Betsy Hicks-Russ and Sarah Intonato explore the multifaceted challenges and strategies in supporting individuals with autism. They discuss the importance of self-care for parents, the role of movement and nutrition in managing behavior, and the significance of co-regulation during meltdowns. Sarah emphasizes the need for parents to take care of themselves to effectively support their children, and they both highlight the importance of building a supportive community for families navigating autism. The discussion also touches on the journey of change and growth for both parents and children, encouraging a proactive approach to parenting in the autism world.

Sara Intonato

https://www.skool.com/autismchangemakers/about?ref=91091eabcbb74826b4cb2581d181dc47

Sara.Intonato

Betsy Hicks-Russ

https://BetsyOnTheGo.com

https://AutismOdyssey.org

Podcast on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple

Betsyonthego - Instagram, Facebook, TikTok

Takeaways

• Self-care is essential for parents to support their children effectively.
• Movement should be viewed as a non-negotiable part of daily life.
• Nutrition plays a critical role in managing behaviors in children with autism.
• Co-regulation is vital during meltdowns; parents must regulate themselves first.
• Building a supportive community can alleviate feelings of isolation among parents.
• Parents often need to be reminded that they are the change makers for their children.
• Small, consistent changes in diet can lead to significant improvements in behavior.
• It's important to address the emotional needs of both parents and children during challenging times.
• Parents should model healthy habits to encourage their children to adopt them.
• Communication during meltdowns should focus on reassurance and presence rather than intervention.