Spectrum in Camouflage

Tommy Rhine
  • 5.0 (21)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

A podcast about navigating life raising a child with autism and the hunt for answers.

  1. 3D AGO

    What We Focus On Grows: A Mental Health Lesson for Autism Parents

    Hey, What's Up! It's Tommy. Today I’m sharing a very personal update after one of the most intense weeks I’ve had in a long time. Between the loss of our fire chief, travel to a national convention, and presenting a seminar on mental health in business, life threw a lot at me all at once. A year ago, situations like this would have sent my anxiety through the roof. Even six months ago, I probably would have canceled something important because I couldn’t handle the pressure. But this time was different. Through the work I’ve been doing with a mindset coach, along with focusing on gratitude, discipline, and faith, I was able to navigate the week with clarity and calm. I attended the funeral of a respected leader who served our community for decades. Then I caught a flight through some of the worst turbulence I’ve ever experienced and still made it to Kansas City to deliver my seminar. This episode is not about bragging or celebrating accomplishments. It’s about sharing what happens when we put the right things into our minds and our lives. Our thoughts shape our focus. Our focus shapes what grows. And when we focus on gratitude, faith, and consistency, we begin stacking small wins that slowly transform how we experience life. For parents raising children with special needs, mental health matters. We cannot pour into our children if we are running on empty. The more we take care of ourselves, the more strength we have to care for them. So today I’m encouraging you to pause, reflect, and start stacking your own wins one day at a time. Key Takeaways What we put into our minds shapes our thoughts, and our thoughts determine where our focus goes. What we focus on grows, which ultimately shapes our future. Consistency with small habits can dramatically improve mental health over time. Anxiety and stress don’t disappear, but we can learn tools to manage them. Comparison on social media can be dangerous, especially for parents of children with special needs. It’s important to protect our children’s dignity and vulnerability online. Focusing on gratitude can help shift our mindset during difficult seasons. Parenting a child with autism or other challenges requires caregivers to prioritize their own mental health. Life is best lived one day at a time by stacking small wins and building momentum. Faith and purpose can provide strength during the hardest moments. If this episode resonated with you, I’d love to hear from you. You can visit spectrumincamouflage.com to learn more about the show and what we’re building here. If you have questions, ideas, or just want to share your story, email me anytime at tommy@spectrumincamouflage.com. Remember, you are not alone in this journey. There is a whole community of parents and caregivers walking through similar challenges, and together we can support each other. Follow Us! We’re on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@spectrum_in_camouflage Join our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/4002769846662357 See us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spectrum_in_camouflage/ Together, we can create a community to support autistic kids and their families. If you have questions or ideas or want to share your journey, email me at tommy@spectrumincamouflage.com. Let’s learn, grow, and make a difference. One step, one piece of the puzzle, one child at a time.

    26 min

  2. FEB 27

    Is It a Pivot or Is It a Change of Plans? A Better Way to Handle Parenting Stress

