Watch the video version here on YouTube!
Please leave a review on Apple Podcasts to help us appear higher in searches and reach more parents, teachers, and others interested in these topics. Thank you!
Episode Summary
This conversation explores the challenges and insights of parenting an autistic child, emphasizing the importance of understanding individual dreams, measuring success in terms of happiness and shelter, and the need for compassion in public perceptions. It also discusses the role of speech and language pathology, especially in the context of the pandemic, highlighting the shift to teletherapy and the necessity of supporting families during crises. This conversation explores the challenges and strategies of parenting during teletherapy, the complexities of the speech therapy industry, and the transition to teletherapy. The speaker emphasizes the importance of prioritizing mental health, understanding dialectical differences in speech, and adapting to new technological methods in therapy. The discussion also highlights the educational journey of the speaker and the evolving nature of therapy sessions in a digital landscape.
Takeaways
Parents often project their dreams onto their children, which can lead to disappointment.
Success as a parent should be measured by the child’s happiness and basic needs.
Experiencing life with an autistic child can foster greater compassion and gratitude.
Public meltdowns can be challenging, but understanding and kindness are key.
It’s important to educate others about autism without feeling obligated to do so.
The pandemic has created significant challenges for speech therapy and support for families.
Parent training and support are crucial during times of crisis.
Therapists need to adapt to new methods of delivering therapy remotely.
Connecting families with resources is essential for their well-being.
Compassion and understanding can help bridge the gap in public perceptions of autism. Prioritize your sanity and mental health during stressful times.
Reading to children is crucial for language development.
It’s okay to let go of certain educational expectations temporarily.
Parents face significant stress from online education demands.
The speech therapy industry struggles with bureaucracy and high caseloads.
Teletherapy requires a shift in approach and mindset for therapists.
Understanding dialects is essential in speech therapy.
Kids may behave differently in teletherapy compared to in-person sessions.
Using rewards can help keep children engaged during teletherapy.
Any form of intervention is beneficial, even if not perfect.
Sound Bites
“Your dreams are not his dreams.”
“Life is short, you got to take your shots.”
“You can’t beat yourself up with that stuff.”
“People are allowed to live their lives.”
“It’s a hot mess right now.”
“We’re all in a crisis.”
“Supporting our families as best as we can.”
“Prioritize your sanity and your safety.”
“It’s okay to let some things go for now.”
“Any intervention is better than nothing.”
“You’re always looking out for their errors.”
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the All About Kids Mashup Series
00:34 Parenting an Autistic Child: Dreams vs. Reality
02:00 Measuring Success as a Parent
04:24 Gratitude and Perspective in Parenting
06:48 Understanding Autism: The Importance of Compassion
08:46 Public Perception and Handling Meltdowns
13:21 Navigating Public Meltdowns
18:01 The Role of Speech and Language Pathology
20:59 Adapting to the Pandemic: Challenges in Therapy
24:49 Supporting Families During Crisis
28:32 Navigating Parenting During Teletherapy
33:15 Challenges in the Speech Therapy Industry
36:04 Educational Journey and Cultural Differences
40:45 Understanding Dialects and Speech Therapy
48:36 Transitioning to Teletherapy
53:46 Evaluating Teletherapy Sessions
About All About Kids:
AAK, the leading provider of children’s therapeutic and educational skills in New York. Their team of experts offer diagnostic evaluations as well as direct and consultative behavioral intervention services to children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. After comprehensive assessment, each child has a portfolio or program book designed specifically to meet his or her individualized needs. The quality of our ABA services are closely monitored through program and field supervision as well as ongoing consultation by BCBA’s/BCaBA’s, and Experienced Team Leaders.
Click here for a link to comprehensive educational and support resources. Previous podcast episodes and more information about All About Kids is available here.
Follow what’s up with AAK:
