Adventures in Autism

Happy New Year! Today I’m ringing in 2020 by going through my “top 9” posts on social media. This was a fun way to reflect back on 2019 and the posts that resonated most with all of you. I’m also sharing a couple more of my favorite moments for the year as well as my goals for 2020. I’m definitely going to make self care a priority this year (and I think that should be a goal for ALL of us!) and I’m sharing my thoughts on what that means to me personally. I really enjoyed looking back on these posts and I hope you enjoy listening! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/megan-carranza/message

Special episode! I’m coming at you on a Tuesday today (Christmas eve) to talk all about the holidays. When you have a child with autism, the holidays might look a little different for you and your family. Today I’m sharing our family traditions and how things have changed (or not) since autism has become a part of the equation. I’m also talking about what works for our family and lessons I’ve learned that have helped our holiday run smoother. I’m also wrapping up our 2019 and looking forward to the new year! I’m sharing some of our goals for 2020 as well. I hope you enjoy listening and have a very happy holiday- no matter what you celebrate! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/megan-carranza/message

In today’s episode I’m talking to autism mom, Erin Cranston. Erin shares her journey with her 6 year old daughter, Courtney. Erin is also a special education teacher (working mainly with autistic children) so she definitely has a unique perspective to share. We talk all about the time leading up to Courtney’s diagnosis as well as how she’s doing currently. Erin also explains the differences of being an autism professional, and an autism parent. Ultimately, having a child on the spectrum herself has only deepened her passion for her job. I loved hearing Erin’s take on things and we had an awesome conversation! I hope you enjoy listening! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/megan-carranza/message

In today’s episode I’m talking to my first returning guest...my husband, Manny! First, Manny and I check in with some life updates. We talk about Logan’s recent neuropsychological evaluation and how that went. We also discuss Logan’s birthday and him turning SEVEN! Later, we answer some listener questions...which was really fun! We talk about everything from processing the diagnosis to what we love about each other’s parenting. Manny was my guest way back on episode 4 so it was really great to get him back on the pod and talk about how things have changed over this past year, and get his perspective. Obviously we talk everyday but it was interesting to sit down and really reflect on all this. Thank you to everyone who submitted questions and thank you to Manny for finally giving in and coming back on the show! Enjoy listening! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/megan-carranza/message

In today’s episode I’m chatting with autism dad, Bobby Rubio. Bobby is the writer/director of the incredible Pixar short film, ‘Float’, which is available on Disney +. After I saw Float, I knew I had to reach out to Bobby to hear more of his story. Bobby and I talk all about his journey with his now 12 year old, Alex. Bobby shares very bravely about the early days of Alex’s diagnosis and how he had a difficult time coping. With the support of his wife, he decided to seek help for depression. Bobby also found it cathartic to channel his emotions into his work as an artist. Thus, Float was created. We talk all about the journey of making Float and discuss the metaphors within the short film. Float is such a beautiful story and I am so thrilled I got the opportunity to speak with Bobby! He is an awesome dad and we had a wonderful conversation. I hope you enjoy listening! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/megan-carranza/message

In today’s episode I’m chatting with autism mom Jacqui Folks. Jacqui shares her journey with her son Ethan, who is now 18. We talk about the early days after Ethan’s diagnosis 16 years ago and how different things were back then. Jacqui was determined in her pursuit to help her son and find others dealing with similar issues along the way. She managed to do just that and formed ACES for Autism- a local group that is doing amazing things for autism in their community. Jacqui also recently published her book “Adventures with Big E: Help with Hygiene” which is a collection of social stories about all things related to hygiene! Jacqui and I also talk about how her son is doing now that they are navigating adulthood. Jacqui is such a sweet and genuine person, we had a great conversation! I hope you enjoy listening! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/megan-carranza/message

In today’s episode I’m chatting with Laura Sylvester of Good Dog! Autism Companions. Good Dog! is an amazing organization that is dedicated to helping families affected by ASD through autism service dog companions. Laura is a fellow autism mom and we talk all about the early days with her son Elliot (who is now 17) and their journey which inspired her to start this incredible organization. Laura gives ALL the ins and outs on service dogs. We discuss the entire process that goes into getting a service dog- from costs to training and everything in between! I learned so much from my conversation with Laura and she was an absolute delight. If you have ever thought about getting service a dog (or are just a dog lover!) then you don’t want to miss this episode! Enjoy listening! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/megan-carranza/message

Today I’m chatting with Josh Mirsky and Dave Thompson of the podcast ‘Sounds like Autism’. Josh and Dave share their personal journeys that led them to work together and eventually start their podcast. Josh, who is on the spectrum, talks about his past work history and how tough it was as an adult with ASD. Thankfully, he got a job working at Spectrum Designs where he met Dave who became his mentor and more importantly, his best friend. Josh and Dave have a contagious energy that is so fun! They also share their recent experience doing a ‘TEDx’ talk and how they learned so much during that process. We had a blast during our conversation and I’m so excited to welcome these guys on the show! Enjoy listening! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/megan-carranza/message

