Hey, What’s Up! It’s Tommy. This week on Spectrum in Camouflage, I’m giving you a heartfelt recap of our Fourth of July Festival, unpacking what it means to serve others—even when it's uncomfortable—and celebrating a huge milestone in Wyatt’s journey.

From volunteering over 115,000 steps’ worth of time (literally!) to some deep thoughts about fulfillment, discomfort, and rebuilding your mental strength, this one’s about doing the hard things—and why they matter. I open up about the emotional and physical toll of running a festival kitchen, what it’s like to feel mentally shaken, and how stepping back into service helped rebuild my confidence.

But the biggest celebration? Wyatt SWAM. On his own. Without his flotation suit. Watching him break through that barrier, dive to the bottom of the pool, and thank us in his own special way—with hugs, kisses, and that sparkle in his eye—was one of the most beautiful moments I’ve ever experienced. It reminded me (and hopefully you) that progress often happens right after we let go of fear.

We also talk about finding comfort in discomfort, committing when it’s hard, and realizing that giving your time can be the greatest gift you ever offer someone else—and yourself.

• Success feels empty without someone to share it with or something to give back to.
• Volunteering pushes you out of your comfort zone—and that's where growth lives.
• Physical and emotional exhaustion doesn't mean you’re done; it might mean you’re building something.
• Giving is like oil in your hands: let it run through you to others.
• Wyatt’s swimming breakthrough shows that even deeply held limitations can be broken with patience, prayer, and courage.
• Mental resilience can be rebuilt—even after deep setbacks.
• Let your child be uncomfortable sometimes—it might lead to a breakthrough.
• Volunteering your time can be more powerful than money.

Want to be part of this mission? Visit spectrumincamouflage.com and share this episode with someone who needs encouragement today. And if you want to connect or share your story, email me at tommy@spectrumincamouflage.com.

Let’s keep fighting the good fight—one kid, one parent, one breakthrough 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 special 4th of July episode, I take you behind the scenes of our small-town festival, an old-school ox roast that’s been going strong for 50 years. I talk about the thousands of pounds of meat we cook, the work our fire department puts in, and the joy it brings to our community. But more than that, I open up about how this tradition helped me move through grief, find purpose again, and stay connected to the people I love—even when times are hard.

You’ll hear a little about how I joined the fire department after the loss of my best friend and how the festival became a healing place for me. I also share some powerful updates on Wyatt, how chiropractic care is helping him, and the small victories we’re seeing that mean the world.

If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, I hope this episode reminds you that something beautiful can come from the hardest things. And that even if you can’t be in a crowd this weekend, you can still make memories, whether it’s watching fireworks from your car or starting a backyard water fight with the kids. Simple joy is still joy.

• Small-town traditions matter. They create space for healing, community, and legacy.
• Hardship can lead to purpose. My journey from grief to joining the fire department is proof.
• Wyatt is progressing! From riding scooters to getting out of the pool calmly, we’re seeing real growth.
• Find the joy where you are. Whether you’re lighting sparklers or pulling out a sprinkler, make it a celebration.
• Remember what the 4th is really about. It’s more than food and fireworks, it’s about freedom and honoring those who made it possible.

Call me old school, but I will never stop being thankful for our veterans, for our freedoms, and for every small moment with our kids. If you're in a hard season, keep going. Something good is waiting for you.

Let’s keep showing up for our families and for each other.

Visit spectrumincamouflage.com
Email me at 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 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 laying it all out on the table about social media, screen time, and the way it’s changing our lives—for better and for worse. From my own late start in the social world (shoutout to MySpace!) to the wild world of TikTok and Facebook, I talk about how we can use these tools wisely—especially as parents, caretakers, and advocates for kids with autism.

I share what I’ve learned about the emotional toll of scrolling, the rise in anxiety and depression linked to screen time, and how easy it is to compare our behind-the-scenes to someone else’s highlight reel. I also talk about my own personal mission to use social media for good—spreading autism awareness, supporting others, and protecting Wyatt’s dignity above all.

Plus, I get into the heart of a tradition I love: our annual Fireman's Festival and 5K for Autism here in Greenwich, Ohio. It’s one of those rare times when real life, real people, and real community show up face-to-face. And it reminds me why this matters so much.

• Social media is powerful—but can quickly lead to anxiety, depression, and comparison traps.
• Face-to-face connection is still king. Get out in your community when you can.
• Protect your kids’ dignity on social media. Especially with autism, we must be careful what we share.
• Use social for good—share encouragement, awareness, and truth, not just polished perfection.
• Sleep matters. Too much screen time, especially blue light before bed, messes with our nervous system and sleep quality.
• Set boundaries: If your phone gives you chest flutters when you misplace it, it might be time to reassess your habits.
• Get outside when you can. Especially in the summer, outdoor play and connection can be a healing reset.

Come visit us at spectrumincamouflage.com or shoot me an email at tommy@spectrumincamouflage.com.

Let’s help each other be strong, stay grounded, and show up with love in this fast-paced, filtered world.

• 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.