Autism Empowerment Podcast

In today's episode, we are reviewing the Spring 2022 issue of Spectrum Life Magazine, a nonprofit autistic-led publication from Autism Empowerment written by and for autistic, neurodivergent and disabilities communities. We'll be talking about a new chapter for Autism Empowerment, sharing about our sister publication Zoom Autism Magazine and introducing listeners to new writers, creators, illustrators and columns that will be soon appearing at the AutismEmpowerment.org and SpectrumLife.org websites including #AskingAutistics, Bluebee TeeVee Autism Information Station for kids and A Day in the Lives of Autistic Adults. Join Autism Empowerment co-founders Karen Krejcha and John Krejcha for fun facts and behind-the-scenes details of the articles that went into our most recent issue! To read the Spring 2022 issue of Spectrum Life Magazine from Autism Empowerment online, visit https://www.SpectrumLife.org/spring2022 All back issues as well as shareable blog articles are available for free at www.SpectrumLife.org To help support our 501(c)3 nonprofit, please visit: www.AutismEmpowerment.org For Show Notes and Transcript, please visit www.AutismEmpowermentPodcast.org

In today's episode, we are previewing the Winter 2021 issue of Spectrum Life Magazine, a nonprofit autistic-led publication from Autism Empowerment written by and for autistic, neurodivergent and disabilities communities. We'll be going into behind-the-scenes details about each of the articles in the latest edition including our cover story, Let's Peer Up with Jenell Theobald. We'll be talking about inclusion, mental health and occasions where adversity led to autistic and disability rights advocacy. We'll also be sharing some holiday cheer, Autism Empowerment style!   The Winter 2021 issue arrived in December 2021. To pick up a print copy visit: www.SpectrumLife.org/findacopy To read the Winter 2021 issue of Spectrum Life Magazine from Autism Empowerment online, visit https://www.SpectrumLife.org/winter2021. All back issues as well as shareable blog articles are available for free at www.SpectrumLife.org  To help support our 501(c)3 nonprofit, please visit: www.AutismEmpowerment.org/donate  For Show Notes and Transcript, please visit https://www.AutismEmpowermentPodcast.org

This episode of the Autism Empowerment Podcast is dedicated to all those who are struggling with insecurity, depression, anxiety and loneliness. As tough as it may seem, please know that you are not alone. You are enough. You are meant to be. In this particular show, we'll talk about vulnerabilities and self-reflection. We'll talk about being touched by inspiration and how that can come during dark times. Autistic advocate Karen Krejcha will be reading and discussing Double Take. Unlike anything she has ever been inspired to write before, Double Take came to be during the unlikeliest of moments.

In today's episode, we are previewing the Fall 2021 issue of Spectrum Life Magazine, a nonprofit autistic-led publication from Autism Empowerment written by and for autism, autistic and disabilities communities. From advocacy and education to employment, wellness and mental health, we'll be going into behind-the-scenes details about each of the 13 articles in the latest edition.   The Fall 2021 issue just arrived September 13th, 2021. To pick up a print copy visit: www.SpectrumLife.org/findacopy. For the most recent issue of Spectrum Life Magazine from Autism Empowerment online, visit https://www.SpectrumLife.org/currentissue. All back issues as well as shareable blog articles are available for free at www.SpectrumLife.org  Give More 24 is coming up September 23rd, 2021. Support Autism Empowerment at https://www.givemore24.org/organizations/autism-empowerment or support our 501(c)3 nonprofit anytime at www.AutismEmpowerment.org/donate  For Show Notes and Transcript, please visit https://www.AutismEmpowermentPodcast.org    

The Autism Empowerment Podcast is back! After a two-month hiatus, we're answering listener questions in today's episode: What has been going on with Autism Empowerment in Summer 2021? When is our next issue of Spectrum Life Magazine? When is our 10th Anniversary mini-series debuting? What will be happening in the Fall? Let's get going! For transcripts and Show Notes, visit www.AutismEmpowermentPodcast.org For a free copy of Spectrum Life Magazine serving autistic and autism communities, visit www.SpectrumLife.org  The main website for our 501(c)3 nonprofit is www.AutismEmpowerment.org. Thank you for subscribing! We're here to serve!

