
Episode 208-Cracking the Code: Insight into a Family's Autism Journey- Author of Tiny Wings Fiona Valentine
07/23/23 • 43 min
What happens when a family journey interweaves with the discovery of autism in their child? As the host, I had the privilege to invite Fiona from Australia, a strong and inspiring mother who shares her personal traversal through the maze of autism. Her tale is not just about recognising the signs in her younger daughter but also about how narratives from other women on the spectrum transformed their fear into a profound understanding of autism and altered their family's dynamic.
Has your child been diagnosed with a neurodiverse condition and you find yourself asking 'what’s next'? Fiona's story could be your guide. She not only delves into her daughter's autism but also expounds on the value of knowledge, the power of open diagnosis disclosure, and its impact on peers. Fiona's story doesn't end there. As we continue, she goes on to discuss her other daughter's ADHD and potential autism diagnosis, emphasizing how understanding each other's unique neurology can lead to genuine acceptance and support.
To wrap it up, Fiona's inspiration to write a book titled 'Tiny Wings' amplifies her mission to spread awareness about autism. She articulates how the Covid-19 pandemic influenced her family and their journey of acceptance, with her daughter transitioning from a library volunteer to an employee. As we conclude, Fiona extends her gratitude and hopes for future collaborations. Join us and don't miss this inspiring and enlightening episode; it might just provide the perspective you've been searching for.
https://www.amazon.com/Tiny-Wings-Our-Journey-Autism/dp/0645794406
https://www.fionavalentine.com/tinywings.html
https://hopin.com/events/1-in-36-mix-virtual-autism-summit/registration
What happens when a family journey interweaves with the discovery of autism in their child? As the host, I had the privilege to invite Fiona from Australia, a strong and inspiring mother who shares her personal traversal through the maze of autism. Her tale is not just about recognising the signs in her younger daughter but also about how narratives from other women on the spectrum transformed their fear into a profound understanding of autism and altered their family's dynamic.
Has your child been diagnosed with a neurodiverse condition and you find yourself asking 'what’s next'? Fiona's story could be your guide. She not only delves into her daughter's autism but also expounds on the value of knowledge, the power of open diagnosis disclosure, and its impact on peers. Fiona's story doesn't end there. As we continue, she goes on to discuss her other daughter's ADHD and potential autism diagnosis, emphasizing how understanding each other's unique neurology can lead to genuine acceptance and support.
To wrap it up, Fiona's inspiration to write a book titled 'Tiny Wings' amplifies her mission to spread awareness about autism. She articulates how the Covid-19 pandemic influenced her family and their journey of acceptance, with her daughter transitioning from a library volunteer to an employee. As we conclude, Fiona extends her gratitude and hopes for future collaborations. Join us and don't miss this inspiring and enlightening episode; it might just provide the perspective you've been searching for.
https://www.amazon.com/Tiny-Wings-Our-Journey-Autism/dp/0645794406
https://www.fionavalentine.com/tinywings.html
https://hopin.com/events/1-in-36-mix-virtual-autism-summit/registration
Previous Episode

Episode 207-Exploring the Rhythm of Learning: A Journey into Music Education for Special Needs Students with Stephen Flinn
Ever wondered how music can transform the lives of special needs students? Tune in to this soul-stirring conversation with Stephen, an exceptional professional musician and a seasoned teacher, who unfolds the untold stories of his journey working with special needs kids. From teaching at California's largest special needs high school to mastering online teaching in New York, Stephen's commitment and passion for teaching are truly awe-inspiring. He shares insightful experiences and emphasizes the potential of these students to become significant contributors in our inclusive society.
Not your regular music lesson, Stephen reveals his unique phonics system for teaching drums, harmoniously blending active listening, rapport building and thought-provoking challenges. He underlines the power of multi-sensory activities, cleverly using rhythms, colour-coding, and even West African rhythms to facilitate learning. His flexible approach to teaching and the ability to adapt to individual student's needs makes a world of difference in their learning journey. Stephen's extraordinary perspective on the beautiful intersection of music and special education makes this episode an educational yet heart-warming treat. So, are you ready to explore the rhythm of learning?
https://hopin.com/events/1-in-36-mix-virtual-autism-summit/registration
Want a ticket to the 1 in 36 Mix for FREE? Reach out to my by email [email protected] and I'll get you a special link!
Next Episode

Episode 209-Mandy's Voice: An Artistic Journey Through Dance, Film and Advocacy-The Incredible Story of Roxanna Lewis
Imagine the raw energy and elegance of a dancer, the visual storytelling of a film-maker, and the advocacy spirit of an activist all encapsulated in one person. Meet Roxanna Lewis, a versatile artist whose journey has taken her from the dance floor to the director's chair, breaking societal norms and shedding light on autism along the way. Her work with the Infinity Dance Theater, an inclusive company that embraces dancers with and without disabilities, has infused her projects with an emotional depth that transcends the conventional norms of artistry.
This episode takes a turn into a deeply personal realm as Roxanna shares her father's battle with addiction and his recent autism diagnosis. This revelation works as a catalyst, leading to a powerful discussion about her own husband's journey with autism. As we navigate these intimate narratives, we glimpse the profound bond that has evolved between Roxanna and her husband, further strengthening their relationship and reshaping her perceptions.
We unravel the creation of Roxanna's new film, "Mandy's Voice," exploring the challenges of authentic casting, the communal effort it took to bring it to life in a pandemic-riddled world, and the on-set medical emergencies they had to tackle. This film, a testament to her dedication and passion, serves as an expressive conduit between a mother and a daughter, echoing the importance of communication. As we conclude, we delve into Roxanna's anticipation for her upcoming online autism summit and her desire to connect with a global audience, further emphasizing her advocacy for autism.
So, join us on this profound journey that weaves dance, film, and advocacy into a poignant narrative, spotlighting the extraordinary Roxanna Lewis.
THE SJ CHILDS SHOW-Building a Community of Inclusion - Episode 208-Cracking the Code: Insight into a Family's Autism Journey- Author of Tiny Wings Fiona Valentine
Transcript
Welcome to the SJ Childs Show , where a little bit of knowledge can turn fear into understanding . Enjoy the show .
Speaker 1Hello and thank you so much for joining the SJ Childs Show . Here's a little shout out for today's episodes Kimberly Frey Consulting , karen Gilbo with Gilbo Girls Podcast , stephanie Joseph Dance to Remember Podcast . And d
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