Chelsea's Vocation

Bullying & Autism

Studies indicate that 75% of autistic youth report bullying, often on a chronic basis. And with the increased emotional impact on autistic youth, bullying significantly increases suicidality (Autism Research Institute [https://autism.org/bullying-teens-asd/]). In this episode, Chelsea differentiates between bullying and disability harassment [https://www.ed.gov/laws-and-policy/civil-rights-laws/disability-discrimination/disability-discrimination-key-issues/disability-discrimination-bullying-and-harassment], because the legal framework that protects our children from the latter is crucial. She also explores the four types of bullying faced by autistic students, and provides actionable strategies for parents and educators to combat this pervasive issue. These previous episodes might provide more information and/or context for this topic (listed in the order of relevant mention within this episode): * Episode 2 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2437426/episodes/16481603]: Introducing Justus * Episode 3 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2437426/episodes/16561565]: Noey’s Journey  * Episode 31 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2437426/episodes/18980173]: Autism and "Comorbidities" More topics, terms, and resources, in order of their appearance in the podcast: * CDC's National Center for Health Statistics [https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db514.htm?utm#section_3] "Bullying Victimization Among Teenagers". 2024. * “Bullying of youth with autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, or typical development: Victim and parent perspectives [https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4178308]”. Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders. 2014. * IDEA [https://www.ed.gov/laws-and-policy/individuals-disabilities/idea]   * OCR’s “Dear Colleague” letter dated July 25, 2000 [https://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/disabharassltr.html]: Responsibilities under Sec. 504 of the Rehab Act of 1973 and Title II of the ADA * OCR’s “Dear Colleague” letter dated October 26, 2010 [https://www.ed.gov/sites/ed/files/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/dcl-factsheet-201010.pdf]: Harassment and Bullying * Individualized Education Plan [https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/what-is-an-iep-individualized-education-programs-explained/2023/07] (or Program)  * In Loco Parentis [https://usedulaw.com/345-in-loco-parentis.html] * school resource officer [https://www.nasro.org/faq/)] (SRO) * U.S. Department of Education on Laws Impacting Special Education [https://www.ed.gov/laws-and-policy/individuals-disabilities/special-education-laws] * WI Statute 118.46 [https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/118/46] Policy on Bullying / 118.02 (9t) Bullying Awareness Day * WI’s Department of Public Instruction on Bullying Prevention [https://dpi.wi.gov/sspw/safe-schools/bullying-prevention], Filing a Complaint [https://dpi.wi.gov/operations-partnerships-innovation/pupil-nondiscrimination/guidelines ] under Wisconsin's Pupil Nondiscrimination Law  * Wisconsin Special Education Mediation System [https://wsems.us/]   * OCR’s Discrimination Complaint Form [https://www.ed.gov/laws-and-policy/civil-rights-laws/file-complaint/ocr-discrimination-complaint-form] * WI's Supporting Neurodiverse Students [https://sites.google.com/cesa1.k12.wi.us/ese/home] * PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center [https://www.pacer.org/bullying] * https://www.autismspeaks.org/bullying-statistics Podcast includes an introduction for episodes 6 and following at the beginning. Transition music, "Taking a Vocation", by Noey Budde. Closing narration for episodes 6 and following.

Interoception & Autism

Many of us take for granted our body’s ability to receive and understand in real time the signals our physical body is sending. However, for neurodivergent individuals, particularly those on the autism spectrum, this process can be much more complex. In this episode, we explore the concept of interoception, what Kelly Mahler has referred to as the eighth sense, and its profound impact on the lives of neurodivergent individuals. While James Williams, an autistic self-advocate, didn’t struggle receiving these internal messages, the struggle to address his physical needs as a student was real.  James has spoken publicly about autism and related disabilities since age 11. He is the author of eight autism-related books, and serves on the Steering Committee for the Wisconsin Community of Practice on Autism Spectrum Disorders and Developmental Disabilities (ASD/DD) [https://connections.waisman.wisc.edu/]. He is on staff for multiple anime conventions throughout the United States, where he also hosts panels on autism awareness designed for anime conventions. Finally, he is an active member of Glenbrook North High School’s Booster Club, his alma mater. He lives in Northbrook, Ill., and travels frequently to promote autism awareness. Want more? These previous episodes may provide additional context on this topic: * Episode 1 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2437426/episodes/16400459]: Introducing Chelsea's Vocation, the podcast, and Chelsea's family * Episode 29 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2437426/episodes/18825998]: Applying the Medical Home Model Here are topics, terms, and resources, in order of their appearance in the podcast, might evoke some curiosity: * Kelly Mahler OTD, OTR/L https://www.kelly-mahler.com/ [https://www.kelly-mahler.com/]  * OT = occupational therapist https://youtu.be/jhhdEQ4Z_d8 [https://youtu.be/jhhdEQ4Z_d8]  * interoception: awareness of your body’s internal senses or signals https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/interoception [https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/interoception] * Farb, Norman et al. “Interoception, contemplative practice, and health.” Frontiers in psychology vol. 6 763. 9 Jun. 2015, doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2015.00763 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4460802/ [https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4460802/]  * dysregulation: In autistic individuals, stemming from neurological differences and sensory overload, appearing as a fight, flight, freeze, or fawn response to overwhelming environmental input. * The DSM-5 (The American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th ed., 2013) lists the diagnostic criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder [https://iacc.hhs.gov/about-iacc/subcommittees/resources/dsm5-diagnostic-criteria.shtml#autism-spectrum-disorder]. * McDonough, Molly. “Making Sense of Interoception: How we perceive what’s happening inside our bodies and what that means for our health.“ Harvard Medicine. Spring 2024. https://magazine.hms.harvard.edu/articles/making-sense-interoception [https://magazine.hms.harvard.edu/articles/making-sense-interoception] * Medical Academy of Pediatric Special Needs (MAPS) [https://www.medmaps.org/about-us/] program-trained doctors treat children with autism, neuro-developmental disorders, and complex chronic conditions using an individualized, functional medicine approach. They focus on treating underlying biomedical issues such as gastrointestinal (GI), immune, metabolic, and mitochondrial dysfunction Podcast includes an introduction for episodes 6 and following at the beginning. Transition music, "Taking a Vocation", by Noey Budde. Closing narration for episodes 6 and following.

