ABP Episode 25: School Start Strategies | A Conversation With Ceil Shanahan

August 9, 2017 by JaneenAdmin

We’re in the classroom today preparing for a new school year. Children with autism and related special needs experience a great deal of stress this time of year. We’ll be talking to masters-level educator, Ceil Shanahan about how to ease that transition.

In this episode you will discover:

Learn how to use a calendar to help your child know what to expect.
Discover ways to include your child in the Back-To-School process.
Find out why it’s crucial for your child to know the details about their first week back.
Learn how to develop a growth mindset in your child.

Mentioned on the podcast:

Join the conversation: Our Autism Blueprint Private Facebook Page

Learn more about Ceil and the services she provides: Ceil’s Puzzle Peace Counseling page

Giveaway mentioned on the podcast:

Back To School Strategies Cheat Sheet

Enter your info below to receive your FREE giveaway!

Meet Today’s Guest, Ceil Shanahan, MS

Masters-Level Educator, Special Needs Strategist

Ceil received a BA in Elementary Education and Intellectual Disabilities from Flagler College, as well as a MS in Special education from the University of North Florida. In her 35 years as an exceptional student educator, she piloted both the pre-kindergarten developmentally delayed and autistic programs for St. John’s County, Florida. In addition to completing her ASD endorsement, she co-developed and taught this endorsement at the county level.

She is experienced in working with extremely diverse populations of students and consider her strengths to be developing relationships, untangling unproductive behavioral challenges and providing practical strategies to alleviate concerns in varying environments. Her company, Peaced Together, LLC is dedicated to “Mending life skills today for a productive life tomorrow.”

If you’re in the First Coast Florida area, Ceil is offering a discounted rate of only $99 on her Back-To-School Special.

Click here to download the flyer for more info.

Listen To This Episode:

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Filed Under: podcast, Uncategorized

ABP Episode 24 | Social Skills & Speech | A Conversation With Erin Lamblez, SLP

August 2, 2017 by JaneenAdmin

Today we’re in the therapy room, talking to speech and language therapist, Erin Lamblez. Our conversation centers around social and speech delays in children with autism. We’ll be diving into how social skills are connected to language skills.

In this episode you will discover:

How Erin uses her speech and language specialty to teach social skills.
How to know if your child is behind in their social skills.
How Erin’s business model helps kids reach their full potential.
What parents can do to encourage language and social skills.

Mentioned on the podcast:

Join the conversation: Our Autism Blueprint Private Facebook Page

Erin’s website: www.erinslittletalkers.com

Erin’s Facebook page: www.facebook.com/littletalkersinc

Giveaway mentioned on the podcast:

Social Skills Checklist For Young Children

Enter your info below to receive your FREE giveaway!

Meet Today’s Guest, Erin Lamblez, SLP

Erin Lamblez is a Speech Language Pathologist and the owner of Little Talkers Inc. She graduated from FSU with a Bachelors and Masters Degree in Communication Disorders. She is a licensed speech therapist in the state of Florida and certified with the American Speech Language Hearing Association (ASHA). She has worked in the schools, home, and outpatient setting for over 10 years. She has experience with all ages and various disorders including: language delay, articulation delay, phonological disorders, fluency disorder, feeding delay, apraxia, autism, auditory processing disorder, and others. She has worked in the Communication Social Skills (CSS) classrooms in Duval County Schools for 7 years. She has certification in Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) 1 & 2 and has a passion working with early language delays and Autism.

If you’re in the Jacksonville, Florida area, Erin will be offering 8-week Social Skills language groups for students ages 2-10 beginning in the fall of 2017.

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Filed Under: podcast Tagged With: autism, delays, language, social skills, speech, speech therapy

ABP Episode 23 | Autism On The Couch | A Reverse Interview of Janeen Herskovitz | With Guest Interviewer Dr. Patricia Sherman

July 25, 2017 by JaneenAdmin

Today we’re in Janeen’s house for a reverse interview. We’ll get to know host, Janeen Herskovitz even better and hear about her autism experience from both a personal and professional perspective. Dr. Patricia Sherman leads the interview as part of her Treating Trauma Without Drama telesummit.

