Autism Blueprint Podcast

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ABP Episode 015 | Summer Survival | Tips For Getting Through The Summer With Your ASD Kiddos

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We’re in the backyard today talking about how to survive the summer! Summer is a tough time for any parent but for the autism parent it’s a huge challenge. In this episode we’ll address the struggle and some helpful suggestions.

In this episode you will discover:

  • Why summer is such a difficult time for ASD parents and ways to cope.
  • Advice from other moms about what to do to keep your kids busy and your sanity intact.
  • A giveaway that could save your child’s life.

Mentioned on the podcast:

Camp I Am Special 

Join the conversation and tell us what you’re doing this summer:

Our Autism Blueprint Private Facebook Page 

Giveaway: I’m It Safety Tag

ABP Episode 15: I'm It Safety Tag

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ABP Episode 14: Perfectly Imperfect | Why There’s No Place For Perfectionism In Autism

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We’re ‘on the couch’ today, talking about perfectionism and why it has no place in autism…or in your life.

In this episode you will discover:

  • How host, Janeen Herskovitz, overcame her own struggle with perfectionism.
  • Learn how authenticity is the antidote to perfectionism.
  • An exercise that will help you get more in touch with yourself.

Mentioned on the podcast:

Book: I Hope I Screw This Up , By Kyle Cease

Our Autism Blueprint Private Facebook Page 

 

Giveaway: Thoughts Exercise Worksheet

ABP Episode 14: Thoughts Exercise Worksheet

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ABP Episode 13 | Bedroom Benefits | How To Make Your Child’s Bedroom More Therapeutic | A Conversation With Starlight Project’s Cherie Sussman

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Summary

We’re in the bedroom today, chatting with Cherie Sussman. Cherie and her husband, Craig started the Starlight Project in 2011, and have been providing bedroom makeovers for children with special needs ever since. In today’s conversation we’ll be discussing how your child’s room can be, not only a place to sleep, but a therapeutic, safe space as well.

In this episode you will discover:

  • How The Starlight Project got started, and what Cherie has gained from her experience.
  • Changes you can make to your child’s bedroom to reduce anxiety and help their ability to self-soothe.
  • How you can apply for a bedroom makeover for your child.

Mentioned on the podcast:

The Starlight Project Website

Ben’s Room Makeover: See pics here

Down Syndrome Association of Jacksonville

 

Giveaway: ASD Bedroom Tips

ABP Episode 13: ASD Bedroom Tips Sheet

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Meet Cherie Sussman, Founder of the Starlight Project

Cherie and Craig Sussman, Founders of The Starlight Project

Cherie Sussman is a 34 year-old mama of three, living in St. Augustine, Florida with her amazing husband, Craig. They founded The StarLight Project in 2011, a non-profit organization parented with the Down Syndrome Association of Jacksonville, that creates dream rooms for children with special needs. Over the past 5 years they have reached out and supported over 200 children in Jacksonville and St. Augustine. Cherie is honored to have the opportunity to share their passion with all of you. In addition to creating dream bedrooms, the Sussmans love spending time outdoors biking, hiking and swimming.

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ABP Episode 12 | Autism Reframe | Viewing Autism From A Trauma Perspective | A Conversation With Robert Cox

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photo: Jessica Ruscello via Unsplash

Summary

What if the behaviors we see in autism had a reason and purpose other than just being “a part of autism we need to get rid of?” What happens when we treat autism as a trauma, and make our number one priority helping them feel safe?

We’re in the therapy room today with therapist, author and podcaster, Robert Cox. In today’s conversation we’ll be re-framing our view of autism and autism treatments, based in a trauma perspective.

In this episode you will discover:

  • How your child’s “behaviors” may stem from trauma or extreme anxiety.
  • What our kids really need in order to improve their social skills (HINT: It’s NOT more social skills training.)
  • What happens when we re-frame the autism experience through the lense of trauma.

Mentioned on the podcast:

Movie: Autism In Love (on Netflix)

You can find Robert’s autism work by going to http://www.autismtraumatreatment.org

Listening to autism podcast iTunes link is: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/listening-to-autism-podcast/id1200311413?mt=2

Robert’s Book :The Life Recovery Method: AutismTreatment From A Trauma Perspective:

The first 50 to sign up on the book page will receive half off when it is published this spring  http://liferecoveryconsulting.com/autism-2/

Giveaway:

MP3 Mindfulness Exercise,  compliments of  Robert. 

