Bitter Autism

It's been a while, but Chuck and Judy are back! A move, a new school (and school system) for LG and, just when things began to settle down—COVID-19 and the quarantine struck.Theme music: Journey by Declan DP. Used with permission.

Being the parent of a child on the spectrum involves dealing with a whole slew of professionals: physicians, psychologists, teachers, and an almost infinite variety of therapists. But, for all their degrees, qualifications, experience and the like, the only real expert on your kid is YOU. Chuck and Judy share some of their adventures in ASD parenting—many behavior- and speech-therapy-related—that have shaped their views and encourage you to take ownership of your status as the true expert on, and best advocate for, your special needs child. Theme music: Journey by Declan DP. Used with permission.

LRE is an important part of an appropriate special education program. It provides special needs children as much exposure to the general education environment as possible as part of their autism journey. Listen to Chuck & Judy as they discuss why it's crucial, and why it's worth fighting for.Theme music: Journey by Declan DP. Used with permission.Sources: Understood.org:Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) What You Need to KnowFAPE at a Glance

Many of us build impenetrable walls around ourselves, hiding our needs and those of our families. All it does is make the already lonely road of raising a child on the autism spectrum even more isolating. Hear Chuck and Judy share from their experience and see how opening up to friends and providers alike paved the way to building a support system of their own.With so many autism parents out there, there's really no excuse for going it alone. Reaching out is the first step. You'll be amazed where it can lead.Theme music: Journey by Declan DP. Used with permission.

How do find the right school for kids on the spectrum when school ratings are based on the test scores of neuro-typical kids? Chuck & Judy share some hard-earned knowledge from their own search for a better place for their "LG." You have to get your hands dirty and do some digging. You see, that 8-rated school serving your local upscale cul-de-sac may just be hiding a special education department that is understaffed, overworked, and unprepared. And yes, we do use some adult language. We hope you can deal with it.Theme music: Journey by Declan DP. Used with permission.

Bitter Autism is a different kind of autism podcast. Your hosts Chuck & Judy talk about raising a child on the spectrum—the frustrations, the unanswered questions, and some inappropriate strangers. Also some details on what's coming and how you can keep in touch (@BitterAutism). Oh, and yes, we do use adult language. Sorry. (Not sorry.)Theme music: Journey by Declan DP. Used with permission.