    Hey, What’s Up! It’s Tommy. We are wrapping up February, which feels crazy to even say. Winter always feels endless after Christmas, but here we are, staring down spring. And I want to talk about two things today that have been heavy on my heart. First, what we can start preparing for as spring comes. Second, the difference between a full change of plans and simply making a pivot. If you’re new here, welcome. I’m a dad to an almost 11-year-old non-speaking autistic son. We are not trying to “fix” our child. We are trying to help him live as full and as well as possible. That is the heart behind everything I share. As the weather starts to shift, I want to challenge you to think about your backyard differently. For us, the backyard became part of Wyatt’s safe space. When all four of us feel overstimulated, stressed, or boxed in, 30 to 40 minutes outside can completely change the tone of our evening. Fresh air, movement, and simple outdoor input regulate his nervous system in ways that nothing inside the house can. We built a large sandbox years ago. It has been one of the most impactful and affordable additions we’ve ever made. Wyatt can be extremely stimulated, and after 15 minutes barefoot in the sand, he is calmer. His entire demeanor shifts. There is something powerful about grounding, about being connected to the earth. I have personally experienced relief from chronic foot pain after sleeping on grounding sheets. I have talked to others who saw inflammation drop. I am not prescribing anything, but I am encouraging you to explore. Spring is coming. Think about how you can make your backyard usable. A fence. Trees. A sandbox. Something simple. Outside time has been a game-changer for us as an autism family. The second part of this episode is about mindset. Recently, I had to adjust major plans due to the passing of our fire chief. He served 67 years in our department. A mentor. A steady leader. A man who said, “I’m going to wear out, not rust out.” I had a speaking engagement at a national convention scheduled. Old me would have treated this as an all-or-nothing decision. Either miss the funeral or miss the convention. That mindset creates anxiety and guilt. Instead, I pivoted. I adjusted flights. I stayed for the ceremony. I still honored my professional commitment. That shift in thinking saved me from spiraling into stress. As parents, especially special needs parents, we deal with decision fatigue constantly. Doctor appointments. Travel. Meltdowns. Illness. School issues. We second-guess everything. Here is what I am learning. It is often not a total change of plans. It is a pivot. We do not have time for “should have.” We do not have time for guilt stacking up in our hearts. We make the best decision we can with the clarity we have. And clarity comes from taking care of yourself. One of the most powerful tools I have added this year is simple: writing things down. The power of the pen is real. When stress stays in your head, it feels massive. When you put it on paper, it becomes manageable. You can break it down. You can breathe. If your mind races at night, write it down. If you feel overwhelmed, write it down. If you are facing a big decision, list your options. It brings peace. I am also working on launching a coaching program focused on mental health, resilience, and stability for parents and business owners. I have spent the last year rebuilding myself so I can show up better for my family and for you. I truly believe you have to have joy to spread joy. You only die once. You live every day. Let’s stop letting every pivot feel like a catastrophe. Spring is coming. There is green on the horizon. There is growth ahead. And there is more life to live. Key Takeaways Getting outside can dramatically reduce stress and overstimulation in autistic children and parents. Creating a safe backyard space can improve regulation and daily family life. Grounding and sensory input from sand and nature may have calming physical effects. Decision fatigue is real in parenting, especially for special-needs families. Shifting from an all-or-nothing mindset to a pivot mindset reduces anxiety. Writing things down helps organize stress and improve mental clarity. You must invest in your own mental health to serve your family well. If this episode encouraged you, please share it with another parent who might be feeling overwhelmed. Leave a review. Send it to a friend. Help us grow this community of families walking similar roads. Visit us at https://spectrumincamouflage.com Email me directly at tommy@spectrumincamouflage.com We are in this together. We’re on TikTok : tiktok.com/@spectrum_in_camouflage Join our Facebook Group : facebook.com/groups/4002769846662357 See us on Instagram : instagram.com/spectrum_in_camouflage Together, we can create a community to support autistic kids and their families.If you have questions or ideas or want to share your journey, email me at tommy@spectrumincamouflage.com. Let’s learn, grow, and make a difference, one step, one piece of the puzzle, one child at a time.

