The Oxygen Mask Podcast

Beth is joined by co-host, Jen Reiter, a parent of a young woman with ASD and an advocate for neurodiversity, mindfulness, and all things creative. Beth and Jen chat with Robin Rumsey, a Pediatric Neuropsychologist at the Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain in Minneapolis, MN. We explore Robin's approach to working with families early in their autism journeys. Robin discusses her own learning over the years, and how she helps parents prioritize the family's well-being and the needs of their child with autism. We hope you'll find encouragement, perspective, and reassurance here. Show Notes Announcement of Communities Engaging Autism's closure Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain in Minneapolis LEND - Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities: This is the fellowship program Jen references in which she met Robin and observed her in clinic. Robin mentioned care coordination as a way to help families navigate. More info on care coordination in this Oxygen Mask Podcast episode. Robin mentioned several family and parent connection opportunities, including the Autism Society of MN, school district groups (this could include Special Education Advisory Councils), and an Explore MN article on attractions that cater to kids with autism (part of a broader Accessible Travel feature)

This conversation explores the dual diagnosis of autism and Down Syndrome with guests Ashley Olthoff of the Down Syndrome Association of Minnesota and Marcy Rede, a parent of a young adult with the dual diagnosis. Ashley helps us understand how traits of individuals with Down Syndrome can overlap with autistic traits. Marcy describes how the parenting path she thought she was on with her daughter diverged and led to her daughter's autism diagnosis. Marcy thoughtfully describes her daughter's "in-between place" in the disability community. Show Notes National Down Syndrome Society page on dual diagnosis and related resources When Down Syndrome and Autism Intersect. Froehike, R.N., Zaborek, Robin. Bethesda, MD: Woodbine House. (2013) Down Syndrome - Autism Connection Down Syndrome Association of Minnesota (DSAMN) where you can find Ashley Olthoff. DSAMN's Autism and Down Syndrome - Minnesota Facebook Group where you can find Marcy Rede Acknowledgements This podcast episode was made possible thanks to a grant from the Minnesota Department of Human Services.

In this second episode with Shannon Andreson, we go deeper into reframing summer in terms of resources. We discuss two more LifeCourse tools that help visualize and communicate our own or our kids' supports, connections, and strengths. Don't miss the links and examples in the show notes! Show Notes Beth's YouTube video on the support star and schedule. Example: Beth's Integrated Supports Star. Note: The underlined items are those that "fell off" during the pandemic and could be resumed if doing so would be supportive. Wait a minute, what is LifeCourse? We've talked about it on the podcast before, but it's been awhile. Check out Oxygen Mask Podcast Episode 20: LifeCourse Tools for Planning and Advocacy to learn more. Disability Hub MN links to LifeCourse Acknowledgements This podcast episode was made possible thanks to a grant from the Minnesota Department of Human Services.

Our guest, Shannon Andreson, is a parent of a young adult on the autism spectrum and leader in education and autism advocacy. She helps us shift our thinking about summer. For many special needs families, irregular schedules and long summer days can be daunting. But Shannon's reframing helps us see summer's flexibility as an invitation to build support and independence and to recognize resources close at hand. In this conversation, we highlight a visual tool that may help you reframe to see structure and abundance in your day-to-day. Don't miss Episode 26 for the second part of this conversation with Shannon. Show Notes Charting the LifeCourse schedule tool (bottom of page). Note: The schedule is nestled into a group of tools related to respite, or small breaks for caregivers throughout the day. You can use the schedule to illustrate your own day (and small chances to rest) or the way your child spends his or her time. Caregiver respite is a huge area of need and a rich area to explore with LifeCourse tools. Communities Engaging Autism hosted two events in Spring of 2022 on this topic. We'd love to connect with you to walk through possibilities and resources for finding small moments to put on your own oxygen mask on. for your family. Connect with us at info@cea4autism.org Wait a minute, what is LifeCourse? We've talked about it on the podcast before, but it's been awhile. Check out Oxygen Mask Podcast Episode 20: LifeCourse Tools for Planning and Advocacy to learn more. Disability Hub MN links to LifeCourse Acknowledgements This podcast episode was made possible thanks to a grant from the Minnesota Department of Human Services.

In Episode 24, Beth interviews Tara Mahin, a Care Coordinator in the pediatric practice that cares for both of Beth's kids. The two discuss ways care coordinators can help parents of medically complex kids, including parents raising kids with autism. The conversation illustrates that a little help goes a long way in helping families navigate systems more efficiently, lending continuity to care, and providing and a "warm handoff" among providers. Listen in and check out the show notes to learn more about accessing care coordination. Show notes: Find Health Care Homes at the Minnesota Department of Health's website. Health Care Homes include care coordination as part of their services.

Beth and Tera talk about being intentional about our commitments. They share the process of Tera's decision to step away from co-hosting the Oxygen Mask Podcast. Making connections to raising children on the autism spectrum, they surface opportunities that have come from doing less. Listen in and be part of this warmhearted "goodbye and thank you" to Tera. Show Notes: Consider joining Communities Engaging Autism's monthly Parent Growth Circles where we support one another in putting our oxygen masks on first (and not swatting them away).

Listen to part two of the conversation with Sy and Maychee. Drawing from experiences and challenges they shared in Episode 21, Sy and Maychee describe their hopes, celebrations, and perspectives as members of Minnesota's Hmong-American community and the autism community. Sy mentioned his involvement with the Multicultural Autism Action Network (MAAN) as well as the Supporting all Abilities Welcoming All Voices (SAWV) Facebook group. Part of his work with MAAN included a rich, personal conversation he had with Maychee and shared on YouTube. Check it out here. Hear's a brief feature on Maychee from Hmong American Experience. Acknowledgements: This Oxygen Mask Episode was made possible by an Family Connections Innovation Grant from the MN Department of Human Services. Communities Engaging Autism is grateful for this financial support.

Beth is joined by two guests from the local Hmong-American community. Sy, reflects on his educational path and the supports he has or would like to have in order to live well as an adult with autism. Maychee, a mother of a young child with autism, describes pursuing supports for her son. She navigated her family's reservations that were rooted in stigma and lack of understanding. Acknowledgements: This Oxygen Mask Episode was made possible by an Family Connections Innovation Grant from the MN Department of Human Services. Communities Engaging Autism is grateful for this financial support.

Jamie O'Connor of Family Voices of Minnesota shares how envisioning a good life for her daughter helped Jamie move from overwhelm and "overtherapy-ing" to advocacy informed by her daughter's interests and strengths. In our podcast conversation, we discuss two favorite LifeCourse tools (links below). Jamie's stories and our reflections illustrate how simple tools and visuals can spur conversation and inspire courage and clarity. Show Notes: LifeCourse Tools from the University of Missouri Fillable PDFs of the tools discussed: Integrated Support Star; Life Trajectory Disability Hub MN has accessible information and links on Charting the LifeCourse. May 25, 2021 Family Voices of Minnesota webinar: Using the Trajectory Tool: Charting the LifeCourse Favorite quote from Jamie on benefits of using planning tools centered on the disabled person: "It's the difference between showing up and asking what’s available and showing up and saying these are my wants and needs. How can we work together to meet them?"

We entered April, autism acceptance month, with Milena and Jules. As these two neurodiverse mothers raise autistic children, they are living out and advocating for autism acceptance in their families and communities. Our conversation began with the founding and growth of MN Autistics and Allies and meandered through autistic community, masking, splinter skills, language, and how talking about autism with kids can help them advocate for themselves. This conversation shifted our thinking and we hope it does the same for you! Show Notes:  - A recent article on the shift in language from autism awareness month to autism acceptance month - MN Autistics and Allies is the Facebook group that Milena and Jules co-administer. - Writing from Jules (@AutisticTyping): "Today, your child was diagnosed with autism" #AutismMoon in-progress series (images with bite-sized information) - Milena is a Pacer Parent Advocate and member of the MN Department of Education's Special Education Advisory Panel. - Jules is a Parent Advocate with the Multicultural Autism Action Network and current University of Minnesota LEND fellow. Acknowledgements: This Oxygen Mask Episode was made possible by an Family Connections Innovation Grant from the MN Department of Human Services. Communities Engaging Autism is grateful for this financial support.

This April, autism acceptance month, we have insightful conversations with Milena Bates and Jules Edwards about neurodiversity. These two mothers recognized that they themselves are neurodiverse as they sought diagnoses and services for their autistic children. This episode will bring you joy, make you think, and provide a new lens on autism. Milena and Jules share their personal and parenting journeys and shift the autism narrative toward acceptance. Show Notes:  - MN Autistics and Allies is the Facebook group that Milena and Jules co-administer. - Writing from Jules (@AutisticTyping): "Today, your child was diagnosed with autism" #AutismMoon in-progress series (images with bite-sized information) - Milena is a Pacer Parent Advocate and member of the MN Department of Education's Special Education Advisory Panel. - Jules is a Parent Advocate with the Multicultural Autism Action Network and current University of Minnesota LEND fellow. Acknowledgements: This Oxygen Mask Episode was made possible by an Family Connections Innovation Grant from the MN Department of Human Services. Communities Engaging Autism is grateful for this financial support.

In this episode, we hear from two men who've lead a support group for dads of kids with special needs for over 15 years. Impacted by one father's isolation and struggle as he processed his child's diagnosis, Don Nikkola, MSW, knew this father was not  alone. He partnered with Steve Roeklein, LCSW, to address a big gap in peer support for men. Steven later summarized their approach as follows: validate [what men share], normalize [men's experience/"you're not alone"], empower [men to engage and grow]. Hear how this group of fathers helps each other navigate their unique fatherhood journeys. Show Notes:  Learn more about Twin Cities Dads (Helping fathers help their special kids) at https://tcdads.org/ Note: Don and Steve expressed appreciation for Arc Minnesota's past sponsorship of their group.

We dive deep with Delia Samuel in this second part of our conversation. She reflects on discrimination, isolation and her commitment to build understanding of autism. Delia shares more about what has sustained her in extraordinarily difficult times. Beth, Tera, and Delia recognize how we parents grow to become the best-suited people to parent our autistic children. Show Notes: "The But God Project" features Delia's faith story. Delia is a co-founder and board member with the Multicultural Autism Action Network (MAAN). On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/MAANMN Against the Odds: Inspiration for Parenting Children with Special Needs by Delia Samuel Article about Dr. Samuel's work in St. Lucia

Listen in to our conversation with Dr. Delia Samuel for encouragement and rich perspective. By openly sharing about her own experience parenting two autistic boys, Delia's found that she can help parents face stigma and feel seen and supported. Show Notes: Delia is a co-founder and board member with the Multicultural Autism Action Network (MAAN). On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/MAANMN Against the Odds: Inspiration for Parenting Children with Special Needs by Delia Samuel Article about Dr. Samuel's work in St. Lucia

We're so glad to welcome Bonnie Bogen, Parent Coach and retired Autism Specialist, to the Oxygen Mask. Many families are all too familiar with the stresses weighing on and pulling us in many directions. Here, Bonnie suggests some concrete strategies. Perhaps most reassuring, however, is her wise guidance about expectations we set for ourselves and for our children. Thanks for listening! Show Notes: Check out a visual we made based on Bonnie's ideas for helping parents and families focus their priorities.

Welcome to back-to-school: Pandemic edition, featuring parents jostled and swirling in a sea of uncertainty! In this episode, Beth and Tera check in on stress symptoms and coping strategies. What helps you feel safe and tethered down in these stormy times? Hear the hosts' thoughts on what's been harder and what's been easier about a socially distant summer. Tera and Beth remind themselves and their listeners to go back to the basics of supporting ourselves and our family members, especially those on the spectrum. Friends, it bears repeating: Please secure your own oxygen mask before helping others.   Show Notes:  Yoga with Adriene: https://www.youtube.com/user/yogawithadriene Favorite timer (similar to those often used at school): Time Timer Article from disability scoop identifying pandemic complications and stressors for those parenting kids with special needs: https://www.disabilityscoop.com/2020/08/19/pandemic-pushes-parents-of-kids-with-special-needs-to-breaking-point/28760/

Take a quick listen to our thoughts heading into our summer pause. We would love to bring more voices into the mix on the Oxygen Podcast when we reboot in the fall. Let us know if you or someone you know would like bring a new lens or important information to the conversation! Be well. And breathe. With gratitude, Tera & Beth

