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PODCAST

Autism Odyssey

Betsy Hicks Russ

Autism Odyssey is a warm, uplifting, and often humorous podcast exploring new ways to understand and support the autistic experience. Host Betsy Hicks-Russ shares heartfelt stories, practical caregiver tips, and soulful insights on presuming competence, alternative communication including the letterboard, and nurturing body and mind through nutrition and awareness. Each episode invites listeners to expand perception, laugh often, and celebrate the brilliance within every unique journey.

society & culture

All Episodes

01:00:47

"Is Spelling to Communicate right for my child?"

Autism Odyssey ·

2025/06/13

Betsy Hicks-Russ welcomes back Meghann Parkinson to discuss Spelling to Communicate (S2C). They explore who is a candidate for S2C, the importance of presuming competence in non-speakers, and how dysregulation can affect communication. Meghann shares insights on the role of AAC devices, the significance of regulation in learning, and the journey of developing reading and spelling skills. They also discuss the importance of finding the right practitioner and the frequency of practice for optimal

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00:37:53

Executive Functioning and the Role of the Gut

Autism Odyssey ·

2025/06/06

Betsy Hicks-Russ and Iris Wong explore the concept of executive functioning, its importance in the context of autism, and how it relates to health and well-being. They discuss the significance of understanding individual differences in executive functioning, the role of diet, and the gut-brain connection. The conversation emphasizes the need for a supportive toolkit for caregivers and the importance of awareness in making dietary changes. Personal experiences and insights are shared, highlighting

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00:26:25

Autism and Phelan-McDermid Syndrom

Autism Odyssey ·

2025/05/30

Betsy Hicks-Russ interviews Martha Castillo, who shares her journey as a mother navigating the complexities of raising her son Matthew, who was diagnosed with autism and Phelan McDermid syndrome. Martha discusses the challenges of early diagnosis, the importance of community support, and the emotional toll of regression in communication. They explore the dynamics of friendships, the impact of public perception, and the significance of dietary changes in managing health. The conversation emphasizes

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00:35:13

Top Disability Housing Questions for Caregivers

Autism Odyssey ·

2025/05/27

Betsy Hicks-Russ and Pam Blanton discuss the complexities of housing for adults with disabilities, focusing on the steps families can take to navigate the system. They cover essential topics such as applying for Social Security, understanding state services, exploring various housing options, finding caregivers, and planning for the future. The discussion emphasizes the importance of affordability, the role of Partners for Housing, and the benefits available to families. They also highlight the

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00:48:01

The Lives and Words of Spellers

Autism Odyssey ·

2025/05/27

Betsy Hicks-Russ and Julianne King discuss their journeys as mothers of children with autism, focusing on the transformative power of spelling as a means of communication. They share personal stories about their sons, Beau and Joey, exploring the challenges and triumphs they face in advocating for their children's voices. The discussion highlights the importance of community support, the dreams and aspirations of non-speakers, and the need for continued advocacy and resources in the autism

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00:43:07

Be Nourished Retreat for Caregivers

Autism Odyssey ·

2025/05/27

Betsy Hicks-Russ and Andrea Arlotti discuss the challenges faced by caregivers of children with autism, emphasizing the need for community support and self-care. They introduce their upcoming Be Nourished Retreats aimed at providing healing, balance, and connection for mothers. The discussion covers the importance of nutrition, laughter, and movement in maintaining well-being, as well as the significance of understanding the nervous system and co-regulation. They also explore the potential for

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00:34:02

Breathing Techniques to Help you Relax

Autism Odyssey ·

2025/05/27

Betsy Hicks-Russ and Raj Khedun explore the significance of mindfulness and breathing techniques, particularly for parents of autistic children. Raj shares his personal journey and insights on how breath can enhance consciousness and well-being. They discuss practical techniques that can be easily integrated into daily life, emphasizing that mindfulness does not require a specific setting or extensive time commitment. The conversation highlights the interconnectedness of all beings and the

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00:44:14

Expanding the Parameters of Communication

Autism Odyssey ·

2025/04/25

Betsy Hicks-Russ and speech and language therapist, Megan Harcourt discuss the evolving landscape of speech therapy, particularly in relation to autism. They explore the role of ASHA, the importance of holistic approaches, and the impact of gut health on communication. Megan shares her personal journey and realizations in the field, emphasizing the need for a more integrated approach to therapy that considers the whole child and their environment. The discussion also touches on the significance of

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00:54:38

Inside the Autism Mind

Autism Odyssey ·

2025/04/18

Betsy Hicks-Russ and Rachel Winder of Auticulate, explore the complexities of autism from an autistic perspective. They discuss various topics including the importance of presuming competence, the challenges of sensory overload, and the nuances of meltdowns. Rachel shares her insights on ground-up thinking versus top-down thinking, the role of humor in managing stress, and the significance of understanding triggers. The conversation emphasizes the need for empathy and support for autistic

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00:42:11

Causes of Picky Eating

Autism Odyssey ·

2025/04/11

Betsy Hicks-Russ and Carrie Kane discuss the complexities of picky eating, its causes, and solutions. They explore the impact of the food industry on children's eating habits, the importance of understanding the parent-child dynamic in food choices, and the significance of allowing children to make their own food decisions. They emphasize the need for a balanced diet, the role of hunger, and the importance of empowering kids to make healthier choices.

