75. Must-Have Resources & Tips Every Autism Parent Needs with Marc Orem, Host of the Daily Autism Podcast

Written By Brittyn Coleman, MS, RDN/LD

In this episode of the Nourishing Autism Podcast, join Brittyn’s refreshingly honest conversation with the host of the Daily Autism Podcast, Marc Orem. 

Marc shares his journey raising his son Cal, the reason and inspiration behind his lifestyle channel Daily Autism. From the unexpected challenges of potty training to the invaluable support systems like Aeroflow Urology, Marc provides insights and practical tips for fellow parents. Discover how Marc balances family life, finds joy in simple moments, takes the chaos out of family restaurant dinners, and finds his community support.

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TRANSCRIPT

Hi, I'm Brittyn, a Registered Dietitian and autism sibling. I have a passion for helping parents of neurodivergent kids navigate nutrition and wellness for their child, one small step at a time. Here we'll explore practical nutrition tips, learn from top autism experts, break down the newest research, and share inspirational stories that will empower you to utilize nutrition to help your child feel their best and thrive.

Listen in while picking kids up from school, sitting in a therapy waiting room, taking a quick walk or wherever you find yourself, looking for some inspiration and a friend to guide you along this journey. This is Nourishing Autism.

Marc: [00:00:00] The thing about special needs parents, like we were talking earlier, they know it's like I don't have to put lipstick on the pig. We are just real tired, stressed,we don't even have time to play the game, so talking to other special needs not just parents, siblings.

I mean people with the experience, you know I just feel like there's that natural desire to help you. Like if you called me one day and you needed something, I'd want to give you value because I know that you're in this, like you're in this sphere. So I almost feel like there's this brotherhood and sisterhood of people, of parents when they get together and it's like, no, I want to help you.

Like I have a feeling you're going through some stuff and I want to help.

[00:01:00]

Brittyn: Hey everyone, welcome back to the Nourishing Autism Podcast. I'm your host, Brittyn Coleman, the Autism Dietitian, and I'm really looking forward to today's episode where I welcome in Marc Orem, who is the host of the Daily Autism Podcast and he shares more about his experience as a father of an autistic child, Cal, and the motivation behind creating dailyautism.

com. We talk about the challenges in finding autism resources online and he shares his top resources for new and overwhelmed parents of autistic children that you might not think about, but can make your life so much easier. Our conversation covers the emotional and logistical challenges of raising an autistic child, the impact on the family, and managing daily life, including strategies for outings and maintaining family balance.[00:02:00]

I really appreciated this episode because Marc shared some really honest challenges and unexpected joys that I think you're really going to relate to. So let's dive into this episode together. Welcome Marc to the Nourishing Autism Podcast.

 This week, September 23rd to 29th is National Diaper Need Awareness Week. And we are raising awareness with Aeroflow Urology about the diaper gap. Many US families in diaper need simply cannot afford enough diapers to manage incontinence, which largely affects the autism and special needs community.

Aeroflow Urology provides medical grade continence care essentials like child pull-ups, adult briefs, bed pads, and more free through your insurance. See if your loved one qualifies in under two minutes by visiting aeroflowurology.com/nourishingautism. That's aeroflowurology.com/nourishingautism.

And let them know I sent ya.

Brittyn: Hey everyone, welcome back to the Nourishing Autism Podcast. I am really excited today. I'm sitting down with Marc Orem. He is the podcast [00:03:00] host of Daily Autism. Thank you so much, Marc, for being here.

Marc: Awesome to be here, Brittyn. Thank you.

Brittyn: Of course. Well, I would love for you to introduce yourself, share more about your podcast and your connection to autism.

