Not Your Mama's Autism (NYMA)

Growing up alongside a sibling with autism can transform your life's blueprint in the most unexpected ways. in this episode, we're joined by the remarkable Nadia Hamilton, who shares the touching saga of her brother, Troy, and how his journey on the autism spectrum has awakened a legacy of empowerment and innovation. Nadia's candid recount of the joys and hurdles they faced together unfolds into the creation of a transformative tool - Magnus cards - that now aids individuals with autism and/or cognitive disabilities to navigate the complexities of daily life with greater independence. Our conversation is a celebration of sibling love and the spirit that can give rise to social entrepreneurship with a profound purpose.As you tune in, you'll be captivated by stories that not only pull at the heartstrings, but also spotlight the monumental shifts in accessibility and inclusivity championed by visionaries like Nadia. Discover the compelling impact of the Magnus Mode app, designed to provide free, visual, step-by-step guides for those in the neurodiverse community, and learn how the Disability Experience training program is reshaping perspectives in corporate corridors. This isn't just an episode; it's a heartfelt tribute to Troy and others like him, who inspire a world that embraces every spectrum of human diversity with open arms and minds. Join us for an episode that weaves a narrative of hope, understanding, and the tangible change that comes from one sister's unwavering devotion.https://notyourmamasautism.com/https://www.instagram.com/notyourmamasautism/https://www.facebook.com/NotYourMamasAutism/

Every January, my husband Tosan and I brace ourselves for the impact of the 'January reset' on our family's finances. As parents of a child with complex medical needs, we're no strangers to the avalanche of medical bills that come with insurance deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums starting anew. Our latest episode offers an intimate conversation where we peel back the curtain on the financial challenges that families like ours face, diving into the intricacies of insurance policies in Texas, and the relentless vigilance it takes to ensure our daughter's healthcare needs are met.Join us for a heart-to-heart about the proactive financial strategies we've put in place, like leveraging Health Savings Accounts and planning for a multi-year safety net. As we exchange stories and strategies, Tosan and I reveal how we've navigated the stormy seas of healthcare costs and even seeking healthcare grants and exchanges when money was tight. We aim to empower and offer solace by sharing our journey, reinforcing the importance of resilience and the strength found in taking it one day at a time.https://notyourmamasautism.com/https://www.instagram.com/notyourmamasautism/https://www.facebook.com/NotYourMamasAutism/

Our 2023 year in review episode is here. We discuss the ups and downs that is/was 2023, including a life changing family trip to Barcelona,  an ice storm that prevented travel to our daughter's therapy, a short term caregiver crisis, the myth of work-life balance and so much more.   https://notyourmamasautism.com/https://www.instagram.com/notyourmamasautism/https://www.facebook.com/NotYourMamasAutism/

In this episode, I speak with Addis Gonte, Non-Profit CEO and Disability Inclusion Advocate. We talk about how a car accident changed his life, resulting in traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries.  We also speak on how his life changing accident led him on a new path to founding a non-profit, called Able Mindset, and many lessons learned along the way. https://notyourmamasautism.com/https://www.instagram.com/notyourmamasautism/https://www.facebook.com/NotYourMamasAutism/

In this episode, my husband, Tosan, and I have a conversation about the transition we've made and are making into the start of adolescence. Our kids, a boy and a girl, are now both pre-teens and our daughter has an intellectual disability. We talk about the special considerations we have to think through and make as we raise neurodivergent children who are undergoing a new life phase. One day at a time.This episode is also available in video form on YouTube. https://notyourmamasautism.com/https://www.instagram.com/notyourmamasautism/https://www.facebook.com/NotYourMamasAutism/

In this episode, we speak with Janelle Johnson, a licensed marriage and family therapist, Founder of Bridges Family Life Center, PLLC , Mom, Wife and Self-Advocate. We talk about her own autism self-diagnosis, how she became a therapist, her own philosophy on "masking", her decision to eventually self-ID, raising an autistic child and her views on so much more. As always, we appreciate the support. If you like what you hear, please share, subscribe and give our podcast a 5 star rating on Apple Podcasts. https://notyourmamasautism.com/https://www.instagram.com/notyourmamasautism/https://www.facebook.com/NotYourMamasAutism/

