What's Your Experience with Autism?

Autism Resources Kawartha
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What's Your Experience with Autism? is a series of unscripted conversations with local autistic people - and the people who love them - right here in Kawartha Lakes. Hosted by Autism Resources Kawartha co-founder, Matt Geraghty, this podcast is all about sharing real-life experiences and normalizing the autistic experience. Tune in and listen to real, honest, judgment-free conversations between the father of an autistic kid and his guests about what life with autism is really like: the joys, the challenges, the funny moments, the hard days, and everything in between. Whether you're autistic yourself, or a parent, caregiver, sibling, or friend to someone who is, this podcast is for you.

  1. 1d ago

    Claire | Episode 20 | What's Your Experience With Autism Podcast by Autism Resources Kawartha

    Camp Kirk director Claire explains how the Ontario overnight camp creates belonging for neurodivergent children through individualized support, noncompetitive activities, and carefully prepared transitions. Host Matt brings a parent's perspective, asking practical questions about sleep, sensory needs, opting out, and what happens when a camper wants to go home. Learn more about Camp Kirk at: https://campkirk.com/ Register for camp here: https://campkirk.campbrainregistration.com/ (registration opens December 1) Thank you to our sponsors: Cardinal Home Services and Kawartha Art Gallery: https://www.kawarthagallery.com/ Key Topics - Camp Kirk has served neurodivergent youth for more than 30 years; about 40% of campers have an autism diagnosis, and a formal diagnosis is not required to apply. - A two-to-one staff ratio, sensory spaces, noise-canceling headphones, and a small 30-camper community support individualized needs. - Noncompetitive programming emphasizes connection; group challenges, such as archery teams defeating a painted dragon, keep the fun without pitting campers against each other. - The daily schedule includes activities such as pottery, canoeing, swimming, archery, drama, and camper-led clubs - including the popular Finding Circles Club. - Staff use gradual steps to help campers approach unfamiliar activities, alongside advance meetings, tours, social stories, and virtual clubs. - Application and cabin placement are personalized, with staff using camper meetings to consider support needs and personality matches; returning families apply a week earlier. - Sleep and heat are managed through preparation, overnight staff, cabin air conditioning, rest hour, and access to calming supports. - When a camper wants to leave, staff investigate possible causes and collaborate with the family rather than applying a one-size-fits-all response. - Claire shares how returning to camp helped one shy camper grow into a confident banquet speaker and peer supporter. - Claire’s closing message: environments should be designed with autistic people in mind, and autistic people can be deeply empathetic and kind. Chapters 00:00 Claire Beddoe’s experience with autism and Camp Kirk 03:43 How two-to-one staffing and sensory spaces support campers 06:19 Why a neurodivergent-focused camp can feel safe 10:30 Noncompetitive games make connection the goal 15:02 A typical day, from core activities to camper-led clubs 18:09 Preparing kids for camp and unplugging from screens 20:01 Helping campers opt out, observe, and try at their pace 24:08 Applications, cabin matching, tours, and social stories 28:14 Placement, returners, and the value of coming back 34:00 Heat, sensory load, and getting a good night’s sleep 42:16 When a camper wants to go home: investigate and collaborate 45:36 Camp Kirk’s location, age range, and Claire’s path to leadership 50:25 Applications, financial aid, and the Dragonfly Gala 54:07 The environment matters, and autism does not mean less empathy Keywords #Campkirk #autism #neurodivergentchildren #inclusivesummercamp #sensoryaccommodations #overnightcamp #autismsupport #neurodiversity Support the show

    Claire | Episode 20 | What's Your Experience With Autism Podcast by Autism Resources Kawartha

  2. Oct 27

    Laura and Rachel | Episode 19 | What's Your Experience With Autism Podcast by Autism Resources Kawartha

    In this episode, Rachel shares her journey with autism, her passion for music and songwriting, and how personalized approaches and AI tools support her development and happiness. Her story highlights the importance of focusing on abilities and finding what truly motivates each individual. And then we are joined by Rachel's mom: Laura. Thank you to our sponsors: Cardinal Home Services and Kawartha Art Gallery: https://www.kawarthagallery.com/ Check out Rachel's music at: https://rachelschaub.com/ Key Topics - Rachel's autism diagnosis and genetic background - Her passion for music, songwriting, and performing - Use of AI tools like Suno for music creation - Homeschooling and personalized education approaches - Understanding and managing PDA and anxiety - The role of community programs like the Ability Center - The importance of focusing on abilities and interests - Rachel’s future plans for a podcast and advocacy - Impact of early signs and social communication challenges - The value of tailored support and mental health strategies Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Rachel's Journey with Autism 02:08 Discovering the Genetic Roots and Diagnosis Timeline 04:10 Rachel’s Musical Interests and Performing Experiences 09:18 Her Music Creation Process and Inspiration 13:57 Community Programs and Support Systems 19:30 Understanding PDA and Social Challenges 24:00 Approaches to Behavior Management and Collaboration 29:10 The Role of AI in Music and Confidence Building 34:59 Homeschooling and Focused Learning Strategies 40:04 Advocacy, Resources, and Future Goals Keywords #autism #songwriting #AI #personalizededucation #mentalhealth #KBGsyndrome #PDA #homeschooling #arts #specialneeds Support the show