Marc: Yeah. So my name is Marc. Like you said I founded along with my wife, dailyautism. com. My son, Cal, he's our youngest of five, was diagnosed just about four years

ago, and so what I was doing, I think, is like a natural curious Dad in this new realm of autism was like, oh, I'm gonna go online and I'm gonna see what this is all

about and everything and what I found honestly was there wasn't a lot there like there just wasn't a lot for new parents and confused parents, soon to be tired and

frustrated parents. It seemed like a lot of people had started, you know, doing things around autism, but then it's like typiCal, typiCal podcast, right?

Like, people start it, and then they end it, and there's not a lot there. So I just said, with my background being in media and radio, you know, I said, let [00:04:00] me do something, but I want to do it consistent, like, I'm going to show up every day. So, you know, social media, social video, podcast, LinkedIn newsletters, the whole thing and I'm going to try not to stop.

 I'm just going to try to keep going because it's, it's not like autism was going to stop, right? Yeah, so I just said, let me just go and kind of build this media channel and see what happens.

Brittyn: Wait, so just so I heard you correctly, you publish a podcast every single day.

Marc: Well, so we started out doing that.

Brittyn: I was like, wow, I do it every week and it's so hard to keep going.

Marc: Yeah, so we started doing that, realized okay, but what we do, we do social videos every day. So every day there's videos on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook. There's a bi weekly newsletter on LinkedIn. So, we show up every day. We have conversations every day.

We launch content every day. Not all podcasts every day. Although we did go on a good run in the beginning. I think it was 15 or 17 days in a row. Yeah. And I was, and then I was like, I can't do this every day. So.

Brittyn: I [00:05:00] think a lot of people don't realize all the production on the back end that it really takes to edit and publish and get the show notes and everything that it takes to get out there.

Marc: Well, I mean, how many emails and messages did we exchange going back and forth to this, right? It's a lot and just the setup and the planning.

And I also am a huge believer in social media, especially for these newer parents getting into it.

Brittyn: And so you talked about your son, Cal. You said he's now five years old and he was diagnosed four years ago. Is that right?

Marc: Yeah.

He's seven and diagnosed four years. He just turned seven. Yeah.

Brittyn: He just turned seven. Okay. That makes more sense. Okay. Well talk about your journey with autism so far. And if you were familiar with autism, if this all was completely new, what did that look like for your family?

Marc: Yeah, you know, it was interesting.

So we were kind of going through the diagnosis, the process of diagnosis, like leading up to it during the pandemic. So it was kind of like the weirdest time in the world for everybody. And then this. And of course, you know, that [00:06:00] process of diagnosis was even more, because it was masks and it was, you know, a lot of cancellations and all of that.

I mean, before we got to that point, really, it was just, you know, I say this, and I think to some people this resonates with other people, not so much, but Cal was there one day, and then he wasn't, is kind of how I describe, it just, the eye contact, the playing, the laughing and then that stopped.

And so, we started noticing certain benchmark delays, you know, typical stuff you'd expect, I think walking, talking, like I said, eye contact even balancing and stuff. And we have four older kids. So we had a pretty good

body of work to compare it to. It's not like we were first time parents and like, I don't know, you know. So, yeah, so we went through that process in Florida,

they have a really good program called Early Steps and so they come out before the child's three, if you have a concern, and then they say

either, no, it's not going to be something spectrum related, or we believe it is, and then, you know, so obviously they did, and we went down that road.[00:07:00]

As far as my background with it, before that, like I tell people, I saw Rain Man in 1989, and that's all, I mean, that's it, right? That's all I knew.

Brittyn: Yeah, well, I'm assuming autism looked very different than what you had in your head.

Marc: Yeah. Yeah. Because like Rain Man, they went to the casino and made a lot of money once because they were betting because Raymond was really good with the numbers and the formulas.

So we haven't been able to do that. I don't know. I think that was the Hollywood part of it. Maybe. Yeah, you know, it's funny. So I went back and watched the movie about a year and a half ago, and I felt really weird. Not in a bad way, good way because it was more like I could definitely identify with it, right?

I could definitely identify with the movie as opposed to just being a guy watching the movie with no relationship to it. But yeah, of course, I mean it's different, but I also, you know, Tom Cruise was the brother. And, but to watch him go through the stages. I could really relate to that, even though Rain Man himself was a little [00:08:00] different than Cal, and of course he was a grown man.

Of course. But yeah, the stages though, I was like, yeah, I feel similar. I feel, you know, it was interesting. I actually would recommend parents do that. If you'd saw the movie before you were involved with this.

Brittyn: I still haven't seen Rain Man. I mean I, not so much anymore because I feel like the awareness around autism has grown so much that I've never had anyone say, oh, like Rain Man,

recently when I talked about my brother that was maybe like in the early 2000s and then I was a kid, so I didn't know, but you know, it's interesting to see the depiction of autism in the media like we just rewatched Parenthood for the third time. I love Parenthood. I don't know if you've ever seen it, Marc, but and Max is on the spectrum and it was really interesting to see how they portrayed that and then how they also showed how it affected the family and the parents and the sister, which really you know, hit home for me.

And so it's just interesting to see that development, but I [00:09:00] mean, I love that you are also here being able to share the real side of what that experience is for you. So when you started the state program that will come in before your child is three, do the autism screening, and then they'll help you decide what services are appropriate if you need to move forward with different therapies or any other programs.

Marc: It's a great filter system again, especially for young parents who just are confused and hearing stuff from neighbors and family and it all contradicts itself. So it was, we were fortunate to have it for sure.

Brittyn: That's amazing. Well, how is Cal doing now? I mean, how has your journey developed over these past seven years?

And what does that look like for your family?

Marc: I mean, I think overall, I would probably put it in the struggle column, you know. It's interesting when he first got diagnosed, I thought, wow, well, I think we can handle this. He's got some things, but nothing that we really can't handle. And then you have to understand that as you get older, right, you know, you get stronger and the emotions are sharper, right?

So his swings are a little bit more [00:10:00] challenging for us. The thing is that it's a whole family challenge. So, it's easy for me to look at it and say, I have to deal with this, this is my son. It's harder to look at my other kids, his siblings, and their fantastic caregivers, have to give up a little bit of the innocence of childhood to help.

That is hard for me to see. Probably the hardest thing to be honest. Listen, we have great moments, we live by the beach, Cal loves the beach. I mean, that's like his place. So, when we're there and he sees dolphins and all the birds and everything, he loves it.

He's happy. It's always good to be in that moment. But this is not easy. It's not easy and for him, he'll live at home for his whole life. And so, there is some kind of peace and knowing and understanding that. But at the same time there is, I don't know if the words anxiety or just maybe a little sadness to know that there's only so much you can do or he'll be able to do.

So you just redefine the structure for him, which just looks different than the other kids [00:11:00] and this is the new life and we have to adjust and adapt and, at the end of the day, he needs a caregiver 24/7, right?

So, in understanding that, you have to make the adjustments. And that's what you have to be. I mean, that's what a special needs parent is. I tell people to look at the word. It's not just needs, it's special needs. And, so the parent has to be special. Because the child is special, so you gotta dig and find that in yourself, and it's hard.

Brittyn: Your honesty is really refreshing, and I think that a lot of parents listening are gonna feel that way, because I think a lot of times, we don't get to sit down and have that, "hey, I'm struggling, are you?" conversation. And so I think it's sometimes nice cause you know, on social media, we sugarcoat everything, it looks nice.

And we show the highlight reels and sometimes having these hard conversations of, "hey, we're really having to adapt here and it is affecting my family". I think a lot of families will feel really seen in that. I don't want to dig too deep, but I would love to keep this going. I mean, are there any challenges [00:12:00] that you just didn't foresee coming or some challenges unexpectedly that you've had to navigate as a parent that yeah, that you could share maybe even seeing the other end of it, maybe giving some parents hope, or if you're in it, that's fine too.

Marc: Yeah so I think, something to think about is there are interior challenges and exterior challenges. So interior challenges, like right now not being potty trained at seven. That is something that I didn't have on the bingo card for 2024.

And it's tough, right? So we have areas of it in our homes and on this continent that we go to the bathroom in our very developed society. And he doesn't recognize that. So you can understand then it's got to go somewhere and it goes everywhere. So that's, it's hard.

It's not just that, it's cleaning it up. It's all of that stuff. So that's challenging. The diet issues, you hear a lot about that, challenging, right? I always said if I write a book, it'll be called Funyuns for Breakfast.

Brittyn: My brother used to love Funyuns.

That was a lost memory for me, but he loved Funyuns. He [00:13:00] would dip them in yogurt, Marc. I don't know why, but he loved it.

Marc: Oh, wow.

Brittyn: I don't know. Talk about sensory, but I forgot that memory until just now, but he would dip them and he loved it.

Marc: Yeah. Funyuns for breakfast because there are many mornings I go out and, you know, hey Cal, good morning.

You want breakfast? Yes. Funyuns. Funyuns. Okay. But then he'll have his little snack bag of Funyuns and he'll go, where's my broccoli? And I'm like, wow, we just went from Funyuns to broccoli. Like it really is a spectrum.

Brittyn: I was going to say also, of course I'm putting on my dietitian cap and I'm like, okay, let's think of the sensory differences between Funyuns and broccoli.

It's completely opposite sides

Marc: 100%

Brittyn: Yeah. That's interesting.

Marc: Yeah. You have those moments and so if you don't have one of those things or the broccoli is not necessarily steamed at the right texture, I mean, you know, all of these things. So, those are challenges kind of the interior challenges, there's sleep issues, there's anger, there's transitions, and then you have the exterior challenges, right?

Because this is what I tell people, you're alive 20, 24 hours a day, hopefully, right? Like we're alive. And you don't live in your house the [00:14:00] whole 24 hours. So you do have to go outside of your house and so then you have the exterior society, that interacts and mingles with him as an autistic child.

And then me and parents who are exhausted, frustrated, tired, stressed, parents of autistic children. So, you know, things like issues with the

school system, going to doctors, like, why do I have to fill out 19 pieces of paper when I go to the... well, there's got to be a

better way. I mean you could do an NFL fantasy draft for 25 people in an hour and it's good for the whole season and it works and this you can't, it's crazy.

So yeah, you know what? I mean It's just everything but it's interior and exterior. It's not like you leave the house and it gets better or it's not like you're out and you're dealing with the school systems, in all the stress and drama there, you can go, I'm gonna go home and relax. I never say i'm gonna go home and relax. All my friends say I can't wait to go home and relax. I'm like, what are you talking about?

Brittyn: So one common thing that I also hear you saying, okay, there's the potty training, which comes [00:15:00] along or products have to come along with that. Then you have therapies that also cost money. And it's like everything that you've shared too also really adds up when it comes to the affordability being a parent and also being able to access all of these extra services.

I mean, what are your thoughts on that?

Marc: Well, I mean, You're right. So you become this really great researcher because you have to. You're not being paid to research, but you have to do it. You know, things like the potty training, like that's such a big thing on our audience, right?

Because like I mentioned, that's kind of a sneak attack thing. That's kind of like, ooh, we're not going to the bathroom and we're three. Like I didn't think, you know, how long would this last? And I tell you, I post a lot of videos. I know you've seen some of them about Aeroflow Urology. So you talk about a resource.

And somebody just said to us, you got to check out Aeroflow Urology. If you qualify, they'll send you diapers right to your door. And my wife's like, oh my gosh, we got to look into this. And my whole thing was, [00:16:00] oh yeah, diapers to your door sounds great, but you're telling me all I have to fill out is like five little lines on a website, hit send, and then it's done?

Because that never happens, right? So, they're a great example. I mean, you think about the price of diapers, right? Especially in this inflationary world we've been living in for like four years now, diaper prices went through the roof. So for them to be able to kind of be that middleman to work out the price and to get them to you, delivered to your door. I have five kids, so I know about diapers, right?

I'm a diaper expert. I know everything about them. A diaper run is never noon on a Wednesday. Emergency

diaper runs happen, it's like the smoke alarm battery, it's 2 a. m on a Saturday, right? When you run out of diapers, it's literally like 11 o'clock on a Friday night and

someone's got to run to the grocery store and they're expensive and so Aeroflow Urology is a great example.

They deliver them to the door. Cost, they can cross it off. And then the emergency diaper runs cross it off. So those are little things you have to have that awareness, that research IQ as a special needs parent, like what's [00:17:00] out there? It's not going to find you. Right. So you got to go, what's out there?

Brittyn: This is self care as a parent too. Because there's so many different things that are going through your mind all the time.

Do we have diapers? Do we have this? Are we scheduled for therapy? Are we ready for the week? Do we have this IEP in place? And so, being able to have one of those things that is done for you, and you don't have to think about the expense as well, which is a whole other topic, I think is really huge.

Marc: Yeah. I got a message not long ago, a woman and she has twins both on the spectrum and she had just

said, hey, I found Aeroflow Urology through, I think it was an Instagram post and she was telling me that her diaper bill monthly was about equal to her car payment.

Just twins on the spectrum. Twins. Right. So, and I'm like...

Brittyn: Twins.

Marc: Like when you put it like that, my diaper bill is almost, was, but because she got it all worked out through

Aeroflow Urology, but I'm going, this is a, I think she's a single mom, she said, but how could your diaper bill almost be to your [00:18:00] car payment?

But twins! I mean, I get it. I get it. And so when you put it to that, like when you actually associate it with a real payment, like something else. And I'm like, that's just for diapers.

Brittyn: I have an almost two year old right now. And then we're going to have a newborn in October. But it's like the diapers I'm already expecting, like, holy cow, this is a lot of diapers. Well, thanks for sharing that resource. I mean resources like that I think are really helpful for parents that I mean, sometimes you don't have the time to just sit down and research on your own, okay how can I make this problem that i'm having a little bit easier because it feels like you're always so in it that you can never like get out of it,

look at it from above and be like, okay here's some things that I can research to make this a little bit easier. So it's nice to have parents like you who are like, hey, we've gone through this. We know resources that can make this a little bit easier. I do want to flip the switch a little bit and I would love to hear some unexpected joys that you've had as a parent.

Marc: Yeah. And you know, it's funny to call it [00:19:00] unexpected joys, cause that's really what it is. Cause you don't really plan on it. Like it's you know, there's no little league baseball games or going to the flag football game or whatever. So it really is. You know, a couple of years ago, we went to a major league baseball game and we decided to take Cal because they had built a sensory suite in the stadium.

And I'm like, should we try this? I don't know. I don't know... made it all nine innings, he loved it and actually I think it

was the first time that all seven of us, we had to leave the dog at home, but all

seven of us went out and had fun and you know, like the middle of the game,

 I think somebody hit a home run, so they're doing fireworks, and I'm like, I forgot about the fireworks at the home run, you know, so, but so we went to the sensory, so it was great. He was cool. He loved it up there exploring. The other kids had fun. And then we were all there.

It's little things like that. You have to be a little adventurous. You got to take some risks. But special needs parents are pretty good at having a backup plan, I feel like I'm pretty good at sort of like, [00:20:00] here's plan A, here's plan B, here's C, and then here's the escape plan, right?

So you kind of you have to do that. And I think, you know, other than that, when we're all together and things are just good. My favorite days, honestly, are the backyard in the pool. Everybody's there. Everybody's having fun. The weather's great. I know it sounds simple, but gosh, you lose all hope sometimes that anything could ever just be simple and peaceful and happy.