In this episode you will discover:

Janeen’s autism mom story and how it led her to become a therapist
Why getting an autism diagnosis is a traumatic experience for parents
How autism trauma affects the marriage and family
How Janeen learned to take care of herself and put her own needs first
How Janeen uses EMDR therapy in treating clients with autism.

Mentioned on the podcast:

Click here for a video version of the interview.

Join the conversation: Our Autism Blueprint Private Facebook Page

Dr. Sherman’s Telesummit: Treating Trauma Without Drama

Heart Math

Info about EMDR Therapy

Autism Mom/Combat Soldier study

The Body Keeps The Score, By Bessel Van Der Kolk

Giveaway mentioned on the podcast:

5 Best Practices For Therapists Working with Autism

Enter your info below to receive your FREE giveaway!

Meet today’s Guest Interviewer, Dr. Patricia Sherman, Ph.D, LCSW:

Dr. Patricia Sherman, Ph.D, LCSW

Dr. Patricia Sherman is a trauma treatment speaker, educator, trainer and supervisor. She helps mental health professionals feel more comfortable treating clients who have experienced trauma. She has taught at Kean College in New Jersey, and is a licensed clinical social worker.

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Filed Under: podcast Tagged With: autism, counseling, parenting, therapy, trauma

ABP Episode 22: Q&A Day | Answers To Our Most Common Listener Questions | With Co-Host Joe Herskovitz

July 11, 2017 by JaneenAdmin

We’re in the dining room today with my co-host, and husband, Joe Herskovitz. Why the dining room? Because in our house, this is where the important conversations take place. It’s also where we recorded this episode. Whether it’s over dinner, or just a cup of tea, the dining room for us means family and connection. And you’re invited to hear us answer some of our listener questions today.

*Note: This episode contains some strong language. If strong language offends you, you are probably not an autism parent. 😉

In this episode you will discover:

A dad’s perspective on meltdowns, marriage, and living with autism for 20 years.
Answers to listener questions from both parents and professionals.
How our sense of humor sustains us in the midst of raising our son with autism.

Mentioned on the podcast:

Join the conversation: Our Autism Blueprint Private Facebook Page

Send your questions to Janeen and Joe:

janeen@autismblueprint.com

Giveaway: What To Do When You Don’t Know What To Do Infographic

ABP Episode 22: What To Do Infographic

Enter your info below to receive your FREE giveaway!

Meet today’s co-host, Joe Herskovitz:

Joe is the husband of Janeen, and dad of Ben and Rebekah. He’s been an autism dad for 20 years, as well as a Social Studies teacher with St. John’s County, Florida for just as long. He enjoys spending time with his family, cooking, hitting golf balls in the backyard, and rooting for Philadelphia sports teams.

Joe brings to the table a warm heart, and a father’s perspective.

Joe and Janeen Herskovitz

Joe Herskovitz, Hard at work.

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Filed Under: podcast Tagged With: autism dad, fatherhood, meltdowns, questions

ABP Episode 21 | Art For All | How to use art to help children with autism | A Conversation with Kelly DeSousa and Sarah Beaman

July 4, 2017 by JaneenAdmin

We’re in the art room today with my special guests Kelly DeSousa and Sarah Beaman, of Indigo Art Therapy Studios. We’re talking all about art therapy and how it can help children on the autism spectrum, as well as how to incorporate art into your child’s life- even if they won’t pick up a crayon.

*Painting above in the title photo was created by Janeen’s son, Ben Herskovitz.