    Laura and Rachel | Episode 19 | What's Your Experience With Autism Podcast by Autism Resources Kawartha

  3. Oct 20

    Stacey | Episode 18 | What's Your Experience With Autism Podcast by Autism Resources Kawartha

    In this episode, we explore the nuances of autism, mental health, and effective strategies for supporting autistic children and their families. Stacey shares insights from her extensive experience as a social worker and therapist, emphasizing the importance of environment, advocacy, and tailored interventions. Thank you to our sponsors: Cardinal Home Services and Kawartha Art Gallery: https://www.kawarthagallery.com/ Check out MindGarden Wellness at: https://www.mindgardenwellness.ca/ Key Topics - Autism spectrum understanding and support - Role of social workers and therapists in autism care - Importance of environment and advocacy in education - Effective strategies for self-regulation and social skills - Impact of public policy and funding on autism services Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Studio Setup 06:05 Career Journey and Private Practice 11:45 The Evolution of Autism Awareness 17:48 Working with Autistic Children and Caregivers 24:14 Sports and Inclusion for Autistic Children 30:10 The Importance of Labels and Awareness 35:40 Understanding Autism in Group Settings 41:39 Navigating 4-H and Life Skills for Kids 50:32 The Importance of Meltdowns and Self-Regulation 01:01:02 Changes in Autism Services and Funding Challenges 01:06:34 Understanding ABA Therapy and Its Controversies Keywords #autism #mentalhealth #socialwork #therapy #advocacy #education #neurodiversity #ABA #IEP #communityprograms Support the show

    Stacey | Episode 18 | What's Your Experience With Autism Podcast by Autism Resources Kawartha

  4. Oct 13

    Diane | Episode 17 | What's Your Experience With Autism Podcast by Autism Resources Kawartha

    This episode explores the connection between autism, literacy, and how children are supported in school. Diane shares 25 years of experience teaching reading, explaining why decoding, comprehension, and emotional safety matter far more than labels. We also get into the larger problem with education systems, how they can miss the real reasons a child is struggling, and why individualized teaching often works better than a one-size-fits-all approach. Thank you to our sponsors: Cardinal Home Services and Kawartha Art Gallery: https://www.kawarthagallery.com/ Check out The Reading School at: https://thereadingschool.ca/ Key Topics - The difference between decoding and comprehension, using simple examples like the word “cat” to show how reading is taught. - Why many children on the spectrum may struggle less with word recognition and more with language processing, subtext, inference, and meaning-making. - Orthographic memory, phrase boundaries, and how repeated exposure helps words become automatic. - Personal path into reading education, from early exposure to French and orthography to tutoring children. - How a tutoring business grew after Diane saw children falling through the cracks in school - including a student who could not read a basic children’s book in grade seven. - Why school struggles are not the child’s fault, and how learning disabilities, poverty, and gaps in literacy instruction can contribute. - The history of reading instruction, rote learning, whole language theory, and structured phonics-based teaching. - Why teachers need stronger support and training to teach reading. - Emotional regulation, masking, meltdowns, and how a safe relationship can help a child feel able to express what they need. - Why children should be understood as people first - not reduced to labels, diagnoses, or assumptions. Chapters 00:00 - Opening the conversation and muting explicit language 03:04 - Diane’s background with autism through teaching reading 04:22 - What decoding means and how children learn letter-sound relationships 06:42 - Teaching C, A, T—and how blending becomes reading 08:05 - From decoding to automatic word recognition and meaning 10:00 - Why inference and subtext can be challenging in reading 12:38 - How Diane got into reading education 13:08 - Learning French in Belgium and early language exposure 15:26 - Dick and Jane, spelling, and why “once” bothered her as a child 16:53 - A child’s early writing sparks a deeper interest in literacy 17:50 - Tutoring, teacher training, and learning about dyslexia 19:35 - Why school rules can prioritize managing children over learning 20:15 - Montessori and the origins of an education system 23:04 - Founding a tutoring agency 24:00 - The student in grade seven who could not read 26:23 - Helping students build foundational skills 27:21 - Expanding support for students returning from rehab 29:48 - What motivates Diane to help children 32:00 - Why so many school difficulties connect to literacy 33:14 - Rote learning, repetition, and times tables 35:01 - Chomsky, universal grammar, and theories of reading instruction 36:30 - Why reading requires learning a written code 38:06 - Effective reading instruction and teacher training 39:39 - Why struggling students need support rather than blame 41:01 - What elementary education could prioritize 44:03 - What children learn at home about work, money, and life 45:32 - How adult expectations can pressure children too early 47:25 - Letting children dream without immediately imposing adult expectations 49:50 - Diane reconsiders her belief about needing a university degree 52:42 - How her own path to university shaped her perspective 53:40 - Experiences teaching autistic students 56:08 - A memorable student and the artwork he made 58:06 - Meltdowns and challenges with emotional regulation 61:00 - Stimming, masking, and the role of feeling safe 64:52 - A child explains feeling conflicted about an activity 69:14 - How listening changed the relationship 70:34 - What teachers should understand about children on the spectrum 73:17 - Why individualized support matters 78:28 - Autism, public perceptions, and misunderstanding 80:45 - What people should know about autism 81:36 - People first, labels second Keywords #Autism #Literacy #ReadingInstruction #Decoding #ReadingComprehension #Dyslexia #Phonics #LanguageProcessing #Inference #Subtext #OrthographicMemory #SpecialEducation #InclusiveEducation #IndividualizedLearning #TeacherTraining #EmotionalRegulation #Masking #Meltdowns #StudentAdvocacy #EducationSystem Support the show

