Totally Over The Spectrum

Tessa and Kim

Totally Over The Spectrum is an informational podcast that connects parents, autistic people, educators and anyone wishing to know more about autism. Join Tessa and Kim as we have open conversations, share insights, stories, and practical advice to help embrace autism through understanding and support. Whether you're navigating life as an autistic person, supporting someone on the spectrum, or simply seeking to broaden your perspective, Totally Over The Spectrum invites you to join our inclusive community.

  1. 4d ago

    EP 82: Your Autistic Child’s BIG Emotions Aren’t BAD Behaviour

    This episode explores what triggers overwhelm, how to respond without escalating stress, and ways to help children understand and regulate their emotions. Adult regulation is just as important, because how caregivers react shapes learning. Topics covered include supporting autistic children, emotional regulation, meltdowns, shutdowns, sensory overload, and practical parenting strategies. Have you found strategies that help your child manage big emotions? Share them in the comments 👇 we would love to hear from you. Check out our website! https://www.totallyoverthespectrum.ca Follow us on socials! https://www.facebook.com/groups/totallyoverthespectrumautismdiscussiongroup https://www.instagram.com/totallyoverthespectrum/

    38 min

  2. May 20

    EP 81: I'm Autistic....But Not Like THAT!

    Some of the harshest messages we hear about autism come from ourselves. Internalized ableism happens when society’s ideas about disability get turned inward. Instead of “society thinks I am too much,” it becomes “I am too much.” It can show up as masking, shame around support, comparing yourself to neurotypical standards, avoiding accommodations, and feeling like a burden. In this episode, we unpack how internalized ableism shapes identity for autistic adults, including those diagnosed later in life and parents of autistic children. We explore the subtle hierarchy people create among autistic individuals, why masking can feel like morality, and how self-judgment can sneak in even when you are just trying to cope. Check out our website! https://www.totallyoverthespectrum.ca Follow us on socials! https://www.facebook.com/groups/totallyoverthespectrumautismdiscussiongroup https://www.instagram.com/totallyoverthespectrum/

    32 min

  3. May 13

    EP 80: Autistic Inclusion Without Limits?

    Autistic inclusion without limits sounds ideal. But what happens when safety and support collide? In this episode, we explore how inclusion philosophy intersects with safety, fairness, and staff well-being. We discuss why limits matter and what questions we should be asking to ensure every student’s needs are balanced and respected. Check out our website! https://www.totallyoverthespectrum.ca Follow us on socials! https://www.facebook.com/groups/totallyoverthespectrumautismdiscussiongroup https://www.instagram.com/totallyoverthespectrum/

    34 min

  4. May 6

    EP 79: Autistic Burnout? But You Look Fine

    Functional autistic burnout isn’t laziness. It isn’t drama. It’s a nervous system running on empty. You might still be showing up at work, parenting, or answering emails. On the outside it looks like you’re fine. On the inside, everything feels heavier, your skills start slipping, and resting doesn’t recharge you. In this episode, we talk about what burnout actually looks like for autistic people, why “functional” doesn’t mean mild, and how years of masking, adapting, and pushing past limits can quietly erode your energy and abilities. We explore the signs, the misunderstandings from the outside world, and what support really looks like. Check out our website! https://www.totallyoverthespectrum.ca Follow us on socials! https://www.facebook.com/groups/totallyoverthespectrumautismdiscussiongroup https://www.instagram.com/totallyoverthespectrum/

    23 min

  5. Apr 29

    EP 78: Is “F*ck Around and Find Out” Parenting Safe for Autistic Kids?

    Is it okay to let your kid “f*ck around and find out”? For autistic kids, it’s complicated. Natural consequences are supposed to teach responsibility, reduce power struggles, and help kids learn from real life. But in practice, it can get messy. Some kids don’t connect behaviour with outcome, some consequences are too harsh or confusing, and sometimes what’s framed as a lesson just ends up being distress. We talk about what “letting them find out” really means, how autistic kids experience cause-and-effect differently, and why explanations and support can often teach more than leaving a child to learn on their own. We explore what works, what doesn’t, and how parents can find the right balance between independence and guidance without creating unnecessary stress for their child.

    19 min

  6. Apr 22

    EP 77: So… I Started a Business With an Autistic Person

    They say to never start a business with family or friends. So we did. In this episode, we get candid about building Totally Over the Spectrum. 👉 Like, follow, and subscribe for new episodes! Check out our website! https://www.totallyoverthespectrum.ca Follow us on socials! https://www.facebook.com/groups/totallyoverthespectrumautismdiscussiongroup https://www.instagram.com/totallyoverthespectrum/

    32 min

  7. Apr 15

    EP 76: Autism Therapies No One Talks About (That Actually Help)

    What if some of the most effective autism therapies don’t happen in a clinic? In this episode we explore the non-clinical therapies that can help autistic people with emotional regulation, communication, confidence, and routine. Topics include autism therapy, animal-assisted therapy, horseback riding therapy, art therapy, and supports for autistic children and autistic adults. What non-clinical therapies have helped you or your autistic child? We’d love to hear from you👇 Check out our website! https://www.totallyoverthespectrum.ca Follow us on socials! https://www.facebook.com/groups/totallyoverthespectrumautismdiscussiongroup https://www.instagram.com/totallyoverthespectrum/

    33 min

  8. Apr 8

    EP 75: I Swear…And It F*ing Helps

    Life hurts, stress builds, and sometimes words are the best therapy. In this episode, we explore the benefits of swearing and why context and intent really matter. 👉 Like, follow, and subscribe for new episodes! Check out our website! https://www.totallyoverthespectrum.ca Follow us on socials!  https://www.facebook.com/groups/totallyoverthespectrumautismdiscussiongroup  https://www.instagram.com/totallyoverthespectrum/

    24 min
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About

Totally Over The Spectrum is an informational podcast that connects parents, autistic people, educators and anyone wishing to know more about autism. Join Tessa and Kim as we have open conversations, share insights, stories, and practical advice to help embrace autism through understanding and support. Whether you're navigating life as an autistic person, supporting someone on the spectrum, or simply seeking to broaden your perspective, Totally Over The Spectrum invites you to join our inclusive community.

Information

  • Creator
    Tessa and Kim
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    84
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Tessa and Kim
  • Show Website
    Totally Over The Spectrum