Today I’m continuing ‘The Summers Series’ on AIA! I’m recapping our vacation in Tennessee and answering listener questions about travel. I’m sharing some highlights from our trip (seeing the smokies, Logan crushing the lily pads and Laila’s face during the water slide…listen for details!) and talking about what didn’t work out so well- like waiting two hours for a table at dinner! Overall, we had FANTASTIC vacay and quality family time really is priceless. I’m answering listener questions regard...
Jun 23, 2021•37 min
Today I’m kicking off ‘The Summers Series’ (which is more solo mini episodes through summer!) on AIA! On this episode I’m sharing the start of our summer (so far it’s been AWESOME!) and how we planned/prepped for our vacation. I recorded this episode the night before we left for Tennessee. Every time we take a trip, I get questions about how we make it work with our family’s unique needs. Today I’m sharing my best tips on how we set ourselves up for success! Every family is different, so what wo...
Jun 16, 2021•30 min
Today I’m flying solo with another installment of Hot Topics! This topic came highly requested and it’s dealing with difficult/challenging behaviors. I’m sharing some of the behaviors Logan has struggled with and how we’ve dealt with them. This topic was important for me to talk about on the podcast because as autism parents, it can be really tough to deal with these behaviors. There was definitely a time when I felt very isolated and like I was the only parent dealing with behaviors like this. ...
Jun 09, 2021•39 min
Today I am chatting with the one and only, Jenny McCarthy! Jenny and I talk all about the early days with her amazing son, Evan. Everyone knows the public side of their story, but today Jenny is sharing the more personal side. We talk about Evan’s very scary seizure as a toddler and his eventual diagnosis of ASD. Jenny and I also discuss her feelings at that time, especially because when he was diagnosed in 2002, there was so little known about autism and there was hardly anything on the subject...
Jun 02, 2021•38 min
For this episode, I am once again bringing my sister, Melissa, on the pod for a sister chat! Today (May 26) marks one year since Mel had a massive seizure that led to her brain cancer diagnosis. We’re talking about how she’s doing now, and how it feels to be one year out from that life changing event. (If you are a newer listener, check out episode 94 to hear more details on that.) Mel shares how she’s feeling both emotionally and physically. We also talk about the decision for her to move out o...
May 26, 2021•1 hr 12 min
Today I’m chatting with autism mom Emily Comer, all about her adorable son, Levi. Levi is 4 years old and was just recently diagnosed with ASD in September. Emily details their journey leading up to the diagnosis and shares how they’re doing since. Emily and I talk about the differences of having both neurotypical children and kiddos on the spectrum. Emily also shares that once Levi was diagnosed, she really understood the meaning of the phrase “comparison is the thief of joy”. She talks about h...
May 19, 2021•52 min
Today I’m chatting with autism mom and photographer, Alexys Berry. Alexys shares her journey with her daughter, Charlotte, who was just recently diagnosed with ASD in 2020. Alexys talks about the early signs that led them to seek a diagnosis. She also explains how the pandemic made the process more difficult. She actually received Charlotte’s diagnosis over Telehealth. Alexys also talks about her photography business and how she caters to families with kiddos on the spectrum so they too can have...
May 12, 2021•50 min
Today I’m flying solo and sharing some life updates. First, I’m talking about some of the more difficult stuff I’ve been dealing with lately. There has been a lot going on and I’m truly just so thankful for this community. You guys really are the best! Next I’m talking about how we’re planning for summer break which is right around the corner! I tend to dread summer and the lack of structure for Logan- but this year I feel differently! We’re going in with less lined up then usual but I’m ok with...
May 05, 2021•43 min
Today I’m catching up with returning guest, Eileen Shaklee aka Mama Fry. Eileen is the lady behind the very successful blog “Autism With a Side of Fries” and she’s basically the OG autism mom blogger. I’ve been a fan of Eileen’s for years and she was last on the pod back in early 2019! Today she’s giving us updates on her beloved Kiddo who is on the verge of adulthood (!!) and just getting started with job training. We talked about covid really threw a wrench in their plans and how they are slow...
Apr 28, 2021•1 hr 9 min
Today I’m chatting with autism mom Nicole Gottesmann, all about her amazing son, Gabe. I am SO excited to welcome Nicole as guest. Ever since I started following her on social media, I have been so inspired by her story. Nicole is such an incredible and strong mother, I know you will be inspired too! Nicole started her motherhood journey as a single parent after Gabe’s father tragically passed away while she was pregnant. Despite her immense grief, Nicole says she had never been happier once Gab...
