Today I share some tips and tricks I learned from my occupational therapist about how to use proprioception to reduce sensory overload and improve regulation.

Ideas discussed in this episode:

1. Carry a weighted backpack while walking

2. Weight Lifting

3. Foam roller, massage gun, or massage chair

4. Knitted weighted blankets

If you are interested in being a guest on the podcast send me an email at parentingwhileautistic@gmail.com.

Join me today to learn what proprioception is and how to use proprioception to reduce sensory overwhelm and stay more regulated.

Strategies discussed:

1. Weighted lap pad while working or driving

2. Mini trampoline/adult rebounder for jumping

3. Compression tops, compression vests, or shapewear

4. Using some active proprioception followed by more passive proprioception (weighted blanket, massage, foam roller)

If you are interested in being a guest on the show email me at parentingwhileautistic@gmail.com.

In this episode I discuss the joys and challenges of motherhood with Tam, an autistic mother of 3 neurodivergent children. One of the highlights is our conversation about managing PDA in children and in ourselves. We also discuss how to balance a career with motherhood without dropping into autistic burnout.

The book mentioned in this episode is "Raising Human Beings" by Ross Greene.

For a transcript of this episode visit parentingwhileautistic.com

In this 5 minute mini-episode we discuss how to include even very young children in household tasks and chores. This helps keep them busy while you get a task done and is an investment in your children's future cleaning skills.

Tune in every week for a 5 minute parenting lifeline detailing a specific tool, tip, or trick to help you survive and thrive as an autistic parent.

In this episode I interview Steph, an autistic mother of two autistic boys ages 3 and 6. We discuss the joys and challenges of living as a neurodiverse family, strategies to support breastfeeding and pregnancy, and more! Join us to hear about Steph's journey to an late autism diagnosis and how it has shaped her parenting journey.

We would love to hear from you if you have comments, questions, or want to be a guest on the show!

Email: parentingwhileautistic@gmail.com

Website: parentingwhileautistic.com

Facebook: Parenting while autistic

Instagram: parenting_while_autistic

Link to transcript: Interview with Steph — Parenting While Autistic

Episode Summary:

This episode explores autistic burnout in the context of parenting, offering insights on identification, recovery, and prevention strategies.

Key Points:

1. Recognizing Autistic Burnout

- Common signs and symptoms

- Autistic burnout checklist

2. Autistic vs. Neurotypical Burnout

- Key differences in causes and presentation

- Why traditional burnout advice may not apply

3. Acute Recovery Strategies

- Creating a low-stimulus environment

- Reducing demands and responsibilities

- Importance of rest and sensory regulation

4. Long-term Prevention and Management

- Identifying and respecting personal limits

- Modifying expectations to match your abilities

Resources Mentioned:

Autistic Burnout Checklist- https://www.dralicenicholls.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/The-Autistic-Burnout-Symptom-Checklist-V2.pdf

Get in Touch:

Website: parentingwhileautistic.com

Email: parentingwhileautistic@gmail.com

Facebook: Parenting While Autistic

Instagram: parenting_while_autistic

In this episode of Parenting While Autistic, we're joined by Julia, an autistic mother and experienced therapist. Julia shares her unique perspective on the joys and challenges of parenting as an autistic individual.

Key topics discussed:

1. Julia's journey as an autistic parent and professional therapist

2. Identifying and leveraging autistic strengths in parenting

3. Common challenges faced by autistic parents and strategies to overcome them

4. The intersection of professional knowledge and personal experience in autistic parenting

5. Julia's top tips and tricks for thriving as an autistic parent

6. Valuable resources recommended by Julia for autistic parents

Resources mentioned in the episode:

1. Loop Earplugs Products for Parenting with Autism — Parenting While Autistic

2. Neurodivergent Insights: Insights of a Neurodivergent Clinician (neurodivergentinsights.com) 3. Embracing Autism: Autism tests | Embrace Autism (embrace-autism.com) 4. Autistic Self Advocacy Network Autistic Self Advocacy Network (autisticadvocacy.org)

We hope this episode provides both validation and practical support for our autistic parent listeners. Remember, your unique perspective as an autistic individual can be a valuable asset in your parenting journey.

About Our Guest: Julia Schetky, LMHC, Licensed Mental Health Therapist in the State of Washington

Breathementalhealth.com

Connect with us:

- Email: parentingwhileautistic@gmail.com

- Instagram: @parenting_while_autistic

- Facebook: Parenting While Autistic

- Website: parentingwhileautistic.com

- YouTube: Parenting_while_autistic

Don't forget to subscribe to Parenting While Autistic for more insightful episodes on navigating parenthood as an autistic individual!

Link to transcript: Interview with Julia — Parenting While Autistic

In this episode, Dr. Lana Ferris discusses:

• The importance of recognizing and addressing dysregulation in autistic parents
• Strategies for recovering from dysregulation
• Methods for refilling your energy tank

Key takeaways:

1. Dysregulation can manifest in various ways and it's crucial to identify personal signs
2. Recovery strategies include sensory inputs and engaging in special interests

Connect with us:

• Email: parentingwhileautistic@gmail.com
• Instagram: @parenting_while_autistic
• Facebook: Parenting While Autistic
• Website: parentingwhileautistic.com
• YouTube: Parenting_while_autistic

In this episode, we explore strategies to reduce dysregulation for autistic parents by managing energy drains in our daily lives. We break down potential drains into three categories and discuss effective approaches for each:

1. Unimportant and Unenjoyable Drains

- Identifying these unnecessary stressors

- Strategies for elimination or minimization

2. Important but Unenjoyable Drains

- Recognizing necessary tasks that cause stress

- Techniques to make these tasks more manageable

3. Enjoyable Activities

- The importance of prioritizing activities we love

- How to budget resilience and energy for enjoyable activities

By addressing these different types of drains, autistic parents can work towards creating a more balanced and less dysregulating daily life.

Connect with us:

- Email: parentingwhileautistic@gmail.com

- Instagram: @parenting_while_autistic

- Facebook: Parenting While Autistic

- Website: parentingwhileautistic.com

- YouTube: Parenting_while_autistic

We hope you find this episode helpful in your journey of parenting while autistic. Don't forget to subscribe and share with others who might benefit from this information!

In the first episode of this three part mini-series we will discuss what regulation means, how to recognize dysregulation, and why it is harder to stay regulated as a parent than it was before having kids. I believe this topic is crucial for all parents, autistic or not, but autistic people tend to struggle with regulation more than the neurotypical parent.

The next two episodes in the series will discuss ways to prevent dysregulation and how to recover from dysregulation. Stay tuned!

If you want to contact me my email is parentingwhileautistic@gmail.com and I am on Facebook as Parenting While Autistic and Instagram @parenting_while_autistic

In this episode, Dr. Lana Ferris shares her personal journey of self-discovery following her recent autism diagnosis and how it has significantly impacted her approach to parenting. This candid discussion sheds light on the challenges and triumphs she faces as she navigates parenthood with newfound understanding and acceptance of her neurodiversity.

Key Takeaways:

1. **Letting Go of Shame and Guilt:**

- Understanding the root causes of feeling overwhelmed and overstimulated.

- Accepting that needing alone time is not a personal failure but a necessity for her well-being.

2. **Advocating for Needs:**

- The importance of sensory regulation through proprioceptive and vestibular input.

- Communicating and setting routines with family members to ensure personal sensory needs are met.

3. **Changing the Environment:**

- Implementing changes such as using noise-canceling headphones, adjusting the thermostat, and decluttering spaces.

- Building an environment that supports her neurology to reduce sensory overload.

4. **Setting Realistic Expectations:**

- Recognizing and accepting her limitations, such as avoiding overstimulating environments and large social gatherings.

