Meet Sarah Wayland, an accomplished researcher-turned autism advocate whose life was forever changed when she realized that her children were interacting with the world in ways uncharted by textbooks. Inspired by their journey, Sarah founded Guiding Exceptional Parents, utilizing her expertise to assist others navigate the often confusing landscape of autism. A certified Relationship Development Intervention consultant, she dedicates her time to fostering connections between parents and their children. With the publication of her enlightening book Is this Autism?, she continues to contribute to the understanding of autism and further the conversation.

Sarah Wayland’s journey to understanding autism was unconventional, yet profound. With a background in researching language acquisition, she noticed something unique about her own children. They were learning language in ways that contradicted the theories she was familiar with, sparking her curiosity. As it turned out, her children were autistic, and they were processing the world in their own unique ways. This was a wake-up call for Sarah. This realization presented a fascinating puzzle for her to solve, leading her to support other parents navigating similar paths. Always passionate about helping others, she used her knowledge to become a certified relationship development intervention consultant. Sarah’s remarkable journey underscores the importance of looking past standard theories to understand and appreciate individual differences and strengths.,The story of Sarah Wayland is a testament to the power of empathy and understanding. Her children’s autism diagnosis lit a beacon that guided her to a new, enlightening path. She utilized her background in linguistics research to better understand her children’s unique way of learning language, a stark contrast from conventional theories. This turned into a mission: to support other parents on their journey with their autistic children. She chose to become a certified relationship development intervention consultant, focusing on enabling parents to reconnect with their children and understand them better. Sarah’s story highlights that every individual has unique strengths and that embracing these differences can lead to remarkable growth and connection.

Instead of focusing on remediating all the things that are not going well, let’s put autistic students in jobs that play to their strengths.

Meet Sarah Wayland, an accomplished researcher-turned autism advocate whose life was forever changed when she realized that her children were interacting with the world in ways uncharted by textbooks. Inspired by their journey, Sarah founded Guiding Exceptional Parents, utilizing her expertise to assist others navigate the often confusing landscape of autism. A certified Relationship Development Intervention consultant, she dedicates her time to fostering connections between parents and their children. With the publication of her enlightening book Is this Autism?, she continues to contribute to the understanding of autism and further the conversation.

Sarah Wayland’s journey to understanding autism was unconventional, yet profound. With a background in researching language acquisition, she noticed something unique about her own children. They were learning language in ways that contradicted the theories she was familiar with, sparking her curiosity. As it turned out, her children were autistic, and they were processing the world in their own unique ways. This was a wake-up call for Sarah. This realization presented a fascinating puzzle for her to solve, leading her to support other parents navigating similar paths. Always passionate about helping others, she used her knowledge to become a certified relationship development intervention consultant. Sarah’s remarkable journey underscores the importance of looking past standard theories to understand and appreciate individual differences and strengths.,The story of Sarah Wayland is a testament to the power of empathy and understanding. Her children’s autism diagnosis lit a beacon that guided her to a new, enlightening path. She utilized her background in linguistics research to better understand her children’s unique way of learning language, a stark contrast from conventional theories. This turned into a mission: to support other parents on their journey with their autistic children. She chose to become a certified relationship development intervention consultant, focusing on enabling parents to reconnect with their children and understand them better. Sarah’s story highlights that every individual has unique strengths and that embracing these differences can lead to remarkable growth and connection.

Instead of focusing on remediating all the things that are not going well, let’s put autistic students in jobs that play to their strengths.

Have you heard these myths about late autism diagnosis and self-discovery?

Myth 1: It’s too late to get diagnosed as an adult. Myth 2: Autism only affects children.
Myth 3: Self-discovery ends with a diagnosis.

In this episode, our guest Rich Stevenson will debunk these myths and share his personal journey of late autism diagnosis, self-discovery, and the ongoing process of understanding and acceptance.
Growing up in the UK, Rich Stevenson had always been a lively, animated child. His boundless energy and vivacity made it easy to overlook the more subtle markers that hinted at something different about him. Fast forward a few years, and he found himself on a journey of self-discovery, fueled by the diagnosis of his son with autism. Through this experience, Rich found himself navigating unfamiliar terrain, both as a father and as an individual. The realization of his own autism, a diagnosis confirmed in his mid-thirties, presented more questions than answers. Yet, it was during this time of introspection that he realized the power of storytelling and community. He started the ‘Inside the Orange’ and later ‘Advocate to Autistic’ podcasts, platforms that served as a conduit for sharing personal experiences, insights, and resources. These ventures were not just about Rich’s journey, but about creating a space for others to share their stories and feel less alone in their experiences.,Life took a surprising turn for Rich Stevenson when his youngest son, a happy and bubbly toddler, was diagnosed with autism. As a father, Rich found himself in a sea of challenges, fears, and uncertainties. Yet, he faced them head-on, adapting his life around his son’s needs. The struggles and triumphs he encountered in raising his son subsequently led him on an unexpected path of self-discovery, culminating in his own autism diagnosis later in life. The knowledge was both an answer and a question, a resolution and a mystery. Unraveling that mystery inspired him to share his journey with the world, initiating conversations about autism through his podcasts, ‘Inside the Orange’ and ‘Advocate to Autistic’. Rich’s voice not only resonates with his own experiences but weaves together the collective experiences of a broader community, offering solace, guidance, and a shared sense of belonging.

