Behind the Breakthroughs

Latest Episodes:

Annette's Vignette IX Nov 14, 2019

Show notes

This is the first vignette of the season and in this episode Dr. Annette Nunez and Maylene Johnson chat about a client who ran his first 5K and placed third in his age group. They discuss all his aggressive behaviors while he was attending a public school and how many professionals refused to work with him because of his aggression. When Dr. Nunez and her team began to homeschool this client and didn't let his autism define what he could and could not do, this client began to soar. The whole point of this vignette is to remind parents and professionals to never use autism as an excuse of why a child acts a certain way, why they behavior out, or why they can't do something. When you create a team of people that believe in a child, they can and will accomplish anything!

IN THIS EPISODE: MINDSHIFT (takeaways) 1. Keep going. No matter what happens as long as you keep going you are headed in the right direction. 2. Believe in your child and find a team that believes in your child.

Convos with Jess II Nov 05, 2019

Show notes

In this episode Dr. Annette Nunez and Maylene Johnson chat with the wonderful Jess Brooks. Jess talks about the passing of her granny and shares her feelings about it. The ladies also talk about dogs, Disney, nursing, and Jess shares some juicy gossip. Jess's humor and honesty will definitely put a smile on your face!

IN THIS EPISODE:

MINDSHIFT (takeaways)

1. Listen and watch Autistic Interpretations so you can feel better!

Captured Moments Oct 29, 2019

Show notes

In this episode Dr. Annette Nunez and Maylene Johnson chat with Sam Hines from Samantha Hines Documentary Family Photography. This season's theme is about empowerment and Sam is one empowering and talented woman! Sam shares her journey of becoming a documentary photographer and how she did not lose herself when her son was diagnosed with autism. Sam's life was run by fear, but when her son was first diagnosed she decided that fear was not going to run her life anymore. Her rule is "if the only reason I'm not thinking about something is because I'm afraid, then I have to do it." Now she has an amazing career capturing images to document a family's story as special moments are happening.

IN THIS EPISODE:

MINDSHIFT (takeaways)

If the only reason you're not thinking of doing something is because you are afraid, then you have to do it."
Take fear off the table, and don't make it part of your decision making process.
Most things that you are afraid of wont happen, and if they do you can handle it.

Autism Super Mom Oct 22, 2019

Show notes

In this episode Dr. Annette Nunez and Maylene Johnson chat with Anne G. Bragg who is one Autism Super Mom. She shares how raising her middle daughter who is diagnosed with autism has brought her out of her shell and helped heal her on her life journey. Anne explains that her daughter is an extreme extrovert and has taught her to be more fearless. Through the years Anne has also been very active on social media where she shares information and quotes meant to be uplifting and to help other parents not feel so alone and overwhelmed. Her motto to live more, worry less is influenced by her daughter and is not only inspirational but also beneficial to us all!

IN THIS EPISODE:

MINDSHIFT (takeaways)

The main point to remember is to not get overwhelmed by the label. Just look at the small goals that you can work on every week and work on things that are necessary. Start with little things and aim for more positive outcomes. I don't believe in changing anyone in a drastic way. Try to find the balance so everyone in your family can have a better life.
Break things down and do a self-check every evening. Ask yourself these questions:

Could I have done better with anything? If so, what?
Was I more proactive than reactive today?

Do not take things personally with behaviors or things that happen.Be a detective mom and do not to take your child's behaving out personally but look at the behavior as your child trying to communicate something. Be logical and not too reactive and do not worry too much.

Make it Fun Oct 15, 2019

Show notes

In this episode Dr. Annette Nunez and Maylene Johnson chat with momrenuer, Bernadette Henry. Bernadette shares her experience of being a mom to her two sons with autism and the importance of self-care as being a mindset. She reveals how jumping rope is her form of self-care and how this love has led her to be on TV shows, commercials, and to lead jump rope fitness challenges. Bernadette's story is the true meaning of empowerment and how she transformed her mental, emotional, and physical journey into a positive mindset that inspires many.

IN THIS EPISODE:

MINDSHIFT (takeaways)

If you are an autism mom, definitely take the time to accept the diagnosis. You will feel anger and grief and it is important to work through those phases. The more you accept your child's diagnosis the more you are able to help them to get the services they need.
If you have unresolved issues from past... go get help! Seek help from a professional or it will keep you in bondage and you won't be able to move on to the next level in your life.
Find something that you enjoy and take that time for self-care. It's easier said than done, but you have to find a way or you'll end up driving yourself insane or sick.

