Apologies to anyone who normally follows us on Spotify. We did upload at the regular time, but Spotify has taken down our Halloween episode due to the music we use in our intro. It is copyright-free (part of the YouTube free music library), but it's been flagged for some reason and we're waiting on the appeal process.

YouTube seems to be ok. Please let us know if you've been having issues!

Many parents of autistic kids struggle with the expectations surrounding holidays. Whether it's going out trick-or-treating, or celebrating at home, in this episode we give some helpful tips on how to make this Halloween fun for everyone!

Perfectionism can be both an asset and a hinderance. In this episode we talk about how perfectionism can lead to some serious problems and what you can do to help reduce your anxiety and your expectations. 

Many autistic individuals are selective eaters and it can be very overwhelming trying to figure out how to navigate food intake challenges. In this episode we provide some evidence-based beginner strategies that really work!

Everyone has a different idea of what it means to be your authentic self. It can be really easy for someone to say that you should unmask and just be true to who you are, but it's not as simple as that. Autistic individuals are often the most genuine people in a room, but get criticized for it. In this episode we discuss what it means to be authentic and also finding acceptance.

Being a caregiver is a stressful job and the physical, emotional and financial strain can be overwhelming some days. In this episode we talk about what it's like to have an autistic family and why it's not the tragedy some people think it is.

Autistic brains are wired differently, so it isn't much of a surprise that our love languages are also different. That doesn't mean that relationships are impossible, just that they require understanding, open communication and acceptance. Not sure how that isn't the basis for any solid relationship, but regardless, in this episode we talk all about autistic love languages.  

PDA is a behaviour profile that can be very difficult to navigate, both for the autistic person and for their loved ones. In this episode we talk about the inner turmoil of the PDAer, how that may look on the outside and lots of strategies to help everyone.

For many autistic people, including myself, routines are not just about preference, they're essential for daily function. Sometimes we put routines in place and we don't even notice we've done it, other times we might feel like we can't stick to a routine at all. This episode is all about how and why we need routines and when there isn't one, there's usually a system instead.

Excessive daily stress is a very real concern in the autistic population. While we can't completely eliminate stress from our lives, we can put strategies in place to mitigate the effects. This episode is all about putting strategies in place to minimize the amount of stress in our lives and how to decompress from the stressors we can't avoid.

In the general population, only 4% of people suffer from PTSD. In the autistic community, that number is about 45%. We discuss why so many autistic individuals have PTSD or complex PTSD and why strategies that work for neurotypical people, need to be modified for autistic people.

Every single day can be stress inducing for autistic people. We already know that there are high rates of comorbidity between autism and mental health issues like anxiety and depression, but a recent study suggests that the impact of stressors might have a more profound impact on the brain than previously thought.

The vast majority of autistic people are either unemployed or underemployed and that's partly because most workplace environments can be exhausting, dysregulating and unaccommodating for autistic needs. In this episode, we talk about some practical workplace workarounds as well as how and when to ask for accommodations. 

Interviews are stressful for everyone, but for autistic people, interviews can be absolute torture. In this episode, we talk about why interviews are so incredibly difficult for autistic individuals and we provide our top 7 hacks to help you be successful.  

We all know that getting ready for a job is no longer as simple as putting out your resume and hoping for the best. In this episode, we talk about how to use your strengths, skills and interests to help you get a job that accommodates your needs. We also discuss the best ways to gain valuable job experience, as well as a list of free resources and organizations to help support you along the way. 

Anyone with an interest in autism will have heard the cry that it has become an epidemic. There are even people out there who think that autism is being glorified, with young autistic influencers romanticizing their fun 'quirks' and not recognizing autism as the debilitating disability that it is. In this episode we discuss the validity of these claims that having autism or pretending to have autism is the new trend.

I've had lots of people ask me why anyone would need to bother to get an autism assessment done at the age of 50. "You've made it this far." "You're doing fine." "You're not really autistic autistic." There are lots of reasons people look for a diagnosis later in life. We discuss the most common ones and why my reason was completely different.

