapsulates the “Mental Load”: Planning, Organizing + Anticipating = Cost of Cognitive Labor, Time Currency Spent + Decision Fatigue Honest Mom Moments: “I don’t like myself right now.” Reporting the moments when people around you, no matter the circumstance, don’t understand what is at play and you not even liking yourself! In “Moms Talk Autism” fashion we “download” about our lives on this episode, past and current events. There are many definitions and research around this topic, that we tie into the discussion or keep in mind. This is essential and we urge you to do your own deep dives to become more acquainted to what we are actually experiencing. 

We are thrilled to bring you a community story from a fellow working mama, Britta Merwin. Britta is a meteorologist by day (and by day, we mean EARLY morning) and a mom, wife, and autism advocate every minute of every day! Britta has three children, one diagnosed with autism. You can find her on FoxWeather.com, keeping us all updated on the latest weather, storm warnings, etc. We get to know about Britta and some of the triumphs and challenges she faces as a member of her neurodiverse family. She is uniquely qualified to speak on natural disasters, what to look for, and scenarios for neurodivergent and/or disabled families to consider. We may have to prepare and plan for extreme weather in a different way from our friends and neighbors. Having to think outside the box is not a new concept for any of us, I know, but just another layer to keep in mind, considering what natural disasters most often occur in your area. Reach out to Britta: @brittamerwinwx on FB, Twitter, and Instagram 

All four of us in one episode? In the summer? It’s a hot, sweaty, sticky miracle! We had a great time filling you all in on our summer experiences so far. There’s been highs and lows and lots of transitions. We cover everything from staying home to chill, selling homes and big family changes, family trips, and summer camps. Between the four of us, we’ve just about done it all. So, grab yourself an ice cream or a cold drink, and listen in to all of our summer shenanigans!

Calling ALL parents and kids, this episode is for YOU! We are thrilled to have Jerry Kolber on this week’s episode, creator and advocate for some of the most successful and beloved children’s “edutainment” programming in the world. We chat with Jerry about his own struggles growing up within the traditional public education system, his interest and journey towards TV and other visual media, and to all his latest projects. Jerry has worked with HBO, E!, Bravo, Disney/ABC, Nat Geo, Discovery ID, MTV, Animal Planet, and A&E…wow! His current passions involve programs to help children around the world develop a love for curiosity and learning, especially in the fields of science, technology, and mathematics. Check out his shows on Disney + and Netflix, and don’t forget his, not one, but two podcasts FOR KIDS! We’ve got a bonus episode of “Who Smarted?” on our podcast feed, go check it out.  We have loved watching and listening to Jerry’s shows with our own families and hope you will listen to our conversation and then go check them out for yourself. Nat Geo on Disney +: Brain Games Netflix: Brain Child  Podcasts- “Who Smarted?” and “Mysteries About True Histories” Links: Jerry’s BIO Linked In for Jerry FB: Who Smarted? Website: whosmarted.com Instagram: Who Smarted? Who Smarted? podcast Mysteries About True Histories podcast

Surprise! It’s a bonus episode this week! We are so excited to introduce you to one of our favorite podcasts FOR KIDS!  Who Smarted? is a fun and educational podcast specifically for kids and their families. There are episodes and topics for everyone’s interests and the recordings are really entertaining with lots of cool sound effects, voices, trivia games, and music. It’s a great way to learn or discover a new interest!  We thought an episode about a faraway time and place would be perfect for this week, paired with our interview and talk about traveling and autism. Go check out this bonus episode and head over to Who Smarted? to see the whole catalog of topics and podcast episodes. Next week, we will have the show's creator on for a chat, so stay tuned! Want to be a “smarty pants”? Listen to more Who Smarted? HERE Check out their social media HERE

Today we had the pleasure of sitting down and chatting with Stuart Butler and Peter Prokop, two gentlemen who were instrumental in creating and directing a new series called Traveling The Spectrum. Both advocate and share a personal connection to the disability community. They believe all families deserve to vacation and create quality memories together. Traveling the Spectrum is a 6 part series that offers an intimate glimpse into the lives of three families living with autism, showcasing their heartfelt journeys toward understanding, acceptance, and the joy of creating memories and discovering the world together. We are so excited about the launch of this series and feel blessed to have had an opportunity to speak with the creators.  Please watch the trailer here: https://travelingthespectrumshow.com/ Links referenced in the episode: Visit Myrtle Beach: https://www.facebook.com/VisitMyrtleBeachSC/ https://www.instagram.com/mymyrtlebeach/?hl=en Traveling The Spectrum: https://www.facebook.com/travelingthespectrumshow https://www.instagram.com/travelingthespectrumshow/?hl=en Personal: https://www.facebook.com/stuartbutler https://www.linkedin.com/in/stuart-butler-50aaa45/

Dr. Alisa Elliot, founder, owner and operator of the Chrysalis Spectrum Foundation,  www.chrysalisspectrum.com, is back to tell us about her latest venture. Which was a glowing success, Check out www.disabilitycomiccon.com, the theme was "With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility" It was an exciting and inclusive event celebrating the power of diversity in the world of comics! At Disability Comic Con, they believe that representation matters. The event aimed to showcase the talents and creativity of artists, writers, and cosplayers with a disability. Join us as we dive into a world where people with disabilities are celebrated, and superheroes come in all shapes and sizes.

