The Autism Dad

This was an unplanned bonus episode that I did in one take. That’s always impressive. I wanted to share an end-of-the-year roundup and talk about some of the things my family has been dealing with in 2020. I also open up about my divorce and share how I’m choosing to handle that. I think it’s a really important message and I hope you all can learn something from my experience.

All my information and relevant links are here

Support this podcast: venmo.com/theautismdad

This episode is sponsored by Mightier. Mightier is an amazing program out of Harvard Medical and Boston Children’s. It uses video games to teach kids to emotionally self-regulate. Visit theautismdad.com/mightier and find out more information, including how to get a free 30-day trial.

This episode is also brought to you by Hero Health. HERO is a smart automatic pill dispenser that dramatically improves medication management and compliance. Learn more at theautismdad.com/hero and use code “theautismdad50” to save $50. 

CONTACT ME 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mentioned in this episode:

BrainyAct

BrainyAct® provides tech-enabled, patent-pending therapy programs delivered via gamification for neurological disorders such as Autism, Asperger’s, Dyslexia, and ADHD. BrainyAct activates the underdeveloped areas of the brain through exercises that strategically target a child’s balance, gravity, gross/fine motor, rhythm and timing, visual motor perception, and memory.

Visit BrainyAct

Happy Ladders

Happy Ladders is Parent-Led Early Autism Therapy that empowers you, the parent, to teach your toddler essential developmental skills through play. Studies have shown that the parent-led model is highly effective while eliminating frustration over long wait lists, or the worry about losing precious developmental time. All without the disruption of people coming into your home

Visit Happy Ladders

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this final episode of season 3, I meet Nikki Saunders. I go into these episodes not knowing anything about these parents. I know that Nikki is an autism Mom and lives in the UK. I encourage you to join me once more on this amazing journey to learn about her life and her family. I’ve included her bio below as by the time you listen to this, I’ve already met her and you may want to reach out and connect with her.

About Nikki Saunders

Nikki was born in Suffolk; she has two children and has worked in Special Education. Nikki’s son was diagnosed with autism and she found a lack of inclusion on the bookshelves. After scribbling social stories for mainstream situations, Nikki used her creative eye and went on to publish, “My Awesome Autism” for her son.

It was such a success, that she wanted to share this with other children and their families worldwide and normalize these conversations everywhere as Nikki receives many heart-warming comments and messages in receipt of her books via her social media sites.

“I’ve been crafting stories for as long as I can remember, but in 2019 I decided to take the plunge and create a book for my son. I searched the bookshelves in 2013 and I never found the book we needed, a book to celebrate autism, something bright, positive, and empowering! I noticed a huge gap for many other different abilities too! Children needed to see different books, explore, ask questions, or relate to them.

Since then, she’s gone on to write more books for children with Special Educational Needs and resources for transitional situations. She now has six books on her portfolio, and her notebooks for ideas, social stories, and situations are bulging!

During lockdown, she released the PDF’s for the ‘I’m Going To School’ Transition Workbook. It was published in Feb 2020 for pre-schoolers going to school and those on the spectrum in need of visual supports, with hints and tips inside but little did she know how many families, and schools it would help.

She has also been asked by a team of Educational Psychologists to collaborate in creating ‘Welcome Back Eddie After Lockdown’ to support children in their return during the pandemic and she recently won the Theo Paphitis SBS Award and was contacted by a video producer from Yahoo UK.

The magic continues and her Series is available via Amazon. Book 7 out Next month.

Nikki Saunders Contact Information:

The Eddie Series Book 1 Paperback Edition

The Eddie Series Book 1 Kindle Edition

The Eddie Series Book 2 Paperback Edition

The Eddie Series Book 2 Kindle Edition

Social media handles @Nrsaundersbooks

Website www.nrsaunders.com.

