Behind the Breakthroughs

Latest Episodes:

Progress Not Perfection Mar 13, 2019

Show notes

In this episode we chat with a sister who wanted to convey a perspective of autism that typically wasn't portrayed in the media. She wanted to show the day-to- day life of an adult living with autism that was easily accessible to the general public. In April of 2018 she started her Instagram entitled @autism_irl, which captures the real and honest relationship between her and her brother and her family. Their IG stories and posts captures them living a normal life and shows that there are adults out there with autism living successfully and happily.

Meet Dana Kelsey the sister who is changing people's views on adults living with autism. Her daily posts on Instagram show that her brother Rob is living his best life. From sleeping in to being a foodie, Rob is so relatable and shows to the public that autism isn't a diagnosis it is a lifestyle. Their Instagram captures Rob's uninhibited raw emotions and beautiful connection and unconditional love between brother and sister. Dana and Rob are changing the definition of autism. We encourage you to follow their Instagram @autism_irl.

MINSHIFT (takeaways)

Never stop fighting for services and never stop fighting for the person with autism in you life.
It's important to advocate on their behalf if they can't for themselves.
Advocacy drives awareness and acceptance.

Kimock7 Autism Vlogger Mar 06, 2019

Show notes

In this episode we take a look at father's journey from his son's diagnosis to becoming Kimock7 Autism Vlogger. Through his vlogs (some have gone viral) this father is changing peoples perceptions of what autism is by promoting Autism Awareness on Facebook and YouTube where he has over 100,000 followers from all over the world.

Meet Chadd Wickert aka Kimock7 Autism Vlogger. Chadd shares how making videos with his son was a great way for him and his son to connect because his son loved the process and watching the videos. Chadd started his own YouTube channel and Facebook page where one of the videos he posted went viral because it captures the true essence of the bond between father and son. People from all over the world have written letters and have contacted Chadd and his son thanking them for the videos because they provide them with hope and inspiration for their son or daughter. Through these videos Chadd is changing peoples views on autism and serve as an inspiration to many. Listen to this podcast to find out more then checkout his Facebook and YouTube at Kimock7 Autism.

MINDSHIFT (takeaways)

Early diagnosis is critically important in getting your child the services they need. The sooner you start the better the outcome.
Researching diet, medical remedies, and other outlets such as detoxification is worth looking into. Researching other avenues only helps your child to think, cope, and function. There is an entire biomedical component that can help your child with neurological challenges that is tied to the gut.
Your child may have autism and what he/she puts into his/her body everyday is going to affect their brain everyday moving forward. Research shows that there is a gut and brain connection and that diet can make a dramatic difference in your child's behavior and neurological functioning.
You go through life and there are certain things that happen to you and something can fly by and you may not even realize that one experience or that one conversation or that one person you met has just taught you something. You may not realize it right away and that's what the quote at the beginning of the podcast means... you can find hope and happiness and inspiration in the most strangest of places.

Persistency is Consistency Feb 27, 2019

Show notes

In this episode Dr. Nunez and Maylene talk about when a child regresses and how consistency plays a roll. Your child maybe doing great and "BAM" all of a sudden your child is having major meltdowns or becoming angry and agitated and you do not why. There is ALWAYS a reason and the majority of the time it is caused by something that is out of your child's routine from changing the schedule slightly, to a change in weather, to your child going through a growth spurt. Regression signifies change and this podcast will help you identify what that change is.

When we hear the word regression we often think of the dreaded meltdowns and/or angry and aggressive behaviors. Dr. Nunez and Maylene remind everyone that regression isn't a negative thing it just means that there is change happening and your child is growing. When you really put some thought into it, you can trace what that change is. Your child is human and their emotions and behaviors aren't always going to remain the same. Instead of viewing regression as a set back look at it as moving forward. It is always important to remember that when you see your child regress provide them with structure and consistency. Consistency needs to be within the family unit and it starts with both parents being on the same page. Inconsistency sends mixed messages to a child and in return can cause tension and make the regression worse. Regression is apart of life, but the more consistent you are the greater the outcome will be for everyone.

MINDSHIFT (takeaways)

Whenever you see regression go back to basics, break things down, and be consistent.
Don't beat yourself up about regression, it happens.
When a regression occurs provide your child with structure and give calming activities that make them feel successful. It will help them cope.
Think about why the regression is happening, the source of the regression. We as humans have patterns and ingrained routines, so it is important to reflect and question what could be out of routine and do a self-check.

