Autism Parenting Secrets

Latest Episodes:

YOU Must Transform First! Jul 30, 2020

Show notes

Welcome back to another episode of Autism Parenting Secrets. Today's episode is about one simple truth. The greatest gift you can give your child is stronger, more capable, and more resilient you. The secret is that you must transform first.

We didn’t know this secret early on in our own journey. After our son’s diagnosis, we were immediately fixated on how we were going to “fix” him. At the time, we were not looking internally at all. Our life was a flurry of doctor’s visits and meetings with specialists. We assumed that our proactiveness would jumpstart us on a path to healing but the truth was...it didn’t.

Instead, we realized that we were really just limiting his opportunity to be a happy, healthy, and connected child. We were operating with blind spots and unrealistic expectations that were hurting our child more than helping him.

Our goal in this episode is to shed light on some preconceived notions you might be holding onto. Perhaps, there are some ideas you’re carrying around that aren’t serving your family.

Because the sooner you focus on your own transformation the better. You give yourself the gift of a stronger and more capable version of yourself. In turn, your child wins big, because they'll have a more confident, relaxed, connected, and more present parent navigating this journey alongside them!

Key Takeaways

The greatest gift you can give your child (1:03)
Our reality was limiting his ability (3:50)
When the real progress actually started (6:16)
Commit to this (9:50)
This is about you and your transformation (12:12)
It’s all about choosing one thing today (16:11)

Your Child's NOT Broken Jul 23, 2020

Show notes

Today's episode is about revealing that even if your child has a diagnosis that doesn't define them, judging them just doesn't help. The secret is your child not broken.

We go deep on the concept that judging your child as 'broken' doesn't help you support them. Parents can accept their children as they are and move with determination to support them as best they can.

We've broken down the path of helping your child into five actionable steps. They are comprised of beliefs and messaging that you must adopt if you are committed to becoming a Warrior Parent. The truth is you cannot help someone until you accept them as they are.

Thinking about step number one, understand that judging your child is broken weakens your ability to help. Step number two is to know that your child can sense your level of acceptance. And we're very fortunate that our son remembers everything, even from the time that he had no words. You absolutely have to be playing on the same team as your child.

Three, Other people's judgment of your child doesn't define your child. Everyone has an opinion. That does not mean you should listen to them all. Don't allow outside influences to overstep their boundaries. You know them best.

Four, trust that every child does have opportunities to grow. Growth might not look the way you imagined, and that's okay! Embrace the steps forward your child is making. All progress is good progress.

And finally, the last step is really, and truly your child needs support that's right for them. There is no one size fits all. Once you realize that, you'll increase your connection by dropping that judgment. Please tune in to this week's episode as we dive into these important and necessary steps.

You got this!

Key Takeaways

A diagnosis is just one piece of data (2:49)
Broken is a judgment (5:00)
Autism is a part of your child (6:30)
The shift from fixing to supporting and loving (10:00)
Your child needs support(14:05)
How to connect with your child (17:09)
Find the moments of positivity (20:37)
The power of YET (23:30)
Only compare your child to themselves (26:03)

You're Unstoppable, You Just Don't Realize It YET Jul 16, 2020

Show notes

In this episode, we’re talking about the external objections to being a Warrior Parent. When we make missteps on the path to becoming a warrior parent, it’s often because we’ve allowed someone to derail us. Today, we’re giving you the actions to take to avoid that!

Did you know that you are completely unstoppable? It’s true! The reality is, no one can get in your way unless you allow them to. We often get caught up in the “shoulds” of life. When you have a child with Autism, you quickly learn that there is no such thing as “shoulds”. This is especially so if you are looking for the unique growth available to your child.

So what do you do instead? It would help if you reframed the narrative. Change the story you are telling yourself. This is true for every area of life. When it comes to your friends, family, and support system, you have to erase any beliefs you have about what other people should be doing. Release those expectations.

Becoming unstoppable starts and ends with you. Dropping the expectations and judgments you’ve been carrying around is a process. It may take tearing down the expectations you’ve been holding on to since you were young or completely relearning the things you thought you knew.

Please be patient. This isn’t work that can be completed overnight, but remember that you are more than capable of taking back your power. We hope that this episode acts as a motivator and guideline for your success. We are all about creating a healing bubble for your family, and today we’re telling you how to do just that!

Key Takeaways

Our big secret today (1:30)
You have the power to be unstoppable (5:00)
Why you should drop expectations (8:00)
What judgments do to a situation (10:40)
Taking back power and questioning authority (9:16)
Imperfection is a superpower (12:30)
Why you need to be all in (20:37)
Takeaways for this episode (21:38)

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Learn more about becoming a Warrior Parent at: https://bit.ly/warriorparent

Be sure to follow us on Instagram: https://bit.ly/wpc-ig

Dust Off Your Cape! Jul 10, 2020

Show notes

In this episode, we teach you how to confidently step in your new role as a warrior parent. Being a warrior parent is not something you need a degree for. All you need is to trust yourself and believe that you are what is best for your child.

