Shows
Autisable Dads: Life with Autism from a Parents PerspectiveS4 E19 Attitude is EverythingThis past week we had several appointments to be at, and let's just say they were appointments that were months in the making. So to say that anxiety was present is an understatement. After all, we needed to arrive at our various destinations in time. If we missed our appointments, it meant we had to reschedule. Something no one wants to do, regardless if you're a special needs family or not.
If you enjoyed this episode of Autisable Dad’s, please consider joining our Patreon Account at https://Patreon.com/autisable
Thank you to Michael at...
2022-05-1610 min
Autisable Dads: Life with Autism from a Parents PerspectiveS4 E18 Language and the Autism CommunityEver read a headline to a news article and something about it doesn't read right?
Yeah, that has been me constantly, as I regularly address things within the autism community.
I discovered years ago several different languages within the autism community that are spoken. And over the years it appears to have become more complicated.
There are different aspects of the community, and each has its own way of saying certain things.
First, you have different groups within the autism community:
There are autistic individuals, parents, and professionals. Within...
2022-05-0922 min
Autisable Dads: Life with Autism from a Parents PerspectiveS4 E17 Family OutingsOur son likes to be at home, doing his own thing most of the time. It is interesting when he wants to go out, as they are typically an hour or two adventure - then back home we all go.
Crowds are a challenge, to begin with, and then add sensory issues on top of daily life, and you have an extra set of sensory issues to deal with. Let's just say that every time we go out as a family it requires an extra layer of planning and logistics.
If you enjoyed this episode...
2022-05-0217 min
Autisable Dads: Life with Autism from a Parents PerspectiveS4 E16 Finding JoyEver get that feeling that some days you are the bird, and other days you're the parked car?
Let's face it, we all have those days. But what is incredible is my son's ability to find joy in the midst of all the craziness.
Of course, there are moments where the sensory issues are a bit much, but even after those moments he will laugh and giggle.
Couldn't it be the same for us? We dive into this thing called life and can get stressed out over the littlest of things, only to...
2022-04-2407 min
Autisable Dads: Life with Autism from a Parents PerspectiveS4 E15 Long Hours and Sleepless NightsYou'd think with a title like this I'd talk about something like insomnia. But long hours and sleepless nights are a common theme for families with autistic kids that have sleep routine challenges.
But long hours and sleepless nights have several medical side effects as well, including stress.
How does stress impact a parent? in many ways. Repeating ourselves is one, along with pouring over all the paperwork and addressing sleep routines...among other things.
If you enjoyed this episode of Autisable Dad’s, please consider joining our Patreon Account at https://Patreon.com/a...
2022-04-1501 min
Autisable Dads: Life with Autism from a Parents PerspectiveS4 E14 Navigating a StormSpring is upon us, and at our home, that means weather changes.
With temperature swings and barometric pressure changes, it's that time of year when we are keeping on top of meds, diet, and everything else. I shared about these sensory issues in a previous edition of this newsletter.
Now, add on top of this any routine changes, and the stimming just increases exponentially. Stimming isn't always just hand-flapping or clapping, it also may be taking every toy out and throwing them around the room...creating an event of epic proportions on par with an...
2022-04-0808 min
Autisable Dads: Life with Autism from a Parents PerspectiveS4 E13 Employing Autistic Individuals to Preserve Priceless MemoriesToday I chat with Geoff Weber, the CEO of Heirloom Cloud.
Geoff is a fellow autism dad, who found a way of employment for his son, and soon for many other autistic individuals.
Heirloom Cloud helps to preserve priceless memories, digitally.
Listen in.
You can read the blog post associated with this podcast at: https://autisable.com/2022/04/01/s4-e13-employing-autistic-individuals-to-preserve-priceless-memories/(opens in a new tab)
If you enjoyed this episode of Autisable Dad’s, please consider joining our Patreon Account at https://Patreon.com/autisable
Thank you to...
2022-04-0140 min
Autisable Dads: Life with Autism from a Parents PerspectiveS4 S12 Communication is KeyHave you ever had a song in your head that you just needed to hear? Well, in this short episode is I share a moment where my son expresses the need to hear a song by Adele.
If you enjoyed this episode of Autisable Dad’s, please consider joining our Patreon Account at https://Patreon.com/autisable
Thank you to all of our Patreon Supports, specifically: Cory, Patricia, Darryl, Linda, and John.
2022-03-2506 min
Autisable Dads: Life with Autism from a Parents PerspectiveS4 S11 Knowing Your Limitations: Getting Legal HelpThis week I chat with Michelle Babitz. She and her partner Robin have well over 30 years of experience as special ed teachers and have been on a mission in recent years to help special needs families with a great, affordable, legal resource.
