Hey, What's Up! It's Tommy. In this episode of Spectrum in Camouflage, I open up about two powerful words that have been on my heart lately: perception and perseverance. I reflect on how these ideas play out in our journey raising an autistic child, and how they shape the way we see ourselves, others, and the hard stuff we go through.

I talk about how being outside helps me reset, how faith keeps me going, and why giving grace to others—even when they don’t fully understand what we’re facing—is so important. I also share real, raw moments from our life, especially the challenges we’ve been facing with Wyatt recently.

And then there’s perseverance. Man, it’s hard. But it’s also where growth and hope live. I talk about how perseverance and failing forward go hand in hand, and why failure isn’t really failure if you keep going. Whether you're raising a special needs child, dealing with grief, or just trying to make sense of your day, I hope this episode brings you a little light.

• Being outside is medicine — even 15 minutes in the sun can make a huge difference.
• Perception isn’t reality — don’t let assumptions keep you from showing up for people.
• Grace matters — silence and presence can be more powerful than words.
• You’re not alone — there’s a whole community here, even if we don’t all struggle the same way.
• Perseverance = progress — pushing through hardship helps you grow, not just survive.
• Failure is part of forward motion — as long as you're learning, you're moving.
• Give yourself credit — parenting, especially in our world, is hard and sacred work.
• Peace is possible — even in chaos, we can find moments of peace through faith and connection.

• Failing Forward by John C. Maxwell
• 90-Day Fire Program with Steve Krebs

If this episode meant something to you, please share it with a friend or on your social media. It helps more than you know.

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Email me anytime at tommy@spectrumincamouflage.com. I’d love to hear your story or just encourage you if you're going through something tough.

Together, we can create a community to support autistic kids and their families.

Let’s learn, grow, and make a difference—one step, one piece of the puzzle, one child at a time.

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• Join our Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/4002769846662357
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Hey, What’s Up! It’s Tommy. In today’s episode of Spectrum in Camouflage, I’m diving into something that affects all of us: protein. Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, or simply trying to feel better, understanding how protein supports both your body and your child’s health (especially for our autistic kids) is a game-changer.

I’ll walk you through why protein is more than just gym fuel. It plays a vital role in brain function, energy levels, mood stability, and immune health. We’ll talk about real food, supplementation, picky eaters, and even the surprising connection between protein and mental health. I also get real about our family's journey—what's worked with Wyatt, what hasn't, and what might help you too.

This isn’t medical advice—it’s real-life experience from one dad doing his best and hoping it helps someone else out there.

• Protein fuels more than muscle. It helps stabilize mood, sharpen focus, and protect the brain long-term—even potentially slowing cognitive decline.
• Whole foods first. Chicken, beef, eggs, and yogurt are packed with essential amino acids, and the base of a healthy diet.
• Busy life = quick fixes. But freezer meals and processed snacks can hurt more than help. Planning ahead with leftovers or easy meals can make a big difference.
• Picky eating in autistic children is real. Consistency is key. Introduce protein-rich foods early and often—one bite at a time if needed.
• Supplement when needed. If you can't hit your daily intake through food, it’s okay to lean on a high-quality protein powder—just make sure you're staying informed and intentional.
• Protein and the brain. For both kids and adults, low protein can mean low energy, poor mood, and even issues like anxiety and weakened immunity.

If this episode helped you or got you thinking, share it with someone who could use it. Got a question? Struggling with a picky eater? Want to know more about the protein your family needs? I’m here—reach out anytime at tommy@spectrumincamouflage.com or hit me up through the site.

Let’s support each other, keep learning, and make sure we’re all fueled up for this wild, beautiful ride.

• We’re on TikTok: tiktok.com/@spectrum_in_camouflage
• Join our Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/4002769846662357
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Together, we can create a community to support autistic kids and their families. If you have questions or ideas or want to share your journey, email me at tommy@spectrumincamouflage.com.

Let’s learn, grow, and make a difference—one step, one piece of the puzzle, one child at a time.

Hey, What’s Up! It’s Tommy. I can’t believe it, but Wyatt just turned 10. This episode is full of updates about his progress, including some big wins we saw over Memorial Day weekend. I also talk more about methylene blue, what it is, why we’re being careful with it, and the small but encouraging changes we’ve noticed, especially around Wyatt’s OCD symptoms.