    29 min

  3. FEB 20

    Dr. Matt Hamilton: Chiropractic and Immune Health

    Hey, What's Up! It's Tommy. Happy Friday, and welcome back to Spectrum in Camouflage. Today I’m joined again by Dr. Matt Hamilton from Maximum Potential, and we’re keeping this one practical and real. We’ve talked before about deeper neurology and chiropractic care, especially with sensory challenges, autism, and complex cases. This time we zoom out and talk about what “healthy living” actually looks like for busy families, especially during winter in Ohio when everyone feels trapped inside and sickness seems to be everywhere. Dr. Matt breaks down a core idea that kept coming up all episode: health is built by choices you repeat, not luck. We talk about stress, sleep, food, movement, community, and how the nervous system connects to immune function, digestion, hormones, and resilience. He shares what his family does, what he teaches other parents, and why he thinks symptoms like fever and congestion are often the body doing exactly what it was designed to do. We also get into real dad-life moments, like how noise can trigger your brain when you’re already overstimulated, and why parents need their own “reset” time so we can show up better for our kids. Key Takeaways Health is something you build over months and years, it usually does not show up overnight. Your nervous system influences immune function, digestion, and hormones, stress can throw all of that off. You need a “happy place” to reset, something that helps you release stress. Dr. Matt mentioned things like church community, nature, hunting, surfing, and simple walks. Parents tend to put themselves last, but when we are running on empty, the whole family feels it. Dr. Matt and his wife did Dry January, and they also cut out sugary drinks for their kids during the month. He said they noticed changes in behavior and emotions. Symptoms are not always the enemy. Dr. Matt used a camping example, you boil water to kill what is in it, and he compared that to why fevers happen. He explains ear and sinus issues like “plumbing”, fluid needs to move. When it is stagnant, problems build. He warns about chasing quick fixes, especially when it stops the body from doing what it is trying to do. His “core three” supplements for many people in Northeast Ohio are omega-3s, vitamin D, and probiotics. He says vitamin C can be less useful if you keep eating sugar, and he shared a caution about using immune boosters like elderberry when you are not actually fighting something. Dr. Matt also talks about measuring progress. He likes scans and objective data so the nervous system is not treated like a mystery. Resources Dr. Matt Hamilton, Maximum Potential Chiropractic, Email: info@mpchiro.com PX Network (to find a neurologically focused pediatric and family chiropractor) Dr. Tony’s free webinar (early March, mentioned in the episode) 1st Phorm (mentioned as a supplement company that promotes whole foods first) If you got something out of this episode, do me a favor and share it with another parent who feels worn down right now. Also, take one small step this week that supports your health. Something simple, something realistic, something you can repeat. Visit spectrumincamouflage.com Email me anytime: tommy@spectrumincamouflage.com Follow Us! We’re on TikTok: tiktok.com/@spectrum_in_camouflage Join our Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/4002769846662357 See us on Instagram: instagram.com/spectrum_in_camouflage Together, we can create a community to support autistic kids and their families. If you have questions or ideas or want to share your journey, email me at tommy@spectrumincamouflage.com. Let’s learn, grow, and make a difference, one step, one piece of the puzzle, one child at a time.

    56 min

  4. FEB 13

    Dad Talk: Staying in the Fight with Zack Ponder from the UnSpecial Podcast

    Hey, What's Up! It's Tommy. In this episode, I’m sitting down with my new close friend, Zack Ponder from The UnSpecial Podcast. Zack is one of those guys you meet online and instantly think, man, I get him. He has a heart for profoundly affected families, even though he did not come into this space as a special needs parent. He came into it through calling, compassion, and a real desire to make sure families feel seen and supported. We get real fast. We talk about faith, contentment in hardship, and how easy it is to chase comfort when life gets brutal. Zack shares pieces of his family’s cancer journey, including how he and his wife have spent extended time in Mexico for treatment, how he’s been traveling back and forth from Idaho, and what it is like doing all of that while raising four little kids. That part hit hard. We also talk about mental health, the dark “what if” thoughts that can creep in, and why these conversations can genuinely be life-saving. We cover sobriety, accountability, the pressure of being visible online, and the idea that you have to fill your own cup if you want to help other people. This one is honest, hopeful, and packed with the kind of perspective that makes you want to keep moving forward, even if you are tired. Key Takeaways Philippians 4:13 is not about hype, it’s about contentment when life is hard. “Shut up and serve” is a simple phrase, but it can pull you out of the victim spiral. Sharing your story can help someone stay alive, even if you never find out about it. Being public about purpose adds accountability, it forces you to live what you say. You can’t pour into everyone else if your own mental strength is empty. One day equals day one, that mindset can change everything, especially with sobriety. Hope is powerful, and sometimes hope is the first step before anything else changes. Healing takes time, consistency, and commitment, not quick fixes. Dads need other dads, and conversations like this create community for the ones who feel alone. Faith does not remove pain, but it gives you something solid to stand on inside the pain. Zack Ponder The UnSpecial Podcast (search on your podcast app) https://www.unspecialllc.com/ Zack Ponder on Instagram: @zack.ponder If you’re a dad carrying a heavy load, or you’re a parent trying to stay strong through autism, medical battles, or just the pressure of daily life, I hope this episode reminds you that you are not alone. Keep moving. Keep showing up. Help the one in front of you. Visit spectrumincamouflage.com for more episodes and updates.Follow Us! We’re on TikTok : tiktok.com/@spectrum_in_camouflage Join our Facebook Group : facebook.com/groups/4002769846662357 See us on Instagram : instagram.com/spectrum_in_camouflage Together, we can create a community to support autistic kids and their families. If you have questions or ideas or want to share your journey, email me at tommy@spectrumincamouflage.com. Let’s learn, grow, and make a difference, one step, one piece of the puzzle, one child at a time.

