Navigating Adult Autism

In this episode, we welcome Nathan Wood, M.S., CCC-SLP, to the podcast! Nathan is a speech-language pathologist whose passion for individuals with ASD shines through in his work and our discussion with him. The moms discuss communication with Nathan, focusing on communication that assists individuals with minimal or no verbal communication. Nathan educates us on current speech pathologist practices and the why behind them. He also explains Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices and how they can assist in communication. Nathan is a breath of fresh air for all families that have experienced the disability cliff after high school completion. Join us for this informative episode that offers hope and encouragement to never give up on communication even in adulthood.

For more information about The Arc of the Ozarks visit their website: www.thearcoftheozarks.org

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In this episode, we are busting stereotypes of "sheltered workshops." The moms welcome Valerie Gustin, the Director of SWI Industrial Solutions in Springfield, Missouri. SWI Industrial Solutions provides meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities. They offer varied occupational choices and experiences to the individuals working there. Learn about their diverse and wonderful culture and how they support their employees' growth. SWI Industrial Solutions and companies like them are vital to the disability community, no matter where you live.  

For more information about SWI Industrial Solutions visit their website:

www.swiindustrial.com

To donate to the fundraising arm of SWI Solutions please visit:

www.springfieldworkshopfoundation.com

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Welcome to our third episode of season 2! In this episode, the moms discuss coping strategies and self-care practices that help sustain good mental health. Parenting children with ASD requires parents to wear many hats. The journey is rewarding and complicated and often continues through adulthood. Join us as we discuss what has worked for us through the years.   We hope this discussion will encourage parents and help them discover new ways to renew their spirits as they live out their family’s autism journey. Listen in and connect with us!

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Welcome to our second episode of season 2! In this episode, the moms discuss The Southwest Missouri Autism Project (SWMAP).  SWMAP is a project funded by the Missouri Department of Mental Health and serves 23 counties in Missouri. We discuss each appointed provider, the funding they receive, and the resources they offer. We all understand how hard it can be for families to find the resources they need after receiving a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. We hope this discussion will connect families to resources that may not have known were available. Listen in and connect with us!   

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You can find more information about SWMAP at: https://dmh.mo.gov/dev-disabilities/autism/southwest/support

Welcome to season 2 of the Navigating Adult Autism podcast! We are honored to bring you our discussion with Dr. Temple Grandin to kick off the new season! Dr. Grandin has been a guiding light for our families through the years. She is a best-selling author, speaker, autism advocate, and professor of animal science. In this episode, Dr. Grandin shares her insight on many vital topics, including sensory issues, employment, advocacy, and more. Listen in and connect with us!

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You can find more information about Dr. Temple Grandin at: www.templegrandin.com

Welcome to the last episode of our first season! Hang on to your hats because, in this episode, the moms discuss controversial topics that have made their way into the autism community over the last 20-plus years. Everything from vaccines to self-diagnosis is discussed and debated.  Each mom has a different perspective based on their family’s experiences.  A welcoming, safe space was paramount to ensure the moms could discuss these topics with vulnerability and without the fear of judgment. Listen in and hash out all the controversy with us! We will see you for season two on September 16th!

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Finding educational programs and resources for individuals on the autism spectrum after high school has ended is extremely difficult. That is why we were so excited to speak with Dr. April Phillips for this episode! Dr. Phillips is the director of Bear POWER (Promoting Opportunities for Work, Education, and Resilience) in Springfield, Missouri. The program is located on the campus of Missouri State University and serves individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Please join us to learn more about this impactful opportunity!

Visit the BEAR Power website for more information!

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In this episode, the moms discuss how our families navigate travel. Summer has arrived, which often brings high travel expectations.  Travel can be both challenging and rewarding for individuals with ASD. Join us as we share personal stories and resources we have discovered to aid in success when traveling.

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In this episode, we welcome back Dr. Kyle John, Dr. Raymund Tan, and Dr. Lindsey Reichert to the podcast! They are vital to the team at The Arc of the Ozarks Autism & Neurodevelopmental Center in Springfield, Missouri. The center is a new resource in our community that provides timely support, diagnostics, interventions, and many other resources.  

In this discussion, we focus on the role medication can play in individuals with autism spectrum disorder. Medication is, at times, a controversial topic in the ASD community. Dr. John, Dr. Tan, and Dr. Reichert do an excellent job of discussing concerns that families may have. In addition, they share information about current research and successes in the field as well as some hopeful new avenues we may be able to explore in the future. Please join us for this thoughtful and meaningful discussion.

You can find more information about The Autism & Neurodevelopmental Center at ⁠https://autismcenteroftheozarks.org/⁠

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In this episode, we welcome Dr. Kyle John, Dr. Raymund Tan, and Dr. Lindsey Reichert to the podcast! They are vital to the team at The Arc of the Ozarks Autism & Neurodevelopmental Center in Springfield, Missouri. The center is a new resource in our community that provides timely support, diagnostics, interventions, and many other resources.  

 In our discussion, we dive into the process of obtaining a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. How do families initiate a diagnostic appointment? What diagnostic tools are utilized during the process? Should families wait for a diagnosis before beginning treatments? The panel of doctors will answer these questions and many more. Please join us for this informative discussion!

You can find more information about The Autism & Neurodevelopmental Center at https://autismcenteroftheozarks.org/

If you like our podcast, please share, review, and subscribe!