In today's milestone episode, we celebrate a Happy 10th Anniversary with Autism Empowerment with the reveal of a new 5-week mini-series starting July 12th, 2021. Come join Autism Empowerment co-founders Karen Krejcha and John Krejcha as they go Behind the Scenes: A Look At 10 Years of Autism Empowerment. Come join the journey! Show Notes and Transcript: https://www.AutismEmpowermentPodcast.org Read and see our 10th Anniversary story in Spectrum Life Magazine: https://www.spectrumlife.org/summer2021

In today's episode, we are previewing the milestone Summer 2021 issue of Spectrum Life Magazine. This issue marks 5 years of Spectrum Life Magazine being a nonprofit program of Autism Empowerment and also 10 years of Autism Empowerment serving youth, adults and families within autism and autistic communities. It's the 18th issue of Spectrum Life Magazine being published by Autism Empowerment and also our 18th Autism Empowerment Podcast episode! Join Autism Empowerment co-founders Karen and John Krejcha as they share interesting and fun facts from Autism Empowerment's nonprofit work over the past decade. Watch for our Behind the Scenes: 10 Years of Autism Empowerment podcast mini-series starting in July and be sure to catch our 10th Anniversary special episode on Thursday, June 3rd, 2021. A new contest is announced in this episode where listeners and Spectrum Life Magazine readers have the opportunity to win free gift cards and Autism Empowerment merchandise. For Show Notes and Transcript, please visit https://www.AutismEmpowermentPodcast.org For the most recent issue of Spectrum Life Magazine from Autism Empowerment, visit https://www.SpectrumLife.org.  

In this episode of the Autism Empowerment Podcast, we are talking about educational support and recovery services for students in pandemic times and the age of COVID. Many parents and children involved in Special Education and general education services are concerned in some way about academic regression, staying on track and progressing forward.  For students on Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) or 504 plans, we're going to take a look at options available for students to catch up. We'll explore the differences between Compensatory Education, Recovery Services (a new term) and Extended School Year Services. We're going to discuss when a student might qualify and how each service may help support children on the autism spectrum and with other learning disabilities.   For transcripts and Show Notes, please visit www.AutismEmpowermentPodcast.org

In this episode, we preview the Spring 2021 issue of Spectrum Life Magazine published by Autism Empowerment. We shine a light on Autism Acceptance every day by centering and celebrating autistic voices in advocacy, education, poetry, podcasting, and entrepreneurial endeavors. We also show appreciation for family, friends and allies. Listen in and we'll let you know how to get your free copy of this publication written by and for autism and autistic communities. Show Notes and Transcript at www.AutismEmpowermentPodcast.org Spring issue of Spectrum Life Magazine at www.SpectrumLife.org/currentissue  

What does Autism Acceptance look like? What is the difference between Autism Acceptance and Autism Awareness? How can we each do a better job of listening to other voices in our community? Why is it so important to center autistic voices in policymaking, research, programs and philanthropy? In today's episode of the Autism Empowerment Podcast, we share meaningful conversation around the following areas:   What does Autism Acceptance look like at Autism Empowerment in 2021? In our world-at-large?  What is the difference between Autism Acceptance and Autism Awareness?  Between acceptance and stagnation?  How can we promote health, wellness, and the human needs of each autistic person with respect and dignity? Why is it so important to center autistic voices in policymaking, research, programs and philanthropy? To support Autism Acceptance and Autism Empowerment, where can we go to learn more? How can we meaningfully invest in Autistic potential and autism communities? In celebration of Autism Acceptance Month, we are launching this show on April 2nd. Join Autism Empowerment Podcast hosts and co-founders Karen Krejcha and John Krejcha for this important autistic-led and directed conversation.  Show Notes and Transcript at www.AutismEmpowermentPodcast.org Spring 2021 issue of Spectrum Life Magazine available April 12th at www.SpectrumLife.org. (All past issues available online for free.)