    1h 4m

  5. FEB 6

    The Autism Community Is Hurting: Why We Have to Talk About Family Mental Health

    Hey, What's Up! It's Tommy. On today’s episode of Spectrum in Camouflage, my wife Kaylee joins me and we talk about two sides of this life at the same time. The wins that are giving us real hope right now, and the heavy current events that have shaken the autism community. We start with what’s been going well. Wyatt has been more regulated lately, we’ve seen encouraging “soft signs” of progress, and our home has felt calmer. We also talk about what’s helped, including chiropractic-based nervous system care at Maximum Potential, paying attention to screen time, and pushing ourselves to get outside even when winter in Ohio is brutal. Then we shift into the harder part. We talk about the real fear many autism parents carry, what happens when families feel isolated and unsupported, and why stories of caregiver despair and tragic outcomes should not be ignored or brushed aside. Kaylee shares the deep weight of “who will care for my child when I’m gone,” and we both talk about why community, support, and showing up for one another matters so much. We also share what’s helped us stay grounded: staying in the moment, guarding the stories we tell ourselves, leaning on faith, and keeping our marriage strong. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, we want you to hear this clearly, you are not alone. Key Takeaways Small progress is still progress. The “soft signs” matter, like Wyatt signing more, shaking his head “no,” and negotiating in simple ways. Nervous system regulation is a real focus for our family. We share how scans and regular adjustments at Maximum Potential have been part of Wyatt’s routine. Screen time can change everything. Too much can push dysregulation, and a hard reset can lead to a calmer day. Winter affects mental health more than people admit. Getting outside, even for a short time, can break the cycle and help everyone. Date night doesn’t have to be fancy. A walk, yard work, or sitting together without interruptions still counts. Many autism families are carrying heavy fear and isolation. We need more awareness, more support, and more people willing to show up. Faith and mental strength matter. Peace, perspective, and staying present can keep you from spiraling into the future. Be relentless in love. If you want to support a special needs family, don’t wait for them to call, take the uncomfortable step and check in. If this episode hit home for you, please share it with another parent, friend, church group, or anyone who needs hope and perspective. Sharing the show helps it reach the people who need it most. Visit spectrumincamouflage.com for more. Email me anytime at tommy@spectrumincamouflage.com. Follow Us! We’re on TikTok: tiktok.com/@spectrum_in_camouflage Join our Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/4002769846662357 See us on Instagram: instagram.com/spectrum_in_camouflage Together, we can create a community to support autistic kids and their families. If you have questions or ideas or want to share your journey, email me at tommy@spectrumincamouflage.com. Let’s learn, grow, and make a difference, one step, one piece of the puzzle, one child at a time.

