We often talk about the obstacles and setbacks, so let's get some positivity up in this mother! Ali & John totally brag on their daughter and the strides she's made lately, because she's awesome.

Sensory Overload

26 - Areas of Strength

Ali & John talk about being the "complicated friends"... the families who always seem to need extra patience, extra help, or extra understanding.

25 - Complicated Friends

[Apologies for the occasional audio issues, we were sharing microphones]Instagram recs by Christina:@autisticats@omgimatuisticaf@autienelle

24 - Actually Autistic [w/special guest Christina]

We learned a little bit about Williams Syndrome this month, thanks to listener Devra --https://williams-syndrome.org

23 - Just Coastin'

We guested on another podcast! Check us out chewin' the parental fat with Shanna & Laura over at "Big Fat Positive!"https://bigfatpositivepodcast.com/ep-150-sensory-overload/

22 - Growin' Up

No nice way to put it, advocating for your special needs kid is an endurance test. Ali & John tell tales of their seven (and counting) years of advocacy. And paperwork. So much paperwork.

21 - Yeah, Sorry, It's a Marathon

Our daughter is back in physical school... yay? A ray of sunshine as John & Ali give an update on what grade school looks like in a pandemic, and how our autistic child is not only surviving, but thriving.

20 - Too Many Zooms 3D - The Final Chapter?

Got someone in your life that doesn't know the first thing about autism, and not sure how to explain it? Well, friend, let us shoulder your burden! Give them this episode to plug in they earholes, where we try and think of everything we can that might be helpful to them, and in turn, helpful to YOU!

