Autism & Literacy- Issues and Recommendations

This might annoy you—but the way you were taught to teach reading is almost certainly not rooted in science. Gasp. I know right?! This might end up being a part 1 (of 2, 3, or 10) episode because I could talk about this for years. In this episode we’re unpacking the literacy gap in students with autism. What I’m sharing is derived from research I’ve done for my doctoral program but hopefully I’ve done a decent job of making it relatable and easy to digest. You’ll learn about some of the biggest mistakes we’re making as educators, therapists and parents (in reading instruction) and get some of the context around literacy instruction in Ontario (and North America) and what I recommend for moving forward with science (not tradition). Spoiler—science drives friends 🤣 that actually makes this MUCH easier. Love the episode? 💙 Don't forget to connect on social, rate and review on your favourite podcast platform.  Your host- Alley @MagMinds Your Fav Podcast- Science Drives @sciencedrives The business behind the podcast - Magnificent Minds Inc.

If you grew up in the 80s or 90s, you were definitely NOT taught how to self-regulate. You may even be wondering: "How on Earth do I teach my kid to self-regulate, if I have NO idea how to do it myself?" (Read as: I am regularly flipping my lid, and feeling guilty about it.) I'm bringing you an exclusive opportunity to listen to components of a workshop I hosted for parents learning to find-their-chill when faced with parenting stress, burn-out, and overwhelm. I bring you science-backed strategies for building self-awareness, developing coping strategies and cultivating the self-compassion you need to model healthy self-regulation skills for your kiddos. More of a visual learner? If this episode resonates, and you want to purchase the full workshop with hand-outs and slide deck referenced, you can grab it here. Love the episode? Don't forget to connect on social, rate and review on your favourite podcast platform. Your host- Alley @MagMinds Your Fav Podcast- Science Drives @sciencedrives The business behind the podcast - Magnificent Minds Inc.

This is the episode you need to track down if you’re a parent in a power struggle, a teacher in a power struggle, or pretty much anyone trying to figuring how to better support a child whose behaviour has become an issue. Heads up though—my advice might not be what you expect. I do have 3 Steps to get you going, but I’m going on record and saying the behaviour change you’re looking for starts with you. Don’t worry, that actually makes this MUCH easier. Love the episode? 💙 Don't forget to connect on social, rate and review on your favourite podcast platform.  Your host- Alley @MagMinds Your Fav Podcast- Science Drives @sciencedrives The business behind the podcast - Magnificent Minds Inc.

When this Reel about transitions went viral, I knew we needed to dive into this topic ASAP.  There's a big misunderstanding about the root cause of transitional issues, especially in a neurodivergent population, so that's where I'll start. I'll unpack some of my favourite strategies for supporting transitions, recognizing transitional issues vs. demand avoidance issues, and understanding how to work with your child's brain (rather than against it) when it comes to both teaching new skills and following through on routine expectations. The key to successful transitions is thoroughly understanding just how many cognitive processes work together to make it happen; it won't always be easy, but you'll feel way more empowered in your ability to meet your kids' needs once you've given me just 29 minutes of your time! Love the episode? Don't forget to connect on social, rate and review on your favourite podcast platform.  Your host- Alley @MagMinds Your Fav Podcast- Science Drives @sciencedrives The business behind the podcast - Magnificent Minds Inc.

After a short hiatus we're back with more of the goods. Today's episode is all about how we can do better for our ADHD kids. I'm bringing you practical strategies for working with the ADHD brain and not against; strategies to help you unlock potential, and spark motivation at home, or in school. Whether your biggest struggle is impulse control, executive functioning, maximizing engagement or anything in between, there's a hack for that and yes--it's backed by science. So, let's go! Hungry for more? Check this out. Love the episode? Don't forget to connect on social, rate and review on your favourite podcast platform.  Your host- Alley @MagMinds Your Fav Podcast- Science Drives @sciencedrives The business behind the podcast - Magnificent Minds Inc.

Imagine if you picked up the phone, and had a very casual riff with me about stress, anxiety and digging deep to figure out what the heck just triggered you; because that's what this episode is all about. It's a super informal, super practical, somewhat personal dialogue about how (and why) our environment can make or break our ability to regulate, stay mindful and support our ability to learn. I'm unpacking a personal example of when I felt super triggered, and with hindsight--am unpacking what I wish I knew at the time and how it can help us plan proactively to support ourselves or our kids.  Educators, parents and therapists will get deeper insight into how to create an environment that promotes self-regulation and emotional safety within the home, classroom or clinic.  Love the episode? Don't forget to connect on social, rate and review on your favourite podcast platform. Your host- Alley @MagMinds Your Fav Podcast- Science Drives @sciencedrives The business behind the podcast - Magnificent Minds Inc.

In this unscripted episode I'm diving into co-regulation; what is it, and how do we achieve it? I'm talking about connection as the root upon which the tree is planted and how to navigate our own trigger points as parents, educators and therapists.  Love the episode? Don't forget to connect on social, rate and review on your favourite podcast platform. Your host- Alley @MagMinds Your Fav Podcast- Science Drives @sciencedrives The business behind the podcast - Magnificent Minds Inc.

What are he benefits of mindfulness for our kids and can kids actually be mindful? No really, my kid is "a mile a minute" can they really truly SLOW DOWN? I'm unpacking the similarities and differences between mindfulness, meditation and yoga and discussing the benefits each can have on teaching and practicing self-regulation.  Love the episode? Don't forget to connect on social, rate and review on your favourite podcast platform. Your host- Alley @MagMinds Your Fav Podcast- Science Drives @sciencedrives The business behind the podcast - Magnificent Minds Inc.

In this episode we're keeping the convo going and talking about autism and self regulation as we tackle: 1. What to do when you can't avoid the big behaviour; how to navigate it like a champ. 2.How to avoid the common pitfalls of navigating a big behaviour or power struggle.  3. How to build a toolbox of coping skills for your kiddo (and yourself). This episode is the exclamation mark at the end of an extremely useful sentence; trust me :P Hungry for more? Check out Parenting & Autism - The Virtual Masterclass  Love the episode? Don't forget to connect on social, rate and review on your favourite podcast platform. Your host- Alley @MagMinds Your Fav Podcast- Science Drives @sciencedrives The business behind the podcast - Magnificent Minds Inc.

Talking about self-regulation honestly LIGHTS ME UP! :P This episode is JAM PACKED with theory and practical tips for building self-regulation skills in a neurodivergent population. Grab a notebook because I am spilling ALL the tea. Prepare for an epic brain dump of considerations, pit-falls, myths and facts, and strategies I've used over the last decade in supporting autistic children and the parents, teachers, and therapists who support them. At the 55 minute mark I come up for air and realize...K, I've been monologue-ing for almost an hour, so I stop there. Take a beat, let the brain dump sink in and check back soon for part 2 because I have another hour of content coming your way.  And OBVIOUSLY, if you're feeling this episode or have an AHA moment--share it with me! Hungry for more? Check out Parenting & Autism - The Virtual Masterclass Love the episode? Don't forget to connect on social, rate and review on your favourite podcast platform. Your host- Alley @MagMinds Your Fav Podcast- Science Drives @sciencedrives The business behind the podcast - Magnificent Minds Inc.