In today’s episode I’m chatting with fellow autism mom and advocate, Jacqueline Laurita. You may be familiar with Jacqueline from her time on the Real Housewives of New Jersey! Jacqueline very bravely and honestly shared their family’s journey with her son Nicolas, who is on the spectrum, while on the show. As a die hard Bravo fan I followed their story from the very beginning and I am so thrilled to welcome Jacqueline on Adventures in Autism! We talk all about her time on the show and the decision to share Nicholas’s diagnosis and treatments so publicly. We also talk about how Nick is doing now and Jacqueline’s incredible work as an autism advocate! She also shares how she became part owner in Simple Spectrum Supplement after seeing what positive changes the supplement brought out in Nicolas. Jacqueline has truly been an inspiration to me throughout this journey and we had such an amazing conversation! Enjoy listening! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/megan-carranza/message

In today’s episode I’m chatting with fellow autism mom and podcaster, Susan Scott. Susan and I connected several months back when I was guest on her show, My Autism Tribe. Susan is such a kind and genuine person, I’m so excited to bring her on Adventures In Autism now! We talk all about her adorable son Alex who is extremely gifted and on the spectrum. Susan then shares very openly about her experience as a single mother. We also chat about her amazing advocacy work and some exciting new projects- one of which I am honored to be collaborating on! This episode runs the gamut and we talk about EVERYTHING! I’m so thrilled to welcome Susan as a guest, enjoy listening! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/megan-carranza/message

In today’s episode I’m flying solo and keeping it very real about what we’ve had going on lately. First, I’m discussing Logan’s recent regression with potty training. I’m not gonna lie, it’s been tough! But we are doing everything we can to get through this phase and I’m sharing all of it. Next I’m talking about how important self care is and how I’m really making an effort to put it into practice for myself. I share all the little things I’m doing to help myself feel better in a manageable way. Still a work in progress but improving! Lastly I’m giving all the details on Logan’s new speech device (AAC)! It’s been home with us for about two weeks now and we are learning A LOT about everything that goes into it. I’ve gotten a lot of questions about his device so hopefully this answers most of them. Thank you for all your support- enjoy listening! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/megan-carranza/message

In today’s episode I’m chatting with autism sibling, Natalie Castro. Natalie opens up about her journey with adult sister, Angie, who is on the spectrum. Natalie shares how she recently became Angie’s legal guardian along with their mother, and what led to that decision. We also talk about Natalie’s work with her platform, Pieces of Inspiration. Natalie’s goal is to provide other autism families support and resources in their journey. Natalie and Angie have such a special and unique relationship- you can really feel the love in this episode! It was such a joy to talk Natalie, I am so touched and inspired by her story. I hope you enjoy listening! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/megan-carranza/message

In today’s episode I’m chatting with Dr. Mary Barbera. Mary is an autism mom, a behavioral analyst, an author and a fellow podcaster! Mary and I talk all about her journey with her son Lucas, who is on the spectrum and in his twenties now. Mary shares how his diagnosis at age 3 lead her to her career as an autism professional. Through her work Mary has been able to help countless families, sharing her knowledge through her book ‘The Verbal Behavior Approach’ as well as her online courses. Last year, Mary expanded her repertoire even further and started her podcast, ‘Turn Autism Around’. On her show, Mary shares her insights for both parents and professionals. Mary is truly an expert in the field and I’m thrilled to have her on today’s episode! Enjoy listening! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/megan-carranza/message

In today’s episode I’m chatting with not one, but two guests! Sandy and Chris Colter are parents to their adorable son Bryce who is on the spectrum. They are also fellow podcast hosts of their show “Parenting Autism”. Together we discuss some of the challenges their marriage has faced on this journey and Chris shares very openly his struggles with his own mental health. We also talk about how parenting a child with special needs can be tough when both parents aren’t the same page- and how they’ve worked through that. I had a great conversation with Sandy and Chris and it was so fun to welcome my first couple to the show! I hope you enjoy listening! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/megan-carranza/message

It’s the ONE YEAR anniversary of Adventures in Autism! On today’s episode I’m welcoming my first co-host...my sister Melissa! Melissa is the best aunt to Logan and a huge part of my support system. If you’ve been listening to the show for awhile then you’ve definitely heard me mention her! We chat about how autism has affected our family as a whole and what she’s learned in this journey from an aunts perspective. Then we get to the fun stuff- listener questions! We cover everything from self care, to dealing with difficult family members, to my favorite housewives! This was such a fun episode and I am SO EXCITED that Adventures in Autism is celebrating one year! Thank you so much to each and every one of you for listening and for all your support. I hope you enjoy listening to this episode! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/megan-carranza/message