Dancing Into Parenthood with Dr. Divina Lopez

In this episode of My Autistic Experience, Aaron opens up about his personal experiences with meltdowns—what triggers them, how they feel in the moment, and what actually helps him calm down. Dr. Divina Lopez, pediatrician and autism expert, leads the conversation to help parents and listeners better understand the difference between meltdowns and tantrums, why autistic kids experience them, and how to provide the right support. 💡 Key Topics in This Episode: What a meltdown actually feels like from Aaron’s perspective Common triggers and how to recognize them What helps Aaron calm down vs. what makes things worse How parents and teachers can support autistic kids during a meltdown The importance of tracking behaviors to find patterns and solutions 🎧 This episode is a must-listen for autism parents, educators, and anyone who wants to better understand sensory overload and emotional regulation. --- 📝 Resources & Links Mentioned in This Episode: ✨ The Tiny Mighty Autism Parent Planner – The ultimate tool for parents to track behaviors, identify meltdown triggers, and develop strategies for better emotional regulation. Get yours now at www.drdivinalopez.com! 🔗 Website & Blog: Visit www.drdivinalopez.com for more autism parenting resources, expert advice, and tools to help your child thrive. 📲 Follow Dr. Divina Lopez on Instagram: @drdivinalopez for daily insights and parenting tips. 🎙 Subscribe to the Podcast: Never miss an episode! Follow My Autistic Experience on your favorite podcast platform. --- 💬 Join the Conversation! Have a question or a topic you'd like us to cover? DM us on Instagram! Share this episode with another autism parent who might find it helpful. Leave a review if you enjoyed this episode—it helps more families find us!

"My Autistic Experience" is a heartfelt and enlightening podcast hosted by 12-year-old Aaron and his mom, Dr. Divina Lopez, a pediatrician and autism expert. Together, they share Aaron's unique journey growing up on the autism spectrum—from his early toddler years to his life as a preteen. With honesty, humor, and warmth, Aaron opens up about his sensory experiences, emotions, passions (like animatronics!), and the lessons he’s learned along the way. Dr. Lopez offers insights as both a mom and a professional, making this podcast a valuable resource for autism parents, professionals, and anyone curious about life on the spectrum. Each episode dives into topics like managing meltdowns, navigating school, building friendships, and finding joy in the everyday. Whether you're seeking support, inspiration, or a new perspective, My Autistic Experience invites you to celebrate the beauty of neurodiversity, one story at a time. Join Aaron and Dr. Lopez for engaging conversations, practical advice, and the occasional laugh as they shine a light on the power of understanding and connection. Get your Tiny Mighty Autism Parent Planner today: https://drdivinalopez.com/shop/the-tiny-mighty-autism-parent-planner/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drdivinalopez/

"My Autistic Experience" is a heartfelt and enlightening podcast hosted by 12-year-old Aaron and his mom, Dr. Divina Lopez, a pediatrician and autism expert. Together, they share Aaron's unique journey growing up on the autism spectrum—from his early toddler years to his life as a preteen. With honesty, humor, and warmth, Aaron opens up about his sensory experiences, emotions, passions (like animatronics!), and the lessons he’s learned along the way. Dr. Lopez offers insights as both a mom and a professional, making this podcast a valuable resource for autism parents, professionals, and anyone curious about life on the spectrum. Each episode dives into topics like managing meltdowns, navigating school, building friendships, and finding joy in the everyday. Whether you're seeking support, inspiration, or a new perspective, My Autistic Experience invites you to celebrate the beauty of neurodiversity, one story at a time. Join Aaron and Dr. Lopez for engaging conversations, practical advice, and the occasional laugh as they shine a light on the power of understanding and connection. Get your Tiny Mighty Autism Parent Planner today: https://drdivinalopez.com/shop/the-tiny-mighty-autism-parent-planner/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drdivinalopez/

Dive into the world of genetic testing for ASD, where science becomes the ultimate detective, uncovering the hidden clues of autism. By decoding the genetic mysteries behind ASD, doctors can craft personalized treatment plans like tailor-made suits, boosting the chances of success. Not only that, but this genetic sleuthing can also unveil any sneaky sidekicks that might be tagging along with ASD, leading to a more holistic care plan. Early detection means early action, paving the way for a brighter future for those with ASD. And hey, let's not forget about the families - genetic testing can be a beacon of clarity and comfort, guiding them through the maze of uncertainty and aiding in making informed decisions. As research gallops ahead, genetic testing is set to become an even more powerful ally in the fight against ASD, promising a world where every individual can shine bright like a star in the sky.