LinkedIn: Nikki Saunders

All my information and relevant links are here

Support this podcast: venmo.com/theautismdad

Sponsors

This episode is sponsored by Mightier. Mightier is an amazing program out of Harvard Medical and Boston Children’s. It uses video games to teach kids to emotionally self-regulate. Visit theautismdad.com/mightier and find out more information, including how to get a free 30-day trial.

This episode is also brought to you by Hero Health. HERO is a smart automatic pill dispenser that dramatically improves medication management and compliance. Learn more at theautismdad.com/hero and use code “theautismdad50” to save $50. 

CONTACT ME

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mentioned in this episode:

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I'm super stoked about this 2nd to the last episode of the season because I snagged an autism dad. I talk to tons of autism moms and that's awesome because I learn so much from them. I don't hear from or speak with many autism dads, and that's always bothered me. Dads seem to talk about their experiences less for some reason and I wish I knew why.

I'm super excited to have an autism dad on the show today. His name is Ray Bracht and I met him for the first time a few weeks ago when this interview was recorded. He has such an awesome story, and I'm so grateful that I had the chance to connect with him. I can't wait for you to meet him and hear about his autism parenting journey.

About Ray Bracht:

Type A introvert, IT professional, DIY’r, hobby farmer owner/operator, NAVY veteran, husband and father, gun-owning, flag flying, the guy who gets shit done, country living liberal (Ray's words not mine). Ray's son has ASD and is 24 years old now. He still lives at home, attends an adult day work program (impacted by COVID of course), and has mood swings, etc. He’s in the middle of the spectrum so to speak. Technology has been a big part of his son’s life. Ray also has a step-son who has Asperger’s and just moved into his own apartment. Ray works in IT, and owns and operates a hobby farm in semi-rural Minnesota.

All my information and relevant links are here

Support this podcast: venmo.com/theautismdad

Sponsors

This episode is sponsored by Mightier. Mightier is an amazing program out of Harvard Medical and Boston Children’s. It uses video games to teach kids to emotionally self-regulate. Visit theautismdad.com/mightier and find out more information, including how to get a free 30-day trial.

This episode is also brought to you by Hero Health. HERO is a smart automatic pill dispenser that dramatically improves medication management and compliance. Learn more at theautismdad.com/hero and use code "theautismdad50" to save $50. 

CONTACT ME

Mentioned in this episode:

Happy Ladders

Happy Ladders is Parent-Led Early Autism Therapy that empowers you, the parent, to teach your toddler essential developmental skills through play. Studies have shown that the parent-led model is highly effective while eliminating frustration over long wait lists, or the worry about losing precious developmental time. All without the disruption of people coming into your home

Visit Happy Ladders

BrainyAct

BrainyAct® provides tech-enabled, patent-pending therapy programs delivered via gamification for neurological disorders such as Autism, Asperger’s, Dyslexia, and ADHD. BrainyAct activates the underdeveloped areas of the brain through exercises that strategically target a child’s balance, gravity, gross/fine motor, rhythm and timing, visual motor perception, and memory.

Visit BrainyAct

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this second to the last episode of the season, I had the pleasure of meeting Bernadette Woldt. Bernadette is a single Mom of twin girls, one being autistic and the other not. She lives in Wisconsin, where at the time of recording, COVID was and still is out of control.

We talk about parenting stuff, how her daughter was diagnosed, how school is going, and some interesting things about having twins.

This was a great conversation and I’m really excited for you folks to meet her.

Please listen and share with anyone that could benefit.

All my information and relevant links are here

Sponsors

This episode is sponsored by Mightier. Mightier is an amazing program out of Harvard Medical and Boston Children’s. It uses video games to teach kids to emotionally self-regulate. Visit theautismdad.com/mightier and find out more information, including how to get a free 30-day trial.

This episode is also brought to you by Hero Health. HERO is a smart automatic pill dispenser that dramatically improves medication management and compliance. Learn more at theautismdad.com/hero and use code “theautismdad50” to save $50. 

