Autism Knows No Borders

Parenting a Disabled Child, Part 2 with Kelley Coleman

Discover what’s possible when challenges are weaved with joys.

How do you find balance in caregiving? Whether you know from personal experience or through someone else in your life, you’ll want to listen to this episode with Kelley Coleman. 

Kelley Coleman is the mother of two boys, one of whom has multiple disabilities (including a yet-undiagnosed genetic syndrome, cerebral palsy, autism, CVI, epilepsy, and more). Her book Everything No One Tells You About Parenting a Disabled Child: Your Guide to the Essential Systems, Services, and Supports offers practical tips for parenting a disabled child.

This episode is part two of our conversation, and we discuss:

• • Tips for parents going out in public with their disabled children
  • The role of community support
  • How to find balance between juggling the paperwork and still enjoying being a mom
  • Insights for policymakers
  • Empowering parents with expertise
  • Encouragement for parents who are just starting on their journey of disability

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Photographing Animal Emotion, with Alfie Bowen | Autism Tips & Tools

What are some autistic characteristics that can be strengths in photography?

Alfie Bowen, an Autistic Self-Advocate, wildlife photographer, author and activist, talks about how to capture the perfect shot and how nature has positively impacted his mental health. Alfie uses art to highlight animal emotion and help people to connect with the natural world.

Welcome to Autism Tips & Tools, where we highlight the best practical guidance from previous episodes of Autism Knows No Borders. Whether you’re a self-advocate, a family member, or a service provider, there’s something here for you!

This conversation with Alfie Bowen was originally released on August 5, 2021.

Would you like to know how, as a child, Alfie overcame feeling like an alien, and the social skills he’s had to teach himself? Click the link below for the full conversation and be sure to subscribe to hear more from people connected to autism inspiring change and building community. 

Connecting to Nature Through Wildlife Photography, with Alfie Bowen

Let’s work together to transform how the world relates to autism.

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Parenting a Disabled Child, Part 1 with Kelley Coleman

Discover what’s possible when challenges are woven with joys.

Have you found it challenging to navigate all the paperwork to get the support your autistic child needs? Whether you know from personal experience or through someone else in your life, you’ll want to listen to this episode with Kelley Coleman. 

Kelley Coleman is the mother of two boys, one of whom has multiple disabilities (including a rare genetic syndrome, cerebral palsy, autism, CVI, epilepsy, and more). Her book Everything No One Tells You About Parenting a Disabled Child: Your Guide to the Essential Systems, Services, and Supports offers practical tips for parenting a disabled child.

This episode is part one of our conversation, and we discuss:

• Kelley’s journey of understanding disability
• How to explain disability to siblings
• What Kelley has learned about herself as a mother
• The importance of celebrating small victories
• What inspired Kelley to write her book
• Surprising facts about the healthcare system
• Mistakes Kelley has made that other parents can learn from
  

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Why I Sought an Autism Diagnosis, with Sara Bradford | Autism Tips & Tools

Are you a late-diagnosed autistic, or are you considering getting an evaluation?

Autistic Self-Advocate and podcast host Sara Bradford talks about why she decided to seek an autism diagnosis as one of her new year’s goals.

The following clip is from a roundtable discussion with our Global Autism Community where community members shared their personal and professional goals for the new year.

Welcome to Autism Tips & Tools, where we highlight the best practical guidance from previous episodes of Autism Knows No Borders. Whether you’re a self-advocate, a family member, or a service provider, there’s something here for you!

This conversation with our Global Autism Community was originally released on February 11, 2022.

Would you like to learn new strategies to stay motivated and meet your milestones? Click the link below for the full conversation and be sure to subscribe to hear more from people connected to autism inspiring change and building community. 

Setting Goals, with the Global Autism Community

Let’s work together to transform how the world relates to autism.

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Ready, Set, Sleep! with Emily Varon | TBT

Discover what’s possible when a great day starts at bedtime.

Have you ever struggled with poor sleep? Or do you know of anyone who does? Whether you’re autistic or not, this episode with sleep specialist Emily Varon can help you sleep better, starting tonight.

Emily Varon is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst from California who focuses on sleep-related behavior. With more than 20 years in the field, Emily offers families and clinicians a broader, long-view perspective of sleep, which can produce more sustainable results over time. 

Today’s conversation was originally released on June 9, 2022. We discuss:

• The link between autism and poor sleep
• Common sleep-related behaviors
• Myths about poor sleep
• How a sleep-deprived child can affect your family as a whole
• How sleep contributes to learning and memory consolidation
• Why you shouldn’t set an alarm clock to wake up
• The importance of consistent bedtime routines
• Tips to avoid screen dependency
• The benefits of day-time napping
• Recovering from sleep-debt

To learn more about Emily and her work, please visit our show notes at autismknowsnoborders.com.