Have you heard these myths about late autism diagnosis and self-discovery?

Myth 1: It’s too late to get diagnosed as an adult. Myth 2: Autism only affects children.
Myth 3: Self-discovery ends with a diagnosis.

In this episode, our guest Rich Stevenson will debunk these myths and share his personal journey of late autism diagnosis, self-discovery, and the ongoing process of understanding and acceptance.
Growing up in the UK, Rich Stevenson had always been a lively, animated child. His boundless energy and vivacity made it easy to overlook the more subtle markers that hinted at something different about him. Fast forward a few years, and he found himself on a journey of self-discovery, fueled by the diagnosis of his son with autism. Through this experience, Rich found himself navigating unfamiliar terrain, both as a father and as an individual. The realization of his own autism, a diagnosis confirmed in his mid-thirties, presented more questions than answers. Yet, it was during this time of introspection that he realized the power of storytelling and community. He started the ‘Inside the Orange’ and later ‘Advocate to Autistic’ podcasts, platforms that served as a conduit for sharing personal experiences, insights, and resources. These ventures were not just about Rich’s journey, but about creating a space for others to share their stories and feel less alone in their experiences.,Life took a surprising turn for Rich Stevenson when his youngest son, a happy and bubbly toddler, was diagnosed with autism. As a father, Rich found himself in a sea of challenges, fears, and uncertainties. Yet, he faced them head-on, adapting his life around his son’s needs. The struggles and triumphs he encountered in raising his son subsequently led him on an unexpected path of self-discovery, culminating in his own autism diagnosis later in life. The knowledge was both an answer and a question, a resolution and a mystery. Unraveling that mystery inspired him to share his journey with the world, initiating conversations about autism through his podcasts, ‘Inside the Orange’ and ‘Advocate to Autistic’. Rich’s voice not only resonates with his own experiences but weaves together the collective experiences of a broader community, offering solace, guidance, and a shared sense of belonging.

Have you heard these myths about late autism diagnosis and self-discovery?

Myth 1: It’s too late to get diagnosed as an adult. Myth 2: Autism only affects children.
Myth 3: Self-discovery ends with a diagnosis.

In this episode, our guest Rich Stevenson will debunk these myths and share his personal journey of late autism diagnosis, self-discovery, and the ongoing process of understanding and acceptance.
Growing up in the UK, Rich Stevenson had always been a lively, animated child. His boundless energy and vivacity made it easy to overlook the more subtle markers that hinted at something different about him. Fast forward a few years, and he found himself on a journey of self-discovery, fueled by the diagnosis of his son with autism. Through this experience, Rich found himself navigating unfamiliar terrain, both as a father and as an individual. The realization of his own autism, a diagnosis confirmed in his mid-thirties, presented more questions than answers. Yet, it was during this time of introspection that he realized the power of storytelling and community. He started the ‘Inside the Orange’ and later ‘Advocate to Autistic’ podcasts, platforms that served as a conduit for sharing personal experiences, insights, and resources. These ventures were not just about Rich’s journey, but about creating a space for others to share their stories and feel less alone in their experiences.,Life took a surprising turn for Rich Stevenson when his youngest son, a happy and bubbly toddler, was diagnosed with autism. As a father, Rich found himself in a sea of challenges, fears, and uncertainties. Yet, he faced them head-on, adapting his life around his son’s needs. The struggles and triumphs he encountered in raising his son subsequently led him on an unexpected path of self-discovery, culminating in his own autism diagnosis later in life. The knowledge was both an answer and a question, a resolution and a mystery. Unraveling that mystery inspired him to share his journey with the world, initiating conversations about autism through his podcasts, ‘Inside the Orange’ and ‘Advocate to Autistic’. Rich’s voice not only resonates with his own experiences but weaves together the collective experiences of a broader community, offering solace, guidance, and a shared sense of belonging.

Hollie Beth Clauser is a passionate advocate for individuals with autism and a dedicated Applied Behavior Analysis (Aba) professional. With nearly 20 years of experience in the field, Hollie has made it her mission to help Aba practices improve staff retention and support clients in navigating their careers. As a person on the autism spectrum herself, Hollie brings a unique perspective to her work, understanding the challenges faced by those with autism and their families. Through her company, Behavioral Talent Consulting, she offers valuable insight and problem-solving abilities to help create better outcomes for all involved in the Aba process