19 - Tips For Civilians

For some good, dark jokes: @ComicJimBruce (big thanks to Jim for our button last week!)Who Shot Ya podcast: https://maximumfun.org/podcasts/who-shot-ya/Buy Nothing: https://buynothingproject.org/find-a-group/Tons of Occupational Therapy Tips and Toys: www.mamaot.comLaminator (Our model is old now but here is how simple and cheap it can be): https://www.target.com/p/scotch-thermal-laminator-with-2-starter-pouches-8-5-34-x-11-34/-/A-14617833#lnk=sametabMask for chewer/lickers: GATA with filter you put inhttps://www.gatapack.com/collections/masks(You can find most of these items at a variety of places online. I’m just trying to do the reduce the amount I spend at Amazon thing.)Silicone Chewable Pencil Toppershttps://www.etsy.com/listing/454979674/silicone-pencil-topper-seamless-silicone?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=Silicone+Chewable+Pencil+Toppers&ref=sr_gallery-1-1&organic_search_click=1&col=1Yoga Ball (No preference on type, just linking one for ease): https://www.target.com/s?searchTerm=yoga+ballPeanut Ballhttps://www.amazon.com/Milliard-Approximately-Exercise-Birthing-Training/dp/B00U0FSX18/ref=sr_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=peanut+ball&qid=1612053590&sr=8-4Trampoline – This is the one we have but there are so many options.https://www.amazon.com/Bounce-Pro-My-First-Trampoline/dp/B01J6RN8RY/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=my+first+trampoline&qid=1612053502&sr=8-3For indoor or smaller spaces, something like this one’s great, too. Just a reminder that kiddos grow fast, so you may want to invest in something that has a higher weight limit.https://www.amazon.com/Trampoline-Adjustable-Handrail-Foldable-Rebounder/dp/B084WQKRFK/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=kids+trampoline&qid=1612053544&sr=8-3Liquid Melatonin – https://www.amazon.com/Svasthya-Melatonin-Natural-Anxiety-ALCOHOL/dp/B00M8PNL56/ref=sr_1_15?dchild=1&keywords=liquid+melatonin&qid=1612053462&sr=8-15Tired Teddies Melatonin, What we used to call “Bedtime Candy” - https://www.amazon.com/Tired-Teddies-Natural-Sleep-Kids/dp/B00CMG4YNY/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=tired+teddies&qid=1612053428&sr=8-1Boo Boo Buddy ice pack - https://www.amazon.com/Boo-Buddy-Reusable-Cold-Pack/dp/B00VVYLG84/ref=sr_1_7?dchild=1&keywords=boo+boo+buddy&qid=1612053663&sr=8-7Do-a-dot markers, helpful for building interest in art when your kiddo is learning how to grip a smaller marker/pencil: https://www.amazon.com/Art-Markers-Rainbow-Washable-Original/dp/B00004W3Y4/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?dchild=1&keywords=dot+markers&qid=1612053698&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExRlhaNENSRTFNUFhWJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwNTI0MTAwMk1PVlc2T0k3N0xPSCZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwNzk4NDEzMks5UTQzU0U3Njg0ViZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=Noise reduction earmuffs – Dr.meterhttps://www.amazon.com/Dr-Meter-EM100-Protective-Earmuffs-Adjustable/dp/B01LWYWH43/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?dchild=1&keywords=noise+reduction+ear+muffs+–+dr.meter&qid=1612053757&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzQkg1MERRU1U4R0lYJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMTAwOTA5MkFLMUpRRTc2RFJKMyZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwMjYxNDc4MUZTTkVFNDkzVkZWViZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=Nighttime Projectors:https://www.target.com/p/smithsonian-planetarium-projector/-/A-52213640#lnk=sametabhttps://www.amazon.com/Ocean-Wave-Projector-Sound-Machine/dp/B0823G1F9S/ref=sr_1_8?crid=16W63XZMZ8GC7&dchild=1&keywords=nighttime%2Bprojector%2Bfor%2Bkids&qid=1612070201&sprefix=nighttime%2Bprojector%2Caps%2C217&sr=8-8&th=1Rainbow Projector:https://www.amazon.com/Uncle-Milton-Rainbow-My-Room/dp/B071NM2M83/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=rainbow+projector&qid=1612070271&sr=8-2Cat Nightlight:https://www.amazon.com/GoLine-Nightlights-Children-Silicone-Birthday/dp/B01DXOYCK8/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?dchild=1&keywords=cat+night+light+for+kids&qid=1612070240&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExSTlPRjcySTBDSVE4JmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMzAyMDY5NVpFWExBSERaWUg3JmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTEwMTY0NjgyUVo0Q0VDRzhFSktYJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==Reading: The Elephant and Piggie Books by Mo Willems – you can easily take turns readingBig Set: https://www.amazon.com/Elephant-Piggie-Complete-Collection-Book/dp/136802131X/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=elephant+and+piggy+series&qid=1612053790&sr=8-1Our favorite of the series: https://www.amazon.com/Waiting-Easy-Elephant-Piggie-Book/dp/142319957X/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=elephant+and+piggy+series+waiting+is+not+easy&qid=1612053819&sr=8-1Calm Down Time – Elizabeth Verdick: https://www.shopthelastbookstore.com/book/9781575423166Best Behavior Serieshttps://www.shopthelastbookstore.com/book/9781575422008Baby Signing Time: https://www.signingtime.com/category/baby-signing-time/Body Sock (Be mindful of size): https://www.amazon.com/SANHO-Premium-Sensory-Updated-Version/dp/B071HFB484/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=3RHHJ7GBNI916&dchild=1&keywords=body+sock+sensory+kids+large&qid=1612070385&sprefix=body+sock%2Caps%2C228&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzQTBBUVJXVjZUSjVaJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwNTM0NTM2MVgyQ1VENFdCSkFNSCZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwNDUwMTU3MTFaU1M5SkhSR0dSQiZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=Kinetic