Welcome to Episode 203 of Autism Parenting Secrets.

This week, we’re focusing on the transformative power of JOYFUL interactions with children on the autism spectrum.

Our guest is Becky Damgaard, a senior Son-Rise Program teacher at the Autism Treatment Center of America.

With over two decades of experience working with children on the autism spectrum, Becky shares invaluable insights about the underestimated power of play.

In this discussion, we explore how simple, everyday interactions can significantly impact the lives of children with special needs.

From the importance of face-making and physical play to the benefits of joining and paying attention to "green light" moments, Becky emphasizes how play isn’t just fun but a vital element in developing communication skills, cognitive abilities, and social connections.

If you’re looking to deepen your connection with your child and understand how to be their greatest resource, this episode is a treasure trove of wisdom.

Stay tuned as we dive into these playful secrets that promise not only to enhance engagement but also to enrich relationships.

The secret this week is …

PLAY Is The Way

You'll Discover:

• Why PLAY Is The Gateway (5:13)
• The Backstory of The Autism Treatment Center of America (8:38)
• What Is IAS And Why You Want To Lengthen It (11:05)
• Ways To Forge A Deeper Connection With Your Child (18:48)
• How To Be ENTERTAINING (24:12)
• The Power Of The Three “E”s (31:27)
• Small Yet Powerful Shifts A Parent Can Make (36:41)
• A One-Of-A-Kind Weeklong Experience (39:41)

About Our Guest:

Becky Damgaard is a Senior Son-Rise Program Teacher at the Autism Treatment Center of America. Her passion for supporting children with special needs began in an elementary school classroom, where she witnessed the misunderstood challenges faced by children on the autism spectrum. Recognizing the need for a child-centered approach, she joined the Autism Treatment Center of America®, relocating from the UK to pursue her calling. For the past two decades, Becky has dedicated herself to teaching The Son-Rise Program, working directly with over 700 individual children, and supporting thousands of families worldwide in individual and group settings. Her unwavering commitment and personalized approach have helped these children reach their true potential. Becky describes her work as her life's mission, and her efforts continue to inspire and bring hope to those she serves.

https://autismtreatmentcenter.org/

References in The Episode:

• The Son-Rise Program Start-Up

Additional Resources:

• Take The Quiz: What’s YOUR Top Autism Parenting Blindspot?
• To learn more about Cass & Len, visit us at www.autismparentingsecrets.com
• Be sure to follow Cass & Len on Instagram

If you enjoyed this episode, share it with your friends.

Welcome to Episode 202 of Autism Parenting Secrets.

This week, we focus on the incredibly important topic of water safety for kids on the autism spectrum, as they are 160 times more likely to drown than neurotypical kids.

We’re joined by Dayna Harvey, a Water Safety Expert who educates and empowers parents with information, strategies, and hands-on tools to keep their children safer in and around water.

She is also a swimming lesson teacher who teaches children the skills they need to save their lives.

Her mission to eradicate drowning has intensified as drowning continues to be the #1 cause of accidental death in children under 5.

The secret this week is

Take WATER SAFETY Seriously

You'll Discover:

• The Shocking Rate of Drowning for Kids on the Autism Spectrum (4:00)
• Why Swimming Lessons Aren’t Enough (6:56)
• The WATCHING Initiative (8:57)
• Why Supervision Isn’t Enough (11:47)
• The Biggest Distraction For Parents (14:49)
• Why EVERYBODY In Your Circle Needs To Be Vigilant (17:24)
• The Limitations of Life Jackets (21:59)
• Not Knowing Is Not OK (27:22)

About Our Guest:

Dayna Harvey is a Water Safety Expert (educating and empowering parents with information, strategies, and hands-on tools to keep their children safer in and around water), and she is a swimming lesson teacher (instructing children in the skills they need to save their lives). Dayna was first certified in 1988 and she has been impacting families ever since. The mission to eradicate drowning has intensified as drowning continues to be the #1 cause of accidental death in children under 5. Dayna and the Waiting Whale kids have created The WATCHING Initiative and The Waiting Whale - Water Safety Kit, important tools for parents to have in their homes as they teach their children "Where there is water, I will WAIT!"

watersafetywithmissdayna.com

www.facebook.com/WaterSafetyWithMissDayna/about

References in The Episode:

• Autism Swim
• “The Reason I Jump” Audiobook

Additional Resources:

• Take The Quiz: What’s YOUR Top Autism Parenting Blindspot?
• To learn more about Cass & Len, visit us at www.autismparentingsecrets.com
• Be sure to follow Cass & Len on Instagram

If you enjoyed this episode, share it with your friends.

Welcome to Episode 201 of Autism Parenting Secrets.

Today we’re talking about the transformative power of food for you and especially your child.

And we’re joined by someone who was a very early guide for us in helping us see the path forward.

Julie Matthews is a Certified Nutrition Consultant and published researcher specializing in personalized nutrition for complex neurological conditions, particularly autism spectrum disorder and ADHD for over 20 years.

She received her master’s degree in medical nutrition, with distinction, from Arizona State University.

She’s the author of the award-winning book Nourishing Hope for Autism and co-author of two research studies demonstrating the efficacy of nutrition and therapeutic diet intervention for autism.

Julie supports clinicians and families from around the world with her nutrition programs and professional training courses.

And she’s here today to share why food matters more than you think.

The secret this week is…

Science Supports DIET CHANGES

You'll Discover:

• Items To Eliminate Now (6:47)
• The Problem With MSG (8:25)
• Gluten-Free Items To Be Wary Of (14:48)
• Why It’s Never Too Late To Start (20:24)
• Surprising Facts About Diet Changes (23:01)
• A Little Known Diet With Surprising Efficacy (25:11)
• The Power of Bioindividualization (39:03)

About Our Guest:

Julie Matthews, MS, is a Certified Nutrition Consultant and published researcher specializing in personalized nutrition for complex neurological conditions, particularly autism spectrum disorder and ADHD for over 20 years. She received her master’s degree in medical nutrition, with distinction, from Arizona State University. She is the author of the award-winning book Nourishing Hope for Autism and co-author of two research studies demonstrating the efficacy of nutrition and therapeutic diet intervention for autism. Julie supports clinicians and families from around the world with her nutrition programs and professional training courses.

nourishinghope.com

References in The Episode:

• Julie’s Step-by-Step Nutrition Program for Parents
• Julie’s Free “What the Science Says” Report
• Ratings of the Effectiveness of 13 Therapeutic Diets for Autism Spectrum Disorder: Results of a National Survey
• Comprehensive Nutritional and Dietary Intervention for Autism Spectrum Disorder—A Randomized, Controlled 12-Month Trial

Additional Resources:

• Take The Quiz: What’s YOUR Top Autism Parenting Blindspot?
• To learn more about Cass & Len, visit us at www.autismparentingsecrets.com
• Be sure to follow Cass & Len on Instagram

If you enjoyed this episode, share it with your friends.