Welcome back to the Yes Day Inclusion Podcast! After a refreshing winter holiday break, we're back and ready to dive into some important discussions about the holiday season and inclusion.

In this episode, join us as we catch up on our winter holiday adventures, including Kirby's exciting cruise experience and all the memorable moments we shared with our families. But it's not all smooth sailing – we'll also shine a light on the challenges faced by children with autism during the holidays at school.

We'll share personal stories, insights, and tips on making the holidays a more inclusive and enjoyable experience for everyone. From sensory-friendly activities to fostering understanding and empathy, this episode is filled with valuable information for parents, teachers, and advocates of inclusive education.

So grab your favorite beverage, settle in, and let's embark on this inclusive journey together. Welcome back to the Yes Day Inclusion Podcast! 🌟🎄🌟

This episode discusses the challenges of raising kids with autism throughout the holiday season. From the overstimulation to the lapses in routine and structure to just plain difficult moments they face. Laura and Kirby talk about their Halloween plans and fails, Thanksgiving, a day without WiFi, Christmas plans, and much more!

Join us on this rollercoaster ride of special needs parenting...please remember that we share our vulnerable stories to help people.

Be kind.

On this episode, Laura and Kirby join Kimberly Marler to discuss her adopted son's trauma and continued exposure to trauma by experiencing restraint and loss of privileges at school.

If parents can lose custody over it- schools shouldn't do it!

Kim is a cohost on the Neurodivergent Motherhood Podcast and her blog is called Light Up Autism With Lucas.

Kirby and Laura revisit their back to school discussion to give updates on how things are going. Why is the week of Halloween always the worst week ever? Why are our 9 year-olds demanding big-kid rooms and getting rid of their toys? Join us for a chat and update about how things are going.

In this special episode, Laura and Kirby compare the IEP Meeting experience between California and New Jersey.

Episode Preview: If you get to an IEP meeting and nobody at that table either a) knows your kid or b) has tenure (AKA the freedom & protection to disagree), you cancel that meeting, call them out on it, and get a new team.

An environment that isn’t safe to disagree isn’t a safe space to make decisions about kids!

Hosts Kirby and Laura dive deep into the world of Roblox and its impact on kids and parents alike. Join them as they explore the fine balance between allowing children to enjoy the virtual realms of gaming while ensuring screen time doesn't spiral out of control.

The conversation begins with an insightful discussion on Roblox, a popular online gaming platform that's captured the hearts of millions of kids worldwide. Kirby and Laura share their own experiences with Roblox and discuss how it fosters creativity, problem-solving skills, and social interaction in young gamers.

But it's not all fun and games. They also address the challenges that arise when managing screen time, especially in an era where screens are an integral part of everyday life. How much is too much? How can parents strike a balance between entertainment and educational content?

The hosts then turn their attention to the crucial topic of mental health and video games. They explore the positive aspects of gaming, including stress relief and enhanced cognitive abilities, while also acknowledging the potential downsides such as addiction and social isolation. Kirby and Laura share tips on how parents can identify warning signs and maintain open communication with their children regarding their gaming habits.

Lastly, the episode delves into the universal struggle of parenting in the age of video games. Listen in as Kirby and Laura recount their humorous and sometimes exasperating experiences of trying to keep up with the ever-evolving gaming landscape, understanding gaming jargon, and deciphering the allure of virtual worlds.

Whether you're a seasoned gamer parent or just starting to navigate the gaming universe, this episode offers valuable insights and practical tips for striking a harmonious balance between video games and family life. Join Kirby and Laura for an engaging conversation that sheds light on how video games can both help kids thrive and occasionally drive parents to the brink of insanity.

Our hosts kick off the new school year with a burst of positive energy. They dive into the excitement and challenges that come with going back to school. Laura and Kirby begin by discussing their feelings about the new school year. Their enthusiasm for the fresh start is contagious, as they share their hopes and dreams for the months ahead.

The conversation takes an interesting turn when the hosts explore the age-old topic of homework. They weigh the pros and cons, delving into whether homework is a valuable tool for learning or a source of unnecessary stress.

But it doesn't stop there. Laura and Kirby bravely tackle the issue of compliance versus critical thinking in the education system. They highlight the dangers of a system that prioritizes obedience over independent thought, emphasizing the importance of nurturing young minds to become critical thinkers.

The discussion takes a poignant turn as they discuss how compliance-based practices can negatively impact students with autism and other disabilities. Laura and Kirby share personal experiences and concerns, shedding light on how such practices can create vulnerabilities and challenges for these students, both in school and beyond.

The hosts passionately advocate for a shift towards a more inclusive, thoughtful, and supportive education system. They emphasize the need for educators and parents to work together to ensure every child, regardless of ability, is given the tools to succeed academically and protect themselves from potential predators. Join Laura and Kirby in this enlightening and empowering episode as they navigate the intricate world of education, sharing their hopes and dreams for a brighter, more inclusive future in our schools.

Welcome to Season 3 of the Yes Day Inclusion Podcast with hosts Kirby Morgan and Laura Wingler! In the Season 3 premiere, our hosts return kick off the season with a lively discussion about their summer break and what's in store for their listeners this year.

They dive into some thought-provoking topics, including social justice, the significance of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and Kirby's experiences with "Autism on the Seas." These conversations shed light on the importance of inclusion and accessibility in our society.

Listeners can look forward to an exciting lineup of episodes in the upcoming season. The hosts discuss their plans for exploring various topics and seeking inspiration that will not only entertain but also educate and inspire their audience. Welcome back listeners!

In this special reflective episode, Kirby and Laura look back on past episodes, most notably last week's episode on restraint and seclusion to consider the big takeaways. This episode reflects on our growth as parents, advocates, and discusses the role of compassion and empathy over compliance. Looking into the future, we discuss moving forward and the evolution of humanity in moving away from harmful practices.

This episode also discusses the federal legislation Keeping All Students Safe Act as it is being reintroduced.