In this episode, we speak with Dr. Tade Akere, a mother, wife, businesswoman turned psychologist and advocate. She is the mother of an adult autistic son and a neurodivergent and mental health advocate serving patients through her Illinois based practice. She is also the host of the webseries Dr. Tade Talks and the author of the book, No! Not My Son!: An African Mother's Journey Through Life with Autism. In this episode, we walk through her family's autism journey, cultural stigma associated with a diagnosis within her Nigerian-American household, how she decided to enter the field of psychology after becoming a parent caregiver and the advice she gives others on the journey (along with some other nuggets). I appreciated her candor and hope you get something out of this episode. This episode is also available in video on YouTube. https://notyourmamasautism.com/https://www.instagram.com/notyourmamasautism/https://www.facebook.com/NotYourMamasAutism/

In this episode, I speak with Tim Markle, the Southern Regional Center Director at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Waisman Center.  We speak about delivery of health care to diverse populations, his own experience as a dad to an autistic son and how understanding the power of forgiveness has allowed him to become a better person, father, husband and advocate. https://notyourmamasautism.com/https://www.instagram.com/notyourmamasautism/https://www.facebook.com/NotYourMamasAutism/

In Season 6, Episode 2 of the Not Your Mama's Autism Podcast, I speak with attorney, self-advocate and former law school classmate, LaNasha Houze.  In this episode, LaNasha speaks to how she ended up obtaining her later in life ADHD diagnosis, the subsequent realizations she made when it comes to her neurodivergence and provides some advice to those who wish to know more about this journey. https://notyourmamasautism.com/https://www.instagram.com/notyourmamasautism/https://www.facebook.com/NotYourMamasAutism/

Welcome to Season 6 of the Not Your Mama's Autism Podcast, now brought to you in both audio and video form. In addition to listening to our podcast on your favorite podcast platform, now you can view new episodes on You Tube. After a long hiatus, we start our new season talking through our parenting journey through various seasons that includes/included: stay at home parenthood, demanding careers and various therapy schedules associated with our family's autism journey.One day at a time. https://notyourmamasautism.com/https://www.instagram.com/notyourmamasautism/https://www.facebook.com/NotYourMamasAutism/

     Our conversation on special education law continues with Tracey Spencer Walsh, podcast host, attorney and special education law expert. This part of our conversation focuses on things to consider as your child ages through and eventually out of special education. https://notyourmamasautism.com/https://www.instagram.com/notyourmamasautism/https://www.facebook.com/NotYourMamasAutism/

 In this episode, I speak with Tracey Spencer Walsh, an attorney specializing in special education law and a podcast host of the podcast, "It's Special", a show focused on navigating disability within the education space. In our conversation, Tracey and I speak on what special education is, the laws in space to safeguard it and some of the thing that parents should consider as they walk on this journey with their children. For more information on Tracey, check her out here. https://notyourmamasautism.com/https://www.instagram.com/notyourmamasautism/https://www.facebook.com/NotYourMamasAutism/

 In this episode, we speak with Inarm Osborn, a passionate entrepreneur who is dedicated to improving the lives and job prospects of neurodivergent adults in need of his services. He is the Founder and CEO of Auti Quest, an innovative app that provides employment support for autistic adults. He is also Centra Co Support Services, a day center for adults with intellectual disabilities. We dive into how he started working in this space, his transition from the finance world and how he believes technology can improve the job experience for autistic individuals. https://notyourmamasautism.com/https://www.instagram.com/notyourmamasautism/https://www.facebook.com/NotYourMamasAutism/

In this episode, I speak with Koko Ekeng, mom, parenting coach and author. She talks about how her daughter's complex medical needs started her on a journey to America in order for her to get the help she needed medically and, eventually academically as well.She speaks to how her training as a life coach prepared her for a very difficult season https://notyourmamasautism.com/https://www.instagram.com/notyourmamasautism/https://www.facebook.com/NotYourMamasAutism/

    In this episode, I speak with Dr. Jessica Taverniti, Board Certified Behavior Analyst, PHD in Psychology  and Co-Founder of Nurolux, a platform that provides its members with actionable and customized tools that aids autistic people, their families and professionals that support them a better roadmap to improve overall quality of life.   I speak with Jessica about her background in psychology and helping families for nearly two decades that brought her where she is today, examples of how Nurolux technology uses data to customize the caregiver experience and so much more. For more information about all the great things Nurolux is doing,  check out their website.  https://notyourmamasautism.com/https://www.instagram.com/notyourmamasautism/https://www.facebook.com/NotYourMamasAutism/