You’ll hear about our family gathering, how Wyatt surprised us by lasting the entire time, and how simple moments, like watching my daughter and niece explore the old pasture, reminded me just how fast time flies and why it matters to slow down and soak it all in.

This one’s personal, hopeful, and full of gratitude. If you’ve ever felt stuck in the day-to-day grind, waiting for a breakthrough, I hope this episode encourages you.

Wyatt’s Progress: He made it through a full Memorial Day family gathering without meltdowns or needing to leave early. Huge win.

• Methylene Blue: We’re cautiously trying this supplement for possible benefits with autism and OCD symptoms. Not medical advice, just our story.
• Hope and Faith: Even when life is uncertain, we believe God is working through it all.
• Cherishing the Moment: Unplug, slow down, and enjoy the little things with your kids.
• Simple Joys: Seeing my daughter and niece play in the same pasture I did as a kid brought a powerful sense of joy and nostalgia.
• Why We Push for Health: It’s about helping Wyatt reach his best health, not changing who he is.
• Never Give Up: Even when progress is slow, there is always hope.

• Maximum Potential Chiropractic
• Book Mentioned: Chop Wood, Carry Water by Joshua Medcalf https://a.co/d/6TzTEtT
• Experience Miracles Podcast with Dr. Tony Ebel

If you're new here, I’d love for you to go back to some of the earlier episodes. You’ll get a better sense of where our journey started and how far we’ve come.

Visit spectrumincamouflage.com for more episodes and resources. If something resonated with you or you want to connect, email me at tommy@spectrumincamouflage.com.

Thanks for listening. Stay grateful, stay hopeful, and stay in the fight.

• We’re on TikTok: tiktok.com/@spectrum_in_camouflage
• Join our Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/4002769846662357
• See us on Instagram: instagram.com/spectrum_in_camouflage

Together, we can create a community to support autistic kids and their families. If you have questions or ideas or want to share your journey, email me at tommy@spectrumincamouflage.com.

Let’s learn, grow, and make a difference. One step. One piece of the puzzle. One child at a time.

Hey, What’s Up! It’s Tommy. Today’s episode of Spectrum in Camouflage is deeply personal—and honestly, it's one of the most encouraging updates I’ve shared in a while. I open up about the real progress we’re seeing with our son Wyatt after a year of chiropractic therapy through Maximum Potential. I also talk about those subtle signs—what I call “soft signs”—that are often overlooked but mean the world when you’re raising a nonverbal autistic child. From Wyatt calmly watching me work on heavy equipment, to no longer needing locks on doors, to riding a tricycle—these moments are stacking up, and hope is growing.

I also dive into something that’s helped me mentally as a dad, a business owner, and just a guy trying to keep it together: “killing the monsters.” If anxiety, procrastination, or mental clutter is stealing your peace, I share how I’ve been taking simple steps to reclaim space in my life so I can focus on what really matters.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, alone, or unsure if the small wins even count, this episode is for you. You’re not alone. And yes—those small wins matter more than we realize.

• Wyatt is showing incredible progress after a year at Maximum Potential, from no longer eloping to starting to sign basic words like “more,” “mom,” and “please.”
• A story about his sister Jessie’s honesty shows how our typical kids are growing too—and how sweet those moments can be.
• We’ve seen real shifts in Wyatt’s nervous system regulation through chiropractic work and a parasite cleanse.
• "Killing the monster" is my way of defeating procrastination and anxiety by clearing mental clutter and knocking out to-dos that drain my energy.
• You don’t have to give up the things that make you feel whole. Instead, take care of what you can control.
• Simple joys like bubble guns, campfires, and backyard play can create the peaceful summer you and your family deserve.

• Maximum Potential Chiropractic – Where we’ve been taking Wyatt for his therapy journey.
• Real AF Podcast by Andy Frisella – Inspiration for the “Kill the Monster” concept.
• Experience Miracles Podcast – The spark that helped my wife Kaylee find new hope.

Please visit spectrumincamouflage.com for links to everything mentioned and more updates from our journey.

If anything in this episode connected with you, or you know someone it might help, please share it. Your support truly helps others know they’re not alone.

Let me know your thoughts or share your own story by emailing me at tommy@spectrumincamouflage.com.

Let’s learn, grow, and make a difference—one step, one piece of the puzzle, one child at a time.