    1h 11m

  6. JAN 30

    Chris from AutismDad_Memes, They’re Listening, Apraxia and Spelling to Communicate

    Hey, What's Up! It's Tommy. Today I’m hanging out with Chris, aka AutismDad_Memes, and this episode is one of those real-deal dad conversations that hits you in the chest a few times. Chris and I are both construction guys, both raising one neurotypical kid and one autistic kid, and we talk about what it’s like trying to hold it together, show up for our families, and still find ways to help other parents who are barely hanging on. Chris shares why he started using social media in the first place, even though he didn’t grow up on MySpace or Facebook like a lot of people did. He talks openly about recovery, service work, and how that “helping others” mindset shifted from 12-step rooms to special needs families. We also get into the mental health side of all this, including the heavy stuff, the stuff that makes you realize how close some parents are to the edge, and why dads need to talk more instead of swallowing everything until it wrecks them. The biggest topic, though, is Spelling to Communicate (S2C) and letterboard communication. Chris explains how they discovered it, why they drove to Florida to get help, and how it completely changed what they believed their daughter was capable of. We also get into apraxia and the brain-body disconnect, and how that one shift can change the way you talk to your child, teach your child, and respect what’s really going on inside them. This one is funny in parts, raw in parts, and honestly hopeful the whole way through. Key Takeaways Dads need community too. Moms talk and share, dads tend to lock it down. That has to change. Mental health is not optional. If we are not okay as parents, it spills into everything our kids need from us. They’re in there. Autistic kids hear, understand, and feel far more than many people assume. Stop the baby talk and the “they’re not here” talk. Talking around kids like they’re not present is disrespectful and damaging. Apraxia and brain-body disconnect can change everything. A child not responding does not automatically mean they don’t understand. S2C and letterboards are a real option for some kids. It’s not a magic wand, it’s a process that takes time and motor-building work. Not every therapy is trash, and not every professional is wrong. Some are amazing, some are misinformed, and some are harmful. Parents have to stay alert. Small moments matter. A simple “hi” from a kid in a restaurant can stick with you forever, because it feels like pure humanity. Visit spectrumincamouflage.com to listen to all episodes and keep up with what we’re doing. Chris on Instagram and TikTok: AutismDad_Memes Contact: tommy@spectrumincamouflage.comWebsite: spectrumincamouflage.com We’re on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@spectrum_in_camouflage Join our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/4002769846662357 See us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spectrum_in_camouflage/ Together, we can create a community to support autistic kids and their families. Let’s learn, grow, and make a difference, one step, one piece of the puzzle, one child at a time.

    1h 17m

  7. JAN 23

    Tommy and Kailee Get Real: Speaking in Puerto Rico, 40 Days Without Alcohol, A Mom’s Honest Reset

    Hey, What's Up! It's Tommy. In this episode of Spectrum in Camouflage, my wife Kailee and I sit down for a real, late-night conversation about a recent trip I took to Puerto Rico to speak at an event. We talk about what it was like to travel alone, speak in front of a big crowd, and stay sober through an environment where drinking is usually the normal thing. We also get honest about what was happening back home while I was gone. Kailee shares how she was feeling, what was weighing on her emotionally, and a couple changes that helped her start feeling like herself again. We talk about parenting stress, the pressure to hold it together, routines that help, and the reminder that you never really know what someone else is carrying. By the end, we land on a simple message that matters a lot to us right now: be kind, because the person in front of you might be fighting a battle you cannot see. Key Takeaways Sobriety can bring clarity you did not realize you were missing. I share how alcohol was feeding my anxiety, not helping it, and how sobriety has changed my mindset, emotions, and presence. Big moments feel different when you are fully clear. Speaking to 200 to 250 people felt huge, but I had surprisingly low anxiety, and I truly believe God had His hand in that whole trip. You are not the only one living this life. I was blown away by how many people came up to share their own autism stories, fears, and family struggles, including people I have known in business for years. Kailee’s reminder for parents: your struggle might not even be about your kids. It might be exhaustion, isolation, hormones, stress, or feeling like you never get time alone. Caffeine and constant grinding can wreck your nervous system. Kailee realized she was taking in around 1,000 mg of caffeine a day, and cutting back made a noticeable difference. Food freedom matters. Tracking macros can help some people, but for others it can trigger restriction and guilt. Finding what works for your mental health matters. Kindness is not small. Being the kind person in a stranger’s day might be the thing that helps them keep going. If you know a parent who feels alone right now, please share this episode with them. A simple share can be the difference between someone feeling isolated and someone feeling supported. Visit spectrumincamouflage.com Email tommy@spectrumincamouflage.com Follow Us! We’re on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@spectrum_in_camouflage Join our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/4002769846662357 See us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spectrum_in_camouflage/ Together, we can create a community to support autistic kids and their families. If you have questions or ideas or want to share your journey, email me at tommy@spectrumincamouflage.com. Let’s learn, grow, and make a difference, one step, one piece of the puzzle, one child at a time.

