In this heartfelt episode of Thriving with Autism, Jay Hoad sits down with the beautiful soul that is Erena from Abloom Care Services, a woman whose entire life is shaped by service, lived experience, and deep compassion.

Erena shares how growing up with a brother who lives with long-term mental health challenges completely changed the direction of her life, and how that family journey inspired her and her sister to create Abloom Care Services, providing high-intensity supports and truly dignified care for people with disabilities, many of whom are on the spectrum. She opens up about grief, confusion, and fear about “what happens when we are gone”, and how her family created a safe, forever home for her brother, then built Abloom to offer that same peace of mind to other families.

Together, Jay and Erena explore what real connection looks like for parents and carers who are exhausted, overwhelmed, and often running on empty. They talk about:

Simple daily grounding practices for parents who feel they have no time at all

Why slowing down, breathing, and simply being with your child can be more powerful than any script or tool

How to move away from a “deficit model” and start seeing strengths, personality and possibilities

The huge misconception that “they cannot do anything for themselves”, and why that is simply not true

Powerful stories of independence, from complex behaviour shifts to a young person taking 13 years to master toileting, and why that is still a massive success

How to use support coordinators and local area coordinators, and why “use it or lose it” matters with NDIS funding

The importance of joining communities of parents who truly understand your world, so you never feel alone in the 3 am worry spiral about your child’s future

They also touch on the roles of music, emotion, and small wins, and on how children's confidence and independence can give parents the space they desperately need to rest, reset, and reconnect with themselves.

Suppose you are a parent, carer, or educator walking this path. In that case, this conversation is a warm reminder that you are not alone, that you are doing an incredible job, and that there is real, heart-based support available for you and your child.

🎧 Listen in, subscribe to Thriving with Autism for more uplifting conversations, and you can connect with Jay from Autism Music Australia or Erena and her team at Abloom Care Services via the links below.

Autismmusicaustralia.com

abloomcareservices.com

Jayhoad.org

Tribalmooncacao.org

In this inspiring episode of Thriving with Autism, Jay from Autism Music Australia sits down with trauma-informed community music therapist Sarah Dunston from Melodica Music Therapy. Together, they explore how music can be a life-changing tool for emotional regulation, communication, and confidence building — especially for children and adults with autism and diverse abilities.

Sarah shares her personal journey from teaching to music therapy, and the profound transformations she’s witnessed through rhythm, breathwork, and connection. Jay and Sarah also dive deep into how traditional music education can evolve to become more inclusive, intuitive, and healing — bringing back the heart, spirit, and science of sound.

🌟 Key Topics Covered:

What music therapy really is and how it helps people across the lifespan

Using rhythm, breath, and movement for emotional regulation

Why adaptability and connection matter more than rigid teaching methods

The intersection of music, spirituality, and Indigenous healing traditions

Simple daily practices parents can use to boost their child’s confidence

🎶 Whether you’re a parent, educator, therapist, or music lover, this episode is packed with insight, inspiration, and practical tools to help children thrive through music.

🔗 Learn more about Sarah at melodica.com.au

Autismmusicaustralia.com

Jayhoad.org

Tribalmooncacao.org

#ThrivingWithAutism #MusicTherapy #AutismAwareness #Neurodiversity #ParentSupport #SoundHealing #MelodicaMusicTherapy #AutismMusicAustralia #JayHoad #SarahDunstan

In this episode, Jay sits down with Erena from Abloom Care Services for a real conversation about what families truly need. Erena brings eleven years of experience with ASD, ADHD, and high physical support needs, and shares a powerful guiding question: Who is the person behind the plan? Together, they explore how behaviour communicates needs, how to create care that is compassionate and effective, and how to reduce overwhelm for time-poor parents.

Inside, you will hear

Who this helps

Stay connected

Autismmusicaustralia.com

abloomcareservices.com

Jayhoad.org

Tribalmooncacao.org

In this heart-filled episode, Jay sits down with the inspiring Storm, a 24-year-old powerhouse and the founding director of Triple E Support Services in Brisbane, Australia.

From growing up surrounded by disability advocacy to creating transformative social programs that empower neurodivergent youth, Storm shares the story, spirit, and spark behind her work.

