Nourishing Autism

Latest Episodes:

70. Understanding Gestalt Language Processing: Insights from Speech Therapist Katja Piscitelli (@bohospeechie) Aug 21, 2024

Show notes

In this informative episode of the Nourishing Autism Podcast, Brittyn welcomes Katja Piscitelli, a pediatric speech-language pathologist, to discuss Gestalt Language Processing (GLP). Katja explains how GLP differs from traditional language development and provides insight into the stages of GLP. She also shares practical tips on how parents can support their children who are Gestalt language processors.

Their conversation covers the importance of rich intonation in language models, the role of AAC devices in supporting GLP, and valuable resources for parents seeking further assistance. Listen in to learn about new ways to engage and understand your child's unique communication needs!

Episode Resources:

Follow Katja on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bohospeechie/
Connect with Katja on FB: https://www.facebook.com/people/Boho-Speechie/100064823717157/
For free resources and to learn more about how Katja can support you and your family, visit: https://linktr.ee/bohospeechie

69. Your Child's 3 "Hidden Senses": Interoception, Proprioception, & the Vestibular System with Reena Singh, OT Aug 14, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of the Nourishing Autism Podcast, Brittyn welcomes occupational therapist Reena Singh all the way from India to discuss the intricacies of three lesser-known sensory systems and their impact on children. Reena shares her extensive experience working with autistic kids over the past 23 years and breaks down the significance of interoceptive, vestibular, and proprioceptive senses.

Listen to gain valuable insights into how sensory processing affects eating, sleeping, and daily activities, and learn about the connection between emotional states and sensory experiences. You'll learn practical tips to help your child feel more comfortable during mealtimes and how to create positive emotional associations with food.

Episode Resources:

Download Reena's new app, Awetism Insights on iOS and Android: - iOS: https://apps.apple.com/in/app/awetism-insights/id6499340907 - Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=app.awetism.insights
Awetism Insights is a treasure trove of support for families with children diagnosed with Autism. It has content curated from 24 years of experience and cutting-edge research. It features:
- 15 Masterclasses on topics like sleep challenges, toilet and potty training, sensory diet, oral motor challenges, visual supports, PECS, and emotional support scripts for parents
- 5 Detailed Courses on primitive reflex integration for emotional regulation, academic readiness, boosting oral motor and fine motor skills, and an Autism intervention roadmap
- Daily Insights from Reena
- Weekly Live Events hosted by speech therapists and occupational therapists including me
- Demonstrations of Over 100 Techniques for parents
It has 3 levels of membership and a 14-day free trial!
Connect with Reena on Instagram: www.instagram.com/awetisminsights
Subscribe to Reena's Youtube Channel: www.youtube.com/@awetisminsights
Connect with Reena on Facebook: www.facebook.com/awetisminsights
Check out more of Reena's resources and work with her: https://www.khushi.net.in/

68. 6 Things You Can Be Doing NOW for a Successful Back-To-School Transition Aug 07, 2024

Show notes

It's that time of year again! In this episode of the Nourishing Autism Podcast, Brittyn shares 6 key tips to help your child transition smoothly back into the school year, focusing particularly on maintaining nutrition. We know that a change in routine can impact your child's eating habits, so listen to learn how establishing routines early, involving your child in meal prep, practicing eating in different environments, and more can set your child up for success during this big change!

Episode Resources:

Get a FREE AngelSense Tracker: https://www.angelsense.com?ref=mtfhogz Austin Baby Co Silicone Bento Boxes: https://amzn.to/4c1Ofku

67. Finding Your "Village" as a Parent of a Child with Special Needs with Charlie Beswick Jul 31, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of the Nourishing Autism Podcast, Brittyn joins Charlie Beswick (@ouralteredlife), a mom to two twin boys, author, founder of SEND Gin & Cheese CIC, founder of the More Than a Face charity, AND teacher!

She shares her unfiltered and heartfelt personal journey with her twin boys, Oliver and Harry. Harry was born with a rare craniofacial condition and later diagnosed with autism, while Oliver is undiagnosed autistic and dyslexic. Charlie discusses the challenges she faced, including personal grief and building a support system, and how she eventually founded S.E.N.D Gin and Cheese CIC to support other parents of children with special needs.

Charlie offers valuable advice on finding your "village" and emphasizes the importance of maternal mental health. Tune in for an honest and inspiring conversation about perseverance, community, and the unique journey of raising children with special needs.

Episode Resources:

Follow Charlie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ouralteredlife/
Find Charlie on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ouralteredlife/
Learn more about Charlie, her family & the resources she provides: www.ouralteredlife.com
Download Charlie's Free E-Book: https://www.subscribepage.com/selfcareforbusymums
Read Chapter 1 of her book, Our Altered Life for free: https://www.subscribepage.com/ouralteredlifechapterone
Download Charlie's Free E-book "Worrier to Warrior": https://www.subscribepage.com/worriertowarrier
Learn more about S.E.N.D Gin & Cheese: https://sendginandcheese.org/
Learn more about Charlie's More than a Face Charity: https://morethanaface.co.uk/

66. The TOP 5 Mistakes You're Making When Introducing New Foods to Your Child Jul 24, 2024

Show notes

Aeroflow Urology helps parents and those with special needs 3+ receive free, high-quality diapers, pull-ups, and wipes through their insurance benefits. See if your loved one qualifies in under 2 minutes by visiting aeroflowurology.com/nourishingautism. Want to learn more about the Diaper Gap? Visit aeroflowurology.com/diaper-divide

In this episode of the Nourishing Autism Podcast, Brittyn spills her secrets about the common mistakes she sees parents make when introducing new foods to their children. Listen in to learn about the importance of considering a child's sensory needs when picking a new food, practical tips to setting your child up for success, making sure your mealtime environment is calm to avoid overstimulation, and more!

