On episode 11 of NeurOrdinary, we’ll talk tips, strategies, and a bit of heartfelt advice to help strengthen your marriage as you navigate the roles of autism parent and spouse. Balancing these roles can sometimes feel like riding a roller coaster blindfolded, but fret not…I’m here to help!

Together, we’ll explore how open and honest communication with your partner can create a safe space to share your thoughts, worries, and triumphs as you navigate the ups and downs of autism parenting. 

We also discuss the power of active listening without judgment and finding common ground, even when you have different perspectives. And we delve into the significance of prioritizing quality time for you and your spouse or partner. 

Finally, we’ll talk about the value of setting aside dedicated couples time to rediscover each other and nurture your emotional connection. Whether it's a simple at-home date night or a walk in your favorite park, these moments of togetherness hold the magic that strengthens your relationship.

Join us on NeurOrdinary as we provide practical advice, insights, and a supportive community for autism parents like you. You are not alone on this journey. Together, we can find joy and fulfillment in raising our incredible neurospicy kiddos.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode

Why Autism Dads Matter…The Power of Father-Child Relationships in Autism

3 Reasons Why You Need An Autism Parent Coach

Autism Parent Coach vs. Therapist...Which Is Better For Autism Parents?

Martyr Mom Island - What Is It and How Can You Avoid It?

Revitalize and Recharge: Making Self-Care a Priority as an Autism Parent

As an autism mom, I understand the overwhelming demands and responsibilities that come with loving and caring for a child on the spectrum. It can often feel like a constant juggling act, trying to balance work, home, and the needs of our amazing children.

In this episode, we talk about how I manage my day-to-day life as a business owner, autism mom, wife, and homeschooler.

We’ll explore the importance of open communication and sharing responsibilities with our partners. Having an actively involved partner not only lightens the load but also strengthens the bond between partners, and within the entire family unit. Discover why you need to let your partner do things their way (hint: it’ll really help everyone in the family, trust me)!

We also emphasize the significance of reaching out for support, both from fellow autism parents and from available resources in our communities. We discuss the benefits of therapy services, educational support, and community programs that can greatly assist in managing the challenges of being an autism parent.

Throughout the episode, I provide practical tips and strategies for navigating the daily demands of life as an autism mom.

From setting routines and clear expectations to prioritizing self-care and delegating responsibilities, we’ll explore ways to find balance and maintain our own well-being while caring for our children.

You are not alone in this journey! Together, we can empower each other to embrace the joys and challenges of raising our extraordinary children. Come see how I do it on this episode of NeurOrdinary!

Resources Mentioned in This Episode

Parent Resource Center: Get The Help Your Autistic Child Needs...For Free!

Why Autism Dads Matter…The Power of Father-Child Relationships in Autism

Navigating the Application Process: Your Step-by-Step Guide to the Katie Beckett Waiver in Idaho *

How to Apply for Children's Developmental Disabilities Services in Idaho: Your 5-Step Guide *

*This article is specific to Idaho but may be helpful no matter what state you live in.

New episodes of NeurOrdinary are released every Thursday…be sure to like, subscribe, and leave a comment or review letting me know what you think. And as always, keep it spicy!

Buckle up, because this one may be a bit controversial….

In this episode, "Why We Don't Do ABA Therapy: An Autism Mom Speaks," I talk about our decision to not pursue Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy for our two autistic kids. 

I understand that every family's journey with autism is unique, and ABA therapy may have its benefits in certain, limited circumstances, but I want to shed light on our perspective and the alternative therapies we've chosen to prioritize.

As autism parents, we strive to make informed decisions based on what we genuinely believe is best for our children. 

My husband and I continuously learn, explore different options, and align our choices with the specific needs of our kids. Our focus is on embracing their individuality, respecting their autonomy, and creating a supportive environment where they can thrive.

In this episode, we discuss why we have chosen not to pursue ABA therapy for our children. We touch on therapies such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, and play therapy that prioritize overall well-being and individual needs, while also providing specific strategies to address challenges.

We also address concerns about ABA therapy's potential long-term effects and its heavy reliance on adult-led instruction…as well as the fact that many adult autistics are strongly opposed to the practice and have had severe, long-lasting consequences from it. 

Rather than using ABA, we prioritize teaching our children critical thinking, self-expression skills, self-advocacy skills, and the ability to set boundaries. We want to empower them to navigate the world confidently and stand up for themselves, particularly in the face of unique safety concerns and risks that autistic individuals, especially women, often face.

