Unpacking Social Skills Goals for Autistic Kids

In this episode of The Spectrum Connection, hosts Jess and Alyce discuss the concept of social skills goals for neurodivergent children. They explore why these goals are often included in NDIS plans and the implications of focusing on making neurodivergent kids more neurotypical. They highlight the importance of understanding and valuing different communication styles and advocate for meeting neurodivergent individuals halfway. The episode also touches upon the mental health impact of masking and the necessity of listening to autistic adults for valuable insights.

Sponsored by The Midnight Gang (www.themidnightgang.com), the podcast provides practical advice for parents navigating this unique journey.

00:00 Introduction to The Spectrum Connection

00:30 Sponsor Message: The Midnight Gang

01:24 Exploring Social Skills as a Goal

03:20 The Double Empathy Problem

04:44 Personal Experiences with Social Skills

08:48 Advocating for Neurodivergent Needs

23:11 Community Feedback and Self-Care

24:27 Conclusion and Farewell

The Spectrum Connection: Season Two Premiere & Life Updates In the premiere episode of 'The Spectrum Connection' season two, hosts Jess and Alyce share life updates and discuss the journey of diagnosing neurodivergence in adults. The episode begins with a nod to their sponsor, Starfish Store Australia, and transitions into a candid conversation about Jess's recent autism and ADHD diagnoses. Alyce shares her experiences with homeschooling and recent graduation, while Jess introduces a new foundation project aimed at supporting parents of autistic children. The hosts also outline the broader scope for season two, focusing on neurodivergent parenting and adult neurodivergence, encouraging listener engagement and self-care.

00:00 Welcome to The Spectrum Connection

00:30 Shout Out to Our Sponsor: Starfish Store Australia www.starfishstore.com.au

01:22 Season Two Kickoff and Life Updates

04:16 Jess's Autism and ADHD Diagnosis

10:09 Alyce's Homeschooling Journey

16:03 The CID Foundation and Future Plans

17:51 What's in Store for Season Two?

21:57 Self-Care and Closing Remarks

In the season one finale of Spectrum Connection, Jess and Alyce reminisce about their journey of starting the podcast and share their amazement at completing the first season. They reflect on the importance of self-care, sharing insightful tips from their community, discuss navigating friendships and social interactions for neurodivergent children, and share personal updates and hopes for the podcast's future. This episode is a heartwarming signoff, filled with laughter, candid discussions, and valuable takeaways for parents and caregivers.