Episode 26 - Mentorship - Alex Blaze founded Optimum Support Services where he and his team of 17 support staff focus on providing high-quality mentorship for autistic children. Alex has spent a significant amount of time with families and sees the positive impact mentorship makes on children's lives.
Alex shares these experiences and answers the questions that have come through from the Postive Action Autism ADHD Group on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/groups/900624195016479 - My child really struggles with confidence, how can a support worker become more of a mentor and help with this?
- How can I tell if a support worker is going to make a good mentor for my child?
- Do parents in general know about peer mentoring from autistic adults as a viable option / would they consider this?
Links from this episode:
Optimum Support Services: https://www.optimumservices.com.au/
The PAAA Pod is brought to you by the Spectrum Success Network, an educational and community building platform for families with autistic children.
https://spectrumsuccessnetwork.com.au/
Episode 25 - Pathways for Musical Talent - Aspy Jones is an autistic musician, songwriter and member of the sibling band Favourite Kid. He has joined us to share his own experience as an autistic musician and answer the many incredible questions that have come in from the Positive Action Autism ADHD group on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/groups/900624195016479
The questions are:
- I recognise my child excels at guitar. I am not musical at all, so how can I best support him to continue learning and progressing with guitar?
- My child has a clear interst in music, any tips to help identify if there is a special talent in a particular instrument?
- My son drums but suffers from stage fright due to anxiety and sensory overload in an orchestra. How does he continue?
- Are you familiar with music therapy as a form of capacity building / skill building support? If you are, what outcomes would we likely see?
- My child is clearly very gifted in music but won't consider lessons due to anxiety. How can I help foster this talent?
- Should I ask my child if they want any encouragement in the first place and if so, what might that be?
Links from this episode:
Little Black Book of Rock
Favourite Kid YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfEzg-K6zSiet3e364t3zFQ
Instagram: @aspyjpnes_ and @favouritekidmusic
The PAAA Pod is brought to you by the Spectrum Success Network - an educational and community building platform for families with autistic children. www.spectrumsuccessnetwork.com.au
Episode 24 - Post High School for Teens with Intellectual Disability - Kathy Harris founded CampusLife to fill the gap she saw when her own son was finishing high school.
Kathy shares her own experiences and answers the questions that have come in from the Postive Action Autism ADHD Group on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/900624195016479
The questions Kathy answers are:
- What education options are there post high school, to help my child continuing learning?
- If my child isn't able to work or do further study, what other options are there?
Links from this episode are:
CampusLife: https://inclusivesupports.com.au/index.html
The PAAA Pod is brought to you by the Spectrum Success Network - an educational and community building platform for families with autistic children.
https://spectrumsuccessnetwork.com.au/
Episode 23 - NDIS Updates - Kate Read from Inspires&Co joins us to share her insights to the NDIS Updates.
In March 2024, the Australian Gov't introduced changes to the NDIS Act 2013 through the National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Getting the NDIS Back on Track No 1) Bill 2024, based on key recommendations of the NDIS review, to make the NDIS better for participants.
The Bill passed the Australian Parliament on August 22, 2024.
Kate Read shares her insights on what we can expect as the changes are rolled out later on this year.
Links from this episode:
Inspires&Co: https://www.inspiresandco.com.au
Australian Gov't: dss.gov.au
The PAAA Pod is brought to you by the Spectrum Success Network - an educational and community building platform for families with autistic children.
www.spectrumsuccessnetwork.com.au
Parents can join the Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/927674128832584
Episode 22 - Child Safety - Valli Slater is the founder of the charity Sacred Justice and is joinging us to share her lived experience with her daughter who is non-speaking autistic and sexual abuse. Her research post sexual abuse is what led her to begin Sacred Justice. Valli also all of the questions that have come through from the Positive Action Autism ADHD group on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/share/szLTvw5uNXi4sR1r/
The questions are:
- What should I look for in an STA providers to feel secure my child will be safe?
- How can I help teach stranger danger to my child who has none?
- What steps can I take to ensure my child is safe at school?
- Can you recommend anything to assist my tennager to navigate healthy friendships?
Links from this episode: https://sacredjustice.org.au/
https://attwoodandgarnettevents.com/sexuality-education-for-teenagers-with-aspergers-syndrome/
https://www.research.chop.edu/car-autism-roadmap/sexuality-instruction-for-tweens-teens-and-young-adults
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9915282/
The PAAA Pod is brought to you by the Spectrum Success Network - an educational and community building platform for families with autistic children.
www.spectrumsuccessnetwork.com.au
Episode 21 - Planning for Peace of Mind - Manny Mezzasalma founder of EJM Advice joins us to offer his advice and answer the questions that have come through from the Positive Action Autism ADHD Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/900624195016479 on the topic of Planning for Peace of Mind.
Manny answers the following questions:
- What does the process look like for getting this security in place for my child?
- What if I'm struggling to secure my own future, how can I plan for my child's?
- How does a disability pension work? Is there anything we should know that isn't often spoken about?
Manny also shares what some of the risks are, if parents don't take steps to plan for their children's future.
Links from this episode:
EJM Advice: www.ejmadvice.com.au
You can email Manny at m.mezzasalma@ejmadvice.com.au
The PAAA Pod is brought to you by the Spectrum Success Network - an educational and community building platform for families with autistic children.
www.spectrumsuccessnetwork.com.au
Access this community on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/927674128832584
Episode 20 - Physiotherapy - Kristy Petrie from Adaptability Therapy joins us answer all of the questions that have come through the Positive Action Autism ADHD Group on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/900624195016479 on the topic of Physiotherapy.
Kristy answers the following questions:
- What does the role of Physiotherapy play in supporting people with Autism and ADHD?
- What are the early signs that indicate we should see a paediatic physio?
- What reports and inclusions can a phyiotherapist provide for NDIS purposes?
You can find Kristy at Adaptability Therapy: https://www.adaptabilitytherapy.com.au/
The PAAA Pod is brought to you by the Spectrum Success Network, an educational and community building platform for families with autistic children.
www.spectrumsuccessnetwork.com.au
Parent can join the Spectrum Success Network for more free resources here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/927674128832584
Episode 19 - Independent Living - Jarrad Hills, founder of Ability Homes Australia joins us to share his lived experience with his sister who has level 3 Autism and why he started Ability Homes Australia. Jarrad also answers all of the questions that have come through from the Positive Action Autism ADHD Group on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/900624195016479/
- What are some independent living options you see for autistic young adults?
- What are the first steps we need to take if we want our young adult child to live independently?
- What supports are available to support the transition to idependent living, assuming they will be able to, just aren't ready yet?
Links form this episode:
www.ahau.com.au
PAAA Pod is brought to you by the Spectrum Success Network - an educational and community building platform for families with autistic children.
www.spectrumsuccessnetwork.com.au
Episode 18 - Pathways to Higher Education - Will Wheeler, founder of Neurodiversity Academy answers all of our questions from the Positive Action Autism ADHD Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/900624195016479/ on the topic of Pathways to Higher Education.
The questions are:
- What are some of the pathways that you see, post secondary school that we may not be aware of?
- My child is really struggling with secondary school, are there any alternative options that we can start looking at now?
- What supports are availbale at University?
- What are some other alternative further education options, other than University or TAFE?
- What does a neuro-inclusive higher education provider look like?
- Why should a higher education provider have a Nuerodiversity coordinator / representative?
- What are the current problems regarding neurodivergent students in higher education?
- Bonus question... what are three things we can ask an education provider, to gauge how well my child will be supported?
PAAA Pod is hosted and produced by Lindsay Keating and is brought to you by the Spectrum Success Network - an educational and community building platform for families with autistic children. www.spectrumsuccessnetwork.com.au
Episode 17 - Mum & Son Success Story - Aimee and Tyler Maynard share their experience with receiving the diagnosis, navigating school refusal, alternative pathways to education, offer tips to help other children be successful and celebrate Tyler's recent success as he embarks on university, studying to be a lawyer.