Build with T.A.C.T. Feb 20, 2019

Show notes

In this episode we chat with a father who took his son's love for making things into a non-profit organization that teaches trade and technical skills to individuals with autism. From restoring cars and welding, to carpentry and instrument making, this non-profit focuses on finding the talents and skills of each individual. The ultimate goal is to provide individuals with autism the opportunities to explore and work with their hands while finding their passion that will lead them to a lucrative career and to live a great and happy life.

Meet Danny Combs, the founder and owner of Teaching the Autism Community Trades (T.A.C.T.) The concept came out of need because there were no programs that existed where individuals with autism were being taught how to use their hands by learning different trades. Within three years T.A.C.T. has now grown to serve over 400 families and has become the first program in the country where students get class credit for auto mechanics, carpentry, and computer science. The beauty of the program is that it focuses on the talents and strengths of individuals with autism in which the instructors are inspired by their students to do better and be better... and that is what building with T.A.C.T. is all about!

Annette's Vignette VI Feb 13, 2019

Show notes

It's Valentine's Week... and this is the sixth vignette that Dr. Nunez shares. In this vignette Dr. Nunez talks about the importance of loving yourself and the true meaning of self-care. Our day-to-day lives keep us busy with parenting, work, and taking care of others, that we often neglect our own needs. It is vital that we take time for ourselves in order for us to be present and to be the best parent, partner, professional, etc. we can be.

In this episode Dr. Nunez talks about the meaning behind self-love and self-care. In order for us to give love we have to understand what it means to unconditionally love ourselves. We are our own worst critiques and we have the tendency to criticize ourselves rather than saying positive statements that uplift us. Give yourself permission to be selfish and take time out of your day, everyday, to do something that makes your soul happy such as eating a piece of chocolate, going for a walk, etc. The love that you have for yourself is the love that you will attract from others. Remember you can't give love if you don't know how to authentically love yourself.

MINSHIFT (takeaways)

Do not feel guilty for wanting to take time for yourself.
Reflect with yourself and by yourself on all the great things that are happening in your life.
Find positive or inspiring words or quotes that resonate with you and write them on sticky tabs and put the tabs throughout your house. You are teaching both you and your children to make positive statements.
Reframe negative statements that children may say.
Do 10 pennies in a jar. Every time you think of a positive thought about yourself or say something to your child that is positive, put a penny in a jar. This helps both parents and professionals look for the positives.

The Meltdown Tracker Feb 06, 2019

Show notes

In this episode we chat with a mother from England whose son was diagnosed with autism at the age of 6 and what makes her story fascinating is that she was recently diagnosed at the age of 38. She is well researched and is able to articulate what it is like to have autism and uses her experiences to help parents, children, and adults understand aspects of it. Based on her experiences she developed The Meltdown Tracker in which she offers free visuals to help parents understand what maybe causing their child's meltdowns and gives them simple strategies to use to prevent or deescalate them quickly. Her Meltdown Tracker is based on things she has observed with her son and is designed to help others understand aspects of meltdowns and what do.

Meet Morgan Salisbury as she talks about her life journey as always feeling different and there was something lacking or not matching up to standards. She describes that it was a relief getting a diagnosis as it helped her understand so much of what she was going on with her. Morgan explains that autism is defined as deficit based model but should be a strengths base model. She also states that there is a stereotype that individuals with autism have no feelings or lack there of, but actually feelings can be so big that individuals use self-preservation mechanisms to numb it. She wants people to know that many times meltdowns are predicable and that you can develop skills to cope and get through the triggers in order to find balance. Based on her personal experiences and experiences with her son she is now passionate about helping families find their missing pieces and to add a dialogue of what those families are going through. At the end of the day no parent should feel alone on this journey, and she wants to help others on their journey, as she was inspired along hers.

MINDSHIFT (takeaways)

Always have hope!
Your child is so special and unique and not defined by a diagnosis. Your child is more than the meltdown people see, so trust your instincts and widen the narrow lens because your child is capable of so much.

I Have A Lot To Say... Jan 30, 2019

Show notes

In this episode we take a look at a young man's journey who is diagnosed with autism. He shares with us his experiences of living with his family, going to school, friendships, driving, and his thoughts about his future of going to college and living independently. When schools questioned his abilities his parents advocated for him and he explains he would not be where he is today without the support of his parents. His story is so inspirational that 9 News did a story on him. This is an episode you don't want to miss!

