Balancing Autism Parenting: Humor & Raw Emotion with Tara Reynolds and Lauren Flack (S6E20)

On this week’s episode: Tara and Lauren are back by popular demand and we’re taking on topics that you sent in. Today we’re talking about finding balance when you have neurotypical and neurodivergent kids. It’s an incredibly emotional conversation filled with lots of tears and laughter. This hit very close to home for all three of us and I hope listening to us share our experiences reminds you that you’re not alone. 

About Tara Reynolds:

A devoted advocate and entrepreneur had a life-altering experience when her son was diagnosed with autism at 18 months. Disappointed by the lack of support on social media, she decided to create a comforting community, sharing her journey and becoming a beacon of hope for other special needs mothers. This led to the inception of Peace Love Autism, an online shop promoting acceptance and love through fashionable products. Her goal is to establish a place where individuals feel recognized, validated, and empowered.

https://www.peaceloveautism.com/

@peace_love_autism

About Lauren Flack:

Lauren Flack is founder of The Channing's Joy Foundation, where she is dedicated to promoting inclusion and acceptance of autism and all individuals with special needs. Her son Channing was diagnosed in 2018.

Channing’s Joy

@channingsjoy

@laurensflack

About Rob Gorski and The Autism Dad podcast:

Rob Gorski is a single Dad to three amazing autistic boys and Found and CEO of The Autism Dad, LLC. Multiple award-winning blogger, podcaster, content creator, social media influencer, and respected public figure for well over a decade.

Connect with Rob Gorski: https://listen.theautismdad.com.

Mentioned in this episode:

Quiet Mind:

Introducing The Original Weighted Pillow by Quiet Mind, an innovative tool for easing anxiety, stress, ADHD, and sensory processing disorder symptoms. This compact alternative to weighted blankets is created by Mikey Goldman, who himself deals with ADHD and anxiety. It's a portable companion, providing an instant calming effect. Unlike large weighted blankets, this soft, easy-to-move pillow won't make you too hot or claustrophobic. Using Deep Pressure Stimulation (DPS), it offers the benefits of weighted blankets in a smaller, portable format, ideal for children with autism, ADHD, or sensory processing disorder. Consider it a stress ball for your body - hold it, hug it, and let your mind relax.

For more information, visit onequietmind.com and use the code “theautismdad” at checkout to save 15%

Social Cipher:

This amazing game follows Ava, an autistic space pirate, as she navigates her way through social challenges, self-doubt, and connecting with her community. Ava is helping kids in over 220 schools and therapy centers across 6 countries build the social emotional skills they need to better navigate everyday life.! 

Visit https://www.socialciphergame.com/ and use the code: theautismdad to get 15% off and start playing today!

Goally:

Goally is a comprehensive app, serving as a digital scheduler, AAC speaker, and token board system. Designed for unique thinkers like autistic and ADHD kids, it helps them master daily routines and therapy without parental reminders, reducing nagging and promoting self-management. Goally can be used on your child's device or an affordable, dedicated device, which we've found more effective in our home.

For more information, you can visit getgoally.com and use the code “theautismdad” to save 10% off your order.