Atypical Parenting; Raising kids with Autism

If you are a caregiver who sometimes feels alone and unsupported with no one you can really lean on, this one's for you!  Learn the key to this dilemma and explore strategies to manage the kind of emotions this scenario raises.

Autistic burnout is a newly recognized syndrome that affects people with autism spectrum disorders.  In this episode Dawn discusses why it occurs, how it presents and ultimately how to support your loved one through this difficult time.

Concrete thought patterns are a hallmark symptom of autism, which often leads to literal interpretation of everyday situations.  Given this tendency, concrete thinkers flourish with clear and consistent boundaries and / or expectations.  As parents and caregivers, we often forget to look at the big picture.  Learn from psychologist and author, Dr. Larry Waldman, as he discusses behavioral psychology and how it applies to parenting kids on the spectrum.

Caring for another human being day in and day out is no small feat.  Caregivers are often left isolated, overwhelmed, and exhausted.  Without adequate self-care, burnout is all but inevitable.  On this episode Dawn discusses why we get burned out, how to know if you're experiencing burnout and what we can do to remedy it.

What is self-accommodation and why is it important in Autism?  Join me as I talk with J.R. Reed, autism advocate, blogger and podcast host, as we discuss the idea of figuring out how to live well as an autistic person in a world designed to be overstimulating.  Also learn more about J.R.'s latest project, My Autistic Kitchen, his new autism friendly food blog.

Older teens and adults with autism often have a hard time finding their place socially.  As the parent of an adult, it's difficult to know how much help is actually helpful, especially when you're watching them struggle with isolation and loneliness.  In this episode, which is part 3 of a series on friendship in autism, Dawn discusses five concrete strategies that we as parents / caregivers can use to encourage them to find their community.

As parents and caregivers, opportunities to teach your children social skills are everywhere. In this episode, Dawn talks about ways to support your child's social development with fun and playful interactions that incorporate learning into everyday life.

If you're feeling isolated and alone as the parent of a child on the spectrum, hang out with me today as I talk (and laugh) with my friend Debi Marrinucci.  Debi is a school counselor, working in the elementary school setting, and she is also the mother to an adult autistic son.  Join us as we share stories about our 40+year friendship and discuss what it takes to maintain lasting, loving friendships.

If you've been feeling isolated and alone in your parenting journey, this week's episode will bring you hope.  Join Dawn Tree as she discusses the issues of social isolation in parenting someone on the spectrum.  She shares why she started the podcast, who she is, and where she is now on her own parenting journey.   Atypical parenting is a place where new friends are made, and support is found.   What questions or suggestions do you have for Dawn? Please comment on the community support Instagram page @Atypical_Parenting.

Autism diagnosis can bring clarity and appropriate resources.  Unfortunately there are many things that can interfere with finding a clinician who understands Autism spectrum disorders.  Join us as we discuss the challenges in finding an appropriate diagnosis and why that diagnosis is vitally important.

Adulting on the spectrum is no easy task.  Join me as I talk with Jen Alumbaugh, MS, the founder of Expansive Mindset Coaching where she helps neurodivergent people identify their strengths and life goals.  On this episode, we discuss why so many autistic people struggle to find sustainable employment, along with practical accommodations that can help.  Jen shares some of her own journey as well as offers alternatives to traditional jobs and why that is important.

Ever wonder what your typical child is thinking or feeling as you try to juggle everyone’s needs? Shawna Kerr looks back on her upbringing as the sibling to an autistic brother, and offers insight with constructive solutions to help all your children thrive.

Welcome to the Atypical Parenting podcast, a resource for parents and caregivers of individuals with autism. Hosted by psychiatric nurse practitioner and mother of an adult autistic son, Dawn Tree, the podcast offers information, support, and encouragement for those caring for loved ones on the autistic spectrum. Tune in to learn and laugh along with Dawn as she shares her experiences and expertise on the topic through interviews with experts and personal anecdotes.