Join me as we have difficult and often times uncomfortable conversations about autism. We are going places that many don’t ever go. These are important conversations to be had. Parents and caregivers shouldn’t feel isolated at home with no support. It’s my greatest hope to also help provide tools to find light in this difficult journey. Together we can do it.
1 Subscriber
Podcast hosts
- Diana WG
@MDAutismProject..
Keywords
© 2023 The Grit and Grind of Autism- Finding Light Along the Journey
The Grit and Grind of Autism- Finding Light Along the Journey
1 Subscriber
Reviews
QuarterbackJack
5 out of 5 stars
The Grit and Grind of Autism
There are some podcasts you listen to for entertainment and there are some that can change your life. Diana’s work shedding light on the many mysterious aspects of autism is definitely in the life-changing category. Improving the lives of those with autism and their families isn’t merely an interest for her, it is a quest, an urgent mission, and you feel it in everyone of these intense conversations.
MAMA2RS
5 out of 5 stars
Grateful
Thank you for sharing these parts of your story. We can all grow from this conversations. I highly recommend that all clinical providers listen to this podcast. Parents are our greatest gift to understanding more about the children we see.
CaseyBudd
5 out of 5 stars
A much needed podcast
Diana is great and an amazing advocate for her kids! She has valuable insight on navigating the world of autism and overcoming challenges that families face everyday. This podcast will make other families feel like they have someone who can relate to what they are going through and give clinicians an insight on the perspective of the families we serve. I highly recommend this podcast! -Casey B.
jazzy 71
5 out of 5 stars
Refreshing Reality Reminders
I enjoy this podcast so much! It brings a Reminder that we are not alone. It Refreshes what we know and how to continue thinking outside of the box. And this Reality affects everyone differently and helps put perspective on what you know and what you can learn from others. Everyday is a new day, and there is always Hope💙!!
Elisolo3
5 out of 5 stars
Great raw conversation
This podcast is amazing. It gives a real look into the life of families with children with autism and the struggles it presents. Thank you for this. Keep them coming!
howaboutjoey
5 out of 5 stars
Enlightening!
Thank you Diana for diving into these educational podcasts. I have learned so much from listening to you and your guests. Thank you for covering the Grit and Grind of every day life with autism. Listening to you and fellow autism parents has taken the sting out of the loneliness and isolation I often feel with the challenges we have faced and are facing with autism. Keep doing what you are doing to help educate people about our kids!
barkbluebird
5 out of 5 stars
So helpful
Thank you Dianna for having these pods! They are so helpful!These are very difficult conversations to have but are therapeutic to families going through these very hard issues. It is nice to find people that can relate and empathize.
nakmuaykate
5 out of 5 stars
Enlightening & Important Dialogue
I’m learning so much listening to this podcast. This is such an important dialogue about a growing epidemic that affects everyone. The host and guests have deep knowledge and first hand experience raising kids with severe autism, a flavor of autism that isn’t discussed very much. Everyone should listen to this!
kmoney2022
5 out of 5 stars
Real life
Diana and her guests provide real life, first hand experiences of their lives with children diagnosed with Autism. They get real, sharing things most never even thing about. Diana has a way about her - asking the right questions, sharing information about Autism and how it affects families. She will make you laugh, but also make you think. Diana thank you for sharing your heartfelt stories!
dogluvr36
5 out of 5 stars
Many Thanks!
Thank you for sharing your stories. It gives anyone else who is fighting this fight hope. Highly recommend this podcast!💗🙌🏻
Autism Grandma
5 out of 5 stars
Autism Grandma
I enjoyed this discussion as a grandmother. I’m all too familiar with the challenges families endure as part of my grandchild’s support system. I wish it wasn’t this hard. Well done ladies. I hope the podcast helps others navigating autism. It certainly does take grit and it is a grind. But whatever we can do to support our kids with an autism diagnosis we certainly will. Keep going!
footballownage9375
5 out of 5 stars
The world needs more of these women!
Decided to listen to this podcast so I can better relate to friends and family and their children who are on the spectrum or have an Autism diagnosis. These women have had and continue to battle for their kids. I’m so amazed at their strength day in and day out. This podcast was educational but also made me laugh at times. Thanks Diana for shedding light on this subject.
