Adventures in Autism

In today’s episode I’m chatting with autism dad, Kyle Jetsel. Kyle is a father of six children and he has two sons on the spectrum. Kyle shares very openly about his journey and especially how it affected his family and marriage. After struggling for years with the challenges autism can bring, he and his wife decided to really change their mindset and bring joy back to their family. And they did just that! Through his coaching series ‘Autism: Thrive in Choas’, Kyle has been able to help many more families find joy as well. Kyle and I had an amazing and emotional conversation- we were both in tears! I’m so thrilled to welcome Kyle as a guest and 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 and fellow podcaster, Jody Warshawsky. Jody and I connected through Instagram several months back and at this point she feels like an old friend! Jody and I talk all about her adorable daughter Remy, who has autism and epilepsy. Jody shares their journey with Remy’s medical needs and how it was affecting her school situation. Jody and her husband recently made the decision to homeschool Remy and we chat all about how they came to that conclusion and why it’s best for Remy right now. Jody and I talked about how as parents we put so much pressure on ourselves to “get it right” for our kids in terms of school or services- but it’s ok for plans to change. We also discuss family dynamics and how autism affects the entire family- as a mom of four she definitely has some experience in this area! I had the pleasure to be a guest on Jody’s podcast, Accepting the Unacceptable, back in May and I’m thrilled to welcome her on Adventures in Autism today! 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 and author, Julie Hornok. Julie shares her journey with her daughter, who is now 16 and completely flourishing. Their story is so hopeful and inspiring! Julie also talks about how her daughter inspired her to reach out within the autism community and provide support for other autism moms. This lead her to start hosting events and eventually to write her amazing book, ‘United in Autism’, which actually has a forward written by none other then Temple Grandin! Julie is a delight and we had a great conversation. I hope you enjoy listening! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/megan-carranza/message

Today I’m flying solo and sharing some life updates! I’m giving a breakdown of how our summer went- the good and the bad! Summer definitely brought us some new challenges and I discuss all of it. One of those challenges was Logan dealing with anxiety, which is not typical for him. It was definitely tough to navigate and we did our best to help him though those anxious moments and just support him. It was not easy but we made it through! I also talk about the start of school and how well Logan has done with that transition. This boy loves school! Lastly I chat about the whole process of getting started with his speech device- which we are so excited about! There’s a lot to learn (for us and Logan) but we are so ready for Logan to have his voice. Big things happening! 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 dad, James Branaum. James shares his journey with his son Alex, who was just recently diagnosed this past spring. We talk all about the process of getting the diagnosis and the emotions that surround it. We also touch on family dynamics and how having a child with special needs can be tough on a marriage. James shares his views on “leaning in” with your spouse and relying on each other for support. Very valuable advice! I had a great time talking with James and I loved hearing his perspective as a dad! We had an awesome conversation and 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 and author, Eileen Lamb. Eileen is also on the spectrum herself and she shares her unique perspective as an autistic adult raising a child with autism. Eileen and I discuss her childhood and the challenges she faced with undiagnosed autism. Later in adulthood, it was her son Charlie’s diagnosis that led her to seek her own. After Eileen was also diagnosed with ASD, she decided to create a network of support and guidance with her social media channels and started ‘The Autism Cafe’. Her openness to share the good and the bad (and not being afraid to speak up about controversial topics within the autism community!) really resonated with her followers- so much so that she recently published her first book! Eileen is a beautiful writer and ‘All Across The Spectrum’ dives deeper into her and Charlie’s story. I’m so inspired by Eileen and I’m thrilled to welcome her as a guest. 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 Wendy Garafalo. Wendy and I talk all about her journey with her adorable son, Luca, who was diagnosed with ASD at 4 years old. Wendy shares how Luca’s fascination with letters (and particularly spelling in reverse) inspired her to start her website and blog, EVOLution. EVOL is love spelled backwards- Wendy shares the whole story in the episode and it’s just the sweetest! Wendy and I also chat about Luca’s diet and how small changes led to a lot of progress. I had a great time chatting with Wendy and I love her chill and genuine vibe. 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 & @autismsupermoms founder, Anne G. Bragg. Anne is a mother of five (all girls!) and her 15 year old daughter Rebecca was diagnosed with ASD as a young toddler. Anne shares her story with Rebecca and how their journey has changed through the years. Anne gets very candid and shares openly about the ups and the downs of raising a child with autism. Anne’s journey with ASD is what inspired her to start her instagram account, Autism Supermoms. Anne does such a great job spreading the message of positivity and support to other moms dealing with the same issues. Anne and I connected several months back and I was immediately drawn to her kindness and sincerity, she definitely did not disappoint and brought all that to the podcast! I’m thrilled to welcome Anne as a guest and 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 BCBA Heather Grimaldi. Heather talks about what initially drew her to the field of autism and how her passion led her to becoming a BCBA. Heather eventually started her own ABA company, Proof Positive ABA. After Heather sold her company (but stayed on as a consultant!) she found herself in the world of supplements! Heather went on to create ‘Simple Spectrum’, a supplement designed specifically for individuals on the spectrum. Simple Spectrum addresses some of the common mineral deficiencies for individuals with ASD, as well as nutritional deficits often due to picky eating. Heather set out to create a supplement that would not only fill those gaps, but do so in the healthiest, safest way possible. And thus Simple Spectrum was born! Heather is truly a powerhouse and she is ready to make big changes in the world! I loved chatting with her and 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 (x2!) and floortime therapist, Rebecca Higby. Rebecca’s autism journey started with her son, Theodore. She shares how initially some of his symptoms went under the radar until he was diagnosed at age 3. When her younger son came along, Rebecca was on “high alert” and able to spot the early signs of autism much sooner. After he was diagnosed, he started receiving floortime therapy and Rebecca loved that approach! She became such a believer in floortime that she started working as a therapist herself. I loved learning more about floortime therapy and Rebecca’s passion for it. She also shares her insights on having two children on the spectrum and why she thought it was easier the second time around. Rebecca and I had a great conversation and 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 BCBA, Shelby Dorsey. Shelby and I connected on social media and I was instantly drawn to her positivity and passion for what she does. Little did I know, Shelby had an amazing journey that got her to where she is today. Her story is incredible! As a young, single mom Shelby proved to herself and others that anything is possible with hard work and a little good faith. I think anyone, no matter what their circumstance can benefit from her message. We also talk about ABA therapy and how we’d like to change the narrative regarding the often bad rap it gets! Shelby is truly an inspiration and I am thrilled to welcome her as guest! 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 sibling and professional, Tara. Tara has two adult brothers on the spectrum, Tanner and Tyler. She shares how growing up with them really shaped her into who she is today and led her to her profession in education and autism research. Tara and I talk a lot about how it can be difficult for autism family’s to access services and resources- especially for adults on spectrum. Because of that, Tara decided to take action through her career. Not only for her brothers, but for many other teens/adults with ASD. I loved hearing about Tara’s close relationships with her brothers and their whole family. Autism siblings are truly incredible people and Tara is no exception! We had such a great conversation and I hope you enjoy listening! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/megan-carranza/message

