Autism Blueprint Podcast

By Janeen Herskovitz: Autism Strategist, Therapist and Mom.Science Social Sciences Education Self-Improvement Kids & Family

Autism Blueprint Podcast episodes

September 29, 2021Honoring Your Child’s Personhood | A conversation with Raffi | ABP Episode 102
We’re in the music room today with renowned child advocate and musician, Raffi! Not only is he a gifted musician, songwriter, producer and child advocate that you may remember from your own childhood, he’s helping to educate the world about the importance of honoring our children and how this concept can make our world a more peaceful place.
In this episode you will discover:
Why Raffi is so important to Janeen and her family- especially her son, Ben.
How your child’s special interests can be an effective way to connect with your child.
Raffi’s vision for making the world a better place and why he created the Raffi Foundation For Child Honouring
What Child Honoring is and how we can implement the concepts into your own parenting journey.
What’s conscious parenting and why it’s an important concept for autism parents.
How to view your child as a whole person, despite their struggles and disability.
How a trauma-informed perspective can make our world a better place.
Meet Raffi
Raffi Cavoukian, CM, OBC
A renowned singer known by his first name alone, Raffi was a pioneer in quality recordings for children on his independent label, Troubadour. For millions of fans, Raffi’s music was the soundtrack of their childhoods, and they took his signature song “Baby Beluga” to heart. These “beluga grads” now share his music with their own children. Raffi has been described by the Washington Post and the Toronto Star as “the most popular children’s entertainer in the English-speaking world” and “Canada’s all-time children’s champion.” In 2010, he founded the Raffi Foundation for Child Honouring on Salt Spring Island, British Columbia – a global movement that views honouring children as the best way to create sustainable, peacemaking cultures.
Mentioned on the podcast:
Raffi’s Foundation for Child Honouring – https://raffifoundation.org
Child Honouring online course – https://raffifoundation.org/take-the-course/
For All You Do – Raffi’s song of gratitude for essential workers, with Lindsay Munroe, featuring Yo-Yo Ma –
Black Lives Matter To Me – Raffi’s song acknowledging the importance of the current moment for education and awareness, and expressing a universal longing for justice and freedom.
Music:
In early 2020, Raffi produced and sang on the first album by new children’s artist, Lindsay Munroe, called I Am Kind: Songs for Unique Kids.
In August 2021 Lindsay released her second album, Frogs and Birds, which Raffi also produced and sang on.
Here’s the Frogs and Birds puppet video (Lindsay Munroe duet with her Daughter, Mem)
Raffi’s recent single and video, “Song For Healing”
Ben’s chosen song that Janeen mentions in the intro: Will I Ever Grow Up
Join the conversation in our private Facebook group: Our Autism Blueprint Private Facebook Page
Get more autism parenting support at the Autism Blueprint Classroom.
Use coupon code PODCAST21 to get 20% off our courses.
Listen to this episode:
The post Honoring Your Child’s Personhood | A conversation with Raffi | ABP Episode 102 appeared first on Puzzle Peace Counseling.
37 min
September 07, 2021Sensory Superheroes | Understanding your child’s sensory system through stories | A conversation with Dr. Reema Naim
We’re in the library today speaking with Dr. Reema Naim about the sensory system and how it impacts your child. Dr. Naim’s book series, Adventures of the Sensokids, help kids understand their sensory needs and how to regulate it.
In this episode you will discover:
Why Dr. Naim became an occupational therapist and how she uses her own superpower to teach kids about their’s.
The inspiration for the book series and her goal for creating it.
What she wants professionals to know about kids with sensory needs.
Learn about your SEVEN senses you may not even know you have.
How your child’s sensory system affects their behavior, their moods and even their school work.
Meet Dr. Reema Naim, OTD, OTR/L
Dr. Reema Naim moved to the US from the UK and attended USC where she pursued a career in health care and pediatrics. She graduated with her MA, OTR/L and OTD and started her own private practice, OT Studios, in West Hollywood, California. She received her SIPT (Sensory integration and praxis test) certification and created the SensoKids characters, whom she uses to educate clients, families and students about sensory integration and the major role it plays in daily life.
Mentioned on the podcast:
Join the conversation in our private Facebook group: Our Autism Blueprint Private Facebook Page
Get more autism parenting support at the Autism Blueprint Classroom. Use coupon code PODCAST21 to get 20% off
Check out Dr. Reema’s OT Studio
Connect with her on social media:
Instagram: @OTstudiosLA
Facebook: @OTstudiosLA
Find the Adventures of the Sensokids here, or click the amazon links below:
Listen to this episode:
The post Sensory Superheroes | Understanding your child’s sensory system through stories | A conversation with Dr. Reema Naim appeared first on Puzzle Peace Counseling.
28 min
August 23, 2021If I Knew Then What I Know Now: Reflections on 20 years of autism parenting and 100 podcast episodes
