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My thoughts

Just because we can’t see something, doesn’t mean it’s not there. I saw this recently and wanted to share this with you all. When raising kiddos with autism, it’s easy to sometimes get caught up in the daily struggle. We’re tired, overwhelmed, and about a million other things. When progress feels slow with our kids, we can blame ourselves for not doing enough or endlessly worry about their future. Trust me, I’ve been doing this for 23 years and I get it. Often times, however, growth and progress are taking place but maybe not in ways we anticipated. Just remember that simply because we aren’t seeing progress on the surface, doesn’t mean our kids aren’t experiencing growth. Just something to think about. ❤️

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April 11, 2024
Read more about the article We don’t stop being parents when they become adults
My thoughts

We don’t stop being parents when they become adults

This is Gavin. Gavin is my 24 year old autistic son who has recently begun building his own adult life. This past week Gavin called me from the break room at work and was incredibly upset. He was not making a great deal of sense and only after calming him down could I really understand what was going on. After a few minutes, I was able to figure out that his phone wasn’t working correctly and he was freaking out because he liked watching YouTube on his lunch break. He was frustrated because this disrupted his routine and he doesn’t like that. He was currently calling me from his watch because his phone battery had died and he didn’t know what to do. He had a few minutes before he…

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March 24, 2024
Read more about the article Navigating haircuts with my autistic kids
My thoughts

Navigating haircuts with my autistic kids

The question has been asked. How do I navigate haircuts with my 3 autistic kids. I thought since Elliott literally just walked out from getting one, we’d talk about it. In general, haircuts are easy now but it wasn’t always that way. When the boys were little, it was a sensory nightmare. I’d put off haircuts for as long as I could because I knew how difficult it would be for the kids and everyone else involved. There were times that I would have their hair cut really short just so it would take a little longer before we needed to return. The boys struggled with sitting still. The noise from the electric clippers freaked them out and the little hairs that were left behind made them itch and drove…

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March 13, 2024
Read more about the article Is Online Speech Therapy Effective for Kids with Autism?
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Is Online Speech Therapy Effective for Kids with Autism?

Autism, also known as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) refers to a wide range of conditions characterized by issues related to non-verbal and speech communication, repetitive behaviors and social skills. Some individuals with autism may require less support in their daily lives while others with severe challenges may need a significant amount of support and treatment. SLPs  make use of various speech therapy techniques that allow them to help kids and adults improve communication. These techniques are designed to improve various speech and language disorders like stuttering, cluttering, articulation disorders, receptive disorders, resonance disorders, aphasia, dysarthria and even cognitive-communication disorders. Speech therapy is an assessment and treatment that allows speech-language pathologists (SLPs) to identify and rectify speech disorders and communication problems. Using the speech therapy program, SLPs can assess the strengths…

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February 13, 2024
Read more about the article What #Selfcare Looks Like in My Life
Kelly / My thoughts

What #Selfcare Looks Like in My Life

As a father to three incredible children on the autism spectrum, my journey has been filled with unique challenges and profound learning experiences. One of the most valuable lessons I've learned is the critical importance of self-care. It's not just a luxury; it's an absolute necessity for both myself and, by extension, my family. Embracing Self-Care as a Priority Self-care for me goes beyond the occasional break; it's about consistently recognizing and addressing my own physical, emotional, and mental health needs. The demanding nature of parenting, coupled with the specific needs of raising children with autism, means that without a solid self-care routine, burnout is not just a possibility; it's likely. I’ve tangled with burnout too many times over the last 23 year. My Approach to Self-Care For the longest…

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January 25, 2024
Read more about the article Top Home Improvements for the Safety and Comfort of Autistic Children
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Top Home Improvements for the Safety and Comfort of Autistic Children

Creating a safe and comfortable home environment is crucial for all families, but it holds a special significance for those with autistic children. These children experience the world differently, with heightened sensitivities to their surroundings.  Did you know that according to a study by the Autism Research Institute, environmental factors play a significant role in the well-being of individuals with autism? This includes everything within the home, from the colour of the walls to the quality of the living room windows. This article shares how particular home improvements can contribute to a more secure and serene home, making a significant difference for families with autistic children. Understanding Sensory Needs in Autism Children with autism often perceive the world in unique ways, with their senses either heightened or dulled compared to neurotypical individuals.…

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December 15, 2023
Read more about the article A Parents Guide to Autism and Sensory Eating (S6E53)
Podcast / Season 6 / The Autism Dad

A Parents Guide to Autism and Sensory Eating (S6E53)

Sensory eating is something so many autism families struggle with daily, mine included. My guest this week is Brittyn Coleman, aka The Autism Dietitian. Brittyn is one of only a handful of dietitians across the country specializing in autistic kids. She’s here to help us better understand what sensory eating is and how it differs from picky eating. We also talk about how we can help ensure proper nutrition in our kids, and expand their menus in creative ways.

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December 8, 2023
Read more about the article Hibi – manage, coordinate & navigate your child’s care
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Hibi – manage, coordinate & navigate your child’s care

At Hibi, we’re on a mission to ensure that every family caring for a child has the support they need. I’m Sam, a cofounder at Hibi, living in London in the UK. I grew up with family and friends caring for children, including my mum who is an occupational therapist. I’ve worked for years for a charity in London supporting children with developmental conditions, particularly autism. What I was seeing was that behind every child, there is a family at home working to manage, coordinate and navigate care. Parents have to manage, store & share huge amounts of information, including medications, documents, appointments, symptoms and more. They also have to navigate a fragmented system split across health, education and social care organisations. The result is an experience that can be…

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November 17, 2023