Meet Jacob Ruth and for the first time we hear from an individual autism about what it is like growing up. From his earliest memories of screaming to the point of where he felt like he had damaged his voice box to his current experiences of going to high school and playing football we hear from Jacob's perspective. Jacob explains how many people siienced him for many years but now that he is grown up he has a lot to say! If you would like to hear the entire families view on autism, his mom was interviewed in podcast 2, his dad in podcast 10, and his sister in podcast 28.

MINDSHIFT (takeaways)

Always work hard and do stay in school.
Be encouraged by your parents... whatever your parents say to you. Even if you don't want to do it, listen to them because they have very good advice.
Don't ever smoke or do drugs... and don't eat junk food all the time.
Be yourselves and do what you want to do!

Sisterly Love Jan 23, 2019

Show notes

In this episode we take a look at a sister's journey with her brother diagnosed with autism. She shares her perspective of what it is like growing up with her brother as she navigates through her thoughts and emotions about her internal struggles of feeling like a shadow. She also shares her amazing realization and understanding of her role as a sister and how it has allowed her to blossom into her own individual.

Meet Piper Ruth, a sister of an individual with autism. For the first time we hear from a siblings perspective of what it is like growing up with a brother with autism. She shares her memories of seeing her brother go to various therapies and experiencing his meltdowns and how her parents handled challenging situtaions. Piper talks about how her relationship with her brother has changed and grown over the years and how they connect over movies and scripts. If you would like to hear the entire families view on autism, her mom was interviewed in podcast 2, her dad in podcast 10, and her brother in podcast 29.

MINSHIFT (takeaways)

To all the siblings of individuals with autism, you are not being pushed to the side.
If you feel like you are being pushed to the side don't be afraid to speak up and let your parents know that you feel like you are not getting enough attention.
Remember that your parents don't have any favorites your sibling just needs more guidance and a little more help.
You are not any less of a kid or sibling.
Respect everyone you meet and accept people as they are.

Unexpected Journey Jan 09, 2019

Show notes

In this Episode we share a single mothers journey of how she took the diagnosis of her severely impacted son with autism and used it to advocate and educate families who are uniformed about the resources that are available to them.

Meet Betty Lehman owner of Lehman Disability Planning in Denver, Colorado. She has been a pioneer for helping families and is responsible for passing 14 statutes for families to receive insurance funding for interventions and lifetime care. With a CPA background, Betty is passionate about financial planning for families especially those with exhausted resources. As a Disability Advisor she educates parents on how to extend the quality of life for their child after they age out of funding or are out of the school system.

She lets parents know what available funding is out there and different financial options. She has developed special tools for parents so they can learn how to utilize, blend, and preserve their resources so they feel secure about their child's quality of life for the future. Her knowledge and insight is invaluable and an episode you don't want to miss!

Daily Resolutions Jan 02, 2019

Show notes

Welcome 2019! With a new year comes a fresh start and setting new goals. However, goal setting can often have an opposite effect when you don't reach your goals leaving you to feel guilty and discouraged. Sound familiar? In this Episode Dr. Nunez and Maylene share their thoughts on New Year's Resolutions and how to make them positive and inspiring by doing small things daily, weekly, or even monthly. A resolution can be as simple as reminding yourself daily to take care of YOU!

For many women, especially mothers who have children on the autism spectrum, life can detour you from your New Year's Resolutions. Remember that a child's growth isn't linear and it is constantly shifting and changing, and so will your resolutions. We often focus on the goal rather than our accomplishments. So keep in mind that you are not failing when you set new resolutions because it is a way of moving forward in the same direction that your life course has shifted to. Learn to adjust, reassess, and make resolutions a lifestyle. This is called growth...

MINDSHIFTS (Takeaways) OF THIS EPISODE:

Resolutions don't just happen at the beginning of the year. Mindshift and change the way you think about Resolutions. They just don't happen at the its not final, go with the flow of life and make reassessing a lifestyle.
Resolutions are meant to be positive. Do not get discouraged when you fulfill your resolution or don't get overwhelmed by making too many resolutions.
ALWAYS be grateful for where you are and what you have in life.
Make a vision board with all the things you would like to accomplish in 2019. Vision boards are powerful because what you see goes into your unconscious.

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