Parenting comes with a lot of challenges, and those challenges can take different forms depending on your child’s support needs. In this episode we talk about the differences and the similarities in parenting two autistic kids at different levels. From sensory sensitivities to social expectations, this episode is about the realities that don't always match the assumptions.

In this episode, we explore the unique challenges faced by autistic individuals who are non-speaking, as well as the people who support them. We discuss why the term non-speaking is preferable to non-verbal and the difference between receptive and expressive language. Stay tuned to the end to hear some practical strategies that can help facilitate commuication!

In this episode, we’re talking about how autistic communication often differs from neurotypical norms. We break down what communication actually means, how autistic people tend to express themselves, and why common social expectations can feel confusing or overwhelming.We also share some practical strategies to help bridge the communication gap.

Grief is something we all face, but for autistic individuals the experience can be especially complex and often misunderstood. In this episode we talk openly about what grief looks like for autistic people, why it might show up differently, and some practical strategies to help support the autistic individual in your life.

This episode tackles a question many parents quietly carry but rarely talk about. What happens to your autistic child if you’re not there to care for them anymore? We cover the basics of wills, naming an executor, and why it's critical to choose a guardian with care. We also discuss the emotional and practical side of planning for the future, from preparing potential caregivers to facing the uncomfortable truth that without a plan, the outcomes can be devastating.

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. Not during school meetings, not through the disability support application process, not anywhere. So I’m walking you through what I’ve learned the hard way: the process of applying for guardianship in Ontario, what the government doesn’t explain, and what I wish someone had told me months ago. - K

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 the importance of safety and community, we talk about why finding housing isn’t just hard, it’s often impossible.

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 what happens when it goes horribly wrong. 

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!

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 behaviours 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 navigating this challenge.

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 and an educator, we discuss how parents can navigate this tricky terrain, offering practical tips for keeping children safe while respecting their autonomy. 

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 with protecting your child’s privacy, offering real stories and practical insights into making the right call for your family.

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.

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 might face and why it’s all about finding the right balance for you.

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 behaviors might look similar on the surface but have very different causes. 

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.

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!

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.

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 health.

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. 

From contradictions and mixed messages to social pleasantries that feel pointless, I share my top frustrations when trying to communicate with neurotypical people.

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. Whether you’re navigating these challenges yourself or supporting someone who is, this episode offers insights and tools to improve executive function and help make everyday tasks more manageable.

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 accommodations, from instructional and environmental changes to support with assessments and social settings. We also talk about how you can implement accommodations for yourself at home. Join us as we break down why accommodations aren't just helpful, but essential for fostering inclusion and supporting neurodiverse needs.

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.

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.

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.

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 

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. 

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. 

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.

Trying to figure out where to find funding in Ontario and Canada? We talk about funding options and finding other supports for yourself as an autistic person, a parent, or a sibling of an autistic person.

Trying to get an autism diagnosis can be overwhelming. We discuss the process and importance of receiving a diagnosis, as well as some misconceptions and fear of labels.

Is Applied Behaviour Analysis a viable form of therapy, or does it ultimately cause more harm than good? We discuss the problems and benefits of ABA therapy and whether or not it causes long term trauma in autistic children.

Why is "No" such an important concept? We discuss why learning "No" is important, the philosophy of gentle parenting and the challenges of pathological demand avoidance.

The education system can be difficult and stressful to navigate especially when you have an autistic child. We talk about effective strategies and provide helpful insights in working together to provide the best possible environment for your child's success.

A Disability? A Disorder? Or just a Difference? We explore this topic from the perspectives of a clinical definition, the lived experience of an autistic individual, the insights of a parent of autistic children and the viewpoint of a special education educator.

We talk about who we are, how we met, why we decided to do a podcast and what we hope to accomplish. We also discuss real life situations, difficulties and strategies.