adults with autism

What a pleasure it was to have Sandy and Ben Hartranft on the show! Sandy is the proud mom of three sons, one of whom is Ben. Ben is 24 years old and was diagnosed with autism at the age of 2.

20+ years ago, Sandy knew something was off, limited speech and no response to his name led her to pursue check-ins with her son’s doctors and an official appointment with a developmental pediatrician. Soon, it all came together, and the signs began to make sense with his new-found diagnosis. Ben found support through early intervention and through the rest of his school years with OTs, SLPs, The Talk Institute, and even his bus driver, who helped him make a plan to get on the regular education bus.

When you hear what Ben is up to now, you will be amazed! He has been on the Ellen show, worked extensively with the Philadelphia Eagles and their autism advocacy events, and gone on solo trips, including cross country to California to win big on The Price is Right! He even owns his own company, Benergy. In which he provides presentations and public speeches for organizations to spread awareness and advocacy for autism.

This duo is full of inspiration, kindness, and positivity. You can check out Sandy’s book, Swinging From the Chandelier: Finding Joy in the Journey through Autism, for more of the story of this incredible family.

#autism #speectherapy

What’s Inside:

• Sandy and Ben’s journey through autism.
• A story of inspiration, kindness, and positivity.
• Getting an autism diagnosis in the 90s.
• Benergy; Ben’s public speaking company for autism awareness.
• Opportunities and possibilities for adults with autism.

Mentioned In This Episode:
Ben Hartranft
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Until recently, all the autism data collected was based on children, but the CDC has recently started calculating the number of adults in the US with autism. Adults are also being more recognized in books and media, including movies, TV,  and videos.   Today we look at some of the new data and how the new data can make a difference. You will also learn about signs of autism in adults, and resources for adults with autism.  I also share some details about the upcoming virtual Stanford Neurodiversity Summit which I highly recommend.  I attended last year, and it was simply remarkable!

Stanford Neurodiversity Summit Oct 23-25, 2022

Free ebook of questions to ask the college Disability Specialist

Once Largely Overlooked, Adults with Autism Gain Visability
by Shaun Heasley | August 26, 2022

CDC Researchers: Over 5 Million US Adults Have Autism
by Michelle Diament | May 13, 2020

Navigating Adult Services
Advocacy Tool Kit

Resources and Services for Adults with Autism

Signs of Autism in Adults

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In this episode of Mother’s Guide Through Autism, Brigitte Shipman and Joseph Shipman discuss together the 5 Things that Joseph was glad that his mother did raising him with autism.

They reflect their journey through these 5 points that Joseph felt helped him the most throughout his childhood. They offer insight for mothers raising children with autism as well as for those on the spectrum.

Joseph talks about how encouraging peculiar interests and obsessions of an autistic child can be used as a tool to learn new skills and how curiosity should be encouraged and pursued to expand the child's mind instead of looking at it as a symptom or a negative aspect of autism.

Joseph encourages mothers to not protect their children with autism from every discomfort (unless in the case of sensory issues) and to include them in social functions as much as they can.

Joseph also discusses the importance of giving a child an opportunity to have some kind of autonomy and choice even if they're on the spectrum where they need more assistance.

In his own experience, it was always encouraged for him to not default to ask somebody else to help when he couldn’t figure it out. He had to sit there and figure it out, though of course, his shoulder was looked over a lot. It was in the effort to make him more independent in the future.

Joseph is also glad that his mom did not blindly take the word of medical professionals. He was given a fighting chance to be included in the regular classroom even when he was assessed as mentally deficient by an IQ test. Brigitte fought for him to be included.

Joseph gives this message to all mother guides and caregivers out there: Living a happy and fulfilling life is always possible wherever you are on the spectrum. And it doesn’t have to look or behave or sound a certain way.

Enjoy this episode!

More information: https://www.bmvlifecoach.com/