Sensory Overload

Our baby is growing up fast, soon to be a tween, with all that entails. Ali & John jaw about how they're preparing for the onslaught of puberty (they hope), and how they're dealing with Ali about to return to the workplace after ten years of stay-at-home momming.

NOTES:

We guested on another podcast! Check us out chewin' the parental fat with Shanna & Laura over at "Big Fat Positive!"

https://bigfatpositivepodcast.com/ep-150-sensory-overload/

SOCIAL MEDIAS:

Instagram: @sensoryoverloadpod
https://www.instagram.com/sensoryoverloadpod/?hl=en

Twitter: @overloadpod
https://twitter.com/overloadpod?lang=ar

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sensoryoverloadpod

No nice way to put it, advocating for your special needs kid is an endurance test. Ali & John tell tales of their seven (and counting) years of advocacy. And paperwork. So much paperwork.

NOTES:

Instagram: @sensoryoverloadpod
https://www.instagram.com/sensoryoverloadpod/?hl=en

Twitter: @overloadpod
https://twitter.com/overloadpod?lang=ar

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sensoryoverloadpod

Our daughter is back in physical school... yay? A ray of sunshine as John & Ali give an update on what grade school looks like in a pandemic, and how our autistic child is not only surviving, but thriving.

NOTES:

Instagram: @sensoryoverloadpod
https://www.instagram.com/sensoryoverloadpod/?hl=en

Twitter: @overloadpod
https://twitter.com/overloadpod?lang=ar

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sensoryoverloadpod

Got someone in your life that doesn't know the first thing about autism, and not sure how to explain it? Well, friend, let us shoulder your burden! Give them this episode to plug in they earholes, where we try and think of everything we can that might be helpful to them, and in turn, helpful to YOU!

NOTES:

Instagram: @sensoryoverloadpod
https://www.instagram.com/sensoryoverloadpod/?hl=en

Twitter: @overloadpod
https://twitter.com/overloadpod?lang=ar

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sensoryoverloadpod

This month, Ali & John list many of the items we've bought or received that have helped our autistic child. From tiny chewable pencil toppers to giant trampolines and everything in-between!

(NOTE: Hopefully goes without saying, but none of this is stuff we're getting paid to pimp. We are our own masters! We do not bow to the almighty advertising dollar!

... that's another way of saying we don't make a dime on this, like a couple of suckers.)

For some good, dark jokes: @ComicJimBruce (big thanks to Jim for our button last week!)

Who Shot Ya podcast: https://maximumfun.org/podcasts/who-shot-ya/

Buy Nothing: https://buynothingproject.org/find-a-group/

Tons of Occupational Therapy Tips and Toys: www.mamaot.com

Laminator (Our model is old now but here is how simple and cheap it can be): https://www.target.com/p/scotch-thermal-laminator-with-2-starter-pouches-8-5-34-x-11-34/-/A-14617833#lnk=sametab

Mask for chewer/lickers: GATA with filter you put in

https://www.gatapack.com/collections/masks

(You can find most of these items at a variety of places online. I’m just trying to do the reduce the amount I spend at Amazon thing.)

Silicone Chewable Pencil Toppers

https://www.etsy.com/listing/454979674/silicone-pencil-topper-seamless-silicone?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=Silicone+Chewable+Pencil+Toppers&ref=sr_gallery-1-1&organic_search_click=1&col=1

Yoga Ball (No preference on type, just linking one for ease): https://www.target.com/s?searchTerm=yoga+ball

Peanut Ball

https://www.amazon.com/Milliard-Approximately-Exercise-Birthing-Training/dp/B00U0FSX18/ref=sr_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=peanut+ball&qid=1612053590&sr=8-4

Trampoline – This is the one we have but there are so many options.

https://www.amazon.com/Bounce-Pro-My-First-Trampoline/dp/B01J6RN8RY/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=my+first+trampoline&qid=1612053502&sr=8-3

For indoor or smaller spaces, something like this one’s great, too. Just a reminder that kiddos grow fast, so you may want to invest in something that has a higher weight limit.

https://www.amazon.com/Trampoline-Adjustable-Handrail-Foldable-Rebounder/dp/B084WQKRFK/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=kids+trampoline&qid=1612053544&sr=8-3

Liquid Melatonin – https://www.amazon.com/Svasthya-Melatonin-Natural-Anxiety-ALCOHOL/dp/B00M8PNL56/ref=sr_1_15?dchild=1&keywords=liquid+melatonin&qid=1612053462&sr=8-15