 

Meet Our Guest: Robert Cox, MA, NCC

Robert has been working in the field with autism in one capacity or another for over 20 years.  During his research on trauma in his master’s program he noticed similarities in the responses of trauma patients and those of the autism clients he had worked with.  It led Robert to devise a new method of seeing and treating autism from a trauma perspective which has had remarkable results.  You can read about some of it in his new book, “The Life Recovery Method: AutismTreatment From A Trauma Perspective” which shows how autism acts as a trauma-inducing event in the lives of individuals and what to do to improve treatment results. 

In addition, Robert has a podcast “Listening To Autism” along with a support group on Facebook of the same name where individuals, parents and professionals can find mutual support and answers.

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ABP Episode 11 | The Trauma Tightrope | When Autism And A Parent’s Past Collide

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Summary

We’re in the family room today with author and trauma advocate, Heather Tuba. In today’s conversation we’ll be talking about the difficult balance between autism and a parent’s traumatic past.

In this episode you will discover:

  • What Heather learned after her husband’s traumatic past and autism collided.
  • How to handle your own “stuff” when it comes to the surface.
  • How to balance life when you have more issues than just autism in your household.

Mentioned on the podcast:

Get Heather’s FREE e-book and read her blog: HeatherTuba.com 

Giveaway: 8 Survival Tips When Autism And A Parent’s Traumatic Past Collide

ABP Episode 11: 8 Survival Tips when Autism And A Parent's Traumatic Past Collide

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Meet Our Guest: Heather Tuba

Heather Tuba, B.A. is an author and advocate for the partners and families of childhood abuse survivors. Her husband, Derek is a survivor of childhood trauma. They are parents to three daughters. Their 21-year old daughter was diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (formerly Asperger’s Syndrome) in 2005.

Although Heather primarily writes about the impact of childhood trauma, her vision is for the creation of holistic, comprehensive support systems that address the needs of all family members – no matter the issue.  It is her hope that her family’s story will draw attention to the need for support for all members. She recently finished a short ebook called For the Partners of Childhood Abuse Survivors, which is being used by the Blue Knot Foundation (Australia) as a resource for their counselors. Her blog post “Anna O: A Role Model in the Time of Trump” is also used in professional trainings held by CIS’ters United Kingdom (a non-profit providing support and professional trainings about childhood sexual abuse). She has appeared as a guest on other childhood trauma websites, videos, and podcasts.

Heather has over 15 years’ experience as a support worker in the field of mental health. She has studied psychology and counseling. She is working towards certification as a Trauma Integrated Practitioner with the Attachment & Trauma Treatment Centre for Healing in St. Catharine’s, Ontario.

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ABP Episode 10 | Professional Practices | Tips For Professionals Working With Autism Families

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Summary

Today we’re in the therapy room discussing the very unique needs of our families in an effort to increase awareness, empathy, and understanding among the professionals who work with our children.

If you’re a clinician, teacher or other professional working with an autism family, this episode is for you. If you’re a parent who wants your therapist to understand your family better, you may also want to pass this one along.

In this episode you will discover:

  • What makes autism families different from others.
  • How professionals can increase their sensitivity to the needs of these families.
  • The clinical areas mental health clinicians need to be most aware.

Mentioned on the podcast:

Continue the conversation and tell us what you think: Join our Autism Blueprint  Facebook group.

Janeen’s Goodtherapy article for professionals working with ASD parents.

 

My dog, “Baci” who was literally sitting here looking at me the WHOLE TIME I was recording. 🙂

Giveaway: 5 Best Practices For Therapists Working With Autism Parents

5 Best Practices For Therapists Working with Autism

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ABP Episode 09 | Autism Aware | Thoughts + Insights About Autism Awareness Month

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Summary

It’s April. And if you’re an autism parent, you’re either excited that it’s Autism Awareness Month, or completely annoyed. On today’s episode, we’ll talk about what this month means to different families and why.

In this episode you will discover:

  • Different views on autism; disorder vs. diversity
  • How several moms feel about the “Awareness month” idea.
  • How you can turn this month into an Autism ACTION month.
  • How to join our Facebook Group, just for podcast listeners.

Mentioned on the podcast:

Continue the conversation and tell us what you think: Join our Autism Blueprint  Facebook group.

