Well Balanced Life with Grace & Mel: Recent Episodes
Melanie Coulter
Our podcast will offer tips and strategies to other parents and educators for children, youths, and adults living with special needs. Although Gracie's first diagnosis was autism, she has many other letters beside her name. Together, we want to provide hope, encouragement, inspiration, and truth to what living with autism (and more) can bring.
Welcome to Well Balanced Life with Grace and Mel. Today's episode is all about handling change, starting something new and CLH (formerly Community Living Huronia).
Music: Moments by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
Cover art photo by Sharon Light Photography
Thanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook or check out our blog at www.wellbalancedlife.ca. And don't forget...you're not alone!
We're back! Welcome to Well Balanced Life with Grace and Mel, where today, Gracie shares an update on what's happened and what's upcoming! Gracie has a lot to look forward to with graduating College, going to Florida, attending CLH groups, cooking classes with her boyfriend and hanging with friends! Sensory issues, connecting thoughts, and Gracie's humour are a part of this episode too!
Music: Moments by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
Cover art photo by Sharon Light Photography
Thanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook or check out our blog at www.wellbalancedlife.ca. And don't forget...you're not alone!
Hello and welcome to Well Balanced Life with Grace and Mel. Today's episode is part one of Developmental Services Ontario (DSO) - Adult Supports information. Melanie shares the adult services that will be available to your youth/adult to help them live as successfully and independently as possible. Many parents and caregivers fear the future. Questions like "how will we pay for accommodations and support?"; "who will care for my child when I can't?"; "what if I need a break but can't afford to pay someone to help?"; "who will make sure their bills are paid, house is clean, and healthy meals are available?" These questions and more are answered and will continue to be with upcoming episodes. See the link below for more information on the funded services available in Ontario.
Developmental Services Ontario (DSO)
https://www.dsontario.ca/funded-services
If your child is 16 or over, register now!
How to access services:
https://www.dsontario.ca/how-to-access-services
Music: Moments by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
Cover art photo by Sharon Light Photography
Thanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook or check out our blog at www.wellbalancedlife.ca. And don't forget...you're not alone!
Welcome to Well Balanced Life with Grace and Mel! Join Gracie and Melanie as they share their thoughts on adulthood. Gracie talks about her worries about moving out but she also can't wait for the freedom of living on her own. Gain a perspective from both Gracie's view and her mom when you listen today!
Developmental Services Ontario (DSO)
If your child is 16 or over, register now!
How to access services:
https://www.dsontario.ca/how-to-access-services
Music: Moments by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
Cover art photo by Sharon Light Photography
Thanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook or check out our blog at www.wellbalancedlife.ca. And don't forget...you're not alone!
Join Melanie as she shares an honest confession about raising a child with exceptionalities. Caregiver burnout happens to all of us and it's important to know you aren't alone. Please seek help if you need it.
Resources:
Self-Care Booklet and Information on Caregivers:
https://www.caregiversnetworkek.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/255/2018/09/selfcarebooklet.pdf
Family Caregivers - Taking Care of Yourself:
https://www.caregiver.org/resource/taking-care-you-self-care-family-caregivers/
The Ontario Caregiver Organization:
https://ontariocaregiver.ca/helpline/#who-can-use-helpline
Online Webinars for Self-Care, Emotional Regulation, Healthy Relationships:
https://cfssc.ca/mindself/
Music: Moments by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
Cover art photo by Sharon Light Photography
Thanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook or check out our blog at www.wellbalancedlife.ca. And don't forget...you're not alone!
On today's episode, Gracie gives an update on her Christmas holiday in Florida, hitting a black bear in West Virginia on the way, starting a new (and her last) semester at College, and the anxiety this has all brought.
Thank you for being on this journey with us!
Music: Moments by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
Cover art photo by Sharon Light Photography
Thanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook or check out our blog at www.wellbalancedlife.ca. And don't forget...you're not alone!
Today's episode is all about the busyness of the holidays! Anxiety of transitioning from school to home for the holidays, large crowds, lights, smells and more! Join Grace and Mel as they share their lived experiences together.
Walt Disney Disability Access Service (DAS)
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/en_CA/guest-services/disability-access-service/register/
Music: Moments by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
Cover art photo by Sharon Light Photography
Thanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook or check out our blog at www.wellbalancedlife.ca. And don't forget...you're not alone!
The plan was to discuss invisible disabilities but we often get sidetracked! Enjoy this episode with humour from Gracie, reflecting on some "mistakes", whisper skills, a "grumpy" bus driver, Halloween meanies and a grudge list.
Thanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook or check out our blog at www.wellbalancedlife.ca. And don't forget...you're not alone!