    Diane | Episode 17 | What's Your Experience With Autism Podcast by Autism Resources Kawartha

  5. Oct 6

    Kelly | Episode 16 | What's Your Experience With Autism Podcast by Autism Resources Kawartha

    This episode explores the inspiring story of Kelly from T.H.R.I.L. (Therapeutic Horsemanship & Riding In Lindsay), its origins, and its impact on individuals with disabilities, especially autism. Discover how horses facilitate physical, emotional, and social healing, and learn about the innovative accessibility features that make this program unique. Thank you to our sponsors: Cardinal Home Services and Kawartha Art Gallery. Key Topics - History of therapeutic riding in Canada - Impact of horses on physical and emotional health - Innovations in accessibility for therapeutic riding - The role of horses in emotional regulation and social skills - The origins and growth of Thrill Therapeutic Horsemanship Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Therapeutic Horsemanship 03:08 The Journey of Field of Dreams Farm 05:56 Accessibility in Therapeutic Riding 09:10 The Science Behind Equine Therapy 11:58 Personal Connections to Horses 15:05 Program Structure and Participant Assessment 17:46 The Impact of Horses on Emotional Well-being 21:06 Expanding Programs for Diverse Abilities 23:50 Community Engagement and Fundraising 26:59 Final Thoughts on Autism and Therapy Keywords #therapeutichorsemanship #autism #accessibility #horses #mentalhealth #physicaltherapy #Lindsay #nonprofit #inclusiverecreation #animalassistedtherapy Support the show

    Kelly | Episode 16 | What's Your Experience With Autism Podcast by Autism Resources Kawartha

  6. Sep 29

    Sarah | Episode 15 | What's Your Experience With Autism Podcast by Autism Resources Kawartha

    This episode explores the personal and professional experiences of Sarah with autism, discussing diagnosis, support strategies, and the importance of listening and tailored education environments. Thank you to our sponsors: Cardinal Home Services and Kawartha Art Gallery. Key Topics - Autism diagnosis and support - Impact of sensory spaces in schools - Personal experiences of raising an autistic daughter - Educational strategies for neurodivergent students - Importance of listening and tailored support Chapters 00:00 The Comfort of Crocs and Personal Health Experiences 03:14 Navigating Autism: Personal and Professional Insights 05:49 Understanding 22Q Deletion Syndrome and Autism 08:58 The Intersection of Autism and Other Diagnoses 12:03 Challenges in School: A Parent's Perspective 15:11 Listening to Our Children: A Shift in Parenting 17:58 Creating Safe Learning Environments 21:05 The Role of Educators in Supporting Neurodivergent Students 23:57 The Benefits of Independent Schools for Special Needs Education 30:28 Challenges in Public Education for Diverse Needs 31:48 Exploring Alternative Education Options 34:19 Creating a Sensory-Friendly Environment 40:43 Personal Growth Through Parenting an Autistic Child 48:19 Insights Gained as an Educator from Parenting 50:54 The Need for Social Skills Development 55:59 Advocating for Inclusive Experiences 57:34 The Importance of Listening and Understanding Keywords #autism #education #supportstrategies #sensoryspaces #personalizedlearning #autismdiagnosis #neurodivergentsupport #inclusiveeducation #mentalhealth #specialneeds Support the show