Tired Teddies Melatonin, What we used to call “Bedtime Candy” - https://www.amazon.com/Tired-Teddies-Natural-Sleep-Kids/dp/B00CMG4YNY/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=tired+teddies&qid=1612053428&sr=8-1

Boo Boo Buddy ice pack - https://www.amazon.com/Boo-Buddy-Reusable-Cold-Pack/dp/B00VVYLG84/ref=sr_1_7?dchild=1&keywords=boo+boo+buddy&qid=1612053663&sr=8-7

Do-a-dot markers, helpful for building interest in art when your kiddo is learning how to grip a smaller marker/pencil: https://www.amazon.com/Art-Markers-Rainbow-Washable-Original/dp/B00004W3Y4/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?dchild=1&keywords=dot+markers&qid=1612053698&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExRlhaNENSRTFNUFhWJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwNTI0MTAwMk1PVlc2T0k3N0xPSCZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwNzk4NDEzMks5UTQzU0U3Njg0ViZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=

Noise reduction earmuffs – Dr.meter

https://www.amazon.com/Dr-Meter-EM100-Protective-Earmuffs-Adjustable/dp/B01LWYWH43/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?dchild=1&keywords=noise+reduction+ear+muffs+–+dr.meter&qid=1612053757&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzQkg1MERRU1U4R0lYJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMTAwOTA5MkFLMUpRRTc2RFJKMyZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwMjYxNDc4MUZTTkVFNDkzVkZWViZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=

Nighttime Projectors:

https://www.target.com/p/smithsonian-planetarium-projector/-/A-52213640#lnk=sametab

https://www.amazon.com/Ocean-Wave-Projector-Sound-Machine/dp/B0823G1F9S/ref=sr_1_8?crid=16W63XZMZ8GC7&dchild=1&keywords=nighttime%2Bprojector%2Bfor%2Bkids&qid=1612070201&sprefix=nighttime%2Bprojector%2Caps%2C217&sr=8-8&th=1

Rainbow Projector:

https://www.amazon.com/Uncle-Milton-Rainbow-My-Room/dp/B071NM2M83/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=rainbow+projector&qid=1612070271&sr=8-2

Cat Nightlight:

https://www.amazon.com/GoLine-Nightlights-Children-Silicone-Birthday/dp/B01DXOYCK8/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?dchild=1&keywords=cat+night+light+for+kids&qid=1612070240&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExSTlPRjcySTBDSVE4JmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMzAyMDY5NVpFWExBSERaWUg3JmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTEwMTY0NjgyUVo0Q0VDRzhFSktYJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==

Reading: The Elephant and Piggie Books by Mo Willems – you can easily take turns reading

Big Set: https://www.amazon.com/Elephant-Piggie-Complete-Collection-Book/dp/136802131X/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=elephant+and+piggy+series&qid=1612053790&sr=8-1

Our favorite of the series: https://www.amazon.com/Waiting-Easy-Elephant-Piggie-Book/dp/142319957X/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=elephant+and+piggy+series+waiting+is+not+easy&qid=1612053819&sr=8-1

Calm Down Time – Elizabeth Verdick: https://www.shopthelastbookstore.com/book/9781575423166

Best Behavior Series

https://www.shopthelastbookstore.com/book/9781575422008

Baby Signing Time: https://www.signingtime.com/category/baby-signing-time/

Body Sock (Be mindful of size): https://www.amazon.com/SANHO-Premium-Sensory-Updated-Version/dp/B071HFB484/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=3RHHJ7GBNI916&dchild=1&keywords=body+sock+sensory+kids+large&qid=1612070385&sprefix=body+sock%2Caps%2C228&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzQTBBUVJXVjZUSjVaJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwNTM0NTM2MVgyQ1VENFdCSkFNSCZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwNDUwMTU3MTFaU1M5SkhSR0dSQiZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=

Kinetic Sand

https://www.target.com/p/kinetic-sand-folding-sandbox/-/A-52140559#lnk=sametab

Therapy Putty

https://www.amazon.com/CanDo-TheraPutty-Plus-Anti-Microbial-Green/dp/B006LN4JN4/ref=sr_1_28?dchild=1&keywords=therapy+putty&qid=1612054234&sr=8-28

