Autistic and ADHD Kids Parenting Strategies: Every Brain is Different

In this episode, Samantha and Lauren talk about Halloween and the sensory challenges that can come with it. They discuss the sensory overload issues related to costumes, decorations, loud noises, and changes in routine.

To help parents navigate these challenges, they offer practical advice on practicing with costumes, managing trick-or-treating expectations, and choosing sensory-friendly environments.

They also emphasize the importan...

In this episode, Samantha and Lauren welcome Jason Heffler, author of 'Tongue Tied'. Jason shares his personal journey of growing up with a stutter and the challenges he faced, including bullying. His book is designed to help children with speech disorders gain confidence and understand that their speech does not define them.

Jason discusses the importance of representation in literature and offers valuable tips for parents to suppo...

In this episode, Samantha and Lauren interview Jennifer Celeste Briggs, a mother who shares her transformative experience with the Sunrise program. Jennifer talks about how the program, which she tailored for her daughter, significantly improved her language and social skills.

We explore the importance of meeting children where they are, the collaborative effort between parents and professionals, and the impact of patient and target...

In this episode, Samantha and Lauren discuss the conclusion of their conversation on managing mom's mental load.

They provide five practical strategies to help moms regulate stress and manage interruptions, including the one-minute reset, setting interruption boundaries, sensory swaps, a decision diet, and maintaining a daily white space block.

Additionally, they discuss the importance of co-regulation and self-care, emphasizing that...

In this episode, Samantha and Lauren continue their discussion on managing the mental load experienced by moms. They address the difficulties of delegating household responsibilities and provide practical steps to shift tasks to family members or others to alleviate stress.

Samantha and Lauren emphasize the importance of accepting different methods of task completion, trusting the process, and providing clear instructions and owners...

In this episode, Samantha and Lauren discuss the mental load carried by moms, marking the beginning of a three-week series on the topic. They explore the often-overwhelming responsibilities that mothers juggle daily, from managing household chores to coordinating children's schedules.

Samantha and Lauren emphasize the significance of self-care and provide practical advice on managing sensory input, making micro-decisions, and employ...

In this episode, Samantha and Lauren talk about Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID). They explain that ARFID is a recognized eating disorder, different from simple picky eating, characterized by extreme avoidance or restriction of food, leading to nutritional, growth, or emotional problems.

The disorder is often misunderstood, with myths such as it being due to bad parenting or something children will grow out of.

Saman...

In this episode, Samantha and Lauren discuss the challenges and methods of handling food aversions in autistic children.

They share personal experiences and emphasize that forcing children to eat can be counterproductive. Instead, they recommend engaging the help of a feeding therapist and employing assent-based strategies.

Steps include gradually introducing the disliked food by first placing it nearby, then on the plate, and finall...

In this episode, Samantha and Lauren talk about the challenges and changes families face when children transition back to school.

They provide practical advice on managing children's after-school meltdowns and emphasize the importance of establishing coping skills, ensuring children are well-fed and hydrated, and maintaining a consistent routine to help children adjust.

They also discuss the benefits of positive reinforcement and the...

In this episode Samantha and Lauren share practical advice for a smoother transition back to school. They discuss the excitement and challenges of children starting school, emphasizing the importance of planning and coping strategies.

Samantha and Lauren share tips such as creating a balanced schedule, managing anxiety, building excitement about school, and practicing practical skills like eating lunch within a limited time. They al...

In this episode, we welcome back Karen Kassow, a writer, certified master life coach, and founder of AI-Powered Homeschool.

As a neurodivergent parent raising two autistic children, Karen shares her journey and dedicated advocacy within the neurodivergent community.

She discusses the challenges faced by families in navigating special education services, especially with the potential removal of crucial programs like the family-paid ca...

In this episode, Samantha and Lauren discuss summer burnout experienced by both parents and neurodivergent children.

They share personal stories and offer practical tips for recognizing signs of burnout, such as emotional dysregulation and behavioral changes.

Samantha and Lauren emphasize the importance of creating a balanced routine that includes adequate downtime and sensory-friendly spaces to help children self-regulate and recove...

In this episode, Samantha shares practical tips for implementing language shifts and going from telling kids what not to do using "don't" to telling what to do.

She emphasizes redirecting behavior with clear and positive alternatives, keeping instructions simple and specific, and being consistent in using positive language.

00:00 Introduction to Positive Language
00:55 Understanding the Impact of Negative Language
01:15 Shifting to Po...

In this episode Samantha and Lauren speak with Janet Elliot, author of 'The Alien Savant,' a poignant exploration of her autistic brother's journey through a neurotypical world.

Janet recounts the challenges faced by her family in the 1960s and 1970s, highlighting the lack of understanding and resources for children with developmental disabilities during that time.

She discusses the evolution of special education and family advocacy,...

In this episode, Rachel Forrester, an Idaho real estate broker and founder of the support group Idaho Autism Moms, shares her expertise in assisting families with special needs children in finding suitable homes in and around Boise, Idaho.

She discusses various considerations when buying a house, such as proximity to therapy services, neighborhood safety, and the importance of functional spaces like sensory rooms.

Rachel also address...

In this episode, Samantha Foote narrates a personal story about her son's meltdown during a family trip. She recounts the events leading up to the meltdown, the meltdown itself, and what they did after.

Samantha shares what she did well in managing the situation, , and also reflects on what she could have done better.

She emphasizes the importance of helping children return to a self-regulated state during meltdowns and discusses the...

In this episode, Samantha and Lauren talk with Dana Kay, a board-certified health practitioner, and two-time international bestselling author.

Dana shares her extensive experience working with families across the US through her company, ADHD Thrive Institute, where she helps parents reduce ADHD symptoms naturally by focusing on biological triggers like diet, gut health, and inflammation.

She emphasizes the importance of supporting a ...

In this episode, Samantha Foote discusses effective strategies for managing transitions for neurodivergent children. Understanding that transitions can trigger anxiety, resistance, or meltdowns, she emphasizes the importance of preparation and planning.

Suggestions include using visual schedules, musical cues, and countdowns to create predictability and ease anxiety.

Additionally, she highlights the need for consistent daily routines...

In this episode, Lauren and Samantha discuss strategies for managing multiple children with different sensory needs. They share personal experiences and provide initial tips, such as understanding individual sensory profiles, creating dedicated sensory spaces, establishing predictable routines, incorporating sensory breaks, and adapting communication strategies.

Practical advice is offered for accommodating sensory avoiders who pref...