Staring Down the Storm: Autism Advocacy in America

I have a bonus episode for you this week (in addition to my upcoming conversation with my friend Phoenyx), which features my friend Moulay Hicham Aamalki and his wife Kenia, who lead wellness retreats to Morocco.

In fact, they have an upcoming trip that runs from October 26-31 and there is one spot left! If you think you can jump on it, visit the site here and let them know! https://easehealingretreats.com/

Our chat today not just goes over their trip and back story running retreats, but why they want to make these trips available to the community, because they have a daughter with ADHD.

Moulay Hicham and Kenia share their personal experiences with grief and healing, the importance of mindfulness, and the cultural richness of Morocco as a backdrop for their retreats. We talk about the significance of community, accessibility of healing practices like hammams, and the importance of family travel, cultural exposure for children, and the challenges of parenting, especially for those with children with disabilities.

Healing is a journey that involves multiple stages, and retreats can provide healing and self-reflection opportunities. So whether it's right now, or in the future, consider looking after yourself, which helps empower you to look after the others in your life.

Find more info on Ease Healing Retreats here:

Website: easehealingretreats.com

Instagram: ⁠@easehealingretreats

Facebook: ⁠Ease Healing Retreats

email: hello at easehealingretreats.com

Contact Tabitha:

[email protected]

With the unfortunate and completely unnecessary "announcements" over the past couple weeks, trying to link Tylenol with autism, scaring mothers and pregnant women, and perhaps worst of all, dragging the stigma of shame and doubt back into families with autism - we need to talk.

And that's what this podcast is for, to be able to respond and react to these kinds of events, and encourage our community to speak out. You are not alone, we do not each live in an island unto ourselves.

I invited Sarah McCorkle (Episodes 6, 7 & 8) to join me again, so we could share our reactions and perspectives on how to respond to the so-called "directives."

Our health care is far, far too politicized - is there anything these days that isn't? And it's having real, distressing impact on our every day lives. Again, something just completely unnecessary.

Why are we so quick to abandon science and reason for some supposed short-term political gain?

We need to emphasize critical thinking, community involvement, and the value of lived experiences in advocacy.

Do you ever feel that these politicians are just treating all this as a game? Do they not understand the real impacts of their actions? Do they just not care?

We can have a better society, one of compassion and humanity, and I know that authentic conversations are a big step to building one.

Contact Tabitha:

[email protected]

My friend Christina McGairk joins me to share her the multifaceted journey of autism advocacy, and we focus focusing on our personal experiences as single mothers of autistic children.

As always, there's so much to think about, things that people often forget, and the scale of it is immense. Hair care, dietary preferences, potty training, communication devices, educational experiences and school dynamics, navigating the challenges of autism and bullying, and that just scratches the surface.

But we're here to highlight the significance of community support, mentorship, and advocacy in navigating the complexities of raising autistic children.

Christina also shares insights from her journey of writing a devotional aimed at supporting single mothers of children with exceptional needs, and the need for awareness and action in the autism community.

Further links and research related to this episode:

Strength for the Weary Heart: A Devotional for Single Moms of Children With Exceptional Needs

Warm Edits Editing, email Christina at christina.mcgairk at gmail.com

Christina on LinkedIn

on Facebook

on Instagram (@lobolita78)

Christina's column, "Single Mamas Seen"

Uniquely You, Special Needs Monthly Magazine

Brittany Allen, Hair Stylist in Fishers!

Contact Tabitha:

[email protected]

In Part 2 with Ellerie, we address the importance of multiculturalism and diversity in the United States, reflecting on her personal experiences from military service to higher education.

Ellerie is a deep believer in the power of curiosity. She puts a passionate emphasis on the value of being curious about others' lived experiences, and the need to address unconscious biases.

We also share our thoughts on having difficult conversations, the obligation to stand against what is wrong, and the significance of a person's individual contributions in creating a positive impact. This all done through the lens of our current societal issues, such as the impact of transphobia in the military, and the responsibility of standing up for what is right.

If Ellerie's spirit and energy speaks to you, she would love to hear from you.

You can reach her via Instagram ⁠@courageous_whisper⁠

and ⁠LinkedIn.⁠

Contact Tabitha:

[email protected]

My friend Ellerie Rollins joins me for a conversation about autism, the neurodiverse community, diversity, empathy, and curiosity, all from a lens of a recently retired United States Air Force Reservist. Ellerie spent years in the reserve as an airplane mechanic, and so can speak to the experience of being a different or unique person within a larger group or community.

We chat about the historical and social aspects of American military service, including multi-generational service, the diversity of the military, and its impact on civilian life. Ellerie discusses the overlap between the military and the LGBTQ+ community, reflecting on recent developments concerning the trans community in the Air Force.

Most of all, we underscore the importance of open conversations, curiosity, and embracing a multicultural approach to strengthen America. Especially in response to the example that our so-called 'leaders' are setting at the moment.

Ellerie is a life coach who focuses on helping ex-military women transition to civilian life, taking those strengths and experiences to forge the life they want to live, on their own terms.

You can reach her via Instagram @courageous_whisper

and LinkedIn.

Contact Tabitha:

[email protected]

In the final part of my conversation with College Internship Program (CIP) Program Director Ed Roe, we look at different practical situations where our children with autism can function and thrive, and Ed shares his experience observing the "autistic burnout" - when newly-arrived college students face too many life tasks all at once, and after about six weeks start to shut down.