Duck Tape (So many different patterns and colors): https://www.amazon.com/Duck-Brand-241791-Printed-Mermaid/dp/B07BL45C2W/ref=sr_1_9?dchild=1&keywords=duct+tape+colors+and+patterns&pd_rd_r=a008df59-7f86-4a31-8e47-2e3814ca36c2&pd_rd_w=B8hhO&pd_rd_wg=WCO3A&pf_rd_p=9dad86ae-1554-484b-9cc0-f9673b44705e&pf_rd_r=HZ8KCYDWY2T4XD47ZYPX&qid=1612070431&sr=8-9

Reading highlighter Strips

https://www.amazon.com/Highlight-Bookmarks-Dyslexia-Children-Assistant/dp/B07QNSGBJN/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=1MEYUMDXJO2FB&dchild=1&keywords=reading+highlighter+strips+for+children&qid=1612054304&sprefix=reading+highlighter%2Caps%2C210&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUE3SVcxVVc2RjA2SjImZW5jcnlwdGVkSWQ9QTA2NzI3OTczTUU2S0ZUOURHVzFQJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTA5NDI1NjkxODAxRFMwUFVYWUpVJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==

Expo Click Dry Erase Markers & Individual Whiteboard – the clickable ones are just a bit more fun, don’t have to track down tops

https://www.target.com/p/6pk-dry-erase-marker-click-fine-tip-multicolor-expo/-/A-78025461#lnk=sametab

Pretty Pretty Princess

https://www.target.com/p/classic-pretty-pretty-princess-game/-/A-81784125#lnk=sametab

Zombie Kidz game:

A friendly reminder to try your neighborhood store for a curbside pickup. Here’s one we love in SoCal:

http://www.thegameogre.com/whatwesell.htm

And here it is on Amazon so you can see what we’re talking about:

https://www.amazon.com/Scorpion-Masque-ZOMKID-Zombie-Evolution/dp/B07M5BFVP2/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=zombie+kids&qid=1612070640&sr=8-3

Tell Tale Fairy Tales – Storytelling, Imagination, Taking Turns

https://www.amazon.com/Blue-Orange-461-Tell-Tale/dp/B0064EI1KC/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=telltale+game&qid=1612054468&sr=8-1

Key Education Photo Conversation Cards for Children with Autism

https://www.amazon.com/Key-Education-Conversation-Children-Aspergers/dp/1602681309/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=Key+Education+Photo+Conversation+Cards+for+Children+with+Autism&qid=1612054493&sr=8-1

Cosmic Kids Yoga (also on YouTube): https://cosmickids.com

GoNoodle (also on YouTube): https://www.gonoodle.com

Vinyl Spot Makers to help with OT and PT goals, make obstacle courses in your house or backyard

https://www.amazon.com/Ace-Creations-Inch-Vinyl-Markers/dp/B075N6QVKZ/ref=sr_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=vinyl+spot+makers&qid=1612054520&sr=8-4

Spinny chair, backless. She loves pink so we got her pink. Flash Furniture Tractor Seat and Chrome Seat

https://www.amazon.com/Flash-Furniture-Vibrant-Tractor-Chrome/dp/B0082LTXOI/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=Flash%2BFurniture%2BTractor%2BSeat%2Band%2BChrome%2BSeat&qid=1612054586&sr=8-2&th=1

Weighted blanket – Check the recommendation based on weight and age

https://www.target.com/p/twin-full-frozen-2-weighted-blanket-disney-store/-/A-76550227#lnk=sametab

Fidgipod

https://specialsupplies.com/fidgipod-desktop-spiky-pod?_vsrefdom=adwords&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIw5yC-vvE7gIVMAutBh07kglyEAYYASABEgIRJvD_BwE

Pop Toob

https://specialsupplies.com/slinky-pop-toob?_vsrefdom=adwords&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIv_zoqvzE7gIVYgp9Ch0OigRnEAYYASABEgKMHvD_BwE

Horse Hopper

https://www.amazon.com/Hopper-Included-Inflatable-Jumping-Bouncy/dp/B007LX889E/ref=sr_1_15?dchild=1&keywords=rody+horse&qid=1612055117&sr=8-15

Bean Bag Chair

https://www.target.com/p/large-micro-suede-bean-bag-chair-acessentials/-/A-80371186?preselect=79694938#lnk=sametab

Melissa and Doug Wooden Puzzles

https://www.target.com/p/melissa-38-doug-animals-jumbo-knob-wooden-puzzles-set-fish-and-pets-6pc/-/A-51216075#lnk=sametab

Bumpy Seat Cushion

https://www.amazon.com/PROMIC-Exercise-Stability-Portable-Cushions/dp/B075KBC35S/ref=sr_1_11?dchild=1&keywords=bumpy+seat&qid=1612069018&sr=8-11

They Might Be Giants album “No!” - https://www.theymightbegiants.com/new-page

“Bed Bed Bed” book - https://www.amazon.com/Bed-They-Might-Be-Giants/dp/0743250249/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=bed+bed+bed+they+might+be+giants+book&qid=1612069393&sr=8-1

Camp Kinneret - https://www.campkinneret.com

California Regional Centers: https://www.dds.ca.gov/RC/

(Ask about In Home Supportive Services)

Advocates and Attorneys – Some advocates are available through regional centers and other public groups but mostly, they are private pay.

