Navigating the IEP process can feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone! In today’s episode, we’re joined by Crystal Jordan, a passionate advocate and dedicated mom, who shares her personal journey of ensuring her son received the best support through his IEP.

Crystal opens up about the challenges she faced and how she transformed into a confident advocate, stepping into meetings prepared to make her voice heard. From preparation strategies to tailoring an IEP to your child’s unique needs, this episode is packed with actionable tips to help you navigate the process with clarity and purpose.

Whether you’re a parent new to IEPs or a seasoned pro looking for fresh insights, this conversation will leave you feeling empowered and ready to tackle IEP meetings like a pro. Don’t miss this inspiring and informative discussion!

Zacariahworld.com

https://www.youtube.com/@AdultingwithAutismPodcast

Hey there! Happy Saturday! I hope you're having a fantastic weekend. 🌟

Ever feel like you're in a whirlwind of chaos? I'm deep in autism burnout, juggling the hurricane of work, life, and the ever-present challenges of navigating the world as an autistic adult, especially as a Black woman. Yup, it's been one of those weeks where everything just seems off.

I'm super excited to introduce Megan Townsend, a fellow late-diagnosed autistic adult and licensed social worker. We dive into a raw, real conversation about the unique challenges Black women face in getting diagnosed with autism, the misconceptions, and the frustratingly slow progress towards better understanding. This chat is about breaking stereotypes, the struggles with being a parent to autistic kids, and how to cope when support systems fail to meet our needs.

Grab your favorite drink, whether it's an adult beverage or a cozy hot cocoa, and join us as we share insights, laughs, and maybe even a few tears. Let's toast to facing challenges head-on and understanding our beautifully complex worlds a little better! 🥂

Book: Blueprint to Behaviorwww.adaptingtoautism.com www.mperfectconsulting.com Instagram: @mperfectconsulting

https://www.youtube.com/@AdultingwithAutismPodcast

Got a story to share about adulting on the spectrum? Let’s chat! Connect with April Ratchford on PodMatch and be a guest on Adulting with Autism! 🎙️ Check it out here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1708097947800879cbdd654ca

Hey guys, hey. Happy Wednesday! How are you all doing? Today, I'm aiming for some serious multitasking—making t-shirts, podcasting, editing, cooking dinner, and enjoying 'The Sound of Music'. Please, no judgments; who doesn't love a good Julie Andrews classic, right?

Today's episode features a fantastic guest, Paul Zolman, who has twisted the classic five love languages into an interactive game. Inspired by psychologist Dr. Gary Chapman's work, Paul developed a unique method to help people learn their love languages by rolling a dice and practicing a new language each day. How cool is that?

Join us as Paul explains how this approach not only helps you understand your own love language but also how to spread love and positivity unconditionally. With funny anecdotes and insightful tips, we dive into how embracing these languages can help shift focus from people's faults to what's right about them. This lively conversation will get you thinking about what really matters, as Paul reminds us that kindness and connection are the ultimate game-changers. Catch all the details on this innovative game and more on today's episode!

http://www.roleoflove.com/

https://facebook.com/roleoflovedice

https://twitter.com/roleoflovedice

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1kniwkoHIW9EA5Ojv7NuLA

https://instagram.com/roleoflovedice/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/roleoflovedice

https://tiktok.com/@roleoflovedice

Got a story to share about adulting on the spectrum? Let’s chat! Connect with April Ratchford on PodMatch and be a guest on Adulting with Autism! 🎙️ Check it out here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1708097947800879cbdd654ca

Hey, friends! Happy Saturday! 🎉 Today, we’re diving into something deeply personal and important—understanding our relationship with alcohol, especially when you're adulting on the autism spectrum. 🍷✨

I shared a bit about my son, Z, and our family’s open approach to discussing drinking and its risks, especially since it runs deep on both sides of our family. Whether it’s letting Z experience drinking among family or learning from my own experiences, the goal has always been safety and awareness.

