Autism Society of Berks County

Carol's 4th episode in Autism in 4 Words is all about HOPE. She shares how hope provides motivation, focus and determination but more importantly it provides strength and belief for her son Peter's future. This is part 4 of Autism in 4 Words - HOPE.

Fatigue, Burn Out, Teaching and Re-teaching, Therapist vs. Mom, Planning, Strategizing, Plotting - it never ends. These words describe Carol's exhaustion. However, in Part 3 of Autism in 4 Words - if these words describe HER exhaustion, she can only imagine how exhausting these same words and their meanings are for her son Peter.

Carol is continuing the challenge of coming up with four words to describe her life as Pete's Mom and autism. The second word is Surprise. Carol talks about the pleasant surprises that being Pete's mom has brought to her life. An uplifting message from Carol.

What does Autism mean to me, our family and Pete himself, in four words? First word - Saturation. The tidal wave of all things autism. Carol Spencer talks about how their lives are saturated with autism for better and worse and with lot's of love.

An update. It's not perfect but it's so much better. Control, purpose and normalcy all rely on consistency. How do you implement consistency in the middle of this crisis when everything has changed? Carol gives you an update on how her son Pete and their family are coping while still in self-isolation amid this pandemic. She provides tips and strategies that she has put in place for her son with hopes that they might help you as well.

It has been rough. All routines have been cut off. All fun places to visit have been closed. Carol's son Peter does not understand why life is like this now. In this episode Carol describes what life has been like for their son and their family during the "stay at home" COVID-19 crisis. This is such a personal description of Carol going from stress and defeat to hope and knowing that regardless of this situation things will get better. Enjoy this special episode.

In part two of this two part interview Carol is joined by Frank Antoine, Owner of Fading Autism Barber Shop and Samantha Mierzejewski, mother of six year old James, who has autism. James has had many challenges with haircuts, all sensory issues, until he went to Fading Autism Barber Shop. Frank Antoine gives free haircuts to individuals with autism. Carol speaks to Samantha about her experience with Fading Autism and Frank about why he decided to start Fading Autism. It is about making something better - they are reducing the stigma of autism one haircut at at time.

Carol is joined by Frank Antoine, Owner of Fading Autism Barber Shop and Samantha Mierzejewski, mother of six year old James, who has autism. James has had many challenges with haircuts, all sensory issues, until he went to Fading Autism Barber Shop. Frank Antoine gives free haircuts to individuals with autism. Carol speaks to Samantha about her experience with Fading Autism and Frank about why he decided to start Fading Autism. This is part one of a two part series and it is all about making something better - they are reducing the stigma of autism one haircut at at time.

Kayla Rhein, BCBA, LBS, speaks to Carol about providing free parent training on Applied Behavior Analysis through Easter Seals of Eastern Pennsylvania.

This is a very personal and powerful episode. Carol Spencer the host of this podcast series shares with her listeners her "love letter" to her son and what his autism has taught her.