Autism Blueprint Podcast

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ABP Episode 35: Community Service | How Carrence Bass Addressed the Unmet Autism Needs in Her Community

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We’re out in the neighborhood today talking about making our community more autism inclusive.

When Carrence Bass saw unmet needs in her community, she started a non-profit to address those needs. In this episode we’ll be talking about her journey, the stigma that surrounds autism, as well as how we can unite our autism community more effectively.

In this episode you will discover:

  • How one autism mom’s passion for helping, is now uniting the Jacksonville, Florida community.
  • What surprised Carrence the most when she began researching the unmet needs in her community.
  • Why our autism community is so divided and what you can do about it.
  • How to help a parent when you see them struggling with their child in public.
  • A FREE downloadable, PDF to share with family and friends, “How To Support A Family Living With Autism.”

Mentioned on the podcast:

Join the conversation in our private Facebook group: Our Autism Blueprint Private Facebook Page 

If you’re in the Jacksonville, Florida area, join us. Autism Blueprint will be there!

 

Meet Carrence Bass:

Carrence Bass founded Making Strides For Autism, Inc. (MS4A) while working from her dining room table. A disabled veteran and mother of a son with autism had helped families for 5 years find resources needed on their autism journey. Since her son was first diagnosed with autism in 2009, she began to isolate herself because of the lack of understanding by friends, family, and the community.  She faced many struggles navigating through the maze of accessing care for her son and dealing with her own disability.  The more families she helped, the more she realized she wasn’t alone. Autism had no financial, racial, or religious barriers. It impacted everyone. Families were struggling emotionally and financially as they dealt with the disorder and more awareness was needed in the community. She wished it was a way she could do more.

She realized it was time to start a nonprofit consisting of families and supporters paying-it-forward to meet the unmet needs of autism families and connecting the community.  Thus, Making Strides For Autism, Inc. (MS4A) was formed on March 31, 2016.

 

This Week’s Giveaway:

How to Support An Autism Family

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ABP Episode 34: Stinking Thinking | How Your Beliefs About Yourself Influence Your Child With Autism

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We’re on the therapy couch today talking about how our thoughts can affect our parenting behavior. Janeen shares the top eleven limiting beliefs she hears from autism parents and how to challenge them.

In this episode you will discover:

  • How our beliefs affect our feelings.
  • Common beliefs about ourselves that may limit our parenting.
  • How to challenge the limiting beliefs we hold.
  • A FREE downloadable, PDF of the 11 Limiting Beliefs of ASD Parents.

Mentioned on the podcast:

Join the conversation in our private Facebook group: Our Autism Blueprint Private Facebook Page 

TACA National Organization

TACA Georgia Conference, where Janeen will be speaking February 23 & 24, 2018.

 

Previous episodes mentioned: *(Click the image to listen.)

 

 

This Week’s Giveaway:

11 Limiting Beliefs of Autism Parents

Enter your info below to receive your FREE giveaway!

Listen to episode 34:

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ABP Episode 33: Anxiety and Autism | How To Help Your Child Manage Their Anxiety

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We’re on the therapist’s couch today talking about autism and anxiety. In this episode, Janeen covers how anxiety manifests in people with autism and what you can do, as a parent or provider, to help them. 

In this episode you will discover:

  • Some of the reasons underlying your child’s anxiety.
  • How to tell if your child is experiencing anxiety.
  • How you can help your child manage their anxious feelings.
  • Janeen’s creative solution to help her daughter keep monsters away.
  • A FREE downloadable, PDF reminder (suitable for hanging on your fridge) “What To Do When You Feel Anxious”

Mentioned on the podcast:

Join the conversation in our private Facebook group: Our Autism Blueprint Private Facebook Page 

Info about PANDAS/PANS:

What Is PANDAS?

Article: What It’s Like To Live With The Monster That Is PANDAS

 

Article about the song that can reduce anxiety. (link included in article)

Previous episodes mentioned: *(Click the image to listen.)

This Week’s Giveaway:

What To Do When You Get Anxious, printable

Enter your info below to receive your FREE giveaway!

Listen to episode 33:

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ABP Episode 32: Couples Counseling | How Going To Therapy As A Couple Can Help Your Child With Autism

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We’re in the master bedroom today talking about marriage and couple hood. Janeen talks about the importance of putting your relationship first, and shares how couples counseling can help you create more peace in your home while raising a child with autism. 

