Adventures in Autism

Picking up where I left off (a month ago…but who’s counting!) and sharing Part 2 of our PANDAS journey with Logan. What saga this has been. Thank you so much for support and patience! I hope you enjoy listening. This podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp To get 10% off your first month go to: https://www.betterhelp.com/adventuresinautism Connect with Megan: IG: @adventuresinautismpod & megan.carranza FB: @Adventures In Autism Podcast Email: adventuresinautism2018@yahoo.com Enjoying the show? I would so appreciate your rating & review! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/megan-carranza/message

I’m back today after a looong break with Part 1 of our PANDAS journey. I wasn’t planning on making this a two parter but there is SO MUCH to discuss with this story. This episode is extremely raw and vulnerable. I had wanted to wait and share all this til we had some kind of resolve with this situation, but as time goes on, I realized I might be waiting forever. So this episode covers the lead up to Logan’s PANDAS diagnosis. Once I had recorded almost an hour of audio and barely scratched the surface of this saga, I realized it would take more than one episode to explain everything. So stay tuned for Part 2! I want to say again a very heartfelt THANK YOU to this incredible community. I have truly felt all your support, love and prayers over these last several weeks and it means so much to me and our family! This podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp To get 10% off your first month go to: https://www.betterhelp.com/adventuresinautism Connect with Megan: IG: @adventuresinautismpod & megan.carranza FB: @Adventures In Autism Podcast Email: adventuresinautism2018@yahoo.com Enjoying the show? I would so appreciate your rating & review! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/megan-carranza/message

Today I’m coming at you solo and talking about April and how I feel about autism awareness month. I’ve done an episode dedicated to this every year since AIA started so I decided to keep the tradition alive! I’m sharing my feelings on what this means to me- especially since it’s now been five years since Logan was diagnosed. I’m also talking about ways that I have (and plan to continue!) advocated for autism in April while the spotlight is shining on autism. I think even the small things we can do to keep things moving forward really can make a big difference! So Happy Autism Awareness/Acceptance/Celebration/Advocacy month! (Which as we know is really EVERY month for us!) I hope you enjoy listening! This podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp To get 10% off your first month go to: https://www.betterhelp.com/adventuresinautism Connect with Megan: IG: @adventuresinautismpod FB: @Adventures In Autism Podcast Email: adventuresinautism2018@yahoo.com Enjoying the show? I would so appreciate your rating & review! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/megan-carranza/message

Today I’m coming at you with another installment of Hot Topics! On this episode, I’m sharing our journey with medication. Logan started meds a little over two years ago. This topic has been HIGHLY requested but I was hesitant to talk about until now because I wanted to this episode to be as informative and responsible as it could be. Now that we have two (plus) years under belt, I’m ready to share! We also seem to (finally!) be in a good spot with meds so this episode is coming at an appropriate time. I’m covering many frequently asked questions including: why we decided to start Logan on meds (and what led us to that decision), how old he was, the type of doctor we work with and A LOT more. I honestly surprised myself with how much I had to say on this topic! I hope you find this episode helpful. Enjoy listening! (Also one disclaimer: this episode (and really every episode but especially the Hot Topics) are NOT meant to be a “how to” guide. It’s simply me sharing my own perspective on topics that we have dealt with. I never want listeners to think I’m dishing out advice on the “right” way to do things. That is always true of AIA but I felt it was really important to share that ahead of this episode all about medications. The only advice I truly feel confident giving is find a doctor you trust and consult with them on anything related to meds. Thanks again!) This podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp To get 10% off your first month go to: https://www.betterhelp.com/adventuresinautism Connect with Megan: IG: @adventuresinautismpod FB: @Adventures In Autism Podcast Email: adventuresinautism2018@yahoo.com Enjoying the show? I would so appreciate your rating & review! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/megan-carranza/message