In honor of our 100th episode, we’re in the family room today with host Janeen Herskovitz, talking about what she’s learned during her 20 plus years of parenting a child with autism.
In this episode you will discover:
The things Janeen would do differently if she knew then what she knows now.
What it means to take better care of yourself.
The most important thing that will make all the difference in parenting your child.
Why presuming competence is so important.
Mentioned on the podcast:
Join the conversation in our private Facebook group: Our Autism Blueprint Private Facebook Page
If you’d like to schedule one-on-one coaching sessions with Janeen, contact her here.
Additional episodes that might help:
Developing boundaries
The importance of Self-Care
The Autism Blueprint Classroom is LIVE
Check us out here!
Our First Course: Finding You Again: Managing stress while raising a child with autism
Use the coupon code, PODCAST21 to get 20% off at checkout! (offer good thru the end of 2021)
Listen to this episode:
The post If I Knew Then What I Know Now: Reflections on 20 years of autism parenting and 100 podcast episodes appeared first on Puzzle Peace Counseling.
23 min
July 06, 2021Connecting With Your Child | A conversation with Susan Sherkow | ABP Episode 99
We’re in the therapy room today speaking with Dr. Susan Sherkow of The Sherkow Center. In this episode we talk about making meaningful connections with your child and how to best understand their needs.
In this episode you will discover:
Dr. Sherkow’s autism journey as a professional and how she has seen this landscape change over many years.
The Sherkow Center approach and what they offer autism families.
The mistakes she sees parents make with their children.
How you can connect with your child in meaningful ways, despite their level of functioning.
Meet Dr. Susan P. Sherkow
Susan P. Sherkow, M.D. is a Training and Supervising Analyst at BPI, a Supervising Child and Adolescent Analyst at NYPSI, and on the faculties of Mt. Sinai and Albert Einstein College of Medicine. Founder of the not-for- profit Sherkow Center for Child Development and Autism Spectrum Disorder, she has presented and published extensively on the application of psychoanalytic developmental theory to the treatment of children, adolescents and adults with ASD, including a TEDx Talk and co-authorship of Autism Spectrum Disorder: Perspectives from Psychoanalysis and Neuroscience.
Mentioned on the podcast:
Join the conversation in our private Facebook group: Our Autism Blueprint Private Facebook Page
See Dr. Sherkow’s TEDx Talk here
Learn more about The Sherkow Center
Sherkow Center’s YouTube Page
Listen to this episode:
The post Connecting With Your Child | A conversation with Susan Sherkow | ABP Episode 99 appeared first on Puzzle Peace Counseling.
46 min
June 23, 2021Sleep Is Possible | How an autism dad used ingenuity to help our kids get better sleep | ABP Episode 98
We’re in the bedroom today speaking with George Bailey of ZPods. We discuss autism fatherhood, his company that created a bed designed just for kids with autism and related health issues, and so much more.
In this episode you will discover:
What is a Zpod and how it can help your child sleep.
The issues autism parents face in trying to get their kids to sleep.
Some of the most common sleep issues in autism and what you can do about it.
How stimming is related to your child’s anxiety levels.
What’s different and most difficult for dads of autistic children.
Meet George Bailey
George Bailey, President of ZPods
George Bailey is the president of zPods, a Saint Louis startup that is developing sensory-friendly beds for children with autism and other disorders that interfere with sleep. George is a father of five, two of which have autism, and he wants to work with them to make the world a better place.
Mentioned on the podcast:
Join the conversation in our private Facebook group: Our Autism Blueprint Private Facebook Page
To get more info about ZPods, or to order one,: zpodsforsleep.com
DISCOUNT CODE: Enter the code BLUEPRINT when you place an order for 25% off.
We mentioned a PDF download for sleep tips, but thought this article was even better: https://www.zpodsforsleep.com/post/thinking-of-ways-to-support-healthy-sleep
The ZPod bed
View from inside a Zpod bed
Listen to this episode:
The post Sleep Is Possible | How an autism dad used ingenuity to help our kids get better sleep | ABP Episode 98 appeared first on Puzzle Peace Counseling.
36 min
May 25, 2021What Your Autistic Child Wants You To Know | A conversation with Emily Paige Ballou and Morénike Giwa Onaiwu |ABP episode 97
We’re in the library today speaking with two editors of the book, Sincerely Your Autistic Child ; What people on the autism spectrum wish their parents knew about growing up, acceptance and identity. We discuss how the book came about, and why your child’s point of view and needs should be at the forefront of how we parent and treat them.
In this episode you will discover:
Emily and Morénike’s personal stories about their own autism journeys as women.
Why the Autistic Women’s Network adjusted their name to reflect more inclusivity.
What parents are getting wrong…and right.
Which therapies and supports are most respectful and helpful.
What’s autistic inertia and how it affects your child.
Why everything your child does should NOT have a therapeutic purpose.
Meet Emily and Morénike