Autism & "Comorbidities"

Given the high rate of “something else” co-existing alongside autism, Dr. Breya Whitefield joins Chelsea as we dive into the nuances of neurodiversity, the implications of co-occurring conditions, and what families need to know to support their loved ones effectively. If you’ve heard the term "comorbidity" associated with someone with a primary diagnosis of autism, know you’re in good company. Dr. Breya Whitefield is an Assistant Professor at the Medical College of Wisconsin who specializes in working with children, adolescents, and young adults with neurodevelopmental differences. She provides consultation and intervention for challenging behaviors that may not respond to traditional parenting strategies or outpatient mental health services. Her work focuses on helping families manage issues such as tantrums, aggression, noncompliance, sleep problems, toileting difficulties, and disruptive behaviors. These previous episodes might provide more context for this topic: * Episode 1: Intro https://www.buzzsprout.com/2437426/episodes/16400459 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2437426/episodes/16400459] * Episode 2: Justus https://www.buzzsprout.com/2437426/episodes/16481603 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2437426/episodes/16481603]  * Episode 3: Noey https://www.buzzsprout.com/2437426/episodes/16561565 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2437426/episodes/16561565] * Episode 10: Mental Health & Autism https://www.buzzsprout.com/2437426/episodes/17193835 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2437426/episodes/17193835]  * Episode 13: Puberty & Autism https://www.buzzsprout.com/2437426/episodes/17457609 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2437426/episodes/17457609] Here are topics, terms, and resources, in order of their appearance in the podcast, might evoke some curiosity: * In a study using a newly-developed diagnostic screener with autistic individuals, 91% of children/adolescents aged 8-17 and 31% of young adults aged 18-25 met criteria for one or more co-occurring diagnoses, including ADHD, depression, and anxiety. (Mosner et al, Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 2020) https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6669096/# [https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6669096/#]  * neurospicy [https://www.facebook.com/reel/1933310267155080] * “Autism and Suicide” from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention  https://afsp.org/autism-and-suicide/ [https://afsp.org/autism-and-suicide/]  * 988 for the Autism Community https://www.datocms-assets.com/12810/1721837899-988-information-for-the-autism-community_final-1.pdf [https://www.datocms-assets.com/12810/1721837899-988-information-for-the-autism-community_final-1.pdf]  Podcast includes an introduction for episodes 6 and following at the beginning. Transition music, "Taking a Vocation", by Noey Budde. Closing narration for episodes 6 and following.

