Tash Dillmon, co-host of Moms Talk Autism, joins the show to talk about KultureCity, the nonprofit making stadiums, airports, bars, and churches sensory inclusive nationwide, and what that access actually looks like in practice. Tash also opens up about parenting her son Jack, now in middle school, as his needs shift from visible behaviors toward anxiety and identity questions like "why am I different?" She and the hosts talk through therapy, TMS, medication, and what it really means to be a child's "safe person," plus a candid take on the controversial book Upward Bound and facilitated communication. Key Takeaways: KultureCity is a nonprofit that certifies sensory inclusive spaces, including NFL stadiums, airports, bars, and churchesCertified locations offer sensory bags with noise-reducing headphones, fidget tools, and communication cardsKultureCity's app locates certified venues and includes the Koji system for non-speaking communicationAutism intensity often comes in waves rather than steadily decreasing with ageAs kids get older, the focus can shift from managing behaviors to managing anxiety, depression, and identityBeing a "safe person" doesn't mean avoiding hard truths, it means being the one trusted to tell themChronic conditions like anxiety, depression, and OCD require ongoing management, not a single fixTherapy readiness evolves over time, and repeated exposure to new tools matters more than one right answerMasking is exhausting, and home can be the place where kids don't have to do itResources Mentioned in This Episode: KultureCity: the nonprofit sensory inclusive certification organization discussed throughout the episode, covering stadiums, airports, bars, and other venues, including its app and the Koji communication systemLove on the Spectrum: the TV series discussed near the end of the episode, including the Inclusion Fusion program in Las Vegas featured on the showInclusion Fusion: a program based in Las Vegas mentioned as featured on Love on the Spectrum and attended by Tash's sonUpward Bound by Woody Brown: a novel discussed as reportedly written with facilitated communication, recommended despite skepticism about its authorshipTell Them You Love Me: a documentary referenced regarding the Anna Stubblefield case and the dangers of facilitated communication🔗 Learn More:Website: refrigeratormoms.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/refrigeratormoms/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/refrigeratormomsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/refrigeratormoms/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@RefrigeratorMoms Refrigerator Moms is sponsored by Brain Performance Technologies, a specialty mental health clinic that offers neuromodulation treatments for mental health conditions including depression, PTSD, OCD, anxiety, ADHD and autism. Our treatments utilize TMS (transcranial magnetic stimulation) protocols including rTMS, aTMS, and MeRT. All of our treatments are drug-free and noninvasive. Call for insurance options or learn more at https://brainperformancetechnologies.com 00:00 Introducing guest Tash Dillmon00:45 What KultureCity is and does01:46 How KultureCity certifies venues03:11 Inside a sensory room setup04:17 What's in the KultureCity sensory bag04:58 The Koji communication system05:30 How to find certified venues06:32 Staff training requirements explained07:22 Sensory friendly airports08:22 Sensory friendly bars explained09:30 Meet Tash's family and son Jack09:55 Jack's diagnosis and school setting12:07 Jack's academic and support levels13:57 Shift from behaviors to mental health17:14 Starting the mental health conversation19:14 TMS and managing OCD symptoms21:10 Framing autism as a chronic condition22:06 Doing better than the last generation25:22 Becoming your child's trusted resource27:06 The risk of masking under pressure30:16 Talking honestly about wearing masks34:30 Setting honest expectations with Jack36:04 Building trust for harder truths later41:14 Speed round begins44:22 Upward Bound and facilitated communication46:08 Where to find Moms Talk Autism