    48 min

  8. JAN 16

    With Kailee: Real Life Pressure, and Small Wins Matter

    Hey, What’s Up! It’s Tommy. Kailee and I are sitting down to recap the holidays and talk through what really happened behind the scenes, Christmas, New Year’s, family visits, routines getting shaken up, and the emotional weight that can come with all of it when you’re parenting a child with profound autism. This year was a big one for us. We did something we haven’t done in a long time, we hit multiple family stops in one day. That might sound normal to some people, but for us, it’s a whole different level of planning, nerves, and “what if” thoughts. The good news, it went really well, and it reminded us that progress is real, even when it feels slow. We also talk about a big change I made, I took a break from alcohol for the first time in a very long time, and doing that during the holidays came with some unexpected mental fog, stress, and emotional swings. On top of that, Kailee’s been dealing with hormonal shifts, and we got real about what it looks like to give each other grace when both people are struggling at the same time. We get into Wyatt’s recent scans and why we’re encouraged. His core score improved, his energy numbers jumped big, and we’re increasing the frequency of appointments because the new method seems to be helping. We also talk about what we’re learning about sugar, screens, routines, and why “small wins” are not small at all. This episode is basically a reminder that progress takes time, the holidays can feel like a pressure cooker, and you are not alone if you feel relieved when it’s over. Key Takeaways Holidays can be stressful for any family, but autism adds more variables and more pressure. A supportive village matters, especially when family understands food triggers and flexibility. Some progress looks small, like waiting calmly in a waiting room, but it’s actually huge. Giving your spouse grace is not optional, it’s survival, especially during stressful seasons. Screens and sugar can create big behavior swings, and cutting back can help a lot. Wyatt’s scan improvements were encouraging, especially the jump in his overall score and energy. Consistency builds momentum, even when it feels boring or slow. Maintenance can be mentally tough, because you don’t feel like you’re chasing a big goal. You can stack wins one day at a time, and then realize weeks have passed and growth happened. It’s okay to feel grateful the day went well and still feel relieved it’s done. If this episode hit home, share it with someone who needs to hear they’re not alone. One share can make a difference for a family that feels isolated right now. If you’ve got questions about scans, chiropractic care, routines, diet, or anything we talked about, email me. We want to talk about what you’re dealing with too. Visit spectrumincamouflage.com for more episodes and updates. Email: tommy@spectrumincamouflage.com\ Website: spectrumincamouflage.com Follow Us! We’re on TikTok : https://www.tiktok.com/@spectrum_in_camouflage Join our Facebook Group : https://www.facebook.com/groups/4002769846662357 See us on Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/spectrum_in_camouflage/ Together, we can create a community to support autistic kids and their families. If you have questions or ideas or want to share your journey, email me at tommy@spectrumincamouflage.com. Let’s learn, grow, and make a difference, one step, one piece of the puzzle, one child at a time.

    44 min
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5
out of 5
21 Ratings

About

A podcast about navigating life raising a child with autism and the hunt for answers.

Information

  • Creator
    Tommy Rhine
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    81
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2024
  • Show Website
    Spectrum in Camouflage