CONTACT ME

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mentioned in this episode:

Happy Ladders

Happy Ladders is Parent-Led Early Autism Therapy that empowers you, the parent, to teach your toddler essential developmental skills through play. Studies have shown that the parent-led model is highly effective while eliminating frustration over long wait lists, or the worry about losing precious developmental time. All without the disruption of people coming into your home

Visit Happy Ladders

BrainyAct

BrainyAct® provides tech-enabled, patent-pending therapy programs delivered via gamification for neurological disorders such as Autism, Asperger’s, Dyslexia, and ADHD. BrainyAct activates the underdeveloped areas of the brain through exercises that strategically target a child’s balance, gravity, gross/fine motor, rhythm and timing, visual motor perception, and memory.

Visit BrainyAct

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

his week I had the pleasure of meeting Tammy Seguin. Tammy’s a single Mom of 2 kids, her oldest being autistic. She’s on the show today to share a bit about her life and journey as an autism Mom. She’s in Canada and we talk about some of the differences between how autism is handled in Canada vs the US. We discuss how school is going and how COVID has impacted their lives.

Like Tammy Seguin, we all have our struggles and we all have our own unique stories. Taking the time to learn from each other’s experiences can help us feel more connected and less alone. 

About Tammy Seguin:

Tammy lives in Ontario, Canada. She is a stay-at-home mother with one son and one daughter. Her oldest is Cameron, who is 16, and on the spectrum with strong anxiety and OCD. Her youngest is Sarah, who is 11, and she has CAPS and has shown some traits of being on the spectrum but no diagnosis.

Tammy was past president of the Upper Canada chapter for Autism Ontario for 3 year years and is involved with Special Olympics and other causes as time permits.

 Find her blog at www.tammyandhercrazyhouse.com, has a youtube channel (Tammy and Crazy House) among other social media presences.

Tammy also has a small home business that can be found at www.calmyourmonster.ca which focused on sensory products built around scented playdough.

Please listen and share with anyone that could benefit.

All my information and relevant links are here

Sponsors

This episode is sponsored by Mightier. Mightier is an amazing program out of Harvard Medical and Boston Children’s. It uses video games to teach kids to emotionally self-regulate. Visit theautismdad.com/mightier and find out more information, including how to get a free 30-day trial.

This episode is also brought to you by Hero Health. HERO is a smart automatic pill dispenser that dramatically improves medication management and compliance. Learn more at theautismdad.com/hero and use code “theautismdad50” to save $50. 

CONTACT ME

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mentioned in this episode:

Happy Ladders

Happy Ladders is Parent-Led Early Autism Therapy that empowers you, the parent, to teach your toddler essential developmental skills through play. Studies have shown that the parent-led model is highly effective while eliminating frustration over long wait lists, or the worry about losing precious developmental time. All without the disruption of people coming into your home Happy Ladders includes activities that target 150+ essential developmental skills every toddler needs as well as assessments in 4 different developmental areas. There’s also an exclusive community of parents just like you, and professional coaching to ensure success for both you and your toddler. To learn more, get a free trial, and take advantage of an exclusive, limited-time offer for my listeners, visit happyladders.com. Use the code "theautismdad" at checkout to save 50% off the monthly membership. Plus get a free one-on-one session as well as access to the Tantrums and Meltdowns mini-course. This is a limited-time offer so act now.

Visit Happy Ladders

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week’s episode, my friend Amy Nielsen is back on the show. Amy is an autism Mom and was on a few months back. We were talking about her journey as an autism parent. We discussed how COVID was impacting their lives at the time. We also talked about what she and her husband were going to do for the upcoming school year.

Since that episode, her youngest tested positive for COVID. Her husband tested positive for COVID as well. She’s back to share their story, raise awareness, and talk about her family’s experience with COVID. Can you imagine trying to isolate a very young autistic child?

We also talk about some other issues impacting the autism community. This is a very important episode and I ask that you please listen and share.

About Amy:

Amy is a former educator with seventeen years of experience. Her educational background includes teaching second grade, elementary media specialist, middle school television production teacher, and middle school media specialist.

