#170: A Conversation with Maura Weis - A Family’s Autism Journey

Maura Weis is the mother of two, a son and a daughter. The Weis family’s autism journey began when their youngest, Hannah, experienced early life difficulties, and then concerns with delays started occurring at 18 months.Maura shares about their early experiences and her pediatrician visits. Even more concerns grew after a move due to her husband’s coaching career. As they worked through tests and possibilities, Hannah began school with an ABA program and received several diagnoses. Maura wrote Miles From The Sideline: A Mother's Journey With Her Special Needs Daughter when her daughter was 8 years old as a resource for family members of families with special needs children. She also created the Hannah and Friends Family Foundation with her retired NFL and college football coach husband, Charlie Weis. Hannah, turning 29, now lives on the Hannah and Friends property in Indiana. There are 13 residents who have Daily Programs, Summer Camps, and After school activities. It’s a wide, open space to create a life. Among her experiences and family's journey, Maura shares an important sentiment for families to embrace all experiences, even the difficult ones, because they are important learning opportunities for their children. You can find out more about Maura Weis and her foundation by reading her book, visiting the Hannah and Friends website, or on Facebook. #autism #speectherapy What’s Inside:What is Hannah and Friends Family Foundation?Maura Weis’s book for family members of special needs families.A family’s journey through autism and other special needs diagnoses.Mentioned In This Episode:Miles From The Sideline: A Mother's Journey With Her Special Needs DaughterHannah and FriendsHannah and FriendsJoin the ABA SPEECH Connection Membership

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In the Autism Outreach Podcast, Speech Therapist and BCBA, Rose Griffin from ABA SPEECH, provides her best, ready to use autism interventions and speech therapy techniques to inspire professionals and parents working with students with autism. With 20 years of experience in the field, Rose understands one of the biggest challenges parents, therapists and educators face on a daily basis is helping students strengthen their communication skills. Listeners will regain a sense of calm as Rose breaks down trusted therapy techniques to try at home or school to provide support to students. Rose will address a variety of topics on autism spectrum disorder: how autism symptoms present in babies and toddlers, recognizing the differences between autism and a speech delay, early intervention therapies, autism evaluation, autism diagnosis, how to help a child with autism start communicating if they are nonverbal, helping students who engage in problem behavior, functional communication skills, increasing student engagement and improving social skills. An excellent listen for parents and professionals alike, with a mix of interviews and solo shows designed to inspire, empower, and provide you with confidence to help your students. Hit subscribe and learn more at www.abaspeech.org