In this episode you will discover:

  • Why peace in the home starts with the relationship between the parents.
  • Janeen’s experience in couples counseling as a therapist AND a client.
  • How grief is connected to our well-being as a couple.
  • How to find a counselor who’s the right fit.
  • A FREE downloadable, PDF notes page “How Autism Parents Can Benefit From Couples Counseling.”

Mentioned on the podcast:

Join the conversation in our private Facebook group: Our Autism Blueprint Private Facebook Page 

 

Finding a counselor:

Good Therapy

Psychology Today

 

Previous episodes about grief: *(Click the image to listen.)

This Week’s Giveaway:

Couples Counseling Cheat Sheet

Enter your info below to receive your FREE giveaway!

Listen to episode 32:

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ABP Episode 31 | Thinking Outside the Holiday Box | Holidays with Autism Survival Series, Part 3

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We’re in the family room today talking about the holidays and autism. Janeen and her husband Joe will be sharing stories, anecdotes and even a few tips about how to have a happy holiday season, no matter which ones you celebrate. And of course we will have a few laughs along the way. 

In this episode you will discover:

  • Our family’s experience adjusting to our “new normal.”
  • An autism dad’s perspective on surviving the holiday season.
  • How to adjust your holiday expectations to meet the reality of your new situation.
  • Why we have to be able to laugh and not take ourselves too seriously.
  • A FREE downloadable, 2-page Holidays Tips Sheet, perfect for sharing with extended family who need a better understanding of your child’s needs.

Mentioned on the podcast:

Join the conversation in our private Facebook group: Our Autism Blueprint Private Facebook Page 

Click here to hear a previous episode with Joe Herskovitz as a co-host.

Click here to hear Janeen’s interview with her daughter Rebekah about being an autism sibling.

 

Baci “in the studio” during the interview.

Co-host, Joe Herskovitz, pictured here with Baci.

 

This Week’s Giveaway:

Holiday Tips Guide

Enter your info below to receive your FREE giveaway!

Listen to episode 31:

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ABP Episode 30: Thanksgiving Recipe For Success | Holidays With Autism Survival Series: Part 2

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We’re in the dining room today talking about Thanksgiving and autism. Janeen will be sharing her tips on how to have a more peaceful holiday, whether you’re staying at home or off to Grandma’s house. 

In this episode you will discover:

  • How to adjust your expectations to meet reality.
  • What you need to know about your child in order to help them cope.
  • Tips for doing what’s best for your family.
  • How to deal with relatives who “don’t get it.”
  • A FREE downloadable PDF: Recipe For Success Sheet

Mentioned on the podcast:

Join the conversation in our private Facebook group: Our Autism Blueprint Private Facebook Page 

NAA Grandparent Toolkit: https://www.facebook.com/naagrandparents

Previous episode about Ben’s bedroom makeover.

 

More light reading on the subject of the holidays:

Janeen’s article on Goodtherapy: Thanksfulness In the Midst of Autism 

2 Awesome Articles from TACA (Talk About Curing Autism):

https://www.tacanow.org/blog/autism-and-the-holidays/

https://www.tacanow.org/family-resources/talk-about-the-holidays/

 

This Week’s Giveaway:

Thanksgiving Recipe For Success

Enter your info below to receive your FREE giveaway!

 

Listen To Episode 30:

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ABP Episode 29: Handling Halloween | Holidays With Autism Survival Series: Part 1

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We’re out and about in the neighborhood today, talking about Halloween. This is the first in our Holidays With Autism Survival Series.

Holidays can be filled with change and chaos, making it difficult for kiddos on the spectrum to enjoy them. We’ll be covering some tips and things to consider when preparing your child for Halloween, as well as a free social story giveaway.

*Photo by Beth Teutschmann on Unsplash

In this episode you will discover:

  • How to help your child choose a costume, while addressing sensory needs.
  • How to best prepare them for trick-or-treating.
  • Tips for doing what’s best for YOU and how to keep your expectations realistic.
  • Alternatives to trick-or-treating.

Mentioned on the podcast:

Back-To-School Episode 25 with Ceil Shanahan

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party at Disney World

Find some cool Halloween T-shirts HERE on Amazon.