I met Michelle and Robin when I attended an Autism Society of America conference many years ago in San Diego. Her passion to share this legal resource, and to help promote autism awareness and understanding, is inspiring.
Let's listen in...
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If you enjoyed this episode of Autisable Dad’s, please consider joi...
2022-03-191h 01
Autisable Dads: Life with Autism from a Parents PerspectiveS4 E10 Identifying What Autism Families NeedI’m cautiously cynical these days.
My in-laws gave me a sign to hang on the wall in my office that reads “Sarcasm, just one of the services I offer“. Yeah, they know me well. Maybe it’s a GenX thing, I don’t know. Some of us are just built this way.
In one of my cynical moments, I noticed an ongoing trend over the years as people kept sharing with me various research studies. So this week, I dive into this subject a bit, and as a result, I’ve identified specific areas where famili...
2022-03-1015 min
Autisable Dads: Life with Autism from a Parents PerspectiveS4 E9 Never Underestimate ResolveIt’s easy to assume someone’s ability - or inability - based on our perception of what their capabilities might be. However, I’ve found that whenever I did this - I quickly discovered just how wrong I was. Listen in as I share my personal perspective about this topic.
Click here for the blog post associated with this episode: https://autisable.com/2022/03/03/s4-e9-never-underestimate-resolve/
Thank you to all of our Patreon Supports, specifically:
- Cory
- Darryl
- Linda
- John
Please consider being a Patreon Supporter at https...
2022-03-0409 min
Autisable Dads: Life with Autism from a Parents PerspectiveS4 E8 What Motivates UsI don't often share is why after so many years I am more involved in the community now than I was before. To some, it's teaching the world about autism from a dad's perspective. And yes, I do that when it is possible for a teaching moment to occur. I've also shared openly that my selfish goal is to learn more about my son... and that has always remained the case.
But this journey has shown me one inherent truth: this effort is not just about my own selfish needs or desires. Over the years I've seen...
2022-02-2515 min
Autisable Dads: Life with Autism from a Parents PerspectiveS4 E7 The Impact of AutismI've asked myself, "How many people are in the autism community in the United States?"
Well, I dive into the numbers in this episode.
Visit the blog post associated with this episode at
https://autisable.com/2022/02/18/s4-e7-the-impact-of-autism/
Thank you to all of our Patreon Supports, specifically:
- Cory
- Darryl
- Linda
-John
Please consider being a Patreon Supporter at https://Patreon.com/autisable
2022-02-1823 min
Autisable Dads: Life with Autism from a Parents PerspectiveS4 E6 Information OverloadWhen we finally received the diagnosis of PDD-NOS for our son, we thought "this is it! Let's get him the help he needs!"
Yeah, that didn't happen.
What followed was the onslaught of information about what that diagnosis meant, what services may or may not be available, and ultimately what wasn't relevant to our situation.
What we learned early on is that what worked for other kids on the spectrum, may not work for ours. Yet we kept on searching for more information, more understanding.
You see, just having a diagnosis...
2022-02-1107 min
Autisable Dads: Life with Autism from a Parents PerspectiveS4 E5 Meltdowns: Discovering CommunicationYears ago, it was not uncommon for me to show up to work with bruised arms and broken glasses. One time I had to rush home from work due to one of my son's meltdowns. For those who worked with me, you may remember those days.
In this episode, I dive into what triggered our son's meltdowns, and how common this type of issue is. We also found a solution that helped change and improves the quality of life in our home, forever.
Special thanks to the following Patrons!
Cory
Darryl
Linda
2022-02-0310 min
Autisable Dads: Life with Autism from a Parents PerspectiveS4 E4 Schools and Special NeedsHere in the United States, when we get a diagnosis and it is determined that our kid may need to be enrolled through a special needs program, the amount of information you have to obtain is immense. From IEPs and 504s, to legal options... parents are often thrown into a new world of terminology and effort that often they aren't used to and have to adapt accordingly.
Over the past dozen years or so I am asked for advice on IEPs and what to do with school districts. This episode may help deal with some simple practical so...
2022-01-2819 min
Autisable Dads: Life with Autism from a Parents PerspectiveS4 E3 GrandparentsAs a parent, it can be a challenge dealing with family members and friends, or even your own parents regarding your kid's diagnosis. Some grandparents take the news in stride and help in wonderful ways. Other grandparents may struggle with receiving the diagnosis and may not be willing to help at all. Just know that there are ways to address these issues.
