Today I’m continuing ‘The Summers Series’ on AIA! I’m recapping our vacation in Tennessee and answering listener questions about travel. I’m sharing some highlights from our trip (seeing the smokies, Logan crushing the lily pads and Laila’s face during the water slide…listen for details!) and talking about what didn’t work out so well- like waiting two hours for a table at dinner! Overall, we had FANTASTIC vacay and quality family time really is priceless. I’m answering listener questions regarding some practical stuff (how did Logan sleep, what did he eat, etc) and talking about the accessibility pass at Dollywood- which I highly recommend! Traveling with kids, especially when autism is a factor, can definitely feel daunting. But it really is so worth it! It was fun for me to look back on this awesome trip and I hope you enjoy listening!

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Today I’m kicking off ‘The Summers Series’ (which is more solo mini episodes through summer!) on AIA! On this episode I’m sharing the start of our summer (so far it’s been AWESOME!) and how we planned/prepped for our vacation. I recorded this episode the night before we left for Tennessee. Every time we take a trip, I get questions about how we make it work with our family’s unique needs. Today I’m sharing my best tips on how we set ourselves up for success! Every family is different, so what works for one won’t work for all…and that’s ok! The destination, duration and details of your trip are totally for you to customize in what ever way that makes the most sense for YOUR family. I think staying flexible and not setting your expectations too high are key! I hope you enjoy this episode- let me know if there are any other topics you’d like to hear about on the summer series!

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IG: @adventuresinautismpod

FB: @Adventures In Autism Podcast

Email: [email protected]

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Today I’m flying solo with another installment of Hot Topics! This topic came highly requested and it’s dealing with difficult/challenging behaviors. I’m sharing some of the behaviors Logan has struggled with and how we’ve dealt with them. This topic was important for me to talk about on the podcast because as autism parents, it can be really tough to deal with these behaviors. There was definitely a time when I felt very isolated and like I was the only parent dealing with behaviors like this. I know now (because of this wonderful community!) that is not true and there are so many of us dealing with difficult behaviors! In addition to talking about the behaviors that we’ve seen from Logan, I’m also sharing some of the behaviors that listeners have shared as well. I hope this episode is helpful and at the very least reminds you that you are not alone with these behaviors. Enjoy listening!

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Connect with Megan:

IG: @adventuresinautismpod

FB: @Adventures In Autism Podcast

Email: [email protected]

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Today I am chatting with the one and only, Jenny McCarthy! Jenny and I talk all about the early days with her amazing son, Evan. Everyone knows the public side of their story, but today Jenny is sharing the more personal side. We talk about Evan’s very scary seizure as a toddler and his eventual diagnosis of ASD. Jenny and I also discuss her feelings at that time, especially because when he was diagnosed in 2002, there was so little known about autism and there was hardly anything on the subject in the media. Nowadays, so much has changed! Evan actually just graduated from high school and Jenny talks all about how he’s become an incredible self advocate. This is the first interview where Jenny has discussed autism in several years. I’m so honored that she chose to share it with me! It was truly a thrill to have her on and we had such a great time chatting. It really gave me a whole new perspective on their autism journey. I hope you enjoy listening!

Connect with Jenny:

Instagram: @jennymccarthy

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Connect with Megan:

IG: @adventuresinautismpod

FB: @Adventures In Autism Podcast

Email: [email protected]

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For this episode, I am once again bringing my sister, Melissa, on the pod for a sister chat! Today (May 26) marks one year since Mel had a massive seizure that led to her brain cancer diagnosis. We’re talking about how she’s doing now, and how it feels to be one year out from that life changing event. (If you are a newer listener, check out episode 94 to hear more details on that.) Mel shares how she’s feeling both emotionally and physically. We also talk about the decision for her to move out of my house, which she did in March. Overall it’s been a doozie of a year (to say the least) but more than anything I am grateful for my sister and I love her immeasurably. Here’s to Mel continuing to kick cancers ass! I hope you enjoy listening to this episode.

Connect with Melissa:

Instagram: @thezill

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Connect with Megan:

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FB: @Adventures In Autism Podcast

Email: [email protected]

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Today I’m chatting with autism mom Emily Comer, all about her adorable son, Levi. Levi is 4 years old and was just recently diagnosed with ASD in September. Emily details their journey leading up to the diagnosis and shares how they’re doing since. Emily and I talk about the differences of having both neurotypical children and kiddos on the spectrum. Emily also shares that once Levi was diagnosed, she really understood the meaning of the phrase “comparison is the thief of joy”. She talks about how that point she was able to let go of the timelines and milestone charts and really just celebrate Levi for the amazing person he is. Emily is a delight and I truly loved our conversation and her perspective. I hope you enjoy listening to this episode!