• Research and understand the current methods and practices in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) to see the positive changes and improvements made over the years.
• Be open to choosing a therapist for ABA therapy, making sure they align with your values and needs.
• Look for reputable ABA practices and agencies with high retention rates and positive feedback from clients.
• Advocate for yourself or your loved one by asking questions and ensuring the therapist is meeting your needs and expectations.
• If you feel that your current ABA therapist or agency is not providing the support needed, do not hesitate to change or seek alternative options.
• Consider seeking a diagnosis for autism or ADHD if you suspect that you or a loved one may be on the spectrum, as a diagnosis can lead to better understanding and support.
• Explore the terms neurodivergent and neurodistinct to better understand and embrace the unique perspectives and experiences of individuals on the autism spectrum.
• Encourage open conversations about autism and ABA therapy, dispelling myths and misconceptions to help others understand its benefits and potential for positive impact.
• Be vigilant of any negative changes in a person receiving ABA therapy, such as regression in skills or increased anxiety, and address these concerns with the therapist or agency immediately.
• Stay informed about advancements and best practices in ABA therapy, ensuring that you or your loved one receives the most effective and supportive care possible

Resources:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/hollibeth/
https://behavioraltalentconsulting.com/

Hollie Beth Clauser is a passionate advocate for individuals with autism and a dedicated Applied Behavior Analysis (Aba) professional. With nearly 20 years of experience in the field, Hollie has made it her mission to help Aba practices improve staff retention and support clients in navigating their careers. As a person on the autism spectrum herself, Hollie brings a unique perspective to her work, understanding the challenges faced by those with autism and their families. Through her company, Behavioral Talent Consulting, she offers valuable insight and problem-solving abilities to help create better outcomes for all involved in the Aba process

• Research and understand the current methods and practices in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) to see the positive changes and improvements made over the years.
• Be open to choosing a therapist for ABA therapy, making sure they align with your values and needs.
• Look for reputable ABA practices and agencies with high retention rates and positive feedback from clients.
• Advocate for yourself or your loved one by asking questions and ensuring the therapist is meeting your needs and expectations.
• If you feel that your current ABA therapist or agency is not providing the support needed, do not hesitate to change or seek alternative options.
• Consider seeking a diagnosis for autism or ADHD if you suspect that you or a loved one may be on the spectrum, as a diagnosis can lead to better understanding and support.
• Explore the terms neurodivergent and neurodistinct to better understand and embrace the unique perspectives and experiences of individuals on the autism spectrum.
• Encourage open conversations about autism and ABA therapy, dispelling myths and misconceptions to help others understand its benefits and potential for positive impact.
• Be vigilant of any negative changes in a person receiving ABA therapy, such as regression in skills or increased anxiety, and address these concerns with the therapist or agency immediately.
• Stay informed about advancements and best practices in ABA therapy, ensuring that you or your loved one receives the most effective and supportive care possible

Resources:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/hollibeth/
https://behavioraltalentconsulting.com/

Hollie Beth Clauser is a passionate advocate for individuals with autism and a dedicated Applied Behavior Analysis (Aba) professional. With nearly 20 years of experience in the field, Hollie has made it her mission to help Aba practices improve staff retention and support clients in navigating their careers. As a person on the autism spectrum herself, Hollie brings a unique perspective to her work, understanding the challenges faced by those with autism and their families. Through her company, Behavioral Talent Consulting, she offers valuable insight and problem-solving abilities to help create better outcomes for all involved in the Aba process

• Research and understand the current methods and practices in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) to see the positive changes and improvements made over the years.
• Be open to choosing a therapist for ABA therapy, making sure they align with your values and needs.
• Look for reputable ABA practices and agencies with high retention rates and positive feedback from clients.
• Advocate for yourself or your loved one by asking questions and ensuring the therapist is meeting your needs and expectations.
• If you feel that your current ABA therapist or agency is not providing the support needed, do not hesitate to change or seek alternative options.
• Consider seeking a diagnosis for autism or ADHD if you suspect that you or a loved one may be on the spectrum, as a diagnosis can lead to better understanding and support.
• Explore the terms neurodivergent and neurodistinct to better understand and embrace the unique perspectives and experiences of individuals on the autism spectrum.
• Encourage open conversations about autism and ABA therapy, dispelling myths and misconceptions to help others understand its benefits and potential for positive impact.
• Be vigilant of any negative changes in a person receiving ABA therapy, such as regression in skills or increased anxiety, and address these concerns with the therapist or agency immediately.
• Stay informed about advancements and best practices in ABA therapy, ensuring that you or your loved one receives the most effective and supportive care possible

Resources:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/hollibeth/
https://behavioraltalentconsulting.com/

Today we have a bilingual podcast to connect Spanish speaking listeners to a Spanish special edition of Exceptional Needs Today magazine: www.exceptionalneedstoday.com

Hoy, la Dra. Stephanie y sus invitados Erica y Luis les cuentan acerca de una revista de edición especial que estará disponible en español. A continuación se muestra una carta de la editora de Exceptional Needs Today, Amy Tobik.

Today we have a bilingual podcast to connect Spanish speaking listeners to a Spanish special edition of Exceptional Needs Today magazine: www.exceptionalneedstoday.com

Hoy, la Dra. Stephanie y sus invitados Erica y Luis les cuentan acerca de una revista de edición especial que estará disponible en español. A continuación se muestra una carta de la editora de Exceptional Needs Today, Amy Tobik.