Andrew's Autistic World Podcast

We are back!  Although we've taken 2 years off, they have certainly not been without event. What was the COVID era like with a child who has Autism? We'll update all of the original topics covered, from safety, sleep, vacations, siblings, potty training, family life, food, and so much more. New topics too, including how Andrew is adjusting to two new homes. Join us for another fun-filled ride as we do our best to create a new normal in this interesting world.

This week's episode aired on WPLM-FM on Sunday April 19, 2020.  We took the episode from the series South of Boston and are sharing it as this month's episode.  The goal was to talk about Autism, behavioral therapies, explain exactly what the VB MAPP is and how it originated.  When this episode was originally written, I didn't know I'd be sequestered and quarantined along with the family.  So the audio definitely infuses some of the challenges that trying to continue progress with your kiddo during a quarantine pose.

Like most parents across the U.S., you may find that school and therapy centers are closed, leaving us parents to manage their schooling and services from home while still trying to work, remotely or not. This episode is a shorty. Just a little review of what Mundo de Andrew is like and how we're getting through it.

No vacations, sleepless nights, a growing child still wearing diapers and living life in a constant state of exhaustion. That’s the challenging aspect, yet it could be a million times worse. Caregiver burnout is real. In this episode, we chat about what it is like raising children with a disability as they get older and how to cope. I share what I’ve found helpful in my journey alongside Andrew.

This week, we review Andrew's first week in Kindergarten, our IEP process and the impetus to make the switch. Join us, for a review of Andrew's newest adventures in 2020.

Building a therapy home is more than just modifications and safety provisions. Building a therapy home means creating a space that is fun and continues to move the ball forward in all areas of skill acquisition. This week we focus on the space, sleep arrangements, safety, redirecting behaviors, and functional play.

A quick little episode where we review some tips on how to survive the holidays when you have a Kiddo on the spectrum. Happy Holidays!

This week, we talk about different types of therapy we've tried or looked into as compliments to Andrew's ABA therapy. For most kiddos with ASD, the normal regimen of therapies are Applied Behavioral Analysis, Speech Language Pathology, Occupational Therapy and Adaptive PhysEd programs. What else is out there and working for some kids? Well.....let's find out.

In this episode, we discuss food, special diets, inflammation and the relationship of food & brain.

Any and every parent with a child on the spectrum can attest to the selective menu children with autism have when it comes to sustenance. When you pair their texture preferences with uninvested attitude toward food, then add in any element of hyperactivity, it makes the average parent anxious about their child's state of nourishment. This week we discuss the struggles of parents with Atypical and Neurotypical alike when it comes to mealtime. 

When we started this blog and podcast, we decided to chronicle our experiences in real time so that they might be a reference source for other parents wondering what their options were. This week, our updates on IEP’s, safety trackers and what Andrew’s genetic test revealed.

Autism Speaks hosted its first scientific conference in December 2018 regarding cannabis-based medicines. The Conference brought together 30 researchers, autism advocates and medical professionals. Today’s episode, we discuss some of the findings, limitations, next steps and our own opinion on where we think this may or may not be an option for our own little dude.

How do you prepare for a first trip to the dentist when you have a kiddo with autism? Taking those normal apprehensions and then coupling them with overwhelming sensory issues is where the challenge lies. This week, we discuss a few pointers.

It is thequestion asked fairly often by parents who have children with Autism and developmental delays. While genetic testing in relation to autism is still a growing science, there have been some identified chromosome and genetic markers that are linked to developmental delays. This week, we get down and nerdy.

Moms, remember how tired you were in pregnancy because your body was creating life? Then, once you delivered, your baby needed to be fed every two to three hours in infancy. So even once you regained energy, your sleep rhythm was absolutely trashed by that cute as a button new roommate. I remember. The North REMEMBERS.

Individualized Education Programs are designed to the specific needs of your child so that they can learn at their pace and in an environment conducive to their learning. This week’s episode, we discuss what parents should know, how they can prepare and some other insights that will deepen your knowledge of how to begin.

What will Andrew’s life will be like at 7? At 12? At 20? Can I live forever? What deal with the devil do I need to make to ensure that I am going to be around to make sure I’ll always be there for Andrew, that I don’t have to burden his brother with this, and that I don’t have to navigate and depend on adult autism services for my baby. Listen to us talk through our own fears and introduce a family who has been through this.  They've been through the toddler stage, the adolescence, young adulthood, and so on. They're on the other side.

Potty training any kid is tedious….but we don’t have just any kid on our hands…..we have Mr. Andrew. Four days, we followed the procedure to the letter of the law. Find out whether or not we had any success and what the worst part of this attempt was.

I’ll always wonder if we as parents are rationing out the proper amount of attention. I’ll want John to know that he is just as special and loved. Even though Andrew requires more help, we want him to know that he’s more than an added family member to help Andrew along in the world. He’s an awesome kid, an awesome big brother and an amazing, loving son.

Once you’ve somewhat mastered keeping them in the home and the ability to track them should they elope, you’re job is only halfway done. Safety concerns still persist inside your home. This week we discuss ways to redirect maladaptive behaviors and address safety concerns inside the home.