Adventures in Autism

Latest Episodes:

Episode 85- Five things that are ACTUALLY really helping us right now Apr 15, 2020

Show notes

I’m back on my own today and breaking down the five things that are actually helping us right now. From finding a new trail to walk (getting fresh air!) to scheduling virtual dates with friends- these are things that are keeping me (and my crew!) sane during this uncertain time. Nothing on this list is groundbreaking, these things are all very doable. Which to me is the most important part! I’m all for helpful ideas but if they’re too complicated I won’t do them- especially now. So I’m sharing the simple things are really helping our whole family as we navigate our new normal. Stay safe and thank you so much for listening! Sponsors: Audible audibletrial.com/adventuresinautism Making Authentic Friendships makingauthenticfriendships.com

Episode 84- Life updates: How our family is getting by (& staying positive!) during this crisis Apr 08, 2020

Show notes

Today I’m flying solo and sharing our family’s experience dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. We’re going on week 4 of quarantine, which has certainly had its ups as downs! As it has for everyone. I’m sharing how we’re adjusting to our new normal and what has been helping get us though. I get very honest and talk about how tough this is from a parenting perspective. As parents were used to this 24/7 gig, but nowadays there are LITERALLY no breaks! That’s definitely been a challenge but I’m also sharing the surprising positives of this situation. I’m definitely a “glass of full” type of gal and I think it’s important to look for the silver linings. And despite the difficult moments, there are many things good things happening during these uncertain times. I compiled all of them and spilling today! I hope everyone is staying safe and healthy. Thank you so much for listening! Sponsors: Audible audibletrial.com/adventuresinautism Making Authentic Friendships makingauthenticfriendships.com

Episode 83- Catching up with past guest, Malinda Cooke (Autism Mastermind) Apr 01, 2020

Show notes

Today I’m chatting with autism mom and fellow podcaster, Malinda Cooke. You might remember Malinda from episode 40 where she was my guest and shared her journey with her beautiful 18 year old daughter, Paige. I’m excited to bring her back on the pod and have her catch us up on the going’s on with her family! First we discuss the the coronavirus pandemic that is affecting us all. Malinda shares how she’s been coping and staying busy with Paige while they’ve been in isolation. Later, we discuss their recent experience with legal process of having Paige “conserved” now that she’s 18. This was really valuable information and an in-depth look at what the entire process entailed. Malinda and I have truly become great friends since she was a guest on the show last year (and I guested on her podcast, Autism Mastermind!) so it’s always fun to catch up with her! We had a great conversation and I hope you enjoy listening! Sponsors: Audible audibletrial.com/adventuresinautism Making Authentic Friendships makingauthenticfriendships.com

Episode 82- From autism sibling to autism parent, with Lainey Skiver Mar 25, 2020

Show notes

Today I’m chatting with autism mom and sibling, Lainey Skiver. Lainey shares her journey with autism which actually started with her brother. Lainey talks about how having a sibling on the spectrum impacted her life, and ultimately helped her to parent her children with autism. Lainey is a mom of four and her two oldest children are both on the spectrum. Lainey shares the early signs with both boys and what led them to seek a diagnosis. We also chat about family dynamics when autism is involved. Lainey has such a unique perspective as both a sibling and a parent that I really appreciated hearing. We had a great conversation and I hope you enjoy listening! Sponsors: Audible audibletrial.com/adventuresinautism Making Authentic Friendships makingauthenticfriendships.com

Episode 81- Coronavirus: thoughts, concerns and listener suggestions to get through Mar 17, 2020

Show notes

Today I’m chatting with my sister, Melissa (once again!) all about the pandemic that is Coronavirus. During this very uncertain time I think it’s so important to remember that we’re all in this together- this is uncharted territory for everyone. Today I’m sharing thoughts and concerns from listeners as well as my personal take on this very scary situation. Most importantly I’m sharing tips from all of you to get through this. I received so many great tips that I’m excited to share- I’ll definitely be implementing some of these myself! Later, Melissa and I share our recommendations for things to take your mind off COVID-19 and hopefully make you smile. It’s very overwhelming right now and sometimes taking a break from it all is the best thing to do! I hope you enjoy this episode and are able to take something from it. I am truly so thankful for all you. Stay safe! Sponsors: Audible audibletrial.com/adventuresinautism Making Authentic Friendships makingauthenticfriendships.com

Episode 80- Talking all things self care with my co-host (and sister!) Melissa Mar 11, 2020

