Episodes
In this episode, we talk about a recent visit to Bryce's therapy center to learn more about his speech and occupational therapies. It was very helpful and has sparked some ideas for his upcoming plan updates. We also talk about our recent trip to the Georgia mountains as well as Bryce's recent reading assessment. Lastly, we shared a prayer for Bryce based on Luke 2:52. Our goal is to continue to create and locate resources to share on our website that will be helpful for our autism...
Published 11/10/24
Published 11/10/24
In this episode, we answer questions about our homeschool process with Bryce and how it affects our relationship with him as well as each other. We also talk about our recent trip to NYC where we celebrated our nephew's wedding AND Bryce's 11th birthday with many skyscraper and elevator tours! We talk more about Bryce's increased sensitivity to "annoying sounds" and steps we are taking to help him learn how to tolerate them in a better way. NOTE: Most of our Social Media conten...
Published 10/17/24
In this episode, we talk about Bryce's recent regression with anxiety and sensitivity to certain sounds, specifically crying children. We have been away from home quite a bit the past two months which could explain why this behavior has returned. We review Finding KIND by Kari Baker and recommend this is a great book with another family's autism/ADHD journey similar to ours. We talk about highlights and lowlights from the past month including another Special Olympics Gold Medal, an oppor...
Published 09/27/24
In this episode, we talk about Bryce's recent sleepover with his best friend, Michael, and how we helped him work through his hurt feelings and emotions. It's not easy to watch your son struggle with his feelings of hurt and sadness. It's also not easy to figure out the right words and instructions to help teach your son who thinks in a completely different way that yourself. We are very grateful that the Lord continues to give us wisdom as we pray for it daily! We also talk about ...
Published 08/26/24
In this episode, we review the book Oliver's Extraordinary Friend which is available to purchase on Amazon. We also talk about God's Plan A for each of us and how our hearts continue to become more burdened to find ways to help those impacted by disabilities find their place in churches to discover the love of Jesus. Lastly, we talk about our recent vacation and how we planned it around Bryce's interests. It's definitely easier now at age ten than it was when he was age five. We hav...
Published 08/18/24
In this episode, we review the game What's Next: Transitions by M&J Games which is available to purchase on Amazon. We also talk about Bryce's current level of language - Progress continues to be made with plenty for us to continue to work toward on this autism journey. Lastly, we talk about how we are working with our church leadership to provide more resources to teach those who think differently about Jesus. This is our current ministry and mission with our hearts full of com...
Published 07/14/24
Bryce's best friend, Michael, had his first sleepover at our home. They recorded their own podcast episode talking about Roblox and other game topics. We hope you all enjoy listening to them us much as we did while recording them! You can subscribe to our monthly Parenting Autism Newsletter at [email protected]. You can also reach out if you want to purchase a signed edition of our book, "PARENTING AUTISM: The Early Years." Bryce is a funny, mechanical, HAPPY little guy who wa...
Published 07/07/24
In this episode, we talk about classes attended and resources at The Family Cafe, an annual conference for families with disabilities in the state of Florida. You can subscribe to our monthly Parenting Autism Newsletter at [email protected]. You can also reach out if you want to purchase a signed edition of our book, "PARENTING AUTISM: The Early Years." Bryce is a funny, mechanical, HAPPY little guy who was diagnosed with autism at age two and is now ten years old. His p...
Published 06/30/24
With Father's Day in the month of June, Sandy talks to Chris Chris about the challenges and the rewards of being the primary caregiver for Bryce during the early years of his autism. He talks about his guilt, his research, his depression, and how he overcame it. He also talks about Daddy School and how he has found ways to bond with Bryce by meeting him where he is at with his different interests and progressing comprehension. This will be a great episode for Dads to l...
Published 06/23/24
In this episode, we share a recent change in Bryce's therapy services. It's never easy to make these decisions, yet we know we must follow where the Lord leads us.We also chat about other updates from the past couple of weeks including investing more time into our marriage relationship, how Bryce worked through an unexpected meltdown, the first rodeo experience for Bryce, and other highlights for our little family. You can subscribe to our monthly Parenting Autism Newsletter at parenting...
Published 06/10/24
In this episode, we review a few books that we have read including one that we are slowly going through together to strengthen our marriage. Your True Self is Enough (Author: Susanna Peace Lovell)Becoming Brave Together, Heroic, extraordinary caregiving stories from mothers hidden in plain sight (An Anthology from "We are Brave Together")How to Build a Thriving Marriage as you Care for Children with Disabilities (Authors: Kristin Faith Evans and Todd Evans)In addition to taking act...
Published 05/27/24
In this episode, we talk about Bryce's recent OT testing results and why we still have him in private sessions for speech and OT three-hours each week at age 10.7. We also share some highlights from our recent vacation along with some of the adventures that we all enjoyed as a family. After a month-break, Bryce has begun 5th grade! We continue to homeschool him at this point and supplement social with Special Olympics and other group activities in our area. You can subscribe to...
Published 05/21/24
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
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