In this episode, Betsy Hicks Russ shares her journey as a mother of a nonverbal autistic son, Joey, and discusses the transformative experience of discovering spelling as a means of communication. Betsy emphasizes the importance of presuming competence in non-speaking individuals and highlights the need for inclusivity within the autism community. She also introduces her Be Kind Vest initiative, aimed at fostering understanding and compassion in public spaces. The conversation touches on the challenges and triumphs of parenting an autistic child, the significance of community support, and the exciting developments in autism awareness and advocacy.

Guest:

Betsy Hicks Russ
Instagram: betsyonthego
YouTube: Betsy on the Go
Podcast: Autism Odyssey

Hosts:

Nicci Smith
TikTok: nicci_tannersmom
Instagram: nicci_smith6

Lise Smith
TikTok: connorsmom4514
Instagram: connorsmom_lise
YouTube: @carrideswithconnor4114

Sponsored by MerchLabs

In this episode, the hosts welcome Rachel York, a certified Enneagram coach, to discuss the Enneagram personality typing system. They explore the significance of understanding oneself and one's partner through the lens of the Enneagram, emphasizing its relevance in relationships, parenting, and personal growth. Rachel provides insights into the nine Enneagram types, their motivations, fears, and how they can impact interactions in various settings, including family and professional environments. The conversation highlights the importance of empathy, understanding, and communication in fostering healthy relationships and personal development.

Guest:
Instagram: letstypeaboutit
and letstypeaboutit podcast

Hosts:

Nicci Smith
TikTok: nicci_tannersmom
Instagram: nicci_smith6

Lise Smith
TikTok: connorsmom4514
Instagram: connorsmom_lise
YouTube: @carrideswithconnor4114

Sponsored by MerchLabs

In this episode, the hosts explore the intersection of technology and personal experiences, particularly focusing on the impact of autonomous vehicles on daily life. They share personal stories about family adventures, the growth and development of children with autism, and the challenges they face in social situations. The conversation highlights the importance of technology in enhancing life experiences and the joy of witnessing personal growth in their children.

Hosts:

Nicci Smith
TikTok: nicci_tannersmom
Instagram: nicci_smith6

Lise Smith
TikTok: connorsmom4514
Instagram: connorsmom_lise
YouTube: @carrideswithconnor4114

Sponsored by MerchLabs

In this episode of Talk To Me Sis, Vernon Jackson shares his journey from a reluctant leader to a passionate advocate for children, particularly those with special needs. He discusses the creation of the Gifted Event, a free haircare program designed to provide a safe and loving environment for children during haircuts. Vernon emphasizes the importance of patience, understanding, and emotional connection in caregiving, and how his experiences have shaped his approach to working with children. He inspires others in the community to pursue careers in barbering and working with special needs children, highlighting the transformative power of love and connection. In this engaging conversation, Vernon Jackson and Talk To Me Sis explore the complexities of parenting, particularly in relation to children with special needs. They discuss the importance of emotional authenticity, understanding child behavior, and the balance between being proactive and reactive in parenting. The dialogue emphasizes the significance of setting expectations, empowering children through boundaries, and celebrating their achievements. Vernon shares his aspirations for community engagement and raising awareness about acceptance for children on the spectrum, highlighting the need for support and understanding from society.

Guest:

Vernon Jackson
TikTok: thegiftedeventoff
Instagram: thebest1period
YouTube: thegiftedeventofficial

Hosts:

Nicci Smith
TikTok: nicci_tannersmom
Instagram: nicci_smith6

Lise Smith
TikTok: connorsmom4514
Instagram: connorsmom_lise
YouTube: @carrideswithconnor4114

Sponsored by MerchLabs

In this episode, Lawrence Jones shares his journey as a father to James from Love on the Spectrum. He discusses his upbringing, the challenges of parenting, and the importance of patience and commitment in family life. Lawrence emphasizes the role of his wife, June, in supporting James and navigating their parenting journey together. He offers advice to new dads, reflects on the impact of the show Love on the Spectrum on their family, and shares insights on maintaining a strong marriage. The conversation highlights the importance of love, support, and understanding in raising a neurodiverse child.

Hosts:

Nicci Smith
TikTok: nicci_tannersmom
Instagram: nicci_smith6

Lise Smith
TikTok: connorsmom4514
Instagram: connorsmom_lise
YouTube: @carrideswithconnor4114

Sponsored by MerchLabs

Host Nikki speaks with Esme Kim, the mother of Pari from Love on the Spectrum. They discuss Esme's life before motherhood, the early signs of autism in her daughters, and the challenges and triumphs of parenting two children on the spectrum. Esme shares her experiences with therapy, advocacy in schools, and the importance of support systems, while also addressing the emotional toll of isolation and the unique sibling dynamics between her daughters. In this conversation, Esme shares her journey as a mother of two daughters on the autism spectrum, discussing the unique challenges and joys they faced together. She reflects on their shared experiences, the importance of sibling relationships, and the impact of therapy and support systems. Esme also opens up about personal hardships, including the loss of her husband and her battle with cancer, while emphasizing the resilience of her daughters. The discussion highlights the significance of finding joy and independence in the face of adversity, as well as the importance of community and support for families navigating similar journeys.

Guest:

Esme Kim

Pari's socials:
TikTok: purpleprincesspari
Instagram: purpleprincesspari

Hosts:

Nicci Smith
TikTok: nicci_tannersmom
Instagram: nicci_smith6

Lise Smith
TikTok: connorsmom4514
Instagram: connorsmom_lise
YouTube: @carrideswithconnor4114

Sponsored by MerchLabs

In this episode, David's mom Debbie Isaacman shares her journey from working in the Secret Service to becoming a mother of triplets, one of whom is on the autism spectrum. She discusses the early signs of autism in her son David, the importance of early intervention through ABA therapy, and the role of his sisters in his development. Debbie reflects on the challenges and triumphs of navigating public education, the significance of family support, and David's journey to independence and employment. The conversation highlights the importance of acceptance, positivity, and the joy of seeing children thrive.

Hosts:

Nicci Smith
TikTok: nicci_tannersmom
Instagram: nicci_smith6

Lise Smith
TikTok: connorsmom4514
Instagram: connorsmom_lise
YouTube: @carrideswithconnor4114

Sponsored by MerchLabs

In this episode, Nicci and Lise reconnect, sharing personal updates about their families and the challenges of balancing busy lives. They celebrate small victories in their children's growth and discuss the importance of humor in navigating life's complexities. The conversation also highlights the growth of their podcast, their commitment to improving production quality, and their plans for future episodes that engage with the autism community.

Hosts:

Nicci Smith
TikTok: nicci_tannersmom
Instagram: nicci_smith6

Lise Smith
TikTok: connorsmom4514
Instagram: connorsmom_lise
YouTube: @carrideswithconnor4114

Sponsored by MerchLabs

Summary

In this episode, Jenny Marilla shares her journey as the mother of Madison, a cast member from 'Love on the Spectrum.' She discusses Madison's early signs of autism, the importance of early intervention, and the various therapies that have helped her daughter thrive. Jenny emphasizes the significance of dietary changes, building relationships with therapists, and the challenges of navigating the school system. The conversation also touches on Madison's sensory issues and how she has found creative outlets to cope with them, showcasing the unique journey of parenting a child with autism. In this conversation, Jenny Marilla shares her experiences raising her daughter Madison, who is on the autism spectrum. The discussion covers various themes including sensory needs, communication strategies, the role of aides in development, and the importance of advocacy and community engagement. Jenny reflects on Madison's journey through school, her high school experiences, and the impact of autism awareness on her social interactions. The conversation also highlights Madison's achievements, including her graduation, her involvement in relationships, and her new jewelry business. The episode emphasizes the importance of understanding, support, and open communication in navigating the challenges and triumphs of life on the spectrum.

In this episode of Talk To Me Sis, Christine Romeo, mother of Abby from Love on the Spectrum, shares her life journey, from her adventurous youth to the challenges of motherhood and parenting a child with autism. Christine discusses her family dynamics, the impact of mental health, and her philosophy on resilience. She reflects on her career path, the complexities of autism diagnosis, and her thoughts on vaccinations. The conversation highlights the importance of personal growth and understanding in navigating life's challenges. In this conversation, Christine and Talk To Me Sis delve into the complexities of autism, discussing the differences between regressive and non-regressive autism, the spectrum of individual needs, and the various therapies available. They share personal stories of struggle and acceptance, emphasizing the importance of understanding each individual's unique journey. The discussion highlights the challenges caregivers face, the emotional toll of navigating these experiences, and the significance of finding effective communication strategies. Ultimately, the conversation is a testament to resilience, growth, and the power of community support. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the complexities of autism, focusing on Gestalt language processing, the need for individualized support, and the importance of rethinking educational approaches for neurodivergent learners. They discuss the challenges of representation in media, the impact of neurodiversity on life trajectories, and the necessity of fostering a positive and understanding community. The conversation emphasizes the importance of meeting individuals where they are and promoting a culture of support and compassion. In this conversation, Christine and Talk To Me Sis delve into the complexities of autism advocacy, emphasizing the importance of understanding diverse experiences within the autism community. They discuss the challenges of navigating therapy choices, the need for tailored support, and the significance of sharing stories to inspire and empower parents of children on the spectrum. The dialogue highlights the necessity of creating awareness in workplaces and the importance of advocating for those with higher support needs. Ultimately, the conversation aims to foster a sense of community and understanding among parents and advocates.

Guest:

Christine Romeo

TikTok: abbeysmom17 (https://www.tiktok.com/@abbeysmom17)

Instagram: christineabbeysmom (https://www.instagram.com/christineabbeysmom)

YouTube: Christine-Abbeysmom (https://www.youtube.com/@Christine-Abbeysmom)

Hosts:

Nicci Smith

TikTok: nicci_tannersmom (https://www.tiktok.com/@nicci_tannersmom)

Instagram: nicci_smith6 (https://www.instagram.com/nicci_smith6/?hl=en)

Lise Smith

TikTok: connorsmom4514 (https://www.tiktok.com/@connorsmom4514)

Instagram: connorsmom_lise (https://www.instagram.com/connorsmom_lise)

YouTube: carrideswithconnor4114 (https://www.youtube.com/@carrideswithconnor4114)

Sponsored by MerchLabs (https://merchlabs.com)