Synergy Autism Podcast

Today, I am sharing one of my go-to tips for helping a person understand the passage of time across days as well as engaging with you in a bit of review and even planning. Let's call this the Today/Tomorrow Activity or routine. It's something I recommend doing towards the end of your day together and typically for parents to do with their children of any age.

Happy Mother’s Day today and everyday to all the moms listening. This podcast was recorded with you in mind. It has been a tough year for everyone but my hat is off to all moms who have taken on the additional demands of stay-at-home orders including online schooling, cooking and cleaning more, and enduring the emotional roller coasters of all those in your home. I have learned so much from each o...

I’ve been hesitant about doing a podcast this topic. It has been coming up more and more in my work and I still do not feel like I am an expert. But then I realized that as a cisgender and neurotypical Mom, I will actually never consider myself an expert on the topic of AutiGender. I can admit that and share what has helped me learn and support those who have autism and are gender diverse.

Teens with and without autism can be tricky to talk with sometimes. But there are some basic tenants to keep in mind that should make conversations not only more relaxed but more connected and two directional.

I have a lot of parents who come to me uncertain as to how to really get into the mindset to play. We are all in our busy lives full of to do lists and schedules. It is hard to get in the moment and relax enough to play and sometimes even when we try, we are left not sure what to do! I created this podcast for those of you who are wanting to learn how to find your playfulness that works to support...

Welcome to another episode of my mini-podcasts. This one is particularly brief and I hope, particularly helpful. Most autists have some difficulty transitioning from one thing to another and may need some support to do so successfully. Listen in to a quick and easy tip that can make it easier. For more information, please go to: www.synergyautismcenter.com

In this podcast, Barb O'Neill and I talk about the importance of play for connection in our lives, especially with young children and since this is an autism based podcast, especially young children with autism. I’ve invited Barb O’Neill here for this podcast. She is an expert in play and child development. I appreciate Barb’s approach in early childhood to really step up the play and engagement w...

Hello and welcome to another episode of the Synergy Autism Podcast. Today, I am interviewing my colleague, Connor Kavanaugh who is the founder of Palladio Consulting here in Portland, Oregon. I’ve really appreciated Connor's approach over the years in his guidance with families not only for setting themselves up for success with their own money but also for accessing government funding supports an...

I really enjoyed giving a Facebook live presentation a few months back and people seemed to like it, so I turned it into a podcast! Listen in to this podcast where I review the one practice that can help anyone feel heard, seen, and respected. This simple seeming practice can make a world of difference for someone. It builds trust and allows authentic connection. In this podcast, I share why it is...

If you are a job coach, counselor, parent, or guide of any sort seeking support to motivate someone with autism, this podcast is for you. Listen in for 4+ tips for having successful conversations

People with autism do well with information provided visually. You have found that, I am sure, with the person you know with autism. They tend to appreciate written schedules and lists, for example. And they tend also to not only better understands information that is provided visually but he also tends to trust it more than what is heard.

For individuals on the spectrum, sharing control within interactions for learning can be limited. If they control the situation, they are not open to new ideas or ways of doing things. If they allow the other person to take complete control, they are passive receivers and do not learn to think for themselves.

Today I’m giving you the golden ticket for helping someone you know think for themselves. That golden ticket is for you to resist the urge to solve problems for someone with autism. And if you, yourself, have autism, you can ask those around you to stop solving problems for you!

I am talking today about our neurobiological systems working on overdrive and I call this “riding high.” I see most of my clients “riding high” so frequently and so often that it is their norm - so that others around them do not even know it is happening for them. I had an older client once tell me, autistics may not know what “safe” really means so I should reframe the conversation to simply “avo...

I know you hear it all of the time: it is important to take care of yourself so that you can care for someone else. However, I want to give you even more reason to take care of yourself and introduce you to why couple-care and friendship-care is equally important for modeling a home filled with rich and satisfying relationships. For more on this podcast: https://synergyautismpodcast.blogspot.com/

Avoiding Yes/No Questions Just a quick one today. I’d like to share with you why it is helpful to avoid questions that have a yes or a no answer with people who are autistic. More info here: https://synergyautismpodcast.blogspot.com/

Imagine always feeling drained and unmotivated. Maybe you are the one experiencing this. It would be so frustrating and you would consistently blame yourself for simply not working hard enough or not sleeping well enough or not being motivated enough. But what if it were a biological event that you didn’t have enough energy? What if being in a heightened state of sensory overload for a good majori...

In this special mini-podcast, I share a little about the autistic experience as I understand it surrounding emotions and I also provide you with some ideas for ensuring a rich, meaningful, and clear landscape in your home.

Episode #30: Interview with Autistic Advocate Jonathan Chase on Protesting for the BLM Movement

Listen in to the interview by Dr. Kristie Pretti-Frontczak of myself and the fabulous Dr. Dan Siegel regarding his book: The Power of Showing Up. We discuss how attachment theory interweaves with autism and brain development.

Barb is joined by Dr. Kristie Pretti-Frontczak in this fabulous episode where we go deep into the complex issue of inclusion. We ask listeners to consider the law while also viewing inclusion through the lens of social justice. Listen in. We think you will feel validated and inspired.

Barb explains the why behind giving people on the autism spectrum processing time then into how. There are neurological reasons not to mention the emotional benefits of feeling heard and your ideas respected.

Autistic people have fabulous ideas, amazing and wicked senses of humor at times. We need to raise our expectations of their contributions to the world in the smaller day to day moments so that they can thrive. Listen in to hear why and how to assume intent and raise expectations.

Guiding someone with autism (or anyone for that matter) requires you taking care of you! Listen in to this absolute essential core need and WHY it is important for those on spectrum/autistic individuals.

The book by Tina Payne Bryson and Daniel Siegel is called The Power of Showing Up. It helps us understand the importance of showing up for our kids by highlighting attachment science. The simple acts of showing up and creating secure attachments ensures success in future relationships and life in general. So how does this play out with children with autism? Here I share my thoughts on the 4 Ss: Sa...