Hey, What’s Up! It’s Tommy. Today, I discuss how holding onto negative thoughts can wear down both your body and mind. The last year brought a lot, from business pressure to parenting through autism to a close friend’s death. That weight showed up in my sleep, patience, focus, and energy. I checked the basics, then ran complete blood work. The results indicated that I am healthy, but I am deeply stressed. That was a relief. It also pushed me to rebuild with gratitude, better inputs, and a mindset shift. I share what chronic stress does to the nervous system, why a single thought can spiral when we attach a story to it, and how simple gratitude work can change our brain chemistry. If you are a parent, caregiver, teacher, or friend in the special needs world, this is for you. You get a chance every morning and a choice every day. I am choosing gratitude.

• Negative thought loops can trigger real physical symptoms. Chronic stress hits hormones, mood, and immunity.
• Naming the real fear matters. For me, it was mortality and the “what happens to my kids if I’m gone” question.
• Check the basics first. Water, food quality, sleep, movement, and helpful reading.
• Data calms fear. Comprehensive blood work showed strong overall health and clear stress markers. That knowledge reset my mindset.
• Gratitude is a tool, not a cliché. It boosts dopamine and serotonin, lowers cortisol, and helps regulate emotions.
• “Kill the monster.” Face the nagging issue you keep avoiding. Take the step you are putting off.
• You may not be the old you. That is okay. Aim to be stronger, wiser, and more resilient than before.
• Routines help. Morning scripture or quiet reading, a few breaths, and a short gratitude check set the tone for the day.
• Caregivers run hot. Your nervous system carries a lot. Give it real recovery, even if it is small and steady.
• Every morning gives a chance. Every day gives a choice. Choose gratitude.

If this episode helped you, share it with another parent or caregiver who needs encouragement today. Visit spectrumincamouflage.com for more episodes and updates. Email me anytime at tommy@spectrumincamouflage.com with questions or topics you want me to cover.

Follow Us!

• We’re on TikTok: tiktok.com/@spectrum_in_camouflage
• Join our Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/4002769846662357
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• Website: spectrumincamouflage.com

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.

Life at our house has been a roller coaster. Some days are tough. Some days feel calm. Lately, I feel hopeful. I used to set deadlines for Wyatt’s progress and fall apart when the date slipped. I do not do that now. I focus on the moment and the next small step. That shift has changed me, and I think it is helping our family. In this episode, I share what is working for us right now: tight home routines, a calmer nervous system, better sleep, and learning to celebrate small, real wins. If you are feeling stuck, I get it. There are more chances to start again than we think. One breath at a time.

• Hope grows when I stop setting deadlines and focus on today.
• Routines help. We eat at set times and keep a steady bedtime during the school year.
• Nervous system care has helped Wyatt sleep and settle. Chiropractic support has been a big part of that for us.
• Small wins matter. Independent bathroom trips. Playing with toys in new ways. More chill, more present.
• Gut health can affect behavior. We saw changes with dairy and gluten out, and by adding probiotics and omega-3s.
• Magnesium helped us with winding down before stressful times or sleep.
• Movement helps. Outside time, sandboxes, scooters, and play burn energy and lower anxiety.
• ABA and early intervention changed a close friend’s story. Getting help early can open doors.
• Some days are still hard. I try to prepare for the future without missing the good that is here now.
• Opportunities are constant. You can choose a new start any moment you decide.

I would love to hear what you are seeing in your home. If you feel stuck, try one simple change you can keep this week. Keep it small. Celebrate it. Then stack another one.

Visit spectrumincamouflage.com for more. Email me at tommy@spectrumincamouflage.com with questions or your story.

• 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.

Life gets busy. Emotions run high. And some days it feels like the tank is empty. Today, I’m sharing what I’m doing to become an energy giver instead of an energy taker. I talk about choosing your circle, checking in on your body, and taking small steps that build real momentum. I open up about tough months, why September’s Suicide Prevention Month matters, and how faith, family, and community keep me moving forward. If you’re in the trenches with autism parenting or your own mental health, I’m right here with you.

• Energy is a choice you practice daily. Hydration, sleep, and simple movement lift mood and steady your day.
• Your circle matters. You become the average of your five closest people, so spend time with those who lift you up.
• Self-reflection beats blame. You can’t change others. You can change your habits, your inputs, and your response.
• Mental health needs a physical plan. Walk, stretch, or do a few pushups. Small steps count when life is heavy.
• Food is fuel for mood. Aim for protein-forward choices, steady water intake, and fewer late-night sugars or drinks.
• Create safe spaces. We built our backyard to give our family a place where our son can play and we can breathe.
• Get medical clarity when needed. Bloodwork can show mineral or hormone gaps that affect energy and focus.
• Give from a full cup. You have to have joy to spread joy. Make time for what restores you, even if it’s 10 quiet minutes.
• September is Suicide Prevention Month. Community, honest talk, and early help save lives.
• Faith anchors the hard days. I trust God to lead me through, and I’m learning to be grateful in small things.

