Finding Hope on the Spectrum

Finding Hope on the Spectrum
Podcast Description
Are you worried about your autistic son's or daughter's future and quality of life? Do you want to feel empowered to be the intuitive parent you know you are? Or are you a curious professional, seeking to learn and discover how to best reach your autistic clients? I invite you to join our community of growth seeking individuals as we connect, share and support each other.
This show will feature heart to heart conversations with parents, professionals, and autistic individuals sharing personal insight and life experiences. We will dive deep into supports, programs, and stories that inspire us.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast focuses on the themes of parenting autistic children, professional insights into neurodiversity, and personal growth stories, with episodes exploring therapeutic approaches like ABA and RDI, and listener-driven discussions on overcoming challenges in supporting autistic individuals.

Are you worried about your autistic son’s or daughter’s future and quality of life? Do you want to feel empowered to be the intuitive parent you know you are? Or are you a curious professional, seeking to learn and discover how to best reach your autistic clients? I invite you to join our community of growth seeking individuals as we connect, share and support each other.
This show will feature heart to heart conversations with parents, professionals, and autistic individuals sharing personal insight and life experiences. We will dive deep into supports, programs, and stories that inspire us.
In this episode, Brooke interviews Jackie Zaldua, the Executive Director of Behavioral Therapies at Therapeutic Approach to Growth in San Diego, California. They discuss the distinction between Naturalistic ABA and traditional Discrete Trial Training (DTT) methods. Jackie explains how Naturalistic ABA integrates goals into enjoyable, everyday activities that resonate with the child's interests. They also delve into the importance of engaging families in the therapy process, building a growth mindset, and hosting community events to foster a sense of belonging and achievement for children with autism. Jackie shares practical strategies for parents and caregivers to implement Naturalistic ABA in their daily routines, emphasizing flexibility, compassion, and empowerment while maintaining developmental appropriateness. Ultimately, the episode underscores the evolving field of ABA towards more compassionate and respectful practices.
00:00 The Joys of Childhood in Therapy
01:22 Introduction to Naturalistic ABA
02:58 Meet Jackie Zaldua: Expert in Naturalistic ABA
04:20 Understanding Naturalistic ABA vs. Traditional ABA
10:26 The Importance of a Growth Mindset
15:29 Core Principles and Strategies of Naturalistic ABA
20:02 The Role of Parents in Naturalistic ABA
27:47 Incorporating Community in Naturalistic ABA
30:14 Student-Led Event Planning
31:06 Creating a Sense of Community
31:51 Special Memories and Feedback
33:37 Holiday Celebrations and Craft Fairs
35:39 Personalized Client Activities
40:44 Evolving ABA Practices
44:10 Balancing Compliance and Compassion
49:50 Final Thoughts and Contact Information
Connect with Finding Hope on the Spectrum:
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574918739411
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brooke-wagner-4819233a/
Instagram: @findinghopeonthespectrum
TikTok: Findinghopeonthespectrum
Guest Contact: www.tagforgrowth.com

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