Today's episode took a turn from what was originally planned. After seeing Gracie's bank statement and noticing the amount she was spending on fast food, sweet drinks, and snacks, (again), a conversation was recorded to share with you. Aaron and Grandma Cathy came part way through, so you'll get to hear what they had to offer to the conversation as well.
Music: Moments by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
Cover art photo by Sharon Light Photography
Thanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook or check out our blog at www.wellbalancedlife.ca. And don't forget...you're not alone!
Hello! Welcome to Well Balanced Life with Grace and Mel. Today Melanie shares some memories of Thanksgivings in the past and reminders to be kind to yourself. Melanie also shares information for our extended families to help with a better understanding of how they too can be supportive. Living life with autism can be beautiful and challenging at the same time. This weekend especially, Melanie is grateful for this community. Happy Thanksgiving to you!
Music: Moments by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
Cover art photo by Sharon Light Photography
Thanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook or check out our blog at www.wellbalancedlife.ca. And don't forget...you're not alone!
Join Grace and Mel as they share some recent stress and worries, and definitely some happy thoughts and excitement, all while Gracie tries to explain how her thinking process works! The worries can take over, often causing Gracie to constantly have conversations and stressful statements in her mind.
If you need support, send us a message on our facebook page or email at wellbalancedlife@rogers.com
Music: Moments by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
Cover art photo by Sharon Light Photography
Thanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook or check out our blog at www.wellbalancedlife.ca. And don't forget...you're not alone!
Melanie shares some strategies on making the first week of school as successful as possible. These strategies take you back to the basics! Simple, quick ways to provide a bit more control in an uncontrollable environment. There will be lots of changes, experiences, and unknowns, so let's make it as comfortable and safe as possible for our kids and students.
Music: Moments by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
Cover art photo by Sharon Light Photography
Thanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook or check out our blog at www.wellbalancedlife.ca. And don't forget...you're not alone!
Grace REALLY wants to move out and into residence, but Melanie doesn't think she's quite ready. Join them as they talk about the reasons for staying at home a little longer, and hear Gracie's desire to be like her siblings, but also feels hesitant to leave her mom.
Grace wants you to know, she's not actually moving out just yet!!
Music: Moments by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
Cover art photo by Sharon Light Photography
Thanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook or check out our blog at www.wellbalancedlife.ca. And don't forget...you're not alone!
Welcome to Well Balanced Life! Join Grace and Mel as they talk about going back to school. Fears, excitement, and everything in between!
Blog website:
https://wellbalancedlife.ca/
Music: Moments by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
Cover art photo by Sharon Light Photography
Thanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook or check out our blog at www.wellbalancedlife.ca. And don't forget...you're not alone!
Part 2 on friendships is here! Listen to part 1 first if you haven't already where Gracie shared a story of her and her best friend going their separate ways. Part 2 is a continuation of past and present experiences and feelings.
Music: Moments by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
Cover art photo by Sharon Light Photography
Thanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook or check out our blog at www.wellbalancedlife.ca. And don't forget...you're not alone!
Join Gracie as she tells Melanie about her experience at camp of losing her best friend of 7 years. Having autism or another developmental disability can make keeping friends a challenge. Grace unfortunately experienced this once again and wanted to explain her side of what happened. Stay tuned for part two!
Music: Moments by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
Cover art photo by Sharon Light Photography
Thanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook or check out our blog at www.wellbalancedlife.ca. And don't forget...you're not alone!
Join Grace and Mel as they share some recent losses and how they are handling their grief. If you are struggling with loss and grief, please see the links below for support. Some of these are for Simcoe County area in Ontario, but a google search in your location for grief counselling should offer you the support you need. We are thinking of you.
Grief and Loss Support
Hospice Simcoe:
https://hospicesimcoe.ca/community-programs/grief-and-bereavement-support/
Catholic Family Services of Simcoe County:
https://cfssc.ca/services/individual-counselling/individual-grief/
The Canadian Mental Health Association:
https://cmha.ca/brochure/grieving/
The Canadian Mental Health Association Ontario:
https://ontario.cmha.ca/documents/understanding-and-coping-with-loss-and-grief/
Bereaved Families of Ontario - Please watch the video and see the 'Resources' section.
https://bereavedfamilies.net/
Music: Moments by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
Cover art photo by Sharon Light Photography
Thanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook or check out our blog at www.wellbalancedlife.ca. And don't forget...you're not alone!
Join Gracie and Mel while they talk about sex, consent, setting boundaries, and more! It is very important to be clear about what is okay and what is not. All of our children and youth are developing at their own rate, so use your own judgement as to how much to teach and share. But the topics of consent and boundaries are crucial in keeping our kids and others safe.
