Laurie Hellmann

Living the Sky Life - Our Autism Journey

Kids EN ↓ 188 episodes

This podcast comes to you from a very tired and eternally hopefully autism mom of an adult son with profound needs. My intention is to bring together caregivers of special needs children and those who may want to gain a better understanding of our challenges and triumphs. Through the sharing of our stories and experience, I hope to build a larger, more inclusive community of support. Living the Sky Life offers a personal connection from someone who walks daily in caregiver shoes.

Author

Laurie Hellmann

Episodes

Episode 12 - Trusting your gut and finding the services your child needs w/ Rachel Moldoveanu 22.01.2020 1:05:20

Kentucky mom & ICU nurse, Rachel Moldoveanu shares her experience navigating through the world of Autism with her 10 year old son Frankie while also parenting her two neurotypical daughters, Livi age 12 and Ellie age 3. Rachel's love of Diet Coke, Jesus and Kentucky basketball get her through the tough days! Ha! You can reach out to Rachel on FB: @Rachel Moldoveanu ******************************...

Episode 11 (Solo Episode) - managing random illnesses and ailments with a non-verbal teenager 08.01.2020 17:00

The struggle is real when it comes to diagnosing and treating the random ailments that Skyler develops. We have to do a daily body scan to catch any external issues due to his inability to verbally communicate aches and pains to us. When his behaviors ramp up, that's a sure sign there is something causing him discomfort... it's just figuring out what it is that is challenging! ******************...

Episode 10 - Eloping, First Responder training and the many challenges with teens on the spectrum entering adulthood 18.12.2019 59:22

Today's guest, Francine Mundt, is an upbeat, Southern California homeschooling mom of two young men on the Autism Spectrum. A Licensed Nurse, she also shares her insights as a WEGO-Health Patient Leader and is a regular contributor at TODAY Parenting Community Team with articles published in various news outlets, including, Autism Parenting Magazine. Francine is currently the President and CEO of...

Episode 9 - Two power house moms creating programs and taking action through continued advocacy on behalf of Kentuckiana kids & adults on the spectrum - Anne Gregory & Janet Pope 11.12.2019 1:14:53

Janet Pope, along with her husband, Craig, is the parent of 3 adult children. Her son Austin, 27 has Autism. She has done many interventions with the goal of helping him live the most productive life possible. She is a strong advocate for her son, carving a meaningful adult life for him in a community where few services exist. Janet is a former major in the Air Force Nurse Corps, with 13 years...

Episode 8 - Parenting an adult son on the spectrum - A dad's perspective 04.12.2019 37:22

My friend, Scott Whitesell, is an actor, writer and producer in West Michigan and is the proud father of 3 sons - Nickolas (25), Travis (23) & Derek (19). Travis was diagnosed with Autism at the age of 3 and as Scott describes, he is on the border of very high functioning Autism and Aspergers. Travis loves video games (especially getting to play virtually with his brothers) and is a very happy a...

Episode 7 - Behavioral challenges and the sometimes aggressive side of Autism with Heidi Brewton 25.11.2019 1:04:17

My guest Heidi was born and raised in the Midwest but has called Florida home for 17 years. She has 3 sons: Drew, Brandon and Connor. Connor (the youngest and at 6'2 the tallest) was diagnosed with Autism at age 3. The past 16 years have been a learning journey, a work in progress and some days seem like a never ending story - but Autism is where her heart is. Heidi has over 5 years of professio...

Episode 6 - Autism mom extraordinaire and fellow podcaster, Susan Scott 20.11.2019 59:17

On today's episode, I was able to connect with Autism mom extraordinaire, Susan Scott. Susan is a strong warrior mom for her 6 year-old son, Alex and uses many platforms to advocate loudly for more awareness, acceptance & inclusion for those in the Autism community. Susan created My Autism Tribe nonprofit and podcast as a way to connect with those of us "who get it." She is also simultaneously...

Bonus Episode - Sibling feelings of resentment and family challenges with special needs 11.11.2019 15:53

Recently, my 14-year-old daughter revealed at a medical appointment that she doesn't really feel like any focus is spent on her but instead, EVERYTHING in our home revolves around Autism. Despite repeatedly asking her over the years whether our required daily care of her older brother and/or his Autism makes her feel resentful or isolated, she always adamantly dismissed those topics as reason for...

Episode 4: Caring for an adult sibling on the spectrum with my new friend Dana 06.11.2019 47:54

In today's episode, I get to hear first hand about two siblings who are bonded by love and laughter. I'm chatting with BCBA & autism sibling extraordinaire, Dana! Dana and I discuss her personal experience growing up with Rob, her older brother on the Autism spectrum and how she decided to pursue a career revolving around Autism therapy. Dana chronicles the day to day adventures she and Rob tac...

Episode 3 - Teenagers on the spectrum and the humorous side of Autism with Eileen Shaklee (AKA Mama Fry) 23.10.2019 42:24

I spent time chatting with Eileen Shaklee who is an experienced mom in all things Autism. Eileen has a 15-year-old son on the spectrum and has been blogging about Autism for the last 7 years. I find her honest yet humorous outlook on raising a child on the spectrum very relatable! If you haven't had the opportunity to read her blog or visit her Facebook page - both are titled "Autism with a Sid...

Episode 2 - Fighting for a diagnosis and introducing a service dog with Bethany Bailey 07.10.2019 36:52

Bethany is a stay-at-home mom to 3 strong-willed, yet tender-hearted children (ages 12, 8 and 9 months), 1 sweet Autism service dog and his mischievous brother! She has been married to Garrick for 18 years and they live in Southern Indiana. Bethany is a self professed germ-o-phobe and is looking forward to the day when honorary MDs are awarded for a persons impressive, internet self-diagnosing s...

Episode 1 - Maintaining a positive attitude about extra special needs with Heather Mullins 24.09.2019 41:45

Heather Mullins is a Kentucky girl who graduated from the University of Kentucky. She is loud, tells it like it is and enjoys laughing her way through life. She has been married to her husband, Harry for 21 years and is a mom to her 19-year old daughter Taylor and 15-year old son Ethan. Taylor has some extra special needs. She is non-verbal, has intellectual disabilities, sensory issues and ep...

Trailer Episode - Living the Sky Life 16.09.2019 2:28

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