Navigating Adult Autism

In this episode, the moms discuss the concept of neurodiversity. The neurodiversity movement has sparked significant debate within the autism community and beyond. Advocates argue that recognizing autism as a natural variation of the human experience promotes acceptance and understanding, allowing individuals to embrace their unique identities. Critics voice concerns that the movement may downplay...

In this episode, the moms discuss the benefits of service dogs in their adult children's lives. Service dogs can provide invaluable support for individuals with autism, helping them navigate daily challenges and enhancing their overall quality of life. These specially trained dogs can assist with sensory regulation, reduce anxiety during social interactions, and even help with communication skills...

Film and television influence how the world views individuals on the autism spectrum. In this episode, the moms discuss autism in film and television.  We discuss the positives and negatives of these representations. How do our experiences with autism influence our perspectives of the representations we have seen? Did they help or hinder awareness and acceptance of autism? We break it all down and...

Building and maintaining relationships on the autism spectrum can present unique challenges, but they can also lead to profound connections and understanding between partners. In this episode, we welcome back a panel of guests to discuss their experiences with dating and marriage while navigating life on the autism spectrum. Each guest shares insights from their unique journeys. We hope you listen...

Building and maintaining relationships on the autism spectrum can present unique challenges, but they can also lead to profound connections and understanding between partners. In this episode, we welcome a panel of guests to discuss their experiences with dating and marriage while navigating life on the autism spectrum. Each guest shares insights from their unique journeys. We hope you listen to t...

In this episode, we have a great discussion centered around service coordination. The Department of Mental Health in each state provides resources like service coordination. A service coordinator can be a great advocate for individuals with developmental disabilities. They assist with personalized plans, make referrals, complete necessary paperwork, quarterly reviews, and attend IEPs, among many o...

In this episode, the moms welcome back our wonderful sibling panel! These fierce and fantastic siblings continue to tell more of their stories about growing up with a sibling on the spectrum. We know hearing what they have to say will move you as it did all of us. We are so thankful we get to share their perspectives with you! We hope you will listen and share it with others. Thank you for listeni...

In this episode, the moms welcome several siblings to the podcast! A diagnosis of ASD affects the whole family, especially siblings. In this episode, these fierce and fantastic siblings tell their stories about growing up with a sibling on the spectrum. They detail how their lives have evolved throughout their journeys, experiencing various emotions and inspiration from their experiences. We hope...

In this episode, the moms discuss all things IEP. Every special needs parent experiences the highs and lows of IEPs. It is a complicated and emotional process that we all go through with the goal of helping our children be more successful in school. We hope you connect with us through our shared experiences in this episode. To parents new to the IEP journey, we hope there are helpful takeaways fro...

In this episode, we continue our discussion of profound autism with Tammy Goff and Lynn Neidigh! There was a lot to discuss, so we kept the conversation going! Profound autism is so often not discussed or depicted in the media and social media arenas, even though it represents roughly 26% of individuals diagnosed with ASD. Join us as we continue to discuss the day-to-day walk with profound autism....

In this episode, we welcome Tammy Goff and Lynn Neidigh to the podcast! Tammy and Lynn are autism moms like us, and they are a great addition to our discussion about life at the profound end of the autism spectrum. Profound autism is so often not discussed or depicted in the media and social media arenas, even though it represents roughly 26% of individuals diagnosed with ASD. Join us as we bring...

In this episode, we welcome Nathan Wood, M.S., CCC-SLP, to the podcast! Nathan is a speech-language pathologist whose passion for individuals with ASD shines through in his work and our discussion with him. The moms discuss communication with Nathan, focusing on communication that assists individuals with minimal or no verbal communication. Nathan educates us on current speech pathologist practice...

In this episode, we are busting stereotypes of "sheltered workshops." The moms welcome Valerie Gustin, the Director of SWI Industrial Solutions in Springfield, Missouri. SWI Industrial Solutions provides meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities. They offer varied occupational choices and experiences to the individuals working there. Learn about their dive...

Welcome to our third episode of season 2! In this episode, the moms discuss coping strategies and self-care practices that help sustain good mental health. Parenting children with ASD requires parents to wear many hats. The journey is rewarding and complicated and often continues through adulthood. Join us as we discuss what has worked for us through the years.   We hope this discussion will encou...

Welcome to our second episode of season 2! In this episode, the moms discuss The Southwest Missouri Autism Project (SWMAP).  SWMAP is a project funded by the Missouri Department of Mental Health and serves 23 counties in Missouri. We discuss each appointed provider, the funding they receive, and the resources they offer. We all understand how hard it can be for families to find the resources they...

Welcome to season 2 of the Navigating Adult Autism podcast! We are honored to bring you our discussion with Dr. Temple Grandin to kick off the new season! Dr. Grandin has been a guiding light for our families through the years. She is a best-selling author, speaker, autism advocate, and professor of animal science. In this episode, Dr. Grandin shares her insight on many vital topics, including sen...

Welcome to the last episode of our first season! Hang on to your hats because, in this episode, the moms discuss controversial topics that have made their way into the autism community over the last 20-plus years. Everything from vaccines to self-diagnosis is discussed and debated.  Each mom has a different perspective based on their family’s experiences.  A welcoming, safe space was paramount to...

Finding educational programs and resources for individuals on the autism spectrum after high school has ended is extremely difficult. That is why we were so excited to speak with Dr. April Phillips for this episode! Dr. Phillips is the director of Bear POWER (Promoting Opportunities for Work, Education, and Resilience) in Springfield, Missouri. The program is located on the campus of Missouri Stat...

In this episode, the moms discuss how our families navigate travel. Summer has arrived, which often brings high travel expectations.  Travel can be both challenging and rewarding for individuals with ASD. Join us as we share personal stories and resources we have discovered to aid in success when traveling. If you like our podcast, please share, review, and subscribe! ⁠⁠⁠Learn more about us and th...

In this episode, we welcome back Dr. Kyle John, Dr. Raymund Tan, and Dr. Lindsey Reichert to the podcast! They are vital to the team at The Arc of the Ozarks Autism & Neurodevelopmental Center in Springfield, Missouri. The center is a new resource in our community that provides timely support, diagnostics, interventions, and many other resources.   In this discussion, we focus on the role...

In this episode, we welcome Dr. Kyle John, Dr. Raymund Tan, and Dr. Lindsey Reichert to the podcast! They are vital to the team at The Arc of the Ozarks Autism & Neurodevelopmental Center in Springfield, Missouri. The center is a new resource in our community that provides timely support, diagnostics, interventions, and many other resources.    In our discussion, we dive into the process of ob...

In this episode, the moms welcome Lynn Neidigh, the founder of Achieve SWMO. Achieve SWMO is a local organization in Southwest Missouri filling a much- needed gap for young adults with disabilities.  Achieve SWMO provides an inclusive post-secondary program on the campus of Evangel University, located in Springfield, MO. The one-year program seeks to help individuals develop and experience post-se...

In this episode, the moms discuss how raising a child with autism has affected their marriages. They discuss everything from decision making as a couple to intimacy. Please join us as we delve into this vulnerable topic. We hope you enjoy and relate to this episode! If you like our podcast, please share, review, and subscribe! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more about us and the podcast on our website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠...

In this episode, the moms discuss how our families navigate through behaviors when they occur. How do we create practical consequences to help our adult children succeed when they struggle with behaviors? The goal is always for them to succeed in life as much as possible. This journey looks different for all of our families as we represent the vast spectrum of ASD. We hope you join us for this cri...

In this episode, we get to meet Tara’s son, Zion! Zion explains his perspective on Autism and how Autism has affected his life. Zion is a wonderful young man; his kindness shines through during his interview. He has a love for technology and even has his own YouTube channel! He has recently joined our team as the soundboard operator for our recordings, and we are so grateful to have him. Join us a...