Resources:
https://researchautism.org/self-advocates/sex-ed-for-self-advocates/#:~:text=Welcome%20to%20Sex%20Ed%20for,starting%20point%20to%20change%20that.
https://teachingsexualhealth.ca/teachers/grade/differing-abilities/
https://ieautism.org/romantic-relationships/
Social Stories:
https://asdnext.org/social/page/2/
https://paautism.org/resource/relationships-social-story/
Music: Moments by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
Cover art photo by Sharon Light Photography
Thanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook or check out our blog at www.wellbalancedlife.ca. And don't forget...you're not alone!
Today's episode was to be about emotions. Gracie's curiosity and love of observing people's emotions. We did veer off topic a bit, but it was fun nonetheless!
Email: wellbalancedlife@rogers.com
Music: Moments by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
Cover art photo by Sharon Light Photography
Thanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook or check out our blog at www.wellbalancedlife.ca. And don't forget...you're not alone!
Are you starting to stress out because the school year is coming to an end and that means changes are coming? The knowns are turning into unknowns and this can be a scary time. Join Melanie as she shares how to advocate for your child with the school and help you prepare for September.
Email: wellbalancedlife@rogers.com
Music: Moments by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
Cover art photo by Sharon Light Photography
Thanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook or check out our blog at www.wellbalancedlife.ca. And don't forget...you're not alone!
Today's episode is about connecting with your child and developing a meaningful relationship. Melanie shares her experience on how she connected not only with her daughter Grace, but the students she was blessed to worked with.
Here are the links mentioned in today's podcast:
Relationship Development Intervention (RDI)
Books - https://www.amazon.ca/Relationship-Development-Intervention-Young-Children/dp/1843107147/ref=sr_1_1?crid=35MQZOMXDLDLR&keywords=relationship+development+intervention&qid=1683935967&sprefix=relationship+devel%2Caps%2C120&sr=8-1
https://www.amazon.ca/Relationship-Development-Intervention-Children-Adolescents/dp/1843107171/ref=sr_1_2?crid=35MQZOMXDLDLR&keywords=relationship+development+intervention&qid=1683935967&sprefix=relationship+devel%2Caps%2C120&sr=8-2
Website - https://www.autismparentingmagazine.com/relationship-development-intervention/
Floortime Method:
Book - https://www.amazon.ca/Engaging-Autism-Floortime-Approach-Communicate-ebook/dp/B00AXS6B3Y/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?crid=2BFXUO0ASGO9E&keywords=floortime+method&qid=1683947421&sprefix=floortime+method%2Caps%2C120&sr=8-1-fkmr0
Website - https://stanleygreenspan.com/resources-about-floortime/
Music: Moments by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
Cover art photo by Sharon Light Photography
Thanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook or check out our blog at www.wellbalancedlife.ca. And don't forget...you're not alone!
Gracie shares what her anxiety feels like while Melanie offers a couple of suggestions for resources that have helped her family and some children that she's supported. Autism, OCD, anxiety, panic, phobias, and more!
OCD and/or Anxiety information and training by Natasha Daniels:
https://www.anxioustoddlers.com/
This website is not just for toddlers! She has lots of information for youth, teens, and parents as well! AT Parenting now stands for toddlers and teens!
Books with great visuals and strategies to help with many things surrounding anxiety!
https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B09DCH4H4S?binding=paperback&searchxofy=true&ref_=dbs_s_aps_series_rwt_tpbk&qid=1683343538&sr=8-1
Music: Moments by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
Cover art photo by Sharon Light Photography
Thanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook or check out our blog at www.wellbalancedlife.ca. And don't forget...you're not alone!
Gracie is done her first year of college!! And she's already bored! Listen to Gracie share her thoughts on the changes that have begun with her routine, the seasons, and home life. Melanie will share tips on how to help your child entertain themselves with information on their blog!
Blog: http://www.wellbalancedlife.ca
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100079563130264
Music: Moments by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
Cover art photo by Sharon Light Photography
Thanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook or check out our blog at www.wellbalancedlife.ca. And don't forget...you're not alone!
On this week's episode, Melanie talks about the different types of communication, common symptoms, and shares some strategies that have helped Gracie and others who have struggled with their communication.
Here are some links that were mentioned in the podcast:
Data Collection: https://www.earlywood.org/Page/556
Nancy Kaufman: http://www.kidspeech.com/k-slp-treatment-kit-1/
Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS): https://pecs-canada.com/pecs/
Music: Moments by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
Cover art photo by Sharon Light Photography
Thanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook or check out our blog at www.wellbalancedlife.ca. And don't forget...you're not alone!