CMBBalto
5 out of 5 stars
Wow
Thank you so much for this informative and real peak into your worlds. Ps. You are both so funny. I would love to be friends with you gals.
lovehardeveryday
5 out of 5 stars
Excellent.
Such an informative, inspiring, funny, educational, and helpful message for those of us who do not have direct experience, but who care deeply about someone affected by autism. Listen, learn, and offer all the love and support you can. We are all in this together💜❤️
Holly BCBA
5 out of 5 stars
Such good information!
This podcast is very well done and provides the listener with first-hand accounts of their experiences related to very tough topics such as advocacy in dealing with the education system, pharmacology, and puberty as it relates to their children on the autism spectrum. Diana is so articulate and compassionate when sharing her stories and insight.
Mesol
5 out of 5 stars
Review from First Episode
This was a great conversation. I am in awe of Megan and her vast love and dedication to her children. What a story she has to share! I do have a bit of a different perspective on the school system based on my experience as a former teacher, homeschooling mom and now parent to a non-speaking child on the autism spectrum. I personally believe that the school systems are failing a large majority of our children (dare I say - all of them?!) Even someone like me - who thrived and did very well in the system - was failed. Why? Because it failed to educate me in the most important ways! (spoiler - the system is designed this way - as many have pointed out, it's not "failing" because it's doing what it was designed to do! It is failing humanity though.) BUT as a former teacher and also human, I have so much respect, love and empathy for teachers and individuals who are doing the best they can within the system. You should have seen some of my crappy lessons (I taught in an urban setting - oh my - so many challenges!) And I am what most would consider a high achiever! I laughed at the example of camping. Ugh. I know it is wildly inappropriate and awful, yet I feel compassion for the teacher who came up with it. I think the biggest paradigm shift is what Megan and Diana touched on with that camping lesson - our children are NOT "cognitive babies". They understand! Just because they can't speak, that doesn't mean they are not intelligent. It's frustrating to bump up against this but it is a new idea for many! We just need to keep reiterating and SHOWING people how smart our kiddos are. If you want your children to get the best possible education, my opinion is to not rely on the school system. I know that for many - especially single mothers - this may not be possible. We need more support! But I'm not sure I agree with the assessment that change comes from above. I think we need to be the change at a grassroots (family and community) level. This is why we unschool our children. As far as "mainstreaming" children - I can't even imagine our 6 year old special boy in a "regular" classroom - he can't sit still, is VERY loud and would be very distracting and disruptive. I know that this is considered case-by-case, so you probably weren't talking about someone like my child! But I can also understand why parents of neurotypical children would have concerns about a kid like mine in their classroom. As homeschoolers, we struggle just to juggle and balance 3 kids and 2 adults needs every day! This stuff is tricky and there aren't simple answers (I know you both know that. Just throwing out my thoughts!) Thank you both for sharing so bravely and honestly! There is so much work to be done and I know you are inspiring many!
jg and diego
5 out of 5 stars
This podcast was terrific
I learned so much from listening just to this first episode. You have me insight and information about this world that I’ve yet to hear before. I can’t wait for the next one to come out.
Podcast information
- Amount of episodes
- 17
- Subscribers
- 1
- Verified
- Yes
- Website
- Explicit content
- Yes
- Episode type
- episodic
- Podcast link
- https://podvine.com/link/..