And then, so when you get it, it's like, wow, even though my expectation was low, the fact that we hit it, I'm pretty happy. It's happy to see, it's happy to be in that moment. I wish there were more of them, of course, but you take them when you get them.

Brittyn: Absolutely. Thanks for sharing that.

I think that's really an amazing thing, the seven of you, first of all, being able to have a great time. And speaking of those sensory rooms, I mean, I've seen those like pop up around the United States. I didn't even know that they would be inside of a baseball stadium. I mean, that's so cool.

And I've seen them in airports. I've [00:21:00] also seen sensory experiences pop up. I live in Boulder, Colorado and the Denver Zoo has a sensory experience around their Christmas lights. And the splash pad that we go to has an hour that's a sensory friendly hour that is turned down water.

And I just find all of these sensory experiences that are popping up that it's just allowing more flexibility and more opportunities for parents who have kids with additional sensory needs, just like you're sharing. I think that's just such a cool initiative, I don't know if you've noticed the same thing.

Marc: I have. Yeah. It's really becoming a trend in a lot of big venues which is cool. Walmart did something the last couple of years for back to school shopping where they had sensory hours where I think it was like seven to nine in the morning. The lights were all down, there was no music, and all of the cashiers that were working that time were specially trained in probably what they were going to see, how to react or not react, and those kind of things.

And I tell people, listen, that's not going to change the world and that's okay. The fact that a big corporate [00:22:00] giant like

that would say, we really should offer something. Like that's good. That's good too. You know, I don't expect anyone to

solve my problems to be quite honest with you.

 That's my issue. That's my job. But the fact that another entity, whether it's a stadium or a department store or whatever would say, let's give it a shot. Let's see if it helps. I think that's great. I just, I think that's great.

Brittyn: Me too. I completely agree with you. And kind of like you said, coordinating, everyone going out, you have to be a little adventurous.

I think opportunities like that also give you the extra urge to like, okay, let's do this. Let's get all seven of us out and let's go try it and see how it goes. Before we even started recording, we were talking about mindset as podcast hosts as well.

And I just feel like you just have the right mindset that it's like, you know, this is how it goes. We're just going to make the best of it. And you know, if plans change, then we're just going to go with it. And I think that that's one of the best mindsets that you can have as a parent because we can plan, plan, plan all we want.

And [00:23:00] then nothing goes to plan.

Marc: Yeah, you read like motivational books. I don't do that stuff anymore, but I think one thing about being ready for the environment you're going into, there's such value in that. And a real world example is we used to try to take Cal out to eat cause we love going out to eat.

We live right by the beach and so we love going to all the beach restaurants and everything like that. It usually didn't end right, right? So it was a mess. It was like, we ordered our food then there was like a meltdown. We got to go like it's whatever. So now we will sit down at the table.

Okay. And the waiter waitress will come up and we'll all order. And then we say, okay, but here's how we're going to do this. We want everything to come out in a to go box and we're paying the tab right now. So what you've done there is, you have already agreed to the divorce if it has to happen.

You don't have to go to court. What I mean by that is everything comes out... now look, people will look at us weird. They're like, gosh, they got their dinners all, you know, styrofoam boxes and they're eating it [00:24:00] but if something happens, and usually there's a thing and that's fine, we close our box and we walk out.

We've already paid the bill. We've already tipped the waitress and we've got everything we need. Right. So no strings attached. So it's like little things like that. And then when you're there, you just feel better. Cause it's like, okay, we understand that this might be a lot for him. There could be a trigger.

There could be something, but let's not all get chaotic and rush and start waving for the waitress. And it's like, hurry up, get boxes, you know, this and that. Cause that's chaos for everybody. It's not fair to the people next to us. It's not, you know what I mean?

