Parenting Autism

This episode is a discussion about Bryce's audiologist appointment regarding his increasing hearing sensitivity.  We review several books that have been sent to us that relate to autism. We also talk about a workshop that we did as a couple with Curated Family Therapeutics.  We have both recognized the importance of intentionally making time for ourselves, individually AND as a couple! This w...

Our 100th episode! We started this podcast shortly after Bryce's 5th birthday more than four years ago. We don't usually have guests but thought having Bryce's grandmother (Mamaw) on the show would be special, since she has two grandsons on the autism spectrum.   We also recap our week and some "parent fail" feelings that Sandy experienced.  Bryce is a funny, mechanical, H...

This episode is a lengthy chat about our extraordinarily busy month of March!  Three doctor appointments: Bryce's autism MAPS dr, his  vision test results and new home therapies to help him,  and our first visit with his neuropsychologist who will be helping us with testing that will guide us with Bryce's education needs as well as  helping Bryce talk about his emotions. New territory -...

This episode is a chat about Bryce's Special Olympic State experience for basketball. We talk about a couple of grants that we have been granted that have been very helpful for medical out of pocket expenses. Lastly, we also talk about our recent visit to our county fair and how Bryce surprised us again with his ride choices. We briefly mentioned Bryce's vision results. We will have more...

This episode is a chat about Bryce's results from his recent auditory testing at the Nova Southeastern University in Davie, Florida.  Bryce endured three hours of audio testing that confirmed that Bryce has an auditory integration deficit. We talk about how this resulted in poor testing results with his recent speech evaluation as well as recommended ways to help Bryce's brain correctly...

This episode is a chat about Bryce's recent vision and audio appointments at the Nova Southeastern University in Davie, Florida.   He had two different vision appointments that totaled five hours of testing. He also had three hours of audio testing. It was very extensive testing that has already shed light on some areas that need more development in both areas. Test results will be provided i...

This episode is a chat about Bryce's first cavity filling and tooth extraction at the dentist's office. We also provide an update on Chris' recent foot surgery and some other highlights from the past week. Bryce joins us to answer three more questions for the listeners.  Bryce is a funny, mechanical, HAPPY little guy who was diagnosed with autism at age two and is now nine years old...

This episode is a chat about information that we wanted to share with our listeners from the most recent 2022 TACA conference. We have some new leads for helping Bryce with his audio sensitivity and his vision.  Appointments are in place for later this month as we continue to seek ways to help our boy with his deficits and struggles.  Bryce is a funny, mechanical, HAPPY little guy who was diagnose...

This episode is a chat about Bryce's increase of sensitivity to loud sounds. We also chat about taking Bryce outside of his "safety bubble" during the holiday season for Christmas activities and Special Olympics activities.  Our new dedicated Parenting Autism phone line has been activated, so we share that information with the listeners.  Bryce is a funny, mechanical, HAPPY little g...

This episode is a chat about Bryce's follow up visit to his autism doctor and another dive into the hyperbaric chamber. We also talk about the Jacksonville Zoo, Special Olympics, and our first Briteline train ride. Bryce also answers some questions for us in the studio.  Bryce is a funny, mechanical, HAPPY little guy who was diagnosed with autism at age two and is now nine years old. His pure...

This episode features a conversation between Chris and Bryce about Bryce's top three worries. We have seen a significant spike in Bryce's anxiety the past few weeks along with some concerning behaviors. We think we may have found out one of the reasons for the change and happy to say that it has been much better this past week.  Parenting autism keeps us on our toes and constantly being...

This episode is a reflection on how much Bryce has improved the past year as we celebrate his 9th birthday! We catch the listeners up on what's been happening at the Colter Hotel the past several weeks - including an interview with Bryce!  Chris is still recovering from foot surgery. We had a couple of weeks away with his family who visited from Maryland. Our area had a couple of tropical sto...

This episode is a conversation about our visit to Bryce's new autism doctor. This type of doctor is also referred to as a MAPS doctor (Medical Academy of Pediatric Special Needs), or a Functional Medicine doctor.  Our first autism doctor experience helped us achieve our goals for Bryce. After a difference of opinion for the next steps and a bit of a plateua/regression, we felt led to make a c...

This episode is a conversation about our recent weekend retreat with the Deliver the Dream and other autism families. We are humbled and honored that we were selected to be the guests of this incredibly kind and loving organization. It was such a beautiful  opportunity to meet other autism families and share laughter, tears, our stories, and suggestions. It was a judgment-free zone that our famili...

This episode is a conversation about a listener's recent questions about helping Bryce develop friendships. We also talk about a new ASD school curriculum that Bryce seems to really like for reading.   We are certainly grateful for all of his progress during the past six years and know that development will continue come in Bryce's timing (and more specifically God's timing). God ha...

This episode has a conversation with Bryce about our recent vacation and his game, Animal Crossing. We also have a discussion about a listener's recent questions about handling situations with other parents who may be insensitive or don't understand our autism journey. We are certainly grateful for all of his progress and know that development will come in Bryce's timing (and more s...

This episode is a discussion about the how we are seeing progress with Bryce's anxiety with balloons and thunderstorms while dealing with new anxiety of supply shortages. We also talk about how we are seeing his deficits in language and comprehension as Bryce is working with a  new 3rd grade curriculum as well as more advanced conversation topics with his ABA team. We are certainly grateful f...

This episode is a discussion about the highs and lows of April with Bryce's autism. We've made some changes to supplements and his therapy schedule. We also made a big decision to change autism (MAPS) doctors. Bryce also finished 2nd grade and will begin 3rd grade on May 2nd, 2022.  Bryce is a funny, mechanical, HAPPY little guy who was diagnosed with autism at age two and is now eight y...

In this episode we chat about recent changes with Bryce's ABA RBT and some of the new plan goals we will be working on together. His new plan has a strong emphasis on conversations and social interactions along with some other important life skills and safety measures.   Bryce is a funny, mechanical, HAPPY little guy who was diagnosed with autism at age two and is now eight years old. His pur...

In this episode we go into detail about Bryce's recent brain MRI images and our joint decision to defer seizure medication for new. We also have a heartfelt discussion about healing which is a sensitive topic and can be controversial. We are not shy about our relationship with Christ on our podcast and our efforts to help Bryce understand the importance of God and Jesus in our lives. We have...

In this episode we go into detail about Bryce's recent brain MRI experience at Arnold Palmer Children's Hospital in Orlando, FL.  We will get results next week and discuss them in our next episode. We also talk about the Orlando Science Center, Bryce's airplane flight with the Young Eagles organization, and other fun adventures from the past two weeks.   Bryce is a funny, mechanical...

In this episode we go into detail about Bryce's latest EEG results after our discussion with his Neurologist's office. We also talk about the one thing that has really helped Bryce with brushing his teeth. Bryce is a funny, mechanical, HAPPY little guy who was diagnosed with autism at age two and is now eight years old. His pure joy makes this world a much better place! If you are enjoyi...

This episode is a discussion about the results of of Bryce's recent EEG showing abnormal activity with seizures while sleeping in the right temporal lobe of his brain. This is a different area from his brain bleed and original seizures which was the area of our concern. Our decision to get a current EEG and MRI with a new pediatrician turned out to be a very wise move. Although there were no...

This episode is a discussion about recent major breakthroughs into Bryce's thoughts. He told us his top fears. He told us WHY he gets SO UPSET  when someone tells him to be quiet. He told us why it's hard for him to write sentences. While we know there are more underlying reasons as to why he processes information this way, this information from him has given us tremendous insight to WHA...

This episode is a discussion about how we deal with regression and celebrate progress. We also talk about the continuous pursuit of medical assistance for Bryce's brain and his gut. It's never ending but takes on different forms for Bryce. We are making adjustments for supplements as we monitor bloodwork and behaviors. We also got established with a new neurologist and will begin EEG and...