Aspergers and Autism Podcast [The Aspie World]

3 Autistic Kids 2 Autistic Adults ONE EPIC FAMILY How We Do it

·12 min·1 clip

Flavia is upstairs with a child having a meltdown because they were asked to wash hands before eating strawberries.

The episode begins with Flavia upstairs managing a child's meltdown over washing hands before eating strawberries, immediately showcasing the daily challenges. Dan explains the family dynamic: he has two kids from a previous relationship, Flavia has three, totaling five children, though not all are present every day. Both Dan and Flavia are autistic, as are two of the kids, Sammy and Lucas, creating a household where multiple members navigate autism. A key strategy discussed is medication; Dan takes an SMRI, Flavia an SSRI, and both use Vyvanse, an ADHD stimulant, which Dan calls a necessary life tool for functioning. Noise-cancelling headphones, specifically Apple AirPods Max, are highlighted as essential for managing sensory overload, with Dan noting a switch from Bose due to deterioration. The episode covers practical routines, like charging headphones and preparing medication, amidst background chaos like a dog peeing and kids playing. Dan reveals he has requested government assistance for executive function help when caring for his two boys alone, pointing to systemic support needs. Meltdowns are frequent, with three kids having them about every two days, requiring parents to practice perseverance and calm in chaos. To cope, the family uses distraction techniques, such as visiting Dan's parents who have trampolines, swings, and ice cream, or splitting kids into groups to reduce cabin fever. Dan wears red-tinted glasses to help relax and rationalize thoughts, though Flavia does not like them. He mentions writing a book on parenting while autistic, tying the episode to broader advocacy. The day ends with Dan researching a book on content creation by Peng Joon, linking to his own work. Throughout, the tone is raw and unfiltered, emphasizing resilience and unconventional strategies in an autistic family.

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