In this episode you will discover:

What art therapy is…and isn’t.
The difference between art therapy and art class.
How and why Sarah and Kelly became art therapists.
How to incorporate art into your child’s life, regardless of their ability or talent.
A free downloadable guide from Kelly and Sarah about how to help your child increase coping skills through art.

Mentioned on the podcast:

Join the conversation: Our Autism Blueprint Private Facebook Page

Indigo Art Therapy Studios website

Indigo’s Instagram page

*My apologies that the sound was a bit wonky in this episode…thanks for your patience!

Giveaway: Coping Box Guide

ABP Episode 21: Coping Tools Guide

Enter your info below to receive your FREE giveaway!

Meet today’s guests, Kelly DeSousa and Sarah Beaman:

Kelly DeSousa

Sarah Beaman

Kelly DeSousa and Sarah Beaman are co-founders of Indigo Art Therapy Studio. They are both master’s level, registered art therapists and licensed professional educators with certifications in exceptional student education. Kelly is also a certified yoga instructor.

Together they have over two decades of combined experience working with individuals with special needs in a variety of settings. They share the vision of an inclusive studio where art is accessible to all.

Kelly and Sarah help individuals of all ages and abilities to create their own healing through art therapy, yoga instruction, and personalized mindfulness practices. Their holistic approach focuses on restoring and supporting emotional, physical, and mental balance.

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Filed Under: podcast

ABP Episode 20: Motherhood Maze | Creating Balance Without Getting Lost | A Conversation With Kirsten Goffena

June 27, 2017 by JaneenAdmin

We’re in the garden today, engaging in some self-care and talking about creating balance in your life as a mom. Why the garden, you ask? Because it’s where we relax, unwind, and grow!

Too many moms- especially those raising a child with autism or special needs, put their needs last. This can create an imbalance in your life as well as cause a great deal of pain. My conversation today is with Kirsten Goffena, a psychotherapist who has learned the lessons of self-care and now teaches it to others.

In this episode you will discover:

The importance of self-care.
Kirsten’s “autism mom” experience and how it has changed her.
How you can take better care of YOU.
How to join the supportive online community Kirsten has created.

Mentioned on the podcast:

Join the conversation: Our Autism Blueprint Private Facebook Page

Join Kirsten’s Lost In Motherhood Community HERE.

Women In Depth Podcast Interviews:

Interview with Janeen, “Perspectives On Motherhood: The Experience of Autism Moms”

Interview with Kirsten, “Lost In Motherhood”

Giveaway: “Water Your Garden” Self-Care Exercise printable

(Which I totally forgot to mention in the podcast…oops!)

ABP Episode 20: Water Your Garden Self-Care Exercise

Enter your info below to receive your FREE giveaway!

Meet today’s guest, Kirsten Goffena:

Kirsten is a play therapist and healer who specializes in supporting women who feel lost in motherhood. In her Fort Collins, Colorado practice she and her certified therapy dog Luna, help children and families strengthen their relationships by healing trauma and attachment wounds. Kirsten is passionate about helping mothers find balance in their lives by reconnecting to themselves and their own playfulness. She has just launched an online community for moms called Lost in Motherhood.

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Filed Under: podcast Tagged With: authenticity, autism, balance, lost, motherhood, parenting, selfcare, stress

ABP Episode 19: Wandering Worries | How To Keep Track of Your Kiddo | A Conversation With Krista Teare

June 20, 2017 by JaneenAdmin

We’re in your child’s bedroom room today talking about keeping your child safe from wandering and elopement. My guest today is Krista Teare, co-founder of the DECCO Toddler Monitor company. We will be chatting about ways to keep your child safe.

In this episode you will discover:

What wandering and elopement is and how to prevent it.
How one mom-entrepreneur turned a scary experience into a product to help other families.
Tips for keeping your child safe at home.