Today I’m chatting with autism mom, Kellee, all about her journey with her daughter, Selby. Selby was diagnosed with ASD in 2021 when she was 8 years old. Kellee shares how looking back, a lot of Selby’s behaviors could have been seen as “red flags”, but at the time autism was not on her radar. It wasn’t until Selby’s anxiety worsened during quarantine that Kellee felt comfortable moving forward with an evaluation which resulted in Selby’s diagnosis. Kellee says after initially feeling surprised, the diagnosis actually came as relief because now they had answers and could better help Selby with her challenges. Kellee is a gem and I loved chatting with her! I hope you enjoy listening! This podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp To get 10% off your first month go to: https://www.betterhelp.com/adventuresinautism Connect with Megan: IG: @adventuresinautismpod FB: @Adventures In Autism Podcast Email: adventuresinautism2018@yahoo.com Enjoying the show? I would so appreciate your rating & review! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/megan-carranza/message

I’m back baby! Today I’m sharing some life updates and talking about what we’ve been up to while the podcast was on hiatus. I’m also answering listener questions which is always fun! I want to say a huge THANK YOU to everyone that continues to support the pod (and the new listeners as well!) whether I’m showing up or not. You guys are truly the best and I’ve missed you! I hope you enjoy listening! Connect with Megan: IG: @adventuresinautismpod FB: @Adventures In Autism Podcast Email: adventuresinautism2018@yahoo.com Enjoying the show? I would so appreciate your rating & review! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/megan-carranza/message

Today I’m flying solo and ringing in 2022 with AIA! I’m sharing some updates to start- talking all about Logan’s birthday and how we celebrated Christmas as a family. I’m also giving details on our two “Christmas miracles” which are my sisters stable scan (!) and Logan’s reading! Both of these situations feel like the greatest gifts and it certainly made our Christmas and New Years all the more joyful. Later in the episode I’m talking about what goals I’d like to see Logan achieve this year, as well as my own goals and intentions. I’m also reflecting on lessons I’ve learned this past year and how I’ll use them going forward. It feels like we’re starting 2022 in a great spot and I can’t wait to see where this year takes us. I hope you enjoy listening! Connect with Megan: IG: @adventuresinautismpod FB: @Adventures In Autism Podcast Email: adventuresinautism2018@yahoo.com Enjoying the show? I would so appreciate your rating & review! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/megan-carranza/message

Today I’m chatting with Pamela Feliciano. Pam is the mother of a teenage son with autism and the scientific director of SPARK (Simons Powering Autism Research for Knowledge), the world’s largest autism study. Pam shares her journey with her son and how his autism diagnosis inspired her to work in this field. On this episode, Pam gives a crash course in the genetics of autism. We discuss the genetic links found in autism as well the different mutations. Later we talk all about the benefits of SPARK and how families can get involved. Pam and I also dive into some more controversial topics that I typically avoid on the show! But I felt it was important to discuss these things when such an expert was present. I learned so much from Pam and I’m so honored to have her on the show. I hope you enjoy listening! Get involved with SPARK: www.sparkforautism.org Sponsored by: Simple Spectrum Supplement https://simplespectrumsupplement.com/ Use code AIA at check out for free shipping! Connect with Megan: IG: @adventuresinautismpod FB: @Adventures In Autism Podcast Email: adventuresinautism2018@yahoo.com Enjoying the show? I would so appreciate your rating & review! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/megan-carranza/message

Today I’m chatting (once again!) with my husband, Manny, in honor of Logan’s ninth birthday in just a few days. Manny and I have made this our annual tradition to reflect back on Logan’s past year and all the ways he’s grown. We’ve seen him mature and change so much this over this last year! We’re talking about the highs and the lows and everything in between. Later, we’re answering listener question which is always fun! I’m very grateful for Manny coming back on pod…I barely had to convince him at all this time! I hope you enjoy listening and happy birthday to our favorite son! Sponsored by: Simple Spectrum Supplement https://simplespectrumsupplement.com/ Use code AIA at check out for free shipping! Connect with Megan: IG: @adventuresinautismpod FB: @Adventures In Autism Podcast Email: adventuresinautism2018@yahoo.com Enjoying the show? I would so appreciate your rating & review! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/megan-carranza/message

