Adventures in Autism

I’m back on my own today and breaking down the five things that are actually helping us right now. From finding a new trail to walk (getting fresh air!) to scheduling virtual dates with friends- these are things that are keeping me (and my crew!) sane during this uncertain time. Nothing on this list is groundbreaking, these things are all very doable. Which to me is the most important part! I’m all for helpful ideas but if they’re too complicated I won’t do them- especially now. So I’m sharing the simple things are really helping our whole family as we navigate our new normal. Stay safe and thank you so much for listening! Sponsors: Audible audibletrial.com/adventuresinautism Making Authentic Friendships makingauthenticfriendships.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/megan-carranza/message

Today I’m flying solo and sharing our family’s experience dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. We’re going on week 4 of quarantine, which has certainly had its ups as downs! As it has for everyone. I’m sharing how we’re adjusting to our new normal and what has been helping get us though. I get very honest and talk about how tough this is from a parenting perspective. As parents were used to this 24/7 gig, but nowadays there are LITERALLY no breaks! That’s definitely been a challenge but I’m also sharing the surprising positives of this situation. I’m definitely a “glass of full” type of gal and I think it’s important to look for the silver linings. And despite the difficult moments, there are many things good things happening during these uncertain times. I compiled all of them and spilling today! I hope everyone is staying safe and healthy. Thank you so much for listening! Sponsors: Audible audibletrial.com/adventuresinautism Making Authentic Friendships makingauthenticfriendships.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/megan-carranza/message

Today I’m chatting with autism mom and fellow podcaster, Malinda Cooke. You might remember Malinda from episode 40 where she was my guest and shared her journey with her beautiful 18 year old daughter, Paige. I’m excited to bring her back on the pod and have her catch us up on the going’s on with her family! First we discuss the the coronavirus pandemic that is affecting us all. Malinda shares how she’s been coping and staying busy with Paige while they’ve been in isolation. Later, we discuss their recent experience with legal process of having Paige “conserved” now that she’s 18. This was really valuable information and an in-depth look at what the entire process entailed. Malinda and I have truly become great friends since she was a guest on the show last year (and I guested on her podcast, Autism Mastermind!) so it’s always fun to catch up with her! We had a great conversation and I hope you enjoy listening! Sponsors: Audible audibletrial.com/adventuresinautism Making Authentic Friendships makingauthenticfriendships.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/megan-carranza/message

Today I’m chatting with autism mom and sibling, Lainey Skiver. Lainey shares her journey with autism which actually started with her brother. Lainey talks about how having a sibling on the spectrum impacted her life, and ultimately helped her to parent her children with autism. Lainey is a mom of four and her two oldest children are both on the spectrum. Lainey shares the early signs with both boys and what led them to seek a diagnosis. We also chat about family dynamics when autism is involved. Lainey has such a unique perspective as both a sibling and a parent that I really appreciated hearing. We had a great conversation and I hope you enjoy listening! Sponsors: Audible audibletrial.com/adventuresinautism Making Authentic Friendships makingauthenticfriendships.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/megan-carranza/message

Today I’m chatting with my sister, Melissa (once again!) all about the pandemic that is Coronavirus. During this very uncertain time I think it’s so important to remember that we’re all in this together- this is uncharted territory for everyone. Today I’m sharing thoughts and concerns from listeners as well as my personal take on this very scary situation. Most importantly I’m sharing tips from all of you to get through this. I received so many great tips that I’m excited to share- I’ll definitely be implementing some of these myself! Later, Melissa and I share our recommendations for things to take your mind off COVID-19 and hopefully make you smile. It’s very overwhelming right now and sometimes taking a break from it all is the best thing to do! I hope you enjoy this episode and are able to take something from it. I am truly so thankful for all you. Stay safe! Sponsors: Audible audibletrial.com/adventuresinautism Making Authentic Friendships makingauthenticfriendships.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/megan-carranza/message

