Category: Emotional Health

100th Episode | PART TWO

100th Episode | PART TWO

By |

Welcome back to Part Two of our 100th episode special recording! We have a great group of parents together–in person–for the first time since before the pandemic.  In this section of the recording we discuss our favorite podcast episodes and discuss how podcasting has affected each of them.

If you are interested in joining us on a podcast and telling your story please complete this form and we will be in contact to get you scheduled so you can meet the network of amazing families we work with!

 

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS | More

Episode 92 | Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff

Episode 92 | Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff

By |

This week on ISAAC’s Autism in the Wild, Holly is joined by three special needs parents and they are discussing the fights that just aren’t worth fighting. These are the tasks that at one point in their life were worth an argument, but now in hindsight, were not worth the time/energy invested.  We discuss topics like wearing appropriate footwear, screen-time, and dinner table etiquette.

Huge thanks to our new podcast voice, Nicole, who shared a gem of wisdom with us “Don’t accept criticism from someone you wouldn’t ask for advice” this sentiment was a great voice of reason while discussing the constant criticisms special needs parent’s tend to find themself surrounded by.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS | More

Episode 86 | Birthday Parties During A Pandemic

Episode 86 | Birthday Parties During A Pandemic

By |

It has officially been one year since Covid-19 restrictions have been part of our lives.  This means every single person has experienced a “Lockdown Birthday Party.”

Today our panel of special-needs parents are discussing hosting birthday parties when the traditional idea of a party is not allowed. What did they do for their kiddos on their special day?  What do they wish they had done? What has the pandemic forced us to learn about the traditional idea of a party?

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS | More

Episode 85 | Building and Maintaining Self Esteem

Episode 85 | Building and Maintaining Self Esteem

By |

We know that on the whole, our children on the spectrum receive many more corrections each day than a nuero-typical child. In a world of “don’t do that” and “it is better if you do it this way” it is hard to achieve a high sense of self esteem and maintain confidence in yourself.  We have discussed building self esteem in passing while recording other episodes but wanted a chance to discuss this topic as a whole.  So, we invited a panel of parents that discuss the challenges their children-on all ends of the spectrum have faced regarding growing and maintaining self esteem.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS | More

Episode 79 | Self Care During a Pandemic

Episode 79 | Self Care During a Pandemic

By |

This week ISAAC’S Autism in the Wild checks in with a few parents to see how they are keeping sane during these insane times.  We are now over 9 months into the COVID-19 pandemic and discuss how our own self care looks as we have settled into the new normal.  We discuss alone time, sleep, hobbies, social media and more. We also explore how our thoughts on self care have changed as we’ve adjusted to the decline in social interaction.

 

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS | More

Episode 78 | De-stigmatizing Group Homes

Episode 78 | De-stigmatizing Group Homes

By |

On this episode of ISAAC’s Autism in the Wild we discuss group homes.  Over the years we have heard many polarized conversations regarding the care of those with disabilities.  Often times a group setting is the most beneficial placement for a child with behavioral issues. We are happy to talk with Judi, from Visions for a New Beginning, who has started group home facilities in the Spokane area that find that happy medium between structured group home and a happy loving family home.  Visions for a New Beginning has 5 locations in the Spokane area, all housing children that needed more support to address their behavioral and emotional needs. Judi is there with open arms to take in these children and help them find the structure and comfort they need to excel.

Listen in as we discuss some of the stigmas surrounding group care facilities and learn how Judi has seen these obstacles and worked to provide loving caring support teams to assist these children.

Visions For A New Beginning

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS | More

Episode 77 | Parent Support

Episode 77 | Parent Support

By |

In this episode of ISAAC’s Autism in the Wild we discuss support options for parents with children on the spectrum. Thanks to technology there are many more outlets for parents than there were in the years past. We discuss these opportunities with a couple of autism parents; Phara, mother to a young adult male, and David, father to a school-aged girl. We talk about the emergence of facebook support groups, programs through local non-profits (including The ISAAC Foundation’s Parent Nights Out), and focus on the emotional aspects of parenting a child with special needs.