Apr 14, 2021•40 min
Today I’m chatting with autism mom Valerie Gilpeer. Valerie shares her incredible story with her daughter Emily. Emily was diagnosed with autism as a young toddler back in the 90s. Though she was non speaking, Valerie never doubted her daughters intelligence. Throughout her school years, Emily’s communication was always her biggest struggle. Her lack of language led to frustration and aggression. It wasn’t until Emily was almost 25 years old that she had a major breakthrough and she began typing...
Apr 07, 2021•42 min
Today I’m kicking off Autism Awareness Month (one day early!) on the podcast! I’m sharing what this month means to me and how it’s taken on a different light for me over the years. I’m reflecting back on Autism Awareness day from four years ago and telling the story of why I decided to share Logan’s diagnosis on that day. I’m also talking about the ways I personally advocate, raise awareness, and push for acceptance in my everyday life- it doesn’t always need to be a podcast or a flashy post! Th...
Mar 31, 2021•46 min
Today I’m chatting with fellow autism mom and podcaster, Hayley Augusta. Hayley shares her journey with her son Charlie who was diagnosed with ASD in 2019. Charlie is also hyperlexic and extremely bright. Because he’s a twice exceptional kiddo, Hayley encountered a lot of differing opinions while they were seeking a diagnosis. Hayley explains how parents are expected to “learn a new language overnight” when you are thrust into the world of autism. I couldn’t agree more! We also talk about her ca...
Mar 24, 2021•53 min
Today I’m coming at you with another installment of Hot Topics! This week it’s all about IEPs! I’m sharing our entire journey with the IEP process. From our first meeting (that I actually didn’t even realize was a meeting to discuss Logan’s IEP!) to this past year, and now gearing up for our fast approaching 2021 meeting, I’m sharing everything I’ve learned over the years. I’m no expert but I do have a good amount of IEP experience under my belt and I feel very different going into an IEP meetin...
Mar 17, 2021•1 hr 2 min
Today I’m chatting with autism mom and founder of ND Renegade, Sally Willbanks. Sally is coming to us all the way from Australia! On this episode, she is sharing her story with both her son and daughter. Her son was diagnosed with ASD first and Sally talks all about the early days of their journey and her concerns as a parent. More recently, her daughter was evaluated and she is on the spectrum as well. It was really interesting to hear the differences in her two kids and just how much Sally has...
Mar 10, 2021•45 min
Today I’m chatting with autism mom and educator, Jackie Killam. Jackie is very seasoned in the realm of autism parenting. Her twin daughters Tammra and Brooke were born in 1990- so Jackie definitely had a lot to share! We talk about the differences between autism awareness and resources in the 90s vs now. Jackie also shares how her experience as an educator gave her a different perspective when navigating the system for her daughters. Tragically, her daughter Tammra passed away in 2016. Jackie t...
Mar 03, 2021•55 min
Today’s episode is a good one! I’m starting off a new, ongoing series on the podcast: hot topics! These episodes will be covering one specific topic and go into detail on our experience. For this first one I’m talking about all things AAC! I’m going way to back to the beginning and sharing the process of Logan starting his AAC and everything that entails. I get questions about Logan’s AAC all the time and I’m hoping this episode can not only answer those but also just explain what it’s like usin...
Feb 24, 2021•57 min
Today I’m chatting with autism sibling, Jessica Leving. Jessica shares her journey with her brother, Billy. Jessica and Billy are both adults now and they have an awesome relationship. Growing up, Jessica felt discouraged the lack of services and resources for fellow special needs siblings and she wanted to change that. Her passion led her to write the children’s book “Billy’s Sister” and corresponding workbook, as well as her nonprofit The Center for Siblings of People with Special Needs. Jessi...
Feb 17, 2021•54 min
Today I’m flying solo and reflecting back on the beginning of our autism journey. Since starting the podcast, I hear from parents everyday who are all on this journey with me. Some of them are just starting out, some have been at it for years. I felt inspired to do this episode for those parents who just heard the diagnosis of ASD. What I’m sharing today is the stuff I wanted to hear (and was looking for) back then but I couldn’t find it. I’m talking all about the early days and my feelings righ...
Feb 10, 2021•56 min
Today I’m chatting with autism dad and author, Aaron Wright. Aaron shares his journey with his daughter (who is now a teenager) and explains how their experience navigating SPED led him to write his book ‘Thirteen Doors’. Aaron talks about the difficulty he faced when trying to gain access to appropriate services for his daughter within their school system. That battle not only inspired his book, but it also turned him into fierce advocate, for his own daughter and for all vulnerable students. A...