Gracie shares an issue she had on the bus with another passenger that led to some pretty anxious feelings that effected her participation in school and out in the community. Dysregulation is usually the first sign of a meltdown on the horizon. We were fortunate Gracie's older sister was able to help her navigate this challenge and this avoided a meltdown.
Music: Moments by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
Cover art photo by Sharon Light Photography
Thanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook or check out our blog at www.wellbalancedlife.ca. And don't forget...you're not alone!
It's here! Today's podcast is on the struggles our kids can have with transitions and what we can do to help them! Parenting isn't always easy, especially when our kids have autism or other developmental disabilities that include symptoms that cause meltdowns. Today, Melanie continues with the "meltdown series" and we hope this episode is helpful!
To find some of the resources mentioned in the podcast, go to the links below:
https://www.abaresources.com/free3/
https://adayinourshoes.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/first_next_then_boards.pdf
https://adayinourshoes.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/morning_routine-horizontal.104192154.pdf
https://adayinourshoes.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/nightly_routine-horizontal.222181646.pdf
https://adayinourshoes.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Daily-Routine-Printables-2.pdf
Don't forget, you can make your own, ask your speech pathologist to create one for you, or even your child's school may be able to help with visual schedules!
Music: Moments by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
Cover art photo by Sharon Light Photography
Thanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook or check out our blog at www.wellbalancedlife.ca. And don't forget...you're not alone!
Here is a bonus episode for this week! A follow-up to the Sensory Issues podcast we shared yesterday. This one explains the 7 Senses and Melanie provides some strategies for you to try at home to help your child. Autism, Sensory Processing Disorder, special needs or no special needs diagnosis. This can help parents to help their children who might struggle with so many sensations or the lack of them.
Music: Moments by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
Cover art photo by Sharon Light Photography
Thanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook or check out our blog at www.wellbalancedlife.ca. And don't forget...you're not alone!
Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) is a real thing. And today's episode is about the senses and what that can feel like for Gracie. She shares what she loves and what she doesn't love about her different senses and we've called it 'Sensory Issues' because this is the term that Gracie understands. Stay tuned for a bonus episode this week where Melanie shares tips and tricks to help with all senses.
Thanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook or check out our blog at www.wellbalancedlife.ca. And don't forget...you're not alone!
Gracie had an overwhelming day today so she shares what this feeling is like for her. These types of misunderstandings were often the trigger for meltdowns and today she is able to calmly (although not happily) talk about it.
Music: Moments by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
Cover art photo by Sharon Light Photography
Thanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook or check out our blog at www.wellbalancedlife.ca. And don't forget...you're not alone!
On today's episode, Melanie shares an example of the great meltdown in Niagara Falls and offers some strategies and resources. Social stories, power cards, changing our thought process, and more!
Head on over to www.wellbalancedlife.ca for links to the resources she shares.
Links of resources mentioned in the podcast:
Data Collection: https://www.earlywood.org/Page/556
Social Stories: https://carolgraysocialstories.com/
Power Cards: https://autismcircuit.net/tool/power-card
Pivotal Response Training (PRT): https://www.autismprthelp.com/about-prt.php
Music: Moments by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
Cover art photo by Sharon Light Photography
Thanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook or check out our blog at www.wellbalancedlife.ca. And don't forget...you're not alone!
Today's episode is all about meltdowns. Gracie shares what meltdowns were like for her when she was younger and what they look like now that she is older! The reasons meltdowns can happen and some strategies that were used are also discussed on today's episode. If you are struggling with meltdowns, we will continue to share more episodes that are specific to the causes. So keep listening!
Music: Moments by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
Cover art photo by Sharon Light Photography
Thanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook or check out our blog at www.wellbalancedlife.ca. And don't forget...you're not alone!
On today's episode, Melanie is sharing her perspective as a parent. Grab a blanket, a warm drink, and cozy up for a quick listen! Even if you need to hide in your bedroom, washroom, or even your closet! Let me help you see the beauty hidden behind the fears.
Music: Moments by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
Thanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook or check out our blog at www.wellbalancedlife.ca. And don't forget...you're not alone!
On today's episode Gracie shares what life is like having autism and how she hopes people will treat her. She talks about the struggles she's had and how life changed once she embraced her diagnosis and made friendships with others who could fully understand her.
Music: Moments by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
Thanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook or check out our blog at www.wellbalancedlife.ca. And don't forget...you're not alone!
Welcome to Well Balanced Life where Grace and Melanie share first hand experiences of living with special needs. This mother and daughter will talk about the challenges and triumphs and everything in between. Together they will share stories, strategies, and resources to help you and your loved one live a well balanced (and fulfilling) life!
Blog: www.wellbalancedlife.ca
Facebook: Well Balanced Life
Instagram: @wellbalancedlife
Music: Moments by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com