Hey, What's Up! It's Tommy.

In this episode of Spectrum in Camouflage, I sit down with my wife, Kailee, to talk about my recent Kentucky hunting trip, how it tested our anxiety after a tough year, and what it showed us about where Wyatt is right now as a non-speaking autistic child. We walk through what it felt like for me to leave, how Kailee held things down at home, how our two Great Pyrenees puppies pushed our whole family to spend more time outside, and what happened when we finally turned off Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and changed Wyatt’s environment. We talk about dysregulation, co-regulation, sleep struggles, the mental health side of special needs parenting, and the small risks that led to big wins for our whole family, including Jesse. If you are an autism parent who feels stuck, tired, or scared to change anything that “kinda works,” this one is for you.

• Healthy hobbies like hunting or chess can actually make parents more present at home, because they force you to prepare well, reset, then come back ready to show up for your family.
• After a really hard season with grief, anxiety, and medical setbacks, this Kentucky trip became a test for both of us, and it reminded us that we really are getting stronger.
• Wyatt had a long stretch of being very dysregulated, especially around TV, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, and the remote, and it started to feel scary and hopeless again.
• There is a real difference between true happiness and dysregulation that looks “happy” on the outside, and parents usually feel that difference in their gut.
• When we finally shut off Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and held the line, Wyatt made a huge 180: more present, more playful, more connected, and way less destructive noise and behavior.
• Breaking his old screen loops, including the Kindle, opened the door to new interests like Frosty the Snowman, toys he had ignored, and more creative play, just like any other kid.
• Co regulation is real: when we are exhausted, hopeless, and under slept, our kids feel it, and when we change the environment and our energy, it helps them settle too.
• Our Great Pyrenees pups brought structure, protection, and a reason to get outside every day, which helped both us and the kids with stress and overstimulation.
• Every person in the house matters, including neurotypical siblings and parents, and sometimes what is best for the autistic child is also what is best for the whole family.
• Small risks, like canceling a big trip or turning off a “safe” show, can feel terrifying, yet they can be the doorway to progress, peace, and a more hopeful autism home.

If you heard yourself in this conversation, I want to invite you to look around your home and pick one thing to change in your child’s environment this week. It might be a show, a toy, a schedule, or even your own hobby that you have refused to pick back up. Give yourself permission to take a small risk and see what opens up for your autistic child, for your other kids, and for your own mental health.

If you want to talk more about this, or you need encouragement around autism, co regulation, or your own health and fitness as a caregiver, email me at tommy@spectrumincamouflage.com or visit spectrumincamouflage.com to find all the episodes and links to my social media. Kailee and I are also partnering as First Form Legionnaires, so if you are a parent or caregiver who wants to get healthier in the middle of all this, reach out and we will walk that road with you.

• We’re on TikTok: tiktok.com/@spectrum_in_camouflage
• Join our Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/4002769846662357
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Together, we can create a community to support autistic kids and their families. 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 talk through the recent CDC autism-page update and how it hit me as a dad walking through autism every day. I unpack why this news stirred up so much emotion for me, how it connects to my son’s regression, and why I believe parents have to do their own research instead of handing all of their trust to big systems. I share my heart for both of my kids, the huge gap between “high functioning” and “profoundly affected” on the spectrum, and how much fighting can happen even inside the autism community. I also walk through ideas like “The Perfect Storm” of stress, birth trauma, genetics, and medical decisions, and how that might impact some kids. Throughout the episode I remind you I am not a doctor, just a dad doing his best, and I encourage you to dig into credible information, talk to trusted professionals, and make decisions that line up with your own values and conscience. Most of all, I want you to know you are not crazy, you are not alone, and your questions about your child’s health matter.

• The new CDC autism-page wording stirred up a lot of emotion for many parents, including me, because it touches long-standing fears and lived experiences.
• Autism is a huge spectrum, from highly independent adults to kids who cannot speak, use the restroom independently, or safely navigate daily life.
• Social media can increase division inside the autism community and create a constant need for validation, instead of real understanding and support.
• I share my belief that vaccines played a role in my son’s regression, while also stressing that I am not a medical expert and that every family must do its own careful research.
• We talk about the idea of a “perfect storm” of stress, birth trauma, gene mutations like MTHFR, and stacked medical interventions that may overload some kids’ systems.
• I challenge the idea that autism has “always been this common,” and I talk honestly about how different school looked when we were kids compared to now.
• There is a real split between people who see autism as only a “superpower” and families who are living with very hard, lifelong realities every single day.
• I encourage you to use your phone time to actually study both sides of the conversation instead of only scrolling headlines and forming instant opinions.
• Faith comes into the discussion too, as I wrestle with biblical teaching about obeying authority while still making wise health choices for my family.
• I end with hope, sharing the work we are doing with places like Maximum Potential, focusing on gut and brain health, and the belief that miracles and meaningful progress are still possible.

If this episode connected with you, please share it with another parent, teacher, grandparent, or caregiver who might feel alone or confused right now. Your share might be the thing that helps someone realize they are not losing their mind, and that their hard questions are allowed. You can also subscribe, leave a review, and help this show reach more families who are in the trenches with us.