Sandhttps://www.target.com/p/kinetic-sand-folding-sandbox/-/A-52140559#lnk=sametabTherapy Puttyhttps://www.amazon.com/CanDo-TheraPutty-Plus-Anti-Microbial-Green/dp/B006LN4JN4/ref=sr_1_28?dchild=1&keywords=therapy+putty&qid=1612054234&sr=8-28Duck Tape (So many different patterns and colors): https://www.amazon.com/Duck-Brand-241791-Printed-Mermaid/dp/B07BL45C2W/ref=sr_1_9?dchild=1&keywords=duct+tape+colors+and+patterns&pd_rd_r=a008df59-7f86-4a31-8e47-2e3814ca36c2&pd_rd_w=B8hhO&pd_rd_wg=WCO3A&pf_rd_p=9dad86ae-1554-484b-9cc0-f9673b44705e&pf_rd_r=HZ8KCYDWY2T4XD47ZYPX&qid=1612070431&sr=8-9Reading highlighter Stripshttps://www.amazon.com/Highlight-Bookmarks-Dyslexia-Children-Assistant/dp/B07QNSGBJN/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=1MEYUMDXJO2FB&dchild=1&keywords=reading+highlighter+strips+for+children&qid=1612054304&sprefix=reading+highlighter%2Caps%2C210&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUE3SVcxVVc2RjA2SjImZW5jcnlwdGVkSWQ9QTA2NzI3OTczTUU2S0ZUOURHVzFQJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTA5NDI1NjkxODAxRFMwUFVYWUpVJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==Expo Click Dry Erase Markers & Individual Whiteboard – the clickable ones are just a bit more fun, don’t have to track down topshttps://www.target.com/p/6pk-dry-erase-marker-click-fine-tip-multicolor-expo/-/A-78025461#lnk=sametabPretty Pretty Princesshttps://www.target.com/p/classic-pretty-pretty-princess-game/-/A-81784125#lnk=sametabZombie Kidz game:A friendly reminder to try your neighborhood store for a curbside pickup. Here’s one we love in SoCal:http://www.thegameogre.com/whatwesell.htmAnd here it is on Amazon so you can see what we’re talking about:https://www.amazon.com/Scorpion-Masque-ZOMKID-Zombie-Evolution/dp/B07M5BFVP2/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=zombie+kids&qid=1612070640&sr=8-3Tell Tale Fairy Tales – Storytelling, Imagination, Taking Turnshttps://www.amazon.com/Blue-Orange-461-Tell-Tale/dp/B0064EI1KC/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=telltale+game&qid=1612054468&sr=8-1Key Education Photo Conversation Cards for Children with Autismhttps://www.amazon.com/Key-Education-Conversation-Children-Aspergers/dp/1602681309/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=Key+Education+Photo+Conversation+Cards+for+Children+with+Autism&qid=1612054493&sr=8-1Cosmic Kids Yoga (also on YouTube): https://cosmickids.comGoNoodle (also on YouTube): https://www.gonoodle.comVinyl Spot Makers to help with OT and PT goals, make obstacle courses in your house or backyardhttps://www.amazon.com/Ace-Creations-Inch-Vinyl-Markers/dp/B075N6QVKZ/ref=sr_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=vinyl+spot+makers&qid=1612054520&sr=8-4Spinny chair, backless. She loves pink so we got her pink. Flash Furniture Tractor Seat and Chrome Seathttps://www.amazon.com/Flash-Furniture-Vibrant-Tractor-Chrome/dp/B0082LTXOI/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=Flash%2BFurniture%2BTractor%2BSeat%2Band%2BChrome%2BSeat&qid=1612054586&sr=8-2&th=1Weighted blanket – Check the recommendation based on weight and agehttps://www.target.com/p/twin-full-frozen-2-weighted-blanket-disney-store/-/A-76550227#lnk=sametabFidgipodhttps://specialsupplies.com/fidgipod-desktop-spiky-pod?_vsrefdom=adwords&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIw5yC-vvE7gIVMAutBh07kglyEAYYASABEgIRJvD_BwEPop Toobhttps://specialsupplies.com/slinky-pop-toob?_vsrefdom=adwords&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIv_zoqvzE7gIVYgp9Ch0OigRnEAYYASABEgKMHvD_BwEHorse Hopperhttps://www.amazon.com/Hopper-Included-Inflatable-Jumping-Bouncy/dp/B007LX889E/ref=sr_1_15?dchild=1&keywords=rody+horse&qid=1612055117&sr=8-15Bean Bag Chairhttps://www.target.com/p/large-micro-suede-bean-bag-chair-acessentials/-/A-80371186?preselect=79694938#lnk=sametabMelissa and Doug Wooden Puzzleshttps://www.target.com/p/melissa-38-doug-animals-jumbo-knob-wooden-puzzles-set-fish-and-pets-6pc/-/A-51216075#lnk=sametabBumpy Seat Cushionhttps://www.amazon.com/PROMIC-Exercise-Stability-Portable-Cushions/dp/B075KBC35S/ref=sr_1_11?dchild=1&keywords=bumpy+seat&qid=1612069018&sr=8-11They Might Be Giants album “No!” - https://www.theymightbegiants.com/new-page“Bed Bed Bed” book - https://www.amazon.com/Bed-They-Might-Be-Giants/dp/0743250249/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=bed+bed+bed+they+might+be+giants+book&qid=1612069393&sr=8-1Camp Kinneret - https://www.campkinneret.comCalifornia Regional Centers: https://www.dds.ca.gov/RC/(Ask about In Home Supportive Services)Advocates and Attorneys – Some advocates are available through regional centers and other public groups but mostly, they are private pay.Insurance – Go through an insurance broker. Free for you and they can help guide you to the best plan for your family.UCLA KidsConnect (Early Childhood Partial Hospitalization Program): https://www.semel.ucla.edu/ecphpPediatric Minds: https://pediatricminds.com/?gclid=CjwKCAiApNSABhAlEiwANuR9YC3LvwmQZB_CNXO8U3qS0ArSOwhBjJDVjmtn0KF7HARdI_NnZWEIgxoCLXoQAvD_BwESpecial Olympics: https://www.specialolympics.orgTherapists: Please contact your insurance and they can let you know who is in network in your area. Most therapists are doing telehealth these days, so it’s more accessible to special needs parents than ever before.Educational Therapists: https://aetonline.orgFacebook groups – Search “Autism Parents” with your area or town or ask other special needs parents. There are plenty of non-location specific ones, too.