• We’re on TikTok: tiktok.com/@spectrum_in_camouflage
• Join our Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/4002769846662357
• See us on Instagram: instagram.com/spectrum_in_camouflage

Together, we can create a community to support autistic kids and their families.

If you have questions or ideas or want to share your journey, email me at tommy@spectrumincamouflage.com.

Let’s learn, grow, and make a difference—one step, one piece of the puzzle, one child at a time.

Hey, What's Up! It's Tommy. In this episode of Spectrum in Camouflage, I'm pushing myself to use some bigger words—starting with “parasympathetic nervous system”—because today, we’re digging into what stress really does to our minds and bodies.

I get real about what it feels like to be stuck in fight-or-flight mode, especially when parenting a child with autism, juggling work, and trying to stay mentally strong. I share how a simple five-minute chiropractic adjustment helped reset my nervous system and got me back on track mentally, physically, and emotionally. We talk about why Mental Health Awareness Month matters, how showing up even when you're not at 100% is still powerful, and why mental and physical health go hand in hand.

Plus, I shout out Maximum Potential Chiropractic in Medina—because sometimes just taking that time for yourself is what flips the switch. If you're feeling overwhelmed or stuck, this episode is for you.

Key Takeaways

• Mental and physical health are deeply connected. You can't fix one without addressing the other.
• The parasympathetic nervous system (aka “rest and digest”) helps your body calm down from stress—but sometimes we need help activating it.
• Chiropractic care helped me shift out of burnout and regain mental clarity and energy.
• Self-care isn't selfish or silly. It's survival.
• Running for a cause can reignite purpose and help us reconnect with meaning beyond our day-to-day.
• You don’t need to give 100% all the time—just showing up is powerful.
• Hydration with electrolytes can drastically impact mood, sleep, and anxiety.
• Mental health struggles are real and you're not alone. If you're in the trenches, I'm there too—and we can help each other.

Let’s build a village. Visit spectrumincamouflage.com to follow along, share your story, and connect with others who get it.

Email me anytime at tommy@spectrumincamouflage.com if you have a question, idea, or just need to talk.

Together, we can support each other—one adjustment, one run, one small choice at a time.

Follow Us!

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• Join our Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/4002769846662357
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Together, we can create a community to support autistic kids and their families. If you have questions or ideas or want to share your journey, email me at tommy@spectrumincamouflage.com.

Let’s learn, grow, and make a difference—one step, one piece of the puzzle, one child at a time.

Hey, What’s Up! It’s Tommy.

In this episode of Spectrum in Camouflage, I open up about some of the recent stress I’ve been dealing with and the importance of getting back to the basics. From breathing techniques and hydration to stepping away for charity work, I’ve been resetting my mind and body in some intentional ways. I talk about learning to slow down, listen to your body, and—most importantly—choose gratitude.

I also share a deeply personal story from a trip to Wisconsin where I worked with other chimney professionals doing charity work for a Christian camp. That experience helped me reconnect with my faith, push through my anxiety, and find new strength in discomfort. It was a reminder that teaching and helping others is not just fulfilling—it’s healing.

Then, we get into something new and fascinating: methylene blue. Yeah, the old textile dye! I learned about it through a Joe Rogan episode, and the potential benefits for brain health, energy, and even autism blew me away. While I'm still digging into the research, I'm cautiously optimistic—and as always, I’ll be the guinea pig before ever considering it for our son.

If you’re navigating stress, feeling overwhelmed, or looking for something new to explore in your journey as a parent, caregiver, or just a human being—this episode is for you.

• When life gets hard, return to the basics: breathing, hydration, rest, and prayer.
• Charity work can be a healing outlet and a way to reconnect with your purpose.
• Learning to forgive yourself is essential for growth—especially as a parent.
• Methylene blue shows early promise for brain health and mitochondrial support—especially relevant for autism.
• Mental Health Awareness Month is a good reminder to focus on wellness so we can show up as our best selves for our families.

If this resonated with you, please share the show with a friend. Visit spectrumincamouflage.com to find links to my content and connect with me.

Have a question, idea, or just need someone to talk to? Email me at tommy@spectrumincamouflage.com.

Let’s learn, grow, and make a difference—one step, one piece of the puzzle, one child at a time.

• We’re on TikTok: tiktok.com/@spectrum_in_camouflage
• Join our Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/4002769846662357
• See us on Instagram: instagram.com/spectrum_in_camouflage

Together, we can create a community to support autistic kids and their families.

