Dancing Into Parenthood with Dr. Divina Lopez

On this episode of Dancing Into Parenthood, I’m joined by Marlene Soto!

Marlene is a huge advocate for her son AJ, who was diagnosed with autism at age 7. Marlene knew her son had autism within the first few months of his life. She shares all of the signs she noticed in her son, the power of community, how her son’s diagnosis impacted her marriage, and so much more.

If you’re a parent to a child with autism or special needs, I invite you to learn more about my group parenting sessions. These sessions will provide education on navigating the school and healthcare system, tips, and support from myself and other parents going through the same journey. Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/eXaUemN3

00:00 – Intro
06:36 – What was the beginning of your journey like?
10:40 – During your pregnancy, did the ultrasounds show he was smaller in size?
19:32 – In his first year, was he receiving any support?
42:15 – I want to talk a little bit about how this affected your family.
53:00 – How has this changed you?
56:02 – What are some of AJ’s special talents?

Does your husband have autism?

In this episode, we hear from Alexandra, a neurotypical sibling! She talks about her relationship with her brother, Austin, who was diagnosed with autism.

Alex shares how her and Austin learned to communicate, how good Austin is with setting boundaries, and how they took care of each other when the other was uncomfortable.

She emphasizes how growing up in a Latino household influenced their childhoods and what the future looks like for both her and Austin.

Listen to this episode now and listen to their mother Jessica’s story here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDvb6M5xZSM&t=171s

00:00 Intro
02:47 – From your perspective, what was it like growing up as a neurotypical sibling?
06:15 – So, you both figured out how to communicate with one another?
07:50 – Do you think you understand him more than other people?
26:42 – Growing up, did you ever feel guilty that you were able to live this normal life & have milestones that he wouldn’t be able to do?
29:44 – How has all of this helped you as a person?
47:38 – Do you plan to be able to step in [and take care of Austin] when you need to?

In Part 2, sisters Janira and Jeannie share more of their journeys as mothers to children with autism. They share the realities of relationships, the power of community, and special talents their kids have.

Listen to Part 1 of episode 4 to hear more about the signs and symptoms they both noticed in their children. Jeannie is also the first mom I’ve interviewed who has a daughter with autism!

30:36 [To both] Share some of the resources you’ve used and any special talents that your children have.

On Episode 4 Part 1 of the Dancing Into Parenthood Podcast, we’re joined by sisters, Janira and Jeannie! Listen in as they share their stories, each raising children with autism. Jeannie is also the first mom I’ve interviewed with a daughter with autism!

 Hear them share the up’s and down, and how their children changed their perspective on life.

Join us for Part 2 next week! If you’re a parent to a child with autism, learn more about my group parenting sessions here: https://forms.gle/3sxMP2PRb8Uho8Le7

Timestamps:
0:00 Intro
2:22 [To Janira:] What are some of the signs or concerns you had about your son early on?
4:24[To Janira:] Did he have a speech delay?
6:18 [To Janira:] Is your husband Latino?
8:20 [To Jeannie:] What were the first signs and symptoms you noticed in your daughter?
29:30 [To Janira:] Go into detail with some of the things you noticed that clued you in on Jeannine’s daughter having autism.
33:08 [To Janira:] How did the diagnosis impact your marriage?
35:11 [To Janira:] So, eventually he got on board?

On this episode of Dancing Into Parenthood, we’re joined by Kenia Nunez! She is a small business, entrepreneur coach, she is a curriculum creator for culturally responsive programs, best selling author, award-winning self care strategist, yoga teacher, and mother!

She shares her motherhood journey to her son Markem, including:
– His diagnosis at age 7
– Navigating the school system and IEP meetings
– The importance of labels
– The lack of opportunities in the workforce
– How Faith played a part in her journey

Listen to Kenia’s inspiring story now!

2:40 – What were the initial concerns you had with your child? Did the doctor tell you first or did you notice?
5:36 – Was he speaking any words?
6:27 – When you went in for checkups, did the doctor do any screenings or development tests?
7:06 – You enroll him in daycare, they tell you about the concerns, & they ask you to get him evaluated? How did you seek an evaluation?
8:45 – How long did it all take? From the initial concerns at daycare to getting some services started?
16:10 – You said at first he didn’t receive a diagnosis of autism?
38:43 – I know that you are heavy in your faith with God, what role did that play in your life?
42:03 – Can you share your method for self care?
49:48 – What were some of the things you were able to do for your other children?
51:17 – Tell us a little bit about where he is at now.

Listen to Jessica Casillas share her story with us on her motherhood journey to her now 26-year-old son. She shares the signs and symptoms, her families reactions, obstacles they faced along the way, and so much more!

2:23 – What were the early signs [of autism] you noticed in your son?
9:42 – How old was Austin when you first noticed regressions?
13:10 – Did he pediatrician ever have concerns about his development?
18:33 – How did the [autism] diagnosis affect your relationship with your husband?
31:41 – How did Austin’s diagnosis affect your daughter?
46:58 – What is Austin up to now?

In Part 3, Theresa gets real with us on her other son’s feelings towards his brother’s autism diagnosis and how its shifted his perspective while growing up. She also shares her outlook on her son’s future, and the future of all children with autism.

Listen to all 3 parts of Theresa’s story now! Next week, we’ll hear from another mom on her experience parenting a child with autism.

2:41 – What is Abram’s experience [with his brother’s diagnosis]?
10:16 – Did you find support [groups] for Abram?
45:01 – Theresa’s closing message

In Part 2, Theresa shares more of her motherhood journey. Her son, Diego, was diagnosed with autism at age 3. She shares the obstacles he overcame, navigating the school system & IEP meetings, and where Diego is now.

Listen to part 1 & Part 2 of Theresa’s story now! Stay tuned for Part 3 coming soon!

1:50 Can you share some of the thing [Diego] has overcome?
3:28 Is your son good at negotiating?
7:25 Was he in an integrated classroom?
8:54 How did you feel in the IEP meetings?
25:17 Is [college] something you thought would happen for him?

Listen to Theresa share the story of her motherhood journey to her son, Diego. In Part 1, she shares the initial signs and symptoms of autism she first noticed in her son, how the initial diagnosis initiated new programs, and how everything impacted her marriage.

Listen to her story now and stay tuned for Part 2 coming soon!

8:38 What were the first signs & symptoms you first noticed in Diego?
15:22 How old was [Diego] when the pediatrician started noticing?
15:53 Did the pediatrician use the “Wait & Watch” method?
18:56 Did you bring it up to your pediatrician when you first noticed the symptoms?
20:13 Once he was diagnosed, did the specialist tell you about the available programs?
21:41 What services did the EPI specialist provide?
23:17 So, this was basically training for parents?
33:25 It looks like you & your husband were on the same page with everything, how did the diagnosis make you feel?
39:17 Do you think your marriage suffered in any way or was made stronger?