Today I’m chatting with autism dad, Tim, all about his journey with his son, Rafa. Tim and I connected on Instagram through his account @autismdads. Tim started the account as a way to connect with and educate the autism community (himself included!) from a dads perspective. Tim saw that parenting in general (and especially parenting a child with autism) is very focused on mothers- he wanted to show that the dads have a part in all this too! Tim and I talk about not only his son, but also the very valuable information he’s learned since starting the account. He also shares very openly about his mental health journey and struggles with anxiety. Tim is truly such an awesome advocate for his son and we had a great conversation. 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 checking in with some updates of what’s been going on with Logan and our family. First, I’m discussing Logan’s whole potty training journey. I’m giving details about Logan’s “intensive potty training program” he completed at his ABA center back in March- I’m thrilled to say it worked! Then I’m talking about how we wrapped up the school year and Logan’s IEP meeting. I used tips given by past guests of the podcast and they were so helpful! I’m also sharing some very exciting news for next year: Logan is getting a communication device this coming fall! Lastly, I’m sharing our plans for summer break. Summertime gives me anxiety and I wanted to do my best to ensure that Logan had a productive and enjoyable summer. So I did everything I could to facilitate that. I’m talking more about his summer camp/therapy schedule and how we’re also making time for FUN! It’s been a while since I’ve caught up with you guys for a solo show, I hope you enjoy listening! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/megan-carranza/message

Today I’m chatting with autism mom, Whitney Sarnowski. Whitney shares her story with her son Kyson, who was just very recently diagnosed with ASD. Whitney is a former special education teacher and is currently studying for her boards to become a BCBA. Whitney talks about her entire journey from autism professional to autism mom. She also shares a lot of insight on getting your child diagnosed at an early age- which is key because we know early intervention is so important! Whitney also started her own website/blog ‘The Spectrum Compass’ as a way to educate and offer support to other autism families. Whitney is so sweet and sincere, I loved connecting with her and I hope you enjoy listening! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/megan-carranza/message