Our special needs children are capable. They possess unique strengths and abilities that deserve to be recognized and celebrated. With the right support, encouragement, and resources, our special needs children can achieve incredible things and make meaningful contributions to the world around them. It is important to provide them with a nurturing and inclusive environment where they can thrive and reach their full potential. Let us embrace their differences, celebrate their successes, and empower them to shine brightly in their own way. Our special needs children are not only capable, but they are also extraordinary in their own right. Stay tuned for our excited new release that was created by Dr. Lopez just for special needs parents! As always you can connect with me on my website: www.drdivinalopez.comFollow me on Instagram @drdivinalopez

In this episode of Dancing Into Parenthood, my son Aaron talks about his experience growing up with autism. He shares his good and bad memories when it came to school, his peers, and the teachers. These days, I know I have to communicate a lot with his teachers so they can understand he is not trying to manipulate. My son is curious, and because of that, he can be misunderstood. If you're a single parent, new parent, you're struggling with parenting, or you're the parent to a special needs child, I invite you to learn more about my group parenting sessions! Receive tips, advice, and personalized support as you navigate your parenting journey. Learn more today! LEARN MORE!Are you following along on Instagram? @drdivinalopez is a page strictly dedicated to giving you ALL the parenting tips / tricks. Make sure to follow along and share with any expecting parents! You can always reach me at www.drdivinalopez.com or follow me on Instagram @drdivinalopez Thank you so much for being a part of everything we do, Dr. Divina Lopez

In Part 2, Linelly and I talk about the level of denial in the Latino community when it comes to autism. They also talk about the key to success when it comes to therapies and tips when it comes to picky eaters and food textures. Timestamps:00:00 Intro23:38 What are some of the tips you give to parents when it comes to picky eaters? Listen to Part 2 of my conversation with Linelly and check out Part 1 here: https://youtu.be/1AxJXjVziOI If you're a parent to a child with autism or special needs, I invite you to learn more about my group parenting sessions. These sessions will provide education on navigating the school and healthcare system, tips, and support from myself and other parents going through the same journey. Learn more here: https://drdivinalopez.com/shop/parent-sessions/

I’m so excited to have Linelly on this episode of Dancing Into Parenthood: Entre La Familia! Linelly is a Speech Language Pathologist with a two year old son who was diagnosed with autism. She shares how his diagnosis affected her career path, her experience and advice when advocating for your child, and the importance of teaching functional language at an early age. Listen to Part 1 of my conversation with Linelly and stay tuned for Part 2! If you're a parent to a child with autism or special needs, I invite you to learn more about my group parenting sessions. These sessions will provide education on navigating the school and healthcare system, tips, and support from myself and other parents going through the same journey. Learn more here: https://drdivinalopez.com/shop/parent-sessions/ Timestamp00:00 Intro05:10 - Do you feel like [having a child with autism] makes your practice better?08:00 - Can you share the story of where your love for doing your work came from?29:55 - Can you talk about the importance of functional language and goal setting for children with autism?

On this episode of Dancing Into Parenthood, I’m joined by Francis Lora! This is the first father I’ve had on in the Entre La Familia series! Francis is a licensed social worker and father to a son with autism. He talks about his experience with medical doctors before his son was diagnosed, how autism is shown in modern pop culture, and how machismo has played a part in his fatherhood journey. If you're a parent to a child with autism or special needs, I invite you to learn more about my group parenting sessions. These sessions will provide education on navigating the school and healthcare system, tips, and support from myself and other parents going through the same journey. Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/eXaUemN3 Timestamps 00:00 Intro12:29 - What were some of the first signs and symptoms you noticed in your son?21:55 - How old was he when he was diagnosed?36:42 - What are your thoughts on parenting as a neurodiverse individual?39:28 - As a father, can you share your opinion on machismo?