Finding Mikey - Parenting our kiddo with Autism

Our ABA Experience - Interview with Carrie Campbell

Full Show notes can be found at: https://findingmikeypodcast.com Feel free to call us anytime at 469-249-0425 --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/findingmikey/message

The benefits of Montessori education for children with autism

According to the National Autistic Society, "There is increasing evidence that the Montessori approach is highly effective for children on the autism spectrum." The individualized learning plan and hands-on teaching methods help students with autism learn in ways that are tailored for them. Montessori schools also emphasize social skills and peer interaction, which can be beneficial for children with autism. In addition, the structure and routine of a Montessori classroom can provide a calming environment for children with autism. We are joined by Erin Banks to talk through this teaching method and explore how it can help your kiddo grow! What is Montessori learning and how can it help children on the autism spectrum? How does a Montessori classroom environment differ from a traditional classroom setting for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD)? What are some of the key benefits of Montessori learning for children with ASD, such as improved communication and social skills, increased focus and concentration, and better self-esteem? Are there any drawbacks to using a Montessori approach for educating children with ASD? How can parents ensure that their child receives the best possible education through a Montessori program or in another setting that meets their individual needs?" Feel free to call us anytime at 469-249-0425 --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/findingmikey/message

Dawn Barclay - Author of "Traveling Different"

Call Us at 469-249-0425 Travel can be stressful when you do it alone but add on the pressure of making a trip fun for your child and that’s when the heat is really cranked up! This episode is about traveling with your neurodiverse kiddos. Do you travel already? Ever taken a long flight with your family? How about a cruise? Well, if the thought of those gave you anxiety, this should help. We spend some time with Dawn Barclay, a lifelong traveler, writer and mom of 2 who when they were young she described as “anxious and inflexible”. She has a motherlode of tips for travel and really just makes it all sound easier than expected. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/findingmikey/message

Superpowers, Friends, and Social Skills

Lego, Unspeakable on YouTube, Mr Beast on YouTube, extreme weather, and rollercoasters; these are all things that Mikey can talk about forever, and it’s awesome, but it can also be annoying, especially when you’re trying to make friends. Today’s topic is about friends, your kiddo’s superpower, and social skills. Tune in to hear us discuss how friendship and socialization has changed since we were kids, and some of the different ways that our children’s social needs can be met. Learn how we have approached helping Mikey to navigate having a friend over through giving him a list of house rules. We introduce you to a number of amazing communities, websites, and resources we have benefitted from, including the Tilt Podcast, Koaster Kids, and Model Me Kids. Heather shares what she has observed through working with special needs kids at church, and how zooming in to your child’s superpower provides an opportunity to teach them the social skills they need to connect with others. The ultimate goal is to enrich our kids’ lives, and we love to see how all these tools have made a difference for Mikey. Thanks for tuning in! Key Points From This Episode: Topics that Mikey can talk about forever, why that’s awesome, and how it can be a problem. Mikey’s superpower and why it makes it hard for him to make friends. The different perspective Heather was introduced to on Tilt Podcast. How socialization and friendship has changed since our generation The different ways that our kids’ needs for friendship can be met. How Mike and Heather have taught Mikey social skills and ‘house rules’ for having a friend over. Koaster Kids and the community that they have found there. Controlling the environment and implementing OT tools to support Mikey socially. Why it is important to set an end time for a play date. How Heather has observed different superpowers in the special needs kids she has looked after at church. How you can use your child’s superpower to teach them social skills. Challenges around birthday parties and blowing out candles. Repetition, structure, and being reminded which behaviors are not okay. Teaching Mikey sportsmanship while he is playing with other kids. A call to hear from our listeners about your child’s superpowers. Resources to teach social skills in different situations provided on Model Me Kids. The ultimate goal: to enrich our kids’ lives. Tweetables: “In today’s age, having an online community of gamer friends might meet some kids’ needs for socialization and friendships. Having just that one good friend might meet their needs for socialization and friendships.” — Heather [0:04:16] “If you go and engage your child in something that they’re naturally gifted to, then they’re going to have an easier time interacting with kids who have those interests as well, and it will get the ball rolling for social interaction and friendships because they found a common interest.” — Heather [0:10:58] “Our kids learn by repetition and structure, and being reminded of behaviors that are not okay.” — Heather [0:17:36] Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Call Us at 469-249-0425 Model Me Kids Autism Parenting Magazine Tilt Parenting Podcast Koaster Kids on YouTube

Child Find - Early Intervention

It can certainly be distressing when you start noticing that your child is experiencing developmental delays. But, on our journey with Mikey, we have discovered that there are services available for early intervention that won’t leave you bankrupt! In this episode, we’re talking all about the Child Find program, which makes the identification, evaluation, and early intervention therapy accessible for children with delayed development in every school district. You’ll find out how Mikey’s challenging preschool experience opened our eyes to Child Find, and how the program is structured, from the evaluation process to the multitude of services offered. We also touch on the telling indicators of developmental delays, eating therapy, and so much more! Tune in for this informative episode to put your mind at ease and open the door to an affordable, effective solution for your child. Key Points From This Episode: The impulsivity that became apparent when Mikey started preschool. Our process of selecting the appropriate preschool for Mikey. The early intervention services available for children with social and learning differences. What Child Find is and who the program is designed for. The financial accessibility of the program! Indicators of developmental delays. Mikey’s occupational therapy focus and structure. What eating therapy is and the affordability of it through Child Find! The Child Find evaluation process. The importance of early intervention. The early intervention services offered for kids with delayed development. Some of our favorite resources! Tweetables: “One of the awesome things about Child Find is once they do an evaluation and they see that your child qualifies for services, all of those services are provided by the funding of the school district.” — Heather [0:11:11] “It’s very important, when a child is young, to try to get them to use their words, use their sounds, and develop words to communicate. However, assistive technology has come a really long way.” — Heather [0:24:00] Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center ECTA Part C coordinator list Understood Autism Parenting Magazine Call us at 469-249-0425 Finding Mikey Finding Mikey on Apple Podcasts --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/findingmikey/message