After her fourth child was diagnosed with ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder, she left her full-time teaching career so she would have the flexibility to meet the demands of this special parenting role.

Amy runs the Big Abilities Blog and Podcast. I am also a freelance writer for Playground Magazine , contributing author at The Mighty. author of the book It Takes a Village: Get Your Hands Dirty and Build Yours From the Ground Up  and Parent Advocate and Early Intervention Specialist at Collaborative Corner for Exceptional Children.

About Me:

Please remember that self-care is more important than ever. It’s not easy but we have to do our best to look after ourselves, especially during these turbulent and uncertain times.

Please listen and share with anyone that could benefit.

All my information and relevant links are here

Sponsors

This episode is sponsored by Mightier. Mightier is an amazing program out of Harvard Medical and Boston Children’s. It uses video games to teach kids to emotionally self-regulate. Visit theautismdad.com/mightier and find out more information, including how to get a free 30-day trial.

This episode is also brought to you by Hero Health. HERO is a smart automatic pill dispenser that dramatically improves medication management and compliance. Learn more at theautismdad.com/hero and use code “theautismdad50” to save $50. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mentioned in this episode:

Happy Ladders

Happy Ladders is Parent-Led Early Autism Therapy that empowers you, the parent, to teach your toddler essential developmental skills through play. Studies have shown that the parent-led model is highly effective while eliminating frustration over long wait lists, or the worry about losing precious developmental time. All without the disruption of people coming into your home Happy Ladders includes activities that target 150+ essential developmental skills every toddler needs as well as assessments in 4 different developmental areas. There’s also an exclusive community of parents just like you, and professional coaching to ensure success for both you and your toddler. To learn more, get a free trial, and take advantage of an exclusive, limited-time offer for my listeners, visit happyladders.com. Use the code "theautismdad" at checkout to save 50% off the monthly membership. Plus get a free one-on-one session as well as access to the Tantrums and Meltdowns mini-course. This is a limited-time offer so act now.

Visit Happy Ladders

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week’s Parent to Parent episode, I have the pleasure of meeting Lynn Esparo. Lynn is a single Mom to a little boy with autism. She has an amazing story and she takes us through her journey with the foster care system. Likewise, she takes us through the adoption process as well.

Ours is a colorful conversation about all things autism parenting and it’s both hilarious and inspirational. We talk about the ups and downs we both experience. I don’t doubt that many of you will be able to relate. I can’t wait for you to meet Lynn and hear her amazing story. 

Please remember to subscribe and share. Now sit back and enjoy the ride.

Lynn Esparo: (Lynn sent me this bio and I thought it was hilarious so I copy and pasted it verbatim.)

I am a single mom, who works full time as the publicity coordinator for The CW Network. A foster and now adoptive mother, my five-year-old son was diagnosed with level 3 Autism at the age of three (though I knew way before that). Currently a stay at home-working mother/kindergarten teacher/speech therapist/occupational therapist/entertainer/chef/researcher/DJ/nurse/etc…

Lover of Major League Baseball, puppy cuddles, and complete silence.

Currently in a long-term relationship with sarcasm.

Social Media for Lynn Esparo

Twitter @Lynnsy2

Instagram LynnEsparo

Podcast on Instagram WhatDoesntKillYou.podcast

Listen to What Doesn’t Kill You

All my information and relevant links are here

Mightier is an amazing program out of Harvard Medical and Boston Children’s. It uses video games to teach kids to emotionally self-regulate. Visit theautismdad.com/mightier and find out more information, including how to get a free 30-day trial.

HERO is a smart automatic pill dispenser that dramatically improves medication management and compliance. Learn more at theautismdad.com/hero and use code “theautismdad50” to save $50.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mentioned in this episode:

BrainyAct

BrainyAct® provides tech-enabled, patent-pending therapy programs delivered via gamification for neurological disorders such as Autism, Asperger’s, Dyslexia, and ADHD. BrainyAct activates the underdeveloped areas of the brain through exercises that strategically target a child’s balance, gravity, gross/fine motor, rhythm and timing, visual motor perception, and memory.

