Insights and Hope with Rich DeCicco

David is joined by Rich DeCicco to discuss the ups and downs of parenting autistic children. Rich shares his personal journey, the challenges he's faced, and his mission to help other parents through evidence-based strategies. From handling unexpected meltdowns to repairing relationships and understanding that behavior is communication, this episode offers valuable insights for any parent raising neurodivergent kids. The conversation emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, proper communication, and practical strategies that have worked for Rich's family. Tune in for an enlightening discussion filled with real-life stories, expert advice, and a hopeful outlook on the future of parenting on the autism spectrum.

Topics

01:43 Rich's Parenting Journey

03:20 Facing the Autism Diagnosis

05:03 Navigating Parenting Challenges During the Pandemic

05:42 Developing Strategies and Seeing Progress

07:11 Goals and Social Skills Development

09:01 Role-Playing and Handling Surprises

11:44 Parental Self-Improvement and Modeling Behavior

16:26 Communication Challenges and Breakthroughs

21:06 Dealing with Parenting Stress and Vulnerability

23:36 Repairing Relationships and Self-Forgiveness

27:11 Repairing Relationships with Your Child

27:57 The Importance of Apologizing

28:23 Reflecting on Childhood

29:25 Parenting Approaches and Changes

30:00 Safety and Boundaries

30:36 Handling Mistakes and Repairs

34:57 Understanding Behavior as Communication

35:37 Journaling and Identifying Triggers

38:36 Empathy and Perspective in Parenting

39:32 Proactive Communication with Schools

41:10 Autism Fact or Fiction

43:46 Personal Stories and Experiences

48:10 Coaching and Resources for Parents

51:13 Conclusion and Final Thoughts