- Last upload date
- February 24, 2023
- Last fetch date
- March 20, 2023 4:25 AM
- Upload range
- MONTHLY
- Author
- Diana W-G
- Copyright
- © 2023 The Grit and Grind of Autism- Finding Light Along the Journey
susbcribers
- Sensory Integration with Dr.Shayna StoogenkeDr. Shayna Stoogenke is a pediatric Occupational Therapist with over 18 years of experience in evaluating and treating children with varying needs. She has extensive training in sensory integration and has spent the last 10 years supporting families by conducting evaluations and making recommendations for children entering school for the first time. She is passionate about her work and helping children learn through play- and even more passionate about helping families see past a labeled disability and recognize and support the ability within their child. Learn more about her work at ShaynaOT. Resources from the pod discussion: Therapeutic Listening Therapy The Out-of-Sync Child The Out-of-Sync Child Has Fun The Out-of-Sync Child Grows Up0 comments0
- Special Needs Mother & Therapist Angie Noppenberger Shares Her Tool-Kit With UsAngie Noppenberger is just a person trying to get by day by day and navigating what life brings to her. She is a mother of two special needs children who light up the world, a mental health therapist with 20 years of experience, and a wife married for 20 years to a wonderful and supportive husband. She is also a sister, a niece, an aunt, a daughter, and a friend. References from pod discussion noted below: Podcasts Huberman Lab (full of valuable information on taking care of yourself) NPR's Up First (helps with perspective taking and what is happening on a global level) Books Atomic Habits by James Clear (helps with creating systems to make life easier) How Emotions are Made by Lisa Feldman Barrett (body budgeting concept) Think Again by Adam Grant (revising) The Last Best Cure by Donna Jackson Nakazawa (beautiful book that opened my eyes and allowed me to accept my sensitivity) Bonus Recommendation 😀 Serenity Now Button0 comments0
- The Grit and Grind of Autism- Finding Light Along the Journey Jan 14 · 1h 23m Healing Symptoms of Autism w/Lemlem Kentiba-PaigeJoin us for a discussion about early intervention, the battle to secure services, nutrition and affirmations. Lemlem Kentiba-Paige was born to Eritrean parents in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, went to high school in Dallas, Texas, and attended undergrad and graduate school in Maryland. A cyber security engineer with a master’s degree in information technology, Lemlem resides with her family in Maryland. Lemlem is the loving mother of two kids. Her son who at the age of two did not speak and doctors feared had autism. For the next four years, Lemlem and her husband took their son to speech therapy, occupational therapy, and applied behavior therapy five times a week, eight hours a day. He also received additional help on the weekends. Today, their son has fully recovered and shows no signs of autism. Lemlem has written a book called “ King Yosef and His Superheroes ” to share her experience and to help other parents who may be going through the same experience. In her book, King Yosef and his superheroes , you will discover how Young King Yosef overcame the challenges he faced. This story is about a young boy whose challenges began with a speech delay. The speech delay caused social, emotional, and behavioral problems that led to a possible Autism diagnosis. Yosef worked very hard in speech, occupational, and applied behavioral therapy to overcome his challenges. Yosef is now able to talk and no longer has any of the challenges or signs of Autism. This book will help everyone understand the challenges children with speech delay, sensory issues and Autism diagnosis face each day. Yosef is an amazing child who loves and enjoys life to the fullest. Today Yosef is in 4th grade and doing very well in school. He was inspired by his mother and has written his first book, “The Daily adventures of King Yosef and Queen Yarah, Positive thoughts will lead to positive life” . The moral of the story in his book is no matter what you face each day, think of all the positive things in life and do not focus on the negative. Every problem has a solution. Figure out a positive solution to your problem and don't let negative thoughts ruin your day and life. Everything happens for the greater good. Think positive, Be positive.0 comments0
- Music Therapy- A Powerful Discussion and Getting It On Your IEPKatie Eschleman is a music therapist serving primarily kids who have differing needs. She holds a Masters Degree from Drexel University and has been in the field for 20 years. Katie brings a great source of fun and creativeness to her therapy sessions. She is loved so much by all of her students (and their families). In her spare time Katie enjoys running, kick boxing, spending time with her daughters and playing gigs. Heartstrings United Making the Pitch for Music Jamie Costello Interview Sing Out - Amazon Music Mozart: Sonata for Two Pianos in D, KV 4480 comments0