If you want to reach out directly, I would love to hear from you. Tell me your story, your questions, your pushback, or your encouragement. You can always email me at tommy@spectrumincamouflage.com, and you can find past episodes, resources, and updates at spectrumincamouflage.com.

• 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.

Hey, What's Up! It's Tommy.

The holidays are coming, and I am here with my wife, Kailee, to talk about how we prepare our family for this season. We share what is working for Wyatt after a tough stretch post-anesthesia, how we lower stress with simple traditions, and how we protect sibling connection for Jesse. We talk about gluten-free and dairy-free swaps, magnesium and other calming tools, the power of small moments like Christmas lights and movie nights, and why flexible plans can turn a hard day into a good memory. If you are carrying holiday anxiety, you are not alone. You can make a safe plan, you can choose your battles, and your small traditions can still feel big.

• Lower the bar for holiday expectations, then celebrate small wins.
• Build simple family traditions you control, like a lights drive or a movie night.
• Keep food plans clear: gluten-free and dairy-free first, treats in moderation.
• Plan for sensory breaks and quiet rooms at gatherings.
• Sibling awareness matters. Give each child time that feels special.
• Flexible schedules reduce stress. Decide day-of if an event fits your child’s needs.
• Safety first: doorknob covers and clear exit plans calm everyone.
• Gifts can wait. If opening presents is hard in the moment, try later at home.
• Track recent changes after medical events, then adjust supports.
• Parents need care too. Use calming tools and ask for help when you need it.

Make sure to visit spectrumincamouflage.com for past episodes, tools, and updates. If you have a question or a story to share, I would love to hear it.

Let’s keep this season simple, calm, and special, one small tradition at a time.

Call to action: Visit spectrumincamouflage.com and send your questions or ideas to tommy@spectrumincamouflage.com.

Contact Information: tommy@spectrumincamouflage.com

• 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.

Hey, What’s Up! It’s Tommy. Today I brought my favorite co-host back on the mic, my wife Kailee. We talk about the real stuff, like why our non-speaking autistic son, Wyatt, needs anesthesia for dental work, what recovery looks like at home, and how we advocate for simple accommodations that make tough days doable. We share waiting room wins, a funny fudgesicle start, the time-change chaos, and what helped when Wyatt hit a rough patch afterward. We also cover our current support stack, like Camu Camu for vitamin C and electrolytes, and adding omega-3s again. If you are staring down a dental cleaning under anesthesia, I want you to hear this. You are not alone, and you can ask for what your child needs without apology. We wrap with a quick teaser for next week’s holiday prep chat.

• Dental cleanings under anesthesia can be necessary for autistic kids. Plan for it, and give yourself grace.
• Advocate early. Ask for a private waiting room, a later or quieter slot, and skip unhelpful “pre-consults” when they add stress.
• Recovery can be bumpy. Irritability, distance, sleep changes, and OCD-like behaviors may show up for a bit.
• Prepare for waits. Bring backup clothes, wipes, and a calm plan for bathroom breaks.
• Simple supports can help. We used camu camu for vitamin C, added electrolytes, and are restarting omega-3s.
• Hold your ground kindly. The medical team provides a service. Clear requests make the day better for everyone.
• Moms carry a lot. Dads do too in different ways. Offer each other grace, tag in, tag out, and keep talking.

If this helped, share it with a parent who needs encouragement. Visit spectrumincamouflage.com for more episodes and resources. Got questions or want us to cover something specific in the holiday series? Email me anytime at tommy@spectrumincamouflage.com. Find more at spectrumincamouflage.com.

• 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, 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. Holidays can feel heavy for families like ours. In this early holiday prep episode, I open up about why November speeds by, how food and sensory triggers shape our plans, and what it looks like to protect our kids while still building joy. I share practical ideas for autism-friendly gatherings, from gluten-free swaps to simple safety tools, and I talk about community, encouragement, and choosing traditions that fit your family. If this season feels loud, fast, or lonely, you are seen. You can set boundaries. You can still find the small wins that make the holidays worth remembering.

• Early planning lowers stress for families navigating autism during the holidays.
• Build traditions that fit your child, not the other way around.
• Food matters. Gluten, dairy, and sugar can hit hard, so plan safe menus and backups.
• Simple safety tools like doorknob protectors can change the day.
• It is okay to skip events that are not safe or supportive.
• Encourage others and ask for encouragement. Energy spreads.
• Start a gratitude list to reset your focus during tough weeks.
• A small, consistent Thanksgiving can become a life-giving tradition.
• Community helps. You are not alone, even when plans look different.
• Protect your child, your spouse, and your home first. Joy grows from there.

• Doorknob protectors for child safety during gatherings.
• NAMI holiday mental health insights on stress and seasonal strain.
• Gluten-free holiday basics, including safe turkey prep and easy sides.

Visit spectrumincamouflage.com for episodes, updates, and links. Share this with a friend who needs holiday hope today.

Questions, ideas, or a story to share? Email me at tommy@spectrumincamouflage.com.

• 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.

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.

• 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.

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.

• 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.

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.

• 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.