Autism 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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#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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#129 | Special Ed: Resource Room Perspectives

By isaac-autism-in-the-wild | May 16, 2022

In this episode Mindy, a special education resource room teacher shares with Maria her unique perspectives as a teacher working with children with autism and other delays.

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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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#121 | IEP and Special Ed Gripes

By isaac-autism-in-the-wild | January 24, 2022

Every now and again, you need to get some of your safe people together and gripe about how special education and the IEP process just-plain-sucks. In this episode, David and Maria join me to vent about complicated seasons of sadness parents experience at different times, frustrations with IEP conversations and how we wish systems were better when it comes to meeting the various needs of our kids on the spectrum.

You’ll notice an abrupt end to this episode, as the remaining content can be heard later this week under: Red Instead vs. Light it Up Blue Upcoming Podcast.

Disclaimer: We ran into microphone complications at the start of this podcast and had to share one microphone but since it’s great content, we still wanted to share.

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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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#117 | Ascend Academy Private School for Children with Autism

By isaac-autism-in-the-wild | November 29, 2021

This week, Jim Matthews that many of you know as the Director of Soar Behavioral Services, shared exciting news! He is opening the first of its kind private K-5 school for children on the autism spectrum in Spokane, Washington. Ascend Academy is accepting applications through December 10th for priority placing. The school will be opening this January and is an excellent fit for students who are struggling with emotional regulation and have behaviors that make school challenging.

Listen to our podcast to learn more about this exciting opportunity.

Resources:

Visit the AscendAcademy.org for more information.

For more specific questions, please reach out to Ascend Academy at Hello@AscendAcademy.org

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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.