In this episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, host Brian Keen welcomes back Lenora Edwards, head speaker and chief knowledge officer at Better Speech, to discuss the lingering effects of the lockdown on children's social and emotional regulation skills. Lenora shares her expertise in speech pathology and offers valuable strategies to help children, particularly those on the autism spectrum, improve their communication skills and navigate social situations effectively.

Guest:

Lenora Edwards is a distinguished Speech Language Pathologist at BetterSpeech.com—a nationwide online platform dedicated to providing top-notch speech therapy services. BetterSpeech.com offers free consultations to help determine how they can assist you or your loved one. They provide flexible appointment times, including evenings and weekends, to accommodate your schedule. With a range of pricing options to fit different needs and itemized bills for insurance reimbursement, BetterSpeech.com ensures accessible and affordable speech therapy for all.

Main Topics Discussed:

1. The long-term impact of the lockdown on children's social and emotional skills.

2. The role of Better Speech in providing accessible therapy.

3. Strategies for helping children develop social and communication skills.

4. The importance of exposure to social interactions for language development.

5. Techniques for parents to support their children’s social skills at home.

6. The significance of modeling and practicing social interactions.

Bullet Point Recap:

• Introduction: Brian Keen reintroduces Lenora Edwards and highlights the ongoing effects of the lockdown on children's social skills.

• Guest Introduction: Lenora Edwards discusses her background and the mission of Better Speech, an online platform offering speech therapy.

• Impact of Lockdown: Children missed out on vital social interactions and language exposure due to isolation during the lockdown.

• Language Development Delays: The lockdown led to significant delays in children's language development, making it harder for them to understand and interpret social cues.

• Real-life Examples: Lenora shares instances where children struggle with social interactions due to a lack of practice.

• Strategies for Parents: Techniques for helping children develop social skills, such as brainstorming solutions and modeling appropriate behaviors.

• Role of Therapy: The importance of professional support in addressing social and communication challenges.

• Encouraging Communication: Tips for parents to create opportunities for social interactions and practice at home.

• Final Thoughts: Trusting parental instincts and seeking professional help when needed.

BetterSpeech Resources:

Website: https://www.betterspeech.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yourbetterspeech/

lnstagram: https://www.instagram.com/betterspeech/

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/better-speech/mycompany/

You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/c/BetterSpeechVideo

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In this episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, host Brian Keene engages in a heartfelt conversation with Lynn and Jonathan Greenberg, a mother-son duo, about their personal journey with dyslexia. Jonathan, a college student born with dyslexia, shares the challenges he faced and how he discovered a deep love for writing, reading, and drawing with the support of his mother. Together, they turned obstacles into opportunities, creating the children's book "Robby the Dyslexic Taxi." The book celebrates determination, creativity, and the power of collaboration.

Guests:
Joining us today are Jonathan Greenberg, Author, and Illustrator, born with dyslexia, who found a creative outlet through art and storytelling, and Lynn Greenberg, Author, retired attorney, and devoted mother. Together, they collaborated on "Robby the Dyslexic Taxi And The Airport Adventure," addressing dyslexia and advocating for neurodiversity. Their story highlights resilience and creativity in navigating learning challenges.

Bullet Point Recap:
•    Personal journey with dyslexia, challenges faced, and the creation of "Robby the Dyslexic Taxi."
•    Jonathan's positive perspective on dyslexia as a superpower.
•    The importance of parental support and trusting instincts.
•    Description of the book's storyline and characters.
•    The role of the Creative Cab Company in fostering a supportive community.
•    Plans for a series exploring different learning differences.

Creative Cab Company:
www.creativecabcompany.com

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In this taboo-busting episode, Brian Keene welcomes Cindi Seifert, a devoted mother and the founder of Preventa Wear to share her journey raising her daughter Kyla, a 25-year-old with autism and epilepsy. The taboo topic of diaper digging, a behavior many parents face in silence, takes center stage as Cindi opens up about the challenges she encountered and the innovative solution she crafted to empower families worldwide.