Whether you’ve done ABA in the past, are currently doing it, or you’re considering it for your child, I urge you to listen to today’s episode. It could have a huge impact not only on your child but the relationship you have with them now, and into the future.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode

Chris Bonello, Autistic Author and Advocate - Autistic Not Weird

Pathological Demand Avoidance in Autistic Children: What Autism Parents Need to Know

Thriving Together: Positive Parenting Tips for Families Living with Autism

The Hidden Consequences: Exploring the Negative Side of Autism Warrior Parenting

New episodes of NeurOrdinary are released every Thursday…be sure to like, subscribe, and leave a comment or review letting me know what you think. And as always, keep it spicy!

In this episode of NeurOrdinary, we dive deep into the transformative benefits that mindfulness and meditation can bring to our lives as autism parents. 

We'll discover how developing a nonjudgmental mindset allows us to respond to our children's needs with love and understanding. By cultivating a calm and centered mindset, we create a supportive and loving environment for their growth.

But it doesn't stop there. Meditation and mindfulness also support our own self-care journey and nurture our well-being!

As we replenish our inner resources and build resilience, we become better equipped to handle the challenges that arise. Not only do these practices positively impact our physical health by lowering blood pressure, improving sleep, and boosting our immune system, but they also enhance our relationships, well-being, and overall experience as autism parents.

So, join me in this exploration of meditation and mindfulness as we uncover the tools and techniques that can help us find moments of stillness and presence in our parenting journey. 

From starting with just a few minutes each day to incorporating sensory awareness and guided meditation, we'll discover a world of possibilities to support and nourish ourselves as we nurture our children.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode

Out Of Your Ordinary’s Guided Meditation Playlist

Meditation For Autism Parents: How It Helps And Why You Should Do It

Embracing Now: Staying Positive and Present as an Autism Parent

Mindfulness as a Self-Care Tool for Autism Parents: Prioritizing Your Well-being

New episodes of NeurOrdinary are released every Thursday…be sure to like, subscribe, and leave a comment or review letting me know what you think. And as always, keep it spicy!

In this episode, we dive deep into the critical topic of educational options and resources for autistic children and how those choices can have a profound impact on their development and well-being.

Join us as we uncover the challenges faced by parents when choosing the most suitable educational environment for their autistic child. 

From understanding the IEP and 504 Plan process to finding inclusive homeschooling resources, this episode of NeurOrdinary is your go-to podcast for empowering your children to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally ... .all while you manage the chaos and reduce your feelings of overwhelm as a parent!

Resources Mentioned in This Episode

Autism 101 For Parents: What You Need To Know About Your Child’s Education *Includes information on and links to your local Parent Resource Council, as well as most of the other topics discussed in today's episode.

Happily Homeschooling: 10 Tips for Parents of Autistic Children

Your Ultimate Guide to Boundaries as an Autism Parent: Taking Care of Yourself While Caring for Your Child

Redefining Success: Embracing Your Unique Path as an Autism Parent

Contact me here to set up your 60-minute education coaching session!

Today I’m excited to dive into a topic that is near and dear to my heart as an autism mom, and a certified meditation instructor. In this episode, I'll be sharing my three favorite self-care practices that have been absolute game-changers in my life.

First up, we have meditation. I can't stress enough how transformative this practice has been for me. From YouTube meditations to the Calm app, these resources have provided gentle guidance and support for exploring different meditation techniques. 

Meditation has such a positive impact on my overall well-being by resetting my mind, increasing clarity, and bringing a sense of presence to my day.

Next, we’ll talk about the importance of alone time. As parents of autistic children, it is so easy to lose ourselves in the constant demands of our kids. But carving out time for ourselves is crucial so we can be the best version of ourselves and support others effectively. I'll share some tips on how to find those moments of solitude without feeling guilty...trust me, it's worth it.

Last but not least, I'll discuss the power of gratitude. Keeping a gratitude journal has literally transformed my life! 

Each day, I write down at least three things I’m grateful for and one big win that happened that day. This simple practice helps anchor feelings of gratitude and creates a positive mindset. Gratitude has trained my brain to focus on the positive in different situations, and it has made a significant and transformative impact on my life.

So grab your favorite beverage, find a cozy spot, and tune in to this episode of NeurOrdinary as I share my favorite self-care practices as an autism mom. It's time to nourish ourselves, recharge, and thrive…no matter what life throws at us. Let's dive in!

Resources Mentioned in This Episode

Out Of Your Ordinary YouTube Channel guided meditations playlist

Gratitude Practice For Autism Parents

Create your FREE personalized Self-care Guide

Get started with self-care the quick and easy way…FREE self-care quick start guide!

In today's episode, we’ll explore the fascinating role of an Autism Parent Coach and I’ll reveal why you probably need one.

Parenting an autistic child is a unique journey, filled with complexity, overwhelm, and often feelings of isolation.

