Adventures in Autism

Latest Episodes:

Episode 165- Getting diagnosed with ASD as an adult. With Pro Golfer, Billy Mayfair. Nov 17, 2021

Show notes

Today I’m chatting with professional golfer, Billy Mayfair. Billy shares his journey of getting an autism diagnosis as an adult. After his wife encouraged him to be evaluated, Billy received his diagnosis of ASD in November of 2019. Billy explains how hearing that he had autism was initially very surprising to him. However after reading his doctors report, he felt it made a lot of sense and could see how all his life, autism had been a part of him. Billy talks about how he enjoyed golf as a kid because it was something he could do on his own, for and hours. Billy has had a very successful career as a pro golfer and still plays on the PGA Masters tour. Billy and his wife Tammy are now working on a foundation to help provide support and resources to individuals on the spectrum and their families. Billy was a delight to chat with and I hope you enjoy listening! Connect with Billy: Twitter: BMayfairGolf Sponsored by: Simple Spectrum Supplement https://simplespectrumsupplement.com/ Use code AIA at check out for free shipping! Connect with Megan: IG: @adventuresinautismpod FB: @Adventures In Autism Podcast Email: adventuresinautism2018@yahoo.com Enjoying the show? I would so appreciate your rating & review!

Episode 164: Sister Chats- Updates and more with Mel Nov 10, 2021

Show notes

Today I’ve got my sister, Melissa, back on the pod with an update! Mel hasn’t done an episode with me since May so we had a lot to cover. Fair warning, this is definitely an emotional one. We’re discussing her most recent MRI and finding out that her cancer is growing. As always Mel and I keep real, which means lots of laughs and tears. We’re talking about the reality of this situation and how difficult it’s been. Later, we’re getting a little more lighthearted and answering some listener questions. I just want to say a huge THANK YOU to this community for the outpouring of love and support for Melissa and our entire family. It truly means so much to us! Keep the prayers coming and I hope you enjoy this episode! Connect with Mel: Instagram: @thezill Sponsored by: Simple Spectrum Supplement https://simplespectrumsupplement.com/ Use code AIA at check out for free shipping! Connect with Megan: IG: @adventuresinautismpod FB: @Adventures In Autism Podcast Email: adventuresinautism2018@yahoo.com Enjoying the show? I would so appreciate your rating & review!

Episode 163- Understanding the nuance of autism, with Dr. Kat Lewitzke Nov 03, 2021

Show notes

Today I’m chatting with clinical psychologist, Dr. Kat Lewitzke. Dr. Kat is the clinic director of Bright Pine Behavioral Health, a private mental health facility located in metro-Detroit (established in 2017). She specializes in pediatric neuropsychology and working with individuals diagnosed with autism, ADHD, learning difficulties, behavioral concerns, and emotional dysregulation from youth through adulthood. Dr. Kat especially focuses on early childhood in the assessment and diagnosis of autism in toddlers as young as 12 months. She has been presented with a Metro Detroit Mom-Approved Doc Award (2019), and values a strong patient-clinician relationship. Dr. Kat is a mother herself of two young children, and is a compassionate clinician who understands the importance of finding eminent care. Dr. Kat and I talk about everything from seeking a diagnosis to finding good resources for adults on the spectrum. I throughly enjoy our conversation and I hope you enjoy listening! Connect with Dr. Kat: Facebook, IG, Twitter & Tik Tok: drkat_psyd Website: https://www.brightpinepsychology.com/ Sponsored by: Simple Spectrum Supplement https://simplespectrumsupplement.com/ Use code AIA at check out for free shipping! Connect with Megan: IG: @adventuresinautismpod FB: @Adventures In Autism Podcast Email: adventuresinautism2018@yahoo.com Enjoying the show? I would so appreciate your rating & review!