Guest:

Cindi Seifert, a compassionate mother and the visionary founder of Preventa Wear, LLC, unfolds her remarkable journey as a caregiver and entrepreneur. Her commitment to addressing the challenges of incontinence and providing specialized clothing solutions has transformed Preventa Wear into a global phenomenon.

Bullet Point Recap:

• Origins of Preventa Wear: Cindi shares the genesis of Preventa Wear, born out of the daily struggles with Kyla's diaper digging behavior and the need for a supportive solution.

• The Preventa Wear Collection: A diverse range of sensory-friendly, fashionable, and functional outfits, including adult-sized onesies, wheelchair pads, and stylish apparel for individuals with various neurological disorders.

• Breaking the Silence: Cindi's openness about the taboo topic of diaper digging aims to shatter societal silence and connect with families facing similar challenges.

• Global Impact: The Prevent Aware movement extends beyond autism, reaching families dealing with Alzheimer's, Down syndrome, and other neurological disorders worldwide.

• Empowering Families: Cindi's mission goes beyond providing clothing; it's about offering support, understanding, and a sense of community to families navigating the often isolating journey of caregiving.

• The Preventa Wear Website: Cindi directs listeners to the Preventa Wear website, where families can explore the range of products, find resources, and connect with a community that understands their unique experiences

Prevent Aware Resources: 

https://preventawear.com/

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Synopsis: In this episode, Brian Keene welcomes Manisha Snoyer, a teacher, tech entrepreneur, and host of the "Teach Your Kids" podcast. They discuss alternatives to the traditional education system, focusing on homeschooling as a customizable and flexible solution for families, especially those with special needs.

Guest: Manisha Snoyer is a renowned educator, speaker, and innovator in the field of personalized learning and childhood education. With over a decade of experience, she has worked passionately to bridge the gap between traditional education systems and individualized learning methodologies. Manisha's expertise extends to the intersection of technology and education, as she leverages digital tools to enhance learning experiences. 

Bullet Point Recap:

• Manisha Snoyer's 20 years of teaching experience and recognition of issues in the education system.

• Cottage Class as a tech platform supporting teachers in starting micro-schools and aiding homeschooling families.

• Diverse and modern landscape of homeschooling, addressing challenges faced by families with special needs.

• Examples of customized curriculum recommendations based on a child's preferences and needs.

• Cottage Class as a marketplace connecting families with tutors and providing training in child-centered communication.

• Overview of Arizona's innovative Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) and their impact on homeschooling.

• Steps for families interested in homeschooling, including visiting the "Teach Your Kids" website.

• Emphasis on affordability and support for all families interested in joining the homeschooling community.

• Encouragement for families to explore homeschooling and seek help from available communities and specialists.

Resources:

Teach Your Kids Homeschooling Community Resources: 

https://teachyourkids.substack.com/

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Synopsis:

In this episode of the Autism Family Resource podcast, host Brian Keene interviews Justin Behnke, father of a nonspeaking child on the autism spectrum, who created the innovative safety product ScanMeHome.com. Justin shares his personal journey, the inspiration behind his product, and practical tips for enhancing child safety in the community.

Guest:

Meet Justin Behnke, father of a nonspeaking child on the autism spectrum and founder, director, and CEO of ScanMeHome.com, a QR code solution for child safety.

Main Topics Discussed:

1. ScanMeHome.com: A Lifeline for Parents:
   • ScanMeHome.com offers an extra layer of security and peace of mind.
   • Iron-on QR code tags are discreet, washable, and highly effective.
   • Designed for children with disabilities, like nonverbal kids, but applicable to many
     other diagnoses, like dementia.
2. Exclusive Listener Discount:
   • Justin offers a 50% lifetime discount with the code "VIPMEMBER."
   • His mission is to make child safety accessible to all families.
3. Community Safety and Awareness:
   1. Justin emphasizes the importance of community involvement and education.
   2. Making people aware of your child’s safety technology, be it QR code or Apple Air Tag, can create a safer environment for everyone.

Recap:

•  Justin, a father of a nonspeaking child on the autism spectrum, discusses ScanMeHome.com, a safety product for children.
• He shares his personal journey and the inspiration behind creating the product.
• ScanMeHome.com offers an added layer of security for children with disabilities.
• QR codes are highly effective in child safety and include vital information.
• Practical tips for parents include staying close to children in public and parking near entrances.
• Promote awareness and education in the community for child safety.
• A discount code "VIPMEMBER" offers a 50% discount on ScanMeHome.com memberships for listeners.

