Struggle Care

Kerry Magro is an advocate for individuals with autism, sharing his personal journey and professional insights. He discusses growing up with communication struggles and the importance of family support. Kerry addresses stereotypes around autism and emphasizes its complexities and strengths as a spectrum. He explores the challenges of eye contact, masking, and sensory sensitivities in adulthood, along with advice for parents. Additionally, he sheds light on misconceptions regarding autism and relationships, advocating for greater understanding and representation.

In this engaging discussion, Taylor, a board-certified behavior analyst, delves into the controversial world of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). She explains ABA's principles and its impact on autistic children, addressing both its potential benefits and historical harms. Taylor shares her journey in the field, revealing the ethical complexities BCBAs face. The conversation highlights the importance of viewing autistic individuals as whole people, questioning whether the goal is to make them seem less autistic, and advocating for more empathetic practices in therapy.

In this enlightening discussion, Kathleen Walker, an autistic advocate and author, shares her personal journey with autism from an early diagnosis. She tackles the complexities of social communication and the challenges of adhering to workplace etiquette. Kathleen offers valuable insights on 'masking' behaviors and the importance of supportive environments for autistic individuals. Additionally, she provides practical advice for parents navigating the world with their autistic children, emphasizing the need for understanding and acceptance.

In this discussion, psychologist Lesley PsyD shares her expertise in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and its controversial role in autism therapy. She emphasizes the need for individualized approaches, critiquing the focus on compliance and neurotypical standards. The conversation unpacks the emotional nuances of ABA, detailing its benefits and potential risks. Lesley advocates for understanding behavior in context and preserving children's autonomy, while also highlighting the challenges families face in accessing appropriate therapies.

Three guests share their unique insights on autism, tackling stereotypes about communication and relationships. Syd discusses finding authenticity in a world that often feels unwelcoming. Atlas reflects on his childhood experiences and the impact of TV characters on self-identity. Sapphire reveals the nuances of conversation and the need for personal space. There's also valuable advice for parents considering diagnosis while unpacking the complexity of relationships with autistic individuals. Lively discussions highlight the beauty of diversity in experiences.

Kaelynn Partlow, a vibrant TikTok creator and participant from Netflix’s Love on the Spectrum, shares her rich insights on autism. She reflects on her diagnosis at age 10 and discusses her experiences with social communication deficits and the challenges of masking. Kaelynn highlights the significance of stimming and sensory sensitivities, contrasting them with non-autistic perspectives. She emphasizes that all autistic behaviors are genuine human behaviors and tackles the misconceptions surrounding autism as an invisible disability.

Licensed therapist Derrick Hoard discusses debunking myths around video games for parents, promoting mindfulness in gaming, benefits for neurodivergent kids, parental engagement tips, and therapeutic value of video games in family dynamics.

Licensed therapist Derrick Hoard discusses the therapeutic value of video games, challenging misconceptions. Emphasis on emotional expression, safe spaces, and navigating relationship dynamics. Importance of honest communication, understanding hobbies, and societal shame towards leisure activities.

Do you want to bring sexy back into your life? This concept encompasses much more than actual sex, but it reaches to the inner depths of a woman’s core identity, vitality, and attitudes about life. This episode was prompted by the response to a recent TikTok in which I commented about how I’ve rediscovered things about myself here in my late 30s as my kids are a bit older and I have more time to myself. The response was big, with many questions about what I’ve done. I hate to say that there really is no big secret, but this topic is well worth exploring, so I’m bringing in my good friend, Lindley Gentile, a licensed marriage and family therapist. She is an expert who works specifically with women around rediscovering their sexiness, or perhaps, learning to discover it for the first time. Show Highlights: Contributing factors to why women lose their individuality and sexiness The roles women fall into throughout life’s phases—without any renegotiation with their partner Sexiness in identity is about MUCH more than having sex. Being “turned on” is about aliveness, vitality, positivity, and a vibration of your soul. Care tasks create a barrier to pleasure. Sex is like a playground for fun and pleasure, and the aging woman can have more fun at the playground. Aging women, what they wear, and feeling sexy Sexiness is about energy and how you feel. False messages from society around fatphobia, suppression, and ideology Fantasy is a gift and a power that can overcome our tendency to overthink. Lindley’s starting point with women who want to rediscover their sexiness Lindley’s recommended reading for every woman: Come As You Are by Emily Nagoski Resources and Links:Connect with Lindley Gentile: Website, TikTok, and Austin Couples Concierge CounselingConnect with KC: Website, TikTok, Instagram, and FacebookGet KC’s book, How to Keep House While DrowningWe love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: www.strugglecare.com/promo-codes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Parker Bushman, CEO of Ecoinclusive Strategies, discusses making outdoors inclusive for everyone, addressing disparities in access, racist roots in conservation, and elitism in outdoor communities. They emphasize breaking down barriers and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in outdoor spaces. Parker also shares insights on ableism, community engagement, and advice for finding enjoyable outdoor activities.