Today I’m chatting with mom and fellow podcaster, Megan Champion. Megan shares her journey with raising a neurodiverse child. From the time her son was a baby, Megan had noticed differences between him and his twin sister. It wasn’t until toddlerhood that those differences became concerning. Megan sought out therapy for him and many of her concerns were addressed and he excelled. However his behavior, particularly with meltdowns was becoming problematic. Megan shares how typical parenting strategies did nothing to help matters. From there she had him evaluated for autism but he was not diagnosed and simply got the label of “quirky”. In the following years he’s been evaluated again and while he is gifted, he has never gotten a diagnosis of autism. Megan talks about the challenges of raising a child that is out of the box and doesn’t fit in the world typical. I found their story so interesting and I know many of you can relate. I loved chatting with Megan (both here and on her podcast!) and I hope you enjoy listening! Connect with Megan: Podcast: On The Hard Days Instagram: on.the.hard.days Website: https://www.ontheharddays.com Sponsored by: Simple Spectrum Supplement https://simplespectrumsupplement.com/ Use code AIA at check out for free shipping! Connect with Megan: IG: @adventuresinautismpod FB: @Adventures In Autism Podcast Email: adventuresinautism2018@yahoo.com Enjoying the show? I would so appreciate your rating & review! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/megan-carranza/message

Today I’m chatting with professional golfer, Billy Mayfair. Billy shares his journey of getting an autism diagnosis as an adult. After his wife encouraged him to be evaluated, Billy received his diagnosis of ASD in November of 2019. Billy explains how hearing that he had autism was initially very surprising to him. However after reading his doctors report, he felt it made a lot of sense and could see how all his life, autism had been a part of him. Billy talks about how he enjoyed golf as a kid because it was something he could do on his own, for and hours. Billy has had a very successful career as a pro golfer and still plays on the PGA Masters tour. Billy and his wife Tammy are now working on a foundation to help provide support and resources to individuals on the spectrum and their families. Billy was a delight to chat with and I hope you enjoy listening! Connect with Billy: Twitter: BMayfairGolf Sponsored by: Simple Spectrum Supplement https://simplespectrumsupplement.com/ Use code AIA at check out for free shipping! Connect with Megan: IG: @adventuresinautismpod FB: @Adventures In Autism Podcast Email: adventuresinautism2018@yahoo.com Enjoying the show? I would so appreciate your rating & review! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/megan-carranza/message

Today I’ve got my sister, Melissa, back on the pod with an update! Mel hasn’t done an episode with me since May so we had a lot to cover. Fair warning, this is definitely an emotional one. We’re discussing her most recent MRI and finding out that her cancer is growing. As always Mel and I keep real, which means lots of laughs and tears. We’re talking about the reality of this situation and how difficult it’s been. Later, we’re getting a little more lighthearted and answering some listener questions. I just want to say a huge THANK YOU to this community for the outpouring of love and support for Melissa and our entire family. It truly means so much to us! Keep the prayers coming and I hope you enjoy this episode! Connect with Mel: Instagram: @thezill Sponsored by: Simple Spectrum Supplement https://simplespectrumsupplement.com/ Use code AIA at check out for free shipping! Connect with Megan: IG: @adventuresinautismpod FB: @Adventures In Autism Podcast Email: adventuresinautism2018@yahoo.com Enjoying the show? I would so appreciate your rating & review! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/megan-carranza/message

Today I’m chatting with clinical psychologist, Dr. Kat Lewitzke. Dr. Kat is the clinic director of Bright Pine Behavioral Health, a private mental health facility located in metro-Detroit (established in 2017). She specializes in pediatric neuropsychology and working with individuals diagnosed with autism, ADHD, learning difficulties, behavioral concerns, and emotional dysregulation from youth through adulthood. Dr. Kat especially focuses on early childhood in the assessment and diagnosis of autism in toddlers as young as 12 months. She has been presented with a Metro Detroit  Mom-Approved Doc Award (2019), and values a strong patient-clinician relationship. Dr. Kat is a mother herself of two young children, and is a compassionate clinician who understands the importance of finding eminent care. Dr. Kat and I talk about everything from seeking a diagnosis to finding good resources for adults on the spectrum. I throughly enjoy our conversation and I hope you enjoy listening! Connect with Dr. Kat: Facebook, IG, Twitter & Tik Tok: drkat_psyd Website: https://www.brightpinepsychology.com/ Sponsored by: Simple Spectrum Supplement https://simplespectrumsupplement.com/ Use code AIA at check out for free shipping! Connect with Megan: IG: @adventuresinautismpod FB: @Adventures In Autism Podcast Email: adventuresinautism2018@yahoo.com Enjoying the show? I would so appreciate your rating & review! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/megan-carranza/message