Visit BrainyAct

Happy Ladders

Happy Ladders is Parent-Led Early Autism Therapy that empowers you, the parent, to teach your toddler essential developmental skills through play. Studies have shown that the parent-led model is highly effective while eliminating frustration over long wait lists, or the worry about losing precious developmental time. All without the disruption of people coming into your home

Visit Happy Ladders

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this weeks episode, I interview Sasha Shtern, CEO of Goally. Goally is really cool tech that I’ve been testing with my oldest. Goally helps kids with autism and ADHD manage their own routines or schedules independently. This is huge for many families and I’m excited to bring it to your attention. I’ve had this in my house for a few months and I’m super impressed with it.

Sasha is here to talk about how Goally works. We also talk about how it’s helping so many kids to gain independence.

Learn more about Goally: goally.co

They’ve provided my listeners with a coupon code. Use the code “theautismdad” at check out for free shipping.

Sasha Shtern is CEO of Denver-based Goally. Goally helps parents implement the most effective protocols at home without complicated jargon or training. Sasha is a lifelong tech lover and entrepreneur.

All my information and relevant links are here

This episode is sponsored by Mightier. Mightier is an amazing program out of Harvard Medical and Boston Children’s. It uses video games to teach kids to emotionally self-regulate. Visit theautismdad.com/mightier and find out more information, including how to get a free 30-day trial.

This episode is also brought to you by Hero Health. HERO is a smart automatic pill dispenser that dramatically improves medication management and compliance. Learn more at theautismdad.com/hero and use code “theautismdad50” to save $50.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mentioned in this episode:

Happy Ladders

Happy Ladders is Parent-Led Early Autism Therapy that empowers you, the parent, to teach your toddler essential developmental skills through play. Studies have shown that the parent-led model is highly effective while eliminating frustration over long wait lists, or the worry about losing precious developmental time. All without the disruption of people coming into your home

Visit Happy Ladders

BrainyAct

BrainyAct® provides tech-enabled, patent-pending therapy programs delivered via gamification for neurological disorders such as Autism, Asperger’s, Dyslexia, and ADHD. BrainyAct activates the underdeveloped areas of the brain through exercises that strategically target a child’s balance, gravity, gross/fine motor, rhythm and timing, visual motor perception, and memory.

Visit BrainyAct

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I’m so excited about this week’s episode because I just launched The Parent to Parent Series. Aside from briefly vetting my guests, I go into these interviews blind. The idea is to meet another special needs parent for the first time. Get to know them. Have a raw, unfiltered conversation. Learn about their life and family. Share experiences and insights with the overall goal of reminding everyone listening just how beautiful and unique every special needs family is. You will likely hear some colorful language and that’s okay. You will also find things that you can relate to and that can serve as a reminder that you aren’t alone.

We can all learn from each other and the more connections we can make, the more connected to this amazing community we will find ourselves. My guest is Wendy Valente. About Wendy: Wendy’s had a lifelong love of Interior Design, went to college, and started a career in the design industry. Fast forward, she’s a wife and mother of 3 girls. Her oldest is Autistic and has ADHD. Her youngest are twins. After realizing the traditional way of working was not working for her and her family, she started her own business. This has allowed her to work around the school calendar, and be there for her family. After her oldest was diagnosed with Autism, she started to dive deep into ways to help her and understand her.

This led her to Designing Interiors for Autism. www.livewelldesigns.net 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/designinginteriorsforautism/

About Me: All my information and relevant links are here.

Sponsors This episode is sponsored by Mightier. Mightier is an amazing program out of Harvard Medical and Boston Children’s. It uses video games to teach kids to emotionally self-regulate. Visit theautismdad.com/mightier and find out more information, including how to get a free 30-day trial.