Episode 12 comes to you during a challenging time for all of us in this COVID-19 pandemic. Tera and Beth acknowledge the brain fog, fatigue, intensity, and interruptions that are weighing on us all. We have slowed down and are trying, daily, to be more flexible and gentle with ourselves and our families. That’s why our April podcast is finally showing up in May! Please extend these friendly attitudes to yourself as well. When you have found some rest and space, we hope that Episode 12 plants a seed of gratitude and appreciation as we talk about nurturing a strengths-based lens with our kids and our whole families. Show Notes: Book: Just Give Him the Whale! by Paula Kluth and Patrick Schwarz

In Episode 11, we warmly welcome our first guests, Kate Biederman and Jen Reiter, who have deeply shaped Communities Engaging Autism's mindfulness course*. In this rich conversation, Beth, Jen, Kate and Tera unpack what mindfulness really is and the growth they've seen in themselves and others through practice. *Our Spring 2020 course has been cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. To stay informed of future offerings, subscribe to the podcast or visit our website to subscribe to CEA's newsletter. Key quote: "People don't have less stress in their life...they're just more equipped and resourced to handle what comes." - Kate Biederman Key points: Defining mindfulness; noticing is powerful Anchoring your attention in your body; being present in the moment Consistency is key in growing self-awareness; do simple things, daily Practicing in community with other parents is powerful Show notes:  LEND Fellowship Communities Engaging Autism's Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Course for Parents of Kids with Special Needs Jon Kabat-Zinn Sebastian Gendry Book: How to Relax by Thich Nhat Hanh

Join us in offering yourself a little love this February! In Episode 10, Tera and Beth recall positive, encouraging words and actions from people who have come alongside us and our families. These are beautiful moments that let us know we are seen and that our children are known and valued. Draw from our stories to recognize your own. Hold them up, have a good look at them, and thread them into a story of hope and encouragement. Take a listen and let this episode awaken or enliven your own gratitude. Take-aways from this episode are really interwoven with Communities Engaging Autism's 7-week course, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Parents of Kids with Special Needs. There, we talk about the brain's negativity bias (as Rick Hanson puts it, the good slips off as if on Teflon and the bad sticks like Velcro). It takes intention to balance out our brain's defaults. The seeds that you water are the ones that grow; the muscles that you work are the ones that get stronger. Another offering begins April 7, 2020. Click here for details. Each day this month, jot down a few specific, positive things people have said to you, ways others' actions have encouraged you, or just positive, peaceful, or joyful moments in your day. Oh, and there's an app for that. Three Good Things is a gratitude practice builder that's gentle and simple.

We hope you’ll take a moment amidst the holiday flurry to breathe, listen, and be encouraged. In Episode 9, we acknowledge the many ways that family gatherings are a lot for us and our kids and we talk through ways we can navigate: Expectations! Ours own, those of others, those spoken, those unspoken, and those we imagine Boundaries that are healthy for us and our children; respecting how your child copes Identifying the most challenging activities and/or those with the most set expectations (i.e. large sit down dinners) and “bookending” that event with activities that are restorative for your child and meet his/her needs for down time or sensory input Drawing from mindfulness principles, we challenge you to notice the stories you tell yourself as you engage with your larger family and friend circles. If a story of “not enough” with a side of shame or guilt is present, we encourage you to nudge your story toward self-acceptance and acceptance and celebration of the family you have formed. Remember, you’re not doing this alone—Tera, Beth, and many other special needs parents are right there with you. Best wishes for a peaceful time of togetherness and much rest afterwards! Show Notes: Beth mentioned Communities Engaging Autism’s course: Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Parents of Kids with Special Needs. Here’s information about our fall 2019 session. A late spring offering of the course will be announced soon. Scholarships available.

The Oxygen Mask is back! Have you experienced a few curveballs in life when unexpected circumstances challenge you, forcing you to focus on one step at a time? This is often the time when routines or expectations that ground us slip away and we find ourselves more than maxed out. In Episode 8, which was recorded last fall, we reflect on curveballs that life has thrown our way and how we, fumblingly, do the best we can to respond and find our way through. Discussion points include: How have you helped your child make sense of situations like the death of a loved one or a big life change when you are struggling yourself?  What are some of your signs that you’re at your maximum capacity (or beyond)? How can we respond when we react in ways we regret?  What are our kids’ cues that they’re near or beyond capacity to manage uncertainty and stress too?    Show Notes: 1) “Size of the problem” resource and guidance 2) “Expected and unexpected”: Why do we Use the Expected-Unexpected Social Thinking Vocabulary?; Youtube Video on Activity for Expected vs Unexpected

Oxygen Mask is back after a summer breather!! In this episode, we talk about the importance of relationships to sustain and grow us as individuals. We reflect on friendships that have become anchors through tumultuous years. We discuss questions like: What have supportive, essential friendships looked like over the years? What relationship dynamics should we watch out for as special needs parents? As always, we encourage you to trust the process when it comes to friendship. Reach out and let us know what makes a great, growing friendship for you and, very importantly, let us know if you’re feeling disconnected. Info@cea4autism.org Show Notes: 1. We mentioned some support group resources, emphasizing that the way groups are run is really important for a healthy dynamic. Here is a Resource Sheet on Minneapolis/St. Paul support group opportunities from Communities Engaging Autism’s website. There is so much more than what’s here, but this is a start! 2. Shared interests and pursuits are a great way to begin a friendship. This fall, Communities Engaging Autism is offering a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction course specifically created for parents of kids with special needs. In the past, our participants have enjoyed a sense of solidarity and mutual support as they seek to improve their overall wellbeing through mindfulness practice. Learn more >>

Where’s the play button? Well, we’re following our own advice and taking a short pause to rest and enjoy this busy, beautiful summer. Listeners are telling us the Oxygen Mask Podcast has been an encouraging, powerful place. Will you grow this good thing with us? Please take two minutes to share your two cents via our survey at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BH9VL7Z. Thank you!! Looking Back, Moving Forward This pause is an opportunity to reflect on the thrilling and fulfilling six-episode streak we’ve had this spring. Where have we been? What have we covered? Where are we headed? Remember, the Oxygen Mask began as a collaborative project between Communities Engaging Autism and Tera Girardin as part of her LEND fellowship. CEA is so grateful for Tera’s initiative and creativity. We plan to continue supporting this flexible, inviting format to connect and encourage parents of children with autism and other special needs as well as the professionals and community members who support them. You’ll hear from us again in September!

In Episode 6 of The Oxygen Mask we talk about wading through the mountain of information, options, advice, and opinions that come along with an autism diagnosis. Where do you begin?! Often we parents feel the need to jump in with both feet, read all the articles (hello, late night Google sessions), explore every therapy, make every appointment and do everything possible in the name of helping our child. But at what expense? Is it worth it? We'll talk about how to be discerning with information overload and employ Oxygen Mask techniques to make healthy choices. (Spoiler alert:  Permission granted to not do all the things!) Show notes: Beth mentioned Temple Grandin’s Thinking in Pictures. Have You Filled a Bucket Today? by Carol McCloud Notice and then try to nudge your thoughts toward these mindfulness attitudes. The Oxygen Mask conversations are filled with gentle reminders and examples rooted in mindfulness. Communities Engaging Autism will be offering fall 2019 and spring 2020 Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Special Needs Parents! This is a wonderful opportunity to practice breathing exercises, several types of meditation, yoga, Qigong, and more alongside supportive peers and facilitators. The goal is to see what works for you and to support you in carrying it through your day-to-day. The Velcro and teflon analogy comes from Rick Hanson. See details. Note: Dates/locations listed are for on our past offering. 2019-2020 dates/locations will be announced on Facebook or via our newsletter and blog. Reach out with questions!