Episode 162- Getting past grief and finding acceptance, with autism dad, Brad Sader Oct 27, 2021

Show notes

Today I’m chatting with autism dad, Brad Sader, all about his son, Jack. Jack is 10 years old now and Brad shares their journey up until this point. Brad talks about the early days of Jack’s ASD diagnosis and how it initially came as surprise for him and his wife. Brad explains how he struggled with feelings of grief and how difficult that time was. He also talks about how finding support and community helped him get to a better, more accepting place. Today Jack is thriving and Brad is a very proud dad. I loved this conversation with Brad and I especially appreciated his vulnerability. I think for so many of us, it feels “safer” not to open up and share our true feelings. While I totally understand where that comes from, I truly believe talking about those feelings is part of processing them which leads to healing. Thanks again to Brad for coming on the pod and being so open. I hope you enjoy listening! Connect with Brad: Instagram: @bradsader Sponsored by: Simple Spectrum Supplement https://simplespectrumsupplement.com/ Use code AIA at check out for free shipping! Connect with Megan: IG: @adventuresinautismpod FB: @Adventures In Autism Podcast Email: adventuresinautism2018@yahoo.com Enjoying the show? I would so appreciate your rating & review!

Episode 161- Dealing with Separation Anxiety (Mini Episode) Oct 13, 2021

Show notes

Today I’m flying solo with a mini episode all about dealing with separation anxiety. This topic was suggested to me by a listener and after I mentioned it on a previous episode, I got several more inquiries for this topic specifically. So ask and you shall receive! I’m sharing our experience with separation anxiety through the years and explaining how it was once a major issue we dealt with. As Logan has gotten older, his separation anxiety has gotten soooo much better. To the point where he is not only is ok with us leaving, but he’s actually having sleepovers without us! That may not sound like a big deal but trust me, it is! I know so many of you can relate to this topic and I hope it’s helpful to hear from someone who definitely knows what it’s like to walk in those shoes. Enjoy listening! Sponsored by: Simple Spectrum Supplement https://simplespectrumsupplement.com/ Use code AIA at check out for free shipping! Connect with Megan: IG: @adventuresinautismpod FB: @Adventures In Autism Podcast Email: adventuresinautism2018@yahoo.com Enjoying the show? I would so appreciate your rating & review!

Episode 160- Autism was there all along, with Nicole Studt Oct 06, 2021

Show notes

Today I’m chatting with autism mom, Nicole Studt. Nicole is sharing her unique journey with her son, Nathan, who is now 14. The really interesting thing about their story is that while Nathan was diagnosed with ADHD at 5 years old, it was only recently (in August of 2020) that he received an autism diagnosis. Nicole talks about how she had noticed differences in her son, but could never quite figure out why. She explains what led to his ASD diagnosis and how despite the fact that it came later, autism had been there all along. I loved chatting with Nicole and hearing her perspective on all this. So often as parents, we feel we have an overwhelming amount of things to learn to when our children are diagnosed. Nicole definitely felt that especially with having an older child- but she has been SO open and eager to learn. It’s really refreshing! We had a great conversation and I hope you enjoy listening! Sponsored by: Simple Spectrum Supplement https://simplespectrumsupplement.com/ Use code AIA at check out for free shipping! Connect with Megan: IG: @adventuresinautismpod FB: @Adventures In Autism Podcast Email: adventuresinautism2018@yahoo.com Enjoying the show? I would so appreciate your rating & review!

Episode 159- Listen and learn with Tiffany Joseph (@nigh.functioning.autism) Sep 29, 2021