Although April is Autism Acceptance Month, we practice Autism Acceptance every day at Autism Empowerment. We invite you to join us as Ambassadors for Acceptance of All Abilities! In this episode, we will share easy and helpful ways for you to get involved with and support Autism Empowerment and the work we do with Spectrum Life Magazine and our Autism Empowerment Podcast. We'll share virtual volunteer opportunities and talk about what it means to be an Ambassador for Acceptance of All Abilities. We're also starting our monthly giveaway to win fun merchandise and prizes. Join hosts Karen and John Krejcha and tune in for your chance to win! Show Notes and Transcript at www.AutismEmpowermentPodcast.org  

To commemorate Daylight Savings Time, this episode of the Autism Empowerment Podcast is called Spring Ahead with Autism Empowerment. This show will be an update on recent programming changes we have made at our nonprofit organization and will introduce listeners to the Social Microgrant opportunity we hope to launch in the future. Co-founders Karen and John Krejcha will offer a behind-the-scenes discussion of ways our nonprofit charity will be serving Autistic, Autism and Asperger communities in the year ahead. Show Notes and Transcript at www.AutismEmpowermentPodcast.org

In today's episode, we are finishing our three-part series on Autism Diagnosis Disclosure. We'll be focusing on the pros and cons of Autism Disclosure for Adults, how to tell, when, why and how much to share. We'll be looking at this in the context of relationships, health, education and employment. Join Karen and John Krejcha for an informative and empowering discussion. For Show Notes and transcript, visit www.AutismEmpowermentPodcast.org

Today's episode of the Autism Empowerment Podcast is Part 2 in a 3-part series on Autism Diagnosis Disclosure. We discuss reasoning and strategies in Disclosing a Child's Autism Diagnosis to family, friends, agencies, schools, medical providers and others in the community. Help set your child up for success by learning who to tell, when to tell, why to tell, reactions you may receive, and differences between passive, reactive, and active disclosure.  Show Notes and Transcript at www.AutismEmpowermentPodcast.org  

In today's episode of the Autism Empowerment Podcast, we will be starting a three-part series on Autism Diagnosis Disclosure. Topics in this series include disclosure of the diagnosis from parents to their children, from parents to family, teachers and professional providers, from youth to peers, and from autistic adults to others. In Part 1, which will be today's show, we share and discuss Disclosing an Autism Diagnosis to A Child. We'll be talking about why it is important for a child to have information to better understand themselves. We'll cover common disclosure fears. We'll cover what might happen if a child is not told and we'll give suggestions on what, when, and how to tell. Transcript and Show Notes at www.AutismEmpowermentPodcast.org

In today's episode, we will be sharing and discussing the poem, Autism Does Not Define Me written by Karen Krejcha, an autistic mom parenting two children on the autism spectrum. The poem has been translated into multiple languages and also appeared in the book Chicken Soup for the Soul: Raising Kids on the Spectrum: 101 Inspirational Stories for Parents of Children with Autism and Asperger's.   Show Notes and Transcript at www.AutismEmpowermentPodcast.org

In today's episode, Karen Krejcha, co-founder of Autism Empowerment and an autistic adult, will be talking about commonly overlooked Signs of Autism in Adults and why so many people in their 30's to 60's and older don't get identified or diagnosed until later in adulthood. It is estimated that over 2% of adults in the United States are on the autism spectrum. If you are asking yourself if you or an adult family member or friend may be autistic and what to do next, please listen to today's show.    Show Notes and Transcript at www.AutismEmpowermentPodcast.org  

In today's episode, Karen and John Krejcha from Autism Empowerment talk about common early signs of autism in children from a parent perspective, professional perspective, and self-advocate perspective. We discuss resources available for free in the CDC's Learn the Signs. Act Early Program and the next steps to take if you are concerned about your child's development. Show Notes and Transcript at www.AutismEmpowermentPodcast.org

In today's episode of the Autism Empowerment Podcast, we focus on supporting parents who are new or early in their child's autism journey. In the Summer 2018 issue of Spectrum Life Magazine, Jasmyn Jones wrote a letter to parents called “When the Best Therapy is Love.” As an autistic mother, Jasmyn shared advice and wisdom that resonates with parents new in their autism journey and is also encouraging for other spectrum travelers. We'll be reading the letter to you today and discussing key takeaways.   Show notes and transcript at www.AutismEmpowermentPodcast.org Today's hosts: Karen and John Krejcha   Autism Empowerment Website: www.AutismEmpowerment.org  Spectrum Life Magazine: www.SpectrumLife.org 