Knowing when to trust your own instinct over advice from a professional is challenging. You are battling with what you feel and what you are told. I am going to share one of the first moments I gave into what I felt. It was something as simple as sitting on the floor with Ry and playing the way he wanted to.

It was that moment that my husband and I saw the light in Ry’s eyes and felt a real connection with him. We saw potential in trusting our intuitions. Not because professionals are wrong, but simply because we know what is best for our son. We are going to talk about our switch to the Son-Rise Program and what we learned from taking the leap to becoming warrior parents.

Take the leap with us. Len and I developed five steps to taking the leap. We are going to talk about what it means to acknowledge reality, trust yourself, make the bold decisions and take inventory. Taking these steps helped Len turn his anxiety into energy and helped both of us feel empowered to be the warrior parents we were capable of all along.

It’s in you too. Listen and let us help you discover your inner superhero.

Key Takeaways

You already have what it takes to be a warrior parent (1:15)
Embracing what you feel is best, Cass connects to Ry in a special way (3:07)
Making the switch to the Sunrise Program (5:37)
Realization that what we needed was to let him lead (6:37)
Take the leap to become a warrior parent (5 steps) (7:27)
How to deal with judgement (14:36)
Be prepared to let go (16:20)
Our energy serge (17:17)
Testimonial from another mom (20:14)
Three actions you can take today (21:33)

Additional Resouces

Son-Rise Program

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Learn more about becoming a Warrior Parent at: https://bit.ly/warriorparent

Be sure to follow us on Instagram: https://bit.ly/wpc-ig

What Is A Warrior Parent & Why You Need To Become One Jul 09, 2020

Show notes

Let’s talk about what it means to be a warrior parent and how that transformation means BIG WINS for your child with autism.

You may be wondering, what exactly is a warrior parent?

So, let’s clear that up now. It’s a parent that is always…

being the best that they can be
taking courageous action
and navigating the day to day with skill, proficiency, and ease

They refuse to stay stuck and are determined to overcome any obstacle that is in the way of the life they want for their child.

A warrior parent knows that progress is possible. We’ve even narrowed it down to a list of 10 habits that every warrior should have in their arsenal. Habits such as being the CEO of their child and providing their child with the most healing environment possible.

These fantastic parents are continually doing hard and inconvenient things. But they don’t expect perfection from themselves; instead, they strive for excellence. Warrior parents understand that self-care is vital to the wellness of their family and make it a priority.

And above all else-- they NEVER give up!

Setbacks are seen as learning opportunities and a chance to learn, grow, and become stronger. Stay tuned because, in this episode, we’re discussing what you need to do to become a warrior parent so you can show up for yourself and for your child!

Key Takeaways

What we mean when we say warrior parent (1:34)
10 habits that a warrior parent has and uses (2:49)
The importance of trusting ourselves as our child’s expert (4:52)
Why the little bold steps forward are so transformative (6:25)
Taking back power and questioning authority (9:16)
A support network is absolutely essential (11:34)
What actions to take to operate as a warrior parent (12:44)
Take a step to take control (15:48)

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Learn more about becoming a Warrior Parent at: https://bit.ly/warriorparent

Be sure to follow us on Instagram: https://bit.ly/wpc-ig

Rising Above The Diagnosis - Our Story Jul 08, 2020

Show notes

Welcome to the very first episode of Autism Parenting Secrets. If you are listening, you are already taking the first steps to be a warrior for your child, and we thank you for being here. Each week, we’re going to share our personal experiences and experiences coaching other autism parents, to be a resource when it feels like no one else understands.

This episode is all about you getting to know us and our story. We are the lucky parents of Ry, who was diagnosed with Autism at 18 months old. Those days were a complete whirlwind of emotion for us.

Ry went from his first year of developing in the 90th percentile to a sudden shift in health and behavior problems. After an anaphylactic episode due to peanuts, we completely lost the son we once knew. He went from learning a few words to becoming completely non-verbal and began dealing with pretty severe health issues that kept us in and out of the hospital.

We were at a complete loss but were more determined than ever to get our son back. That determination led us down a path of years of research, doctor’s visits, progress, setbacks, and, most importantly, connection. We’ve connected with other parents, mentors, coaches, and finally, our precious son, Ry.

Along the way, we’ve learned how important it is to show up as your best self. Not just to help your child with Autism but for you! Our goal for this podcast is to empower you with the confidence to stand up for your child’s needs and step into your role as a warrior parent.

We can’t wait for you to join us!

Key Takeaways