Mentioned on the podcast:

Join the conversation: Our Autism Blueprint Private Facebook Page

Here is the Mashable video Krista mentions: https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=mashable%20toddler%20monitor

Wandering tips from the NAA: http://nationalautismassociation.org/wandering-quick-tips/

For more info about the DECCO Toddler Monitor: https://www.toddlermonitor.com/

To pre-order a DECCO monitor:

https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/decco-the-toddler-monitor-app-bluetooth#/

Meet today’s guest, Krista Teare:

Krista Teare and her business partner, Lisa.

Krista and her business partner Lisa, are moms and management consultants, turned entrepreneurs.

When their toddlers moved from cribs to “big boy beds”, they experienced some interesting and frightening situations that warranted a creative solution.

As they discussed their challenges, they quickly learned two things:

1. Toddlers wandering undetected, especially at night, is a huge problem that causes frustration and stress for many parents.

2. There are no products in the market that reliably solve this problem, causing parents to worry or take drastic measures such as locking their child into their room to keep them safe.

They decided to solve this problem so that parents can have the peace of mind that comes with knowing that their toddlers, and children with special needs are in bed, safe and sound. And so, a new category of child safety products was born.

About the DECCO Monitor:

DECCO, up close, and in use.

Toddler Monitor (www.toddlermonitor.com) is the first of its kind, a Bluetooth-enabled motion sensor that hangs on the doorknob to your child’s room. When it senses the door open, it sends an alert to a smartphone app. Simple as that, you know your kid’s on the move!

Model, Jordan Grace.

Partnership with Changingthefaceofbeauty.org

Giveaway: Preventing Wandering Guide

ABP Episode 19:Preventing Wandering Guide

Enter your info below to receive your FREE giveaway!

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Filed Under: podcast Tagged With: autism, bedroom, DECCO, elopement, monitor, safety, toddlers, wandering

ABP: Episode 18 | Sense and Sensitivity | Using the 5 Senses To Reduce Anxiety and Meltdowns

June 13, 2017 by JaneenAdmin

We’re in the sensory room today talking about reducing meltdowns and decreasing anxiety.

In this episode you will discover:

How our five senses are related directly to our ability to manage strong emotions.
Tips for using sensory input to manage anxiety.
A free guide on how to use these tips.

Mentioned on the podcast:

Join the conversation: Our Autism Blueprint Private Facebook Page

Click here for the self-care episode, which I mention in this podcast.

Mosaic Weighted Blankets

Goodtherapy CEU’s Training: Working with Autism Spectrum Families: What Clinicians Need To Know

Treating Trauma Without Drama Online Telesummit (FREE)

Giveaway: 5 Senses Tips Guide

ABP Episode 18: 5 Senses Tips Guide

Enter your info below to receive your FREE giveaway!

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Filed Under: podcast

ABP Episode 17 | Good Grief Part 2 | How To Handle The Grief That Accompanies Autism

June 6, 2017 by JaneenAdmin

We’re continuing our discussion ‘on the couch’ today talking about grief. This is part two of a conversation that started in episode 16. In this episode we’ll go into detail about the five stages of grief as they relate to raising a child with autism, as well as some tips to get you through each stage.

In this episode you will discover:

How each stage of grief has it’s own unique attributes.
Tips on how to get through each stage of grief.
How to identify the stage of grief you may be in.

Mentioned on the podcast:

Join the conversation: Our Autism Blueprint Private Facebook Page

Click here for the previous episode, where I introduce the concept of grief in autism parenting.

Giveaway: Autism Stages of Grief Guide

ABP Episode 17: Stages of Grief Guide

Enter your info below to receive your FREE giveaway!

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Filed Under: podcast Tagged With: autism, grief, parenting, stages, tips

ABP Episode 16 | Good Grief | How To Handle The Grief That Accompanies Autism

May 30, 2017 by JaneenAdmin

We’re ‘on the couch’ today talking about grief. I’ll be covering the topic of grief and autism during the next two episodes. In this episode we’ll address the importance of being aware of the grieving process in the autism family.

In this episode you will discover: