September 3, 2019
by Beth
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There they go. And here we are. It’s the first day of school. The build-up began months ago when the big yellow pencils were hung above the “Back to School” aisle. The supply lists, the bus schedules, and the open … Continue reading
July 30, 2019
by Beth
2 Comments
Where’s the play button? Well, we’re following our own advice and taking a short pause to rest and enjoy this busy, beautiful summer. Listeners are telling us the Oxygen Mask Podcast has been an encouraging, powerful place. Will you grow this good … Continue reading
July 16, 2019
by Beth
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Shopping on Amazon lately? If so, please start your search from www.smile.amazon.com where Amazon donates a percentage of all your purchases to a charity of your choice. You’ll find us listed as “Center for Engaging Autism.” A little bit goes a … Continue reading
June 30, 2019
by Beth
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In April, Beth Dierker of Communities Engaging Autism co-presented with Amy Gunty and Pang Chaxiong of the University of Minnesota at the Autism Society of Minnesota’s Annual Conference. Chaxiong and Gunty both bring a family and cultural lens to their work … Continue reading
June 11, 2019
by Beth
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In this episode, we talk about why autism can be so hard to recognize, to grasp, to identify, and to accept. We name “four S’s” to consider why it is so discombobulating: Spectrum, Systems, Stigma, and Self. We know each journey is … Continue reading
May 14, 2019
by Beth
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In our second Oxygen Mask episode, “They’re Listening,” we have an honest conversation about the power of words in shaping how our children see themselves. Setting aside guilt, we step into the power we hold as parents to make a … Continue reading
May 6, 2019
by Beth
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In thinking ahead about this Thursday’s event: The Magic of Play, I’ve been reflecting on how play has shaped my relationship with my son on the spectrum. When he was a toddler, cause-and-effect toys were a delight—the delicious anticipation of … Continue reading
March 22, 2019
by Beth
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In my last post, I shared research findings on two stress interventions for special needs parents that proved effective. One was a mindfulness program and the other a program based in positive psychology. I summarized the findings about the stress … Continue reading
February 5, 2019
by Beth
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Tonight is the start of our Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction course for parents of children with special needs. We use a MBSR curriculum designed and researched by Vanderbilt University and based on the foundational work of Jon Kabat-Zinn. In this post, … Continue reading
December 30, 2018
by Beth
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I can feel myself being drawn in again to the New Year’s resolution hustle. Here’s how it goes down: A post-holiday mix of relief and fatigue settles in. Cold days with few routines fumblingly unfold. Seeking more structure, a sense … Continue reading
