Hey, What's Up! It's Tommy. Welcome to a brand-new year! In today’s episode, I’m reflecting on the joys and challenges of navigating the holidays with an autistic child while sharing personal experiences, lessons, and encouragement for parents and caregivers in the autism community. From celebrating small victories to the importance of building a supportive village around you, this episode dives deep into what it means to advocate for and uplift our kids.

Let’s talk about keeping high standards, understanding their unique needs, and making room for those around us to learn, adapt, and join our journey.

• Creating a Supportive Village: Opening up about your child’s needs can transform the people around you into allies. It’s okay to ask for help and set expectations, even in unfamiliar spaces.
• Joy in the Little Moments: Celebrate milestones, big or small. Whether it’s your child enjoying Christmas morning or connecting with others, these moments deserve recognition and gratitude.
• Respect Their Humanity: Always talk to autistic kids (and adults!) with respect, acknowledging their intelligence and individuality, even if communication looks different.
• Protecting Health and Boundaries: Making tough decisions, like skipping events or limiting sugar, is part of advocating for your child’s well-being. It’s okay to say no when it’s in their best interest.

• Faith and Perspective: Luke 14:13-14 reminds us to give to those who can’t repay us. Caring for neurodivergent kids can be challenging, but the rewards come in ways that money can’t measure.

• Follow me on TikTok: Spectrum in Camouflage

• Email me your thoughts or questions: tommy@spectrumincamouflage.com

Let’s keep building this community together. We’re stronger when we support one another.

Don’t forget to visit spectrumincamouflage.com for more insights, resources, and updates. Share your story or ask questions—let’s keep the conversation going!

What's Up! Tommy here. Parenting a child with autism comes with unique challenges, especially when it comes to managing stress and anxiety. In this episode, I open up about anxiety and practical steps to support mental health. Whether you're a parent, caregiver, or family member trying to understand, this episode offers insights, encouragement, and tools to navigate the emotional load of special needs parenting.

• Stress and Anxiety Are Real: Parenting an autistic child often brings immense emotional strain, and it’s okay to acknowledge that it’s tough.
• Statistics That Matter: Over 50% of mothers with autistic children experience clinical stress, and nearly two-thirds deal with clinical depression. Fathers, while slightly less impacted, are not immune to these challenges.
• Small Changes, Big Impact: Tips for managing stress include getting outside, incorporating exercise, and reducing overstimulation from technology.
• Supplements to Consider: Supplements like magnesium and ashwagandha can help regulate cortisol and support adrenal health, improving sleep and reducing anxiety.
• The Power of Grace: Learning to give yourself and others grace is key. Moms especially bear a heavy emotional load and deserve acknowledgment and support.

Your feedback fuels this journey! If you found today’s episode helpful, please share it with someone who might need encouragement or insight. Don’t forget to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts. Together, we can spread understanding and hope.

Got questions or want to connect? Email me at tommy@spectrumincamouflage.com.

Our website is spectrumincamouflage.com

What's Up! It’s Tommy, and I’m here with a heartfelt episode of Spectrum in Camouflage to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and reflect on the past year. This season can bring its share of challenges, especially for families navigating autism or special needs, but it also offers so many opportunities to reflect, give thanks, and find joy in the little moments.

In this episode, I’m sharing my thoughts on gratitude, finding peace in the chaos, and focusing on the true meaning of Christmas. I talk about everything from reflecting on family memories to letting go of unnecessary worries—and even share a little about the joy Wyatt found in opening presents this year.

This one’s for all the parents out there who are giving it their all. You’re not alone, and together, we can make this season special for our families.

• Gratitude Changes Everything: This season, I’m reflecting on the blessings in my life—even during the hardest moments. It’s a reminder to focus on the good and let go of the things we can’t control.
• Memories Over Perfection: Whether it’s snuggling on the couch or seeing your kids light up while opening presents, it’s the small, joyful moments that matter most. Don’t miss them by fixating on worries or perfection.
• The True Meaning of Christmas: In the busyness of the season, remember the gift of hope we’ve been given through Christ. It’s a powerful reminder that we’re never alone in this journey.
• Our Energy Matters: Our kids feed off of our energy, so let’s do our best to bring positivity and joy into their lives this season—even if we’re exhausted.
• You’re Not Alone: Parenting through autism or special needs is tough, but finding community and encouragement can make all the difference.

What's Up!Thanks so much for listening to Spectrum in Camouflage! I’m so grateful for everyone who has joined me on this journey so far. If you’re finding value in this podcast, I’d love to hear your feedback. Reach out with your thoughts or share your own experiences!

Visit spectrumincamouflage.com or email me at tommy@spectrumincamouflage.com. Let’s keep building this community together.