Parenting – Isaac's Autism in the Wild

#141 | Technology and Neurodivergent Teens by SPD Ed Richardson

By isaac-autism-in-the-wild | December 12, 2023

Technology can be an excellent tool for kids with special needs, but it’s essential to be aware of the risks involved. Preparing for safe online interactions is necessary, and it is critical to examine the particular risks and issues that youth with disabilities face online.

The Isaac Foundation, along with Ed Richardson of the Spokane Police Department, will present tips and strategies to help guide your child to use technology and digital media safely and responsibly.

Tips include:

Recognize/identify the signs of cyberbullying.
Talk with your youth about online predators.
How to teach your youth about online safety.
Use of parental controls.

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#139 | Understanding the World of Special Education

By isaac-autism-in-the-wild | March 7, 2023

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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#133 | How to teach self-advocacy

By isaac-autism-in-the-wild | October 10, 2022

In this podcast, parents discuss ways their children have learned to use their voice to advocate for themselves.

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#132 | Dedication to the Parents who Paved the Way

By isaac-autism-in-the-wild | September 29, 2022

Dedicated to Conner Smith and Family

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#130 | What’s New at Isaac’s Clubhouse!

By isaac-autism-in-the-wild | September 8, 2022

We took the summer off from podcasting to get moved and settled into our new building. There’s a lot of fun activities kicking off this month and we want to share all about them.

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#127 | The Craziest things Parents Have Done

By isaac-autism-in-the-wild | April 7, 2022

In this podcast, parents discuss some of the funny, and more serious things, parents have done in the name of autism. We apologize for the poor audio as we had a set of microphones fail during recording but felt like the content was still fun to share.

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#123 | Sibling Counseling

By isaac-autism-in-the-wild | February 2, 2022

In this short episode, little sister Kelly joins her mom Holly to talk about their journey finding her a counselor. Their solution may be an opportunity that could help others find support they need, sooner rather than later.

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#120 | Self Advocate Caleb Lytle: Improvements Over Time

By isaac-autism-in-the-wild | January 12, 2022

We dug through the vault and pulled out an interview from earlier this fall with Holly’s son Caleb. In this podcast (over dinner), Holly and Caleb reflect on areas of growth Caleb has experienced over the years.

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#119 | Sibling Independence with guest Maria Jennings

By isaac-autism-in-the-wild | December 27, 2021

On this week’s episode, Maria Jennings joins me to discuss the dynamic that having a child with a disability has made on our neurotypical children and how we have each noticed a higher level of independence and self-advocacy skills.

Show resources

Holly shares her experience using combination door knobs in her home which increases safety and provides a means for neurotypical siblings to have their own secure space. https://www.amazon.com/Signstek-Keyless-Digital-Electronic-Security/dp/B00KS3JC30?pd_rd_w=c3bUq&pf_rd_p=07da9b2f-52f3-4fa6-b605-4458a1e54cf1&pf_rd_r=6R7D68GAYSBMFW69TFMK&pd_rd_r=6e8a228e-37d3-478b-833f-4e7d1cf0cd97&pd_rd_wg=7uwUR&pd_rd_i=B00KS3JC30&psc=1&ref_=pd_bap_d_rp_36_i

Holly also explains the benefit of registering an ISAAC Alert (911 dispatch note linked to your home address) if you have locking interior doors and window at your home: https://theisaacfoundation.configio.com/page/programsisaacalert

Families who are interested in accessing ISAAC Foundation’s Sibling Spotlight program can find the registration link here: https://theisaacfoundation.configio.com/page/siblingspotlight

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#115 | The Arc of Spokane

By isaac-autism-in-the-wild | November 8, 2021

In this episode of ISAAC’S Autism in the Wild Holly is joined by the Executive Director of the Arc of Spokane, Sima Thorpe. Sima is here to tell us all about The Arc of Spokane and introduces us to two of her most recent hires, Jennifer and Maria. Together this group discusses the different programs available to families in our area and how we plan to work together to help meet the needs of the developmentally disabled populations in Spokane and extending into our rural areas.