Autism Odyssey

Join Betsy Hicks-Russ and Dr. Lindy Woodard as they explore holistic approaches to pediatric care, emphasizing natural remedies and the importance of nutrient-dense diets. Discover how to support children's health without relying solely on medication, and learn about the benefits of homeopathy, essential oils, and the power of nature. Dr. Lindy Woodard - Pediatric Alternatives, Mill Valley, CA...

Betsy Hicks-Russ and Lucy Biggers explore the challenges of navigating differing opinions while advocating for understanding and compassion in conversations. They talk about the importance of community and dialogue in the autism advocacy space, discussing the polarization that has emerged in recent years. They emphasize the need for open-mindedness, the impact of social media algorithms on beliefs...

Betsy Hicks-Russ and Natalie discuss the impact of diet on autism, particularly focusing on picky eating and the journey of making dietary changes. They explore the mindset needed to overcome challenges, the importance of ingredients in cooking, and strategies for incorporating healthier options into meals. The discussion emphasizes the significance of gut health, the balance between snacking and...

Betsy Hicks-Russ and Eileen Himel explore the profound impact of non-speaking autistic individuals on human consciousness and collective awareness. They discuss the importance of understanding that many of the non-speakers are "Un-Conditionable" and the strong role they play in the expansion of human kind. The dialogue emphasizes the significance of intentional communication, authenticit...

The Telepathy Tapes contributor, Katie Asher explores with Betsy Hicks-Russ, the profound connections between sensory perception, emotional intelligence, and the unique experiences of non-speaking individuals. They discuss the importance of advocacy for spellers, the flaws in traditional education systems, and the need to focus on individual strengths rather than deficits. The conversation also de...

Betsy Hicks-Russ and Austin Moore delve into the world of spelling as a means of communication for non-speaking individuals. They explore the shared experiences within the Spellers community, the journey of becoming a practitioner, and the importance of presuming competence in individuals with autism. The discussion highlights the power of open communication, the challenges of understanding the sp...

Betsy Hicks-Russ welcomes back Meghann Parkinson to discuss Spelling to Communicate (S2C). They explore who is a candidate for S2C, the importance of presuming competence in non-speakers, and how dysregulation can affect communication. Meghann shares insights on the role of AAC devices, the significance of regulation in learning, and the journey of developing reading and spelling skills. They also...

Betsy Hicks-Russ and Iris Wong explore the concept of executive functioning, its importance in the context of autism, and how it relates to health and well-being. They discuss the significance of understanding individual differences in executive functioning, the role of diet, and the gut-brain connection. The conversation emphasizes the need for a supportive toolkit for caregivers and the importan...

Betsy Hicks-Russ interviews Martha Castillo, who shares her journey as a mother navigating the complexities of raising her son Matthew, who was diagnosed with autism and Phelan McDermid syndrome. Martha discusses the challenges of early diagnosis, the importance of community support, and the emotional toll of regression in communication. They explore the dynamics of friendships, the impact of publ...

Betsy Hicks-Russ and Pam Blanton discuss the complexities of housing for adults with disabilities, focusing on the steps families can take to navigate the system. They cover essential topics such as applying for Social Security, understanding state services, exploring various housing options, finding caregivers, and planning for the future. The discussion emphasizes the importance of affordability...

Betsy Hicks-Russ and Julianne King discuss their journeys as mothers of children with autism, focusing on the transformative power of spelling as a means of communication. They share personal stories about their sons, Beau and Joey, exploring the challenges and triumphs they face in advocating for their children's voices. The discussion highlights the importance of community support, the dreams an...

Betsy Hicks-Russ and Andrea Arlotti discuss the challenges faced by caregivers of children with autism, emphasizing the need for community support and self-care. They introduce their upcoming Be Nourished Retreats aimed at providing healing, balance, and connection for mothers. The discussion covers the importance of nutrition, laughter, and movement in maintaining well-being, as well as the signi...