References:

The ISAAC Foundation Parent Support Opportunities

Arc of Spokane: Parent to Parent Program

DADS Move: Support Groups

 

Facebook Groups: There are a ton of specialty groups out there, just search by keywords (autism/asd/special needs/neurodiverse/etc. local to your area.

*tip*If your child is diagnosed as ASD 1 be sure to look up “asperger” as many of these groups were formed when asperger was still a clinical diagnosis.

Asperger Experts

Asperger Parents

Special Kids of Spokane

You Too? Support in Spokane for Parents with Special Kids

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS | More

Episode 76 | Masking & Bullying

Episode 76 | Masking & Bullying

By |
On today’s episode we talk with executive function coach Becky Garder of “A Life of My Own.” We discuss the common defense mechanism many people (including the autistic population) use to “fit in,” known as masking.  Or the idea that if you change or “mask” your identity in order to fit in with those around you. Masking can make social interactions less painful/tense. Although this method can seem to help in short periods of time, the long term affects are disastrous to self esteem.  Today we discuss with Becky, what masking is, what it looks like, and how to redirect to avoid burnout.

References:

Blog describing Autistic Burnout that was read part of in the podcast:
“Autistic Exhaustion”
by Rhi (July, 17, 2019)
https://autistrhi.com/2019/07/17/exhaustion/
All posts found here: https://autistrhi.com/
This article showcases how autism can be seen through another, strengths-based/neurodiversity, lens

Uniquely Human (A Different Way of Seeing Autism) – July 1, 2016

by Barry M. Prizant

https://www.amazon.com/Uniquely-Human-Different-Seeing-Autism/dp/1476776245/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=uniquely+human&qid=1607632922&sr=8-1

And, btw, this book is a great Xmas gift for people!! Just saying…..😏

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS | More

Episode #73 | Parent Check-In Episode

Episode #73 | Parent Check-In Episode

By |

In this episode of ISAAC’s Autism in the Wild Podcast Holly has a conversation with a few of our local moms to check in during the quarantine to see how they are holding up. We began with episode with no plan, just a chance to share their successes and epic fails while parenting their special needs child during this unique time.  We discuss Covid infections, social media, self care, virtual learning and more.

Join us for some laughs, woes and tips for surviving during this next round of quarantine.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS | More

Episode #72 | Speech & Feeding Therapy Part 2

Episode #72 | Speech & Feeding Therapy Part 2

By |
This is Part 2 of our conversation with Alecia, a speech language pathologist with Niche Therapy in Spokane WA, and Camille, a SLP with KidsCare Home Health in Colorado about speech and feeding therapy.  We discuss what they do, how they do it, and why it may be a good therapy modality for your child with autism or other special needs.  In this section of the conversation we delve into medical coverage for these services, so make sure you have listened to part one and then jump back in!
 
About Alecia with Niche Therapy:
nichetherapyllc on instagram

About Camille with KidsCare Home Health Therapy:

Camille Farris M.S. CCC-SLP, based in Denver, Colorado

Pediatric Speech Language Pathologist with KidsCare Home Health specializing in speech, language, and feeding therapy

KidsCare has operations in Texas, Colorado, Idaho, and Oregon

 

References:

Employment Settings for SLPs. (n.d.). Retrieved November 13, 2020, from https://www.asha.org/students/employment-settings-for-slps

Gleason, J. B., & Bernstein, N. E. (2013). The development of language. Boston,, MA: Pearson.

Grandbios, Kate & Wonkka, Amy, host Callahan, Tracey guest. “Feeding and Swallowing in Schools: Foundational Knowledge.” SLP  Nerdcast, SLP Nerdcast 20, April 2020 https://www.slpnerdcast.com/episodes/feeding-and-swallowing-in-schools
 
Scope of Practice in Speech-Language Pathology. (1970, January 01). Retrieved November 13, 2020, from https://www.asha.org/policy/sp2016-00343/
 
Shaywitz, S. E., & Shaywitz, J. (2020). Overcoming dyslexia. New York, NY: Alfred A. Knopf.
 
Speech-Language Pathology Pathway to Certification. (n.d.). Retrieved November 13, 2020, from https://www.asha.org/Certification/Speech-Language-Pathology-Pathway-To-Certification/

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS | More