Dancing Into Parenthood with Dr. Divina Lopez

In this episode of My Autistic Experience, Aaron opens up about his personal experiences with meltdowns—what triggers them, how they feel in the moment, and what actually helps him calm down. Dr. Divina Lopez, pediatrician and autism expert, leads the conversation to help parents and listeners better understand the difference between meltdowns and tantrums, why autistic kids experience them, and h...

"My Autistic Experience" is a heartfelt and enlightening podcast hosted by 12-year-old Aaron and his mom, Dr. Divina Lopez, a pediatrician and autism expert. Together, they share Aaron's unique journey growing up on the autism spectrum—from his early toddler years to his life as a preteen. With honesty, humor, and warmth, Aaron opens up about his sensory experiences, emotions, passions (like anima...

"My Autistic Experience" is a heartfelt and enlightening podcast hosted by 12-year-old Aaron and his mom, Dr. Divina Lopez, a pediatrician and autism expert. Together, they share Aaron's unique journey growing up on the autism spectrum—from his early toddler years to his life as a preteen. With honesty, humor, and warmth, Aaron opens up about his sensory experiences, emotions, passions (like anima...

Dive into the world of genetic testing for ASD, where science becomes the ultimate detective, uncovering the hidden clues of autism. By decoding the genetic mysteries behind ASD, doctors can craft personalized treatment plans like tailor-made suits, boosting the chances of success. Not only that, but this genetic sleuthing can also unveil any sneaky sidekicks that might be tagging along with ASD,...

Our special needs children are capable. They possess unique strengths and abilities that deserve to be recognized and celebrated. With the right support, encouragement, and resources, our special needs children can achieve incredible things and make meaningful contributions to the world around them. It is important to provide them with a nurturing and inclusive environment where they can thrive an...

In this episode of Dancing Into Parenthood, my son Aaron talks about his experience growing up with autism. He shares his good and bad memories when it came to school, his peers, and the teachers. These days, I know I have to communicate a lot with his teachers so they can understand he is not trying to manipulate. My son is curious, and because of that, he can be misunderstood. If you're a single...

In Part 2, Linelly and I talk about the level of denial in the Latino community when it comes to autism. They also talk about the key to success when it comes to therapies and tips when it comes to picky eaters and food textures. Timestamps:00:00 Intro23:38 What are some of the tips you give to parents when it comes to picky eaters? Listen to Part 2 of my conversation with Linelly and check out Pa...

I’m so excited to have Linelly on this episode of Dancing Into Parenthood: Entre La Familia! Linelly is a Speech Language Pathologist with a two year old son who was diagnosed with autism. She shares how his diagnosis affected her career path, her experience and advice when advocating for your child, and the importance of teaching functional language at an early age. Listen to Part 1 of my convers...

On this episode of Dancing Into Parenthood, I’m joined by Francis Lora! This is the first father I’ve had on in the Entre La Familia series! Francis is a licensed social worker and father to a son with autism. He talks about his experience with medical doctors before his son was diagnosed, how autism is shown in modern pop culture, and how machismo has played a part in his fatherhood journey. If y...

On this episode of Dancing Into Parenthood, I’m joined by Marlene Soto! Marlene is a huge advocate for her son AJ, who was diagnosed with autism at age 7. Marlene knew her son had autism within the first few months of his life. She shares all of the signs she noticed in her son, the power of community, how her son’s diagnosis impacted her marriage, and so much more. If you're a parent to a child w...

Does your husband have autism?

In this episode, we hear from Alexandra, a neurotypical sibling! She talks about her relationship with her brother, Austin, who was diagnosed with autism. Alex shares how her and Austin learned to communicate, how good Austin is with setting boundaries, and how they took care of each other when the other was uncomfortable. She emphasizes how growing up in a Latino household influenced their childh...

In Part 2, sisters Janira and Jeannie share more of their journeys as mothers to children with autism. They share the realities of relationships, the power of community, and special talents their kids have. Listen to Part 1 of episode 4 to hear more about the signs and symptoms they both noticed in their children. Jeannie is also the first mom I’ve interviewed who has a daughter with autism! 30:36...

On Episode 4 Part 1 of the Dancing Into Parenthood Podcast, we’re joined by sisters, Janira and Jeannie! Listen in as they share their stories, each raising children with autism. Jeannie is also the first mom I've interviewed with a daughter with autism!

 Hear them share the up’s and down, and how their children changed their perspective on life. Join us for Part 2 next week! If you’re a parent t...

On this episode of Dancing Into Parenthood, we’re joined by Kenia Nunez! She is a small business, entrepreneur coach, she is a curriculum creator for culturally responsive programs, best selling author, award-winning self care strategist, yoga teacher, and mother! She shares her motherhood journey to her son Markem, including:- His diagnosis at age 7- Navigating the school system and IEP meetings-...

Listen to Jessica Casillas share her story with us on her motherhood journey to her now 26-year-old son. She shares the signs and symptoms, her families reactions, obstacles they faced along the way, and so much more! 2:23 - What were the early signs [of autism] you noticed in your son?9:42 - How old was Austin when you first noticed regressions?13:10 - Did he pediatrician ever have concerns about...

In Part 3, Theresa gets real with us on her other son’s feelings towards his brother’s autism diagnosis and how its shifted his perspective while growing up. She also shares her outlook on her son’s future, and the future of all children with autism. Listen to all 3 parts of Theresa’s story now! Next week, we’ll hear from another mom on her experience parenting a child with autism. 2:41 - What is...

In Part 2, Theresa shares more of her motherhood journey. Her son, Diego, was diagnosed with autism at age 3. She shares the obstacles he overcame, navigating the school system & IEP meetings, and where Diego is now. Listen to part 1 & Part 2 of Theresa’s story now! Stay tuned for Part 3 coming soon! 1:50 Can you share some of the thing [Diego] has overcome?3:28 Is your son good at negotiating?7:2...

Listen to Theresa share the story of her motherhood journey to her son, Diego. In Part 1, she shares the initial signs and symptoms of autism she first noticed in her son, how the initial diagnosis initiated new programs, and how everything impacted her marriage. Listen to her story now and stay tuned for Part 2 coming soon! 8:38 What were the first signs & symptoms you first noticed in Diego?15:2...

Many new parents are focused on the baby and forget to prioritize their own self -care.  Did you know that neglecting your own care can have significant impacts on your health, mental health—and even the well-being of your baby? This is why counselor Vanessa De Jesus Guzman and I decided that this podcast was a must to produce for you!  We’ll give you the tips to taking care of yourself in this ne...

Every parent wants to know what exactly happens to their baby in the nursery.  In this episode of the podcast, I reveal exactly what goes on behind the scenes in the nursery.  Delivery day is a day full of excitement and between labor and delivery so much goes on in the minutes’ right after birth.  You’ll learn what a baby experiences in the nursery after delivering at a hospital.

In this episode we're discussing the 5 most frequently asked questions that I get from expecting dads about pregnancy and about moms. As a matter of fact, some of them are pretty provocative! So, stay tuned because this is a pretty interesting episode, lol. If you are a dad and have questions submit them directly on my website: https://drdivinalopez.com/. I love hearing from you, and I am always a...

You can still be a team player when it comes to pregnancy, mama does not want to do this alone. Nothing makes a new mom happier than witnessing how excited her partner is for this new adventure.  Your role is to provide support and be her cheerleader, and yes you got this!  Stick to the 15 ways partners can support a pregnant mama, and she will be forever grateful to have such a great partnership...

15 things that you should be doing before your baby arrives. This is a fantastic episode that will get you prepared for the fourth trimester. Dr. Lopez loves to help parents prepare and plan for the arrival of their baby, and you will learn exactly what you need to do in this episode to make the transition from hospital to home as smooth as possible! For more guidance from Dr. Lopez visit her webs...