The Acting Up Podcast

This episode focuses on how we dealt with, (and are still dealing with), potty training. We touch on day vs night potty training and the special pajamas we have to use with Jackson. 

Also, if you missed the WGN Radio interview with Patti Vasquez - you can check it out here: https://t.co/MG0EWdLni7 

I recently asked a group of parents who have kids with special needs, "What was the most supportive thing a parent with neurotypical kids ever said to you?" 

Their responses, along with my personal experiences is what inspired this episode. What IS ok to say? To ask? To DO? I tackle these questions and more. 

GLOSSARY: BCBA
Board Certified Behavioral Analyst - supervisor role often and usually within the ABA (Applied Behavioral Analysis) therapy system. 

Going to a restaurant requires a TON of navigation. I talk about what we do in preparation. I also talk about a few frustrating experiences we've had when going out to eat. 

GLOSSARY TERM: Elopement (Elope) - means to run off or escape the physical situation. 

Vaccines. They are a hot button topic and one I've been asked to address. I give my opinion and my action plan(s) prior to Jackson's diagnosis and for his and Jordan's future. 

*Disclaimer* I am not a medical doctor. I hold zero degrees in any medical field. I am just a mom with an autistic kid navigating this experience the best I can. 

In this episode I discuss a different approach I took to centering myself right before entering the room for an audition. And, also, how I'm looking at auditioning in a different way. 

I explain a bit about the medical insurance coverage we have for Jackson and his policy vs our policy and why that's necessary. 

Finally, I go through a bit about our journey with medication and where we currently are on that front. 

In this episode I discuss the real questions: Should I continue to share my real and honest life on social media? Should I keep sharing Jackson's (and my) triumphs and struggles? Is this hurting my acting career? 

In this episode I share our past and current issues with sleep. I also touch a little bit on medications and the choice to administer those to Jackson even with him being only 6 years old. 

In this episode, I talk about how my creative and artistic outlets now double as self-care. I explain what my schedule is like as far as driving to and from therapies every day for Jackson. Then I share some of my non-negotiable strategies to continue to pursue a career as a professional actor. 

Welcome to Acting Up, a podcast about my experiences as a professional actor and mom navigating a creative career while raising a son with special needs. 

In this inaugural episode I introduce the main cast of players, and talk about the experiences leading up to and including the day of getting our son's diagnosis. 

Glossary of terms: 

EI - Early Intervention - a state-funded program for children ages 0-3 who qualify with delays to receive services from the state usually in developmental, speech, occupational, and/or physical therapy

ABA - Applied Behavioral Analysis therapy - a therapy commonly used with children on the autism spectrum to help teach basic functions. It can be explained as applying behavioral principles to behavioral goals and carefully measuring the results.

OT - Occupational Therapy - Often a therapy that helps work on fine motor skills and integrating sensory issues to help a person function as independently as possible. 

Let's continue this discussion - find me at: 

www.facebook.com/alirealtoreel
www.twitter.com/ali_goodman 

www.instagram.com/alirealtoreel