- Financial Coaching- Making Sense of Things w/Dave NoppenbergerDave is the father of two special needs teens. He has spent his career in the engineering field, analyzing difficult technical problems. Recently, he has focused a lifelong passion for numbers and personal finance into becoming a financial coach. As a coach, he helps analyze individuals’ and families’ budgets, spending and income to move towards their short and long-term goals. Special needs personal finance is at the intersection of his own experience as a father and his enthusiasm for personal finance. Dave enjoys biking and reading. To contact Dave for financial coaching: Email: dave@coachyourdollars.com Website: http://www.coachyourdollars.com Twitter: @CoachYourDollar Show Notes: Autism Waiver http://marylandpublicschools.org/programs/Pages/Special-Education/autismfactsheet.aspx DDA Medicaid Waivers https://health.maryland.gov/dda/Pages/Medicaid_Waiver_Programs.aspx Special Needs Lawyer https://steedmanlaw.net0 comments0
- We’re Always Learning with Susan MaySusan is back and something's been eating at her. We have another wonderful conversation about breaking patterns, unschooling, Spell2Communicate, belief systems and her Get Moving Challenge. Sign up for free: Rise Up with Susan May Resources : Underestimated - J.B. and Jamison Handley I-ASC (International Association for Spelling as Communication Big Book of Unschooling - Sandra Dodd0 comments0
- Transition Prep with Mike BenoitMr. Mike Z. Benoit graduated from Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland in 2002. He also received a Master’s Degree in 2005 and a School Leadership and Improvement certificate in 2007 from Goucher College in Towson, Maryland. Mr. Benoit has served in progressively responsible positions in Baltimore City Schools, Baltimore City’s most accomplished Mental Health agencies, as well as for a non-profit organization in the Maryland Out of School Time (OST) network. He has experience Teaching Special Education (Advanced Professional Certificate), Individual Education Plan (IEP) development/compliance, Section 504 development, Student Support Plan development, Restorative Practices, Community Conferencing, School Leadership Endorsement (Admin 1), Psychiatric Rehabilitation, Therapeutic Behavior Support, Crisis Prevention Intervention, Grant writing and After School Program management. Mike holds a distinguished record of success with over 20 years of experience in education and school leadership, over 10 years in mental health supportive services and over 5 years in OST management. His passion is to give back to his community as he served as a: Board Member for Baltimore Autism Speaks Walk, Baltimore City Special Education Advisory Committee and current board member for Beat the Streets Baltimore.0 comments0
- Surfers Healing - Love & Light w/ Mikey Redd and John PikeThis episode that was recorded in early July is dedicated to Avery Berman. He is the sweet child in the photo. Last week our community mourned and honored this beautiful young man with his family. It’s his parents greatest mission to ensure their son will never be forgotten. He will not; we will always honor and celebrate Avery. Avery and his family loved their Surfers Healing Ocean City, Maryland experience. Avery also loved 80's music, brilliantly did math in his head, was always smiling and loved his Jewish religion learning Hebrew for his bar mitzvah. Please pray for Avery’s family. *********************** Recently I was able to catch up with John Pike and Mikey Redd of Surfers Healing. We had a fabulous time discussing the history of the organization, how they got involved and what drives their passion. Such beautiful humans and a wonderful conversation. On the surface, our contribution seems simple: each year, our volunteer-staffed camps give over 4,500 children with autism and their families a fun, engaging day at the beach. But go deeper, and you'll see that a quiet revolution is taking place. Through the simple act of riding waves together, we're defying the status quo. Surfers Healing is the original surf camp for children with autism, and we've been serving the community since 1996. Yet what we offer isn't a 'cure', or even 'traditional' therapy. It's a completely different sensation and environment for our participants. We give individuals a chance to encounter the waves, to challenge themselves, to try something new. And since 1 in every 34 US children has an ASD (CDC report, March 2022), our work is more vital than ever. https://www.surfershealing.org https://www.instagram.com/surfershealing https://www.mikeyredd.com https://www.instagram.com/mikey.redd Discussed and highly recommended: Documentary: The Call of the Elephants Documentary: Clay Marzo - Just Add Water Book: Bl0 comments0
