Full Spectrum Parent: a Faith-based Autism Podcast

Oct 17 2024 86 ep. 29 mins 11

Full Spectrum Parent: a Faith-based Autism Podcast artwork

The Full Spectrum Parent Podcast is the only faith-based autism parenting podcast on the web. As pastors and special needs parents, each episode we offer parents a dose of help, a dose of humor, and a dose of hope. Full Spectrum Parent is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org

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PDA and Grand-parenting a Child on the Spectrum

Oct 17 2024 35 mins

The term PDA stands for Pathological Demand Avoidance and it’s a proposed disorder on the spectrum that involves an extreme resistance to everyday demands.I had never heard the term before until my friend Karen Dorsey mentioned some struggles with her grandson. As she shared her story, my eyes were opened and I began to understand my youngest daughter’s behaviors in a way I nev

Autism Goes to the Movies: My 2 Favorite Movies on Autism and Why Everyone Needs to Watch Them

Sep 29 2024 27 mins

I’m not a huge movie buff—but when I catch a film that moves me—especially when it centers around autism, I can’t help but recommend it. There is something about a story that causes you to drop your defenses and sneaks into the backdoor of your heart. In Episode 85, we share two autism films that everyone should watch and why, whether you’re parenting a child on the spect

Burnout and Parenting a Child on the Spectrum

Sep 12 2024 52 mins

As parents, it’s so easy to sacrifice our own mental health in order to care for the high needs of our kids on the spectrum.Our guest, Craig Holbrook, coined this life motto: “Boys live. Men sacrifice” as he cared for his 15-year-old daughter with Level 3 Autism. But that very motto drove him to burnout as he attempted to be everything to everyone. Listen in as Craig opens up

Life for Our Kids on the Spectrum After Aging Out of Special Education

Jul 17 2024 30 mins

As a special needs parent, when I think of the future it scares me. Parents of kids on the spectrum often wonder what will happen to their children and fear what transition into adulthood will look like. In Episode 83, we interview Carrie Cariello. Carrie is a mother of five and her son Jack is on the autism spectrum. He recently graduated and is now thriving as an adult. Being a f

Understanding the Levels of an Autism Diagnosis and Their Unique Challenges

Jul 06 2024 43 mins

In 2012, our daughter received a diagnosis of “classic” autism. We had no idea what that meant. But a year later, the DSM 5—which is the “rulebook” used for diagnosing mental conditions—was published, creating what we know as the autism spectrum and different levels of need. If your child is diagnosed with autism, they will now be categorized as a Level 1, 2, or 3 based

When Autism Hits the Road: Tips and Trips for Summer Travel

Jun 19 2024 32 mins

Vacations are supposed to be a time to unplug, a time to laugh, and a time to enjoy just being with family. But as special needs parents, traveling and vacations can be extremely stressful—to the point you need a vacation AFTER your vacation. In Episode 81, we talk about our family’s cross-country RV roadtrip, sharing different tips and tricks we’re implementing as we attempt

Life with Autism: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

Jun 07 2024 24 mins

Life with autism can sometimes feel like a roller coaster ride. The ups and down, twists and turns can often make our heads spin and our hearts sick.In Episode 80, Jessica shares openly about this past week and our struggles with our daughter Mara. Reflecting on a week full of highs and lows, we are reminded how quickly a good day can transition into a bad one. Jessica encourage li

The Glass Children: The Invisible Siblings in a Special Needs Family

May 09 2024 36 mins

Glass children are the typical kids in a special needs family who often feel invisible because their parents are consumed with caring for their special needs sibling. If both kids were standing side-by-side, the parents often see right through the typical child, as if they are made of glass. In Episode 79, we share the struggles we have had attending to the needs of our three typic

Pregnancy, Mom Guilt, and the Fear of Having Future Children feat. Rachelle Keng

Apr 24 2024 37 mins

Pregnancy is a an exciting time. Future parents throw the baby shower, study “What to Expect When You’re Expecting”, and dream about their tiny soon-to-be-bundle.But what happens when things don’t go as expected?Rachelle Keng is an author, a special needs mom, and a board-certified Obstetrician and Gynecologist. As an OBGYN, she has cared for women through normal pregnancie

How To Move From Self Dependence To God Dependence

Apr 11 2024 37 mins

As parents, we often develop a savior complex. We want to protect our kids from harm, provide for their every need, and teach them everything that they need to know.But no parent—no matter how great—can be everything to everyone. In Episode 77, Becky Beresford joins us to share how, as an autism mom, God has moved her from a place of self reliance to God dependence. If you’re