EP50 features a discussion between Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum and Janeen Herskovitz, a licensed mental health counselor in the state of Florida, on self-care strategies & tips for parents with children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Selective Mutism.
In this episode, Dr. E and Janeen discuss the importance of self-care for parents, strategies and tips, understanding emotional dysregulation, and more.
IMPORTANCE OF PARENTAL SELF-CARE
Dr. E and Janeen begin their discussion by highlighting the overlooked necessity of parental self-care in families dealing with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Selective Mutism.
The two experts share personal experiences, mentioning how managing therapies and daily life often leads to neglecting their own well-being.
They focus on addressing anxiety and sensory processing challenges by making children feel safe, lowering stimuli, and fostering communication-friendly environments.
They also cover the emotional and sensory challenges faced by both parents and children and underscores the importance of self-care techniques like yoga and personal breaks to maintain emotional stability and better support their children.
SELF-CARE STRATEGIES FOR PARENTS
Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum and Janeen shift their discussion to Janeen’s family’s decision for her husband to care full-time for their son with ASD. They created routines at specific places to help their son adjust socially.
Also in this segment, they highlight managing grief and denial about diagnoses, the importance of parental involvement, and the emotional demands on parents.
The two experts discuss setting boundaries, managing toxic relationships, and ongoing self-care for the well-being of parents and children.
UNDERSTANDING EMOTIONAL DYSREGULATION
Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum and Janeen continue their discussion with discussing setting boundaries with extended family members and emphasizing the need for family therapy.
Also discussed are practical self-care strategies such as understanding physical body cues, meditation, mindfulness, and proper nutrition are also important when helping parents manage their emotions and support their children’s needs.
IMPORTANCE OF PARENTAL DOWNTIME
Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum and Janeen Dr. E and Janeen discuss how self-care preferences change over time and emphasize the importance of personalized strategies. They suggest creating lists to manage different moods and using visual aids for relaxation.
They wrap up the segment by covering the impact of parental stress on children, highlighting the necessity of self-care in effective parenting, especially for those dealing with high-stress situations.
They wrap up the segment by suggesting gradual progression to more complex strategies like meditation and talk therapy.
WHAT CAN TRIGGER SENSORY OVERLOAD IN HIGHLY SENSITIVE CHILDREN?
Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum and Janeen wrap up their conversation by discussing how parental behaviors impact children’s stress responses and the significance of modeling appropriate reactions. They highlight the importance of self-care, emphasizing small acts like short walks and exercise for go a long way.
They also break down the concept that maintaining routines and utilizing support groups, both in-person and virtual, are important to remember.
Finally, the two experts underscore self-care within relationships, encouraging regular check-ins between partners.
