Episodes
In this episode, we talk about a tool for managing stress - a great tool for using with our children AND ourselves! Self-care is so important on our parenting autism journey. If we are empty, we have nothing to pour into others... MY STRESS BOOK We also talk about Misophonia and updates from the past few weeks with Bryce.  You can subscribe to our monthly Parenting Autism Newsletter at [email protected].   Bryce is a funny, mechanical, HAPPY little guy who was diagnosed with autism...
Published 04/15/24
Published 04/15/24
In this episode, we talk about how our words need to be given thought when communication with our children as well as all people. Words can build up or break down. We also review a children's game designed for special needs as well as a documentary about the ASD Band based out of Toronto, Canada.  Both positive reviews - Grateful for the opportunity to review them! What's Next? Special Needs Set (Interactive game for families and group therapy environment) ASD Band Documentary (PG13...
Published 03/28/24
In this episode, we review a few books that were sent to us that may be of interest to our listeners. A Day with Papa Leroy Martial Arts on the Autism Spectrum Everything No One Tells You About Parenting a Disabled Child We share Bryce's new reading program along with some updates from the past couple of weeks before we sit down with Bryce for an interview / conversation. We were happily surprised as to how much longer he engaged in the conversation this time and also how he volunteered...
Published 03/13/24
In this episode, we talk about Bryce's recent 24-hour EEG results as well as ABA changes for a new season. Bryce's ABA plan is being updated with more life skills for his age that we will begin to implement at home. We also chat about some "wins" with latex balloons and faster recoveries from recent meltdowns. And, yes, a faster recovery time when your child is extremely upset due to autism related behaviors is a WIN!   You can subscribe to our monthly Parenting Autism Newsletter at...
Published 02/25/24
In this episode, we catch the listeners up with life updates from the past several weeks including Speech, Social, and more.   Subscribe to our monthly Parenting Autism Newsletter at [email protected].   Bryce is a funny, mechanical, HAPPY little guy who was diagnosed with autism at age two and is now ten  years old. His pure joy makes this world a much better place! We are humbled and honored to follow our calling and be Autism Ambassadors while helping others understand our world a...
Published 02/06/24
In this episode, we chat about some keys to successful parenting that have worked with Bryce including a vision, making changes, following science, advocating, celebrating, and prioritizing health.  We also announce our 2024 Parenting Autism Newsletter and share some podcast listener stats.  Bryce is a funny, mechanical, HAPPY little guy who was diagnosed with autism at age two and is now ten  years old. His pure joy makes this world a much better place! We are humbled and honored to...
Published 01/07/24
In this episode, weshare thirteen questions posed to a 13 year old boy with autism who ia able to articulate his answers with such incredible insight. These questions along with many more can be found in the book "Why Do I Jump" by Naoki Higashida. We talk about how this insight helps us understand how Bryce may be feeling and how he may be experiencing ways in a completely different way than we do. It has created some  thought provoking talks in our home and will be a tool that we keep on...
Published 12/02/23
In this episode, we talk about ways that we are trying to help Bryce with social interactions and all of the ups-and-downs that come with it. It's not always easy to discern how far to push him when he has resistance. His physical safety is our top priority. We also are mindful of his emotional safety and his anxiety. We want him to be comfortable around other people and to learn how to have simple, meaningful conversations that are not about Super Mario and friends.  We also talk about his...
Published 11/23/23
In this episode, we announce the launch of our paperback book "PARENTING AUTISM The Early Years". It's available on Amazon to purchase for yourself or to gift to someone who you know needs to read it.  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CKQ4668J We also have a "real conversation" about this past week's reading consultation for Bryce and how we worked through a very rare disagreement that had us both in tears because of our hurting hearts for Bryce.  We were also hurting for each other. Autism is ...
Published 10/21/23
In this episode, we chat about highlights from our recent Seaworld experience in Orlando, Florida. We also talk about Bryce's first visit to Urban Air, an indoor place to play while supplementing his occupational therapy! Both were great experiences for Bryce to celebrate his 10th birthday this week.  We also share the ups and downs that took place during Bryce's first Special Olympics gymnastics competition this past Sunday. We talk about how hard it can be as his parents to step back and...
Published 10/07/23
In this episode, we read the Foreword from our new book "Parenting Autism: The Early Years" which is in the final stages of being published. Our goal is to have it available to purchase on Amazon when we celebrate Bryce's 10th birthday - October 5, 2023. We also chat about an trigger word from the past that resurfaced this past week and caused a new and somewhat disturbing self injurious behavior! We are working hard with Bryce's team to help him get past these self inflictions by speaking...
Published 09/23/23
In this episode, we talk about our recent visit with Bryce's "Autism Doctor" along with his latest source of anxiety. We give thanks to the many listeners who have left us reviews and provided encouragement to continue to share our journey through our podcast. Bryce wanted to come onto the podcast to share with the listeners that he got a new iPad at the Apple Store which was a big highlight for him.  The link below is available that will allow listeners to support the Parenting Autism...