National Autism Association

TACA

Healthy U Now

An article you can share, written by Janeen for Goodtherapy.org.

 

Giveaway: Do’s and Don’ts Guide for Friends and Families

ABP Episode 9: Autism Aware Do's and Don'ts Guide

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ABP Episode 08 | Crisis Counseling | How To Survive An Autism Crisis

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Summary

Today we’re in the panic room. (No, I don’t actually have a “panic room” in my house, but I thought it was fitting for today’s topic.) If you have a child on the spectrum, chances are you’ve experienced an emergency call from the school, an outburst in public, or a child gone missing. In this episode we’ll be discussing how to get through some of the most difficult times in your household.

In this episode you will discover:

  • Different kinds of crises, and what it might look like in your house.
  • How having an emergency plan can help reduce stress.
  • How to build your “village” for support.

Mentioned on the podcast:

Autism Blueprint Podcast Self-Care Episode

A few extras that I didn’t mention but may be helpful: 

NAA Teacher Toolkit

NAA Big Red Safety Box

Puzzle Peace Counseling Blog post “How To Survive An Autism Crisis”

Giveaway: Autism Crisis Guide

ABP Episode 8: Autism Crisis Plan

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ABP Episode 07 | Super Sibs | How To Raise Autism Sibs Who Rock

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Summary

Today we’re in the family room, talking to Rebekah Herskovitz, a 17-year-old high school junior and autism sibling, who also happens to be Janeen’s daughter. We’ll be talking about her experience as an autism sib, what she’s learned from her personal struggles, and her advice for your family.

In this episode you will discover:

  • What autism is like from the sibling’s perspective.
  • What you can do to help your sibs cope. 
  • How Rebekah overcame her own personal struggles while growing up with an autistic brother. 
  • Why a sense of humor is so important. 

Giveaway: Autism Sibs Tips Guide

ABP Episode 7: Sibs Tips Sheet

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About Rebekah Herskovitz:

Rebekah, or “Bekah,” as she is known to those closest to her, is a junior in the St. Johns County Center for the Arts at St. Augustine High School. She is studying drama and musical theater, and hopes to pursue a career someday as an opera singer. Bekah has been acting and signing since she was five years old, performing in community theater productions and studying voice. She enjoys cooking, video games, anything related to Broadway, and has a wicked sense of humor.

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ABP Episode 06 | Communication Conversation | Why communication is so hard for our ASD kids | An Interview with Morgan Tyner

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Summary

Today we’re in the therapy room, talking to Morgan Tyner, a teacher and Facilitative Communication Teacher and Trainer from the Jacksonville, Florida area. We’ll be talking about why it’s so difficult for our kids with ASD to have conversations and how you can help them by increasing your understanding of the issues.

In this episode you will discover:

  • How non-verbal people with ASD can communicate effectively through supported typing.
  • Why your child may be capable of so much more than you think.
  • How we assume intelligence is based on verbal output.
  • Why your definition of autism might be completely wrong.

Mentioned on the podcast:

Giveaway: 13 Movement Challenges

ABP Episode 6: 13 Movement Challenges

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About Morgan Tyner:

Morgan Tyner, B.S., founder of ACCEPTS, Inc., has been a special needs educator with a focus on autism for over 10 years.  After graduating from Stetson University in 2007 with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, she taught and nurtured middle school students with autism in Duval County.  Morgan was introduced to Facilitated Communication (FC) in 2014 where she witnessed firsthand the intelligence trapped inside those with limited expressive language. Through further education in FC by attending Syracuse University’s Introductory Workshop, receiving a mentorship from several Master Trainers, participating in a Training-for-Trainers Workshop, and attending the Put-In-Bay Skill Building Workshop as a Coach, Morgan has been able to grow her reach in the Special Needs community including coordinating numerous FC foundational workshops in the southeastern United States. 

In an effort to increase awareness and training for FC, Morgan founded ACCEPTS, Inc., which represents a goal for societal acceptance and inclusion as well as the organization’s mission statement: Assuming Competence in Communication for Exceptional Persons through Typing and Socialization.

Morgan currently provides consultation and training for over 35 families in the southeast region and speaks in schools, churches, and businesses to promote advocacy and education. 

You can contact Morgan through her website: https://www.acceptsinc.com/

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