Questions that have come through from the Positive Action Autism ADHD Group on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/900624195016479/ are:
- When did Tyler first understand that he was autistic and did that experience look like?
- What have you found to be most supportive on your journey, both Aimee and Tyler?
- What tips do you have for transitioning into secondary school?
The PAAA Pod is brought to you the Spectrum Success Network - an educational and community building platform for families with autistic children.
www.spectrumsuccessnetwork.com.au
Also by Nature Moves - delivering school holiday camps for autistic children in SE QLD.
www.naturemoves.com.au
Episode 16 - Autistic Thriving - Alexandra Johnston shares her own lived experience as a late diagnosed autistic woman at the age of 49, which led her to a PhD and is now a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Autism Centre for Excellence, Griffith University.
Alexandra answers the following questions that have come in from the Postive Action Autism ADHD Group on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/900624195016479/
- I am concerned my child is never going to recover from the trauma of being bullied. Any tips?
- I see my child is masking, how can I best support them to be true to themselves?
- What are some ideas we can use to help schools to assist our children while at school?
- What is the best advice to late diagnosed women about understanding masking & the role / impact of autism in their lives to date?
Links from the episode:
Bloom Parenting Program for parents of children 3-8 years old. https://tinyurl.com/5f24dsrr
Email: autisticwellbeing@griffith.edu.au
Reframing Autism Welcome Pack
https://reframingautism.org.au/service/welcome-pack/
Autism Centre of Excellence, Griffith University
https://www.griffith.edu.au/arts-education-law/autism-centre-excellence
Dr Alexandra Johnston email: alexandra.johnston@griffith.edu.au
PAAA Pod is brought to you by the Spectrum Success Network, an Australia-wide educational and community building initiative, supporting families with autistic children.
www.spectrumsuccessnetwork.com.au
Episode 15 - Time Management for Parents
Zoe Martin, author of Making Peace with Autism joins us to answer all of our questions from the Postitive Action Autism ADHD Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/900624195016479/ on the topic of Time Management for Parents.
In this conversation, Zoe sheds some light on:
- Help to get out the door
- Getting and staying organised
- Coordinating commitments
- Being kind to ourselves and saying no
- Time management apps
Links from the episode are:
www.zoemartin.com
PAAA Pod is brought to you by host Lindsay Keating and the Spectrum Success Network.
Episode 14 - Employment - Part 4 - Benefits of Neurodiversity in the Workplace
Jonathan Laloz, author of "Think Different, Win Big" joins me to talk about the benefits that neurodivergent employees bring to the workplace.
Jonathan discusses:
- Increased productivity
- Customer satisfaction
- Efficiency
- Identify strengths
- Interview process
- What employers can do to support neurodivergent employees to be most success in the work that they do
Links from the episode:
Self Plus Plus - https://selfplus.plus
PAAA Pod is brought to you by Nature Moves www.naturemoves.com.au
Episode 13 - Employment - Part 3 - Provider Spotlight - Jade Burgmann joins me to share how Wheelnutz Garage is giving neurodivergent people opporunities to develop skills around their interest in cars.
Jade shares what makes their programs unique and effective at achieving goals and providing pathways to employment.
Links from the show: www.wheelnutzgarage.com
PAAA Pod is brought to you by Nature Moves www.naturemoves.com.au
Episode 12 - Employment - Part 2 - Chaz Handy does a deep on SELS for the Positive Action Autsm ADHD Group on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/900624195016479/
I am joined by Chaz Handy from Care Squared Futures to deep dive into SLES - School Leaver Employment Supports.
Chaz offers insights around:
- What age can teenagers start to apply for SLES funding?
- What does the application process look like?
- What does day 1 with a SLES provider look like?
- What do teenagers / young adults learn during a SLES program?
- How long does a SLES program run?
- How much funding will a participant receive to go through a SLES program?
Links from the episode:
www.caresquared.com.au/care-squared-futures/
PAAA Pod is brought to you by Nature Moves
www.naturemoves.com.au
Episode 11 - Employment
We are joined by Lesh Prasad from AimBig Employment to answer all of the questions that have come in from the Positive Action Autsim ADHD Group on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/900624195016479/ on the topic of Employment
Links: AimBig Employment: www.aimbigemployment.com.au Inclusive Employment
Job Finder https://www.thefield.jobs/Job/
Fresh Futures Market - See upcoming EVENTS in this group
UniLife: https://inclusivesupports.com.au/program-details.html
Specialsterne Australia: https://www.specialisterne.com.au/
PAAA Pod is brought to you by Nature Moves www.naturemoves.com.au
Episode 10 our guest Vivienne Williams from Kids Matters Occupational Therapy answers all of our questions that have come in from the Positive Action Autism ADHD Group on Facebook.
Vivienne Williams has been practicing children's Occupational Therapy for 25 years and she answers the following questions:
- What is an Occupational Therapists role in supporting autistic kids?
- What are the questions I want to ask, to ensure my child is getting the most out of their OT?
- What if my child isn't progressing with their OT? Should I change the OT or stick it out?
- I hear OT supports with toileting challenges, can you please explain how they do this?
Vivienne Williams is the founder of Kids Matters Occupational Therapy in Brisbane and you can find them at www.kidsmatters.com.au
The PAAA Pod is a free resource with no ads and is brought to you by Lindsay Keating, founder of Nature Moves and Spectrum Sports.
www.naturemoves.com.au
www.spectrumsports.com.au
Episode 9 we are joined by Kate Read from Inspires & Co, Support Coordination to offer tips and answer the questions that have come in from the Positive Action Autism ADHD Group on Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/900624195016479/ on the topic of Services Available Under NDIS.
Links from this conversation:
The Brain Train – Sensormotor Program Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne
https://thebraintrainco.com/
Autism Adventures – Brisbane & Sydney
https://www.autismadventures.com.au/
Caregility – Brisbane and Telehealth
https://caregility.com/
Pathways Health & Research Centre – West End
https://www.pathwayshrc.com.au/
Nature Moves – South East Queensland
https://naturemoves.com.au
More Than Able
https://www.morethanable.com.au/
Empower Autism – South East Queensland
https://empowerautism.org.au/
Be Kidst
https://bekids.com.au/
Spectrum Services
https://spectrumservicesqld.com.au/
Aspect Australia
https://www.aspect.org.au/
Autism Spectrum Consultants
https://autismspectrumconsultants.com.au/
Inspires & Co.
07 3040-0555
www.inspiresandco.com.au
Episode 8
Our guest Aimee Maynard from Family First Connection joins us to answer the questions that have come in from the Positive Action Autism ADHD Group on Facebook on the topic of Transition from ECEI (Early Childhood Early Intervention) to Full Scheme NDIS https://www.facebook.com/groups/900624195016479/
The questions are:
- When do I need to start preparing for this transition?
- What happens during this transition?
- How can I make sure not to lose my child's funding during this transition?
Aimee talks about the 6 developmental milstones that are considered for accessing ECEI
Jessica Shen joins us from the Centre for Positive Behaviour Support to answer our questions on Behaviour Support. The questions that have come in from the Postive Action Autism ADHD Group on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/900624195016479/ are:
- My child's behaviour is out of control. What are the first steps to take to seek help?
- My child saves his challenging behaviours for when he gets home from school, any tips for supporting him with this?
- How do I know when to hold firm boundaries and when to be lenient?
- I hear mixed reviews about PBS (Positive Behaviour Support) can you explain how therapies under PBS may differ and what to look for?
- How can I support my child with self-harming behaviours, like hitting her head?
Links: www.cpbs.com.au
PAAA Pod is brought to you by Nature Moves www.naturemoves.com.au