If you have questions or ideas or want to share your journey, email me at tommy@spectrumincamouflage.com.

Let’s learn, grow, and make a difference—one step, one piece of the puzzle, one child at a time.

Hey, What's Up! It's Tommy.

This episode of Spectrum in Camouflage gets personal—and real. I open up about the emotional aftermath of a fellow firefighter's funeral, the intensity of grief, and how we’re all just trying to keep going while carrying heavy mental loads. From there, I shift into something that’s been weighing on me even more: the fighting and division within the autism community—especially over recent comments made by RFK Jr.

Look, I get it. Words like “disease” stir deep emotions. As a dad of an autistic son, I’ve felt that sting too. But I also see an opportunity—maybe for hope, research, understanding, and progress. And I want us to stop fighting each other and start listening. We talk about what the word “disease” even means, how it's used inconsistently in English, and why RFK's words—while uncomfortable—might still open doors we desperately need opened.

I get into our personal struggles, the stress on marriages raising high-needs children, and why I believe we need to stop shutting down conversations that might help our kids just because the source is controversial. Whether you agree or disagree, I just ask this: stay open. Stay kind. And let’s work together for the next generation.

Let’s take a breath. Let’s stop fighting. Let’s move forward—with love.

• Grief and mental fatigue are real—and ongoing—in times of personal loss.
• The autism community needs more unity and less judgment.
• RFK Jr.’s controversial comments about autism sparked emotion, but also important conversations.
• The term “disease” in English is complex and inconsistently used.
• Raising a high-needs autistic child brings real stress to families, often straining marriages and emotional well-being.
• Even uncomfortable messengers might carry truths worth hearing—don’t throw away the message because of the messenger.
• We must focus on love, consistency, and showing up—especially when it's hard.
• Let’s build hope and support for this generation and the next.

Visit spectrumincamouflage.com
Email me at tommy@spectrumincamouflage.com

Let’s keep the conversation real and supportive. You’re not alone in this.

• We’re on TikTok: tiktok.com/@spectrum_in_camouflage
• Join our Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/4002769846662357
• See us on Instagram: instagram.com/spectrum_in_camouflage

Together, we can create a community to support autistic kids and their families. If you have questions or ideas or want to share your journey, email me at tommy@spectrumincamouflage.com.

Let’s learn, grow, and make a difference—one step, one piece of the puzzle, one child at a time.

Hey, What’s Up! It’s Tommy.

Thanks for joining me on this episode of Spectrum in Camouflage. Today’s show is a bit heavier than usual, and I want to share something really personal. Our local community lost a brother—a firefighter named John Saunders—someone I’ve known and worked with for nearly a decade. This tragedy shook us deeply, and it's left a weight that’s hard to put into words.

In this episode, I talk through the guilt, grief, and mental load that can come from loss—especially when you feel like you should’ve been there but weren’t. I reflect on what it means to show up for others, even when you're not sure how. I also draw a connection to our journey with our autistic son, Wyatt, and the regrets that can come from decisions we made before we knew what we know now.

I want to be real with you—grief isn’t linear. Whether it’s grieving a loss, a diagnosis, or the feeling that you could’ve done something differently, it takes time. And if you’re in that space right now, you’re not alone. Your pain is valid. Your questions are valid. And your healing matters.

This one’s for John, for his family, for my brothers on the department, and for every parent out there carrying unseen weight.

• Grief and guilt often come together, especially after sudden loss or difficult decisions.
• "Pain shared is pain divided" — reaching out matters more than you think.
• It’s okay to question the past, but we must keep moving forward with hope.
• Stress is relative—what overwhelms one person might not affect another the same way.
• There’s no shame in wanting your child to be as healthy and expressive as possible.
• You’re not alone in wondering “what if?”—especially in the autism parenting journey.
• Your story, your strength, and your healing can help someone else later on.

Visit spectrumincamouflage.com to explore more episodes and resources.

If you want to connect, share your story, or just talk, email me at tommy@spectrumincamouflage.com.

Together, we can create a community to support autistic kids and their families.

Let’s learn, grow, and make a difference—one step, one piece of the puzzle, one child at a time.

• We’re on TikTok: tiktok.com/@spectrum_in_camouflage
• Join our Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/4002769846662357
• See us on Instagram: instagram.com/spectrum_in_camouflage