Parenting Autism

In this episode, we chat about Bryce's summer adventures including Special Olympics Bowling, hiking and gem-mining in the mountains, and a tour of the FPL nuclear simulator.  

We also update the listeners about Bryce's sessions for Cognitive Behavior Therapy. He has been asking for us to find someone to help him with his worries. We are very pleased with how well he has responded to the tools/advice that he has been given ...

In this episode, Bryce joins us at the end of the podcast to talk about how his brain is causing him anxiety about allergic reactions to foods. His panic attacks began a few weeks after his peanut allergy.  

We also update the listeners about Florida's Special Olympics Summer Games state competition along with Sandy's progress. It's baby steps, but we were able to visit church earlier this month for the first time in ...

In this episode, Bryce joins us at the end of the podcast to talk about our trip to Boston, an airshow visit, and his gold medal at Special Olympics Basketball Regionals. 

We also update the listeners with good news from Sandy's visit at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute along with other highlights since the last podcast episode.  

It's important to share how life continues in this new season of our autism journey. We know w...

In this episode, we update the listeners on how Bryce is transitioning to the role changes between Mommy and Daddy. Chris is working outside of the home full-time, and Sandy is now his full-time homeschool teacher.

It's important to share how life continues in this new season of our autism journey. We know we are not the only parents who have had a health crisis or other unexpected personal change that has impacted their parent...

In this episode, we update the listeners on how Bryce is doing on Sandy's cancer journey (Waldenström Macroglobulinemia). He is participating in Special Olympics again and enjoyed a recent EAA flight with more scheduled for this spring.  

We talk about Bryce's progress with initialing conversations as he continues to expand his English vocabulary and improve his reading skills. 

It's important to sh...

In this episode, we update the listeners on Sandy's cancer journey (Waldenström Macroglobulinemia). We also talk about how well Bryce is doing with so many unexpected changes. He enjoyed the Christmas season and continues to be his happy self in spite of all that's occurred lately.

Wishing each of you who take time to listen to our journey a Happy New Year filled with hope, peace, joy, and love!  

You ca...

In this episode, we follow up about Sandy's concerning bloodwork mentioned in the last episode. Sandy was in the hospital for a week receiving blood transfusions and plasma plasmapherisis treatments before receiving her diagnosis of a rare blood cancer, Waldenström macroglobulinemia. Although it is not curable, it is treatable and the first chemo treatment began this morning. 

We talk about how we are explaining this ...

In this episode, we talk about a recent visit to Bryce's therapy center to learn more about his speech and occupational therapies. It was very helpful and has sparked some ideas for his upcoming plan updates. 

We also talk about our recent trip to the Georgia mountains as well as Bryce's recent reading assessment.  

Lastly, we shared a prayer for Bryce based on Luke 2:52. Our goal is to continue to creat...

In this episode, we answer questions about our homeschool process with Bryce and how it affects our relationship with him as well as each other. 

We also talk about our recent trip to NYC where we celebrated our nephew's wedding AND Bryce's 11th birthday with many skyscraper and elevator tours! 

We talk more about Bryce's increased sensitivity to "annoying sounds" and steps we are taking t...

In this episode, we talk about Bryce's recent regression with anxiety and sensitivity to certain sounds, specifically crying children. We have been away from home quite a bit the past two months which could explain why this behavior has returned.

We review Finding KIND by Kari Baker and recommend this is a great book with another family's autism/ADHD journey similar to ours. 

We talk about highlights an...

In this episode, we talk about Bryce's recent sleepover with his best friend, Michael, and how we helped him work through his hurt feelings and emotions.  
It's not easy to watch your son struggle with his feelings of hurt and sadness. It's also not easy to figure out the right words and instructions to help teach your son who thinks in a completely different way that yourself. We are very grateful that the Lord ...

In this episode, we review the book Oliver's Extraordinary Friend which is available to purchase on Amazon. 

We also talk about God's Plan A for each of us and how our hearts continue to become more burdened to find ways to help those impacted by disabilities find their place in churches to discover the love of Jesus. 

Lastly, we talk about our recent vacation and how we planned it around Bryce's in...

In this episode, we review the game What's Next: Transitions by M&J Games which is available to purchase on Amazon. 

We also talk about Bryce's current level of language - Progress continues to be made with plenty for us to continue to work toward on this autism journey. 

Lastly, we talk about how we are working with our church leadership to provide more resources to teach those who think differently...

Bryce's best friend, Michael, had his first sleepover at our home. They recorded their own podcast episode talking about Roblox and other game topics. We hope you all enjoy listening to them us much as we did while recording them! 

You can subscribe to our monthly Parenting Autism Newsletter at parentingautism@att.net. You can also reach out if you want to purchase a signed edition of our book, "PARENTING AUTISM:...

In this episode, we talk about classes attended and resources at The Family Cafe, an annual conference for families with disabilities in the state of Florida. 

You can subscribe to our monthly Parenting Autism Newsletter at parentingautism@att.net. You can also reach out if you want to purchase a signed edition of our book, "PARENTING AUTISM: The Early Years." 

Bryce is a funny, mechanical, HAPPY little ...

With Father's Day in the month of June, Sandy talks to Chris Chris about the challenges and the rewards of being the primary caregiver for Bryce during the early years of his autism.  He talks about his guilt, his research, his depression, and how he overcame it. He also talks about Daddy School and how he has found ways to bond with Bryce by meeting him where he is at with his different interests and progressing comprehension...

In this episode, we share a recent change in Bryce's therapy services. It's never easy to make these decisions, yet we know we must follow where the Lord leads us.

We also chat about other updates from the past couple of weeks including investing more time into our marriage relationship, how Bryce worked through an unexpected meltdown, the first rodeo experience for Bryce, and other highlights for our little fami...

In this episode, we review a few books that we have read including one that we are slowly going through together to strengthen our marriage.

•  Your True Self is Enough (Author: Susanna Peace Lovell)
• Becoming Brave Together, Heroic, extraordinary caregiving stories from mothers hidden in plain sight  (An Anthology from "We are Brave Together")
• How to Build a Thriving Marriage as you Care for Children with Disabil...

In this episode, we talk about Bryce's recent OT testing results and why we still have him in private sessions for speech and OT three-hours each week at age 10.7. 

We also share some highlights from our recent vacation along with some of the adventures that we all enjoyed as a family. 

After a month-break, Bryce has begun 5th grade! We continue to homeschool him at this point and supplement social with Speci...