22 OCT 2024 · Welcome to Autism: God’s Bright Kids! Podcast. I'm Dana Susan Beasley, founder of AngelArts.biz, and I'm thrilled to be your host. As a wife and mother to my husband and son, both of whom are Autistic, I've embarked on a unique journey that has shaped my perspective on Autism.
Having homeschooled my son since second grade, I'm now guiding him on a new path as an aspiring artpreneur. Alongside supporting my husband in his architecture business, we also run a youth outreach program catering to kids who are Autistic.
My belief in the inherent talents of every individual, regardless of their neurological profile, is unwavering. Through this podcast, I aim to shed light on the positivity that surrounds Autism, emphasizing the unique gifts and abilities each person possesses that God planted deep inside. While challenges undoubtedly exist, I invite you to join me as we navigate this journey together, discovering hope, life, and love within the Autism community.
Welcome aboard, and let's embark on this journey of exploration and empowerment together! 🌟 #AutismAwareness #Neurodiversity #HopeAndLove
In today's episode, I share my experience with my autistic child struggling to stay motivated in school and provide encouragement to parents facing similar challenges. I draw inspiration from Isaiah 40:29-31, emphasizing how God gives strength to the weary.
The first segment focuses on understanding why autistic children may resist schoolwork, such as sensory overload or anxiety, and encourages parents to be patient, recognizing that each child's learning path is unique.
Next, I explore the importance of incorporating a child's special interests, like dinosaurs or art, to reignite curiosity and motivation, referencing Proverbs 22:6 to show how every child learns differently.
In the third segment, I discuss creating a sensory-friendly learning environment by adjusting noise, lighting, or textures, sharing her personal success in making such changes.
I then explains the value of breaking lessons into manageable steps, offering tips on using visual aids to make learning less overwhelming. I tie in Zechariah 4:10, encouraging parents to celebrate small progress.
In the final segment, I encourage celebrating every victory, no matter how small, and trusting God in the homeschooling process. I end with a prayer for parents, asking for wisdom and grace in their journey.
The episode concludes with a recap of the key points, an invitation for listeners to engage through social media, and a preview of the next episode's topic.
Next week I will share Teaching Strategies for the Neurodivergent Learner.
Would you like some resources to help you in your journey?
Here is my book Lost Art of Play:
https://angelarts.biz/the-lost-art-of-play/
Here are our Autism Awareness/Acceptance products from CafePress:
https://www.cafepress.com/aaboutique/6919840
You can find bumper sticker magnets, mugs, t-shirts, canvas bags, baseball caps, sweatshirts, kids pajamas, and dog wear!
Dana is the owner of AngelArts, a Creative Arts Agency and Publishing House. Seven years ago, she discovered that her son and husband both have Aspergers. It's opened up a whole new world for her and her family. Yes, there are incredible challenges, but she chooses to see how God has blessed her family through it.
Her son created a painting that became an inspiration for her Autism Awareness product line, Autism: God's Bright Kids. She also desires to publish a book called "Angels in the Midst: Rising Above Autism and Aspergers," a collection of stories, poetry, videos, and artwork about how God uses ordinary people in the challenge of living with Autism and how He works in the midst of it. She is looking for submissions, sponsors, and nonprofits to give a portion of the revenue to. Please comment if you are interested.