This episode is also brought to you by Hero Health. HERO is a smart automatic pill dispenser that dramatically improves medication management and compliance. Learn more at http://theautismdad.com/hero and use code “theautismdad50” to save $50. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mentioned in this episode:

Happy Ladders

Happy Ladders is Parent-Led Early Autism Therapy that empowers you, the parent, to teach your toddler essential developmental skills through play. Studies have shown that the parent-led model is highly effective while eliminating frustration over long wait lists, or the worry about losing precious developmental time. All without the disruption of people coming into your home Happy Ladders includes activities that target 150+ essential developmental skills every toddler needs as well as assessments in 4 different developmental areas. There’s also an exclusive community of parents just like you, and professional coaching to ensure success for both you and your toddler. To learn more, get a free trial, and take advantage of an exclusive, limited-time offer for my listeners, visit happyladders.com. Use the code "theautismdad" at checkout to save 50% off the monthly membership. Plus get a free one-on-one session as well as access to the Tantrums and Meltdowns mini-course. This is a limited-time offer so act now.

Visit Happy Ladders

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week’s episode, my guest is Varleisha Gibbs and we are going to talk about sensory processing disorder. Varleisha is a Mother, wife, and author.

Varleisha D. Gibbs PhD, OTD, OTR/L is the Vice President of Practice Engagement and Capacity Building At the American Occupational Therapy Association.

In other words, she knows her stuff and is the perfect person to help us better understand what sensory processing disorder is and how we can help our loved ones living with it. We’re going to answer frequently asked questions and help dispel the misinformation and clear up any confusion.

About Varleisha Gibbs

Varleisha D. Gibbs PhD, OTD, OTR/L

Vice President, Practice Engagement and Capacity Building

American Occupational Therapy Association, Inc.

Back to School Guide:

https://www.aota.org/Practice/Health-Wellness/COVID19/back-to-school.aspx

AOTA: Occupational Therapy for Children and Youth:

https://www.aota.org/About-Occupational-Therapy/Patients-Clients/ChildrenAndYouth.aspx

Twitter

Website: http://drvgibbs.com/

Check out Varleisha Gibbs books:

Raising Kids With Sensory Processing Disorders: A Week-by-Week Guide to Helping Your Out-of-Sync Child With Sensory and Self-Regulation Issues

Raising Kids with Sensory Processing Disorders: A Week-by-Week Guide to Solving Everyday Sensory Issues

Self-Regulation and Mindfulness: Over 82 Exercises & Worksheets for Sensory Processing Disorder, ADHD, & Autism Spectrum Disorder

About Me:

All my information and relevant links are here

Sponsors

This episode is sponsored by Mightier. Mightier is an amazing program out of Harvard Medical and Boston Children’s. It uses video games to teach kids to emotionally self-regulate. Visit theautismdad.com/mightier and find out more information, including how to get a free 30-day trial.

This episode is also brought to you by Hero Health. HERO is a smart automatic pill dispenser that dramatically improves medication management and compliance. Learn more at theautismdad.com/hero and use code “theautismdad50” to save $50. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mentioned in this episode:

Happy Ladders

Happy Ladders is Parent-Led Early Autism Therapy that empowers you, the parent, to teach your toddler essential developmental skills through play. Studies have shown that the parent-led model is highly effective while eliminating frustration over long wait lists, or the worry about losing precious developmental time. All without the disruption of people coming into your home Happy Ladders includes activities that target 150+ essential developmental skills every toddler needs as well as assessments in 4 different developmental areas. There’s also an exclusive community of parents just like you, and professional coaching to ensure success for both you and your toddler. To learn more, get a free trial, and take advantage of an exclusive, limited-time offer for my listeners, visit happyladders.com. Use the code "theautismdad" at checkout to save 50% off the monthly membership. Plus get a free one-on-one session as well as access to the Tantrums and Meltdowns mini-course. This is a limited-time offer so act now.

Visit Happy Ladders

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices