Homebase Hope: All About Autism

HBH 31: Making School A Success with Sue Larkey

Today we are soaking up all the practical advice and insights into how to make school a success, with the amazing Sue Larkey. We dive into anxiety, transitions, adjustments for tests, sensory tools and SO MUCH MORE!
I have subscribed to Sue’s newsletter 7 years ago when I had my first pediatric caseload at a special development school down in Victoria. I’ve always loved Sue’s ideas because they’re super practical – and she makes everything make sense!
Sue Larkey is an educator who has taught students with autism at both mainstream primary schools and special education schools. She combines practical experience with extensive research having completed a Masters in Special Education.
If your child is at school – then this is one episode you don’t want to miss!
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HBH 30: Dear Teachers, What I Wish You Knew with Princess Aspien

Chloe Hayden, better known as Princess Aspien, is a 21 year old girl with Aspergers Syndrome. Chloe struggled throughout her childhood and early teenage years feeling outcast and unable to connect with anyone. She suffered relentless bullying at school which landed her in hospital. 
When Chole was 18, she came to the realisation that she wasn’t the only child who had gone through these similar experiences. Chloe talks about what school life was REALLY like, how homeschooling changed her life in an instant, what she wishes teachers knew about her, how teachers can support autistic kids to thrive and so much more!
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HBH 29: Unapologetically Autistic with Agony Autie

Sara Harvey aka Agony Autie is autistic and was diagnosed at the age of 26 after her sons diagnosis. Sara is completely unguarded when it comes to advocating for the neurodiverse. She openly and courageously shares what’s in her heart and on her mind. Sara is shedding light on autistic behaviours and the different experiences being autistic entails. We talk all about her personal experiences, how she describes autism, what the neurodiverse movement is all about, why masking is so damaging, and why stimming should not be discouraged. Buckle up…..and join us for one exciting ride!
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HBH 28: Navigating The Chemical Maze

When the brain and body are overloaded with toxins they don’t have the opportunity to function optimally. Our modern day world is full of chemicals which although are often hard to avoid, there is a great deal you can be doing to safely navigate the chemical maze. We conversation dives deep into the common toxic chemicals (‘fragrances’, phthalates & fluoride) you should be avoiding plus the everyday products you should be thinking twice about! This is one episode you can’t miss – because friends, the strategies shared in today’s episode are within your control.
Today we have the pleasure of speaking with Bill Statham. Bill is a researcher and writer with an interest in health education and a commitment to making a positive difference to the health of people and the environment. Bill studied and practised homeopathy both in Australia and the UK for over ten years. During this time he became increasingly concerned about the detrimental effects on health caused by synthetic chemicals in the foods we eat and cosmetic products we use every day.
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HBH 27: Techno Tantrums, Safe Screen Time And Raising Our Kids In A Digital World

Kids on the spectrum are drawn to digital devices, and lets face it, many kids prefer the virtual world over the real world. Electronic devices can provide predictability where kids feel safe, secure and can play a game tailored to their current interest. This sounds far more appealing than the real world which is full of unpredictability, judgement, misunderstandings, sensory overload and constant social challenges. But the tricky thing is trying to limit screen time and take back a device when time is up. This can trigger all sorts of meltdowns and behaviours.
Today, we’ll be diving into techno tantrums, safe screen time and practical advice on how to manage things like social media. I’m super excited to be talking with Dr. Kristy Goodwin. Kristy is a children’s technology and development expert, speaker, author & mum. She takes the guesswork and guilt out of raising kids in the digital age and arms parents with facts, not fears, about the best ways to parent when it comes to technology.
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HBH 26: The eyes are useless when the mind is blind- Unlearning What We Know About Autism

