Hey, What’s Up! It’s Tommy. Today I open up about a recent experience with my son, Wyatt, and what happened after his dental procedure that required anesthesia. I share how we saw short-term regression, what that looked like in real life, and the practical steps we’re using to help him feel better. If you’re a parent or caregiver walking a similar path, I hope this gives you clarity, comfort, and a few simple ideas you can try right away.

• Anesthesia can trigger short-term regression in some autistic kids. We saw changes in sleep, focus, transitions, and rising OCD behaviors soon after the procedure.
• Be mentally ready. Plan for extra patience, calm routines, and comfort items for at least a couple of weeks.
• Support the body’s “cleanup.” Hydrate early and often, get safe movement as soon as it’s cleared, and encourage sweating to help flush out what the body no longer needs.
• Simple tools we use. Light detox supports like camu camu and carefully timed activated charcoal, plus consistent magnesium at night for sleep quality. Always check with your healthcare pro.
• Movement helps mitochondria. Regular activity can support energy production and overall resilience. Trampoline time, yard play, and gentle cardio all help.
• Track patterns. Note the before and after of any procedure, then build a short plan for sleep, diet, movement, and calm spaces to smooth the weeks that follow.
• Hold space for hope. Regression after anesthesia can be scary. It’s also often temporary. With steady routines and support, things can settle again.
• You’re not alone. Many families face this. Community brings strength, ideas, and encouragement for the next step.

If this helped you, please subscribe and share it with a parent who needs some hope today. You can find all episodes and socials at spectrumincamouflage.com. I would love to hear your story and any questions you have.

• We’re on TikTok: tiktok.com/@spectrum_in_camouflage
• Join our Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/4002769846662357
• See us on Instagram: instagram.com/spectrum_in_camouflage

Together, we can create a community to support autistic kids and their families. If you have questions or ideas or want to share your journey, email me at tommy@spectrumincamouflage.com.

Let’s learn, grow, and make a difference, one step, one piece of the puzzle, one child at a time.

Hey, What’s Up! It’s Tommy. Life gets heavy. Work pulls one way. Parenting pulls another. Autism brings unique highs and hard days. In this episode I share four simple habits that helped me climb out of a rough season and keep my mental health steady. No expensive programs. No perfect routines. Just practical steps that fit real life. I talk about finding your five trusted people, building community, keeping faith at the center, and using small daily wins to carry you through the tough stuff.

1. Hydrate with purpose. A quick guide is half your body weight in ounces, adjusted for heat and activity. Add electrolytes when you sweat a lot.
2. Feed your mind early. Read something positive in the morning. I read the Bible daily. You can pick any uplifting book or short reading.
3. Fuel the machine. Choose whole foods. Prep simple options so busy days do not push you to junk. A better breakfast can change your morning energy.
4. Move your body. Walk, stretch, do a few pushups. Start small. Consistency brings the mental boost. - Guard your inputs. Cut the scroll, especially on Sundays if that day feels heavy. Consider time limits or phone-off blocks. - Know your five. Identify the people who will show up for you. Lean on wise voices when life gets noisy. - Stack early wins. A few small tasks before 8 a.m. make it easier to handle the losses that pop up later. - Community matters. Parents in the autism world can feel isolated. Check in on friends who have gone quiet. - Faith and hope. I share how God used hard seasons to build a stronger me. You can grow through it too. - Start tomorrow. These four habits take five minutes to one hour total. Keep it simple. Keep it steady.

If today hit home, try one habit tomorrow. Drink enough water, read something positive, prep one whole-food meal, and take a short walk. Share this episode with a friend who needs encouragement. Visit spectrumincamouflage.com for more support and stories.

Contact Information
I would love to hear from you. Email me at tommy@spectrumincamouflage.com. Tell me which habit you are starting and how it goes this week.

• We’re on TikTok: tiktok.com/@spectrum_in_camouflage
• Join our Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/4002769846662357
• See us on Instagram: instagram.com/spectrum_in_camouflage

Together, we can create a community to support autistic kids and their families. If you have questions or ideas or want to share your journey, email me at tommy@spectrumincamouflage.com.

Let’s learn, grow, and make a difference, one step, one piece of the puzzle, one child at a time.

Hey, What's Up! It’s Tommy. Parenting in an autism home asks a lot from everyone. Today I talk honestly about how we try to love both of our kids well, especially our daughter Jessie as she grows up alongside her brother Wyatt. I share the moments I have missed, what I am learning, and how simple, steady time together can protect a child’s heart. From celebrating every win to explaining what is happening in the moment, this episode digs into real family life and practical steps that help siblings feel seen, safe, and important. If you need encouragement and simple ideas you can use tonight, you will find them here.

• Siblings need clear, gentle explanations. Say what is happening and what will happen next, in simple words.
• Celebrate every win for every child. Small high fives add up fast.
• Schedule one-on-one time. It does not have to be fancy. A short walk, reading a book, or picking up from school matters.
• Watch for quiet resentment. If a child asks, “Are we actually going to do it?”, treat it like a loving alarm.
• Do not assign your sibling as the default playmate or helper. Invite play, join it when you can, and keep it organic.
• Name hope out loud. Tell siblings that skills can grow and that their brother or sister can learn new things over time.
• Keep family rhythms. Meals together, movie nights, and outside play build a strong base for hard days.
• Protect your energy so you can show up. You need joy to spread joy.
• Simple outdoor time helps everyone. Clear “zones” and boundaries outside can lower stress and open space to play.
• Faith, gratitude, and community support keep parents going. You are not alone in this.

We would love your thoughts and stories about sibling life in an autism home. Visit spectrumincamouflage.com to listen and share your feedback. If this episode helped, please follow and share it on your favorite podcast app so we can reach more families.

You can email me directly at tommy@spectrumincamouflage.com. I read every message.

• We’re on TikTok: tiktok.com/@spectrum_in_camouflage
• Join our Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/4002769846662357
• See us on Instagram: instagram.com/spectrum_in_camouflage

Together, we can create a community to support autistic kids and their families. If you have questions or ideas or want to share your journey, email me at tommy@spectrumincamouflage.com.

Let’s learn, grow, and make a difference, one step, one piece of the puzzle, one child at a time.