Autism parent coaches are specially trained professionals who help parents understand their child's behavior, develop effective strategies, and navigate the various challenges along the autism parenting journey. They offer personalized guidance tailored to your unique circumstances and the needs of you and your child.

But the benefits of working with an Autism Parent Coach don't stop there.

They also empower you with the skills and tools to become a strong advocate for your child, ensuring they receive the appropriate support and resources they need.

Throughout this episode, we'll discuss the vital role of an Autism Parent Coach, the specific ways they can support you, and how to find the right coach for your journey.

We'll also explore the importance of self-care and establishing a solid foundation of understanding, trust, and collaboration with your coach.

So grab a cup of tea, sit back, and let's dive into the extraordinary world of neurodiversity on NeurOrdinary!

Welcome to the NeurOrdinary podcast, where we dive deep into the extraordinary journey of parenting neurodiverse kids.

I'm your host, Karen Kossow. As a mother of two autistic kids and a self-care coach for autism parents, I'm here to share stories, insights, and practical advice to help you navigate the complexities of raising an autistic child.

In this week's episode, titled "Can an Autism Parent Coach Help Dads?", we'll focus on an important but often overlooked aspect of autism parenting: the role of dads.

The autism parenting world has predominantly been shaped by moms, leaving many dads feeling pushed to the side or left out.

But today, we're shifting the spotlight and creating a space for dads to share their unique struggles and experiences.

We'll explore how dads can prioritize their well-being, navigate their own neurodivergent tendencies, and build a successful relationship with their child(ren).

And, we'll discuss the importance of self-care, and personal growth, and how they can lead to transformational changes in the lives of dads.

From reducing stress and improving relationships with oneself and their partner to finding a stronger sense of purpose, the benefits of engaging in self-care coaching are profound…especially for dads!

Join us on NeurOrdinary as we delve into the world of autism parenting from a dad's perspective, and discover how personal growth and well-being can lead to a fulfilling and thriving family life.

As a parent of not one, but two autistic children, I know firsthand the challenges that come with navigating the parenting journey without the support of immediate family.

Hi, I'm Karen, the host of NeurOrdinary, a podcast dedicated to discussing the unique experiences of parenting autistic children and finding strength in unconventional places.

In this episode, we delve into the reality of parenting autistic kids when you don't have family support. We explore the demanding nature of raising these incredible children, which often leaves little time for personal pursuits. We acknowledge the importance of self-care, not just for our own well-being, but also for the sake of our children.

I share my personal journey of prioritizing self-care activities. From hobbies and exercise, to therapy and meal planning…despite the absence of family support. We discuss the difficult decision to cut ties with toxic family members, made to protect the happiness and well-being of our children and ourselves.

But it doesn't end there!

We delve into the unexpected positive outcomes that arise from making these difficult decisions.

I open up about how this experience empowered me to become a successful self-care coach and build a new, chosen family who has provided the support and understanding we were lacking before.

Throughout the episode, we emphasize the importance of finding organizations and support groups that appreciate and understand the unique challenges we face as parents of autistic children.

We explore resources such as respite care services, which offer temporary relief to parents by providing trained professionals to care for our children.

Join me on NeurOrdinary as we navigate the ups and downs of parenting autistic children without family support and discover the strength and resilience that lie within us. Together, we'll embrace the extraordinary in our ordinary.

As a parent of two autistic children, I understand the hurdles that autism parents face on a daily basis. In this episode of NeurOrdinary Podcast, we’ll talk about the top five challenges that autism parents encounter and provide strategies to overcome them.

Everyone’s autism parenting journey begins with navigating the diagnosis process, which can be overwhelming and uncertain. I share the importance of educating yourself about autism and connecting with reputable resources (including other autism parents) for support. It is essential to focus on credible support options and avoid harmful treatments or misinformation.

Managing multiple responsibilities is another significant challenge for autism parents. 

From being an advocate to a therapist, caregiver, and educator, it's easy to feel stretched thin. I provide tips on effective time management, prioritizing tasks, and seeking support to create a manageable routine.

Financial stress and obligations can also be overwhelming. I share insights on planning ahead, utilizing available resources such as grants and community programs, and taking advantage of early intervention services and school programs.

Self-care is often neglected when the focus is solely on the well-being of our children. 

However, it is crucial to prioritize self-care to be a strong advocate and caregiver. I discuss the importance of engaging in activities that bring joy and relaxation, seeking emotional support, and accessing specialized self-care coaches.

Throughout the episode, I discuss the emotional toll of autism parenting, the range of emotions that come with a diagnosis, and the common judgment and misconceptions faced by autism parents. I emphasize the importance of building resilience, advocating for understanding, and surrounding oneself with a supportive network.

Join me on this episode of NeurOrdinary as we explore the top five hurdles that autism parents face and learn strategies to overcome them.