In this episode, I share a little of my own personal challenges with my parents. I'm always curious as to how others address the family dynamic in with the diagnosis in their families.
Feel...
2022-01-2129 min
Autisable Dads: Life with Autism from a Parents PerspectiveS4 E2 Marriage and AutismIn today's episode, I share what has worked in my marriage of 25 years.
Although not all marriages are 'perfect', these tips have helped over the years.
What tips have helped you? What tips would you have wanted in your relationship?
For more information, take a look that the blog post associated with this episode on Autisable:
Thank you to our top patrons!
- Cory
- John
- Linda
- Darryl
2022-01-1417 minAutisable Dads: Life with Autism from a Parents PerspectiveS4 E1 Dealing with the Diagnosis (from Reluctance to Relief)Let's be honest, no one wants to hear anything is going on with their kid, whether it's about autism or not. As parents, we often struggle with the stigma of a kid being labeled as one thing or another.
The reality is, we as parents need to be seeking answers. At the very least, we need to make sure we know what actions we really need to take to help our kids be the best they can be - autistic or not.
In this episode, I dive into the reluctance of obtaining a diagnosis... to th...
2022-01-0718 min
Autisable Dads: Life with Autism from a Parents PerspectiveSeason 3 Episode 7: Kimberly Sanders Beside YouAs October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month, we introduce our guest Kimberly Sanders.
Kimberly Sanders naively imagined motherhood as a serene walk beside her children; however, she discovered it is more often unpredictable, fraught with struggle, and ultimately an invitation to sit beside her children in the muck and mystery. In her first book, Beside You, Kimberly generously shares the unpredictable struggles and rich lessons learned through Lukas, her son who has both Down syndrome and autism.
Kimberly and I dive into her journey, from pregnancy to diagnosis, and we discover what she's learned.
2021-10-191h 18
Autisable Dads: Life with Autism from a Parents PerspectiveSeason 3 Episode 6: Can Stem Cells Provide Healing for Autism?In this episode, I chat with Christine Weiss, and her husband Dr. Eric Weiss. They are the parents of Marston, who is autistic.
What we discuss can be viewed as controversial in some circles: Umbilical Cord Stem Cell Therapy.
We explore what Stem Cell Therapy is, what it involves and the steps they take, and how they offer Stem Cell Therapy as part of their own practice.
They wrote a book titled "Educating Marston", which discusses this part of their journey with Autism, and more.
Listen in, as we chat about thi...
2021-09-0353 min
Autisable Dads: Life with Autism from a Parents PerspectiveS3 E5: Danny Combs and TACT: After Returning the FavorIn this episode, I chat again with Danny Combs of TACT (Teaching the Autism Community Trades). The last time I talked with Danny was in December 2019, and we discussed what TACT is doing to help the Autism community.
Since then, he and the team at TACT have been highlighted on the popular Facebook Watch program "Returning the Favor" with Mike Rowe.
Listen in as we chat about all that has happened since our last time recording Autisable. From all of the Grants he received, to several of the non-profits and companies that hire from TACT, as...
2021-03-0234 min
Autisable Dads: Life with Autism from a Parents PerspectiveSeason 3 Episode 4: Michael Shipper - Founder of Empowered Sports & FitnessIn this episode of the Autisable Dads, I chat with the Empowered Sports & Fitness Founder - Michael Shipper.
Coach Mike has been serving autistic clients for many years, and draws from his own personal experience, as he himself has a learning disability that was both retrieval and language-based.
We dive into his work with Empowered Sports and Fitness, introducing this alternative to Physical Education for the Special Needs community.
Coach Mike is also going to be a regular guest on Autisable Dad’s, so listen in… and if you have any questions, feel free...
2021-02-1337 min
Autisable Dads: Life with Autism from a Parents PerspectiveSeason 3 Episode 3: Zafer - Co-Founder of OtsimoWith the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and millions being told to stay at -home, having something that helps parents to teach their special needs has become even more important.
In today's episode, we chat with Zafer, the Co-Founder of Otsimo. Zafer's younger brother is Autistic and inspired him to create apps that can both educate and entertain. Zafer's experience with his brother is not unlike my own, the need to communicate with a loved one.
Listen in, and we hope you enjoy this episode...
2020-04-0348 min
Autisable Dads: Life with Autism from a Parents PerspectiveSeason 3 Episode 2: David Perecman and Kevin and Avonte's LawToday we're revisiting the life of Avonte Oquendo, a nonverbal 14-year-old boy with autism who left his Queens public school undetected in 2013 and tragically drowned in the East River.
