Divorce is never easy, but when you have a child with autism or other special needs, the process can feel even more overwhelming. The Autism Family Resource Podcast is here to provide practical guidance and support during this challenging time. In this episode, we welcome Mary Ann Hughes, a compassionate and experienced special needs divorce coach and mother of two sons on the autism spectrum. Mary Ann shares her personal and professional insights to help families confidently navigate this difficult transition and prioritize their child's well-being.

Guest:

Mary Ann Hughes is a certified divorce coach and mediator specializing in families with special needs children.

Website: https://www.specialfamilytransitions.com/

Social Media: Facebook, Instagram, YouTube

Key Takeaways:

· Share the news of divorce with your child: Mary Ann emphasizes the importance of using a positive tone and creating a social story to help your child understand the changes that are happening.

o Mary Ann's YouTube video on creating a social story for divorce: https://youtu.be/wQtGlyZwCUI?si=5emzhpcbkK9yTUwO

· Take a meticulous and child-centric approach: Don't rush into major decisions. Carefully consider your child's long-term needs, including therapies, education, and financial resources.

· Focus on the future: Divorce is a difficult transition, but it's not the end. Maintain a positive outlook and focus on building a new life for yourself and your child.

· Protect your child's benefits: Understand the legal and financial implications of divorce on your child's eligibility for government benefits. Seek guidance from a knowledgeable family law attorney or financial expert.

· Consider mediation: Mediation can be a less adversarial way to reach agreements and co-parent effectively.

Special Family Transitions Resources:

https://www.specialfamilytransitions.com/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChI4BaUMGf50O2yPE_YnjFA

https://www.facebook.com/specialfamilytransitions

https://www.instagram.com/specialfamilytransitions/

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www.pureheartstherapy.com

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Guest:

Mitch Leppicello, LICSW, is a seasoned mental health professional with over 30 years of experience supporting autistic children and their families. Mitch is a Certified Autism Specialist with a Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work from Fordham University in New York.

Website: https://eastmetrofamilycounseling.com/

Social Media: ASD Parenting Journey

About this Episode:

Raising a child with autism comes with unique joys and challenges. One of the biggest hurdles parents face is understanding and supporting their child's mental health. In this episode, we're joined by Mitch Leppicello, a social worker and certified autism specialist, who shares his CALM Compass program—a practical guide to help you connect, communicate, and empower your neurodivergent child.

Bullet Point Recap:

The CALM Compass: Discover the four directions of this innovative program: Connect, Articulate, Lift, and Move. Each direction offers practical strategies to address common mental health challenges in children with autism.

Connect: Learn how to strengthen your relationship with your child and use it as a foundation for support during emotional and behavioral challenges.

Articulate: Understand the importance of clear communication and how to effectively help your child express their feelings and needs.

Lift: Gain insights into how to inspire and motivate your child when feeling down, discouraged, or overwhelmed.

Move: Explore the power of movement and sensory activities in promoting emotional regulation and well-being.

Real-Life Examples: Mitch shares relatable examples and scenarios to illustrate how to apply the CALM Compass strategies in everyday situations.

Call to Action:

Ready to find your way through the mental health maze? Visit ASD Parenting Journey to learn more about Mitch Leppicello and his CALM Compass program. And don't forget to subscribe to The Autism Family Resource Podcast for more valuable resources and support on your parenting journey.

Mitch Leppicello Resources:

ASD Parenting Journey, East Metro Family Counseling

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www.pureheartstherapy.com

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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

Subscribe Now & Leave a Review

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Visit our Website:

www.pureheartstherapy.com

Follow Us:

Facebook: Pure Hearts Therapy