- The Grit and Grind of Autism- Finding Light Along the Journey Jul 14 · 1h 11m Innovation - From Social Skills to Tesla to an Employment Company Tailored Towards Non-Speaking Individuals w/ Conner ReinhardtMeet Conner the COO and Co-Founder of Mentra. He is an engineer, athlete and musician. Conner's story is so interesting and inspiring. Every parent and young adult with an autism diagnosis should have a listen. As a recently-diagnosed neurodivergent, I've witnessed the extraordinary talents of the neurodiverse community firsthand. Behind the layers of inefficiency in today's hiring process, there is immense potential to innovate a new system that's able to value and recognize these key players in the workforce of tomorrow. At Mentra, we're placing neurodiversity at the core of recruiting in a way that scales, treating every individual's brain as unique and more than just a resume. We're accomplishing this at scale using an AI-powered job-matching platform and a human-centered design approach that builds a holistic profile of a job seeker's mind and matches them with the environments in which they will thrive. Contact Conner: Conner@mentra.me Parents and/or young adults please register here: www.Mentra.me0 comments0
- Mom-to-Mom w/Delegate Michele Guyton - Why She Fights So Hard in AnnapolisJoin me as I talk with the wonderful Delegate Michele Guyton about her journey as an autism mom and what ultimately led her to fight for autism families throughout the state of Maryland. Facing the challenge of parenting three wonderful and complicated boys, forced Michele to become a fierce champion for her own family and their education. She co-founded a support group for families with disabilities and now chairs the Mid-Atlantic Chapter of the National Tourette Association of America. All three of her boys have been successful in Maryland public schools and are pursuing their dreams. Michele completed her B.A. in Psychology and Anthropology from Vanderbilt University, her joint M.A. in Women’s Studies and Psychology from Radcliffe College and Brandeis University and her Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology from Brandeis University. She looks forward to serving the community she loves by fighting for District 42B as fiercely as she has fought for her own family and others. Links: Connect with Delegate Guyton Wrights Law From Emotions to Advocacy0 comments0
- Waiver Shmaiver - The Lack of Help & Surviving It w/ Lisa ManuelLisa Manuel is a graduate of the Baltimore International Culinary College. She worked with caterers and pastry chefs for several years prior to founding her own business in 2001. She worked until 2006 shortly after her son was diagnosed with autism. Lisa enjoys gardening, reading, and spending time with her friends. She is a very creative person which is revealed through her cakes, gardening, home decor and personal style. She lives in Baltimore with her husband, son, daughter and two dogs: Joey and Louise.0 comments0
- Medical Cannabis Healing w/ Nurse LauraLaura is spearheading education of medical cannabis. From CBD and hemp oil to terpenes and cannabinoids she explains it all for parents and caregivers. We had a fantastic, educational discussion that will hopefully empower families to explore CBD and cannabis further as an avenue for their child’s healing. www.asknurselaura.com (for consultation) Laura Barrett-Nutting, MBA, BSN, RN, better known as Nurse Laura, is a wellness and certified cannabis nurse who brings over 20 years of experience helping patients cope with critical illness and chronic disease. Her enthusiasm for wellness and integrative medicine led her to explore the multiple medical cannabinoid options available. Nurse Laura has worked in each of the plant touching cannabis fields: growing, processing and opening dispensaries, as well as sales, marketing, and compliance. Nurse Laura works with providers, patients, caregivers,and dispensary staff to educate, inform, and collaborate to find the best options for improving quality of life. Nurse Laura recently founded the National Clinical Director Consortium to support the role of the Clinical Directors across the country. This group works to ensure access to healthcare professionals (nurses, pharmacists and cannabis providers) knowledgeable in plant medicine for patients, dispensary staff, and other providers. Nurse Laura also serves on the Board for the Connor Sheffield Foundation promoting research and advocacy for medical cannabis. At home, Laura is in graduate school to earn her MSN and become a Nurse Practitioner. She is a single parent to two wonderful children with whom she loves to spend time. She loves outdoor activities, such as: hiking, gardening, golfing (learning) and skiing. When she must go inside, she often chooses dancing, cooking, and eating! She claims her faith is the key to her big smile! Additional Resources: www.healer.com (contact Nurse Laura for a discount code for classes) www.realmofcaring.com www.mmcc.maryland.gov (registration for caregiver card & patient card in Maryland)0 comments0
- Bullying Sucks; Learn how Nick overcomes itIn this episode I talk with Kelly and her son Nick about his journey, hardships and ultimate success throughout school. This is an important conversation that they have been brave enough to share. Please note it’s a highly sensitive subject matter. It may be a trigger for some. Kelly Lyons has over 25 years experience as an Accounting Manager at Johns Hopkins University and holds an MBA. When she isn’t working she spends her time volunteering with homeless animals including BARCS and most recently Shadow Cats. She has three rescue dogs of her own: Jake, Sasha and Merle. And fosters cats who are FIV+ and in hospice. Kelly enjoys photography, traveling and yoga. She has three kids and lives with her husband in Northern Maryland.0 comments0
