In this episode, Samantha and Lauren discuss the mental load carried by moms, marking the beginning of a three-week series on the topic. They explore the often-overwhelming responsibilities that mothers juggle daily, from managing household chores to coordinating children's schedules.

Samantha and Lauren emphasize the significance of self-care and provide practical advice on managing sensory input, making micro-decisions, and employing positive self-talk methods to alleviate stress and prevent burnout.

A structured approach for recognizing and managing different stages of overwhelm is introduced.

00:00 Introduction to Every Brain Is Different Podcast

00:43 The Mental Load of Moms

01:51 Strategies for Offloading Responsibilities

03:44 Understanding the Mental Load of Motherhood

08:05 Stages of Overwhelm: Whisper, Talk, Shout

13:32 Practical Tips for Managing Overwhelm

14:49 Parenting Power Hour Invitation

23:52 Daily Check-ins and Reset Strategies

27:40 Recommended Self-Care App: Finch

29:05 Conclusion and Support Resources

Finch App: https://finchcare.com/

Join the Neurodivergent Parenting Community: https://www.everybrainisdifferent.com/membership

Connect with Samantha Foote!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everybrainisdifferent

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@everybrainisdifferent

In this episode, Samantha and Lauren talk about Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID). They explain that ARFID is a recognized eating disorder, different from simple picky eating, characterized by extreme avoidance or restriction of food, leading to nutritional, growth, or emotional problems.

The disorder is often misunderstood, with myths such as it being due to bad parenting or something children will grow out of.

Samantha and Lauren discuss sensory sensitivities, negative food experiences, interoception challenges, and anxiety as key factors contributing to ARFID, particularly in children with autism and ADHD.

They also share their personal experiences and emphasize the importance of patience, understanding, and professional help in managing ARFID.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:52 Understanding ARFID: Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder

03:50 Common Signs and Symptoms of ARFID

05:01 Challenges and Myths Surrounding ARFID

05:46 Causes and Triggers of ARFID

12:39 Impact on Family Dynamics

17:35 Support and Professional Help

18:40 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

Join the Neurodivergent Parenting Community: https://www.everybrainisdifferent.com/membership

Harkla Link: https://harkla.co/?rfsn=8804907.29f26d5

Connect with Samantha Foote!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everybrainisdifferent

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@everybrainisdifferent

In this episode, Samantha and Lauren discuss the challenges and methods of handling food aversions in autistic children.

They share personal experiences and emphasize that forcing children to eat can be counterproductive. Instead, they recommend engaging the help of a feeding therapist and employing assent-based strategies.

Steps include gradually introducing the disliked food by first placing it nearby, then on the plate, and finally encouraging the child to touch, smell, and play with the food before tasting it.

Samantha and Lauren stress the importance of patience and allowing children to progress at their own pace, while also highlighting the benefits of involving children in meal preparation and planning.

00:40 Feeding Therapy for Neurodivergent Kids

01:12 Personal Stories and Challenges with Food Aversions

04:35 Steps to Help Kids Try New Foods

05:43 The Importance of Feeding Therapy and Exposure Therapy

14:22 Final Tips and Encouragement

19:39 Conclusion and Upcoming Episodes

Join the Neurodivergent Parenting Community: The Neurodivergent Parenting Community | Every Brain is Different

Harkla Link: Harkla - Special Needs Products for Happier and Healthier Families

Connect with Samantha Foote!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everybrainisdifferent

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@everybrainisdifferent