Autism is a gift. The CDC estimates 1 in 54 kids are blessed to be on the autistic spectrum. That's the mindset parents with autistic kiddos usually come to, but it can real struggle to feel that way all the time. Unfortunately, it can take years to reach an official diagnosis and start behavior training and receive assistance to help a child's development and overall quality of life. That's where Jonathan Mueller and his team at Ascend Behavior Partners come in.  

Jonathan is the founding owner and Co-CEO of Ascend Behavior Partners, which is an organization that works with children and families living with autism.  He's the father of 3 kids and is not afraid to let his daughters paint his nails. In fact, first time I met Jonathan I noticed he had red candy apple painted fingernails. Legit. 

Today we’re going to talk about raising children with autism. There’s not one type of autism that is the same, but rather there are many subtypes of autism and each person with autism can have unique strengths and challenges. The development of autism is affected by genetic and environmental influences. And often autism isn’t the only condition families face but frequently is accompanied with medical issues such as GI disorders, seizures and sleep challenges. But despite these challenges, any dad I’ve met with an autistic child says how blessed they are because of, not in spite of, their child’s condition. 

Jonathan explains applied behavior analysis and how it works. He also shares what each parent with a child blessed with autism should know and what others can do to support. 

If you have a child with autism or have someone close to you who does, check out the amazing work Jonathan is doing. 

Show notes:

• https://www.ascendbehavior.com/
• Jonathan on LinkedIn
• M Chat test

Music by DJ Quads