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How My Autistic Son Inspired a Pixar Film, with Bobby Rubio | Autism Tips & Tools

Have you had to learn to accept your child’s autism? What was that journey like for you?

Bobby Rubio talks about how accepting his son’s autism led to the inspiration for his award-winning Pixar SparkShort film, Float. 

Welcome to Autism Tips & Tools, where we highlight the best practical guidance from previous episodes of Autism Knows No Borders. Whether you’re a self-advocate, a family member, or a service provider, there’s something here for you!

This conversation with Bobby Rubio was originally released on February 10, 2022.

Would you like to hear more about how Bobby’s journey of accepting his son’s autism inspired him to produce an award-winning film? Follow the link in the show notes for the full conversation.

The Inspiration for Pixar’s SparkShort ”Float,” with Bobby Rubio

Let’s work together to transform how the world relates to autism.

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Communication with My Son Using AAC, with Vidya Banerjee | TBT

Discover what’s possible when communication is properly aided.

Are you the parent of an autistic child with an Augmentative and Alternative Communication device? Or maybe you’re just curious about how AAC devices can help? If either applies to you, you’ll want to listen to this conversation with Vidya Banerjee, an autism mother and the creator of the Autism Family Story blog and podcast.

Today’s conversation was originally released on August 4, 2022. We discuss:

• Do’s, don’ts, and common misconceptions about AAC devices
• The Landau Kleffner syndrome, a rare childhood neurological disorder affecting Vidya’s son which causes loss of speech
• Vidya’s mission as a blogger and podcaster
• What she hopes for her son’s future
• Tips for parents of non-speaking autistic children

To learn more about Vidya, please visit our show notes at autismknowsnoborders.com.

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The Benefits of Yoga for Autistic Children, with Cheryl Albright | Autism Tips & Tools

How can children on the spectrum benefit from practicing yoga?

Cheryl Albright, an occupational therapist, certified yoga instructor, and autism sibling, shares how she uses yoga to help her autistic clients learn new skills. 

Welcome to Autism Tips & Tools, where we highlight the best practical guidance from previous episodes of Autism Knows No Borders. Whether you’re a self-advocate, a family member, or a service provider, there’s something here for you!

This conversation with Cheryl Albright was originally released on September 24, 2020.

Would you like to learn how to self-regulate and balance your nervous system? Click the link below for the full conversation and be sure to subscribe to hear more from people connected to autism inspiring change and building community. 

Occupational Therapy and Yoga for the Special Child, with Cheryl Albright

Let’s work together to transform how the world relates to autism.

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Autism and Crime, with Tom Oliver | Autism Tips & Tools

What are some autistic traits that can be underlying causes of crime among people on the spectrum?

Tom Oliver, an autism self-advocate, TEDx Speaker, and aspiring lawyer from Australia, shares his ideas on this topic. Tom has dedicated his career to helping autistic individuals who got caught up in the justice system.

Welcome to Autism Tips & Tools, where we highlight the best practical guidance from previous episodes of Autism Knows No Borders. Whether you’re a self-advocate, a family member, or a service provider, there’s something here for you!

This conversation with Tom Oliver was originally released on October 14, 2021.

Would you like to hear more about the struggle for authenticity directly from autistic voices?  Click the link below for the full conversation and be sure to subscribe to hear more from people connected to autism inspiring change and building community. 

Autistic Traits vs. Criminal Law, with Tom Oliver

Let’s work together to transform how the world relates to autism.

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How to Manage Finances, with Andrew Komarow | Autism Tips & Tools

Do you struggle with managing your finances?

Listen to how Andrew Komarow helps his autistic clients with budgeting, encouraging them to acknowledge their present financial capabilities and maintain a positive attitude. 

Andrew Komarow is a Certified Financial Planner and Certified Neurodiversity Professional. He’s also the Founder of Planning Across the Spectrum, a company that specializes in helping individuals, families, and employers of people with autism and other disabilities to pursue financial independence. 

Welcome to Autism Tips & Tools, where we highlight the best practical guidance from previous episodes of Autism Knows No Borders. Whether you’re a self-advocate, a family member, or a service provider, there’s something here for you!

This conversation with Andrew Komarow was originally released on May 6, 2021.

Would you like to hear more tips on how to manage your finances? Click the link below for the full conversation and be sure to subscribe to hear more from people connected to autism inspiring change and building community. 

Financial Planning Across the Spectrum, with Andrew Komarow

Let’s work together to transform how the world relates to autism.

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