Today, we’re thrilled to welcome Matt Sloan, a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant with a unique and impactful approach to helping individuals with sensory challenges. Matt is the founder of Sensory Fitness, where he blends sensory integration therapy with integrative fitness principles to support those with sensory processing difficulties, autism, ADHD, and other forms of neurodiversity. With a rich background as a fitness trainer, special education teacher, and adaptive PE teacher, Matt b...
Jan 17, 2025•33 min
In today’s episode, we explore how society continues to marginalize the disability community through harmful perceptions and practices. Support our mission, become a member today: patreon.com/autismwish
Jan 10, 2025•35 min
Today, we're thrilled to have Lee Burdette Williams, the Executive Director of the College Autism Network, as our guest. Lee brings a wealth of experience to the table, having spent years as a student affairs professional before stepping into her current role in 2019. She previously served as Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students at Wheaton College in Massachusetts, as well as Dean of Students at the University of Connecticut. Lee is a passionate advocate and a sought-after spe...
Jan 03, 2025•32 min
In today’s episode, we’re wrapping up 2024 by reflecting on some changes ahead for both our family and AutismWish. We’ll also talk about living in the present and cherishing every moment with our youngest, as we keep a close eye on her development. Plus, we’ll share how having two older kids diagnosed with autism has shaped our approach this time around. Support our mission, Become a Member today: patreon.com/autismwish
Dec 27, 2024•28 min
Did you know that autistic individuals are 5 to 7 times more likely to attempt suicide than their neurotypical peers? As we approach the holidays, a time where depression and suicide rates spike, we would like to shed light on this important topic as we welcome Mitch Leppicello, to discuss the difficult yet necessary topic. Mitch is a clinical social worker with 35 years of experience working with autistic and neurodiverse individuals of all ages. Over the years, Mitch has presented to and consu...
Dec 20, 2024•31 min
In this heartfelt Christmas episode, we reflect on the bittersweet emotions of the holidays as we honor the memory of our children’s late grandfather, whose birthday was on Christmas Day. We share how we balance grief and joy by teaching our kids about his legacy, creating meaningful traditions, and embracing moments of self-care. Join us as we explore ways to navigate the season while making space for both sorrow and celebration. Support our mission, become a member today: patreon.com/autismwis...
Dec 13, 2024•33 min
Tune in as we sit down with Dr. Matt on the topic of 2e/twice exceptional kiddos. Dr. Matt Zakreski, PsyD., is a dynamic speaker and clinical psychologist specializing in gifted and neurodivergent individuals. With over 400 presentations worldwide on stages and podcasts, he shares insights on supporting neurodivergent individuals in every aspect of life—from school to college to the workplace. He is passionate about making knowledge of the brain, human behavior, and clinical psychology accessibl...
Dec 06, 2024•37 min
Today we explore how to celebrate gratitude in ways that resonate with autistic children. From sensory-friendly activities to simple, meaningful routines, we’ll share how we create unique ways to teach and experience gratitude with our children. Support our mission, become a member today: patreon.com/autismwish
Nov 29, 2024•30 min
Today we have the honor of introducing Dr. Alex Klein, PsyD on the topic of pathological demand avoidance (PDA) in autism. Dr. Alex is a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in parenting as well as assessing neurodivergent adults and children. He currently runs a private practice in Oakland, California where he does counseling with individual adults, couples, and parents, as well as evaluating adults and children for autism, ADHD, and other forms of neurodivergence. His primary interes...
Nov 22, 2024•32 min
Tune in as we expose the raw reality of the intense exhaustion of parenting an autistic child that can feel all-consuming. We dive into the common experiences of feeling overwhelmed, depleted, and "running on fumes," with a reminder that it's okay to simply be present with your child without trying to immediately strategize. Support our mission, become a member today: patreon.com/autismwish
Nov 15, 2024•31 min
Today we’re happy to connect with Estates, Trusts, and Probate Attorney Adam Abramowitz. A sincere desire to help people protect their loved ones inspired Adam to focus his legal career on estate planning. He believes estate planning is an ongoing, lifelong process and he works with clients to see how each decision they make will fit into the overall picture of their long-term plan and goals. Adam is dedicated to assisting clients with all aspects of estate and trust planning, including the use ...
Nov 08, 2024•31 min
In this Halloween-themed episode, we’re excited to share practical tips for creating a fun, sensory-friendly Halloween experience for autistic kids, and a special guest appearance from the newest member of our family! We’ll also talk about how Halloween might look a little different this year as we embrace these changes. Support our mission, become a member today: patreon.com/autismwish
Nov 01, 2024•27 min
Today we sit down and chat with Amy McCoy, an autism parent, award winning children’s author, and disability educator. Her debut children’s novel, Little Big Sister, shares the sibling perspective of growing up with a brother who has autism. Amy combines her expertise as a former elementary school teacher with her experience of parenting a child with autism as she visits elementary schools, libraries, bookstores, and parenting groups offering interactive presentations highlighting disability acc...
Oct 25, 2024•27 min
Join us as we dive into strategies for navigating hurricanes and other natural disasters with autistic children. We’ll share tips on preparing ahead, creating safety, managing sensory overload, and returning to routine, while revealing how we create a sense of adventure to bring comfort and joy during the storm. Support our mission, become a member today: patreon.com/autismwish
Oct 18, 2024•27 min
Today we chat with Guy Stephens! Guy is a passionate advocate and nationally recognized expert on restraint and seclusion. In 2019, he founded the Alliance Against Seclusion and Restraint (AASR), a respected nonprofit aimed at reforming policies and practices to eliminate punitive discipline and the school-to-prison pipeline. Guy promotes trauma-informed, neurodiversity-affirming approaches and has spoken at numerous conferences and educational courses across North America. He also serves on the...
