Today I have with me Sue Day. Sue Day is the founder of Pathways Forward Coaching. Sue has helped many manage busy lives and has found pathways to help individuals when they get overwhelmed, stuck, or in shut-down mode. In Sue's Day's book, ADHD Brilliance, A Journey Into Your Extraordinary Brain, she explains that quirky and different often equals brilliant and magnificent. Sue offers programs that will equip people with toolboxes that help individuals discover their strengths and ADHD superpowers, map short and long-term goals, and build personal support systems. Check her out everyone!

https://pathwaysforwardcoaching.com/

This episode not only dives into what is happening inside the brain of someone on the spectrum who is having a meltdown, but give tips and tricks on how to navigate through the rough times. I help parents understand that the only way through a meltdown, is through it. We must walk with our children when they have a meltdown, not behind or ahead of them.

Do I have a treat for you today! Ms. Kathy Rodriguez, founder of the nonprofit, Safe Stage Spacing, talks to me about the amazing services she offers to those on the spectrum and their families. We all know that going to the doctor, moving out of one's home, or even getting a hair cut, can be sensory overload for someone with autism. No worries though. She will build the space/set so that the child (or adult) can experience a realistic "visit" before the real thing. It is truly amazing!

I would like to introduce you to Ms. Kimberley Cox, Indianapolis, IN native, the mother of two beautiful children, one who happens to be on the autism spectrum, and the creator of the NeuroCircus, a nonprofit that Ms. Cox is trying to build that will provide resources for autism families. The unimaginable tragedy that Ms. Cox has endured is one that will break your heart for her family, but you will also see the dire need of resources that will help a family in need of help. She is one strong lady.

Today, Kadin McElwain is in the house! Kadin and I had the absolute best conversation about making friends when someone is on the autism spectrum, how adults can be their child's biggest advocate, and honestly, about the future of humanity as a whole. Kadin is an autism advocate and when the naysayers said, no, I don't think you can do that, well, he did. Enjoy hearing from an exceptional human being that is breaking down barriers, just like my Sam.

After listening to Sam's podcast episode #103, My Way or the Highway, Autism Rocks and Rolls, listen to this companion episode, but from a parent's perspective. In this episode, we talk to the one and only, Sam Mitchell! He and I talk about how our family helped Sam understand, "my way or the highway," wasn't always the answer.

After you listen to Sam's episode, 102:Honesty vs. Bluntness, on his podcast, Autism Rocks and Rolls, check out this episode. My episode aligns with Sam's in that I talk about the challenges for parents when it comes to differentiating and teaching their children the difference between being honest, but not rudely blunt. There is often no middle ground with those on the spectrum and teaching the difference between appropriate and inappropriate can be tough.

Meet me, Gina Mitchell. I am the proud mama of Sam Mitchell, podcaster from Autism Rocks and Rolls. I tell the story of how Autism Rocks and Rolls Corporation came about and how this podcast, It's OK, came to fruition. Parents with children on the autism spectrum, listen on! Join me in celebrating our children and understanding that success comes in all shapes and sizes.