Betsy Hicks-Russ and Raj Khedun explore the significance of mindfulness and breathing techniques, particularly for parents of autistic children. Raj shares his personal journey and insights on how breath can enhance consciousness and well-being. They discuss practical techniques that can be easily integrated into daily life, emphasizing that mindfulness does not require a specific setting or exten...

Betsy Hicks-Russ and speech and language therapist, Megan Harcourt discuss the evolving landscape of speech therapy, particularly in relation to autism. They explore the role of ASHA, the importance of holistic approaches, and the impact of gut health on communication. Megan shares her personal journey and realizations in the field, emphasizing the need for a more integrated approach to therapy th...

Betsy Hicks-Russ and Rachel Winder of Auticulate, explore the complexities of autism from an autistic perspective. They discuss various topics including the importance of presuming competence, the challenges of sensory overload, and the nuances of meltdowns. Rachel shares her insights on ground-up thinking versus top-down thinking, the role of humor in managing stress, and the significance of unde...

Betsy Hicks-Russ and Carrie Kane discuss the complexities of picky eating, its causes, and solutions. They explore the impact of the food industry on children's eating habits, the importance of understanding the parent-child dynamic in food choices, and the significance of allowing children to make their own food decisions. They emphasize the need for a balanced diet, the role of hunger, and t...

Betsy speaks with Tara Reynolds, founder of Peace, Love, Autism, about her journey from a corporate career to creating a supportive community for families with autistic children. They discuss the challenges and joys of entrepreneurship, the importance of social media in building connections, and the creative inspirations behind Tara's fashion brand. The conversation highlights the need for com...

In this conversation, Betsy Hicks-Russ and Dr. Taylor Day delve into the evolving landscape of autism and mental health, discussing the importance of neurodiversity, the challenges of evidence-based practices, and the significance of lived experiences. They explore the role of social media in shaping perceptions, the complexities of diagnostic criteria, and the value of therapy for non-speaking in...

Join Betsy as she speaks with Rev Meg Hammarsten about the fascinating intersection of consciousness and telepathy, exploring how everyone possesses this inherent ability and the practical steps to develop it. We delve into lucid dreaming as a gateway to telepathic experiences and discuss how these abilities may manifest uniquely in autistic individuals. Our conversation reveals how various spirit...

Betsy engages with expert practitioners Hiraman and Clara to explore the therapeutic benefits of craniosacral therapy and its characteristic gentle, hands-on approach. The conversation delves into powerful techniques for calming the nervous system through subtle touch, breath work, and stillness that makes this modality so effective. Parents and caregivers will particularly benefit from the discus...

Join me as I explore the transformative world of spelling to communicate with my guest Meg Parkinson from Spelling 2 Communicate. Learn about presuming competence, session expectations, and the journey from letter boards to keyboards through real-life examples from my son Joey, an autistic open speller who now freely expresses his thoughts and opinions. This podcast offers practical insights for p...

Betsy Hicks-Russ and her guest, author, Michelle O'Neil explore the nuanced world of friendships among mothers of autistic children, highlighting the diverse types of connections that form through shared experiences. It offers insights into the various places these meaningful relationships begin—from support groups to school events—and provides practical advice for nurturing these vital connec...

Discover the comprehensive world of housing options available for adults with disabilities in this informative episode featuring housing experts Pam and Jamie from Partners 4 Housing. Learn how to navigate government assistance programs and maximize available benefits to create sustainable living situations for your loved ones. The episode explores the concept of family-driven housing models, with...

In this intimate and revealing episode, I sit down with my daughter to explore the often-overlooked perspective of siblings growing up alongside autism. Through our candid conversation, we uncover her complex emotions, challenges, and profound insights from childhood as the sister of an autistic brother. From her early memories of confusion and adjustment to her evolved understanding as an adult,...

In this intimate conversation, we sit down with Ron, who became Joey's stepfather at age 58, discovering an unexpected and profound connection that would transform both their lives. Through candid discussion, Ron and I share our parallel journeys of loving and supporting Joey, a 31 year old autistic man, whose presence has enriched our lives in countless ways. We explore the challenges we've weath...