Hey, What’s Up! It’s Tommy. Today I open up about a recent experience with my son, Wyatt, and what happened after his dental procedure that required anesthesia. I share how we saw short-term regression, what that looked like in real life, and the practical steps we’re using to help him feel better. If you’re a parent or caregiver walking a similar path, I hope this gives you clarity, comfort, and a few simple ideas you can try right away.

• Anesthesia can trigger short-term regression in some autistic kids. We saw changes in sleep, focus, transitions, and rising OCD behaviors soon after the procedure.
• Be mentally ready. Plan for extra patience, calm routines, and comfort items for at least a couple of weeks.
• Support the body’s “cleanup.” Hydrate early and often, get safe movement as soon as it’s cleared, and encourage sweating to help flush out what the body no longer needs.
• Simple tools we use. Light detox supports like camu camu and carefully timed activated charcoal, plus consistent magnesium at night for sleep quality. Always check with your healthcare pro.
• Movement helps mitochondria. Regular activity can support energy production and overall resilience. Trampoline time, yard play, and gentle cardio all help.
• Track patterns. Note the before and after of any procedure, then build a short plan for sleep, diet, movement, and calm spaces to smooth the weeks that follow.
• Hold space for hope. Regression after anesthesia can be scary. It’s also often temporary. With steady routines and support, things can settle again.
• You’re not alone. Many families face this. Community brings strength, ideas, and encouragement for the next step.

If this helped you, please subscribe and share it with a parent who needs some hope today. You can find all episodes and socials at spectrumincamouflage.com. I would love to hear your story and any questions you have.

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Together, we can create a community to support autistic kids and their families. If you have questions or ideas or want to share your journey, email me at tommy@spectrumincamouflage.com.

Let’s learn, grow, and make a difference, one step, one piece of the puzzle, one child at a time.

Hey, What’s Up! It’s Tommy. Life gets heavy. Work pulls one way. Parenting pulls another. Autism brings unique highs and hard days. In this episode I share four simple habits that helped me climb out of a rough season and keep my mental health steady. No expensive programs. No perfect routines. Just practical steps that fit real life. I talk about finding your five trusted people, building community, keeping faith at the center, and using small daily wins to carry you through the tough stuff.

1. Hydrate with purpose. A quick guide is half your body weight in ounces, adjusted for heat and activity. Add electrolytes when you sweat a lot.
2. Feed your mind early. Read something positive in the morning. I read the Bible daily. You can pick any uplifting book or short reading.
3. Fuel the machine. Choose whole foods. Prep simple options so busy days do not push you to junk. A better breakfast can change your morning energy.
4. Move your body. Walk, stretch, do a few pushups. Start small. Consistency brings the mental boost. - Guard your inputs. Cut the scroll, especially on Sundays if that day feels heavy. Consider time limits or phone-off blocks. - Know your five. Identify the people who will show up for you. Lean on wise voices when life gets noisy. - Stack early wins. A few small tasks before 8 a.m. make it easier to handle the losses that pop up later. - Community matters. Parents in the autism world can feel isolated. Check in on friends who have gone quiet. - Faith and hope. I share how God used hard seasons to build a stronger me. You can grow through it too. - Start tomorrow. These four habits take five minutes to one hour total. Keep it simple. Keep it steady.

If today hit home, try one habit tomorrow. Drink enough water, read something positive, prep one whole-food meal, and take a short walk. Share this episode with a friend who needs encouragement. Visit spectrumincamouflage.com for more support and stories.

Contact Information
I would love to hear from you. Email me at tommy@spectrumincamouflage.com. Tell me which habit you are starting and how it goes this week.

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Together, we can create a community to support autistic kids and their families. If you have questions or ideas or want to share your journey, email me at tommy@spectrumincamouflage.com.

Let’s learn, grow, and make a difference, one step, one piece of the puzzle, one child at a time.