Give some feedback for our upcoming episodes in our private Facebook group: Our Autism Blueprint Private Facebook Page 

This Week’s Giveaway:

Halloween Social Story + Tips Sheet

Enter your info below to receive your FREE giveaway!

 

Listen To Episode 29:

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ABP Episode 28: Brains On Fire | How To Manage Difficult Behaviors | A Conversation With Samantha Moe

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We’re in the family room today with parent coach, Samantha Moe. Samantha and I will be talking about what it means to have an intense brain, mistakes parents make when dealing with their child, and what they can do differently. We’ll also discuss how she helps other professionals in her step-by-step parenting approach.

In this episode you will discover:

  • How to improve your parenting skills.
  • What the “intense brain” child is and why it’s a struggle for them to cope.
  • How to manage a meltdown.
  • Why electronics can pose a problem for the brain on fire.
  • How Samantha helps parents become better and professionals help them more effectively.

Mentioned on the podcast:

Join the conversation: Our Autism Blueprint Private Facebook Page 

How to get in touch with Samantha:

Samantha’s Website & Giveaway: www.mad2glad.com
Help for professionals: www.mad2glad.com/certification

This Week’s Giveaway:

What To Say To Help Your Child Calm Down (infographic)

What To Say Infographic

Enter your info below to receive your FREE giveaway!

 

Meet Today’s Guest:

 Samantha Moe, MA, SLP, Certified Parent Coach

Samantha Moe

Samantha Moe, M.A., started her career as a Speech Language Pathologist with a passion to unlock the gifts of children with Autism. Since then, she has used her strong background in direct services to families to create a step-by-step parenting approach called the Mad2Glad Blueprint. Samantha coaches parents of all types of children to dramatically reduce defiance and disrespect and re-establish confidence and authority. Her program is so effective she now certifies other child professionals in her cutting-edge approach. Samantha’s vision is to bring peace and enjoyment to families around the world.

Listen To Episode 28:

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ABP: Episode 27: The Myth of the Perfect Mom

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We’re on the couch today with marriage and family therapist, Nicole Burgess. Nicole and I will be talking about the importance of taking care of yourself as an autism mom, and why it can be detrimental to aim for perfection. Nicole specializes in counseling women and girls, and has lots to share about the unique challenges females face.

In this episode you will discover:

  • How the needs of women- particularly autism moms- are unique.

  • Ways to take care of yourself even when you don’t have the time.

  • How mindfulness can literally change your brain structure.

  • What we are teaching our children by the way we handle stress.

Mentioned on the podcast:

Join the conversation: Our Autism Blueprint Private Facebook Page 

Janeen’s interview on Nicole’s podcast, Launching Your Daughter

How to get in touch with Nicole:

Nicole’s website & podcast: www.NicoleCBurgess.com

Facebook: @NicoleBurgessCoaching

Twitter: @NBurgesslmft

Instagram: @NicoleBurgessLMFT

Giveaway mentioned on the podcast: Breathing Exercise For Stress Management

Breathing Exercise For Stress Management

Enter your info below to receive your FREE giveaway!

 

Meet Today’s Guest, Nicole Burgess, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

Nicole Burgess, LMFT

 

Nicole Burgess is a licensed marriage and family therapist in Indianapolis, Indiana and California. She works with teen girls and women in overcoming anxiety through mindfulness and creative and expressive techniques. As a life coach, Nicole supports women breaking free from the myth of being the perfect woman and reclaiming their wholeness. She is also the host of Launching Your Daughter podcast. 

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ABP Episode 26: Leaning In | Autism Parenting Lessons Learned On How to Bend and Not Break

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Today we’re “on the couch” talking about leaning into discomfort. Autism can be hard to live with. Parents and professionals need to have a strategy for when things don’t go quite the way we planned. In today’s episode, host, Janeen Herskovitz shares  examples of leaning in through her own personal and professional experiences.

In this episode you will discover:

  • Changes coming to the podcast and why Janeen made them.

  • Discover how to be more comfortable with discomfort.

  • A free giveaway to remind you how to lean in.

  • Some personal, heartfelt words of encouragement from Janeen…one autism parent to another.

Mentioned on the podcast:

Join the conversation: Our Autism Blueprint Private Facebook Page 

 

Giveaway mentioned on the podcast:

Leaning In Infographic

Enter your info below to receive your FREE giveaway!

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