Resources:

https://scanmehome.com/
https://www.facebook.com/scanmehomenow
VIPMEMBER is your discount code. This gives people half off for life, including their sign-up and monthly.

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Synopsis: On today’s episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, host Brian Keene continues his discussion with Lydia Mackay and Stacey Dover, Phenix area speech-language pathologists, about the process of obtaining Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices in Arizona. This episode, part two of the three-part series, focuses on AAC devices.

Guests:

Lydia Mackay and Stacey Dover are speech-language pathologists based in the Phenix area. They specialize in working with individuals who use AAC in various settings, such as schools and homes. They have experience providing evaluations and training for augmentative communication devices and have worked extensively with non-speaking individuals and those with special needs. They are passionate about supporting communication development and empowering individuals to express themselves effectively.

Main Topics Discussed:

1. How to initiate the process of obtaining an AAC device for a child in Arizona.
2. The importance of working with a contracted AAC agency for specialized services.
3. The role of a multidisciplinary team in the evaluation process, including speech therapists and occupational/physical therapists.
4. Conducting a thorough evaluation to find the right AAC device that suits the child's needs and abilities.
5. The significance of considering the family's input and the child's physical abilities during the evaluation.
6. The possibility of using loaner devices during the evaluation phase.

Recap:

• In Arizona, families should initiate the process of obtaining an AAC device for their child to support their communication needs, as early intervention is crucial.
• To get an AAC device, families can work with their therapists or directly contact an AAC provider agency for assistance.
• The evaluation process involves a multidisciplinary team, including speech therapists and occupational/physical therapists, to find the best match for the child's communication requirements.
• The evaluation considers various factors, including the child's physical abilities, communication needs, and family input.
• Loaner devices may be available to use during the evaluation period.
• Part three of the series will focus on implementing the AAC device in daily life and discussing the pros and cons of different devices and features.

For AAC resources, FAQ, and flowcharts:

https://www.pureheartstherapy.com/resources/speechandcommunication

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In this episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, host Brian Keene sits down with Lydia Mackay and Stacey Dover, speech-language pathologists from the Phenix area, to delve into the world of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). They discuss the importance of communication, language acquisition, and the various communication options, such as AAC devices. This is the first part of a three-part series to provide valuable insights and guidance for parents of non-speaking or special needs children.

Guests:

Lydia Mackay and Stacey Dover are speech-language pathologists based in the Phenix area. They specialize in working with individuals who use AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) in various settings, such as schools and homes. They have experience providing evaluations and training for augmentative communication devices and have worked extensively with non-speaking individuals and those with special needs. They are passionate about supporting communication development and empowering individuals to express themselves effectively.

Main Topics Discussed:

• Defining communication and debunking the misconception that it is solely verbal.
• Exploring language acquisition and how it develops through babbling and word formation.
• Emphasizing the role of context and interaction in language learning.
• Introducing AAC as a tool for augmenting and supplementing communication.
• Highlighting the importance of engagement, feedback, and positive social interaction in language development.
• Considering sign language as a visual form of communication and its potential benefits.
• Addressing the question of when it's time for a child to get an AAC device.
• Stressing the importance of self-advocacy and providing individuals with the means to express themselves.

Key Takeaways:

• Communication encompasses various modalities beyond verbal speech, including body language and literacy.
• Language acquisition begins with babbling and gradually shapes into meaningful words through positive reinforcement and social interaction.
• AAC serves as a tool to support and augment existing modes of communication.
• Engagement, context, and interaction are crucial in language learning and should be prioritized in the parent-child relationship.
• Sign language can be considered a form of communication, but the ability to hear oneself say words is important, which AAC devices can facilitate.
• The decision to introduce AAC should be based on individual needs and communication challenges.
• AAC devices empower individuals to self-advocate and express their needs effectively.

 For AAC resources, FAQ, and flowcharts:

https://www.pureheartstherapy.com/resources/speechandcommunication

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