If this helped you, share it with a friend who needs a lift today. Tell me what part landed with you, or what you’re trying this week to rebuild your energy. Visit spectrumincamouflage.com to connect with me and the community.

Contact Information
Questions, ideas, or your story to share: tommy@spectrumincamouflage.com

• 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, ideas, or would like to share your journey, please 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 I’m taking on something a little heavier than usual. I’ve been seeing a lot of noise online about comments from Donald Trump and RFK regarding autism. These statements have stirred up plenty of emotions, but instead of letting anger run wild, I want to slow things down, share my perspective as a dad of an amazing nonverbal autistic son, and talk about what’s really at the heart of all this.

This isn’t about politics for me. It’s about our kids. Words like “horror show” might sound harsh, but when you’ve seen the struggles that so many families face, from self-harm to safety risks to lifelong care, you understand that what they’re describing is the reality for some parents. My hope is that we as a community can stop fighting with each other long enough to focus on what matters: finding answers, demanding better awareness, and building hope for the next generation.

I don’t want to create fear. I want to create forward motion. So let’s unpack the controversy, the numbers, and the personal reality, because if speaking out leads to change that saves even one family from the struggles we’ve lived, it’s worth it.

• Why Trump and RFK’s comments about autism sparked such strong reactions.
• My perspective as a father of a nonverbal autistic child.
• The reality that “horror” describes the struggle, not our kids.
• Autism rates are rising fast, with concerning differences around the world.
• Why we need to focus less on offense and more on solutions for the next generation.
• The balance between protecting our children’s dignity and speaking openly about challenges.
• Why hope and proactive health choices matter more than political fights.

If you’ve been touched by what I shared today, I’d love to hear from you. Reach out at tommy@spectrumincamouflage.com and let’s talk. And please share the show so we can keep building awareness and hope for families like ours.

• 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
• Spectrum in Camouflage Website

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 I’m joined by my wife, Kailee. We recorded on the last night of summer break. We looked back on a calm and hopeful season at home, two new Great Pyrenees puppies, and how we plan to handle back to school. We share wins from the pool to the backyard and talk about why boundaries, simple routines, and steady love matter so much in our house.

We also open up about Wyatt’s summer progress. Sleep has been more consistent. Safety is improving. Meltdowns feel lighter. Kailee talks about the shows that keep her going. I explain how we use pediatric chiropractic and why we chose a flexible homeschool path this year. You are the CEO of your family. You get to make the call.

• Two Great Pyrenees puppies changed our rhythm and helped with safety and comfort.
• Better sleep led to calmer mornings and stronger days for everyone.
• Consistency and clear boundaries made home feel safer and easier to manage.
• Pediatric chiropractic has supported regulation and steady gains.
• Homeschooling gives us space to learn life skills and protect peace.
• Less can be more with therapies, especially during busy seasons.
• Door safety and yard freedom are big growth markers for elopement risk.
• Community helps, from encouraging podcasts to local support.
• Hope grows when we notice small wins and keep going.
• Parents lead the team at home, so trust your judgement and your pace.

• Experience Miracles Podcast with Dr. Tony Ebel, Episode 131, Five Daily Habits to Help Autism Parents Stay Strong
• Our First Rodeo Podcast
• PX Docs directory for pediatric chiropractic providers
• Maximum Potential Chiropractic, Medina and Westlake, Ohio

If this episode encouraged you, please share it with a friend who needs to feel less alone. Visit spectrumincamouflage.com for more episodes and updates.

You can reach me at tommy@spectrumincamouflage.com. I read every message and I am grateful for your stories and questions. Follow Us!

• 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 is a milestone for me, our 52nd episode! I recorded this one right down to the wire, but it’s special because it marks a full year of Spectrum in Camouflage. Over the past year, I’ve shared the highs, the lows, and everything in between—both in our family’s autism journey and in my own walk through mental strength and faith.

I talk candidly about the moments of self-doubt that almost made me question continuing, and the timely encouragement from others that reminded me this podcast started as a calling from God. This isn’t about money or metrics; it’s about connection, community, and sharing hope with parents, caregivers, and anyone walking alongside someone with autism.

I also share some exciting ideas for the future, including bringing my wife Kailee on the show more often, exploring a possible second podcast focused on men’s mental health, and continuing to feature guests like Dr. Matt from Maximum Potential and other voices in the autism and special needs space.