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01:00:43

Wearing the Message with Tara Reynolds

Autism Odyssey ·

2025/04/04

Betsy speaks with Tara Reynolds, founder of Peace, Love, Autism, about her journey from a corporate career to creating a supportive community for families with autistic children. They discuss the challenges and joys of entrepreneurship, the importance of social media in building connections, and the creative inspirations behind Tara's fashion brand. The conversation highlights the need for community support, the significance of in-person connections, and the ongoing journey of personal growth

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00:44:56

Inside Exceptional Minds

Autism Odyssey ·

2025/03/28

In this conversation, Betsy Hicks-Russ and Dr. Taylor Day delve into the evolving landscape of autism and mental health, discussing the importance of neurodiversity, the challenges of evidence-based practices, and the significance of lived experiences. They explore the role of social media in shaping perceptions, the complexities of diagnostic criteria, and the value of therapy for non-speaking individuals. The discussion emphasizes the need for a holistic understanding of autism, including

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00:42:33

Beyond Words: Exploring Telepathy, Autism, and...

Autism Odyssey ·

2025/03/21

Join Betsy as she speaks with Rev Meg Hammarsten about the fascinating intersection of consciousness and telepathy, exploring how everyone possesses this inherent ability and the practical steps to develop it. We delve into lucid dreaming as a gateway to telepathic experiences and discuss how these abilities may manifest uniquely in autistic individuals. Our conversation reveals how various spiritual traditions across cultures have referenced telepathic phenomena through different languages and

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00:56:37

Gentle Waves: Exploring Craniosacral Therapy for Autism

Autism Odyssey ·

2025/03/14

Betsy engages with expert practitioners Hiraman and Clara to explore the therapeutic benefits of craniosacral therapy and its characteristic gentle, hands-on approach. The conversation delves into powerful techniques for calming the nervous system through subtle touch, breath work, and stillness that makes this modality so effective. Parents and caregivers will particularly benefit from the discussion on cultivating personal calm—a foundational skill that, alongside craniosacral's gentle

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01:08:46

One Letter at a Time: A Look into the Method of...

Autism Odyssey ·

2025/03/08

Join me as I explore the transformative world of spelling to communicate with my guest Meg Parkinson from Spelling 2 Communicate. Learn about presuming competence, session expectations, and the journey from letter boards to keyboards through real-life examples from my son Joey, an autistic open speller who now freely expresses his thoughts and opinions. This podcast offers practical insights for parents, educators, and anyone interested in alternative communication methods for non-speaking

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00:40:42

Mom's Building Friendships

Autism Odyssey ·

2025/03/02

Betsy Hicks-Russ and her guest, author, Michelle O'Neil explore the nuanced world of friendships among mothers of autistic children, highlighting the diverse types of connections that form through shared experiences. It offers insights into the various places these meaningful relationships begin—from support groups to school events—and provides practical advice for nurturing these vital connections.

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00:57:07

A Simple Guide to Understanding Housing Options for...

Autism Odyssey ·

2025/02/19

Discover the comprehensive world of housing options available for adults with disabilities in this informative episode featuring housing experts Pam and Jamie from Partners 4 Housing. Learn how to navigate government assistance programs and maximize available benefits to create sustainable living situations for your loved ones. The episode explores the concept of family-driven housing models, with valuable insights from both industry professionals and real-world experience. Join us as we share a

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01:01:55

What about me? A Sibling's Story

Autism Odyssey ·

2025/02/07

In this intimate and revealing episode, I sit down with my daughter to explore the often-overlooked perspective of siblings growing up alongside autism. Through our candid conversation, we uncover her complex emotions, challenges, and profound insights from childhood as the sister of an autistic brother.From her early memories of confusion and adjustment to her evolved understanding as an adult, my daughter's story illuminates the unique path siblings walk—balancing their own needs while growing up

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00:27:14

The Unexpected Connection

Autism Odyssey ·

2025/02/02

In this intimate conversation, we sit down with Ron, who became Joey's stepfather at age 58, discovering an unexpected and profound connection that would transform both their lives. Through candid discussion, Ron and I share our parallel journeys of loving and supporting Joey, a 31 year old autistic man, whose presence has enriched our lives in countless ways. We explore the challenges we've weathered together and the unique ways we stay connected. This episode is a testament to the power of

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00:02:41

Welcome to Autism Odyssey

Autism Odyssey ·

2025/01/31

Created with the warmth of a fireside chat, this podcast offers a gentle, blame-free space for exploring autism awareness and understanding. Betsy candidly shares her personal evolution from previously held misconceptions about her son's capabilities to discovering his full awareness, intelligence, and personality. Rather than dwelling on past regrets, she focuses on present opportunities for growth and change, offering practical guidance and support to other caregivers of autistic individuals

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40 results

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