Hey, What's Up! It's Tommy. Welcome to a brand-new year! In today’s episode, I’m reflecting on the joys and challenges of navigating the holidays with an autistic child while sharing personal experiences, lessons, and encouragement for parents and caregivers in the autism community. From celebrating small victories to the importance of building a supportive village around you, this episode dives deep into what it means to advocate for and uplift our kids.

Let’s talk about keeping high standards, understanding their unique needs, and making room for those around us to learn, adapt, and join our journey.

• Creating a Supportive Village: Opening up about your child’s needs can transform the people around you into allies. It’s okay to ask for help and set expectations, even in unfamiliar spaces.
• Joy in the Little Moments: Celebrate milestones, big or small. Whether it’s your child enjoying Christmas morning or connecting with others, these moments deserve recognition and gratitude.
• Respect Their Humanity: Always talk to autistic kids (and adults!) with respect, acknowledging their intelligence and individuality, even if communication looks different.
• Protecting Health and Boundaries: Making tough decisions, like skipping events or limiting sugar, is part of advocating for your child’s well-being. It’s okay to say no when it’s in their best interest.

• Faith and Perspective: Luke 14:13-14 reminds us to give to those who can’t repay us. Caring for neurodivergent kids can be challenging, but the rewards come in ways that money can’t measure.

• Follow me on TikTok: Spectrum in Camouflage

• Email me your thoughts or questions: tommy@spectrumincamouflage.com

Let’s keep building this community together. We’re stronger when we support one another.

Don’t forget to visit spectrumincamouflage.com for more insights, resources, and updates. Share your story or ask questions—let’s keep the conversation going!

What's Up! Tommy here. Parenting a child with autism comes with unique challenges, especially when it comes to managing stress and anxiety. In this episode, I open up about anxiety and practical steps to support mental health. Whether you're a parent, caregiver, or family member trying to understand, this episode offers insights, encouragement, and tools to navigate the emotional load of special needs parenting.

• Stress and Anxiety Are Real: Parenting an autistic child often brings immense emotional strain, and it’s okay to acknowledge that it’s tough.
• Statistics That Matter: Over 50% of mothers with autistic children experience clinical stress, and nearly two-thirds deal with clinical depression. Fathers, while slightly less impacted, are not immune to these challenges.
• Small Changes, Big Impact: Tips for managing stress include getting outside, incorporating exercise, and reducing overstimulation from technology.
• Supplements to Consider: Supplements like magnesium and ashwagandha can help regulate cortisol and support adrenal health, improving sleep and reducing anxiety.
• The Power of Grace: Learning to give yourself and others grace is key. Moms especially bear a heavy emotional load and deserve acknowledgment and support.

Your feedback fuels this journey! If you found today’s episode helpful, please share it with someone who might need encouragement or insight. Don’t forget to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts. Together, we can spread understanding and hope.

Got questions or want to connect? Email me at tommy@spectrumincamouflage.com.

Our website is spectrumincamouflage.com

What's Up! It’s Tommy, and I’m here with a heartfelt episode of Spectrum in Camouflage to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and reflect on the past year. This season can bring its share of challenges, especially for families navigating autism or special needs, but it also offers so many opportunities to reflect, give thanks, and find joy in the little moments.

In this episode, I’m sharing my thoughts on gratitude, finding peace in the chaos, and focusing on the true meaning of Christmas. I talk about everything from reflecting on family memories to letting go of unnecessary worries—and even share a little about the joy Wyatt found in opening presents this year.

This one’s for all the parents out there who are giving it their all. You’re not alone, and together, we can make this season special for our families.

• Gratitude Changes Everything: This season, I’m reflecting on the blessings in my life—even during the hardest moments. It’s a reminder to focus on the good and let go of the things we can’t control.
• Memories Over Perfection: Whether it’s snuggling on the couch or seeing your kids light up while opening presents, it’s the small, joyful moments that matter most. Don’t miss them by fixating on worries or perfection.
• The True Meaning of Christmas: In the busyness of the season, remember the gift of hope we’ve been given through Christ. It’s a powerful reminder that we’re never alone in this journey.
• Our Energy Matters: Our kids feed off of our energy, so let’s do our best to bring positivity and joy into their lives this season—even if we’re exhausted.
• You’re Not Alone: Parenting through autism or special needs is tough, but finding community and encouragement can make all the difference.