Elopement is a major cause of concern with many autism families, with 50% of individuals diagnosed with autism having the propensity to wander without notice.
Our guest today is David Perecman , who was the Lead Trial Lawyer in representing Avonte’s mother, Vanessa Fontaine, in a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of her son and assisted in efforts to pass Kevin and Avonte’s Law, legislation aimed to ma...
2020-04-0230 min
Autisable Dads: Life with Autism from a Parents PerspectiveSeason 3 Episode 1: Adam ColeToday we welcome Adam Cole, who is a Jazz Musician who writes books. We dive into his experience teaching autistic individuals, with examples from their behavior in the classroom to his own interest in Jazz.
2020-04-0130 min
Autisable Dads: Life with Autism from a Parents PerspectiveSeason 2 Episode 18: Rob GorskiIt's the end of 2019, so it seems fitting that Rob and I actually do one final Autisable Dad's episode for Season 2 - together.
In this episode, we recap a bit of this past year and do some discussion on several topics - with the big one as to why you primarily have been hearing me host, what Rob has been up to - and what we're both looking to do in 2020.
You can read more of Rob's blog at https://www.theautismdad.com/
Listen in, and I hope you enjoy this episode…...
2019-12-3154 min
Autisable Dads: Life with Autism from a Parents PerspectivePodcast Season 2 Episode 17: Danny Combs - TACTIn this episode, I chat with Grammy-award-winning guitarist and fellow Autism Dad and founder of Teaching the Autism Community Trades (TACT) - Danny Combs.
As a guitarist, Danny performed with such artists as Taylor Swift, Faith Hill, Tommy Emmanuel as well as many other top country and Christian artists.
When his son was diagnosed with ASD, he set aside his music career and started TACT... teaching autistic individuals skilled trades. The organization has about 500 students and an over 83% job placement rate and is the first and only autism training program recognized by SkillsUSA, the nation's c...
2019-12-3031 min
Autisable Dads: Life with Autism from a Parents PerspectivePodcast Season 2 Episode 16: Jazz Hands for AutismIn this episode of Autisable Dad's, I chat with Founder & Executive Director of Jazz Hands for Autism, Ifunanya Nweke.
Ifunanya's story inspires me. Her passion for music and her heart for the autism community is captivating...
Inspired by Ruben, a young musician on the autism spectrum, Ifunanya founded this organization that helps autistic individuals enter into the music industry.
From hosting concerts to finding employment, Jazz Hands for Autism's programs has grown into a talent advocacy group and provider of individualized music-based training... helping over 150 musicians with autism.
Listen in, and I...
2019-12-3048 min
Autisable Dads: Life with Autism from a Parents PerspectiveS2 E15 Hilary Scharton - SELsIn this episode, I chat again with Hilary Scharton.
Hilary Scharton is VP of K-12 Product Strategy for Canvas by Instructure. Her focus is on leveraging technology to support improved instruction and equitable access for all students. Prior to joining Instructure in 2012, Hilary worked as a psychologist in Utah school districts, spending her time focused on RtI and PBIS as well as Special Education assessment.
In our previous episode with Hilary we talked about Classroom design and such things as IEP's. In this episode we talk about SELs.
Listen in, and I hope you...
2019-12-2216 min
Autisable Dads: Life with Autism from a Parents PerspectiveS2 E14 Mike GuidoIn this episode, I chat with comedian, writer, producer and fellow Autism Dad - Mike Guido.
I met Mike years ago when we both attended an Autism Society Conference in San Diego California. Over the years we have shared our mutual stories and understandings about being autism parents.
His one-person stage show, "The Maria Effect" is available for conferences, fundraisers and theaters is heralded as "Moving, incredibly uplifting, and truly an inspiration" by FOX TV.
Mike has been on SHOWTIME, MTV, VH1, and A&E. His comedy CD, "Who Needs Sanity?!" can be he...
2019-12-1219 min
Autisable Dads: Life with Autism from a Parents PerspectiveS2 E13 : Donny GruendlerIn this episode, I chat with Donny Gruendler, who is the Vice President of Music Education at Guitar Center.
Donny Gruendler is also the President of Musicians Institue in Hollywood California and is a member of the Modern Drummer education team and frequent columnist for Drummerworld Magazine.
Over the years I've seen the importance of music as it relates to a person's ability to socialize and communicate. In fact, there are several non-profits whose focus on music and theater has helped countless autistic individuals find their voice.
Donny and I chat about this and...
2019-10-1621 min
Autisable Dads: Life with Autism from a Parents PerspectiveS2 E12 : THIS Makes It All WorthwhileHere Joel shares some insight as an Autism Parent from his 2010 post:
https://autisable.com/2010/07/08/this-makes-it-all-worthwhile/
For more information, visit Autisable.com.
