Summary  In episode 15 of the On-time Autism Intervention Podcast, Ashley and Jessica are excited to welcome back Luisa. Luisa is the parent of an autistic son and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC). In episode 3, Luisa shared her journey through her son's referral and diagnosis and now she is back over 2 years later to give us an update and share insights from the other side! She reflects on what she wishes she had known back then and offers heartfelt advice on how to deal with the complicated feelings that often come from an autism diagnosis, including knowing when to act and when to pause and process. Ashley, Jessica, and Luisa also discuss ways that providers can step back and let parents "drive the bus" on the journey through diagnosis, acceptance, and support. Luisa offers her lived experience and perspective as a mental health professional working with families. There is something special about hearing from a parent who has been there, and we hope you enjoy this episode!   Resources:  Today’s guest, Luisa Bakhoum offers individual and family counseling services in Spanish and English through her practice, Conscious Family Paths. https://www.consciousfamilypaths.com/   OTAI Podcast Episode 3 (Google Podcasts) In the third episode of the On-time Autism Intervention Podcast, Jessica and Ashley dive into the parent experience and parent orientation towards a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This week they welcome a special parent guest, Luisa! Luisa describes the process of referral and diagnosis and reflects on the many feelings she has experienced throughout this new journey with her child. Regardless of what phase of the journey you are in, Luisa’s story offers valuable perspective and hope for any parent in any stage of the diagnostic process with their child. We hope you enjoy this episode! 

Summary  In episode 14, Jess and Ashley welcome Sarah, MOT, OTR/L, an Occupational Therapist (OT) with the Autism Center at the University of Washington. Today, Sarah will answer the burning question, "What is occupational therapy?" In today's discussion we look at how occupational therapy strategies can support young autistic children and their families with everyday routines from tummy time to toileting, why parent coaching leads to better outcomes, and the importance of play. Sensory processing struggles can often get in the way of learning and lead to meltdowns, so Sarah will also offer strategies caregivers can try at home. And last, but not least, we will talk about the critical role of caregivers and collaboration on early intervention teams. We hope you enjoy the episode!       Resources:  At-home sensory processing tips and strategies. sensory-processing.pdf    For OTs and Early Intervention Providers: Parent coaching pioneers, Drs. Rush and Sheldon share important insights on incorporating parent coaching into early intervention practice.   https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1837&context=ojot 

In this episode, Ashley and Jess get a chance to chat with Dr. Annette Estes. Dr. Estes is the Director of the University of Washington Autism Center and an expert on sleep in autism. We discuss sleep needs for children, goals for sleep health, and simple tips you can start right away to help everyone get those zzzzzz's.  Resources: Sleep Better! A Guide to Improving Sleep for Children with Special Needs by V. Mark Durand  Solving Sleep Problems in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders by Terry Katz and Beth Ann Malowhttps://www.autismspeaks.org/sites/default/files/2018-08/Sleep%20Tool%20Kit.pdf