Why do we need an oxygen mask? How you parent your child matters for life! But autism is intense and challenging for our children and that makes parenting a unique challenge too. In this episode we dive into how we respond to these challenges and how to use your oxygen mask to respond in a healthier way. Reset your expectations, avoid the busy badge, embrace JOMO (joy of missing out), reframe how you view autism, get comfortable with uncertainty, stay in the present, and stop asking why. Recognize that it’s a lifelong journey and a spiral staircase of learning and adapting.  What techniques have you used to put on your oxygen mask? What moments of noticing or mindfulness have given you pause? Do you have any mantras that get you through? What resonated with you in today's episode? Show notes: 1) Research on parent stress: Hayes, S. A., & Watson, S. L. (2013). The Impact of Parenting Stress: A Meta-analysis of Studies Comparing the Experience of Parenting Stress in Parents of Children With and Without Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Autism Dev Disord, 43, 629-642. Link:  http://cds.web.unc.edu/files/2015/09/parentingstressandASD.pdf In this article, the authors conduct secondary level research that’s one step away from the original research they’re reviewing. Their results and discussion are especially insightful. So are the background sections that discuss the specific questions and concerns that drive their inquiry on parental stress. Important Note: As you read, remember that the authors need to establish a problem to argue for the importance of their research and its contribution to a larger conversation. In this case, the problem is parental stress and that problem is linked here to autism. We can take these broad strokes to be true for us (i.e. parenting a child with autism is uniquely stressful), but let’s be careful not to get swept up and become overwhelmed, helpless, or discouraged. CEA’s passion and the Oxygen Mask’s goal is to help parents find supportive ideas, relationships, and practices that build resilience. There’s also research on resilience that we’ll be sharing to better understand and celebrate the remarkable levels of resilience in families of children with ASD.   2) A follow-up point on our conversation: Beth wanted to add something to Tera’s idea about not taking her son’s difficult words or actions personally and saying “oh, that’s autism.” Beth says, “To find empathy even when I’m hurting or upset, I remind myself, ‘He’s having a hard time,’ and ‘He’s showing me he’s struggling.’” Use whatever oxygen mask technique works best for you! 3) This interview with authors of “Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle” is powerful and worth a listen. In particular, the idea of “completing the stress cycle” through physical activity, connection, and creative expression (among others), add a helpful layer to some of the Oxygen Mask strategies we talk about here. 

In this episode, we talk about why autism can be so hard to recognize, to grasp, to identify, and to accept. We name “four S’s” to consider why it is so discombobulating: Spectrum, Systems, Stigma, and Self. We know each journey is complex and unique, but we you find some recognition or gain some insights as you listen. As always, let us know what’s missing! Show Notes:  Book suggestion: Neurotribes by Steve Silberman. This is a thick and dense read and may be best as an audiobook. See Communities Engaging Autism’s book review here. Click for article: A synopsis of research that shaped understandings of autism in the US (Kanner) and Europe (Asperger and, later, Wing).

We are listening. We heard a sense of hope but also overwhelm from some of our Episode 2 listeners. You took the conversation further, asking, “How do we hold up our children’s strengths when we are navigating systems that need to zoom in on deficits and struggles? How do we communiate so that we feel comfortable knowing our children are listening?” We don’t have all the answers, but we’re having a conversation about our experiences stretching between deficits and challenges and assets and strengths. In this episode, we offer a mix of strategy and encouragement to try, try again. Show Notes: We discussed communication aids for IEP meetings and appointments: 1) Jot down “what’s working/what’s not working” with your child as a check-in strategy. For more structure, print or copy your child’s schedule (use terms school uses for subjects, spaces, etc.) and have him mark what’s working/what’s working. It may require several small conversations over time. Also, remember that hallway transitions and other unstructured, in between moments may not be on the schedule, but often pose additional challenges for our kids. Ask about hallway and line-up time, etc. 2) Beth mentioned a brief “Celebrations and Challenges” sheet she creates for pediatrician well visits. Keep it brief and focused on your child. 3) We liked this Self-Awareness Worksheet from www.understood.org both as a self-advocacy builder and as a check-in and communication tool. Including your child in IEP meetings is a personal choice that may vary over time. Here are two resources that may help you weigh whether and how your child joins the conversation: From PACER: “How Can My Child Be Involved in the IEP Process?” By Scott Lutostanski: “Should Your Child Attend His IEP Meeting?”

