Episodes
Published 09/08/19
Welcome to the very last episode of Homebase Hope. What a journey it has been! I have loved every minute of this podcast – from the interviews to the editing – knowing that this is a resource that will live on forever for parents of children on the spectrum. I started this podcast to reach Listen In
Published 09/08/19
Today we are talking about one of the most important topics I think we can cover – big feelings and self regulation! It doesn’t matter what age or stage your child is at, this podcast is going to be relevant. I’m super excited to be speaking with Katie Crosby – an Occupational Therapist based in Listen In
Published 08/25/19
Masturbation, erections, orgasms, puberty and sexual relations are NOT taboo in this podcast episode!! We cover it all in an open conversation with Nelle Francis, special needs educator and mum to a 29-year-old autistic son. We talk about how puberty presents in both girls and boys on the spectrum, common vulnerabilities, how to initiate these Listen In
Published 08/11/19
Today we are talking all about sensory processing disorder and I am thrilled to be talking to Allison Davies on this topic! Allison is a Neurologic Music Therapist, educator, advocate and speaker. She has 15 years experience working as both a therapist and educator in childhood intervention and aged care, and specialises in anxiety and Listen In
Published 07/28/19
You can go to all the therapy sessions in the world, but at the end of the day if the family home environment isn’t functioning well…..therapy certainly won’t be as helpful! Meet Sharon Collon. She’s an ADHD coach passionate about helping parents create home environments that are functional and joyful and by streamlining the day Listen In
Published 07/14/19
Today we are talking to Jeremy Samson who has turned his tough childhood experience into a learning program for children on the autism spectrum. As a kid, Jeremy had trouble understanding sarcasm and jokes. He says his brain worked in a curious way that often got him into trouble. He was bullied and he engaged Listen In
Published 06/30/19
So what really is SPD?  Today we dive deep into Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), what it can look like and what you can do to help your child. We uncover the different subtypes of SPD; sensory modulation disorder, sensory-based motor disorder and sensory discrimination disorder.  I’m chatting with two energetic and insightful Occupational Therapy Assistants Listen In
Published 06/16/19
As we become more interested in a whole body, whole child approach to autism, it becomes important to look at what is happening at a biological level. Good food is good for everyone, we know that. But what kinds of nutritional supplementation may be beneficial for kids on the autism spectrum? What kinds of dietary Listen In
Published 06/02/19
If your child is diagnosed with ADHD or if you think your child fits the ADHD criteria, or even if you’re noticing signs of hyperactivity and inattention…then this podcast is for you! Today we talk all about the behaviour you may see in a child with ADHD and what strategies you can use at home, Listen In
Published 05/19/19
Oxidative stress & mitochondria; what on earth are they and how do they relate to autism? Today we are going to make sense of this in really easy to understand language. No need to dust off the old textbook, just listen in to find out the latest research in this area. Today’ you’ll learn what Listen In
Published 05/05/19
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be an autistic female? Or what’s it like to receive a diagnosis later in life? If so, buckle up, because today we are soaking up the lived experiences of the insightful Kristy Forbes! Kristy dives deep into her personal journey, why she prefers ‘autistic’ over ‘person with Listen In
Published 04/21/19
Hands up if you have a little fussy eater? Does your child only eat beige, bland carb-loaded foods? Or are they limited to certain brands? Maybe they will only tolerate crunchy foods? Do they survive on a diet of 20 or less different types of food? Do they crave junk food? Then this episode is Listen In
Published 04/07/19
Today we are soaking up all the practical advice and insights into how to make school a success, with the amazing Sue Larkey. We dive into anxiety, transitions, adjustments for tests, sensory tools and SO MUCH MORE! I have subscribed to Sue’s newsletter 7 years ago when I had my first pediatric caseload at a Listen In
Published 03/24/19
Chloe Hayden, better known as Princess Aspien, is a 21 year old girl with Aspergers Syndrome. Chloe struggled throughout her childhood and early teenage years feeling outcast and unable to connect with anyone. She suffered relentless bullying at school which landed her in hospital.  When Chole was 18, she came to the realisation that she Listen In
Published 03/10/19
Sara Harvey aka Agony Autie is autistic and was diagnosed at the age of 26 after her sons diagnosis. Sara is completely unguarded when it comes to advocating for the neurodiverse. She openly and courageously shares what’s in her heart and on her mind. Sara is shedding light on autistic behaviours and the different experiences Listen In
Published 02/24/19
When the brain and body are overloaded with toxins they don’t have the opportunity to function optimally. Our modern day world is full of chemicals which although are often hard to avoid, there is a great deal you can be doing to safely navigate the chemical maze. We conversation dives deep into the common toxic Listen In
Published 02/10/19
Kids on the spectrum are drawn to digital devices, and lets face it, many kids prefer the virtual world over the real world. Electronic devices can provide predictability where kids feel safe, secure and can play a game tailored to their current interest. This sounds far more appealing than the real world which is full Listen In
Published 01/27/19
We need to look at autism through a completely different lense. We need to unlearn what we have known to be true. We need to challenge deeply ingrained belief systems and embrace a whole child approach to the complexities of autism. Today it’s just you and me! I chat about how my understanding of autism Listen In
Published 01/13/19
We know genes play a major role in autism, but are you aware that autism is also heavily influenced by environmental factors? The more we learn about autism as an epigenetic condition – the more we start to realise that lifestyle really matters! This is a really empowering model to work from – because it Listen In
Published 12/30/18
Does your child often feel isolated and have low self esteem? Chris Varney is 31 years old and has Asperger’s Syndrome. He grew up with a group of mentors who pushed him to think ‘I CAN’ and is driving a rethink of autism, from ‘I Can’t’ to ‘I CAN’!! In today’s episode Chris empowers you Listen In
Published 12/16/18
We know diet impacts gut health, but what else influences the state of the gut? ….It’s so much more than we think! Today we chat with Kirsty Wirth – Gut Health Guru, Founder of Kultured Wellness and mother to a child on the autism spectrum. She talks us through all the things that can help Listen In
Published 12/02/18
Today we are viewing autism through the lens of a teen on the spectrum. Clay Lewis is 16, girl crazy, car mad, loathes school and lives for music. Just your typical teenager. He’s also on the autism spectrum and is just realising he’s a person his peers want to get to know. Clay has his Listen In
Published 11/18/18
Children on the spectrum are easy targets for school bullies. I feel it is SO necessary that we shed light on what can be such a dark topic and spend a whole episode equipping you with the tools to approach bullying. We show you how you can bully proof your child! Susan Hyde is our Listen In
Published 11/04/18
Today we are delving right into nutrition for kids and getting some really practical advice. Beck Warke, an incredibly knowledgable and passionate functional nutrition consultant walks us through the types of foods we should be packing into the lunchbox. We dive into the foods that sustain our kiddies energy and attention, how to navigate food Listen In
Published 10/21/18