Embracing Autism - podcast cover

Embracing Autism

Lia & Matt McCabeautismwish.org
Your child is autistic, now what? Parenting a child is often rewarding, but for parents of autistic children, it can be a struggle when communication, finances, or behavior is a barrier. Join hosts Lia & Matt McCabe, an Autistic & ADHD couple raising two autistic daughters and the founders of the charity project AutismWish, in weekly discussions to provide parents with guidance, tips, resources, and a newfound perspective on Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Each week we will share our experience raising special needs children and tackle difficult or taboo subjects in the Autism world with encouragement and guidance on how to broaden your perspective while learning to understand and empathize with your autistic child, from weathering the storm to Embracing Autism. Learn more at www.autismwish.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube @AutismWish. Disclaimer: We are not doctors or therapists, so please always consult with your child's physician before taking any of our advice. We try our absolute best to get everything right but we are only human, so please make sure to consult with an expert. If you feel anything has been misrepresented or inaccurate, we would love to hear from you! Please email us at podcast@autismwish.org.
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Episodes

EP 206 – Hearing Voices

Today we tackle our final sense, the sense of hearing, and how autistic children may react differently to sound than their neurotypical peers. We discuss the importance of completing a hearing evaluation as well as some adjustments or accommodations you can make to help your child cope.

Oct 15, 202131 min

EP 205 – Making Scents

Today we chat about the sense of smell and its newfound relationship with autism. We discuss interesting findings from recent studies linking the sense of smell to social ability in autism as well as some activities you can do at home to help your child adjust to overwhelming smells.

Oct 08, 202129 min

EP 204 – Thriving Under Pressure

Today we will talk about the sense of touch and how differences in this area can impact certain behaviors such as toe-walking, pressure-seeking, and headbanging. We will also touch on research surrounding the relationships between the vagal nerve, synesthesia, and therapies that may help.

Oct 01, 202141 min

EP 203 – Savoring Diverse Palates

We review the sense of taste and how autistic individuals may experience this sense differently than their neurotypical peers. We discuss feeding therapy, as well as pica, oral stimming, and transitioning to self-feeding.

Sep 24, 202136 min

EP 202 – Seeing Through A Different Lens

Join us as we focus on the sense of sight and how it may be impacted by Autism. We discuss visual sensory symptoms, stimming behaviors, and related visual impairments.

Sep 17, 202128 min

EP 201 – Senses & Sensibilities

Welcome to Season 2 of the Embracing Autism Podcast! In the premiering episode, we introduce this season's theme of Senses & Sensibilities and tease some of the topics we will be covering in the next few episodes with a fun, lighthearted tone.

Sep 10, 202119 min

EP 112 – Embracing Autism

We conclude Season One with final thoughts on how to go from 'Weathering the Storm' to 'Embracing Autism' and how to transform negative perceptions of autism to one of positivity and acceptance.

Aug 27, 202126 min

EP 111 – Anticipating Controversy

In this episode, we will tackle contentious topics in the autistic community and talk about why topics such as the puzzle piece symbol, person-first language among others are controversial and hotly debated.

Aug 20, 202134 min

EP 110 – Applied Behavioral Analysis

Unsure about ABA? In this episode, we review what's considered the 'Golden Standard' therapy for Autism, Applied Behavioral Analysis, also known as ABA and discuss common goals for this form of therapy, how it is used to improve a child's quality of life and what makes it so controversial.

Aug 13, 202130 min

EP 109 – Speech Therapy

We take a deeper look into what you can expect at your child’s Speech Therapy (ST) sessions, what target areas Speech Therapy can help with, and some tools that may be provided to your child to include the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), sign language, and electronic communication devices (i.e. Augmentative and alternative communication/AACs).

Aug 06, 202132 min

EP 108 – Physical Therapy

Tune in as we explore Physical Therapy (PT) and what you can expect during sessions as we discuss common activities, potential benefits, and how Physical Therapy can help your child work on balance, core strength, or coordination among other key areas. We also explore how you can recreate physical therapy at home.

Jul 30, 202133 min

EP 107 – Occupational Therapy

Considering Occupational Therapy (OT)? Learn more about what you can expect in OT and some common reasons your child may be referred. We discuss examples of activities your child may work on during sessions to include heavy work, feeding therapy, and sensory regulation while sharing our personal insights and experiences with OT.

Jul 23, 202133 min

EP 106 – Finding the Balance

In this episode, we discuss the various therapies your child may be referred to after receiving an Autism diagnosis and give tips on how to manage your schedule as well as what to do if your child appears to hate therapy.

Jul 16, 202126 min

EP 105 – Navigating Financial & Educational Resources

In this episode, we will review a variety of financial resources and education programs to help support your autistic child that are available in the United States. From IEPs and IFSPs to SSDI, Medicaid, and the Autism Waiver, we discuss it all! It's important to note that each state has different government programs, so please check out our show notes to learn more about your specific state.

Jul 09, 202124 min

EP 104 – Weathering the Storm

In this episode, we focus on why it's okay and even natural to go through a season of grief after an autism diagnosis and how to overcome it with a simple change of perspective.

Jul 02, 202123 min

EP 103 – Conquering D-Day

Tune in as we discuss what to expect at your child's autism evaluation and compare the benefits and disadvantages of an in-person evaluation versus a telehealth or virtual assessment.

Jun 25, 202118 min

EP 102 – Prepping for D-Day

So your child is on the waitlist, now what? Autism Evaluation waitlists take forever (1-2 years!), but that doesn't mean you have to be stuck while you wait. Learn how to prepare for your child's autism diagnosis and what you can do in the meantime. From where to get your child evaluated, to how to get ahead of the waitlist, we make sure you have everything you need to know before Diagnosis Day.

Jun 17, 202119 min

EP 101 – Demystifying Autism

What exactly is Autism Spectrum Disorder? Is my child showing red flags? Should I be concerned? Demystify Autism and learn about some common red flags, as we pull directly from our personal experience while tapping lightly into the science.

Jun 17, 202132 min

EP 100 – Welcome to Embracing Autism

No matter where you are in your child's autism journey, we've got your back. Hi! We are Lia and Matthew McCabe, neurodiverse parents of autistic children and founders of AutismWish. Tune in as we discuss how our special needs girls inspired us to create our charity initiative and what we have in store for you on Embracing Autism. Shownotes This podcast episode features a married neurodivergent couple sharing their journey of raising autistic children and providing support and resources for paren...

Jun 17, 202127 min

Season 1 Trailer: From Weathering the Storm to Embracing Autism

Enjoy a teaser of the upcoming podcast, Embracing Autism launching Friday, June 18, 2021. This podcast is brought to you by AutismWish, granting wishes to children on the spectrum and providing parent resources. Follow us on Facebook @AutismWish or visit our website at www.autismwish.com.

May 17, 20210
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