In our second Oxygen Mask episode, “They’re Listening,” we have an honest conversation about the power of words in shaping how our children see themselves. Setting aside guilt, we step into the power we hold as parents to make a difference in small, consistent ways. We can be thoughtful and intentional about what we share and where. We can find outlets to process the hard stuff. We can practice “pivoting” from energy-sapping conversations about deficits, causes, cures, and strategies to emphasize gratitude, growth, and strengths. Listen and comment: What are some “pivot phrases” you can use to shift from fear or deficits to strengths? Have you ever had an aha moment where you realized your child is listening? Show Notes: Check out this kiddo snapshot that describes a child in positive, concrete ways and offers suggestions for successful engagement. Make one with or for your child and use it as a introduction with teachers, camp leaders, caregivers, and others. The snapshot is part of a CEA blog post about summer planning and we’ve since learned that a similar snapshot/picture is used in Person-Centered Planning. Carly’s Voice, a powerful book by a father-daughter duo in which, among lots of other topics, they discuss what it was like for Carly, who is autistic, to understand and take in the world around her but be unable to communicate verbally for much of her childhood. Nick Walker’s “What is Autism” offers a neutral definition of autism and a starting point for “pivoting” our own ideas about autism away from deficits and toward differences. As you try on a strengths-based lens, it may help to understand the “Kingdoms of Autism”. We offer this article to help you better see the “lay of the land” around you. Recognizing the lens that friends, family members, strangers, teachers, and clinicians bring to the conversation can help you orient yourself and “pivot” or translate more readily toward the lens that feels healthy for you, your child, and your family. Important Content Ahead! While we briefly touched on it here, we will dedicate a future episode to the very important topic of parents having a safe, healthy outlet to process the challenging realities that come with raising a child on the autism spectrum. If your emotional needs aren’t being met, reaching for strengths can feel artificial and stifling. That’s no place to be. Below, we’ll share a synopsis of “pivot phrases” from listeners this week. Grab ‘em and use ‘em on the playground, in the hallways, and in your neighborhood! “There’s no need to be [sorry], he’s [positive descriptions of child].” “We don’t spend a lot of time thinking about that (i.e. causes), but....[name interests].” “We haven’t looked into that [i.e. strategy/“cure”]. We have what we need right now/are doing what we need to do right now.” ”It sure can be hard, but we are OK/have a lot of great people in our lives/have some great things going for us.”  

The inaugural episode of The Oxygen Mask podcast is now available!! We are so excited to be sharing our knowledge this way. We know parents, especially special needs parents, are busy and our hope is to give you a short break in your day to become very intentional with your wellbeing and your parent role. Take a pause and a breath so you can best help your child. We will not overwhelm you with lots of shoulds and to dos. We want to empower you to navigate the autism path in your own way. We feel a podcast format is wonderful because it builds a sense of community and allows you to digest information in small doses while giving you the power to investigate ideas further on your own. Show Notes: Interested in trying out breathing/mindfulness practices? https://www.tarabrach.com/guided-meditations/ What’s with the hands on hips in the breathing exercise?  https://www.ted.com/talks/amy_cuddy_your_body_language_shapes_who_you_are?language=en What’s this LEND thing you speak of? https://lend.umn.edu/ “Your child’s best advocate,” a heartfelt blog post from Beth on her experience with burnout/overwhelm: https://cea4autism.org/childs-best-advocate/ Tera’s book, "Faces of Autism" can be found here: www.teragirardin.com or on Amazon.com Neurodiversity? What is that? Ask and Autistic # 19: What is Neurodiversity? https://youtu.be/H6xl_yJKWVU

In anticipation of our celebration of the power of poetry, song and autism, we wanted to share part of the creativity we are celebrating. Brian Laidlaw recorded these original songs that were written by students of Unlocking Potential, our creative writing course held in August 2017 and made possible through an Arts Learning grant through the Minnesota State Arts Board. The tunes may be a bit familiar, but the words are all unique. We hope you enjoy listening to them as much as we enjoyed creating them. Bullet Ants Blues by Max https://cea4autism.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Bullet-Ants-Blues.mp3 2. The Poly Ticks Blood Sucking Creature Blues by the group https://cea4autism.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/The-Poly-Ticks-Blood-Sucking-Creature-Blues.mp3 3. Ring of Ice by James https://cea4autism.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Ring-of-Ice.mp3