What's Up!Thanks so much for listening to Spectrum in Camouflage! I’m so grateful for everyone who has joined me on this journey so far. If you’re finding value in this podcast, I’d love to hear your feedback. Reach out with your thoughts or share your own experiences!

Visit spectrumincamouflage.com or email me at tommy@spectrumincamouflage.com. Let’s keep building this community together.

What's Up! It’s Tommy, and I’m so excited to bring you a special episode of Spectrum in Camouflage. Today, I’m joined by my amazing wife, Kailee, for her podcast debut! We’re talking all things holidays—how we’ve embraced a gluten-free lifestyle, the ups and downs of navigating family gatherings, and how we make the season joyful for our neurodiverse family.

From baking gluten-free cutout cookies to handling overstimulation during holiday chaos, we’re sharing what’s worked for us, what hasn’t, and how we’ve learned to show ourselves (and our kids) grace along the way. This is a heartfelt conversation full of laughs, encouragement, and practical tips for making the holidays special—even when things don’t go exactly as planned.

• Gluten-Free Made Simple: Kailee shares her go-to brands like Krusteaz 1:1 Gluten-Free Flour and King Arthur Brownie Mix that make holiday baking a breeze (and delicious!).
• Involving the Kids: This year, Wyatt had a blast cutting out cookies with us—and yes, there was flour everywhere, but it was worth it for the memories!
• Holiday Food Hacks: You can enjoy classic holiday treats with a few easy swaps. We talk about gluten-free options for cookies, pretzels, and even deviled eggs that the whole family will love.
• Managing Holiday Gatherings: We’ve learned to advocate for Wyatt’s needs by bringing our own dishes, setting boundaries, and leaning on grace when things get hectic.
• Patience and Perspective: The holidays aren’t about perfection—they’re about connection. When we let go of unrealistic expectations, we can focus on what really matters: time with family and creating joyful moments.

• Krusteaz Gluten-Free 1:1 Flour – Perfect for baking holiday cookies and more.
• King Arthur Gluten-Free Brownie Mix – A family favorite that’s sure to impress.
• Snyder’s Gluten-Free Pretzels – Great for making treats like pretzel turtles.

Thank you so much for listening to Spectrum in Camouflage! If you’re looking for more gluten-free tips, holiday hacks, or just some encouragement, visit spectrumincamouflage.com. I’d love to hear from you—email me at tommy@spectrumincamouflage.com, and let’s chat!

What's Up! It’s Tommy! In this episode, I’m digging into a question a friend recently asked me: How can you offer help to a family raising a child with autism without overstepping? That got me thinking about our journey, the struggles we’ve faced, and the things I’ve learned along the way.

I’m sharing some personal stories—from a snowy walk with my dog to a moment of clarity thanks to 1 Peter 5:7. I also open up about the mental challenges I’ve been working through, the importance of gratitude, and the gift of presence. Whether you’re a parent, a grandparent, or just someone who wants to be a better support to the families in your life, I hope my experiences can offer some guidance and encouragement.

• The Gift of Presence: Sometimes the best thing you can give is simply your time and undivided attention.
• Mental Resilience: Overthinking can steal your peace. I’m learning to focus on gratitude and the moment right in front of me.
• How to Offer Help: Building trust and keeping your ego out of the conversation are key to supporting families with autistic kids.
• Faith and Gratitude: For me, leaning on faith and practicing gratitude have been game-changers in tough times.
• Grace for Everyone: We all need grace—whether you’re giving help or trying to accept it.
• Referenced Verse: 1 Peter 5:7 – "Overthinking will ruin your peace. Pray and leave it to God."

I’d love to hear your thoughts! How do you navigate offering or accepting help? Shoot me an email at tommy@spectrumincamouflage.com or visit spectrumincamouflage.com.

If this episode resonated with you, I’d be so grateful if you could leave a review on Apple Podcasts—it makes a huge difference in helping this message reach more people.

What's Up! It’s Tommy here! The holidays are here, and we all know what that means: a mix of joy, stress, and a lot of running around—especially when you’re navigating life with a special needs child. In this episode, I’m sharing how we tackle family gatherings, manage dietary needs, and focus on what really matters during this busy season. From a successful Thanksgiving at my grandparents’ house to prepping for Christmas, I’ll walk you through what’s worked for us, what hasn’t, and why giving the gift of presence is more important than ever.