Morénike Giwa Onaiwu
Morénike Giwa Onaiwu, MA, is a global self-advocate, educator, parent and disabled person of color in a neurodiverse, multicultural, serodifferent family. A prolific writer, public speaker, and social scientist/activist whose work focuses on meaningful community involvement, human rights, justice, and inclusion, Morénike is a Humanities Scholar at Rice University’s Center for the Study of Women, Gender, and Sexuality and a member of several executive boards. Publications include: Knowing Why: Adult-Diagnosed Autistic People on Life and Autism, All the Weight of Our Dreams: On Living Racialized Autism, and various peer-reviewed articles. Learn more at: morenikeGO.com.
Emily Paige Ballou
Emily Paige Ballou is an old Millennial from the Midwest who currently lives and works in NYC, where she primarily stage manages off-Broadway new plays and new musicals, including works such as the Hello Girls with Prospect Theater Company, Nikola Tesla Drops the Beat at the Adirondack Theatre Festival, and Rose with Nora’s Playhouse. She graduated from the University of Georgia, where she was also a member of the Demosthenian Literary Society. Previous publications include pieces in the Thinking Person’s Guide to Autism, The Real Experts: Readings for Parents of Autistic Children, NeuroQueer, Barking Sycamores, and Fuckit: A Zine.

