In this enlightening episode, Rob Gorski sits down with Jan Gioia, a dedicated meditation teacher and the founder of WeeMeditate. With a background in special education and extensive experience teaching meditation to children of all abilities, Jan shares her insights on how meditation can benefit neurodivergent kids. She discusses the misconceptions around meditation, practical tips for introducing it to children, and the unique features of her inclusive meditation platform, WeeMeditate.

Key Topics Discussed:

- Common challenges parents face in helping their neurodivergent children self-regulate

- The benefits of meditation for children, including emotional regulation, reduced anxiety, and improved concentration

- Practical tips for introducing meditation to children who are fidgety or have difficulty sitting still

- The importance of making meditation accessible and representative for all children

- Overview of WeeMeditate, a meditation platform designed for children of all abilities, featuring guided story meditations and character inclusivity

- How parents can incorporate meditation into their children's daily routines

Resources Mentioned:

- WeeMeditate: https://weemeditate.com

- Dragon's Meditation Club Newsletter: Free monthly meditations for parents and children available at https://weeMeditate.com

Guest Bio:

Jan Gioia is a dedicated meditation teacher with a master's degree in special education. She has extensive experience teaching meditation to children from preschool to high school, including those with autism and various disabilities. Jan is the creator of WeeMeditate, an inclusive meditation platform designed to be accessible and representative of all children. Through her work, Jan aims to make meditation a practical and beneficial practice for neurodivergent kids and their families.

About Rob Gorski and The Autism Dad podcast:

Rob Gorski is a single Dad to three amazing autistic boys and the Founder and CEO of The Autism Dad, LLC. Multiple award-winning blogger, podcaster, content creator, social media influencer, and respected public figure for the last 15 years.

Connect with Rob: theautismdad.link

Mentioned in this episode:

Learn More: Mightier

Mightier is a biofeedback-based video game platform that teaches kids to self-regulate emotionally. This leads to a significant reduction in meltdowns and parental stress. It's backed by science and has helped over 100,000 kids learn to regulate their emotions. For more information, the latest reviews/updates as well as current discount codes, visit theautismdad.com/mightier. Read My Mightier Review and the code “theautismdad22” to save 10% off your order.

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Zaneta Barton, a mother of six, shares her journey as a parent of a child with autism and her pursuit of a degree in deaf communication. She discusses the challenges of accepting the diagnosis and the impact on her family. The conversation also touches on the dynamics of a large family and the importance of self-care. The conversation covers the challenges of burnout, self-care, and the transition to adulthood for children with special needs. Zaneta and Rob share their experiences and insights, emphasizing the importance of self-care and the complexities of parenting children with special needs as they transition into adulthood.

About Rob Gorski and The Autism Dad podcast:

Rob Gorski is a single Dad to three amazing autistic boys and the Founder and CEO of The Autism Dad, LLC. Multiple award-winning blogger, podcaster, content creator, social media influencer, and respected public figure for the last 15 years.

Connect with Rob: theautismdad.link

Mentioned in this episode:

Learn More: Goally

The Goally tablet is focused on fostering independence in kids without the distractions of ads, social media, or potentially harmful content. Unlike Kindle and iPad tablets, Goally's Tablet exclusively features educational apps like Khan Academy, Duolingo ABC, and Starfall, and is entirely controlled by parents. Goally's Kids Calendar helps kids with things like task management. Kids also learn life skills through video classes and pre-made routines, enhancing their independence. For more information, you can visit getgoally.com and use the code “theautismdad” to save 10% off your order.

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Learn More About Super Duper Publications

Hello, parents and educators! Enhance your child's learning with Super Duper Publications! Our tools, designed by experts in speech-language and occupational therapy, include engaging games, books, and card decks perfect for any time, anywhere learning. With options for hands-on and digital learning, plus hundreds of free resources, we cater to all children, including those with diverse needs. Dive into fun and effective education at superduperinc.com and use the code "theautismdad10" to save 10%.

Visit Super Duper Publications

In this episode, Rob Gorski is joined by Amber Arrington from Autism Savvy. They delve into the topic of Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), an often misunderstood profile within the autism spectrum. Amber shares her personal experiences as a mother of three autistic children, including a daughter who exhibits PDA traits. The discussion covers the challenges of navigating PDA, strategies for support, and the importance of educating both parents and educators.

Takeaways

• Pathological demand avoidance (PDA) is a profile of autism that is not officially recognized in the United States but is more widely recognized in the UK and Australia.
• Children with PDA exhibit a persistent drive for autonomy and have strong reactions to perceived demands, often responding with resistance or refusal.
• Parents of children with PDA face challenges in navigating educational settings and advocating for accommodations.
• Learning and understanding PDA can help parents develop strategies to support their children and create a more inclusive environment.

Guest Bio:

Amber Arrington is the founder of Autism Savvy, where she supports parents navigating new autism diagnoses for their children. With over 20 years of experience and as a mother of three autistic children, Amber offers a unique perspective on the challenges and strategies involved in raising autistic kids. Her work focuses on empowering parents with knowledge and resources, especially in the critical early stages of diagnosis.

Connect with Amber at https://autismsavvy.com

About Rob Gorski and The Autism Dad podcast:

Rob Gorski is a single Dad to three amazing autistic boys and the Founder and CEO of The Autism Dad, LLC. Multiple award-winning blogger, podcaster, content creator, social media influencer, and respected public figure for the last 15 years.

Connect with Rob: theautismdad.link

Mentioned in this episode:

Learn More About Wishes and Co Travel Planning

Stephanie Peters and Shelby Knopp co-own Wishes and Co Travel Planning, specializing in special needs travel. They provide resources and support for families with special needs children, including social stories, visual schedules, and personalized accommodation and activity recommendations. Their goal is to make travel accessible and enjoyable for all families. They work with various budgets, plan vacations year-round, and offer complimentary services, dedicated to creating lasting memories for families.

Visit Wishes and Co Travel Planning

Learn more about ABLEnow

ABLEnow – tax-advantaged savings accounts for eligible individuals with disabilities. Learn if you, or someone you know, is eligible to open an ABLEnow account at ABLEnow.com.

ABLEnow

Learn More About Super Duper Publications

Hello, parents and educators! Enhance your child's learning with Super Duper Publications! Our tools, designed by experts in speech-language and occupational therapy, include engaging games, books, and card decks perfect for any time, anywhere learning. With options for hands-on and digital learning, plus hundreds of free resources, we cater to all children, including those with diverse needs. Dive into fun and effective education at superduperinc.com and use the code "theautismdad10" to save 10%.

Visit Super Duper Publications