It's like you've got to find a way to streamline everything from beginning to end. You've got to have the escape plan if needed. And those are like little changes that you make, you know, in your family, but I say it's good for everybody. Like it's helps every, it helps him because it's a quicker exit, which is the most important thing.

But everybody else who didn't come to see seven people start freaking out, trying to, you know, whatever. So it's good for everybody.

Brittyn: Thanks for sharing that. That's a great tip. I think a lot of parents will be like, okay, yes. I mean, it's good to [00:25:00] be prepared if you see that that may be the outcome.

It's going to make it easier for everyone. Absolutely. Well I'm sure that I could ask you for a ton more tips like that, but I would also love you to share, you shared Aeroflow is a great resource for you so far. Are there other resources that you found that have made your experience as a parent with a child on the spectrum easier?

Marc: Yeah, I mean, I think as far as product base, you know, it's, I'll be honest, it's hard to find something that is streamlined as Aeroflow, right? It's a definite need, they have a definite solution. And the way that it gets to you, the delivery process, everything, that is hard to find, the way that their process is pretty much just 100%.

 I do a lot of research, right? So I always look at what programs the local governments are offering as far as like mainly events, like how can we get out? How can we do things and stuff like that? I'm always looking into health, right? What [00:26:00] could we be doing from a health point of view?

I mean i'm in the rabbit hole now on prebiotics, probiotics, i mean the whole thing and I love it.

Brittyn: We have a lot to talk about.

Marc: I know, we could do a series maybe on all of this, but you'll know, i'll probably be asking you questions because

Brittyn: Yeah, let's talk about it.

Marc: Yeah, I will say that's kind of a lacking thing is something as streamlined as Aeroflow.

Like there's probably so many different segments that we could apply what they do in their process. But it's an evolution. It's a thing in progress. The best thing that I could ever do, and this is how we discovered Aeroflow, was talking to other parents.

Because honestly, the thing about special needs parents, like we were talking earlier, they know it's like I don't have to put lipstick on the pig. We are just real tired, stressed,we don't even have time to play the game, so talking to other special needs not just parents, siblings.

I mean people with the experience, you know I just feel like there's that natural desire to help you. Like if you called me one day and you needed something, I'd want to give you value because I know that you're in [00:27:00] this, like you're in this sphere. So I almost feel like there's this brotherhood and sisterhood of people, of parents when they get together and it's like, no, I want to help you.

Like I have a feeling you're going through some stuff and I want to help.

Brittyn: that is one of the best things that I found as a parent having community of other people who understand exactly what I'm going through. Parenthood is hard and trying to find all of those resources and having people being able to share that with you.

I even find that sometimes people don't have community with them, like in person, but they're able to make that online. And I feel like there are a lot of online communities that are really supportive. You know, I run one for nutrition, but it's really cool to see all of these like little hubs of communities, like for your podcast and for other groups of people who come together on one interest.

And they're really able to help each other out. So thank you for all the resources that you share for parents, because I know it's incredibly helpful. And on that note, I mean, as we kind of wrap up this episode, if you could go back in time and give yourself some [00:28:00] encouragement as a new parent navigating autism, what would you say to yourself?

Marc: Ooh, that's a deep one.

Brittyn: I hit you with the deep one as we sign off.

Marc: If I could go back, I think I would definitely say, look out for the whole family as well as Cal.

I think that's where I've seen people get sideways in this. I went and spoke to a bunch of mayors and councilmen not long ago. Decided to do a lot of research and special needs parents, if you look at the divorce rates, the unemployment rates, drugs, alcohol, anxiety, depression.

 It's awful. I mean, it's, it tears people apart. Kids are in the middle. Neurotypical kids are in the middle. And then, you know, autistic kids are in the middle. And so I think the one thing I would say is you still have to look out for the whole family structure and everybody involved.