Hey, What's Up! It’s Tommy. Parenting in an autism home asks a lot from everyone. Today I talk honestly about how we try to love both of our kids well, especially our daughter Jessie as she grows up alongside her brother Wyatt. I share the moments I have missed, what I am learning, and how simple, steady time together can protect a child’s heart. From celebrating every win to explaining what is happening in the moment, this episode digs into real family life and practical steps that help siblings feel seen, safe, and important. If you need encouragement and simple ideas you can use tonight, you will find them here.

• Siblings need clear, gentle explanations. Say what is happening and what will happen next, in simple words.
• Celebrate every win for every child. Small high fives add up fast.
• Schedule one-on-one time. It does not have to be fancy. A short walk, reading a book, or picking up from school matters.
• Watch for quiet resentment. If a child asks, “Are we actually going to do it?”, treat it like a loving alarm.
• Do not assign your sibling as the default playmate or helper. Invite play, join it when you can, and keep it organic.
• Name hope out loud. Tell siblings that skills can grow and that their brother or sister can learn new things over time.
• Keep family rhythms. Meals together, movie nights, and outside play build a strong base for hard days.
• Protect your energy so you can show up. You need joy to spread joy.
• Simple outdoor time helps everyone. Clear “zones” and boundaries outside can lower stress and open space to play.
• Faith, gratitude, and community support keep parents going. You are not alone in this.

We would love your thoughts and stories about sibling life in an autism home. Visit spectrumincamouflage.com to listen and share your feedback. If this episode helped, please follow and share it on your favorite podcast app so we can reach more families.

You can email me directly at tommy@spectrumincamouflage.com. I read every message.

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Together, we can create a community to support autistic kids and their families. If you have questions or ideas or want to share your journey, email me at tommy@spectrumincamouflage.com.

Let’s learn, grow, and make a difference, one step, one piece of the puzzle, one child at a time.

Hey, What’s Up! It’s Tommy. In this episode of Spectrum in Camouflage, I’m talking about something that hits close to home, presuming competence. As a dad raising an autistic child, I’ve learned that one of the most powerful things we can do is treat our kids as capable, aware, and worthy of respect, even when they can’t express it in the ways we expect.

Fall is here, life is moving fast, and while I talk about the beauty of the season, I also discuss the importance of giving our kids grace, offering them patience, and remembering that they understand far more than they can often show. This episode is about awareness, compassion, and changing the way we look at autism—because our kids deserve to be seen and heard, even when they can’t speak for themselves.

• Presuming competence means believing that your child understands and experiences the world, even if they can’t communicate it in traditional ways.
• Treat nonverbal children with respect and dignity. Talk to them like they’re listening—because they are.
• Grace and patience are essential. Many people simply don’t know what it’s like to live in this world every day.
• Autism awareness isn’t just for parents; it’s for friends, teachers, pastors, and anyone who interacts with families like ours.
• Every compassionate moment, every smile, greeting, or simple “hello”—can spark something powerful in a child who’s been overlooked.
• They’re human beings first. They feel joy, fear, embarrassment, and love, just like anyone else.
• If you’re raising a child on the spectrum, remind yourself: you’re doing better than you think, and your child is more capable than the world may realize.

If this episode connected with you, share it with someone who needs to hear it. Maybe it’s a teacher, a family member, or a friend who’s never thought about autism from this perspective.

Together, we can create a community of understanding, one that presumes competence in every child and spreads real autism awareness.

You can always reach me directly at tommy@spectrumincamouflage.com or through the website. Let’s keep this conversation going.

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• www.spectrumincamouflage.com

Together, we can create a community to support autistic kids and their families. If you have questions or ideas or want to share your journey, email me at tommy@spectrumincamouflage.com.

Let’s learn, grow, and make a difference—one step, one piece of the puzzle, one child at a time.

Hey, What’s Up! It’s Tommy. I’m sharing a personal opinion and where my head and heart are right now. The last year has been a roller coaster for me. I’m feeling stronger again and working hard on my health, faith, and mindset. Today I speak as a dad of a non-speaking child who needs high support. I love every family on the spectrum, and I also need space to say this with care: please be gentle if your experience looks different from ours. The public fights, politics, and anger hurt the very kids we all care about. I want more research, clearer information, and less shaming. I’m not a savior. I’m a leader learning to serve, listen, and point to hope.

