In this episode, Quentin Mezetin shares his personal journey raising two children with nonverbal autism and his motivation behind the I AM DAD initiative. Guest Miguel Bernard discusses financial planning for children with special needs. They explore the importance of community in autism parenting and how to tailor resources to individual family needs.

(0:00) Introduction and Quentin's journey with his autistic children

(7:03) Introduction to the I AM DAD initiative

(8:12) Guest Introduction: Miguel Bernard on personal wealth development and insurance

(16:08) Setting up a financial future for your child with special needs

(30:54) Community importance and solutions in autism parenting

(45:26) Recap of Quentin's personal journey with his children's autism diagnosis

(47:09) Quentin's motivation for creating the I AM DAD community

(51:25) Quentin's approach to supporting parents and children in their individual journeys

(58:45) Tailoring community resources based on members' needs and family composition

(1:01:40) Quentin's vision for children with autism and sign off.

In this episode, Quentin Mezetin chats with Donald Jones about his experiences in developmental disabilities. They discuss services for individuals with disabilities, the importance of Medicaid, and the impact of COVID on care. They share personal experiences and engage with listeners, addressing mental health, waiver services, and applying for SSI.

(0:00) Introduction and Quentin's journey as an autism dad

(6:56) Guest Introduction: Donald Jones shares his background and experiences in the field of developmental disabilities

(16:08) Donald Jones' presentation on services for individuals with developmental disabilities

(26:16) Discussion on regular respite services, supportive employment, and the concept of self-direction in autism care

(34:15) Personal experiences with developmental disabilities and the importance of Medicaid and waiver enrollment

(41:10) Discussion on the assessment process, service authorization, and experiences with service denial

(44:56) The impact of COVID on the front door process and the importance of being knowledgeable and prepared

(50:17) Open discussion with listeners: Sharing their experiences and concerns about the process

(1:03:36) Continuation on the topic of mental health diagnosis and developmental disabilities

(1:11:01) Understanding the timeline for waiver services and the process of getting connected with a care coordination organization

(1:20:35) Discussion on the process of applying for SSI and managing funds for people with disabilities

(1:31:06) Conclusion and recap: I am dad tool kit, guest’s closing remarks, and Quentin’s final words

In this episode, Quentin and Becky explore educational methods for special needs children and discuss managing dietary preferences and stress. They also introduce Shamika, a single mother raising three children on the autism spectrum. Topics like rethinking the autism label, special education challenges, and the struggles of nonverbal children are covered. Quentin shares his personal autism journey and talks about advocating against bullying.

(0:00) Introduction and Quentin's mission

(5:08) Becky's personal journey and educational methods for special needs children

(16:28) Discussion on kids' dietary preferences, stress management and independence

(23:26) Introduction of Shamika, a single mother of five, three of whom are on the autism spectrum

(29:16) Lowering parenting expectations, raising autism warriors, and encouraging uniqueness

(35:03) Implementing a reward system and the importance of fun in changing brain and body chemicals

(40:43) Rethinking the autism label: understanding autistic traits vs autism

(49:33) The challenges of special education in schools and finding the right school for your child

(54:18) The struggles of nonverbal children as they grow older and the importance of language

(1:01:20) Quentin's personal connection to autism and advocacy against bullying

(1:05:00) Closing remarks and anticipation for Day 2 of the challenge

In this episode, Quentin shares his journey of raising two children with nonverbal autism, discusses the importance of perseverance, offers advice to parents in similar situations, and concludes with a call to action.

(0:00) Introduction and Mission

(0:24) Raising Children with Autism

(0:53) Progress and Perseverance

(1:25) Support for Autism Parents

(1:39) Closing Remarks and Call to Action