We need to look at autism through a completely different lense. We need to unlearn what we have known to be true. We need to challenge deeply ingrained belief systems and embrace a whole child approach to the complexities of autism.
Today it’s just you and me! I chat about how my understanding of autism was challenged when I stepped out of my therapy bubble and started to look beyond the information that was handed to me. I show you why the confusing history of autism means we need to keep our minds open to interventions that don’t necessarily address ‘autism’. I discuss epigenetics and why our divided autism community needs to work together…now more than ever before.
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HBH 25: Lifestyle Matters For Autism- Exploring Epigenetics with Shandy Laskey

We know genes play a major role in autism, but are you aware that autism is also heavily influenced by environmental factors? The more we learn about autism as an epigenetic condition – the more we start to realise that lifestyle really matters!
This is a really empowering model to work from – because it means you can make a difference.
We know there is not a ‘one size fits all’ approach to the complexities of autism but there are simple and effective strategies that ALL children can benefit from such as eating real food, restoring gut health and eliminating chemicals from around the home.
Tune in today as we talk to (the incredibly passionate) Shandy Laskey who will empower you with the knowledge and tools to make health promoting changes and help your child reach their full potential!
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HBH 24: Creating An “I Can” Network With Chris Varney

Does your child often feel isolated and have low self esteem? Chris Varney is 31 years old and has Asperger’s Syndrome. He grew up with a group of mentors who pushed him to think ‘I CAN’ and is driving a rethink of autism, from ‘I Can’t’ to ‘I CAN’!! In today’s episode Chris empowers you with ways to support your child at school and work – to boost their confidence and help them reach their full potential.
Chris is the founder of the I CAN Network. The I CAN Network mentors young people on the Autism Spectrum to live life with an ‘I CAN’ attitude. They build networks across schools, universities, TAFEs, communities, businesses and governments. This is Australia’s first social enterprise founded by people with Autism!
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HBH 23: Healing The Gut – Beyond Dietary Intervention with Kirsty Wirth

We know diet impacts gut health, but what else influences the state of the gut? ….It’s so much more than we think! Today we chat with Kirsty Wirth – Gut Health Guru, Founder of Kultured Wellness and mother to a child on the autism spectrum. She talks us through all the things that can help or hinder gut health….and we look beyond the diet to explore the impacts of nature, movement and SO MUCH MORE!  She empowers us with so many practical tips including letting us know the type of non-toxic sunscreen she uses on her kids!
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HBH 22: Teenage Life On The Spectrum

Today we are viewing autism through the lens of a teen on the spectrum. Clay Lewis is 16, girl crazy, car mad, loathes school and lives for music. Just your typical teenager. He’s also on the autism spectrum and is just realising he’s a person his peers want to get to know. Clay has his own bin cleaning business with a loyal customer base. His ultimate dream is to race cars but he’s willing to settle for independent living – having his own unit on the Gold Coast, owning a car and financial independence!
We’ll be talking about growing up on the spectrum, school, friendships, sensory processing and employment….join us!
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HBH 21: How To Bully Proof Your Child

Children on the spectrum are easy targets for school bullies. I feel it is SO necessary that we shed light on what can be such a dark topic and spend a whole episode equipping you with the tools to approach bullying. We show you how you can bully proof your child!
Susan Hyde is our beautiful guest who has been working in the field of education for nearly 30 years. Her background in classroom teaching lead to her interest in specialising in children’s behaviour, and boy, she has got some incredible gems to share with you today! Take a listen…..
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HBH 20: Changing Lives, One Lunchbox At A Time

Today we are delving right into nutrition for kids and getting some really practical advice. Beck Warke, an incredibly knowledgable and passionate functional nutrition consultant walks us through the types of foods we should be packing into the lunchbox. We dive into the foods that sustain our kiddies energy and attention, how to navigate food labels, best shopping tips, how make the best choices if your on a plant based diet and SO MUCH MORE!
Beck is the founder of the Omaha Kids In School Nutrition Program and is dedicated to educating children on how real, whole food can enable a healthy and vibrant life. Beck wants to change the health of our kids by improving one lunch box at a time…
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