In Season 2B's kickoff episode, Kelby and Erica discuss significant developments in autism research, including a $50 million funding initiative across 13 projects, the FDA approval of Leucovorin, and the controversial statements made regarding Tylenol's link to autism. They share personal experiences as autism moms, address co-parenting challenges, and emphasize the importance of community advocacy and understanding in navigating the complexities of autism.
In this episode, Kelby and Erica delve into a controversial speech regarding autism statistics, emphasizing the importance of understanding the spectrum and advocating for all individuals within the autism community. The conversation highlights the need for unity and support among parents and caregivers, while also addressing the emotional struggles faced by families navigating autism. Erica opens up about her recent divorce and navigating the chaos of co-parenting.
In this episode, Kelby and Erica discuss their Easter weekend plans, including family activities and autism-friendly events. They share insights on navigating school assessments and the progress of their children in therapy. The conversation highlights the importance of community support and finding joy in small wins as they raise their kids with autism. The hosts encourage listeners to engage with local autism communities and participate in sensory-friendly events to foster connections and support.
In this episode, Kelby and Erica discuss their personal experiences as parents navigating the challenges of raising children with autism. They celebrate small victories in their children's development, share insights from a recent conference on autism care, and discuss the complexities of healthcare systems. The hosts also introduce a new community initiative, the AUTsome Moms Club, aimed at providing support and resources for mothers in similar situations.
Join Kelby & Erica this week as they live record from Autism Strong Foundation's 2025 ConnectStrong Conference.
In this episode, Kelby and Erica discuss profound autism, particularly in light of the newly established Profound Autism Day. They share personal experiences as parents of children with profound autism, exploring the clinical definitions, the challenges they face, and the beauty they find in their children's unique perspectives. The conversation emphasizes the need for community support, understanding, and awareness surrounding profound autism, while also addressing the long-term considerations parents must make for their children's futures.
In this conversation, Tiffany Yandle shares her experiences and insights as the owner of InBloom Advocacy. The discussion highlights the importance of community support, advocacy for families with children with disabilities, and the need for preventative measures in advocacy. Tiffany discusses the importance of advocacy for children with disabilities, particularly in the context of navigating IEP and 504 meetings. She emphasizes the rights parents have in these situations and the necessity of proactive communication with schools. The discussion also highlights the emotional challenges parents face and the importance of having support systems in place during meetings. Tiffany shares insights on how to effectively advocate for children, the significance of documentation, and the dynamics of working with educational institutions.
In episode 5, Kelby and Erica discuss the challenges faced by autistic children, particularly regarding anxiety and depression. The conversation shifts to navigating special needs in church settings and the lack of mental health resources for autistic youth. They highlight the need for advocacy and the importance of parents standing up for their children's needs. The episode concludes with a call to action for community initiatives to support families and improve mental health resources.
In this episode, Kelby and Erica discuss their week in review, focusing on the challenges and successes of parenting children with autism. They talk through the introduction of new supplements, and the behavioral changes observed in their children. The conversation also highlights local resources for autism support, including Gigi's Playhouse, and explores the potential benefits of the medication Leucovorin in addressing mitochondrial dysfunction in children with autism.
In this episode, hosts Kelby and Erica discuss the latest updates on Kelby's son Porter, who is making significant progress in his verbal communication and health. They explore the journey of functional medicine and natural detoxing, as well as the challenges and triumphs of parenting a child on the autism spectrum. The conversation shifts to exciting developments in the airline industry, particularly Emirates, which is becoming the first autism-certified airline, and Newark Airport's initiatives to create sensory-friendly environments for travelers. The hosts emphasize the importance of understanding and accommodating neurodiverse individuals in public spaces.
In episode 2 of TYATK, Kelby and Erica share personal updates about their children's communication progress, discuss the recent Elon Musk controversy and its implications, and highlight a new initiative in South Carolina aimed at improving support for neurodivergent individuals.
In this episode, Kelby and Erica kick off Season Two of their podcast with a new structure that focuses on their personal experiences and insights related to autism. They discuss the importance of creating a judgment-free zone for sharing opinions and experiences, especially regarding controversial topics. The conversation delves into a recent incident involving Elon Musk, exploring the intersection of autism and social misunderstandings. The hosts emphasize the need for advocacy, awareness, and grace in discussions about autism.
In this episode, Kelby and Erica discuss their holiday experiences, focusing on family dynamics and the challenges of managing sensory needs during gatherings. They share personal anecdotes about their children and the pressures of ensuring comfort for both their kids and family members. The conversation transitions into practical tips for creating inclusive environments during the holiday season, emphasizing the importance of identifying sensory-friendly spaces and setting realistic expectations. They also hint at upcoming changes for the podcast in the new year, aiming to foster community engagement and support for parents navigating similar challenges.
On this episode, Kelby, Erica, and Heather discuss the transition from preschool to kindergarten for children with autism, emphasizing the importance of individualized education plans (IEPs), advocacy, and early intervention. Heather shares her extensive background in special education, her teaching philosophy, and the significance of integrating therapy into the classroom. They also explore the Child Find process, the role of parents in advocating for their children, and the daily structure of a preschool classroom. The conversation highlights the need for flexibility and understanding in addressing the unique needs of each child on the autism spectrum.
In this episode, Erica & Kelby interview Meg Raby, an autistic mom, speech language pathologist, and neurodivergent advocate. They discuss Meg's journey to her diagnosis, the impact of the diagnosis on her relationships, and her work with Kulture City, a nonprofit organization focused on sensory inclusion. Meg also introduces Koji, an AI-generated communication tool available on the Kulture City app. Koji allows non-speaking individuals to engage in conversation and is highly customizable and free to use.
Instagram: @KultureCity & @Author.Meg.Raby
Liz Michels, a strong warrior with autism, shares her advocacy work and experiences growing up. She emphasizes the importance of being a voice for the nonverbal and promoting understanding and acceptance of the autism community. Liz discusses her childhood, the challenges she faced, and the support she received through therapy and education. She also highlights the impact of bullying and the need for empathy and consequences for those who engage in it. Liz's love for the ocean and her advocacy for autism are key themes throughout the conversation. Liz Michels shares her experiences with bullying and the lack of support she received in school due to her learning disability. She emphasizes the importance of understanding and empathy from teachers and peers. Liz also discusses the role of faith in her life and how it has helped her cope with her diagnosis. She highlights the need for education and awareness in the workplace to create an inclusive environment for individuals with disabilities. Liz encourages individuals with autism and their parents to be their own advocates and speak up for their needs. In this conversation, Liz Michels shares her experiences as an autistic individual and advocate. She emphasizes the importance of accepting and understanding individuals with autism, and highlights the need for healthcare systems to be more inclusive and supportive. Liz also discusses the challenges she has faced in finding a doctor who understands her needs and the importance of mental health support for individuals with autism. She encourages people to listen to individuals with autism and to provide them with the resources and support they need to thrive.
Liz's Instagram:
@lizzie_sunshine_strutter_89
Liz's Facebook: @Liz Michels
Lucy Vintimilla, founder of Aventura Consciente, shares her personal journey as a mother of an autistic child and her mission to educate society about autism. She discusses the challenges of finding support and services for her son and the need for more awareness and understanding. Lucy emphasizes the importance of conscious discipline and teaching children with autism how to behave rather than just disciplining them. She also highlights the upcoming Networking for a Cause event, which aims to bring together the autism community and educate the public. Lucy Vintimilla shares her journey of discovering her son's autism diagnosis and navigating the challenges of motherhood. She discusses the difficulties of getting evaluations during the pandemic and the impact of postpartum depression. Lucy emphasizes the importance of accepting and understanding neurodiversity and encourages open conversations about autism. She also shares details about her upcoming event in September, aimed at supporting and connecting Hispanic families with autistic children.
Lucy's Instagram: @AventuraConsciente
Website: www.aventuraconsciente.com
Event: Networking for a Cause
When: Sept 21
Where: Charlotte, NC
In this episode, Kelby and Erica discuss their experiences with sleep issues in their autistic children. They share statistics about sleep disturbances in autistic individuals and talk about their own strategies for improving sleep, including supplements and dietary changes. They emphasize the importance of consulting with pediatricians and seeking help from specialists if needed. The hosts also highlight the need for parents to advocate for their children's sleep and overall well-being.
****Visit our Instagram for links to supplements discussed in episode.
Kara, an autism mom from South Georgia, shares her journey of advocacy for her daughter who was diagnosed with level one autism. She discusses the challenges of living in a rural area and the difficulties in accessing services such as ABA therapy and speech therapy. Kara emphasizes the importance of advocating for her daughter's needs and the frustration she experienced with medical professionals who dismissed her concerns. She also highlights the lack of communication and support from the school system. Despite these challenges, Kara has found success in finding a speech therapist who has made a significant impact on her daughter's development. In this conversation, Kara shares her experience as a mother advocating for her daughter with autism. She emphasizes the importance of listening to parents' concerns and validating their experiences. Kara also discusses the challenges of navigating the medical system and the benefits of self-referral for diagnosis and therapy services. The conversation touches on the decision to homeschool and the individualized approach to education for children with autism. Kara encourages parents to trust their instincts and seek support from the autism community.
In this episode, Kelby and Erica discuss their recent vacations and then delve into their journeys with nutrition for their children. They share their experiences with implementing clean eating, cutting out gluten, and following the GAPS diet. They also touch on the importance of gut health and the impact of nutrition on behavior and overall well-being. In this conversation, Erica and her guest discuss the importance of nutrition and diet for children with autism. They share their personal experiences and tips for making healthier food choices, including shopping for organic and gluten-free options, avoiding added sugars, and incorporating hidden vegetables into meals. They also touch on the relationship between nutrition and sleep, as well as the use of supplements to support overall health. The conversation emphasizes the importance of finding what works best for each individual child and not feeling guilty about occasional indulgences.