Totally Over The Spectrum

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...

In this episode, we dive deep into the necessity of accommodations for autistic individuals - both in educational and work environments, as well as in everyday life. We explore key concepts like equality vs. equity, and why treating everyone the same doesn't always lead to success for autistic people. Through personal experiences and practical examples, we discuss different types of accommodat...

In this episode we discuss why autistic children need an IEP and how to get one. We also talk about IPRC meetings and keeping your child's IEP relevant as they go through the education system. Check out our website! https://www.totallyoverthespectrum.ca/ Follow us on socials! FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/totallyoverthespectrumautismdiscussiongroup INSTA: https://www.instagram.com/totall...

Everyday life can be overwhelming for an autistic person! Meltdowns, shutdowns and burnout are things that most, if not all autistic people will experience. We discuss what they are and what causes them, how to prevent them, as well as strategies to help once they occur. Check out our website! https://www.totallyoverthespectrum.ca/ Follow us on socials! FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/totallyo...

Masking or camouflaging can be a seriously damaging coping mechanism. We talk about what it is, why we do it, and how to tell if you're doing it too. We also look at the pros and cons of masking and whether or not you should unmask. Check out our website! https://www.totallyoverthespectrum.ca/ Follow us on socials! FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/totallyoverthespectrumautismdiscussiongroup...

We discuss the common misconceptions around sexuality and gender identity in the autistic community, the prevalence of LGBTQ+ and gender dysphoria as well as how autistic traits influence sexual relationships Check out our website! https://www.totallyoverthespectrum.ca/ Follow us on socials! FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/totallyoverthespectrumautismdiscussiongroup INSTA: https://www.instagra...

Learning to use the toilet can be a stressful and overwhelming skill to teach an autistic child. In this episode, we discuss the best time to start and some strategies for success! Check out our website! https://www.totallyoverthespectrum.ca/ Follow us on socials! FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/totallyoverthespectrumautismdiscussiongroup INSTA: https://www.instagram.com/totallyoverthespectrum...

Parenting can feel incredibly overwhelming, especially if your child has a disability. Here are our top 10 parenting tips to help you connect with, support and understand your autistic child. Check out our website! https://www.totallyoverthespectrum.ca/ Follow us on socials! FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/totallyoverthespectrumautismdiscussiongroup INSTA: https://www.instagram.com/totallyover...

There is a lot of misinformation and misguided beliefs surrounding autism. In this episode, we set the record straight on 10 common autism-related myths and discuss what actually causes autism. Check out our website! https://www.totallyoverthespectrum.ca/ Follow us on socials! FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/totallyoverthespectrumautismdiscussiongroup INSTA: https://www.instagram.com/totallyov...