Today I’m chatting with autism dad, Brad Sader, all about his son, Jack. Jack is 10 years old now and Brad shares their journey up until this point. Brad talks about the early days of Jack’s ASD diagnosis and how it initially came as surprise for him and his wife. Brad explains how he struggled with feelings of grief and how difficult that time was. He also talks about how finding support and community helped him get to a better, more accepting place. Today Jack is thriving and Brad is a very proud dad. I loved this conversation with Brad and I especially appreciated his vulnerability. I think for so many of us, it feels “safer” not to open up and share our true feelings. While I totally understand where that comes from, I truly believe talking about those feelings is part of processing them which leads to healing. Thanks again to Brad for coming on the pod and being so open. I hope you enjoy listening! Connect with Brad: Instagram: @bradsader Sponsored by: Simple Spectrum Supplement https://simplespectrumsupplement.com/ Use code AIA at check out for free shipping! Connect with Megan: IG: @adventuresinautismpod FB: @Adventures In Autism Podcast Email: adventuresinautism2018@yahoo.com Enjoying the show? I would so appreciate your rating & review! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/megan-carranza/message

Today I’m flying solo with a mini episode all about dealing with separation anxiety. This topic was suggested to me by a listener and after I mentioned it on a previous episode, I got several more inquiries for this topic specifically. So ask and you shall receive! I’m sharing our experience with separation anxiety through the years and explaining how it was once a major issue we dealt with. As Logan has gotten older, his separation anxiety has gotten soooo much better. To the point where he is not only is ok with us leaving, but he’s actually having sleepovers without us! That may not sound like a big deal but trust me, it is! I know so many of you can relate to this topic and I hope it’s helpful to hear from someone who definitely knows what it’s like to walk in those shoes. Enjoy listening! Sponsored by: Simple Spectrum Supplement https://simplespectrumsupplement.com/ Use code AIA at check out for free shipping! Connect with Megan: IG: @adventuresinautismpod FB: @Adventures In Autism Podcast Email: adventuresinautism2018@yahoo.com Enjoying the show? I would so appreciate your rating & review! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/megan-carranza/message

Today I’m chatting with autism mom, Nicole Studt. Nicole is sharing her unique journey with her son, Nathan, who is now 14. The really interesting thing about their story is that while Nathan was diagnosed with ADHD at 5 years old, it was only recently (in August of 2020) that he received an autism diagnosis. Nicole talks about how she had noticed differences in her son, but could never quite figure out why. She explains what led to his ASD diagnosis and how despite the fact that it came later, autism had been there all along. I loved chatting with Nicole and hearing her perspective on all this. So often as parents, we feel we have an overwhelming amount of things to learn to when our children are diagnosed. Nicole definitely felt that especially with having an older child- but she has been SO open and eager to learn. It’s really refreshing! We had a great conversation and I hope you enjoy listening! Sponsored by: Simple Spectrum Supplement https://simplespectrumsupplement.com/ Use code AIA at check out for free shipping! Connect with Megan: IG: @adventuresinautismpod FB: @Adventures In Autism Podcast Email: adventuresinautism2018@yahoo.com Enjoying the show? I would so appreciate your rating & review! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/megan-carranza/message