• Loud political fights drain energy from real solutions. Kids need love, safety, and practical help.
• The spectrum is wide. Families with non-speaking, high-support kids face different daily risks, needs, and stress.
• Progress is possible when we work our bodies, minds, and spirits on purpose.
• Feelings go up and down. That’s normal. You are not your thoughts.
• Ask real questions. Study the data. Keep an open mind. Curiosity beats combat.
• Leaders serve. They do not rescue. I can point to options, share our story, and protect my family’s peace.
• Give parents grace. Do not blame yourself for what you did not know.
• Community matters. Reach out, share encouragement, and support caregivers who feel alone.
• Even a 1 percent gain adds up. Small steps, steady hope.
• Pray, research, and keep going. Our kids deserve our best attention.

• Podcast: Unspecial Special Needs Refined with Zach Ponder
• Podcast: Experience Miracles
• Autism Dad Memes on Instagram (Chris)

I’d love to hear your story and your questions. Visit spectrumincamouflage.com and email me at tommy@spectrumincamouflage.com.

I’m here to learn with you, stand with you, and keep the focus on our kids. If you found value, share this episode with another parent or caregiver who needs a friend today.

Contact: spectrumincamouflage.com • tommy@spectrumincamouflage.com

• We’re on TikTok: tiktok.com/@spectrum_in_camouflage
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Together, we can create a community to support autistic kids and their families. If you have questions or ideas or want to share your journey, email me at tommy@spectrumincamouflage.com.

Let’s learn, grow, and make a difference, one step, one piece of the puzzle, one child at a time.

Hey, What's Up! It’s Tommy. This episode is a heart-to-heart on anxiety, what it looks like inside our homes, and why our phones, feeds, and constant news can fuel it. I share how doomscrolling ramps up my nervous system, what my wife changed to feel calmer, and why stepping away from the screen helps me show up as a better dad, husband, and human. I talk about blue light, sleep, dopamine loops, and that heavy, dark feeling that spreads after big news events. Most of all, this is an invite to live in the moment, protect your peace, and make simple choices that bring calm back into your day.

• Anxiety often rises from constant stimulation, fast news cycles, and endless social feeds.
• Blue light at night disrupts melatonin, which hurts sleep and raises anxiety.
• Doomscrolling can overload the nervous system and leave you more exhausted than before you grabbed the phone.
• Using social apps with a purpose, then closing them, cuts stress.
• Simple phone rules help: no phone at dinner, out of the bedroom at night, and screen time checks each week.
• Try planned breaks, like a weekly phone-off window. Many people feel lighter and sleep better right away.
• Algorithms feed what you click. If a topic spikes your anxiety, stop tapping on it.
• Presence beats perfection. Engage your kids, partner, and friends in real time. That connection is the antidote to anxiety.
• Faith and focus in the present moment reduce worry. You cannot control everything, but you can control your inputs.
• Small, consistent habits create calmer days and better parenting.

Let’s keep this conversation going. Visit spectrumincamouflage.com for more episodes, tools, and encouragement. If you need uplifting accounts or want to share your story, email me at tommy@spectrumincamouflage.com. If this helped you, share it with a friend and leave a rating so more families can find hope.

You can always reach me at tommy@spectrumincamouflage.com. More at spectrumincamouflage.com.

• We’re on TikTok: tiktok.com/@spectrum_in_camouflage
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Together, we can create a community to support autistic kids and their families. If you have questions or ideas or want to share your journey, email me at tommy@spectrumincamouflage.com.

Let’s learn, grow, and make a difference, one step, one piece of the puzzle, one child at a time.

