Category: Communication

#139 | Understanding the World of Special Education

#139 | Understanding the World of Special Education

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Maria and Holly talk about the confusing world of special education. In this episode, we share our own IEP experiences (the good and not so good), and why it’s acceptable and encouraged to advocate for goals that are meaningful for your child – not necessarily settle for goals that are proposed by your teacher.

To connect with Maria for further questions about your child’s IEP, email: Maria@theisaacfoundation.org

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#114 Self-Advocate & Son, Caleb

#114 Self-Advocate & Son, Caleb

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In this special episode of ISAAC’S Autism in the Wild, Holly is joined by her very own son, Caleb. Caleb is 13 years old and was diagnosed with autism when he was very young, in fact during this episode he reveals that he does not remember a time when he was not in therapy. Listen is as Holly discusses with Caleb; what autism means to him, what he notices in his day to day life as a child with autism, his likes/dislikes and specifically where some of them stem from, and so much more!

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#113 Self-Advocate RoundTable–LIVE!

#113 Self-Advocate RoundTable–LIVE!

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On this very special episode of ISAAC’S Autism in the Wild Podcast we are joined by two of our favorite self-advocates, Tracey Cohen & John Lemus.  Tracey is an author of three books, two about autism and one about her passion for running.  We had featured Tracey in an episode earlier this year and were so excited to meet her in person when she came to Spokane to visit at the end of the summer.  While Tracey was visiting we introduced her to John Lemus, a Spokane based disabilities professional who advocates for the disability community through his various positions in local and state leadership.

Please take a listen and excuse the background noise as we are recording LIVE on the stage at Pitotti Coffee  as we discuss several topics regarding advocacy.

References:

Full Spectrum Agency for Autistic Adults
Author, Autism Advocate

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Episode #110 | Gender Identity & the LGBTQIA+ Community

Episode #110 | Gender Identity & the LGBTQIA+ Community

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In this episode of ISAAC’S Autism in the Wild we talk to parents that all are raising both children on the spectrum and children that identify with the LGBTQIA+ community in some way.  We have seen a large number of our kiddos with autism questioning their own identity or genders as well as several of the neuro-typical siblings exploring their identities as well. We discuss this connection and determine if we feel these are attention seeking behaviors or simply valid self exploration. We also discuss the challenges of parenting these children-the process of switching pronouns/names, and dealing with the critical views of extended family or communities that are less accepting.

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Episode #108 | The ABA Debate with Self-Advocate John Lemus

Episode #108 | The ABA Debate with Self-Advocate John Lemus

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In this episode our host, Holly is joined by Self-Advocate John Lemus. John is an experienced Outreach Coordinator and has worked extensively in the non-profit industry, specifically in disability relations. John is a strong community and social services professional and a 2015 Graduate of Leadership Spokane. We are excited to have him, and his friend/ally/advocate, Katrina Boik on our show today to discuss the highly debated topic of ABA Therapy.
Over the past few years stories of abusive practices in ABA therapies have gained attention on social media, and as a result, a percentage of the Self-Advocate community are now fierce opponents to this and other therapies/interventions used to aid in behavior modification in children with autism and related conditions. Admittedly our panel has fallen on different sides of this argument over years as they have deciphered through stories/articles, learned about the current delivery of therapy methods, and determined if their sources were based on fact or misinformation.
Listen in to hear the evolution of beliefs for John as a self-advocate; Katrina as an advocate and disabilities professional, and Holly as the parent to children on alternate sides of the spectrum as well as a disabilities professional.
References from John:
These two books are responsible for changing me from a bulldog advocate to a  more compassionate and empathic person who can see things from multiple viewpoints not just within my work but in life.
I think your wrong but I’m listening (a guide to Grace-Filled Political Conversations)
by Sarah Steward Holland and Beth Silvers
These amazing ladies also run https://www.pantsuitpoliticsshow.com/
I believe I mentioned 12 steps to a compassionate life
by Karen Armstrong.

One last book that I’ve been pushing is: Divergent mind thriving in a world that wasn’t designed for you

by Jenara Nerenbeg who is a female autistic author

(this book is currently $1.99 on iBooks)
A really great blog post from my amazingly incredible BFF Katrina Boik https://soarbehaviorwa.com/inclusive-language/
Lastly I’ve been sharing this video from Simon Sinek with some autistics that talks about stop championing blunt honesty. It talks about how to adapt  and how to still be honest without being an asshole https://fb.watch/7udTXgeBNU/

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Episode #107 | Autism & Siblings-Kelly’s Story

Episode #107 | Autism & Siblings-Kelly’s Story

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This week on ISAAC’S Autism in the Wild our host Holly is joined by a VERY special guest, her daughter Kelly.  Kelly is 11 years old and has been raised in an “autism house” since day one.  Her older brother Caleb (13yrs) has ASD 1 and now through Holly’s recent marriage she has gained an 18 year old step-brother, Cooper, who is more significantly impacted.

On this episode we discuss what life is like as a neuro-typical kid in a home where autism is present.  As Kelly will divulge it is not all roses and sunshine, despite that, Kelly has a very optimistic view of her life and the challenges autism presents in general.  Kelly is a very kind, empathetic young woman that is a fierce advocate for her brothers.  She discusses the issues that have arisen as a result of autism, how she has dealt with those issues, as well as what she sees in the future for herself and her brothers with autism.

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Episode #106 What NOT to say to a special needs parent

Episode #106 What NOT to say to a special needs parent

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In this episode we discuss the cringe-worthy compliments we have received over the years.  Sentiments like “God gives special children to special people” and “You are such a great advocate for your child” are meant to be confidence boosters, but over time can grate the nerves of a special needs parent.  So listen in and hear some of the well meaning comments that have irked our parents over the years!

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Episode 103 | Self Advocate: Sydney

Episode 103 | Self Advocate: Sydney

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This week on ISAAC’S Autism in the Wild our host Holly is joined by Sydney. Sydney is a 27 year old self advocate that just relocated to Spokane from Alaska.  We cover it all in this episode: from her diagnosis as a child, to her career in Alaska, and now how she is settling in to life in Spokane. Sydney is an ambitious young woman with a strong sense of self and will be a great ambassador for self advocates in Spokane, we are happy to have met with her and look forward to collaborating with her again soon!

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