• Support Means Everything: When family members step in to help—even in small ways—it makes a huge difference. Simple things like keeping an eye on Wyatt or helping with gluten-free options go a long way.
• Set Realistic Expectations: Not every kid will react to gifts or gatherings the same way, and that’s okay. What matters most is creating a space where everyone feels included.
• Sibling Balance: It’s so important to celebrate Jessie’s growth while managing Wyatt’s needs. Keeping both kids feeling seen and loved takes effort, but it’s worth it.
• Diet Impacts Everything: Food sensitivities aren’t just about convenience—they affect how our kids feel for days. Thoughtfulness here is a game-changer for families like mine.
• Be Present: The best gift you can give is showing up—really showing up—with eye contact, patience, and love. Our kids will remember that more than any toy.

Thanks so much for listening! If this episode resonated with you, please share it with your friends and family. And hey, if you’ve got any tips or questions, send them my way—I’d love to hear from you. Let’s make this season about connection and grace. Email me at tommy@spectrumincamouflage.com. Our website is spectrumincamoflauge.com

What's Up? It's Tommy with Spectrum in Camouflage! In this episode, I reflect on navigating family gatherings during the holiday season as a parent of an autistic child. With Thanksgiving upon us, I share insights on managing the chaos, embracing the unexpected, and prioritizing moments that create lasting memories for our kids—no matter how unconventional those moments might seem.

Let’s dive into creating a family-centered holiday experience where grace, adaptability, and love take center stage.

• Lower Holiday Expectations: Focus on creating small, meaningful moments instead of chasing perfection. It's the little things, like laughter and connection, that matter most.
• Give Your Partner Grace: Family gatherings can be stressful. Extend extra patience to your spouse or partner, especially during busy family event days.
• Be Present: Get involved with your kids—chase, wrestle, or play alongside them. These are the moments they’ll cherish forever.
• Use Tools to Reduce Stress: Simple solutions, like door knob protectors, can help keep kids safe and give parents peace of mind.
• Family Support is Key: Family members can make a big difference by creating a welcoming environment for autistic children and their families.

Let’s support one another during the holiday season! Share this episode with someone who might need encouragement or practical tips for making family gatherings more inclusive.

For more stories and resources, visit spectrumincamouflage.com. Have thoughts to share? Email me at tommy@spectrumincamouflage.com. I’d love to hear your thoughts.

In this episode of Spectrum and Camouflage, I discuss MTHFR gene mutations and their potential impact on health—both for us as caregivers and for our children. While this episode gets a little more technical than usual, it’s an important one for parents of children with autism and anyone looking to improve their overall health.

I cover what the MTHFR mutation is, how it affects folate processing and detoxification, and why understanding it can make a huge difference in managing conditions like autism, heart health, and more. I share actionable tips on identifying the mutation through testing, how to lower homocysteine levels, and the importance of supplements like methylated B12, glutathione, and Camu Camu. As always, I include personal insights on the challenges and triumphs of navigating health and parenting.

Key Takeaways:

• Understanding MTHFR Gene Mutations: Learn how this genetic mutation affects folate metabolism and detoxification, potentially contributing to health issues like heart disease, stroke, and autism.
• Testing is Key: Testing for the MTHFR mutation and homocysteine levels is a simple blood test—an important first step for caregivers and children alike.
• Actionable Steps to Improve Health:
  • Supplement with methylated B12, glutathione, and Omega-3s.
  • Use effective detox aids like Camu Camu or charcoal (with caution).
  • Stay hydrated, get regular exercise, and avoid toxins like alcohol or smoking.
• Caregiver Health Matters: As parents and caregivers, our health is crucial for long-term care and support for our children. Prioritizing our own well-being benefits the entire family.
• Autism and MTHFR: While not the sole cause of autism, the MTHFR mutation is a significant factor in a “perfect storm” of conditions that can affect brain development.

Resources:

• Supplements Mentioned:
  • Methylated B12
  • Glutathione
  • Camu Camu
  • Omega-3s
• Testing: Speak with your doctor about MTHFR gene mutation and homocysteine level testing.
• Maximum Potentials Chiropractic: A trusted resource for detox support and holistic health guidance. https://www.mpchiro.com/

If this episode resonated with you, please share it with others who might benefit. Let’s spread awareness and support for families navigating autism and health challenges. Reach out to me with your questions or insights at Tommy@spectrumincamouflage.com on Facebook, or spectrumincamouflage.com

Thank you for listening and being part of this journey. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and stay positive—together, we’ve got this!