Beyond the Spectrum - Conversations with Parents on Autism and Beyond

• Episode 7: Masking, Diagnosis & Finding Your Village - Lauren and Janine’s Parenting Journey

  In this episode of Beyond the Spectrum - Conversations with Parents on Autism and Beyond, Clint chats with Lauren and Janine — two mums who migrated to Australia and are raising children with level 2 autism and ADHD.They unpack:The reality of masking in girls and boys - and why it delays diagnosisEarly supports that moved the needle - ECDP, Bush Kids, OT, speech, small schoolsAdvocating in kindy and school - when to push, when to change environmentsAge-appropriate ways to talk to kids about diagnosis and self-advocacyThe cost - financial strain, sibling dynamics, isolation, and nervous system overloadSelf-care that actually happens - micro-breaks at home, parent coaching, therapy assistantsBuilding your ASD village - Facebook groups, local parents, therapists, and honest friendshipsIf you’re at the start of the journey or somewhere in the messy middle, this convo is full of practical tips, honest emotions, and the reminder to trust your gut - and find your people.Listen, share, and tag someone who needs this today.If you enjoyed listening and found this content valuable we'd appreciate it if you could provide a positive review and to share this with your network to potentially reach and help more parents and families 🙏

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• Episode 6: Breaking Cycles & Embracing Differences: Kerri’s Parenting Story

  In this episode of Beyond the Spectrum – Conversations with Parents on Autism and Beyond, we sit down with Kerri — a teacher-turned-mum who shares her deeply personal journey of parenting her neurodivergent son while discovering her own ADHD along the way.Kerri talks about:Navigating life transitions and multiple movesCreating an environment where her son feels safe and understoodThe challenges of getting a diagnosis when your child "masks" wellReparenting herself to break cycles of generational disciplineBuilding co-regulation skills and fostering emotional awarenessChoosing alternative education paths, including homeschooling and small schoolsThe importance of finding your tribe and connecting with other parents on the same journeyKerri’s story is a powerful reminder that every child — and every parent — has a unique path. Her honesty and openness shine a light on the often unspoken struggles and triumphs of neurodivergent parenting.Tune in for heartfelt insights, practical wisdom, and a big dose of hope.If you enjoyed listening and found this content valuable we'd appreciate it if you could provide a positive review and to share this with your network to potentially reach and help more parents and families 🙏

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• Episode 5: A Mum's Bold Choice: Autism, Stem Cells & Hope

  In this episode of Beyond the Spectrum – Conversations with Parents on Autism and Beyond, we take an unexpected journey from fishing in Oman to discussing autism and alternative treatments.Meet Claire, a boat captain in Oman, whose son Leo is autistic. When mainstream approaches didn’t give the results she was hoping for, she explored the controversial but intriguing path of stem cell therapy. In this candid and thought-provoking chat, Claire shares her family’s experience, the challenges they faced, and what led her to give this treatment a go.This story is a little different from our usual episodes, but definitely worth a listen. Could stem cell therapy open up new possibilities for autism intervention? Tune in, keep an open mind, and let us know your thoughts.If you'd like to get in touch with Claire, let us know and we’ll pass on her details. And if you ever find yourself in Oman, make sure to book a fishing trip with her - it’s an adventure you won’t forget!Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to help us grow and support more families on the autism journey.If you enjoyed listening and found this content valuable we'd appreciate it if you could provide a positive review and to share this with your network to potentially reach and help more parents and families 🙏

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• Episode 4: Raising Neurodivergent Kids While Navigating Her Own Diagnosis: Katie's Story

  Episode 4: Raising Neurodivergent Kids While Navigating Her Own Diagnosis: Katie's StoryIn this episode of Beyond the Spectrum Podcast, Katie shares her journey as a neurodivergent parent with two neurodivergent children. Katie works as a dance teacher at her children's school and manages their therapy and educational needs. She has an 11-year-old son and a 10-year-old daughter, both diagnosed with autism and ADHD. Katie received her own autism diagnosis in December 2021. She emphasizes the importance of being open about neurodivergence with her children and discusses the challenges of social isolation, friendship dynamics, and managing behavioral issues. Katie provides valuable insights on early intervention, the importance of having support systems, and maintaining an adaptable approach to parenting neurodivergent children.We hope you get a lot out of listening and we would appreciate your feedback, so please reach out via comments, emailing us etc. We'd love to hear from you.ClintAutism & Beyond AustraliaIf you enjoyed listening and found this content valuable we'd appreciate it if you could provide a positive review and to share this with your network to potentially reach and help more parents and families 🙏

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• Episode 3: Unveiling the Future: Challenges and Hopes for Adult Autistic Individuals - with mum Tess

  Welcome to our new podcast series! This episode I chat with Tess; mum of an adult Autistic child who also faced major health challenges while growing up. Tess shares her experience and insights including what she would say to herself if she could go back 5 years, and what it's like bringing up an adult neurodivergent son as she ages and needs to think about her future and how it effects his future.What families go through with school-aged ASD children compared to adults is very different, and it's nice to hear Tess talk about that.Helpful for parents with ASD kids edging closer to end of their schooling years, to start thinking about the future; the workforce, living arrangements etcAdvice Tess shares for other parents is to look at the neurodevelopmental milestones not the neurotypical ones in life that most other families use. She realised this was something she needed to do with her kids.Being a parent of a neurodiverse child is “a window into a completely different world”We hope you get a lot out of listening and we would appreciate your feedback, so please reach out via comments, emailing us etc. We'd love to hear from you.ClintAutism & Beyond AustraliaIf you enjoyed listening and found this content valuable we'd appreciate it if you could provide a positive review and to share this with your network to potentially reach and help more parents and families 🙏

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