Published 09/04/23
In this episode, we talk about new ways to help Bryce with his anxiety and sound sensitivity thanks to "parent training" provided by Bryce's ABA team and his neuropsychologist. We also share some funny stories about Bryce's sneakiness and creative ways to cope with his anxiety. We also share a couple of reading apps that have been very helpful for Bryce. Khan Academy Get Epic Bryce wanted to come onto the podcast to share his trophies with the listeners. He has been asking to talk on the...
Published 08/21/23
This is a bonus episode that Bryce requested after we ended episode 107. He wanted chat about some of his favorite things for the listeners. We hope you like it! The link below is available that will allow listeners to support the Parenting Autism podcast expenses as well help with the publishing of our book that is currently with our editor (Parenting Autism: The Early Years). Our goal is to have it edited and published by the end of 2023.      Support the show Bryce is a funny,...
Published 07/30/23
In this episode, we talk about the long list of activities and services that we have to prioritize and schedule as we roll into Bryce's 4th grade season. It is NOT easy at all. In addition to his school education, each activity and therapy also has significance for Bryce. As his parents, we also recognized the importance of scheduling time for ourselves as a couple and as individuals, too.  We also are making sure that we schedule family time on Sundays for our special fun time with Bryce in...
Published 07/30/23
In this episode, we talk about our HBOT experience after 25 continuous hours. We also talk about some regression with Bryce's attention span that we believe is due to allowing gluten to creep back into his diet. The link below is available that will allow listeners to support the Parenting Autism podcast expenses as well help with the publishing of our book that is currently with our editor (Parenting Autism: The Early Years). Our goal is to have it edited and published by the end of 2023. ...
Published 07/10/23
In this episode, we talk about Bryce's psych evaluation results along with some significant changes we have begun and will be making in the near future.  Bryce also talks at the end of the podcast about his Special Olympics Bowling Area Competition that took place today.   We didn't have time to go into depth about the hyperbaric chamber this episode. We have invited listeners to send in questions to us in advance that we may be able to answer in regard to our experience with Bryce.  Bryce...
Published 06/24/23
In this episode, we talk about the second half of our recent ten-day vacation with Bryce. It's been a few years since we took a long trip with multiple destinations. There were a few times that Bryce's questions and answers made us cringe and laugh. We never know what's going to come out of him when he is out in public being exposed to new places, people, and experiences.  You will hear about our visit to the USS New Jersey battleship and our tours of a submarine, ship engine room, and a...
Published 06/16/23
In this episode, we talk about the first half of our recent ten-day vacation with Bryce. It's been a few years since we took a long trip with multiple destinations. There were a few times that Bryce's questions and answers made us cringe and laugh. We never know what's going to come out of him when he is out in public being exposed to new places, people, and experiences.  You will hear about our wonderful flight experiences with Southwest Airlines, our less than wonderful car rental...
Published 06/04/23
In this episode, we talk about Bryce's first four hours of testing with his new psychologist for neuro-psych testing as well as teaching Bryce life skills. This was recommended by his vision and auditory doctors as well as his neurologist. Our goal is to identify Bryce's strengths and weaknesses that will help guide us to the best curriculum and tools for his education as he approaches his tenth (10th) birthday in October. It has become clear that he has a learning disability that affects his...
Published 05/07/23
This episode is a discussion about Bryce's audiologist appointment regarding his increasing hearing sensitivity.  We review several books that have been sent to us that relate to autism. We also talk about a workshop that we did as a couple with Curated Family Therapeutics.  We have both recognized the importance of intentionally making time for ourselves, individually AND as a couple! This workshop gave us some tools to build upon that will help both of us remain aligned with our values and...
Published 04/15/23
Our 100th episode! We started this podcast shortly after Bryce's 5th birthday more than four years ago. We don't usually have guests but thought having Bryce's grandmother (Mamaw) on the show would be special, since she has two grandsons on the autism spectrum.   We also recap our week and some "parent fail" feelings that Sandy experienced.  Bryce is a funny, mechanical, HAPPY little guy who was diagnosed with autism at age two and is now nine years old. His pure joy makes this world a much...
Published 04/08/23
This episode is a lengthy chat about our extraordinarily busy month of March!  Three doctor appointments: Bryce's autism MAPS dr, his  vision test results and new home therapies to help him,  and our first visit with his neuropsychologist who will be helping us with testing that will guide us with Bryce's education needs as well as  helping Bryce talk about his emotions. New territory - We are very encouraged about this new path of assistance!  Fun activities: Family Mini-Vacation to Anna...
Published 04/03/23
This episode is a chat about Bryce's Special Olympic State experience for basketball. We talk about a couple of grants that we have been granted that have been very helpful for medical out of pocket expenses. Lastly, we also talk about our recent visit to our county fair and how Bryce surprised us again with his ride choices. We briefly mentioned Bryce's vision results. We will have more information after our follow up doctor appointment later this month.  tacanow.org Bryce is a funny,...
Published 03/05/23