Autism communication – 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.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS | More

#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.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS | More

#114 Self-Advocate & Son, Caleb

By isaac-autism-in-the-wild | November 5, 2021

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!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS | More

#113 Self-Advocate RoundTable–LIVE!

By isaac-autism-in-the-wild | October 25, 2021

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

https://fullspectrumasd.org/

Author, Autism Advocate

http://www.growingupautistic.com/tracey.html

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS | More

Episode #110 | Gender Identity & the LGBTQIA+ Community

By isaac-autism-in-the-wild | September 13, 2021

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.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS | More

Episode #109 | Autism & Siblings -Tyler’s Story

By isaac-autism-in-the-wild | August 30, 2021

This week on ISAAC’S Autism in the Wild our host Holly is joined by another VERY special guest, her son Tyler. Tyler is 17 years old and was the only child in the family to have spent time with Isaac as they were only 11 months apart in age.

Tyler is an aggressive advocate for those with autism and other special needs. He is very close to his brother Caleb and acts as a mentor to him which, as a 17 year old young man, comes with its pros and cons 🙂 We joke, but you will hear throughout this episode, what a passionate and kind young man Tyler is.

We discuss Tyler’s early memories of Isaac, how the ISAAC Foundation has impacted him throughout the years, and the struggles that he has experienced. Take a listen, we are sure you will be inspired by some of the charismatic gems of wisdom Tyler shares in-between the curse words.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS | More

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

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

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

https://www.amazon.com/Think-Youre-Wrong-Listening-Conversations/dp/1400208416

These amazing ladies also run https://www.pantsuitpoliticsshow.com/

I believe I mentioned 12 steps to a compassionate life

by Karen Armstrong.

https://www.amazon.com/Twelve-Steps-to-a-Compassionate-Life/dp/0307742881/

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)

https://www.amazon.com/Divergent-Mind-Thriving-World-Designed/dp/0062876805/

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/

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS | More

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

By isaac-autism-in-the-wild | August 18, 2021

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.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS | More

Episode #105 | Executive Function Q&A with Becky Gardner

By isaac-autism-in-the-wild | August 5, 2021

In this episode of ISAAC’S Autism in the Wild we are joined again by our friend Becky Gardner of “A Life of My Own” Executive Function Coaching. Several parents have also joined us to ask her questions about executive function as it relates to their own children. Listen in and learn along with our parents, some strategies to help launch our children successfully!

Becky Gardner, Becky@alifeofmyown.com www.alifeofmyown.com
(425) 484-0773

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS | More

Episode 99 | Lack of Motivation

By isaac-autism-in-the-wild | June 24, 2021

This week we are joined again by Becky Gardner, Executive Function Coach at A Life of My Own. We previously discussed finding and maintaining motivation for your loved ones with autism or other special needs (See Episode 89-Motivation)to help them set and achieve goals. In this episode we take the conversation a bit deeper and discuss the reasons they may be getting stuck and how that is not a reflection of their motivation, and more so a manifestation of their frustration. Listen in to learn strategies for determining what is holding them back from making progress and how to get “un-stuck”