Show notes

Today I’m chatting with Tiffany Joseph, who many of you might know better as @nigh.functioning.autism. Tiffany and I connected on Instagram right after I started the podcast. I am SO glad we did because over the years I’ve learned so much from her. Tiffany has a very unique perspective as both an individual on the spectrum, and as a parent to autistic children. She is also an AAC user and she uses her device during the episode. This was an awesome first for AIA! Tiffany and I talk about her individual journey and what led to her diagnosis. We also discuss what it’s like having multiple children on the spectrum. I am truly so honored to have Tiffany on the podcast. I’ve wanted to have her on for a long time and I’m thrilled we were able to make it happen. She has taught me so much and really opened my eyes to things that I don’t know if I would have seen otherwise. I’m so grateful for her. I hope you enjoy listening! Connect with Tiffany: Instagram: @nigh.functioning.autism Sponsored by: Simple Spectrum Supplement https://simplespectrumsupplement.com/ Use code AIA at check out for free shipping! Connect with Megan: IG: @adventuresinautismpod FB: @Adventures In Autism Podcast Email: adventuresinautism2018@yahoo.com Enjoying the show? I would so appreciate your rating & review!

Episode 158- Logan eloped from our home. Here’s what happened. Sep 22, 2021

Show notes

Today I’m sharing a very scary and unfortunate incident that happened last week. I’m honestly still processing all my feelings and emotions around this but I felt it was important to share in case it could help another parent. On Wednesday last week, Logan eloped from our home. It took us around 15 minutes to find him (he was actually just a couple blocks from our house) which may not sound long, but it felt like an eternity. We are beyond grateful that he was safe and sound when we found him. On this episode I’m sharing the details around this event and what led up to it happening. I’m feeling pretty apprehensive about sharing this- I am definitely opening myself to criticism and judgement. I hope that you’ll listen to get all facts and above anything, I hope this episode shows you that you can NEVER be too careful. Thank you all for your love and support, it truly means the world to me! Sponsored by: Simple Spectrum Supplement https://simplespectrumsupplement.com/ Use code AIA at check out for free shipping! Connect with Megan: IG: @adventuresinautismpod FB: @Adventures In Autism Podcast Email: adventuresinautism2018@yahoo.com Enjoying the show? I would so appreciate your rating & review!

Episode 157- Paving their own way & thinking outside the box. With autism mom, Lisa Vaillancourt Sep 15, 2021

Show notes

Today I’m chatting with autism mom, Lisa Vaillancourt. Lisa and I chat all about her adult son, Alex, who is now 26. Lisa is another listener turned guest and I loved hearing all about their journey! Lisa talks about Alex’s early days as well as what he’s up to now. She explains how during his school years, they really had to adapt and think outside the box to find ways to best serve Alex in regards to his education. Lisa shares how living in a small town has its up and down sides, but for Alex it was great because the district was really willing to work with them. Their community was also super supportive because Alex grew up with a small group of kids who were with him throughout his school career. I love talking with parents like Lisa who are much further into their journey than I am. I learned so much from her! Overall we had a great conversation and I hope you enjoy listening! Sponsored by: Simple Spectrum Supplement https://simplespectrumsupplement.com/ Use code AIA at check out for free shipping! Connect with Megan: IG: @adventuresinautismpod FB: @Adventures In Autism Podcast Email: adventuresinautism2018@yahoo.com Enjoying the show? I would so appreciate your rating & review!

Episode 156- Life Updates: New routines, unexpected emotions & Logan’s first sleepover! Sep 08, 2021

Show notes

Today I’m flying solo and sharing some life updates! These past few weeks have been BUSY with school starting and adjusting to our new schedule. I’m talking about the transitions and how we’re all fairing. (Spoiler: mom is having just as hard of a time as the kids!) I’m also talking about some recent highs and lows we’ve been experiencing. The lows being anxiety, sleep issues and some tough emotional moments. And the highs like Logan’s first sleepover! Overall, we’re definitely taking the good with the bad right now but it seems like we’re (slowly) getting to the other side. I wanted to share all this because my goal is always to keep real…and this is our real life right now! As always thank you so much for listening and supporting the show! I hope you enjoy this episode. Sponsored by: Simple Spectrum Supplement https://simplespectrumsupplement.com/ Use code AIA at check out for free shipping! Connect with Megan: IG: @adventuresinautismpod FB: @Adventures In Autism Podcast Email: adventuresinautism2018@yahoo.com Enjoying the show? I would so appreciate your rating & review!

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