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Heads Up! This one gets a little emotional!

What if you could transform your understanding of autism and turn challenging moments into opportunities of growth? Join me, Shannon Chamberlin, as I share our family's journey navigating early puberty with our son, who has severe autism. From managing the long transition periods between activities that disrupt his school therapies to ingeniously fostering his independence with themed alarm clocks, we uncover the unique patterns and preferences that shaped this complex phase of his life.

Discover the power of communication in autism through our heartfelt experiences with my son’s profound communication challenges. After a well-intentioned attempt to guide him through articulating his emotions, we turned to a nonprofit autism group for expert guidance. This crucial step uncovered subtle behavioral cues and innovative communication strategies, like using keyboards, th

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This episode recounts our personal experience navigating Jacob's autism evaluation at 16 years old, detailing the process, insights, and outcomes that emerged from it. We explore key findings, discuss challenges within family dynamics, and share humorous anecdotes that highlight the unique aspects of parenting in the context of severe autism.

• Discussion of the journey to find an appropriate evaluation center
• Personal reflections on Jacob's evaluations and challenges faced
• Overview of the Vineland and CARS assessment results
• Insight into therapy recommendations and family dynamics
• Touching stories about Jacob's understanding of family roles

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The episode highlights the complexities of parenting a child with severe autism, touching on legislation like the Autism Cares Act, personal experiences, and behavioral challenges faced at home. We share humorous anecdotes alongside heartrending truths about navigating daily life, emphasizing the importance of understanding and compassion in our journey.

• Discussion about the Autism Cares Act and its implications
• Reflection on pulling Jacob from school and observed behaviors
• Memories from a family trip to Animal Kingdom
• Managing Jacob's challenging behaviors at home
• Conversations surrounding animalistic behaviors and coping strategies
• Using humor to navigate tough situations
• Moments showcasing Jacob's empathy and growth

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Our latest episode explores the transformative journey of non-schooling for kids with severe autism, emphasizing the value of nature, creativity, and family engagement in a child's learning experience. We reflect on the challenges posed by traditional education methods and share insights on how we've adapted our parenting approach to better support Jacob's unique needs and interests.

• Exploring the concept of non-schooling as an alternative education path
• Emphasizing the importance of outdoor experiences and nature in learning
• Reflecting on Jacob's interests in movies and theater as educational opportunities
• Establishing structured family time and navigating Jacob's resistance
• Communicating effectively with Jacob about his feelings and behaviors
• Acknowledging resilient moments of growth and understanding in communication skills
• Identifying external stressors affecting Jacob's emotional well-being
• Planning future episodes focused on experiential learning and caregiver relationships.

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Exploring the complexities of autism and family dynamics, this episode delves into vaccine concerns, genetic traits, communication challenges, and the necessity of parental advocacy. Listeners gain insight into the ongoing journey of understanding and supporting their children with autism.
• Discussion on the potential link between vaccines and autism
• Recognition of family traits and hereditary behaviors
• Communication barriers and the detective role of parents
• Importance of steadfast advocacy in supporting children
• Loneliness and isolation felt by parents of children with autism
• The power of music and shared activities in bonding
• The practice of gratitude amidst challenges

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This episode features a heartfelt conversation with my spouse Jason as he describes being a single father of a child newly diagnosed with autism, sharing insights about the journey through diagnosis, therapy, and the advocacy needed within education. The emotional rollercoaster of birthday reflections and the importance of understanding energy dynamics in their relationship forms a compelling narrative.

• Jason's experience and journey through Jacob's diagnosis
• The critical role of play-based therapy in early communication
• Insights on advocating for quality education tailored to individual needs
• Importance of emotional energy in interactions with children on the spectrum
• Reflections on milestones and gratitude in the context of family experiences

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Imagine navigating a world where words are scarce, but choices abound. Join me on a profound journey with my son Jacob, who has severe autism, as I unravel the intricacies of parenting beyond the conventional. Discover how we respect Jacob's autonomy through simple yet powerful acts like letting him choose whether to attend school, and explore the enchanting world of outdoor adventures that help him connect with the environment and conquer his fears, including his initial aversion to bugs. Delight in the whimsical world of Jacob's imagination as he bestows flowers with unexpected names, reminding us all of the small joys that punctuate our unique path.

The adventure doesn’t stop there. Building a support network has been crucial, and I share how a pivotal relationship with a state-level caseworker opened doors to invaluable programs like the Katie Beckett program, all while offering emotional and logistical support. Experience a touching moment when Jacob uses words to express his desires, showing the power of persistence and open communication. Finally, revel in the joy of our family’s cherished "beat downs" with socks—a quirky tradition that never fails to light up Jacob's world. Through gratitude and laughter, we navigate this complex journey of parenting with severe autism, inviting you to connect and find inspiration in our story.

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Misunderstandings with family, self-harming incidents, and heartbreaking decisions mark the emotional terrain of parenting a child with severe autism. Picture a moment where miscommunication with my son’s grandmother unravels, highlighting the delicate dance of maintaining family ties amidst the unique challenges of special needs parenting. I share a poignant story of a self-harming episode that led to the wrenching choice of withholding favorite treats—a testament to the ongoing struggle of balancing discipline with compassion.

Traditional schooling was a battlefield that left our child unhappy and unsupported, pushing us toward the road less traveled: homeschooling. With emotional and logistical hurdles at every turn, we navigated through a frustrating lack of support from the school system to create a nurturing learning environment at home. From setting up structured schedules to integrating therapeutic support, we focused on tailoring educational experiences to honor our child's individuality and fostering a positive atmosphere where he could thrive.

Through a non-schooling approach, we embraced the healing potential of nature and autonomy, allowing our son to explore life beyond structured education. Activities like riding a four-wheeler became symbols of freedom and joy, respecting his choices and supporting his journey toward comfort and healing. Amidst all this, we tackled the

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Email: contact.parentingsevereautism@gmail.com