In this episode, Kelby and Erica kick off Season Two of their podcast with a new structure that focuses on their personal experiences and insights related to autism. They discuss the importance of creating a judgment-free zone for sharing opinions and experiences, especially regarding controversial topics. The conversation delves into a recent incident involving Elon Musk, exploring the intersection of autism and social misunderstandings. The hosts emphasize the need for advocacy, awareness, and grace in discussions about autism.

In this episode, Kelby and Erica discuss their holiday experiences, focusing on family dynamics and the challenges of managing sensory needs during gatherings. They share personal anecdotes about their children and the pressures of ensuring comfort for both their kids and family members. The conversation transitions into practical tips for creating inclusive environments during the holiday season, emphasizing the importance of identifying sensory-friendly spaces and setting realistic expectations. They also hint at upcoming changes for the podcast in the new year, aiming to foster community engagement and support for parents navigating similar challenges.

On this episode, Kelby, Erica, and Heather discuss the transition from preschool to kindergarten for children with autism, emphasizing the importance of individualized education plans (IEPs), advocacy, and early intervention. Heather shares her extensive background in special education, her teaching philosophy, and the significance of integrating therapy into the classroom. They also explore the Child Find process, the role of parents in advocating for their children, and the daily structure of a preschool classroom. The conversation highlights the need for flexibility and understanding in addressing the unique needs of each child on the autism spectrum.

In this episode, Erica & Kelby interview Meg Raby, an autistic mom, speech language pathologist, and neurodivergent advocate. They discuss Meg's journey to her diagnosis, the impact of the diagnosis on her relationships, and her work with Kulture City, a nonprofit organization focused on sensory inclusion. Meg also introduces Koji, an AI-generated communication tool available on the Kulture City app. Koji allows non-speaking individuals to engage in conversation and is highly customizable and free to use.

Instagram: @KultureCity & @Author.Meg.Raby

Liz Michels, a strong warrior with autism, shares her advocacy work and experiences growing up. She emphasizes the importance of being a voice for the nonverbal and promoting understanding and acceptance of the autism community. Liz discusses her childhood, the challenges she faced, and the support she received through therapy and education. She also highlights the impact of bullying and the need for empathy and consequences for those who engage in it. Liz's love for the ocean and her advocacy for autism are key themes throughout the conversation. Liz Michels shares her experiences with bullying and the lack of support she received in school due to her learning disability. She emphasizes the importance of understanding and empathy from teachers and peers. Liz also discusses the role of faith in her life and how it has helped her cope with her diagnosis. She highlights the need for education and awareness in the workplace to create an inclusive environment for individuals with disabilities. Liz encourages individuals with autism and their parents to be their own advocates and speak up for their needs. In this conversation, Liz Michels shares her experiences as an autistic individual and advocate. She emphasizes the importance of accepting and understanding individuals with autism, and highlights the need for healthcare systems to be more inclusive and supportive. Liz also discusses the challenges she has faced in finding a doctor who understands her needs and the importance of mental health support for individuals with autism. She encourages people to listen to individuals with autism and to provide them with the resources and support they need to thrive.

Liz's Instagram:

@lizzie_sunshine_strutter_89

Liz's Facebook: @Liz Michels

Lucy Vintimilla, founder of Aventura Consciente, shares her personal journey as a mother of an autistic child and her mission to educate society about autism. She discusses the challenges of finding support and services for her son and the need for more awareness and understanding. Lucy emphasizes the importance of conscious discipline and teaching children with autism how to behave rather than just disciplining them. She also highlights the upcoming Networking for a Cause event, which aims to bring together the autism community and educate the public. Lucy Vintimilla shares her journey of discovering her son's autism diagnosis and navigating the challenges of motherhood. She discusses the difficulties of getting evaluations during the pandemic and the impact of postpartum depression. Lucy emphasizes the importance of accepting and understanding neurodiversity and encourages open conversations about autism. She also shares details about her upcoming event in September, aimed at supporting and connecting Hispanic families with autistic children.

Lucy's Instagram: @AventuraConsciente

Website: www.aventuraconsciente.com

Event: Networking for a Cause

When: Sept 21

Where: Charlotte, NC

In this episode, Kelby and Erica discuss their experiences with sleep issues in their autistic children. They share statistics about sleep disturbances in autistic individuals and talk about their own strategies for improving sleep, including supplements and dietary changes. They emphasize the importance of consulting with pediatricians and seeking help from specialists if needed. The hosts also highlight the need for parents to advocate for their children's sleep and overall well-being.

****Visit our Instagram for links to supplements discussed in episode.

Kara, an autism mom from South Georgia, shares her journey of advocacy for her daughter who was diagnosed with level one autism. She discusses the challenges of living in a rural area and the difficulties in accessing services such as ABA therapy and speech therapy. Kara emphasizes the importance of advocating for her daughter's needs and the frustration she experienced with medical professionals who dismissed her concerns. She also highlights the lack of communication and support from the school system. Despite these challenges, Kara has found success in finding a speech therapist who has made a significant impact on her daughter's development. In this conversation, Kara shares her experience as a mother advocating for her daughter with autism. She emphasizes the importance of listening to parents' concerns and validating their experiences. Kara also discusses the challenges of navigating the medical system and the benefits of self-referral for diagnosis and therapy services. The conversation touches on the decision to homeschool and the individualized approach to education for children with autism. Kara encourages parents to trust their instincts and seek support from the autism community.

In this episode, Kelby and Erica discuss their recent vacations and then delve into their journeys with nutrition for their children. They share their experiences with implementing clean eating, cutting out gluten, and following the GAPS diet. They also touch on the importance of gut health and the impact of nutrition on behavior and overall well-being. In this conversation, Erica and her guest discuss the importance of nutrition and diet for children with autism. They share their personal experiences and tips for making healthier food choices, including shopping for organic and gluten-free options, avoiding added sugars, and incorporating hidden vegetables into meals. They also touch on the relationship between nutrition and sleep, as well as the use of supplements to support overall health. The conversation emphasizes the importance of finding what works best for each individual child and not feeling guilty about occasional indulgences.

Stephanie, a professional speaker, and consultant, shares her involvement with the Autism Strong Foundation (ASF) and the support they provide to families in the autism community. ASF offers financial assistance to families for therapy services, advocates for parents, and provides resources and community support. They also organize events and fundraisers, such as the AMRAP for Autism workout, to raise awareness and funds. Stephanie emphasizes the importance of finding a supportive community and encourages listeners to reach out for help and connect with others on the autism journey. The conversation covered topics such as the challenges faced by single parents of children with special needs, the importance of collaboration and partnerships with other organizations, the need for advocacy and political involvement to create systemic change, and the significance of finding and being part of a supportive community.