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.
Brooke hosts an episode of “Finding Hope on the Spectrum” on art therapy with board-certified art therapist and RDI consultant Christine “Kiki,” and guests Debbie Zimmer and her 22-year-old son Ben. Kiki explains how she was drawn to art therapy, how RDI deepened her work through parent involvement, and clarifies misconceptions by distinguishing “art as therapy” from clinical art therapy with a trained mental health professional as a guide and witness. She describes focusing on process over product, observing engagement and family dynamics, and tailoring art materials to sensory and physical needs to support regulation, communication, and growth. Ben shares via his AAC device how art helps him move from frustration to calm, choose colors/tools, and give, sell, or keep his work. Debbie describes Ben’s post-COVID and post-surgery challenges, how art therapy improved family support, confidence, vocabulary, wellbeing, and led to exhibitions, community classes, commissions, and broader family connection through art.
00:00 Art Heals Without Therapy
00:53 Podcast Welcome and Guests
02:54 Kiki Origin Story
06:39 RDI Meets Art Therapy
09:29 Art Therapy Myths
13:08 Not Artistic No Problem
15:32 Brain and Nervous System
17:51 Why It Helps Autism
20:32 Sensory Smart Materials
24:56 Communication and Agency
27:43 Coping Through Sensory Discomfort
28:13 Strength Building With Art
29:28 Ben Joins The Conversation
30:07 Ben Shares His Art Story
31:36 Debbie Preps Ben’s Message
33:31 Before Art Therapy Challenges
34:47 Why They Tried Art Therapy
35:50 Mom’s Mindset Shift
38:31 Art Show Breakthrough
41:06 Confidence And Communication Gains
42:42 Regulation And Wellbeing
43:50 Family Connection Through Art
45:49 Advice For Unsure Parents
49:10 Village Support And Collaboration
52:18 Finding Art Therapy Resources
53:52 Final Thanks And Goodbye
Connect with Finding Hope on the Spectrum:
www.findinghopeonthespectrum.com
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:
Resources:
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