Most importantly, I reflect on the gift of today—realizing that the season we’re in right now, with our kids at home, might just be the best time of our lives.

• One Year In: Gratitude for 52 episodes and the community that’s grown around this show.
• Faith and Calling: How God’s direction and encouragement from others keep this mission alive.
• Overcoming Doubt: The “what am I doing?” moments and learning to see the impact beyond numbers.
• Family Direction: Plans to include Kailee more in future episodes for fresh perspective and shared storytelling.
• Men’s Mental Health: Potential new project to help men fortify themselves beyond “the shell.”
• Guest Highlights: Updates on future episodes with Dr. Matt, and hopes to connect with other advocates like Chris, the autism dad.
• Living in the Now: A reminder to find joy in the current season of life instead of only focusing on the future.

Thank you for being part of this year-long journey. Whether you’ve listened once or to every episode, your support means more than you know. If you have feedback or want to cheer Kailee on to join the show more, message me on social media or email tommy@spectrumincamouflage.com.

• 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
• Spectrum in Camouflage Website: spectrumincamouflage.com

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 special episode, I’m joined by my incredible wife, Kailee, and we’re sitting down—way past our bedtime—to reflect on one full year of Spectrum in Camouflage. That’s 51 episodes straight! We talk about what this podcast has meant to us, how it's shaped our marriage, and the big changes we’ve seen in Wyatt’s journey this past year. Kailee also shares what it was like speaking at a recent Maximum Potential event and why our mission to support Wyatt’s health is about progress, not "fixing" him.

We cover a lot in this one: from Scooby-Doo nights to neurologically focused chiropractic care, from burnout to discipline, and everything in between. If you’ve ever felt like you're the only one up at 2 a.m. with questions, this one’s for you.

• One year of podcasting: What it’s taken to show up every week—and why it matters.
• Marriage & mindset: How this podcast journey has helped us grow as a couple.
• Wyatt’s growth: From regression to breakthrough moments, like bringing me a tape measure and saying “on” for the first time in a long time.
• The power of PX Docs: Why neurologically focused chiropractic care is different and how it’s changing Wyatt’s health.
• Fixing vs. optimizing: Why we believe seeking optimal health is not about changing who Wyatt is—it’s about unlocking what’s already there.
• Mom's perspective matters: Kailee opens up about emotional moments, daily discipline, and what keeps her going.
• The little wins count big: From pushing Mom on a swing to early morning light switch battles, everything tells a story.

If this episode gave you something to think about or made you feel seen, I’d love to hear from you. Share it with a friend, a tired parent, or someone walking a similar path. We're all in this together. Visit spectrumincamouflage.com for show notes and more, and email me at tommy@spectrumincamouflage.com if you want to talk, ask a question, or just need someone to say, "Yep, I've been there too."

• 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
• Website: SpectrumInCamouflage.com

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 is all about reflection. I’m looking back over the past year—where I was, where I am now, and how far we've come as a family. When I started this podcast, I didn’t know where it would go or if it would go anywhere. Now, we’re nearly one year in, and the growth—not just in Wyatt, but in all of us—is something I’m incredibly thankful for.

Last summer was hard. There were meltdowns, isolation, and moments that tested every ounce of patience and hope. This summer? Wyatt is laughing, playing in the pool with cousins, and jumping in with both feet—literally and figuratively. And while life still has its ups and downs (sometimes day to day), the breakthroughs are real. You can feel the shift.

I talk about what’s changed, what we’ve learned, and why it’s so important to document your journey. Whether through a podcast, a journal, or just some quick notes, you’ll be surprised by the progress you might miss otherwise. There’s no magic fix—but there is hope, there is faith, and there’s power in not giving up.

If this is your first time here, welcome. If you’ve been along for the ride, thank you. Let’s keep going—together.

• Looking back shows just how far you’ve come.
• Wyatt’s growth this summer is a night-and-day difference from last year.
• The ups and downs of healing can now happen daily—but that’s part of the breakthrough.
• Prayer, faith, and not putting God in a box continue to guide our journey.
• Opening up emotionally, especially as a man, can be freeing and powerful.
• Encouragement and gratitude toward your partner are vital—shoutout to my amazing wife, Kaylee.
• Life is still busy and imperfect, but we’re learning to live in the moment.
• You don’t need a podcast—start a journal. It helps you see the change.
• Celebrate every step forward, even the microscopic ones.
• Thankful for the hard times—they built the strength we walk in now.

If this episode encouraged you, challenged you, or made you feel less alone—stick around. I’ve got more coming.
Visit spectrumincamouflage.com for more episodes and resources. Email me any time 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, ideas, or want to share your journey, email me at tommy@spectrumincamouflage.com.