- Establishing simple, repetitive routines to prevent overwhelm and enjoy parenting more.

5. **Explaining to Family:**

- Educating family members about her autism to foster understanding and avoid unjustified expectations or criticism.

6. **Understanding Parenting Challenges:**

- Viewing parenting difficulties through the correct lens to alleviate self-blame.

- Implementing structured limits to maintain well-being and enjoy quality time with her daughter.

7. **Saying No and Setting Boundaries:**

- Learning to prioritize events and activities that align with her bandwidth and energy levels.

- Balancing social opportunities for her daughter with her personal need for rest and downtime.

Additional Resources:

Download our Red light/Yellow light/Green light printable at parentingwhileautistic.com

Contact Information:

- Email: podcastingwhileautistic@gmail.com

- Social Media: Facebook page "Parenting While Autistic"

Instagram @parenting_while_autistic

- Website: podcastingwhileautistic.com

If you have any questions, comments, or ideas for future episodes, please reach out to Dr. Lana Ferris using the contact information provided in the show notes. Your feedback is invaluable in guiding the direction of the podcast.

In this episode we talk with Matt Lundeberg, a psychologist who offers adult autism assessments in Portland, OR. In this interview we cover the diagnostic criteria for autism, tips and tricks for managing sensory overwhelm as a parent, aphantasia, and self-compassion.

To learn more about Matt visit his website at: https://www.oregonautismevaluations.com/

Please reach out if you would like to be on the show or have questions/comments. Our email is parentingwhileautistic@gmail.com and website is parentingwhileautistic.com.

In this episode we discuss letting go of unrealistic expectations and leaning on repetition and routine to make parenting easier. We discuss eating same foods, having a set daily schedule, and doing repetitive outings.

In this episode we discuss how shifting our view of behavior can help us cope as parents. When kids have challenging behaviors it can be tempting to see it as intentional or aimed at making us crazy. However, behavior is often a form of communication. Viewing behavior as communication can help you be more attuned to your children and improve you ability to cope with difficult behaviors.

In this episode we discuss how to give little kids as many decisions as possible during the day to improve their compliance when you make an executive decision. This technique comes from the book "How to Talk so Little Kids will Listen". When giving decisions only offer two options, both of which are alright with you. For example- you could allow your pre-schooler to choose which shoes they want to wear between two pairs.

In this week's parenting lifeline we discuss using fresh air to help you and your children recover from dysregulation. Whether going out for a walk, sitting outdoors, or going to the park getting out in the fresh air can help overwhelmed children to calm down and help you feel better too.

Tune in next week for another parenting tip or trick.

In this week's parenting lifeline we discuss how to teach your baby or child sign language. Sign language helps children communicate their wants and needs when they are unable to communicate verbally. This really reduces tantrums!

Join us next week for another parenting tip or trick to help you survive or thrive as an autistic parent.

In this episode we talk with Kaylee Torres, a late diagnosed autistic therapist. We discuss her work providing autism evaluations and individual counseling as well as tips and tricks she has related to parenting while autistic.

If you want to get in contact with Kaylee here is her info:

Kaylee Torres, MA Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (WA, HI) Marriage and Family Therapy Associate (OR) Certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist (ASDCS) Owner and Clinical Director 

Mahina Therapy PLLC

Website: mahinatherapy.com

Email: kaylee@mahinatherapy.com

Link to Transcript: www.parentingwhileautistic.com/listen/dikm2u3lhe24oac9mpbogdrau75vux

In this mini episode we discuss how water can help both kids and adults regulate. When you or your children are having a hard day try a bath, running in the sprinkler, swimming, a water table, or any other way to use the water.

Join us each week for another specific parenting tip or trick.

Today we discuss how to use music playlists to help regulate mood and energy. Utilizing specific playlists can help you get out of meltdowns and move from a sad, low energy, or depressed mood to a happier more energetic state.

If you are interested in being a guest on the show send me an email at parentingwhileautistic@gmail.com.