18 - Retail Therapy

Finding Cooper's Voice - https://www.findingcoopersvoice.com

17 - Happy New Year! ... Now We Bum You Out

The Louvre:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louvre_PyramidThe Raft of the Medusa:https://www.louvre.fr/en/oeuvre-notices/raft-medusaThe Young Martyr:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Young_MartyrLuncheon of the Boating Party:https://www.phillipscollection.org/collection/boating-party

16 - The Picture I Love, the Video I Hate

Ali & John are proud to present a couple of Sensory Overload firsts -- our first very special guest on the show, and our first completely family-friendly episode! 100% no cussies! Join us as we give thanks in our own special way.

15 - Why We Fight

Hannah Gadsby's Netflix special, "Douglas" 

14 - World's Worst IEP

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G2BAAYsqTww 

13 - [REDACTED]

Big episode this time around folks, big enough we gots us a table of contents, like.00:00 - What up.01:19 - Mailbag - how much ABA is enough, and when does your kid get to be a kid?24:43 - We talk Back to School.1:02:04 - The funny tag.Laptop camera cover on Amazon:https://www.amazon.com/s?k=laptop+camera+cover+slide&crid=PA3AD3L0Y33U&sprefix=laptop+camera+cover%2Caps%2C218&ref=nb_sb_ss_i_1_19

12 - Too Many Zooms II: Back to School

Welcome to the semi-irreverent adventures of parenting a child with autism! We salute you. And you.