Celebrating 250 Episodes: A Candid Look at Autism in Marriage and Parenting with Host SJ Childs (Sara Bradford) and Autsitic Husband Dustin Bradford

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Reflecting on two decades of marriage is no small feat, especially when both partners are on the autism spectrum. As we celebrate our 250th show, my husband Dustin and I open up about our journey—how we've navigated the nuances of our own neurodiversity while raising three unique children. From the daunting early days following our son's diagnosis to the daily victories that often go unnoticed, we share our stories with honesty and hope. It's a conversation rich with lessons on patience, the power of research, and the beauty of balancing contrasting parenting styles to foster a nurturing environment for our kids.

Have you ever pondered the true nature of empathy within the autistic experience? Here, we tackle the stereotypes head-on, discussing how Dustin and I have learned to harness our empathetic abilities and debunking the myth that autism equates to a lack of empathy. It's a candid exploration of the challenges and triumphs that come with raising a child on the spectrum, including the small, significant moments like mastering the art of deep breathing to overcome sensory overload. We also address the intricacies of 'masking', the protective façade many autistic individuals adopt to navigate a world that often misunderstands them.

As we round off this milestone episode, our hearts are full of gratitude for the voices that have joined us along this remarkable journey—the listeners, friends, and family who've woven their support into the fabric of the SJ Child Show. We promise to continue bringing enlightening discussions to the table, pushing boundaries, and embracing the continued growth of our family, whatever the future may hold. So here's to 250 episodes, the stories we've shared, and the many more to come. Join us in this ongoing adventure, and let's keep learning together.

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