Download one of Brittyn's favorite resources, her FREE Food Sensory Profile Workbook to start implementing these strategies today: https://autismdietitian.ck.page/foodsensoryprofile

It's almost time for enrollment to open for Brittyn's online membership, The Nourishing Autism Collective! Enrollment will be open to those on the wait list for a limited time from July 30th-31st! If you would like more individualized support from Brittyn, make sure to add your name to the waitlist here: https://www.nourishingautism.co/

65. What is the Diaper Gap? (& How To Get Free Diapers & Pull-Ups!) with Aeroflow Urology Jul 17, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of the Nourishing Autism Podcast, Brittyn is joined by Aleece Fosnight, a certified PA specializing in urology to discuss the challenges faced by families in affording diapers and other potty training products. This particular challenge has been identified as "The Diaper Gap".

Aleece shares how some families are even having to choose between affording diapers and affording groceries, or maybe forgoing certain helpful therapies for their child. This is why Aleece works with Aeroflow Urology, an incredible organization that helps families receive bladder control products for FREE through their insurance benefits.

Join Brittyn and Aleece as they talk about topics such as varying timelines for potty training, especially for autistic kids, and the importance of normalizing conversations about the bathroom and bodily functions with your child.

Episode Resources:

To learn more about the Diaper Divide: aeroflowurology.com/diaper-divide

Follow Aleece on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fosnightcenter/

Follow Aleece on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fosnightcenter/

Learn more about what she does through her website: www.fosnightcenter.com

64. How Sensory Processing Disorder Can Majorly Affect Your Child's Eating, Toileting, and More with Amanda Mathers, OTR/L @yourpediatricot Jul 10, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of the Nourishing Autism Podcast, Amanda Mathers, a pediatric occupational therapist (OT), dives deep into the realm of sensory processing. She explains how our senses affect daily living and emphasizes understanding sensory experiences to manage behaviors effectively, especially in children with sensory processing disorder and autism. Join Brittyn and Amanda as they discuss her journey from working in clinics to providing in-home early intervention for children, highlighting the importance of involving parents in the therapeutic process. This episode also explores the vital and often overlapping roles of dietitians, speech therapists, and OTs in promoting children's development, particularly in feeding therapy and potty training. Listen in for practical advice on recognizing and addressing sensory issues, the significance of nutrition in therapy, and how to communicate effectively with therapists to ensure comprehensive support for your children.

For Amanda's free resources, courses, and 1:1 coaching visit: https://stan.store/yourpediatricOT
Follow Amanda on Instagram: @yourpediaticot
Check out Amanda's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yourpediatricot

63. Tips for Special Educators to Support Autistic Students (Parents - Share this Episode!) Jul 03, 2024

Show notes

Brittyn knows how frustrating it can be when professional development rarely applies to early childhood and overlooks relevant topics for autistic students. That's why she's joining over 25 special educators, parents, psychologists, SLPs, and OTs who advocate for neurodiversity-affirming strategies at the Preschool Autism Summit July 15-17.

During the summit, you'll learn how to equip your support staff and paraprofessionals with the latest strategies, create compassionate and strength-based classroom environments, and replace outdated methods with practical, current strategies. You'll gain actionable tools and insights to enhance your teaching practices, promote meaningful engagement, and empower every child to thrive.

Grab your FREE ticket to the Preschool Autism Summit here: nourishingautism.co/summit

If you're a parent with a special educator in mind, please share this link or podcast episode!

62. When Picky Eating Is More Than Picky Eating with Sarah Almond-Bushell, @thechildrensnutritionist Jun 27, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of The Nourishing Autism Podcast, Brittyn welcomes Sarah Almond-Bushell, a UK-based international award-winning registered dietitian with 25 years of experience in pediatric nutrition.

They discuss Sarah's approach to managing picky eating in children through play and sensory experiences, emphasizing that it's okay to play with food to encourage positive interactions. Sarah highlights red flags that might indicate when picky eating requires professional intervention and discusses the benefits of using learning plates over no thank you plates.

If you have a picky eater in your family, this episode is a MUST listen!

Podcast Resources:

Follow Sarah on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thechildrensnutritionist/
Check out Sarah's NEW "Fussy Eating Fixed!" Program: https://www.thechildrensnutritionist.com/fussy-eating-fixed
For more information about nutrition counseling with Sarah and her amazing free resources visit: https://childrensnutrition.co.uk/
For more information about business coaching with Sarah visit: https://www.sarahalmondbushell.com/

Grab Your Free Ticket to The Preschool Autism Summit: nourishingautism.co/summit

61. Sensory Diets 101 with Jessica and Rachel from All Things Sensory Jun 19, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of the Nourishing Autism Podcast, Brittyn is joined by Rachel Harrington and Jessica Hill, certified occupational therapy assistants (COTAs) at Harkla and hosts of the All Things Sensory Podcast.

They discuss the concept of sensory diets, which are not related to food but rather consist of various sensory activities designed to help children stay regulated. Listen in to hear how these activities can be integrated into daily routines (with specific examples), the importance of proactive sensory strategies, and their impact on mealtime behaviors. Rachel and Jessica emphasize the need for personalized approaches and provide truly practical tips for parents.

Resources for further learning are available on the Harkla website: https://harkla.co/

You can find their podcast, All Things Sensory by Harkla on: