Totally Over The Spectrum

We all know that getting ready for a job is no longer as simple as putting out your resume and hoping for the best. In this episode, we talk about how to use your strengths, skills and interests to help you get a job that accommodates your needs. We also discuss the best ways to gain valuable job experience, as well as a list of free resources and organizations to help support you along the way. C...

Anyone with an interest in autism will have heard the cry that it has become an epidemic. There are even people out there who think that autism is being glorified, with young autistic influencers romanticizing their fun 'quirks' and not recognizing autism as the debilitating disability that it is. In this episode we discuss the validity of these claims that having autism or pretending to h...

I've had lots of people ask me why anyone would need to bother to get an autism assessment done at the age of 50. "You've made it this far." "You're doing fine." "You're not really autistic autistic." There are lots of reasons people look for a diagnosis later in life. We discuss the most common ones and why my reason was completely different. Check ou...

Parenting comes with a lot of challenges, and those challenges can take different forms depending on your child’s support needs. In this episode we talk about the differences and the similarities in parenting two autistic kids at different levels. From sensory sensitivities to social expectations, this episode is about the realities that don't always match the assumptions. Check out our websit...

In this episode, we explore the unique challenges faced by autistic individuals who are non-speaking, as well as the people who support them. We discuss why the term non-speaking is preferable to non-verbal and the difference between receptive and expressive language. Stay tuned to the end to hear some practical strategies that can help facilitate communication! Check out our website! https://www....

In this episode, we’re talking about how autistic communication often differs from neurotypical norms. We break down what communication actually means, how autistic people tend to express themselves, and why common social expectations can feel confusing or overwhelming. We also share some practical strategies to help bridge the communication gap. Check out our website! https://www.totallyoverthesp...

Grief is something we all face, but for autistic individuals the experience can be especially complex and often misunderstood. In this episode we talk openly about what grief looks like for autistic people, why it might show up differently, and some practical strategies to help support the autistic individual in your life. Check out our website! https://www.totallyoverthespectrum.ca/ Follow us on...

This episode tackles a question many parents quietly carry but rarely talk about. What happens to your autistic child if you’re not there to care for them anymore? We cover the basics of wills, naming an executor, and why it's critical to choose a guardian with care. We also discuss the emotional and practical side of planning for the future, from preparing potential caregivers to facing the u...

This episode is about my experience with the difficult, confusing and ridiculous process of applying for guardianship for my son when he turns 18. Legally, he becomes an independent adult. It doesn't matter that he has an intellectual disability and is non-speaking, I won’t legally be able to continue to make decisions for him without it. Yet not a single person has ever mentioned guardianship...

What does it actually take for autistic adults to have a place they can truly call home? In this episode, we look at the reality behind “autistic alternative living”. We discuss the kinds of housing options that exist, the ones that should exist, and the massive barriers in between. From the “double cliff” many autistic people face, to the impact of income, co-occurring mental health needs, and th...

On paper, respite care sounds great: someone steps in so you can take a breather. But when you're parenting a non-speaking autistic child with high support needs, the reality is often much more complicated. In this episode, we talk about the different types of respite, how to find providers, and what questions to ask if you’re thinking of bringing someone into your home. We also talk about wha...

In this episode we’re sharing practical tips for traveling when you’re autistic. Whether you're traveling solo or with kids, we talk about the importance of preparation, understanding your sensory needs and how to manage stress. Traveling can be overwhelming, but with the right approach, you can make it a lot easier and more enjoyable! Check out our website! https://www.totallyoverthespectrum....

We discuss practical tips for preventing elopement and keeping your autistic child safe. Whether at home, school, or out in the community, we cover strategies to help manage running behaviors and ensure your child’s safety. We also touch on how these strategies can apply to older children and adults. If you’re dealing with elopement, this episode offers real-world solutions and support for navigat...

In this episode we talk about the often overlooked challenge of elopement—when an autistic child leaves a safe environment without warning. This issue can be terrifying, but it’s one that many parents of autistic children face. We’ll explore strategies for preventing elopement, managing safety, and understanding the underlying causes. With personal experiences from the viewpoints of both a parent...

From family to school to strangers in the community, navigating when and how to share your child’s diagnosis is a personal and tricky decision. Kim discusses her own experience as a parent of two very different kids—one with low support needs and one with high support needs—and talks about how transparency, or lack of it, can shape their world. We’ll explore the complexities of balancing openness...

Navigating the teenage years can be tough and even more difficult as an autistic individual. We discuss the challenges of sharing your diagnosis with family, friends and people in the community and why it can be an important part of getting the support that you need. We also talk about respecting your teens' boundaries as a parent. Check out our website! https://www.totallyoverthespectrum.ca/...

In this episode, we’re talking about a tough question: When do you open up about being an autistic adult? We’ll walk through how and when to share your diagnosis with family, friends, colleagues, and even strangers. From the challenge of telling family members who may struggle with acceptance, to navigating friendships where you’ve spent years masking, we’ll explore the different reactions you mig...

It can be difficult to untangle the causes of anxiety that are rooted in the everyday autistic experience. In this episode we discuss the differences and the overlaps between autistic anxiety and anxiety disorders. We also talk about how some behaviours might look similar on the surface but have very different causes. Check out our website! https://www.totallyoverthespectrum.ca/ Follow us on socia...

Around 40-50% of autistic individuals deal with anxiety, but why is that? We explore the reasons behind this, from sensory sensitivities to struggles with social interactions and changes in routine. Plus, we’ll talk about some strategies that can help manage anxiety. Check out our website! https://www.totallyoverthespectrum.ca/ Follow us on socials! FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/totallyovert...

In this episode, we're talking about sleep—specifically, the sleep challenges faced by many autistic individuals. If you or someone you care about has trouble getting a good night’s rest, you're not alone. We’ll go over the factors that can make sleep so elusive, from sensory sensitivities to circadian rhythm disruptions. We also discuss some practical strategies that can really help! Chec...

Getting your autistic child to eat can be stressful and exhausting. In this episode we talk about selective eating in autistic individuals and how it differs from typical picky eating behaviours in both children and adults. We also discuss when selective eating becomes a serious health concern and provide some practical strategies to help manage. Check out our website! https://www.totallyoverthesp...

In this episode, we explore how pervasive autistic stereotypes in the media shape public perceptions and how these narrow portrayals create unrealistic expectations and reinforce stigma. It's crucial to recognize autistic people as diverse, complex individuals rather than reducing them to one-dimensional tropes which can impact real-world issues like social exclusion, employment, and mental he...

All behaviour happens for a reason. In this episode, we discuss why some autistic individuals experience aggression as well as practical strategies to help navigate those tough moments. 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/totallyoverthes...

From contradictions and mixed messages to social pleasantries that feel pointless, I share my top frustrations when trying to communicate with neurotypical people. 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/totallyoverthespectrum/

In this episode, we explore executive functioning and how it uniquely affects many autistic individuals. Learn about the seven essential mental skills—like attention, planning, and self-control—and how challenges in these areas can show up at school, work, and at home. We discuss practical strategies to help manage difficulties and make meaningful progress, even when the journey feels slow. Whethe...