                  In this episode, we speak with Andrew Arboe, Founder of Driving with Autism, an online program that helps autistic people how to drive. He talks about common challenges he sees in this space, some of the personal challenges he has faced as a self-advocate and how the types of programming he has available for people in need of these services.For more information on Andrew's work, check out Driving on the Spectrum. https://notyourmamasautism.com/https://www.instagram.com/notyourmamasautism/https://www.facebook.com/NotYourMamasAutism/

 In this episode, I speak with Andrew Komarow, Certified Financial Planner (CFP) and Founder of Planning Across the Spectrum, a firm that specializes in financial planning for neurodivergent and disabled people and their families. We talk about his later in life autism diagnosis, what he thinks people get wrong about neurodivergence and some ways that his firm fills in the gap for services that this subset of families need. https://notyourmamasautism.com/https://www.instagram.com/notyourmamasautism/https://www.facebook.com/NotYourMamasAutism/

For Season 5, Episode 3 of the Not Your Mama's Autism Podcast, I speak with Danielle Feerst, Occupational Therapist and Founder of iElevate, a life and career coaching platform for neurodivergent teens and adults. We talk about the reason why a need for her services exists, challenges associated with this relatively new coaching space and how her background as an occupational therapist aids her in the current phase of her journey.In addition to nuggets provided in this episode, for more information, please visit their website.  https://notyourmamasautism.com/https://www.instagram.com/notyourmamasautism/https://www.facebook.com/NotYourMamasAutism/

 In this episode, we speak with pediatric occupational therapist, Micaela Wilson. Mickey, as she is better known by, walks us through how occupational therapy can help certain people, the difference between occupational therapy and physical therapy and the kinds of considerations people can make when deciding which therapist is right for them.In addition to our podcast, please see the list of resources that Mickey recommends that parents should look at when better understanding this journey. As always, thank you for your support.Some of Mickey's Recommended ResourcesWebsites:STAR Institute for Sensory Processinghttps://sensoryhealth.org/▪ A research and therapy center for sensory processingfounded by Lucy Jane Miller, a pioneer in the field ofsensory processing. Miller studied under the woman thatfirst brought sensory processing into the OccupationalTherapy and Medical world, Jean Ayres.▪ There are resources on the website to give you furtherknowledge on sensory processing and webinars as well.Social Media Accounts:Not Your Mama's Autism▪ Website: https://notyourmamasautism.com/with links to all social media accounts and podcasts Finding Cooper’s Voice▪ Website: https://www.findingcoopersvoice.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/findingcoopersvoiceAutism Discussion PageFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/autismdiscussionpage Led by Bill Nason, MS, LLP; Discusses ways and tools tohelp children on the spectrum feel safe, accepted, andcompetent.▪ Also has written several books:https://www.amazon.com/Autism-Discussion-Page-challenges-autism/dp/1849059942Thriving on the Spectrum▪ Website: https://www.thrivingonthespectrum.com/Neurodiversity: Resources for Families & Educators https://www.facebook.com/Neurodiversity-Resources-for-Families-Educators-109912502369117Facebook page run by a mother, educator, and advocateo The Neurodivergent Teacher▪ Instagram: https://instagram.com/the_neurodivergent_teacher?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=Books:The Whole Brain Child by Daniel J. Siegel, MD., & Tina Payne Bryson, PhD.Sensational Kids by Lucy Jane Miller, PhD., OTR No Longer a Secret by Lucy Jane Miller, PhD., OTR., Lisa M. Porter, PhD, OTD, OTR/L, and Doreit S. Bailer, OTD, MA, OTRDISCLAIMER: The opinions and views expressed during this podcast andon this resource sheet belong solely to Micaela Wilson, COTA/L. In no waydoes this represent any other institutions or professionals mentioned.These views and opinions are for informational purposes only. Theinformation and resources mentioned above do not and are not areplacement for Occupational Therapy Services. If concerns or furtherinformation is needed in regards to Occupational Therapy Services, it ishighly recommended to seek professional medical advice from yourprimary care physician, pediatrician, or consult with an OT.               https://notyourmamasautism.com/https://www.instagram.com/notyourmamasautism/https://www.facebook.com/NotYourMamasAutism/

Welcome to the first episode of the new season, Season 5, Episode 1 where we speak to Amy Root. She is an autistic self-advocate, corporate executive, mom and wife. We talked about how her later in life autism diagnosis not only better helped her understand who she was, but helped her better parent her children (including two autistic children) and "re-parent" herself. https://notyourmamasautism.com/https://www.instagram.com/notyourmamasautism/https://www.facebook.com/NotYourMamasAutism/