I'm thrilled to welcome Dallas Collis, a guest who has bravely shared his story about battling addiction and finding peace. We talked about everything from societal pressures, the need to mask pain, and how his philosophy of living in the present has been transformative.

This conversation isn’t just for those who face addiction. It’s for everyone questioning why they drink or use substances as a social crutch. Dive into our talk to explore whether you’re drinking for the right reasons and discover how to foster comfort within yourself without alcohol or drugs.

So grab a comfy seat and join us as we chat about these real-life struggles and triumphs. And don't forget to comment, subscribe, and share the love so we can keep these candid chats coming!

Dallascollis.com (@dallascollis.com) | TikTok

https://www.facebook.com/dallas.collis.33

Dallas Collis - YouTube

Book- The Gift: is present

Got a story to share about adulting on the spectrum? Let’s chat! Connect with April Ratchford on PodMatch and be a guest on Adulting with Autism! 🎙️ Check it out here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1708097947800879cbdd654ca

Hey guys, hey. Grab your favorite drink and settle in, because you definitely don't want to miss this! I've invited the incredible Chris Mitchell to join us today. Chris discovered later in life that he's autistic, and he’s here to share his unique journey with us. From navigating his own autism diagnosis to being a devoted caregiver for his wife who's battling cancer, Chris's story is both touching and empowering. Trust me, you'll be blown away by his strength and resilience.

Learn what "autistic burnout" is all about, and how Chris supports the adult autistic community through his engaging YouTube channel, The Confident Autistic. He’s got some real nuggets of wisdom on advocating for oneself and overcoming life’s hurdles, whether it’s dealing with the healthcare system or finding your tribe as an adult with autism.

Let's get real, it's not just about autism, it's about finding joy and fulfilling your passion, no matter what life throws your way. Don’t forget to check out Chris's YouTube channel, join our Facebook group, and please, if you love what you hear, give us a like or drop a review. Stay amazing, and keep adulting!

youtube: @The Confident Autistic

youtube: @AdultingwithAutism

Hey guys, hey, happy Monday! I promised you mini-sodes, so here I am, sharing some thoughts that popped into my head. Ever wondered why you parent the way you do? Why not think about stuff like therapy, generational trauma, and how these have shaped us?

If your parental units are in therapy, give them credit! And if you're a parent, remember that healing starts with you. We're diving deep into how our upbringing influences our actions, especially with parents who weren’t perfect but did their best with what they knew.

As a parent myself, I’ve been there, navigating my own quirks and the intricate dance of raising an autistic child. I've found therapy invaluable, especially during the pandemic, and now share tips for others on this path.

So, folks, grant yourself grace and your parents some slack. They probably did the best they could—just like we’re all trying to do. Sometimes, we need an apology and forgiveness to move forward. Therapy helps break cycles and find peace.

Here's your reminder: It takes patience and understanding to embrace imperfections. Let’s lean into family therapy, better communication, and strength as we keep learning, growing, and adulting together. Join me next time, and keep adulting!

Hey guys, happy Saturday! Welcome back to Adulting with Autism. I've got something super special for you this week. I'm chatting with a past acquaintance, the one and only Matthew Lesko, whom I affectionately call the 'question mark guy' because of his iconic suit. He's breaking down barriers and sharing invaluable resources to help young autistic adults and others with disabilities find assistance in the labyrinth of grants and support.

If you've ever felt lost after turning 18 or unsure where to find help for life’s challenges, Matthew’s tips are here to light your way. He’s dishing out the details on three pivotal websites aimed at supporting those with disabilities. While they might not be exclusively for autism or ADHD, they could be just the ticket you need to get on the right path. Let’s unravel these mysteries together, shall we?

https://www.free.lesko.com/leskohelp

https://www.facebook.com/MatthewLesko/

https://twitter.com/MatthewLesko

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwKJZfa7sWV_qKxQnLBUpjA

https://www.instagram.com/matthewlesko/

https://www.tiktok.com/login?redirect_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2F%40matthew_lesko_&lang=en&enter_method=mandatory

Hey guys, hey! Happy Wednesday! I’m showing up a bit late today because I'm just getting over being sick, but I promise it’s worth the wait! In this episode, we're diving into a subject that can be awkward but so important – talking about sex. Yep, grab your drink of choice (water and soda if you're driving) and let's welcome Heather Shannon, a fabulous sex therapist, to the podcast.