Today I’m bringing back a very special co-host...my sister Melissa! We’re discussing all things self care and what that looks like for us personally. I’m sharing how I’ve been trying to up my self care game and what has been actually working for me. Including my recent weekend away with my husband! I’m talking all about the logistics of leaving our kids for the weekend...no easy feat but so worth it! We also get some great listener tips on what they do for self care. Later Melissa and I do a Q&A all about skin care and beauty. I’m a licensed esthetician and make up artist so it was fun to be in my wheelhouse! I got some great listener questions and I hope you pick up some good info from this episode! My sister and I always have a blast together (we even answered some sister questions!) and it was great to bring her back on- I like to joke that she’s a self care expert! I think this is a really important topic and something we should all be making a priority. I hope you enjoy listening! Sponsors: Audible audibletrial.com/adventuresinautism Making Authentic Friendships makingauthenticfriendships.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/megan-carranza/message

Today I’m chatting with autism mom and blogger, Stephanie Hanrahan. Stephanie’s journey into autism started with her daughter, Campbell. Though Campbell seemed to be developing just fine to everyone else, and was even ahead of the curve, Stephanie sensed there was more going on. She strongly advocated for her daughter and she was diagnosed with ASD at age 3. Later, Stephanie’s son would also be diagnosed with autism. During all of this, Stephanie’s husband found out he had a life threatening heart condition and would eventually need a transplant. After her daughter was diagnosed, Stephanie started a private instagram account- it was just for her to document her complicated feelings and grief during this time. Eventually, Stephanie took the brave step to make that account public. Today, she not only has that account but also her blog, ‘Tinkles her Pants’ (best name ever!) where she “leaks” the truth. She shares her journey openly as a way to connect with others. Stephanie’s story is powerful and she is such a inspiration! This conversation blew me away. I had the best time chatting with Stephanie and I hope you enjoy listening! Sponsors: Audible audibletrial.com/adventuresinautism Making Authentic Friendships makingauthenticfriendships.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/megan-carranza/message

Today I’m chatting with my first returning guest, Leasa Hoogerwerf of Cody Speaks. You might remember Leasa from episode 25, where she opened up about the early days of her journey with her incredible son, Cody, who is now 19. I’m so excited to be bringing her back on the pod! In today’s episode, Leasa catches us up on what’s been going on with Cody since we spoke last year. Leasa talks about some recent victories and challenges they have gone through this past year. Later, we answer some listener questions! This was really fun because Leasa is such an open book- she is so honest and heartfelt! I have followed Leasa, Cody and their family for years (through her page Cody Speaks) and it’s always such a treat to chat with Leasa. She is such an inspiring mama! We had an awesome conversation and I hope you enjoy listening! Sponsors: Audible audibletrial.com/adventuresinautism Making Authentic Friendships makingauthenticfriendships.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/megan-carranza/message

Today I’m chatting with autism mom and blogger, Leah Behrens. Leah is the proud mama to three beautiful kids- two of which are on the autism spectrum. Leah shares her journey with both children, and how her sons early diagnosis led her to seek a diagnosis for his older sister as well. While both are the spectrum, Leah explains how different they are and how each has unique strengths and challenges. Leah and I had a very honest, open conversation about family life and motherhood- especially when autism is in the mix. We talked about the fear that can come with growing your family after an autism diagnosis. This is something I get asked about often and it was so nice to chat with another mama who “gets it”! We also talk about how she’s planning for her kids future and her feelings around that. I had the best time chatting with Leah, I hope you enjoy listening! Sponsors: Audible audibletrial.com/adventuresinautism Making Authentic Friendships makingauthenticfriendships.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/megan-carranza/message