We recommend you watch the documentary first, but it is not required to enjoy this conversation. Links below. We are honored to talk with Beth today, the co-star of the documentary, “You Have No Idea”. Beth and her son, Evan, are featured in this amazing film, giving us a real glimpse into autism life for their family and community. Beth opens up about the struggles, joys, and challenges they faced over the years and how she continues to forge a path for Evan. We dive into the origin of the film and Beth shares some wise and life-altering truths that she came to realize over the years. This is one to remember and share.  APPLE TV AMAZON PRIME TUBI Learn more about the documentary HERE

Welcome to the Tashie and Shannon show! Totally kidding, but today’s episode IS just the two of us and we’re answering some specific questions y’all have. Per usual, we are no experts, but we will always share openly about where we are in our journey and what has or is (or isn't) working for us. Some of the topics we cover today are: *High pain tolerances in our kids *Knowing when our non-speaking kids are sick *What supports we use for our kids with ADHD in relation to their IEP *Transitions with more ease particularly in the car between therapy sessions *Therapy dogs or having a dog for companionship for our kids *What summer will look like for us These are some of our favorite episodes to record, so keep the questions coming! Remember no question is too silly and we probably have some advice between the four of us!

Today we chat with Joni Brown about her family’s journey with not only autism but also PCDH19, a rare epilepsy disorder. Today Allie is 20 years old, and Joni discusses their diagnosis story. We dive into the heartache of the life-changing diagnosis, Joni’s tenacity in finding answers, and the triumphs they have made as a family.  We also discuss Joni’s book, Don’t Sing Happy Birthday, which has quickly become one of our favorites! We shed some tears, but there is also laughter. Come and join us in the convo! Find Joni on IG: https://www.instagram.com/dontsinghappybirthday/ Find “Don’t Sing Happy Birthday”: https://a.co/d/1i3HHZ6

Welcome to our three-part series on asking for and receiving help from others. Brittney and Jean are having this week's conversation, diving deep into some of the challenges of parenthood and why we DON’T ask for help. What stops us from letting others in? Is it a purely external, logistical issue or are we getting in our own way at times? We break it down into four main areas of resistance when asking for help as moms: Fear of missing out Struggle for control The weight of responsibility Judgment from others and ourselves Jean and Britt touch on what it is like to ask for help in their own lives, how it was as young mothers and the evolution of that skill over time. It’s a muscle we all have to develop, so let’s get to work!

Today we welcome authors Peggy Heinkel-Wolfe and Shahla Alai-Rosales to the podcast to discuss navigating therapies and feeling confident as a parent. Long-time friends and colleagues, they have worked together to bring important insights and knowledge to families all over the world. We are the keystone to our child’s growth and development. We are the guides on their expansion of life, in whatever form and path we end up traveling. Lots of great takeaways and tidbits for you to think about, we know we did! And don’t forget to grab a copy of their co-authored book. It’s a wonderful guide and resource for a parent in any stage of autism caregiving.  Book: Responsible and Responsive Parenting in Autism: Between Now and Dreams Leave a review for the book too! Book Resource Page Peggy’s website Article Link

Welcome to the Brit and Shan show, in part two of our three-part series on asking for and receiving help from others. We are diving deep into some of the challenges of parenthood and why we DON’T ask for help. What stops us from letting others in? Is it a purely external, logistical issue or are we getting in our own way at times? We break it down into four main areas of resistance when asking for help as moms: Fear of missing out Struggle for control The weight of responsibility Judgment from others and ourselves Join us as we touch on what it is like to ask for help in their own lives, how it was as young mothers and the evolution of that skill over time. It’s a muscle we all have to develop, so let’s get to work!

It’s finally time. Today, Shannon and Britt tackle menstruation (aka period problems) with the help of our friend Ashley Lewis! You guys have been asking for this one for so long, and we haven’t been able to speak from experience. Ashley shares about her family, and her daughter’s diagnosis, and then gives us some REAL TALK about our kids and their periods based on her experience!  Ashley and her family are SO fun, you need to check them out! You can find them HERE on Instagram! She also shares life on on TikTok! Ashley and her husband also just launched a new podcast on Spotify that you can listen to HERE!