We explore:

Practical tools to help parents avoid burnout and build connection

The power of community in raising confident, resilient kids

Surprising insights from neurodivergent young people

Music, memory, and the healing force of creative expression

Storm’s story is one of radical heart-leadership and soulful service. Whether you're a parent, carer, educator, or ally, this episode is packed with tools, truth, and tenderness.

🎧 Tune in to feel uplifted, empowered, and maybe even a little emotional.

autismmusicaustralia.com

tripleesupport.org

jayhoad.org

tribalmooncacao.org

Overwhelmed by parenting and feeling like there’s no time left for you?

In this powerful episode, ADHD coach and mother of four neurodivergent children, Kirsten, reveals how she manages emotional chaos, juggles complex needs, and still builds Australia’s largest ADHD coaching centre... without burning out.

You’ll discover practical tools for emotional regulation, how to create space for your own dreams, and why your mission matters just as much as your child’s therapy schedule. If you're tired of being stuck in survival mode, this episode is your wake-up call—and blueprint for what’s possible.

autismmusicaustralia.com

adhdcoachingbrisbane.org

jayhoad.org

tribalmooncacao.org

Meet Storm, the 24-year-old powerhouse behind Triple E Support Services, whose passion and innovation are changing lives across the autism and disability community.

In this heartfelt episode, Storm shares how growing up immersed in disability advocacy inspired her to create empowering social spaces for young adults.

From spontaneous singalongs to employment milestones, Storm's journey is proof that authentic connection and community can transform lives.

Tune in for tools, hope, and a powerful reminder that thriving with Autism begins with believing in ourselves.

Autismmusicaustralia.com

TripleESupport.org

Jayhoad.org

In this heartfelt episode of Thriving with Autism, Jay connects with Max from Brothers Support Network—a powerhouse of purpose doing extraordinary work with men living with disabilities.

From fishing trips to Stradbroke Island to everyday breakthroughs, Max shares how his team of “brothers” is redefining support, building real friendships, and creating spaces where boys and men aged 16 to 30+ can thrive.

Tune in for insights on parenting, empowerment, and the power of choice, and discover why connection, tone, and community truly matter.

This is one you’ll want to share.

https://jayhoad.org/

https://autismmusicaustralia.com/

https://www.brotherssupportnetwork.com/

In this soul-stirring episode, Jay sits down with the enigmatic Tristan, a gifted songwriter whose musical journey is as raw as it is inspiring.

From dreaming full songs into existence to finding healing and balance through his instrument, Tristan shares how music has been his lifelong companion, not for fame or validation, but for the joy and release it brings.

Together, they explore the importance of creative freedom, the dangers of rigid teaching, and how music can make you truly proud of yourself. Whether you're a parent, teacher, or aspiring musician, this conversation is a powerful reminder of what happens when you trust your own sound.

Autismmusicaustralia.com

Jayhoad.org

Tribalmooncacao.org

In this high-energy episode, we dive deep into the transformative power of music education for kids on the autism spectrum and beyond.

Jay Hoad of the Australian Music School of Autism and Special Interest Learning, with special guest Belinda McKnoulty of Mystic Studio for Kids (Brisbane, Australia), share personal stories, game-changing insights, and the incredible progress they've witnessed. 

From breaking limiting beliefs to creating safe, supportive spaces for kids to thrive, this conversation is packed with inspiration.

Discover how rhythm, movement, and music can unlock confidence, cognitive growth, and deeper family connections. Plus, hear about an exciting FREE 7-day experience that will redefine how you see online music learning.

Get ready for passion, fire, and real talk—because when kids are given the right tools, they don’t just learn music; they thrive. 🎶🔥

Autismmusicaustralia.com

Jayhoad.org

Tribalmooncacao.org

In this heartwarming and eye-opening episode of Thriving with Autism, we dive deep into the power of music, art, and emotional expression in supporting children on the spectrum.

Our guest shares an incredible story about a spontaneous family art exercise that transformed emotions and strengthened connections. We also explore music's healing frequencies, sound's role in emotional well-being, and how creative outlets provide a safe space for communication and growth.

Plus, we tackle misconceptions about autism, the importance of looking beyond a diagnosis, and how parents can find the right mentors and communities to support their journey.

Whether you're a parent, educator, or therapist, this episode is packed with insights, inspiration, and practical tools to help children—and their families—thrive. 🎶🎨✨

Autismmusicaustralia.com

Jayhoad.org

Tribalmooncacao.org