Show notes

Today I’m bringing back a very special co-host...my sister Melissa! We’re discussing all things self care and what that looks like for us personally. I’m sharing how I’ve been trying to up my self care game and what has been actually working for me. Including my recent weekend away with my husband! I’m talking all about the logistics of leaving our kids for the weekend...no easy feat but so worth it! We also get some great listener tips on what they do for self care. Later Melissa and I do a Q&A all about skin care and beauty. I’m a licensed esthetician and make up artist so it was fun to be in my wheelhouse! I got some great listener questions and I hope you pick up some good info from this episode! My sister and I always have a blast together (we even answered some sister questions!) and it was great to bring her back on- I like to joke that she’s a self care expert! I think this is a really important topic and something we should all be making a priority. I hope you enjoy listening! Sponsors: Audible audibletrial.com/adventuresinautism Making Authentic Friendships makingauthenticfriendships.com

Episode 79- Leaking the truth, with autism mom & blogger, Stephanie Hanrahan (Tinkles her Pants) Mar 04, 2020

Show notes

Today I’m chatting with autism mom and blogger, Stephanie Hanrahan. Stephanie’s journey into autism started with her daughter, Campbell. Though Campbell seemed to be developing just fine to everyone else, and was even ahead of the curve, Stephanie sensed there was more going on. She strongly advocated for her daughter and she was diagnosed with ASD at age 3. Later, Stephanie’s son would also be diagnosed with autism. During all of this, Stephanie’s husband found out he had a life threatening heart condition and would eventually need a transplant. After her daughter was diagnosed, Stephanie started a private instagram account- it was just for her to document her complicated feelings and grief during this time. Eventually, Stephanie took the brave step to make that account public. Today, she not only has that account but also her blog, ‘Tinkles her Pants’ (best name ever!) where she “leaks” the truth. She shares her journey openly as a way to connect with others. Stephanie’s story is powerful and she is such a inspiration! This conversation blew me away. I had the best time chatting with Stephanie and I hope you enjoy listening! Sponsors: Audible audibletrial.com/adventuresinautism Making Authentic Friendships makingauthenticfriendships.com

Episode 78- Catching up with returning guest, Leasa (Cody Speaks) and listener Q&A! Feb 26, 2020

Show notes

Today I’m chatting with my first returning guest, Leasa Hoogerwerf of Cody Speaks. You might remember Leasa from episode 25, where she opened up about the early days of her journey with her incredible son, Cody, who is now 19. I’m so excited to be bringing her back on the pod! In today’s episode, Leasa catches us up on what’s been going on with Cody since we spoke last year. Leasa talks about some recent victories and challenges they have gone through this past year. Later, we answer some listener questions! This was really fun because Leasa is such an open book- she is so honest and heartfelt! I have followed Leasa, Cody and their family for years (through her page Cody Speaks) and it’s always such a treat to chat with Leasa. She is such an inspiring mama! We had an awesome conversation and I hope you enjoy listening! Sponsors: Audible audibletrial.com/adventuresinautism Making Authentic Friendships makingauthenticfriendships.com

Episode 77- Embracing the chaos, with autism mom, Leah Behrens Feb 19, 2020

Show notes

Today I’m chatting with autism mom and blogger, Leah Behrens. Leah is the proud mama to three beautiful kids- two of which are on the autism spectrum. Leah shares her journey with both children, and how her sons early diagnosis led her to seek a diagnosis for his older sister as well. While both are the spectrum, Leah explains how different they are and how each has unique strengths and challenges. Leah and I had a very honest, open conversation about family life and motherhood- especially when autism is in the mix. We talked about the fear that can come with growing your family after an autism diagnosis. This is something I get asked about often and it was so nice to chat with another mama who “gets it”! We also talk about how she’s planning for her kids future and her feelings around that. I had the best time chatting with Leah, I hope you enjoy listening! Sponsors: Audible audibletrial.com/adventuresinautism Making Authentic Friendships makingauthenticfriendships.com

Episode 76- Chatting with Chubuddy founders & autism parents, Chris & Jane Chu Feb 12, 2020

Show notes

Today I’m chatting with autism parents and the founders of Chubuddy, Chris and Jane Chu. Chris and Jane share their journey with their son Christian, who has medically complex autism. They talk all about their early days with Christian and how he was initially diagnosed with microcephaly, and later autism and cerebral palsy. Chris and Jane share how part of Christian’s sensory needs was a strong desire to chew. However, they couldn’t find a chewy that really worked for him. They decided to make their own superior product and thus, Chubuddy was born! We LOVE Chubuddy and Logan has used their chewy’s for years- so it was really fun to hear the back story from Chris and Jane! We also discuss how they are planning for the future now that Christian is 18. I had a great time chatting with them and I hope you enjoy listening! Sponsors: Audible audibletrial.com/adventuresinautism Making Authentic Friendships makingauthenticfriendships.com

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