Connect with Emily:

Instagram: @learningwithlevi_

Sponsored by:

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Connect with Megan:

IG: @adventuresinautismpod

FB: @Adventures In Autism Podcast

Email: [email protected]

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Today I’m chatting with autism mom and photographer, Alexys Berry. Alexys shares her journey with her daughter, Charlotte, who was just recently diagnosed with ASD in 2020. Alexys talks about the early signs that led them to seek a diagnosis. She also explains how the pandemic made the process more difficult. She actually received Charlotte’s diagnosis over Telehealth. Alexys also talks about her photography business and how she caters to families with kiddos on the spectrum so they too can have precious family photos. I really enjoyed our conversation, especially when we discussed both our children’s desire to eat/chew non edible items. This has come up on the show before, but it was great to talk to another mom who really “gets it” and understands just how dangerous that can be. Alexys is such a sweetheart and I loved chatting with her. I hope you enjoy listening!

Connect with Alexys:

Facebook: Alexys Berry

Instagram: @alexys.berry13 & @alexysberryphotography

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Connect with Megan:

IG: @adventuresinautismpod

FB: @Adventures In Autism Podcast

Email: [email protected]

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Today I’m flying solo and sharing some life updates. First, I’m talking about some of the more difficult stuff I’ve been dealing with lately. There has been a lot going on and I’m truly just so thankful for this community. You guys really are the best! Next I’m talking about how we’re planning for summer break which is right around the corner! I tend to dread summer and the lack of structure for Logan- but this year I feel differently! We’re going in with less lined up then usual but I’m ok with that. Here’s hoping for a relaxed and fun summer! (Famous last words?!) Lastly I’m talking about Logan’s anxiety and how we’ve been dealing with that. In the past couple months, we’ve seen his anxiety peak and it’s just heartbreaking. I’m sharing how we cope (the best we can) with his anxiety and how it seems to be getting better lately. (*Knock on wood*) This episode is about as REAL as it gets. Thank you again for all your support and I hope you enjoy listening!

Sponsored by:

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Connect with Megan:

IG: @adventuresinautismpod

FB: @Adventures In Autism Podcast

Email: [email protected]

Enjoying the show? I would so appreciate your rating & review!

Today I’m catching up with returning guest, Eileen Shaklee aka Mama Fry. Eileen is the lady behind the very successful blog “Autism With a Side of Fries” and she’s basically the OG autism mom blogger. I’ve been a fan of Eileen’s for years and she was last on the pod back in early 2019! Today she’s giving us updates on her beloved Kiddo who is on the verge of adulthood (!!) and just getting started with job training. We talked about covid really threw a wrench in their plans and how they are slowly but surely getting back on track. Eileen and I also take a turn and discuss all things self care and beauty. One of the things Eileen and I bonded over was our mutual love of red lipstick. It was really fun to share tips and in my mind topics like this are just as important as therapy & autism resources! Lastly, we discuss the month of April and how she feels about autism acceptance, awareness and advocacy. I loved hearing Eileen’s take, especially since she’s been on this journey a lot longer then I have. Overall, we had such a great time chatting (per usual!) and I hope you enjoy listening!

Connect with Eileen:

Instagram: @autismwithasideoffries

Facebook: Autism With a Side of Fries

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Connect with Megan:

IG: @adventuresinautismpod

FB: @Adventures In Autism Podcast

Email: [email protected]

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Today I’m chatting with autism mom Nicole Gottesmann, all about her amazing son, Gabe. I am SO excited to welcome Nicole as guest. Ever since I started following her on social media, I have been so inspired by her story. Nicole is such an incredible and strong mother, I know you will be inspired too! Nicole started her motherhood journey as a single parent after Gabe’s father tragically passed away while she was pregnant. Despite her immense grief, Nicole says she had never been happier once Gabe was born. However, it was around his first birthday that she began to worry he wasn’t meeting milestones. Soon after, Gabe was diagnosed with ASD. Nicole talks about how difficult that time was and how her perspective on autism has shifted over the years. Gabe is now a ‘tween’ and Nicole shares how amazing it is to see him flourish. She also shares how meeting her partner, Caroline, changed everything for both her and Gabe. As Nicole says “two moms are better than one!” I loved chatting with Nicole and hearing all about Gabe’s new skills, like riding a bike and singing songs. I truly admire Nicole’s strength and bravery. I hope enjoy listening to our wonderful conversation!

Connect with Nicole:

Instagram: @nicolegottesman

Facebook: For the Love of Gabe

YouTube: For the Love of Gabe

Sponsored by:

Audible

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Connect with Megan:

IG: @adventuresinautismpod

FB: @Adventures In Autism Podcast

Email: [email protected]

Enjoying the show? I would so appreciate your rating & review!