350:Behavior Is Communication By Kristina Avritt

Today's visitor is Kristina Avritt, whom I met at a podcasting hosting event. After meeting her and learning that she also has a son with autism, I knew she was a perfect match for Autism Rocks And Rolls. Kristina is a co-host of the Bringing Education Home podcast and founder of Vibrant Family Education, which explores educational concepts and family success. With over thirty years of experience in education, coaching, and family development, she helps parents create positive learning environments where children can thrive both mentally and spiritually. As she stated, this technique honors each child's unique learning style while also teaching parents about a stronger link, determination, and lifelong enthusiasm for learning. Welcome to Autism Rocks and Rolls, Mrs. Avritt! https://vibrantfamilyeducation.com/home https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bringing-education-home/id1651695357

We are back with the final segment of the Total Drama Specials. The final part  focuses on Total Drama Pahkitew Island, its fifth branch. In this episode, I talk about what happened during Total Drama All Stars, which resulted in Total Drama Pahkitew Island. I also talk about the new aspects and characters included in Total Drama Pahkitew Island, in addition to how they relate to autism and other impairments. Finally, I discuss the challenges that the cast experienced this season, each with a symptom suggesting autism or a disability.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mxLp7NNTDdY&t=82s https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yUEs2rvr944

We're back with the fifth part of the Total Drama Specials. The fifth chapter centers around Total Drama All Stars, the fourth spinoff. In this episode, I discuss what transpired in Total Drama Revenge Of The Island, which created Total Drama All Stars. I also speak about the elements and returning characters on Total Drama All Stars, in addition to their connection to autism. Finally, I describes the challenges the returning cast members  faced that season, each featuring a sign showing autism or a disorder.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=73mbuRoMIag

We are back with the fourth part of the Total Drama Specials. The fourth segment focuses on Total Drama Revenge Of The Island, Total Drama's third spinoff. In this episode, I explain what transpired throughout Total Drama World Tour to enable Total Drama Revenge Of The Island. I also discuss the nuances and new characters that appear only in Total Drama Revenge Of The Island, along with how they connect to autism. Finally, I detail the challenges encountered during this season, each featuring a sign representing autism or disability. 

With our third season, we will continue to broadcast Total Drama specials. The third part addresses Total Drama World Tour, Total Drama's second spinoff. In this episode, I recount what happened in Total Drama Action that made Total Drama World Tour possible. I also explain the factors and one of the three characters who only appear in Total Drama World Tour, as well as their relationship to autism. Finally, I outline the challenges in many parts of the world, each one featuring a sign signifying autism or other abilities. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S5-ai0QsRK8&list=PLB298C0107EFC6BCE&index=31 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oVFWUPPqPCE

The second part of the Total Drama specials is continuing. The second section discusses Total Drama Action, the first Total Drama offshoot. I will discuss what transpired on Total Drama Island to bring about Total Drama Action in this episode. Additionally, I explain the components unique to Total Drama Action and their connection to autism. Finally, I address the challenges inspired by movies and how each one represents autism or other abilities. The genre of superhero movies is one example. Are you curious about the similarities between autism or disability and the superhero movie genre? You'll need to listen today! 

We're going on a different path because I've chosen to produce a six-part special about Total Drama, one of my childhood favorite television programs. I begin the episode by outlining Total Drama Island's concepts and comparing it to reality competition shows like Fear Factor and Survivor. I also discuss the series "outsider energy." I also discuss the conflict and how it connects to the chaos we face in real life. Lastly, I wrap up the program by talking about the tasks and competitors (i.e., campers) and how each one represents autism. I'll even tell you who my favorite Total Drama camper is. You must listen today to find out who it is! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RUYjPlxzDF8

Matthew Williams, a Canadian Special Olympic athlete, will be my guest on this episode of Autism Rocks and Rolls. After hearing about his address to my mother's eighth graders, I was certain he would show up. For twenty years, Mr. Williams participated in the figure skating division of the Canadian Special Olympics. His notoriety grew to the point where he competed for Canada in the 2015 and 2017 Special Olympic World Games. He has also been a member of the Special Olympics International board. He presently serves as the chair of the Special Olympics BC Athlete Input Council and is a member of the Special Olympics BC Leadership Council. At the moment, he is married to his wife, Crystal. Please assist me in introducing this incredible Olympian into my program.

Today's guest is Michael Pereira, the owner of The Autism Voyage. After 10 years at a company in America, high-stakes negotiations, and climbing the corporate ladder, Michael Pereira had everything figured out. Everything abruptly altered in 2022 when his son was diagnosed with autism. "What happens to my son when I'm not here?" became the most crucial question for him. Michael started The Autism Voyage after pursuing an occupation in special needs planning as a result of that investigation. Today, Michael uses his professional experience and firsthand knowledge as a father of a child who is on the autism spectrum to assist families in achieving financial security through life insurance policies, special needs trusts, and benefits protection. Welcome to Autism Rocks And Rolls, Michael. https://theautismvoyage.com/

Betsy Wurzel, an acquaintance of Autism Rocks and Rolls, is my guest today. Betsy is a qualified practical nurse and a former teacher's assistant. Her child, Josh, is on the autism spectrum and has a cognitive impairment. She also looked after her mother-in-law, who had Alzheimer's. That custom continued after her spouse, Matt, was also given an early-stage Alzheimer's diagnosis in 2010. She has transformed her anger into positivity by creating films about Alzheimer's and mental health, starting the Chatting With Betsy podcast, in which she converses with caregivers from all backgrounds, and launching a Facebook group called #KickAlzheimer'sAssMovement. She was even given the Caregiving Visionary Advocate Award in November 2021. Betsy continues to look after Josh, and she looked after Matt until his passing in January 2020. Please welcome this incredible woman to the podcast. https://passionateworldtalkradio.com/