Today I’m chatting with autism parents and the founders of Chubuddy, Chris and Jane Chu. Chris and Jane share their journey with their son Christian, who has medically complex autism. They talk all about their early days with Christian and how he was initially diagnosed with microcephaly, and later autism and cerebral palsy. Chris and Jane share how part of Christian’s sensory needs was a strong desire to chew. However, they couldn’t find a chewy that really worked for him. They decided to make their own superior product and thus, Chubuddy was born! We LOVE Chubuddy and Logan has used their chewy’s for years- so it was really fun to hear the back story from Chris and Jane! We also discuss how they are planning for the future now that Christian is 18. I had a great time chatting with them and I hope you enjoy listening! Sponsors: Audible audibletrial.com/adventuresinautism Making Authentic Friendships makingauthenticfriendships.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/megan-carranza/message

Today I’m flying solo and sharing some life updates. First, I’m talking about Logan’s AAC device and all the progress he’s making! I’m also sharing some new goals for him that we’ve been working on at home and in ABA. We are really trying to focus on functional life skills to help Logan establish more independence. Then I’m talking about a big change for us...which is Logan starting meds for ADHD. This has been a long time coming and I’m sharing all the details that went into making this decision. We are just now getting started with his medication so I will continue to update as time goes on. Lastly, I’m sharing some recent revelations I’ve had when it comes to acceptance on this journey. I have a renewed sense of hope for the future and I’m sharing what led me to this place. It’s always fun to “check in” with you guys and give updates in real time, as they are happening. I hope you enjoy listening! Sponsors: Audible audibletrial.com/adventuresinautism Making Authentic Friendships makingauthenticfriendships.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/megan-carranza/message

Today I’m chatting with autism mom and diet expert, Crystal Jordan. Crystal shares her journey with her son, who is on the autism spectrum. Crystal explains how her sons sleep, skin and gastrointestinal issues became a real challenge in their lives. While they eventually did get an autism diagnosis, Crystal decided to also look into diet as a possible treatment for these issues. Using what she describes as a ‘modified paleo’ diet they were able to see significant improvement for her son in all these areas and more. Because of their success, Crystal decided to start ‘Foods Four Thought’, which is a great resource for all things diet, to help other families as well. I really appreciated Crystal’s honest take on diets and her advice on how to get started. I had a great time chatting with Crystal and I hope you enjoy listening! Sponsors: Audible audibletrial.com/adventuresinautism Making Authentic Friendships makingauthenticfriendships.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/megan-carranza/message

Today I’m chatting with special needs mom and fellow podcaster, Mary Susan McConnell. Mary Susan shares her journey with her beautiful daughter Abi, who has cerebral palsy and microcephaly. Mary Susan is the host of ‘Mama Bear Podcast’ where she shares more or their story and talks with other parents raising children with special needs. What I love about her show is that regardless of diagnosis, special needs parenting really connects us all. Mary Susan and I also talk about self care (she has so many good tips!) and how to have fun while dealing with the day to day grind. I had so much fun chatting with Mary Susan and I hope you enjoy listening! Sponsors: Audible audibletrial.com/adventuresinautism Making Authentic Friendships makingauthenticfriendships.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/megan-carranza/message

Today I’m chatting with autism mom, Katie, all about her adorable son, Jamie. Katie shares their journey and the road to getting a diagnosis. Jamie is an extremely gifted child and Katie talks about how his diagnosis of autism initially came as a shock. Katie explains that Jamie has “medically complex autism”, meaning his diagnosis of ASD has come with several other hurdles, like seizures and gastro issues. Katie and I initially connected because she was a listener of the podcast. Her and I exchanged messages for months and she has always been so genuine and sincere. That sincerity definitely comes through in today’s episode! Enjoy listening! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/megan-carranza/message

Today I’m chatting with autism mom, Nichole Wilson. Nichole shares very openly about her journey with her daughter, who is on the spectrum. We talk about everything from how she handles difficult behaviors to the challenges of puberty. Nichole is a wealth of knowledge and shared so many good tips and resources! Nichole is also the founder of ‘Autism Moms Are Beautiful’ magazine and she shares how this journey led her to start the magazine. I love Nichole’s mission and her passion behind it! She truly believes all autism moms are beautiful and uses her magazine to showcase that beauty. I loved talking to Nichole and hearing her story. I hope you enjoy listening! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/megan-carranza/message