When Your Autistic Child Meets Law Enforcement: A Parent’s Guide to Traffic Stops
In this episode, Paul interviews Stefan Bjes, Founder of Blue Line Spectrum Safety and a patrol sergeant with 19 years of experience in the greater Chicago area. Stefan is also the father of two autistic sons. We’ll explore a critical topic for parents of autistic children: how to prepare them for interactions with law enforcement, particularly during traffic stops. Together, we’ll discuss strategies to help your child remain calm, communicate clearly, and manage sensory sensitivities when faced with flashing lights or loud sirens. We’ll also cover the importance of role-playing these scenarios, teaching your child how to disclose their autism to officers, and providing them with tools like autism ID cards. Join us for this vital conversation on empowering autistic children to stay safe and confident during police encounters.
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38:18
Your role as the father of an autistic child….why it matters….and why you matter
Yep, we’re going there, going deep into the pure messiness of being the father of an autistic child. In this solo podcast, Paul goes deep and vulnerably into all the areas where fathers are challenged, particularly with all the different roles that these amazing Dads play every day. Paul discusses the following roles: Surprise, surprise! you’re a human being first before your role as a Dad Okay, let’s now discuss your role as a father Your role as spouse / partner Your role as a friend (and supportive Dadvocate)
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27:03
Your True Self is Enough - Lessons Learned Parenting a Child with Autism
In this podcast, Paul interviews Susanna Lovell, Life Coach and author of the recently-released book - Your True Self Is Enough: Lessons Learned on My Journey Parenting a Child with Autism". Susanna shares her journey of navigating through the worry and heartbreak of raising a special needs child. She ultimately finds her true life calling: to help other parents find and realize joy and passion in their own lives. Episode outline: Paul and Susanna discuss the following: Susanna's journey as a single mom Susanna's struggle with postpartum depression and anxiety Her daughter's autism diagnosis and co-morbidities How our culture treats families with disabilities Susanna's life lessons on self-care as a parent
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31:36
One Mother's Journey with Autism
In thisepisode, Paul interviews Manisha Lad, who is the Founder of The Sensory Pathway Center in New Jersey. Just in time for Mother's Day, Manisha shares her journey as the mother of an autistic son, and how it propelled her to found her own non-profit to help other moms (and Dads) on their autism journeys. Paul and Manisha discuss the following: Akhil' s diagnosis at a very young age What Manisha learned about Akhil and his autism Akhil’s broken silence: a new journey begins Managing emotions and remaining positive during difficult times How Akhil's insights helped Manisha find even more interventions Akhil's journey to college
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28:51
A Father's Journey with Autism, Love, & Grief
Within the autism community, parents often navigate the complex comorbidities associated with autism, including mental health issues. The latest Autism Dadvocate podcast shares one father’s journey with autism, love and ultimately - grief. My guest is this episode is Robert Hubbard, whose latest book - Scenes with my Son - shares his courageous story. Paul and Robert discuss the following: Robert's journey as a father with his son's autism diagnosis How Auggie's autism progressed as a child and as a teenager Auggie's comorbidity with mental health Robert's personal journey with faith