Universal Humor Oct 08, 2019

Show notes

In this episode Dr. Annette Nunez and Maylene Johnson chat with Becky Jones from the Instagram @parenting_special_needs_kids. This amazing mother has two children on the spectrum and she shares her incredible journey filled with love, acceptance, and humor. She started an Instagram to post funny memes that she creates in hopes of connecting with other families so they don't feel so isolated and alone. It is a page where there is no judgment and parents can relate and laugh at the situations that are happening in their day-to day lives. Becky's motto is, "If you don't laugh you cry and laughter makes life a lot easier."

MINDSHIFT (takeaways)

When you are going through hard times, take each day at a time, or each hour at a time. Don't dwell on things.
If you have a bad day leave it on that day, take a fresh start the next day.
Don't force your children to do things you think they should be doing. Do things that suit your family.
Do things that make your child happy

Convos with Jess Oct 01, 2019

Show notes

In this episode Dr. Annette Nunez and Maylene Johnson chat with Jess and Val Brooks from Autistic Interpretations. Nurse Jess gives advice on how to stay healthy, which includes drinking lots of water and eating some chicken noodle soup. She also talks about visiting Annette and Maylene next summer and they all starting making plans for their sleepover filled with games, watching movies, swimming, and lots of eating. Jess makes it very clear that her mom is not invited to the sleepover. This episode will be sure to brighten up everyone's day!

IN THIS EPISODE:

MINSHIFTS (takeaways)

Jess's tips on how to stay healthy "Drink plenty of water, take vitamins, and get some exercise… stuff like that" ~Nurse Jess

Simple Spectrum Sep 24, 2019

Show notes

In this episode Dr. Annette Nunez and Maylene Johnson chat with Heather Grimaldi, MS, BCBA. Her passion for autism comes through in this podcast as shares her career journey in hopes of inspiring other women and mothers. From starting Proof Positive ABA Company, to selling it to Autism Learning Partners, to being a TACA ambassador, to co-founding Simple Spectrum Supplement, Heather is a force to be reckoned with. Heather, along with Dr. Kristin Shay and Jacqueline Laurita created a supplement in which they wanted children to have the best possible nutrition. She is currently working hard with insurance companies to fund Simple Spectrum Supplement because Heather explains how nutrition along with ABA and speech therapy is extremely beneficial to children with autism. Her ultimate goal is for families to have access to higher end nutraceuticals that are affordable.

IN THIS EPISODE:

MINDSHIFT (takeaways)

When you first receive a diagnosis, look at big picture. Begin early intervention therapies and also look into possible nutrient deficits. Consider everything from therapies, diet, to supplements.

The Autistic Barber Sep 17, 2019

Show notes

In this episode Dr. Annette Nunez and Maylene Johnson chat with two very special guests CJ Hernandez "The Autistic Barber," and his mother Mary Hernandez. This podcast is exceptional because we hear from two different perspectives of both mother and son navigating through the autism journey together. CJ is one of the most positive, authentic, and insightful guests and it comes through during this podcast. Both CJ and Mary share their inspiring journey in hopes of encouraging others who share the same journey.

IN THIS EPISODE:

MINSHIFT (takeaways)

CJ: For all the autism parents you have to show your child unconditional love even though it maybe challenging at times, don't give up on us and be patient.
CJ: Always be positive and believe that your child can live a happy, successful, and independent life.
CJ: For the young adults with autism, be happy and proud of who you are! There is nothing to be ashamed of...There is nothing wrong with having autism.
CJ: Think of autism as a superpower and believe you can do it and be positive. Once you believe in yourself, opportunities will come!
Mary: As a parent trust yourself and continue to listen to and love your child.

Autism Victory Sep 10, 2019

Show notes

In this episode Dr. Annette Nunez and Maylene Johnson chat with Rachel Barcellona, advocate, opera singer, and the first contestant with autism to compete in the Miss Florida Pageant. Rachel shares her autism journey and talks about how she was bullied in middle school. She turned this negative bullying experience into a positive by entering the pageant world so she could build up her self-confidence. It paid off, as Rachel has won numerous titles and has traveled around the world educating people about autism. Making people happy is Rachel's ultimate goal in life and she is definitely making an impact in this world by spreading her light and positivity.

IN THIS EPISODE:

MINDSHIFT (takeaways)