    Sarah | Episode 15 | What's Your Experience With Autism Podcast by Autism Resources Kawartha

  7. Sep 22

    Amber | Episode 14 | What's Your Experience With Autism Podcast by Autism Resources Kawartha

    In this episode, Amber shares her journey navigating her daughter's ADHD diagnosis, sleep challenges, school refusal, and the importance of listening and supporting neurodiverse children. Discover practical insights and heartfelt reflections on parenting and advocacy. Thank you to our sponsors: Cardinal Home Services and Kawartha Art Gallery. Key Topics - ADHD and autism diagnosis process - Impact of COVID on neurodiverse children - Sleep routines and challenges - School refusal and transition issues - The importance of listening and emotional support - Parent advocacy and navigating educational systems - Hobbies and strengths of neurodiverse children - Guilt and self-reflection in parenting Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the parent's journey with ADHD and autism 02:12 Impact of COVID on routine and emotional health 04:06 Diagnosis timeline and initial challenges 06:00 Sleep routines and changes over time 08:52 Listening to children and adjusting parenting styles 12:12 Handling meltdowns and emotional regulation 16:00 School refusal and transition struggles 20:13 Advocacy and navigating educational support 24:58 Celebrating strengths and hobbies of neurodiverse children 29:47 Reflections on parenting, guilt, and hope Keywords #ADHD #autism #neurodiversity #parenting #schoolrefusal #sleepchallenges #mentalhealth #advocacy #familysupport Support the show

    Amber | Episode 14 | What's Your Experience With Autism Podcast by Autism Resources Kawartha

  8. Sep 15

    Erin | Episode 13 | What's Your Experience With Autism Podcast by Autism Resources Kawartha

    In this episode, Erin and Matt explore the role of occupational therapy in supporting children with autism, the importance of understanding neurodiversity, and practical strategies for supporting neurodivergent individuals in educational and social settings. Thank you to our sponsors: Cardinal Home Services and Kawartha Art Gallery. Key Topics - The role of occupational therapy in supporting children with autism - The importance of neurodiversity and individual differences - Strategies for supporting kids in school and social environments - The controversy and misconceptions around ABA therapy - Community resources and advocacy for neurodivergent individuals Takeaways - Every child on the spectrum is unique and requires personalized support. - Understanding and accepting neurodiversity enhances community and educational outcomes. - Supporting interests and passions builds trust and connection with neurodivergent individuals. - Early intervention and tailored support improve long-term success. - Labels like autism can facilitate access to resources and understanding. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to occupational therapy and autism support 00:10 The role of OT in different settings 00:37 Supporting success and independence in school 01:07 Building rapport through shared interests 01:31 The importance of understanding individual passions 01:56 Supporting emotional regulation and sensory needs 02:23 The impact of screen time and digital habits 02:51 Early intervention and tiered support models 03:19 Community resources and accessing services 03:29 The controversy around ABA therapy 03:36 Labels and their role in support and understanding 03:37 Advocacy and supporting neurodivergent communities #autism #occupational therapy #neurodiversity #education #supportstrategies #mentalhealth #sensoryprocessing #abatherapy #advocacy #communityresources Support the show

    Erin | Episode 13 | What's Your Experience With Autism Podcast by Autism Resources Kawartha
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About

What's Your Experience with Autism? is a series of unscripted conversations with local autistic people - and the people who love them - right here in Kawartha Lakes. Hosted by Autism Resources Kawartha co-founder, Matt Geraghty, this podcast is all about sharing real-life experiences and normalizing the autistic experience. Tune in and listen to real, honest, judgment-free conversations between the father of an autistic kid and his guests about what life with autism is really like: the joys, the challenges, the funny moments, the hard days, and everything in between. Whether you're autistic yourself, or a parent, caregiver, sibling, or friend to someone who is, this podcast is for you.

Information

  • Creator
    Autism Resources Kawartha
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    22
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 What's Your Experience with Autism?
  • Show Website
    What's Your Experience with Autism?