Well Balanced Life with Grace & Mel

On this week's episode, Melanie talks about the different types of communication, common symptoms, and shares some strategies that have helped Gracie and others who have struggled with their communication. 

Here are some links that were mentioned in the podcast:

Data Collection: https://www.earlywood.org/Page/556
Nancy Kaufman: http://www.kidspeech.com/k-slp-treatment-kit-1/
Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS): https://pecs-canada.com/pecs/

Music: Moments by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
Cover art photo by Sharon Light Photography

Thanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook or check out our blog at www.wellbalancedlife.ca. And don't forget...you're not alone! 

Gracie shares an issue she had on the bus with another passenger that led to some pretty anxious feelings that effected her participation in school and out in the community. Dysregulation is usually the first sign of a meltdown on the horizon. We were fortunate Gracie's older sister was able to help her navigate this challenge and this avoided a meltdown. 

Music: Moments by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
Cover art photo by Sharon Light Photography

Thanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook or check out our blog at www.wellbalancedlife.ca. And don't forget...you're not alone! 

It's here! Today's podcast is on the struggles our kids can have with transitions and what we can do to help them! Parenting isn't always easy, especially when our kids have autism or other developmental disabilities that include symptoms that cause meltdowns. Today, Melanie continues with the "meltdown series" and we hope this episode is helpful!

To find some of the resources mentioned in the podcast, go to the links below:
https://www.abaresources.com/free3/

https://adayinourshoes.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/first_next_then_boards.pdf

https://adayinourshoes.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/morning_routine-horizontal.104192154.pdf

https://adayinourshoes.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/nightly_routine-horizontal.222181646.pdf

https://adayinourshoes.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Daily-Routine-Printables-2.pdf

Don't forget, you can make your own, ask your speech pathologist to create one for you, or even your child's school may be able to help with visual schedules!

Music: Moments by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
Cover art photo by Sharon Light Photography

Thanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook or check out our blog at www.wellbalancedlife.ca. And don't forget...you're not alone! 

Here is a bonus episode for this week! A follow-up to the Sensory Issues podcast we shared  yesterday. This one explains the 7 Senses and Melanie provides some strategies for you to try at home to help your child. Autism, Sensory Processing Disorder, special needs or no special needs diagnosis. This can help parents to help their children who might struggle with so many sensations or the lack of them. 

Music: Moments by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
Cover art photo by Sharon Light Photography

Thanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook or check out our blog at www.wellbalancedlife.ca. And don't forget...you're not alone! 

Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) is a real thing. And today's episode is about the senses and what that can feel like for Gracie. She shares what she loves and what she doesn't love about her different senses and we've called it 'Sensory Issues' because this is the term that Gracie understands. Stay tuned for a bonus episode this week where Melanie shares tips and tricks to help with all senses. 

Music: Moments by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
Cover art photo by Sharon Light Photography

Thanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook or check out our blog at www.wellbalancedlife.ca. And don't forget...you're not alone! 

Gracie had an overwhelming day today so she shares what this feeling is like for her. These types of misunderstandings were often the trigger for meltdowns and today she is able to calmly (although not happily) talk about it. 

Music: Moments by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
Cover art photo by Sharon Light Photography

Thanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook or check out our blog at www.wellbalancedlife.ca. And don't forget...you're not alone! 

On today's episode, Melanie shares an example of the great meltdown in Niagara Falls and offers some strategies and resources. Social stories, power cards, changing our thought process, and more!
Head on over to www.wellbalancedlife.ca for links to the resources she shares.

Links of resources mentioned in the podcast:
Data Collection: https://www.earlywood.org/Page/556
Social Stories: https://carolgraysocialstories.com/
Power Cards: https://autismcircuit.net/tool/power-card
Pivotal Response Training (PRT): https://www.autismprthelp.com/about-prt.php

Music: Moments by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
Cover art photo by Sharon Light Photography

Thanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook or check out our blog at www.wellbalancedlife.ca. And don't forget...you're not alone! 

Today's episode is all about meltdowns. Gracie shares what meltdowns were like for her when she was younger and what they look like now that she is older! The reasons meltdowns can happen and some strategies that were used are also discussed on today's episode. If you are struggling with meltdowns, we will continue to share more episodes that are specific to the causes. So keep listening! 

Music: Moments by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
Cover art photo by Sharon Light Photography

Thanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook or check out our blog at www.wellbalancedlife.ca. And don't forget...you're not alone! 

On today's episode, Melanie is sharing her perspective as a parent.  Grab a blanket, a warm drink, and cozy up for a quick listen! Even if you need to hide in your bedroom, washroom, or even your closet! Let me help you see the beauty hidden behind the fears. 

Music: Moments by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

Thanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook or check out our blog at www.wellbalancedlife.ca. And don't forget...you're not alone! 

On today's episode Gracie shares what life is like having autism and how she hopes people will treat her. She talks about the struggles she's had and how life changed once she embraced her diagnosis and made friendships with others who could fully understand her. 

Music: Moments by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

Thanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook or check out our blog at www.wellbalancedlife.ca. And don't forget...you're not alone!