Bodily Autonomy & Autism

Trigger warning: This episode includes the topic of sexual abuse. For those caring for and educating neurodivergent children, the concept of bodily autonomy [https://autisticadvocacy.org/actioncenter/issues/repro/autonomy/] often takes a backseat. This is particularly concerning for autistic children, who, according to alarming statistics, are at much higher risk for sexual victimization [https://autism.org/sexual-victimization-in-autism] than their neurotypical peers. In this episode, Chelsea and her guest, MJ Lamb, explore the critical importance of body autonomy, examining how common practices can inadvertently elevate autistic children's risk of abuse. Learn what caregivers can do instead to foster in children a healthy sense of self and boundaries as protective mechanisms. This is critically important for parents, extended family members, educators, and therapists who support children with autism. It’s important for first responders and healthcare providers, as well. MJ Lamb is a neurodivergent and chronically mentally and physically ill individual who is also a survivor of sexual violence. When the pandemic took over the world in 2020, MJ was suicidal and received inpatient mental health care. It was through that program that they found their love for creating poetry and abstract art. After a divorce and two address changes, MJ got diagnosed with autism at age 30. Today, they live in Milwaukee with their loving partner and two cats and have begun sharing their story of survival with the world. The following terms and resources, in order of their mention in the podcast, might evoke some curiosity: * Ryan, J., et al. (2024). “Being able to be myself: Understanding autonomy and autonomy-support from the perspectives of autistic adults with intellectual disabilities [https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11575095/]”. Autism : the international journal of research and practice, 28(12), 3092–3104. * Weiss, Jonathan A, and Michelle A Fardella. (2018). “Victimization and Perpetration Experiences of Adults With Autism [https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5980973/].” Frontiers in psychiatry vol. 9 203. 25 May. * Presume competence [https://stimpunks.org/philosophy/presume-competence-never-assume-that-the-ability-to-speak-equals-intelligence/] (Stimpunks [https://stimpunks.org/about/]) * double empathy problem [https://reframingautism.org.au/miltons-double-empathy-problem-a-summary-for-non-academics/]: a bi-directional failure of one neurotype (allistic) to have empathy for another's (autistic) experience * sensory input: See this article [https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/about-autism/sensory-processing] from the National Autistic Society [https://www.autism.org.uk/]. * stim toys, fidgets [https://nationalautismresources.com/fidgets/?_bc_fsnf=1&Age%5B%5D=Elementary&Age%5B%5D=Preschool&Age%5B%5D=Toddler] (not an endorsement or paid advertisement) These previous episodes might provide more information and/or context for this topic: * Episode 8 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2437426/episodes/17015783]: Neuroaffirming Practices * Episode 13 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2437426/episodes/17457609]: Puberty & Autism * Episode 25 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2437426/episodes/18505175]: Trauma & Autism * Episode 27 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2437426/episodes/18657435]: Ableism & Autism Podcast includes an introduction for episodes 6 and following at the beginning. Transition music, "Taking a Vocation", by Noey Budde. Closing narration for episodes 6 and following.

Applying the Medical Home Model

Building a comprehensive care team for your child with autism is both a journey and a necessity. By understanding the American Academy of Pediatrics’ medical home approach [https://www.aap.org/en/practice-management/medical-home/medical-home-overview] and actively engaging with various professionals, you can ensure your child receives the coordinated care they deserve. As you navigate this process, remember to also take care of your own needs as a caregiver. Chelsea lays out how she used the medical home model through four phases of her son’s development, from his birth through high school years. These previous episodes might provide more information and/or context for this topic (listed in the order of relevant mention within this episode): * Episode 2 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2437426/episodes/16481603]: Introducing Justus  * Episode 19 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2437426/episodes/17975406]: Diagnostic Criteria for Autism * Episode 18 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2437426/episodes/17896312]: Autism Assistance Service Dogs   * Episode 13 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2437426/episodes/17457609]: Puberty & Autism     Here are more topics, terms, and resources, in order of their appearance in the podcast, that might evoke some curiosity: * medical social worker: a professional who plays a vital role in the healthcare system by providing support to patients and their families who are facing medical and emotional challenges (National Association of Social Workers [https://joblink.socialworkers.org/career/medical-social-worker]) * Wisconsin Medical Home Implementation [https://www.chawisconsin.org/initiatives/medical-home/ ] * Shared Plan of Care template [https://nashp.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/KS-SPoC-Action-Plan-Template-Finalized.pdf ] * Medical Home Resources for Families and Caregivers [https://www.aap.org/en/practice-management/medical-home/tools-and-resources-for-medical-home-implementation/medical-home-resources-for-families-and-caregivers/]  * Katie Beckett Medicaid [https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/kbp/index.htm] * CLTS waiver program [https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/clts/index.htm]  * Extended School Year (ESY [https://www.autismspeaks.org/blog/seven-things-know-about-esy])  * wraparound mental/behavioral health services [https://caseworthy.com/articles/what-are-wraparound-services-in-behavioral-health/]   * ADRC [https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/adrc/index.htm]  * WI Department of Workforce Development [https://dwd.wisconsin.gov/dvr/]   * A competency evaluation is conducted by a qualified medical professional (such as a neuropsychologist) to determine whether or not guardianship is appropriate for a disabled adult. See Wisconsin’s GN-3130 [https://daneadrc.org/documents/pdf/TP/Examining-Physicians-Report.pdf] for more information.   * Transition plan https://dpi.wi.gov/sped/about/state-performance-plan/indicators/13-transition [https://dpi.wi.gov/sped/about/state-performance-plan/indicators/13-transition] * Epic Systems [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epic_Systems] develops large-scale software systems for electronic health records. Podcast includes an introduction for episodes 6 and following at the beginning. Transition music, "Taking a Vocation", by Noey Budde. Closing narration for episodes 6 and following.