Totally Over The Spectrum

Autistic meltdowns are real. Dysregulation is real. Compassion matters. But somewhere along the way, understanding autistic behaviour started to become confused with excusing all behaviour entirely. This episode explores: Why meltdowns are not the same as tantrums The difference between explanation and permission Why autistic kids often need clear, predictable boundaries How to teach replacement b...

The screen time debate has been going on for decades, but the guidelines were never designed with autistic people in mind. Check out our website! https://www.totallyoverthespectrum.ca Follow us on socials! https://www.facebook.com/groups/totallyoverthespectrumautismdiscussiongroup https://www.instagram.com/totallyoverthespectrum/

“High functioning” and “low functioning” are everywhere, but they were never actually clinical terms. In this episode, we break down where these labels came from, why they’ve stuck around, and why they don’t reflect the real experiences of autistic people. Check out our website! https://www.totallyoverthespectrum.ca Follow us on socials! https://www.facebook.com/groups/totallyoverthespectrumautism...

“Autism is overdiagnosed.” It’s a common claim, but is it accurate? We take a closer look at what’s really behind rising diagnosis rates and why this conversation often misses the bigger picture. 👉 Like, follow, and subscribe for new episodes! Check out our website! https://www.totallyoverthespectrum.ca Follow us on socials! FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/totallyoverthespectrumautismdiscussi...

What happens when your body doesn’t clearly tell you what it needs? In this episode, we talk about interoception in autism, why “something just feels wrong,” and how that can affect everything from basic needs to emotional regulation. If this episode resonates, follow along and share it to help more people understand autistic experiences. Check out our website! https://www.totallyoverthespectrum.c...

Out in public and your autistic child has a full-on meltdown. What do you do? Public meltdowns can be intense, stressful, and confusing, but they are overwhelm, not misbehaviour. In this episode, we explore why meltdowns happen in public, strategies to co-regulate and keep your child safe, and how to plan ahead to reduce overwhelm in future outings. Topics covered include managing public meltdowns...

This episode explores what triggers overwhelm, how to respond without escalating stress, and ways to help children understand and regulate their emotions. Adult regulation is just as important, because how caregivers react shapes learning. Topics covered include supporting autistic children, emotional regulation, meltdowns, shutdowns, sensory overload, and practical parenting strategies. Have you...

Some of the harshest messages we hear about autism come from ourselves. Internalized ableism happens when society’s ideas about disability get turned inward. Instead of “society thinks I am too much,” it becomes “I am too much.” It can show up as masking, shame around support, comparing yourself to neurotypical standards, avoiding accommodations, and feeling like a burden. In this episode, we unpa...

Autistic inclusion without limits sounds ideal. But what happens when safety and support collide? In this episode, we explore how inclusion philosophy intersects with safety, fairness, and staff well-being. We discuss why limits matter and what questions we should be asking to ensure every student’s needs are balanced and respected. Check out our website! https://www.totallyoverthespectrum.ca Foll...

Functional autistic burnout isn’t laziness. It isn’t drama. It’s a nervous system running on empty. You might still be showing up at work, parenting, or answering emails. On the outside it looks like you’re fine. On the inside, everything feels heavier, your skills start slipping, and resting doesn’t recharge you. In this episode, we talk about what burnout actually looks like for autistic people,...

Is it okay to let your kid “f*ck around and find out”? For autistic kids, it’s complicated. Natural consequences are supposed to teach responsibility, reduce power struggles, and help kids learn from real life. But in practice, it can get messy. Some kids don’t connect behaviour with outcome, some consequences are too harsh or confusing, and sometimes what’s framed as a lesson just ends up being d...

They say to never start a business with family or friends. So we did. In this episode, we get candid about building Totally Over the Spectrum. 👉 Like, follow, and subscribe for new episodes! Check out our website! https://www.totallyoverthespectrum.ca Follow us on socials! https://www.facebook.com/groups/totallyoverthespectrumautismdiscussiongroup https://www.instagram.com/totallyoverthespectrum/

What if some of the most effective autism therapies don’t happen in a clinic? In this episode we explore the non-clinical therapies that can help autistic people with emotional regulation, communication, confidence, and routine. Topics include autism therapy, animal-assisted therapy, horseback riding therapy, art therapy, and supports for autistic children and autistic adults. What non-clinical th...

Life hurts, stress builds, and sometimes words are the best therapy. In this episode, we explore the benefits of swearing and why context and intent really matter. 👉 Like, follow, and subscribe for new episodes! Check out our website! https://www.totallyoverthespectrum.ca Follow us on socials!   https://www.facebook.com/groups/totallyoverthespectrumautismdiscussiongroup  https://www.instagram.com...

Seasonal changes aren’t just about the weather. For many autistic people, shifts in light, temperature, and routine can seriously disrupt daily life. In this episode, we explore why and share strategies that can help. 👉 Like, follow, and subscribe for new episodes! Check out our website! https://www.totallyoverthespectrum.ca Follow us on socials! https://www.facebook.com/groups/totallyoverthespec...

Exercise isn’t always the fix everyone expects. For some autistic people, it can reduce anxiety and support focus, but it can also increase stress, sensory overwhelm, or fatigue. In this episode, we explore the surprising pros and cons of exercise and why what works for one person may not work for another. 👉 Like, follow, and subscribe for new episodes! Check out our website! https://www.totallyo...

Autistic special interests aren't just hobbies. They are intense, in-depth passions that have some amazing benefits and a few potential problems. 👉 Like, follow, and subscribe for new episodes! Check out our website! https://www.totallyoverthespectrum.ca Follow us on socials! FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/totallyoverthespectrumautismdiscussiongroup I NSTA : https://www.instagram.com/totally...

Play isn’t just fun, it’s how children develop skills. Autistic kids may play differently, but their curiosity, creativity, and learning are just as meaningful. In this episode, we explore why it's important to support play on their terms and why letting kids lead the way matters more than you might think. 👉 Like, follow, and subscribe for new episodes! Check out our website! https://www.tota...

Some days the world feels overwhelming and finding calm can feel impossible. A sensory diet can help autistic people navigate the chaos and tune into their own needs. In this episode, we explore how intentional sensory support can transform daily life and help create a sense of calm. 👉 Like, follow, and subscribe for new episodes! Check out our website! https://www.totallyoverthespectrum.ca Follo...

Token economies can be helpful tools, but they aren’t without risks. In this episode, we talk about how rewards are used with autistic kids, when they work, and when they can undermine motivation, trust, and autonomy. 👉 Like and follow for new episodes! Check out our website! https://www.totallyoverthespectrum.ca Follow us on socials! FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/totallyoverthespectrumauti...

For some caregivers, taking their autistic child anywhere is a huge challenge. But sometimes, you just have to go. In this episode, we explore why it’s so hard and share strategies to make trips easier. 👉 Like, follow, and subscribe for new episodes! Check out our website! https://www.totallyoverthespectrum.ca Follow us on socials! FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/totallyoverthespectrumautismd...

Autistic people are more likely to have chronic physical health conditions. With a life expectancy of 15-20 years less than the average population, it's important to talk about why and what needs to change. 👉 Like, follow, and subscribe for new episodes! Check out our website! https://www.totallyoverthespectrum.ca Follow us on socials! FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/totallyoverthespectru...

Autistic Barbie is here! Do you love it or hate it? Leave a comment.

Autistic people tend to learn and communicate explicitly, unlike neurotypical people who often use implied communication. This difference in communication can lead to some very difficult situations. As an autistic person, I do my best to puzzle out what a person is trying to say, when they aren't actually coming out and saying it. It's exhausting. Do you think it would be better if people...

Literal thinking isn't a flaw, it's a different processing style. For those of us who experience literal thinking, I hope that we can all truly appreciate the hilarity in the irony that neurotypical people believe autistic literal thinking is always, and only, completely literal. Would you agree? Leave us a comment. Check out our website! https://www.totallyoverthespectrum.ca Follow us on...