Thank you to our Patron's!
To become a Patreon, visit: https://patreon.com/autisable
2019-10-1504 min
Autisable Dads: Life with Autism from a Parents PerspectiveS2 E11: Stress, Tantrums, and BreakdownsIn this episode, Joel shares some insight based on an article I wrote on Autisable called, "Stress, Tantrums, and Breakdowns"
For more information, visit: https://autisable.com/2010/06/07/stress-tantrums-and-breakdowns/
Thank you for your support!
2019-10-1503 min
Autisable Dads: Life with Autism from a Parents PerspectiveS2 E10: The Grief is RealIn this special episode, I share a personal note about parenting a child with Autism.
The blog post referenced and read in this podcast can be found here: https://autisable.com/2019/10/06/the-grief-is-real/
Thank you for your support and interest in the subject of Autism.
2019-10-1110 min
Autisable Dads: Life with Autism from a Parents PerspectiveS2 E9: Michael BroderickIf you've played first-player video games, or watch a lot of TV, you've probably seen Michael Broderick.
He's been in various TV shows, including: The Unit (CBS), Extant (CBS), Jane the Virgin (CW), Justified (FX), Criminal Minds (CBS), The Mentalist (CBS), Jericho (CBS), 24 (Fox), Knocked (Ind.), and Touch (Fox)...as well as HBO's series True Detective as Special Agent John Bowen.
He also provides the voice for various characters in several video games such as Medal of Honor as well as Need for Speed: Run... among others.
Today Michael joins us in talking...
2019-10-0928 min
Autisable Dads: Life with Autism from a Parents PerspectiveS2 E8 : Zack PeterIn this episode of Autisable Dad’s I chat with the Executive Director of Generation Rescue, Zack Peter.
I remember chatting with Zack nearly a decade ago when he was still learning about Autism due to his brother diagnosis. He’s come a long way since, by writing 4 books, producing 2 podcasts and of course his recent efforts with Generation Rescue.
Now let’s listen in as Zack and I catch up on all the latest of his efforts…
For more information about Zack Peter and all of his efforts, visit: http://www.justplainzack.com
2019-04-1515 min
Autisable Dads: Life with Autism from a Parents PerspectiveS2 E7 : Mark LlobellJoel speaks with Mark Llobell, who spearheaded efforts to get Autism Insurance reform legislation passed in the state of Virginia.
2019-03-1734 min
Autisable Dads: Life with Autism from a Parents PerspectiveS2 E6 : Hilary SchartonIn this episode, I chat with Hilary Scharton while I'm on the road. Hilary Scharton is VP of K-12 Product Strategy for Canvas by Instructure. Her focus is on leveraging technology to support improved instruction and equitable access for all students. Prior to joining Instructure in 2012, Hilary worked as a psychologist in Utah school districts, spending her time focused on RtI and PBIS as well as Special Education assessment.
2018-12-2632 min
Autisable Dads: Life with Autism from a Parents PerspectiveS2 E5 : Walter ZahorodnyIn this episode, Joel Manzer dives into the latest CDC Autism Prevalence Report with Walter Zahorodny, Ph.D, who lead the New Jersey Portion of the report. What does 1in59 really mean, anyway?
2018-05-1442 min
Autisable Dads: Life with Autism from a Parents PerspectiveS2 E4 : Anita LeskoIn this episode, Joel Manzer interviews Anita Lesko who is an Anesthesiologist and Autistic at Age 50.
2018-05-0840 min
Autisable Dads: Life with Autism from a Parents PerspectiveS2 E3 : Doron SomerIn this episode, Joel Manzer interviews Doron Somer, who is an autism dad, Co-Founder and CEO of AngelSense.
2018-04-3036 min
Autisable Dads: Life with Autism from a Parents PerspectiveS2 E2 : Ben LewinIn this episode, Joel Manzer interviews Ben Lewin, who directed the film"Please Stand By" - Starring Dakota Fanning.
2018-04-2134 min
Autisable Dads: Life with Autism from a Parents PerspectiveS2 E1 : Brynjar and BjarneyBrynjar Karl built a 26 foot long Lego Titanic, and his passion for ships is very evident in this interview. His Mom, Bjarney, also shares her insight on her support of his efforts - a lesson we should all take note.
2018-04-1320 min
Autisable Dads: Life with Autism from a Parents PerspectiveAutisable Dad's TrailerA quick description of what our podcast is about. Have a listen.
2018-04-1200 min