And I think I've done a pretty good job of that. I'm telling you, there's so many temptations to just [00:29:00] go, I don't have time for this. No, I'm not, I can't, I can't, I got to focus on this, this, this, this. And then when you do that, then something else starts to fall apart a little bit.

And, I don't know if that's a great answer to your question, but I just think if I had to go back, I think I would tell

myself, you have to still maintain the whole family as one, because at the end of the day, Cal is a part of a family, that's a big thing, is trying to be able to keep everybody on pace together.

Brittyn: And you've got seven.

Marc: Well, I have five, but I'm part of the seven.

Brittyn: Well, you're part of the seven. Yeah, absolutely. You count. It's like for yourself as well and your own personal care and all of that too. I think it's so easy for us to put our kids first, which is why we have kids, we want to put them first.

Marc: The number one thing I hear from parents is my health has gone to hell. I'm gaining weight. I'm eating terrible. I'm doing this. And so I get up and go to the gym every morning, right? And it's not about for how I look. I don't care. I'm getting old. It's about up [00:30:00] here. It's like the six inches between my ears.

 That's why I go to the gym. And that's what I tell other parents that are in this situation. Keep yourself good. And by the way, if we don't take care of ourselves, who's going to take care of our kids? The first time I was on an airplane with my oldest, I'll never forget. And they come on, you know, if we have an emergency and the oxygen masks fall, make sure you put yours on before you put your kids on.

I'm like, God, that sounds terrible. Why would I do that? And I thought, well, if I don't save myself, who's going to save the kids? I call it the airplane oxygen mask theory. You have to remember that you've got to be able to take care of yourself so you can take care of your kids.

Brittyn: It feels backwards at first, and then when it clicks, you're like, ah, that makes so much sense. Well, Marc, it's been really great talking to you today, and I'm sure many people want to continue the conversation with you. Can you share where people can find all of your resources?

Because it sounds like you have many.

Marc: Yeah, it got overwhelming for me too. So I was like, if you just go to [00:31:00] dailyautism. com, that's our LinkTree, dailyautism. com. And so whatever platform you're into, you know, Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, LinkedIn, and then all the podcast platforms. We also have a autism text line for parents, which is on that as well.

I asked myself the other day, how are we not communicating with people? Text. That's right. So we started that as well. And so we just try to be everywhere for everybody. Everybody's got their own thing that they want to do. You know, some people don't like algorithms and social media and they find them frustrating.

And so with text, you don't have to worry about that.

Brittyn: That's fantastic. I appreciate you taking the time to chat with all of us and for sharing as many online free resources that you do. I mean, I'm so impressed. I know how much time and energy that takes.

So thanks for being here, Marc. And for the honest conversation, like I said, it's really refreshing to have these types of conversations. So I appreciate you sharing.

Marc: Yeah, you got it. Anytime Brittyn. Thanks for your hard work. You've built up a great channel. And so thank you for making this all possible.

Brittyn: Oh, of course. And thanks everyone for tuning in. We will see you next week on the next episode of [00:32:00] Nourishing Autism. Bye everyone.

Transcribed by Descript

About Brittyn Coleman, MS, RDN/LD

Brittyn Coleman, MS, RDN/LD, is a distinguished Registered Dietitian and Autism Nutrition Expert, known for her innovative, sensory-friendly feeding approach to nutrition for children on the autism spectrum. As the founder of the Nourishing Autism Collective, and as an autism sibling herself, Brittyn brings both professional expertise and personal understanding to her work. She empowers families with her expert guidance, helping children receive essential nutrients for optimal health and development. Her strategies are tailored to the unique dietary needs and sensory preferences of each child.

Brittyn's influence extends beyond her membership site through her active social media presence and her popular podcast, 'Nourishing Autism'. Her educational content on Instagram, YouTube, and other platforms has established her as a leading voice in autism nutrition, providing valuable resources, practical advice, and a supportive community for parents and professionals. 

Brittyn Coleman, MS, RDN/LD https://www.autismdietitian.com
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