Today I’m chatting with Tiffany Joseph, who many of you might know better as @nigh.functioning.autism. Tiffany and I connected on Instagram right after I started the podcast. I am SO glad we did because over the years I’ve learned so much from her. Tiffany has a very unique perspective as both an individual on the spectrum, and as a parent to autistic children. She is also an AAC user and she uses her device during the episode. This was an awesome first for AIA! Tiffany and I talk about her individual journey and what led to her diagnosis. We also discuss what it’s like having multiple children on the spectrum. I am truly so honored to have Tiffany on the podcast. I’ve wanted to have her on for a long time and I’m thrilled we were able to make it happen. She has taught me so much and really opened my eyes to things that I don’t know if I would have seen otherwise. I’m so grateful for her. I hope you enjoy listening! Connect with Tiffany: Instagram: @nigh.functioning.autism Sponsored by: Simple Spectrum Supplement https://simplespectrumsupplement.com/ Use code AIA at check out for free shipping! Connect with Megan: IG: @adventuresinautismpod FB: @Adventures In Autism Podcast Email: adventuresinautism2018@yahoo.com Enjoying the show? I would so appreciate your rating & review! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/megan-carranza/message

Today I’m sharing a very scary and unfortunate incident that happened last week. I’m honestly still processing all my feelings and emotions around this but I felt it was important to share in case it could help another parent. On Wednesday last week, Logan eloped from our home. It took us around 15 minutes to find him (he was actually just a couple blocks from our house) which may not sound long, but it felt like an eternity. We are beyond grateful that he was safe and sound when we found him. On this episode I’m sharing the details around this event and what led up to it happening. I’m feeling pretty apprehensive about sharing this- I am definitely opening myself to criticism and judgement. I hope that you’ll listen to get all facts and above anything, I hope this episode shows you that you can NEVER be too careful. Thank you all for your love and support, it truly means the world to me! Sponsored by: Simple Spectrum Supplement https://simplespectrumsupplement.com/ Use code AIA at check out for free shipping! Connect with Megan: IG: @adventuresinautismpod FB: @Adventures In Autism Podcast Email: adventuresinautism2018@yahoo.com Enjoying the show? I would so appreciate your rating & review! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/megan-carranza/message

Today I’m chatting with autism mom, Lisa Vaillancourt. Lisa and I chat all about her adult son, Alex, who is now 26. Lisa is another listener turned guest and I loved hearing all about their journey! Lisa talks about Alex’s early days as well as what he’s up to now. She explains how during his school years, they really had to adapt and think outside the box to find ways to best serve Alex in regards to his education. Lisa shares how living in a small town has its up and down sides, but for Alex it was great because the district was really willing to work with them. Their community was also super supportive because Alex grew up with a small group of kids who were with him throughout his school career. I love talking with parents like Lisa who are much further into their journey than I am. I learned so much from her! Overall we had a great conversation and I hope you enjoy listening! Sponsored by: Simple Spectrum Supplement https://simplespectrumsupplement.com/ Use code AIA at check out for free shipping! Connect with Megan: IG: @adventuresinautismpod FB: @Adventures In Autism Podcast Email: adventuresinautism2018@yahoo.com Enjoying the show? I would so appreciate your rating & review! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/megan-carranza/message

Today I’m flying solo and sharing some life updates! These past few weeks have been BUSY with school starting and adjusting to our new schedule. I’m talking about the transitions and how we’re all fairing. (Spoiler: mom is having just as hard of a time as the kids!) I’m also talking about some recent highs and lows we’ve been experiencing. The lows being anxiety, sleep issues and some tough emotional moments. And the highs like Logan’s first sleepover! Overall, we’re definitely taking the good with the bad right now but it seems like we’re (slowly) getting to the other side. I wanted to share all this because my goal is always to keep real…and this is our real life right now! As always thank you so much for listening and supporting the show! I hope you enjoy this episode. Sponsored by: Simple Spectrum Supplement https://simplespectrumsupplement.com/ Use code AIA at check out for free shipping! Connect with Megan: IG: @adventuresinautismpod FB: @Adventures In Autism Podcast Email: adventuresinautism2018@yahoo.com Enjoying the show? I would so appreciate your rating & review! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/megan-carranza/message