Parenting while Autistic – Details, episodes & analysis

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