Heather and I explore the ins and outs of sex therapy, relationships, and how these topics intersect with autism, especially when school doesn’t cover the sex convo and it's left in the hands of YouTube and peers. Whether you’re neurotypical or neurodivergent, getting the hang of intimacy and communication can be quite the task.

Join us as we dissect the trials of initiating intimacy, understanding romance when you’re literal-minded, and improving couple communication – plus some fun bits about blindfolds, maybe even ropes! Bringing Heather on board, I hope, makes all the difference, and she’s sharing tools, books, and insights worth jotting down! Plus, there's a peek into her podcast which you’ll definitely want to check out for more insights!

And hey, whether you’re a parent, partner, or just curious, we're discussing supporting non-binary identification, the journey of self-discovery, and how to navigate those waters with love and patience. So don’t miss this wonderful chat with much laughter sprinkled in.

As always, I really appreciate your support, and I can’t wait to hear what you think. Jump into our Facebook group to keep the conversation going, and find all the episode details in the show notes. More fun stuff coming up, so stay tuned and keep adulting!

https://heathershannon.co/

https://podmatch.com/hostdetail/1647997394062x405351190285818900

https://twitter.com/askasexcoach

https://youtube.com/@askasexcoach

https://instagram.com/askasextherapist

https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-shannon-7697235

https://vm.tiktok.com/TTPd5kTDV2/

🎙️ Got a story to share? Be a guest on Adulting with Autism! Connect with April Ratchford on PodMatch: Click here. Let’s chat! 💬

Hey guys, happy Monday! 😊 Don't come for me – I've been sick, and I know this episode is late. But hey, better late than never, right? I really hope you all had a fantastic Thanksgiving. My holiday was spent with a cough in one hand and turkey in the other.

On today's episode, I chatted with the inspiring Rosie Burrows who left her 'dream' job and an eight-year relationship to follow her heart and live in a van. Imagine having the courage to do that! It's all about embracing your values and living life on your own terms. We delved into how she made the leap and what it means to truly listen to your inner voice.

Rosie's story is such a reminder that life is about your own dreams and aspirations. Grab a cozy drink and listen in! We’re also welcoming everyone who's neurodivergent or autistic to be part of this journey because our differences make us beautifully unique.

Let me know what you think, and as always, thank you for listening and supporting the Adulting with Autism podcast. Leave a comment, like, and share to help spread these uplifting stories! 🌟

https://thepursuitoffreedom.com.au/

https://thepursuitoffreedom.com.au/values 

CODE: FREEDOM

https://youtube.com/@pursuitoffreedom

https://linkedin.com/in/rosie-burrows/

https://www.tiktok.com/@kookalini?_t=8qdm3adL1Ka&_r=1

Hey guys, hey! Happy Wednesday! I know I’m a tad late, but life happens, right? Just got back from vacation, and the flu decided to come home with me—yay me! Tried to pass the mic to my son, Z, but he chickened out. So here I am, flu-riddled and under the weather, bringing you this week’s episode!

This week, I’m so excited to welcome Tanya Hallett to Adulting with Autism! Tanya’s a trauma-informed practice specialist with 20 years of international experience. She’s also a PTSD survivor and mental health advocate who’s here to break down what PTSD actually means—because let’s face it, people throw that term around without really knowing the deal.

We’re diving into the nitty-gritty:

This episode is perfect for anyone navigating the wild ride of mental health, especially if you’re autistic or neurodivergent. Tanya drops wisdom bombs about finding support, tackling anxiety, and stepping out of your comfort zone.

So, grab a blanket, snuggle up, and let’s get real about mental health and the journey to adulthood. Let’s dive in! 🎙️

Tanya's info:

https://tipt.com.au/

https://www.facebook.com/tanya.hallett.167

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanya-hallett/