CIP's focus goes beyond just the concept of independence, but to recognizing "interdependence," how people of all backgrounds need to live and work together, and how neurodivergent students fit in to our world.

Whether it's in the workplace or through travelling, we can create welcoming and comfortable environments for everyone involved.

It just takes a bit of education and understanding.

As Ed points out, the problem is that, "People are not incentivized to care."

Yes, it's a question of money, funding, training and responsibility, legal or otherwise.

But it's also about fostering a society as a whole that cares. Where people recognize that there are others less fortunate, who just need some extra support and understanding.

Not only could one day that be us, or someone we care about, but empathy for others is a meaningful, genuine and very human trait to have.

My thanks to Ed Roe for his time in this series, and for his wonderful work at CIP in Bloomington, Indiana and beyond.

Further links and research related to this episode:

⁠⁠⁠The College Internship Program (CIP) in Bloomington, Indiana⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠Ed Roe's profile⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠Ed on LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠

Contact Tabitha:

[email protected]

Ed and I talk in part 3 about the emotional release of parents and caregivers arriving at CIP, and realizing that there are indeed others who care about their kid just as much as they do, and in the same way.

Because they get it, the understand. You are no longer on an island unto yourself, support is here.

We chat about understanding the "rules and norms" of society and how most of the CIP students are either rule followers or rule breakers.

But what are those rules anyway? Could it be that our children are showing us a different way to approach functioning in society, not to mention how we work, how we communicate and how we interact with others?

"Whatever your kid's thing is, especially if they have autism, find it, embrace it. Just let them do it. Let them do their thing and watch them light up."

Further links and research related to this episode:

⁠⁠The College Internship Program (CIP) in Bloomington, Indiana⁠⁠

⁠⁠Ed Roe's profile⁠⁠

⁠⁠Ed on LinkedIn⁠⁠

Contact Tabitha:

[email protected]

Ed Roe and I continue our conversation about the College Internship Program (CIP), and in part two talk about life in Bloomington, Indiana.

Bloomington thus far remains an island of safety and acceptance for people of all different backgrounds and situations. But as we know, that status quo is constantly under threat, particularly in a red state such as ours.

We've seen the University of Indiana be targeted just like so many other universities, and we have to be prepared for impacts to programs and support systems such as CIP, which are so vital for those in need.

Ed himself has a multiracial marriage, a neurodiverse child, and of course is on the front lines of service and interaction with all kinds of unique families. He knows first hand the impact and importance of these programs.

We'll then continue in part three, circling back to countering this concept of autism as a "burden," how we need to encourage our children to be themselves, and how to get them out there and interact with people.

Our communities are so much better for it.

Further links and research related to this episode:

⁠The College Internship Program (CIP) in Bloomington, Indiana⁠

⁠Ed Roe's profile⁠

⁠Ed on LinkedIn⁠

Contact Tabitha:

[email protected]

Do you feel that autism in your family is a burden?

I didn't think so.

We need to get the real stories out there of the joy and wonder that neurodiversity brings to us all. In this week's episode, I'm joined by Ed Roe, the Program Director of the College Internship Program (CIP) in Bloomington, Indiana.

Ed shares his journey from working in K-12 education to his current role at CIP, which supports neurodivergent students transitioning to adulthood by focusing on life skills, social skills, academic support, and career exploration.

Ed emphasizes the importance of empowering neurodivergent students to achieve independence, and highlights the positive impact on both students and their families. CIP is known for a hands-on, individualized approach to education, for involving families, and for the importance of creating a safe and accepting environment for students.

We also touch on CIP's strong stance against recent controversial statements about autism, reinforcing the inherent value and potential of neurodivergent individuals.

Further links and research related to this episode:

The College Internship Program (CIP) in Bloomington, Indiana

Ed Roe's profile

Ed on LinkedIn

Contact Tabitha:

[email protected]

My friend David Delisle is here to share his journey of promoting financial literacy through engaging and educational mediums, like his graphic novel, 'The Golden Quest.' David discusses his approach to making financial education engaging for both children and parents by focusing on money mindfulness and values.

We also delve into David's recent trip to India with his sons, and how the challenging experience has strengthened their family bond and taught them resilience.

It's a conversation that covers two grounds: financial literacy, and travel - two topics that have always interested me. But in particular, I want to encourage autism and neurodiverse families that you can pursue these things too.

We share our parenting experiences, particularly in the context of raising neurodiverse children, and the impact of travel on building resilience and empathy. Coming from Canada, we get into cultural perspectives and contrasts, whether it's healthcare, religion or social issues.

David agrees that we need to emphasize the importance of curiosity, empathy, and open-mindedness in understanding different viewpoints and fostering a kinder, more inclusive world.

And, he also teases his upcoming projects, including a card deck, and a board game aimed at further promoting financial literacy in a fun and thoughtful manner.

Further links and research related to this episode:

The Awesome Stuff (www.theawesomestuff.com)

Instagram (@theawesomestuff)

TikTok (@theawesomestuff)

YouTube (@theawesomestuff)

Facebook (@OnlyBuyTheAwesomeStuff)

David's Awesome Stuff playlist on Spotify

Contact Tabitha:

[email protected]