Oct 11, 2024•39 min
Join us as we discuss the pros and cons of homeschooling an autistic child. We’ll cover the benefits of personalized learning, socialization challenges, and tips for creating routines and incorporating therapies to help you decide if homeschooling is right for your family. Support our mission, become a member today: patreon.com/autismwish
Oct 04, 2024•32 min
Today we’re sitting down with Occupational Therapist and Pediatric Feeding Specialist Cuyler Romeo. Her extensive leadership and clinical experience are instrumental in the execution and management of Feeding Matters’ strategic initiatives. In partnership with the CEO, Jaclyn Pederson, Cuyler collaborates with constituents to identify, track, and assess innovative approaches to the PFD system of care. Cuyler also facilitates strategic partnerships with select professional associations including ...
Sep 27, 2024•31 min
On Sept. 4th a gunman who shall not be named entered Apalachee High School and ended the lives of 4 people in our community, two 14 year old students and 2 teachers. One of the two students, whose name was Mason, was autistic. Today we will discuss the incident that has put our community in national headlines and how we are processing the impact it has had on our children and the autism community. Due to the nature of the topic being discussed, this episode may not be appropriate for children. S...
Sep 20, 2024•31 min
Today we discuss hyper-empathy in autism—a condition where individuals feel others' emotions intensely, making it challenging to regulate their own feelings. We’ll explore what hyper-empathy looks like, its potential causes, its impact on daily life, and provide practical tips for managing it. Support our mission, become a member today: patreon.com/autismwish
Sep 13, 2024•27 min
Today’s special guest is Meg Raby Klinghoffer, an autistic writer and author of the beloved My Brother Otto series. As a speech-language pathologist at KultureCity, Meg is at the forefront of their latest innovation, Koji—a free AI tool designed to empower nonspeakers and minimally speaking individuals. Join us as Meg shares insights about Koji and her mission to create inclusive communities where everyone feels seen and connected. Follow KultureCity on Facebook & Instagram @KultureCity and ...
Sep 06, 2024•32 min
Join us as we share our children’s experience with Play Therapy and how these approaches are helping our girls manage anxiety, particularly around performance and fear of failure. We also discuss how Autplay, an autism-tailored play therapy, is teaching them new skills to help express emotions and build confidence. Support our mission, become a member: patreon.com/autismwish
Aug 30, 2024•26 min
Today we explore how to help your autistic child use their natural honesty more tactfully, turning their bluntness into a strength without causing social conflict. We discuss practical strategies to help your child express themselves while considering others' feelings. Tune in for tips on nurturing their honesty while fostering empathy and social awareness. Support our mission, Become A Member: patreon.com/autismwish
Aug 23, 2024•31 min
Tune in as we tackle the topic of autistic vulnerability, focusing on the challenges of social communication and how they can lead to bullying, harassment, social isolation, and even job loss. We'll discuss practical strategies for parents to support their children and safeguard their well-being. Support our mission, Become A Member: patreon.com/autismwish
Aug 16, 2024•30 min
In this special milestone episode, we are thrilled to celebrate reaching 100,000 listeners! To mark this momentous occasion, we are dedicating this episode to you, our amazing audience, with a Q&A session. We’ll be answering your most burning questions about parenting autistic children, sharing personal insights, and reflecting on the journey so far. Thank you for being part of the Embracing Autism community! Support our mission, Become A Member: patreon.com/autismwish
Aug 09, 2024•28 min
In today's episode, we sit down with Dr. Vladimir Barayev, a board-certified pediatrician and autism specialist, to discuss the importance of good sleep habits for autistic children. Dr. Vlad, who runs a holistic pediatric practice in Staten Island, New York, will share insights on common sleep issues and effective strategies for improving sleep. Join us as we explore practical advice to enhance the well-being of autistic children through better sleep routines. Follow Dr. Vlad on Facebook & ...
Aug 02, 2024•35 min
As the new school year approaches, we’ll share advice and practical strategies to help parents prepare their autistic children for a successful return to school. By fostering a supportive environment and implementing effective preparation techniques, you can make the transition smoother for your child. Support our mission, Become a Member: patreon.com/autismwish
Jul 26, 2024•26 min
Today we’ll explore how decision fatigue uniquely affects individuals with autism. We’ll show you how to identify signs, understand its impact, and discover practical strategies for managing daily choices. Support our mission, become a member today: patreon.com/autismwish
Jul 19, 2024•27 min
Amazon’s yearly Prime event is around the corner and we have some great suggestions on what we’ve personally used that has helped our girls with sensory regulation, elopement, transitions and more. Items discussed in this episode can be found below (we may earn a small commission on purchases made from these links at no additional cost to you): SimpliSafe 12 Piece Wireless Home Security System: https://amzn.to/4cs3xjL Echo Glow - Multicolor Smart Lamp: https://amzn.to/4eTnTDZ 4 Pack Home Securit...
Jul 12, 2024•23 min
We dive into the ups and downs of sibling rivalry when both kids are on the autism spectrum. We'll chat about how to help them understand each other, deal with jealousy, and break through communication barriers. Support our mission, become a member: patreon.com/autismwish
Jul 05, 2024•28 min
An inability to judge social situations often accompanies autism. Unfortunately, this can result in our children making poor choices when it comes to strangers. Today we dive into the topic of Stranger Danger, how we have seen it manifest in our children, and some ideas on tackling it. Support our mission, Become A Member today: patreon.com/AutismWish
Jun 28, 2024•28 min
