Recently Nikki learned a new term that is common in Autistic adults called “Autistic Burnout”.  Tune is as Nikki explains what it is, and how getting resources for your child at an early age is critical for avoiding or understanding how to cope with Autistic Burnout.

Story Highlights

Do you have a funny story or one of success about your child on the spectrum?  Let’s celebrate the wins!  Submit your stories to be featured on the podcast at [email protected]

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We’ve all been there - the holiday pictures you want to capture for the sake of tradition but your child’s behavior is unpredictable.  Nikki gives quick tips on how to prep your child, transition from A to B, and take in the surroundings so you know how to best help your child.

With a little luck, you’ll be able to get that photo with the Easter Bunny this upcoming holiday.

Story Highlights

Do you have a funny story or one of success about your child on the spectrum?  Let’s celebrate the wins!  Submit your stories to be featured on the podcast at [email protected]

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You know your child might need long term care but it’s so hard to think about it when you're busy helping them now with resources. Most parents don’t even know where to start, and having someone to help educate and guide you is extremely important.   

Listen in as Nikki speaks with guest speaker Christina Anderson from Thrivent about the importance of making sure you and your child have things in place financially as they become adults. 

Resources Mentioned:

Do you have questions about finding solutions that work best for you? Please contact:

Christina Anderson

Work   1-602-717-7867

[email protected]

https://connect.thrivent.com/christina-anderson/

Story Highlights

Do you have a funny story or one of success about your child on the spectrum?  Let’s celebrate the wins!  Submit your stories to be featured on the podcast at [email protected]

Like/follow us on Facebook and Instagram @piecesformypuzzle

Christina Anderson

Work   1-602-717-7867

[email protected]

https://connect.thrivent.com/christina-anderson/

Christina Anderson has a varied background in things such as Music Education and Performance, Music Ministry, working with Special Needs students, Office Management, Finance and being a Business Owner. She is also a mother of 3 grown boys and proud to have 2 beautiful grandchildren. She spent 21 years as an army wife and her middle son is active duty now as an Army Ranger Instructor. Christina is passionate about educating people about finances and providing the best advice possible for their individual situations

When you need additional help, finding the right Hab providers can be challenging.  When Nikki first started out trying to find resources for her son, she was unaware that she would have to do some of the recruitment herself.  

Learn more about the types of questions to ask, finding an agency to help, and how it’s important to get used to the idea that you will have people in and out of your home.  

Resources Mentioned:

Questions to ask providers before selection document (this pdf is from the State of Texas - Health and Human Services.  Some of this information may or may not apply to you depending on what state you are in, however, it’s a good guide to get you started on the types of questions you may want to ask).

https://www.hhs.texas.gov/sites/default/files/documents/services/disability/idd-provider-checklist.pdf

Story Highlights

Do you have a funny story or one of success about your child on the spectrum?  Let’s celebrate the wins!  Submit your stories to be featured on the podcast at [email protected]

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Nikki engages in an amazing conversation with Brenda Del Monte, author, speaker, and speech pathologist about her latest book release, I See You In There.

This inspiring episode teaches us the importance of belief.  Listen in as Nikki and Brenda talk about how important connection is no matter what form of communication you are using.  

Resources Mentioned:

Brenda Del Monte resources

Website: Technicallyspeakingaac.com

YouTube Channel: https://tinyurl.com/techspeakaac

Amazon Link to the book: https://tinyurl.com/I-See-You-In-There

Story Highlights

Do you have a funny story or one of success about your child on the spectrum?  Let’s celebrate the wins!  Submit your stories to be featured on the podcast at [email protected]

Like/follow us on Facebook and Instagram @piecesformypuzzle

Brenda Del Monte

Website: Technicallyspeakingaac.com

YouTube Channel: https://tinyurl.com/techspeakaac

Amazon Link to my book: https://tinyurl.com/I-See-You-In-There

Brenda Robertson Del Monte has been a Speech Language Pathologist for 20 years. She works exclusively with those who are not functionally verbal and therefore need alternative means to communicate. She helps people acquire technology that helps them communicate. She has been a guest lecturer at University of Washington, Central Washington University, Northern Arizona University, Arizona State University and Midwestern University. Brenda recently published a book called “I See You In There” where she shares stories about the wonderful families she has meant along her professional journey.

The meltdown has occurred.  It’s past the point of you trying to comfort your child, and you’re not sure why it’s all happening.

A child on the spectrum can have many triggers or sensory issues that will cause a meltdown.  They also may not communicate the same way, which makes it hard for them to tell you what’s really wrong.

How do I figure out what’s wrong?

How can I de-escalate the situation?

What do I need to do so that they calm down?

Resources Mentioned:

Smarter Parenting: https://www.smarterparenting.com/behavioral-parenting-pathways/tantrums/

Autism Parenting Magazine - Download a free guide that helps with tantrums: https://www.autismparentingmagazine.com/tame-tantrums-manage-meltdowns/

Calming strategies for you and your kids for Wandsworth Local Offer:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fND28VE0VxU

Story Highlights

Do you have a funny story or one of success about your child on the spectrum?  Let’s celebrate the wins!  Submit your stories to be featured on the podcast at [email protected]

Like/follow us on Facebook and Instagram @piecesformypuzzle

Let’s talk sensory!  Many children on the spectrum have sensory processing disorders than can affect them on a daily basis.  Some kids are hypersensitive, and others are hyposensitive.  I’ll deep dive into some quick tips and tell you what has helped me with my son.

Resources Mentioned:

Calm strips:  https://calmstrips.com/

Understanding Sensory Processing Disorder:  https://sensoryhealth.org/

STAR Institute:  https://sensoryhealth.org/basic/understanding-sensory-processing-disorder

Story Highlights

Do you have a funny story or one of success about your child on the spectrum?  Let’s celebrate the wins!  Submit your stories to be featured on the podcast at [email protected]

Like/follow us on Facebook and Instagram @piecesformypuzzle

There’s no manual when is comes to parenting, especially with a child on the spectrum.  You may need to work harder than others to find resources and solutions for your child.

So how you are taking time for yourself?  That’s a loaded question!

Tune in as I discuss some quick tips on how to destress in your household. 

Resources Mentioned:

In this episode, we gave reference to some simple meditation videos from Diverse Learning Hub.  Here are the links:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J4ePe2o3WIQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v-j_U1eD2VI

Yoga Cards for Kids:

Use Coupon Code PIECESFORMYPUZZLE to receive 10% off purchase

https://www.etsy.com/shop/SwingToysUSA?coupon=PIECESFORMYPUZZLE

Calming strategies for you and your kids for Wandsworth Local Offer:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fND28VE0VxU

Story Highlights

What do you do to destress?  Any good remedies that you and your child do at home? Submit your stories to be featured on the podcast at [email protected]

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Special needs services and paperwork can seem daunting. You have tons of paperwork to sift through and it sucks!  Feeling unorganized can make you feel more overwhelmed than you already are.  Utilize these quick tips to get organized and keep it maintained.  

Story Highlights

Let’s celebrate the wins!  Submit your stories to be featured on the podcast at [email protected]

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Find Resources, Take Action!Finding resources is one of the toughest things you’ll do.  The good news is that there are many resources available for your special needs child.  The bad news?  They can be hard to find and hard to get!

Resources mentioned CDC link:  https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/links.html and Autism Speaks link: https://www.autismspeaks.org/resource-guide

Story highlightsLet’s celebrate the wins!  Submit your stories to be featured on the podcast at [email protected]

Like/follow us on Facebook and Instagram @piecesformypuzzle