Insurance – Go through an insurance broker. Free for you and they can help guide you to the best plan for your family.

UCLA KidsConnect (Early Childhood Partial Hospitalization Program): https://www.semel.ucla.edu/ecphp

Pediatric Minds: https://pediatricminds.com/?gclid=CjwKCAiApNSABhAlEiwANuR9YC3LvwmQZB_CNXO8U3qS0ArSOwhBjJDVjmtn0KF7HARdI_NnZWEIgxoCLXoQAvD_BwE

Special Olympics: https://www.specialolympics.org

Therapists: Please contact your insurance and they can let you know who is in network in your area. Most therapists are doing telehealth these days, so it’s more accessible to special needs parents than ever before.

Educational Therapists: https://aetonline.org

Facebook groups – Search “Autism Parents” with your area or town or ask other special needs parents. There are plenty of non-location specific ones, too.

SOCIAL MEDIAS:

Instagram: @sensoryoverloadpod
https://www.instagram.com/sensoryoverloadpod/?hl=en

Twitter: @overloadpod
https://twitter.com/overloadpod?lang=ar

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sensoryoverloadpod

An unexpected family tragedy prompts a discussion about normalizing mental illness. 2020, man.

NOTES:

Finding Cooper's Voice - 

https://www.findingcoopersvoice.com

SOCIAL MEDIAS:

Instagram: @sensoryoverloadpod
https://www.instagram.com/sensoryoverloadpod/?hl=en

Twitter: @overloadpod
https://twitter.com/overloadpod?lang=ar

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sensoryoverloadpod

Storytime! As we wind down 2020, Ali & John have a tale to tell, about Paris, appearances vs. reality, and how good memories can give bad ones a good old-fashioned prison beatdown (or vice-versa).

NOTES:

The Louvre:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louvre_Pyramid

The Raft of the Medusa:

https://www.louvre.fr/en/oeuvre-notices/raft-medusa

The Young Martyr:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Young_Martyr

Luncheon of the Boating Party:

https://www.phillipscollection.org/collection/boating-party

SOCIAL MEDIAS:

Instagram: @sensoryoverloadpod
https://www.instagram.com/sensoryoverloadpod/?hl=en

Twitter: @overloadpod
https://twitter.com/overloadpod?lang=ar

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sensoryoverloadpod

Ali & John are proud to present a couple of Sensory Overload firsts -- our first very special guest on the show, and our first completely family-friendly episode! 100% no cussies! Join us as we give thanks in our own special way.

NOTES:

Instagram: @sensoryoverloadpod
https://www.instagram.com/sensoryoverloadpod/?hl=en

Twitter: @overloadpod
https://twitter.com/overloadpod?lang=ar

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sensoryoverloadpod

Ali & John just had the worst IEP ever! Celebrate with us, as we dance around the legalities and drink deep from the cup of frustration.

NOTES:

We talk about Hannah Gadsby's Netflix special, "Douglas"

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwim8bf_2cD0AhVgITQIHUTFALoQFnoECA0QAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.netflix.com%2Ftitle%2F81054700&usg=AOvVaw31u8rYZQ77DJ_Mhbk8q-RB

SOCIAL MEDIAS:

Instagram: @sensoryoverloadpod
https://www.instagram.com/sensoryoverloadpod/?hl=en

Twitter: @overloadpod
https://twitter.com/overloadpod?lang=ar

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sensoryoverloadpod

It's the 1st Anniversary of Sensory Overload! Yay! And Ali & John talk about [REDACTED] and [REDACTED] and also some distance learning stuff.

NOTES:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G2BAAYsqTww 

SOCIAL MEDIAS:

Instagram: @sensoryoverloadpod
https://www.instagram.com/sensoryoverloadpod/?hl=en

Twitter: @overloadpod
https://twitter.com/overloadpod?lang=ar

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sensoryoverloadpod