Feb 03, 2021•56 min
Today I’m chatting with autism mom and life coach, Corinne Crabtree. I first became familiar with Corinne after listening to her podcast, ‘Losing 100lbs with Corinne’, which has been a game changer for me! Today, Corinne is sharing her journey with her 18 year old son, Logan. Corinne talks about some of the early signs and gut feelings she had that Logan was on spectrum. After Logan was diagnosed at age 5, Corinne and her husband dove into the world of therapy and tried to provide Logan with eve...
Jan 27, 2021•52 min
Today I’m flying solo and getting very personal about my weight loss journey. I’ve mentioned several times on the show (and especially on episode 112) that I have really committed to making my own self care, mental health, and general health a priority. Losing weight has been a big part of that. As someone who has DEFINITELY had my fair share of weight struggles, it feels really good to be (over!) 30lbs down and still losing. I wasn’t sure how much of this I’d share on the podcast but after open...
Jan 20, 2021•1 hr 5 min
Today I’m chatting with returning guest, Mary Susan McConnell. Mary Susan and I are catching up about how life looks very different since she was last on the pod in January 2020. Mary Susan shares how her daughter, Abiella, has been doing through quarantine and how her medical needs have been a huge consideration during this season. We’re also talking about their amazing school district and how they have really accommodated Abi and other children with profound needs. Later, we’re discussing all ...
Jan 13, 2021•53 min
Today I’m chatting with Amy Churchill, who is a licensed clinical therapist, about all things mental health. Amy also happens to be my best friend of more then 20 years (!) so this was a real treat! Today we’re digging into the importance of making your mental health a priority, as well some good coping techniques for dealing with stress and anxiety. Amy gives LOTS of good advice on things you can start doing right now that can benefit your mental health. She’s also answering listener questions ...
Jan 06, 2021•1 hr 11 min
Today I’m ringing in the new year with my sister and we’re reflecting back on 2020. Obviously, this has been a real dumpster fire of a year for all of us. 2020 definitely hit our family extra hard- today we’re discussing the highs and (extreme) lows of this year. Per usual, Mel and I keep it EXTREMELY real. This conversation definitely included some sister bickering and even a few tears...those who know us would expect nothing less! Melissa talks about her cancer journey and what she’s learned t...
Dec 30, 2020•1 hr 5 min
Today I’m flying solo and talking about all things Christmas. This year things obviously look a little different because of Covid. That being said, we’re doing our best to enjoy the holidays in our own way. In this episode I’m talking about our family traditions and what makes the holidays special for us. We might do things a little differently, but the most important thing is that we really ENJOY our time together. I’m also talking about how this year in particular, I really am not focusing on ...
Dec 23, 2020•30 min
Today I’m chatting with autism mom, Megan Heinz of @abovetypical. Megan and I connected on Instagram when we both started our accounts around the same time over two years ago. I have loved following her story with her son and it was such a treat to have her on the pod! Megan shares the early days of their journey and how living in a small community has its pros and cons when related to autism. We also talk about her sons service dog. She shares the process of getting him and how life has changed...
Dec 16, 2020•59 min
Today I’m joined by my husband, Manny, for the third time! In honor of Logan’s 8th birthday later this week, we’re talking about all the ways we’ve seen Logan grow in this past year. We’ve definitely both witnessed him maturing which has been both surprising and welcomed. We’re also discussing Logan taking a pause from ABA therapy and how that really is the best thing for him right now. Later, we’re answering listener questions which was really interesting! The questions hit on marriage, dealing...
Dec 09, 2020•1 hr 12 min
Today I’m chatting with autism mom, Jenna Cooper, all about her adorable son Owen. This was a really fun episode for me because Jenna has been a long time listener & supporter of the podcast, so I was thrilled to bring her on the show and hear her story! Jenna is a mom of 5 (!) and Owen is her youngest. She talks about the “learning curve” of autism, especially after having four typical children. We also discuss the dynamics of their family and how autism has affected them. I really apprecia...
Dec 02, 2020•58 min
Today I’m chatting with powerhouse autism mom, and president of the Autism Hero Project, Tamika Lecheé Morales. Tamika was my guest way back on episode 9 of AIA and I am thrilled to bring her back on today! Since we recorded that episode over two years ago, so much has changed. Not only has her nonprofit, Autism Hero Project, blown up and done absolutely incredible things for the autism community, but Tamika and I have actually become very close friends. Today we’re talking about updates in her ...
Nov 25, 2020•1 hr 2 min
