Homebase Hope: All About Autism

Today we are talking about one of the most important topics I think we can cover – big feelings and self regulation! It doesn’t matter what age or stage your child is at, this podcast is going to be relevant. I’m super excited to be speaking with Katie Crosby – an Occupational Therapist based in the States. Katie specialises in emotions, behaviours and relationships through the lifespan. I connected with Katie over Instagram (as yo...

Masturbation, erections, orgasms, puberty and sexual relations are NOT taboo in this podcast episode!! We cover it all in an open conversation with Nelle Francis, special needs educator and mum to a 29-year-old autistic son. We talk about how puberty presents in both girls and boys on the spectrum, common vulnerabilities, how to initiate these difficult conversations with your child (because they need to know the facts!) and practi...

Today we are talking all about sensory processing disorder and I am thrilled to be talking to Allison Davies on this topic! Allison is a Neurologic Music Therapist, educator, advocate and speaker. She has 15 years experience working as both a therapist and educator in childhood intervention and aged care, and specialises in anxiety and Listen In

The post HBH 40: Sensory Processing Disorder – The Lived Experience with Allison Davies...

You can go to all the therapy sessions in the world, but at the end of the day if the family home environment isn’t functioning well…..therapy certainly won’t be as helpful! Meet Sharon Collon. She’s an ADHD coach passionate about helping parents create home environments that are functional and joyful and by streamlining the day to day tasks with innovative systems and routines, you can get back time for the important things like e...

Today we are talking to Jeremy Samson who has turned his tough childhood experience into a learning program for children on the autism spectrum. As a kid, Jeremy had trouble understanding sarcasm and jokes. He says his brain worked in a curious way that often got him into trouble. He was bullied and he engaged in self injurious behaviours such as head banging. Eventually testing revealed why Jeremy found life more challenging than ...

So what really is SPD?  Today we dive deep into Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), what it can look like and what you can do to help your child. We uncover the different subtypes of SPD; sensory modulation disorder, sensory-based motor disorder and sensory discrimination disorder.  I’m chatting with two energetic and insightful Occupational Therapy Assistants Listen In

The post HBH 37: Making Sense Of SPD appeared first on The Well...

As we become more interested in a whole body, whole child approach to autism, it becomes important to look at what is happening at a biological level. Good food is good for everyone, we know that. But what kinds of nutritional supplementation may be beneficial for kids on the autism spectrum? What kinds of dietary modifications can be made? And where do we start?

Today I chat with a renowned Australian Naturopath, Peter Mullen who ...

If your child is diagnosed with ADHD or if you think your child fits the ADHD criteria, or even if you’re noticing signs of hyperactivity and inattention…then this podcast is for you! Today we talk all about the behaviour you may see in a child with ADHD and what strategies you can use at home, classroom hacks and how to improve focus, the social impacts of ADHD, the positive qualities and how to use a strengths-based model.

I’ll b...

Oxidative stress & mitochondria; what on earth are they and how do they relate to autism? Today we are going to make sense of this in really easy to understand language. No need to dust off the old textbook, just listen in to find out the latest research in this area. Today’ you’ll learn what environmental factors trigger oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction and you’ll be empowered with ways to improve your child’s health...

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be an autistic female? Or what’s it like to receive a diagnosis later in life? If so, buckle up, because today we are soaking up the lived experiences of the insightful Kristy Forbes! Kristy dives deep into her personal journey, why she prefers ‘autistic’ over ‘person with autism’,  if there is a fundamental difference between males and females on the spectrum and the neurodiversity movement...

Hands up if you have a little fussy eater? Does your child only eat beige, bland carb-loaded foods? Or are they limited to certain brands? Maybe they will only tolerate crunchy foods? Do they survive on a diet of 20 or less different types of food? Do they crave junk food? Then this episode is for you!

Today we are talking all about fussy eater and how to kick picky eating habits to the curb! I’ll be talking with Ashley Thurn, who ...

Today we are soaking up all the practical advice and insights into how to make school a success, with the amazing Sue Larkey. We dive into anxiety, transitions, adjustments for tests, sensory tools and SO MUCH MORE!

I have subscribed to Sue’s newsletter 7 years ago when I had my first pediatric caseload at a special development school down in Victoria. I’ve always loved Sue’s ideas because they’re super practical – and she makes ev...

Chloe Hayden, better known as Princess Aspien, is a 21 year old girl with Aspergers Syndrome. Chloe struggled throughout her childhood and early teenage years feeling outcast and unable to connect with anyone. She suffered relentless bullying at school which landed her in hospital. 

When Chole was 18, she came to the realisation that she wasn’t the only child who had gone through these similar experiences. Chloe talks about what sc...

Sara Harvey aka Agony Autie is autistic and was diagnosed at the age of 26 after her sons diagnosis. Sara is completely unguarded when it comes to advocating for the neurodiverse. She openly and courageously shares what’s in her heart and on her mind. Sara is shedding light on autistic behaviours and the different experiences being autistic entails. We talk all about her personal experiences, how she describes autism, what the neur...

When the brain and body are overloaded with toxins they don’t have the opportunity to function optimally. Our modern day world is full of chemicals which although are often hard to avoid, there is a great deal you can be doing to safely navigate the chemical maze. We conversation dives deep into the common toxic chemicals (‘fragrances’, phthalates & fluoride) you should be avoiding plus the everyday products you should be thinking ...

Kids on the spectrum are drawn to digital devices, and lets face it, many kids prefer the virtual world over the real world. Electronic devices can provide predictability where kids feel safe, secure and can play a game tailored to their current interest. This sounds far more appealing than the real world which is full of unpredictability, judgement, misunderstandings, sensory overload and constant social challenges. But the tricky...

We need to look at autism through a completely different lense. We need to unlearn what we have known to be true. We need to challenge deeply ingrained belief systems and embrace a whole child approach to the complexities of autism.

Today it’s just you and me! I chat about how my understanding of autism was challenged when I stepped out of my therapy bubble and started to look beyond the information that was handed to me. I show yo...

We know genes play a major role in autism, but are you aware that autism is also heavily influenced by environmental factors? The more we learn about autism as an epigenetic condition – the more we start to realise that lifestyle really matters!

This is a really empowering model to work from – because it means you can make a difference.

We know there is not a ‘one size fits all’ approach to the complexities of autism but there are ...

Does your child often feel isolated and have low self esteem? Chris Varney is 31 years old and has Asperger’s Syndrome. He grew up with a group of mentors who pushed him to think ‘I CAN’ and is driving a rethink of autism, from ‘I Can’t’ to ‘I CAN’!! In today’s episode Chris empowers you with ways to support your child at school and work – to boost their confidence and help them reach their full potential.

Chris is the founder of ...