Let's Talk Autism

This week Meesh and Christelle were joined by Emma - Jo who is a parent to a 16 year old boy with autism and PDA. 
Emma - Jo talks about her son's diagnosis of autism and what PDA is. 
Pathological Demand Avoidance is a profile on the autistic spectrum. Together Meesh, Christelle and Emma - Jo talk about the specific traits identified within PDA as well as the approaches and challenges that come with it. 
An informative chat with an amazing mother with so much to share. 
You can find Emma - Jo at @justemmajoe on Instagram. 

This week, as requested on our recent survey, Christelle and Meesh talk toilet training and smearing with autistic and additional needs children. 
Welcoming back to the podcast, Mr Black joins the girls to share his experiences of potty training/ toilet training his children with additional needs. 
Mr Black talks of the different approaches they have tried with toilet training and those which have been successful and not. 
Scatolia also known as "smearing" is the act of smearing faeces. The reason for smearing faeces could be medical, sensory or behavioural. Mr Black, Christelle and Meesh discuss. 
An informative discussion covering the topics normally not spoken about. 
You can find Mr Black @mrblack_thesenddad on instagram. 

This week Meesh and Christelle discuss the "hidden help" or services you may not know are available to yourself or your child with autism/additional needs. 
Throughout this episode Christelle and Meesh talk about DLA - Disability Living Allowance, Carer's Allowance as well as special assistance at doctors surgeries, cinemas, hospitals and holidays camps. 
They speak about their journeys in regards to the above. 

This week Christelle and Meesh spoke to Tom - @tomwattsdop (instagram) 
Tom was diagnosed autistic last year at the age of 34. Tom spoke about the traumatic events leading to his diagnosis. We speak mental health and awareness for autism in adults. 
Tom speaks about the relief he felt when he was diagnosed after wondering his whole life if how he was feeling was how everyone else felt. He spoke honestly and openly about his career as cinematographer at Sony, his relationship and life growing up as an undiagnosed autistic man. 

This week we welcomed Gloria onto the podcast. 
Gloria has a 15 year old Autistic brother. Gloria talks about her brother Benji's diagnosis journey and what life was like growing up together. Gloria talks of the negativity and discrimination they faced as a family with an autistic child in the Congolese community. 
Gloria is heartfelt and honest as she tells us how much Benji has taught her about the world, life and how her own perceptions and views on disabilities have changed due to him  and their sibling relationship. 
A great, honest chat. 

This week Meesh and Christelle spoke to performer and Elvis Tribute Act Aaron Smith from Wisconsin, USA . 
Aaron speaks about his autism diagnosis as a child and the bullying he endured. Aaron spoke of his love of Elvis from a small child and his passion for performing. 
We hear how he has built a successful career as an Elvis Tribute Act and the places he has visited and toured and how proud he is to be an autistic man breaking stereotypes and following his dreams. 
A truly inspiring chat with a wonderful man. 

This week Meesh and Christelle speak to Dave from Football Fun Factory about the way in which they are passionate for inclusion within sport for those with Additional Needs. 
Dave talks about social stories, ways of involving all children in football and the benefits of exercise. 
We talk about comments from our instagram chat about how as parents and those of us with autism feel not enough is done for inclusion in sports and in  extra curricular activity. We chatted through our main views on sport and clubs we have experienced. 

Kicking off 2021 Christelle and Meesh chat to Louise from  instagram account @magicnumber3  who is a mum of triplets. 
Louise talks to us about her IVF journey, the diagnosis of two of her triplets with autism and about life with triplets. 
We also discuss her son's journey with speech and her upcoming book about their journey. 
A wonderful chat to start 2021 with. 
Lots of fun chat along the way. 

It's Christmas Eve and something strange is going on as Meesh and Christelle discover that their podcast has already been recorded this week by some 8 year olds...
The two 8 year olds in question were found talking about their autistic brothers and life as siblings of autistic children. They also spoke about lock down and how their year has been different and why autism awareness is important. They even interview 8 yr old Logan who is autistic and speak to him about his life along with his mum! 
Wishing you all a wonderful Christmas from Meesh and Christelle xxx

This week Meesh and Christelle speak to Miriam from Facebook page Faithmummy. 
Miriam is a mum of twins who have both been diagnosed autistic. We speak about her children's separate diagnosis and their relationship as twins. 
We then speak about the Autism Awareness Elf on the Shelf. Miriam and her daughter Naomi begun a campaign on Facebook whereby they depict an image of the Elf in various situations and scenarios which may effect the lives of autistic children and adults. This year the Autism Awareness Elf focuses on the effects of lock down and the pandemic. The posts have been shared world wide with over 5 million views!
A wonderful chat with an amazing mum and children!