Denial. It’s the first stage of grief and a sneaky, tricky thing. Most people think of denial as being a bad thing, but the truth is... Denial is there to protect you. To give you a semblance of control you’re craving in an overwhelming situation. Today we dive into all things denial and our personal experiences with it!

Don’t forget to give us a 5-star review if you love the show and give us a follow on IG @momstalkautism! 

We are back again today with Joni Brown! We are talking ALL about her family’s decision to uproot and move from Minnesota to Colorado for more health/medical options for their daughter, Allie. (If you missed Joni’s first episode, it launched 6/17/24, go check it out HERE)

We talk about the move and how she found and created a support group around her in a new state, how Allie acclimated to her new home and schools, and how they found their place in their new home. 

We also talk about what life is like now with Allie, who is almost 21 years old. We discussed routine and what it’s like traveling with Allie now. We dive into “vacations” and what it looks like to pivot when things don’t go how you hoped they would. 

We’ve partnered up with a fellow podcast! Listen to the bonus episode of IN IT: Raising Kids Who Learn Differently.

This show is for parents of children who have challenges with reading, math, focus, and other learning differences, like ADHD, autism, and dyslexia.

In the following episode, Gretchen and Rachel talk with their guest about what to do when the classroom experience isn’t going well for your kid. As a parent, what should I do to support or change things at school?

Check out this and other episodes at IN IT: Raising Kids Who Learn Differently. Follow them on your favorite podcast player.

https://www.understood.org/en/podcasts/in-it

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-it-raising-kids-who-learn-differently/id1447018742

Today we had the pleasure of chatting with Jessica Patay, the founder/executive director of We Are Brave Together. We talked about her personal story of her son’s diagnosis with Prader-Willi Syndrome and how she was able to create an amazing community locally, and then duplicate that to support groups all over the United States. You can learn all about We Are Brave Together and the many services that they provide (including affordable retreats for moms!) at their website: https://www.wearebravetogether.org/

We also discussed the book that Jessica spearheaded and co-authored, Becoming Brave Together: Heroic, Extraordinary Caregiving Stories from Mothers Hidden in Plain Sight. You can find that book on her website or HERE on Amazon!

Looking for more ways to connect with Jessica?! Here you go!

Instagram

Facebook

Website

Podcast

Meg Raby Klinghoffer, SLP, Author of the “My Brother Otto” series, Inclusion Ambassador, and staff member at Kulture City, is back in the studio with us. This time to catch up on current developments, celebrations, and what is coming in the future. We talk Kulture Ball + the new AI speak-generated assistance feature in Kulture City’s app, called Koji. Guess what!? It is FREE!

Get connected here for all things referenced in this week's episode: 

Kulture City

Meg Raby Klinghoffer Instagram

Kulture City Instagram

YOUR questions answered on the podcast today. Topics included are:

Best therapy or therapists that we have experienced in our own families

Check out our webinar with Action Behavior Centers HERE!!

Why would you want to see a neuropsychologist for your child? Today, we had an amazing (& positive) conversation with Drs. Fredriksen and Rothman, pediatric neuropsychologists, who run a practice in Maryland. We discussed many amazing topics, including one we are asked ALL the time: How do we discuss our child’s diagnosis with them? How do we have conversations with them, teaching them about their brains and why they work the way that they do? 

Their first book is available for purchase, which teaches about ADHD and they have another book about Autism in the works! The books also include interactive activities that you can do alongside your child. You can check them out below!

"Different Thinkers: ADHD" on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3XxmQ66

Website: https://www.neuropsychmoms.com/aboutus

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neuropsychmoms/

Something light and easy breezy today, we all need a break and some laughs!

Topics covered in today’s episode:

Favorite boxed cereals and the proper way to eat them, see also: don’t be gross

Car trip snacks- the sweet, the sour, and the savory

Game show nostalgia- RIP Bob Barker, we love you forever

Cellphone wallpapers- they can tell you a lot about a person

Our favorite podcasts and TV shows that we are into right now

Have any recommendations? Email us at [email protected] or send us a DM

Today we talk to Michael Gold, co-founder of Future Fans, a toolkit that focuses on teaching kids and families the fundamentals of team sports in a fun and interactive way through stories, games, and toys. This method is great for all abilities, including those who learn differently than typical peers. They even won an Autism Toy Award!

We go in-depth on how the boxes work and the benefits for kids and families: shared interests, new skills, and knowledge of a sport that can lead to connections with peers and the community. Go Team!

Website with Purchase Links

Future Fans Instagram