In today's episode, we are talking about Autism Support Groups and Forums - Priorities, Plans, and Strategies for Success. On our previous show, we talked about Autism Support Groups and 9 Points to Ponder before you begin searching for a support group or support forum. Today we will be finishing our two-part series. We will be covering: Taking your priorities and turning that into a plan Search tips to help you cut through the clutter. Benefits and pitfalls of different types of groups Strategies to encourage a loved one to seek support. Join Autism Empowerment Podcast hosts Karen and John Krejcha as we go more in-depth on what you should be thinking about when seeking support for yourself or a loved one. Show notes and transcripts at: www.AutismEmpowermentPodcast.org

In today's episode, we will be talking about the importance of autism-related support and support groups for autistic adults, youth, parents, and family members. We will also be discussing 9 Points to Ponder in the Journey for Connection, an article from Spectrum Life Magazine. Whether you're searching for connections with others experiencing a particular challenge, seeking resources and referrals, or are hoping to develop new friendships and relationships, support groups and support forums can reduce isolation and provide great benefits. Join Autism Empowerment Podcast hosts Karen and John Krejcha for this discussion. www.AutismEmpowermentPodcast.org

In March 2020, Karen Krejcha, Autism Empowerment Podcast host, became seriously ill with COVID-19. She was sick for many months and is now a COVID long-hauler. In this episode, she will be discussing that experience and her subsequent journey back to health with co-host John Krejcha. Karen originally wrote about these challenges in an article for Spectrum Life Magazine's Winter 2020-21 issue. It is part of the Stories from The Spectrum, Autism from an Autistic Perspective series and can be found at www.SpectrumLife.org.   www.AutismEmpowermentPodcast.org  

Today's episode is an introduction to Spectrum Life Magazine, a print and online publication written by and for autistic, autism, and disabilities communities. Join Karen and John Krejcha, Autism Empowerment co-founders to learn about the magazine's past and present. We'll even tell you how to get a FREE copy of our current issue! www.SpectrumLife.org   www.AutismEmpowermentPodcast.org

Today's episode is an introduction to Autism Empowerment, the organization, and the Autism Empowerment podcast. You'll be meeting co-founders and hosts, Karen and John Krejcha, learn about our nonprofit organization's past, present, and where we're heading in the future.   As a passionate, proactive and positive autistic and disability led organization, we are deeply committed to including people of all ages, ability levels, and intersecting identities in the work we do. Whether you identify as a self-advocate, parent advocate, family member, ally or service provider, we learn from and value the lived experience of all community members.   Podcast Notes and Transcripts: www.AutismEmpowermentPodcast.org Autism Empowerment Website: www.AutismEmpowerment.org  Spectrum Life Magazine: www.SpectrumLife.org   

We're all on a journey. We're all lifelong learners. And sometimes we need help, support, and motivation along the way. Welcome to the Autism Empowerment podcast. We're a program of Autism Empowerment, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization devoted to promoting a culture of acceptance, enrichment, inspiration, and empowerment in the Autistic and Autism communities.   My name is Karen Krejcha. I'm the co-founder of Autism Empowerment along with John Krejcha, and I am going to be your host for this journey. I also identify as autistic and am a parent of two children on the spectrum. As you know, the spectrum is quite diverse and we're going to be talking about autism from a variety of different perspectives.   So whether you're new in your journey or you've been around a long time, stick around because there's going to be something here for you. Upcoming episodes will include interviews, insights, inspiration, and storytelling. We're a unique show that complements our print and online publication, Spectrum Life Magazine.   So whether you identify as on the autism spectrum, a parent, caregiver, family member, ally, service provider, or other professional, we're here to meet you where you're at and wherever you may be in your personal journey.   Be sure to hit the subscribe button as you'll want to have access to each of our upcoming episodes. There's going to be a lot of awesomeness here.    And if you like what you hear, please leave us a review and share with your friends, family, and colleagues. We appreciate your support as it helps more people find our show.   Thank you for being an Ambassador for Acceptance of All Abilities.