Mentioned on the podcast:
Join the conversation in our private Facebook group: Our Autism Blueprint Private Facebook Page
Autistic Women’s Network, renamed Autistic Women & Nonbinary Network, (AWN), was founded as the first organization that focused on Autistic women, girls, and nonbinary people. They are an essential resource for autistic people, parents, and allies for dispelling stereotypes and misinformation around autism. More information can be found awnnetwork.org.
Get the Book: Sincerely Your Autistic Child
Mel (Amanda) Baggs video, In My Language
Jim Sinclair’s Article, Don’t Mourn For Us
Get the book on Amazon
Listen to this episode:
The post What Your Autistic Child Wants You To Know | A conversation with Emily Paige Ballou and Morénike Giwa Onaiwu |ABP episode 97 appeared first on Puzzle Peace Counseling.
1 hr 2 min
May 12, 2021When Your Partner Has Autism | A conversation with Kate McNulty about navigating romantic relationships
We’re in the master bedroom today speaking with psychotherapist, Kate McNulty, about navigating romantic relationships when one partner has autism. Her book, Love and Aspergers, discusses the topic in detail. Her perspective as a woman on the autism spectrum who was diagnosed late in life, informs her experience as a therapist.
In this episode you will discover:
Kate’s personal story about her own journey to get diagnosed and how it helped her.
How autism differs for women vs. men.
The most common complaints of the each partner in a love relationship where one person is neurodivergent and one is neurotypical.
The terminology we use when discussing autism (person with autism vs. Autistic) and why it’s important.
Meet Kate McNulty
Kate is a therapist who is autistic. She works with many couples in relationships where one person is neurotypical and their partner is autistic. Her book Love and Asperger’s includes strategies for handling and embracing differences in relationships.
Kate can be contacted through her website: AutisticTherapist.com
Mentioned on the podcast:
Join the conversation in our private Facebook group: Our Autism Blueprint Private Facebook Page
Kate’s Book: Love and Aspergers: Practical Strategies To Help Couples Understand Each Other and Strengthen Their Connection
Get the book on Amazon
Listen to this episode:
The post When Your Partner Has Autism | A conversation with Kate McNulty about navigating romantic relationships appeared first on Puzzle Peace Counseling.
29 min
February 03, 202110 Common Areas Autism Parents Get Stuck | ABP Episode 95
We’re in the family room today with host Janeen Herskovitz, talking about the areas where autism parents get stuck. In her private practice, where Janeen provides therapy and autism parent coaching, parents often have the most difficulties in these areas.
In this episode you will discover:
The most common areas where parents of neuro-diverse children have the most difficulty.
Why every moment does not need to be a teachable one.
How managing your own emotional state can help your child with theirs.
How to re-frame your child’s regressions as part of the journey.
Show Notes:
10 Common areas autism parents get stuck
Not explaining transitions to your child BEFORE they happen.
Assuming that a proper diagnosis is not needed.
Trying to make every interaction a teachable moment.
Overloading your child with therapies/activities: You are doing enough!
Not having a full understanding of your child’s issues/disabilities.
Learning to manage your own emotions.
Viewing your child’s off days as regression.
Putting your own needs last/not taking enough downtime, self care.
Translating your child’s expression of big feelings.
Lack of personal boundaries.
Mentioned on the podcast:
Join the conversation in our private Facebook group: Our Autism Blueprint Private Facebook Page
Learn more about Autism Blueprint Podcast’s Host, Janeen Herskovitz.
If you’d like to schedule one-on-one coaching sessions with Janeen, contact her here.
Additional episodes that might help:
The importance of a proper diagnosis
Managing your own feelings as a parent
Developing boundaries
The importance of Self-Care
Listen to this episode:
The post 10 Common Areas Autism Parents Get Stuck | ABP Episode 95 appeared first on Puzzle Peace Counseling.
30 min
December 01, 2020Innovative Thinking and Autism | A Conversation with Simon Baron-Cohen about how neurodiversity drives invention
We’re in the library today talking with autism researcher, Simon Baron-Cohen, about his new book, “The Pattern Seekers: How Autism Drives Human Invention.” In the book, he argues that understanding autism, and what he calls the Systemizing Mechanism to figure out why things are, is key to understanding the origins of and evolution of human creativity.
In this episode you will discover:
What it means to be a hyper-systemizer and how it relates to difficulties in expressing empathy.
The five brain types Baron-Cohen has identified in his research.
How our education system is not designed for the hyper-systemizing brain and how we can teach the way our kids learn.
The two kinds of empathy Baron-Cohen has identified in his research and how they affect social skills and relationships.
The mental health implications for the hyper-systemizing brain.
Discussion of the autism models of neurodiversity vs. disease, disorder and disability.
Meet Simon Baron-Cohen
Simon Baron-Cohen is professor of psychology and psychiatry and director of the Autism Research Centre at Cambridge University. He is the author of six hundred scientific articles and four books, including The Science of Evil and The Essential Difference.
Mentioned on the podcast:
Join the conversation in our private Facebook group: Our Autism Blueprint Private Facebook Page
Take the Brain Type quiz: yourbraintype.com
Get the book on Amazon
Listen to this episode:
The post Innovative Thinking and Autism | A Conversation with Simon Baron-Cohen about how neurodiversity drives invention appeared first on Puzzle Peace Counseling.
48 min
September 22, 2020Coping With COVID Fatigue | A conversation with Katherine Scott, LMFT, about helping our kids manage uncertain times | ABP Episode 93
We’re in the therapist’s office today chatting with Marriage and Family Therapist, Katherine Scott, about how to help our kids with COVID fatigue.
We’re a little over six months into the COVID experience, and while it’s had varying impacts on everyone, I think we can all agree we’re SO over it. Katherine and I talk about how to manage the stress and emotional toll it’s taking on our families.
In this episode you will discover:
The issues coming up in our therapy office as a result of COVID-19.
How to help your kids adjust to change and uncertainty.
How COVID is affecting autism spectrum families.
The importance of managing your emotional response, as a parent, and how to do it more effectively.
Meet Katherine Scott, M.Ed/Ed.S, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Katherine on her wedding day in August, 2020.
Katherine and her husband, Kevin.
Katherine Scott earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Family, Youth, and Community sciences, and a Masters and Specialist degrees in Marriage and Family Counseling from the University of Florida. She is a certified equine-assisted psychotherapist through the EAGALA model, and is also a level 1 certified Gottman Method Couples Therapy clinician.
She works primarily with kids, teens and families dealing with autism spectrum issues, anxiety, ADHD at Puzzle Peace Counseling in Ponte Vedra, Florida, where she also grew up, and currently lives with her husband.
Mentioned on the podcast:
Join the conversation in our private Facebook group: Our Autism Blueprint Private Facebook Page
Click here to learn more about Katherine and how she helps families.
Episode 50, with Katherine, Psychotherapists’ Perspective on Autism Awareness Month
Listen to this episode:
The post Coping With COVID Fatigue | A conversation with Katherine Scott, LMFT, about helping our kids manage uncertain times | ABP Episode 93 appeared first on Puzzle Peace Counseling.
34 min

About Autism Blueprint Podcast

From the publisher's feed

In each episode host Janeen Herskovitz focuses on a different room in the house to help you create a peace plan for your home while living with autism.