- Rising Up w/ Susan MaySusan May is the Founder of RiseUP with Susan May and the RiseUP Community. The RiseUP mission is to help medical freedom advocates and "new normal" skeptics overcome their fears by creating like-minded virtual communities, and energizing individuals to take empowered action in their lives. Susan's life uniquely prepared her for this moment in time and she is determined to use all she has learned to help others who are drawn to the RiseUP vision. How was she uniquely prepared? When the madness hit the world in 2020, her family's path had led them to be in a different place than most. They had already begun to "unplug" from the mainstream education, medical and media systems. This proved to be extremely beneficial. It all started 17+ years ago when Susan began to learn about fertility, then natural childbirth (and eventually hypnosis for childbirth). Those topics then led to attachment parenting, alternative views of health and unschooling. What a ride it's been! As an extrovert and people lover, sharing comes naturally to Susan and she thrives on deep connections. Funneling her energy into helping others is deeply satisfying. The unschooling philosophy that humans are natural learners and that the our relationships are the most important thing in our lives, has shaped her overall life and business philosophy. You can connect with Susan on Facebook and Instagram: Rise UP with Susan May Website: Together Walking0 comments0
- The Grit and Grind of Autism- Finding Light Along the Journey Apr 15 · 57m You, your child THEN the community w/ Nikki StokesHow do you take care of yourself while in crisis? Nikki takes us on her journey giving us a lot of wisdom along the way. Nikki is a mother of two sons and an advocate in the Maryland community. HGE Designs Co. was created to answer a need for financial support to cover respite care, swim lessons and therapy after her son’s autism diagnosis. She is a Certified Reiki Practitioner. Nikki is a veteran first responder with Baltimore City Police and Fire Department. She is a member of The Autism Society of Baltimore-Chesapeake, participated with Baltimore County Police as a panel member for procedural training on interactions with members of the autism community and a member of several sub-groups for the Greater Baltimore Regional Integrated Crisis System designed to transform behavioral health crisis response in the Baltimore metropolitan area. Most recently Nikki joined Pathfinders for Autism as a Resource Coordinator. Nikki is a passionate advocate with a deep desire to support families in the autism community. She is an artist and loves creating. Nikki's Website: HGE Designs0 comments0
- Plan B w/ Angie AuldridgeOh yes we did... we dove head first into one of the most taboo topics. No one talks about this outside of their home and often outside of their head. Lover of scones and her family. Angie is a wife, and mother of three children who have a number of different diagnoses, including autism, epilepsy, ADHD, PANDAS, and a number of other medical complications. She spends her days managing the advising and registration department at her local community college and her evenings cheering on and celebrating her children's inch stones. She chronicles her adventures and struggles on her blog, Mighty and the Bean, and co-hosts a podcast titled Embracing Holland. She has a master's in counseling and is passionate about creating community, sharing stories, and supporting others in the face of fear and uncertainty. An enneagram 9, avid at avoiding conflict and seeking peace always, she is an introvert with a passion for helping and loving people in hard places. Note: My dog says hello in the beginning of the episode.. just keeping it real.0 comments0
- Unpacking Severe Autism w/ Megg AndradeIn this episode I talk with mom and advocate Meagan Andrade about the challenges of caring for her son with severe autism. She discusses the rollercoaster ride they've been on across several moves, finding appropriate help and support, cross-country drives to doctor appointments and how she found light through their journey. Megg Andrade is the mother of five amazing humans, three of whom happen to have developmental disabilities. Megg has been a volunteer parent mentor with TACA (The Autism Community in Action) for over a decade. She is a 2020 graduate of Maryland Partners in Policy Making. She served eight years in the US Army. Megg is the owner and esthetician of Meagan Maske. Currently, she also works as a job developer at The Arc Baltimore. Megg is a passionate advocate in the world of autism, developmental disability, and foster care. She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our community and conversation.0 comments0
✋ Yay! You have heard it all
Podcast hosts
- Diana WG
@MDAutismProject..
Keywords
© 2023 The Grit and Grind of Autism- Finding Light Along the Journey