Hey, What’s Up! It’s Tommy. Today, I discuss how holding onto negative thoughts can wear down both your body and mind. The last year brought a lot, from business pressure to parenting through autism to a close friend’s death. That weight showed up in my sleep, patience, focus, and energy. I checked the basics, then ran complete blood work. The results indicated that I am healthy, but I am deeply stressed. That was a relief. It also pushed me to rebuild with gratitude, better inputs, and a mindset shift. I share what chronic stress does to the nervous system, why a single thought can spiral when we attach a story to it, and how simple gratitude work can change our brain chemistry. If you are a parent, caregiver, teacher, or friend in the special needs world, this is for you. You get a chance every morning and a choice every day. I am choosing gratitude.

• Negative thought loops can trigger real physical symptoms. Chronic stress hits hormones, mood, and immunity.
• Naming the real fear matters. For me, it was mortality and the “what happens to my kids if I’m gone” question.
• Check the basics first. Water, food quality, sleep, movement, and helpful reading.
• Data calms fear. Comprehensive blood work showed strong overall health and clear stress markers. That knowledge reset my mindset.
• Gratitude is a tool, not a cliché. It boosts dopamine and serotonin, lowers cortisol, and helps regulate emotions.
• “Kill the monster.” Face the nagging issue you keep avoiding. Take the step you are putting off.
• You may not be the old you. That is okay. Aim to be stronger, wiser, and more resilient than before.
• Routines help. Morning scripture or quiet reading, a few breaths, and a short gratitude check set the tone for the day.
• Caregivers run hot. Your nervous system carries a lot. Give it real recovery, even if it is small and steady.
• Every morning gives a chance. Every day gives a choice. Choose gratitude.

If this episode helped you, share it with another parent or caregiver who needs encouragement today. Visit spectrumincamouflage.com for more episodes and updates. Email me anytime at tommy@spectrumincamouflage.com with questions or topics you want me to cover.

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Together, we can create a community to support autistic kids and their families. If you have questions or ideas or want to share your journey, email me at tommy@spectrumincamouflage.com.

Let’s learn, grow, and make a difference, one step, one piece of the puzzle, one child at a time.

Hey, What’s Up! It’s Tommy.

Life at our house has been a roller coaster. Some days are tough. Some days feel calm. Lately, I feel hopeful. I used to set deadlines for Wyatt’s progress and fall apart when the date slipped. I do not do that now. I focus on the moment and the next small step. That shift has changed me, and I think it is helping our family. In this episode, I share what is working for us right now: tight home routines, a calmer nervous system, better sleep, and learning to celebrate small, real wins. If you are feeling stuck, I get it. There are more chances to start again than we think. One breath at a time.

• Hope grows when I stop setting deadlines and focus on today.
• Routines help. We eat at set times and keep a steady bedtime during the school year.
• Nervous system care has helped Wyatt sleep and settle. Chiropractic support has been a big part of that for us.
• Small wins matter. Independent bathroom trips. Playing with toys in new ways. More chill, more present.
• Gut health can affect behavior. We saw changes with dairy and gluten out, and by adding probiotics and omega-3s.
• Magnesium helped us with winding down before stressful times or sleep.
• Movement helps. Outside time, sandboxes, scooters, and play burn energy and lower anxiety.
• ABA and early intervention changed a close friend’s story. Getting help early can open doors.
• Some days are still hard. I try to prepare for the future without missing the good that is here now.
• Opportunities are constant. You can choose a new start any moment you decide.

I would love to hear what you are seeing in your home. If you feel stuck, try one simple change you can keep this week. Keep it small. Celebrate it. Then stack another one.

Visit spectrumincamouflage.com for more. Email me at tommy@spectrumincamouflage.com with questions or your story.

• We’re on TikTok: tiktok.com/@spectrum_in_camouflage
• Join our Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/4002769846662357
• See us on Instagram: instagram.com/spectrum_in_camouflage

Together, we can create a community to support autistic kids and their families. If you have questions or ideas or want to share your journey, email me at tommy@spectrumincamouflage.com.

Let’s learn, grow, and make a difference, one step, one piece of the puzzle, one child at a time.