Behind The Breakthroughs

It is Behind the Breakthroughs 75th episode and it is time to give thanks!  In this episode Dr. Annette Nunez and Maylene Johnson reflect upon all the empowering guests they had on for Season 3 and highlight why they represent the seasons theme of empowerment.  They express how grateful they are to be able to connect with so many people and to share so many inspirational stories. Listen to this episode and get a recap of Season 3 and if you missed an episode go back and listen to all the empowering guests.   MINDSHIFT (takeaways) This season focused on empowerment and the main takeaway is to connect with yourself and know that you are deserving. Surround yourself with people who are positive, uplifting, and who have your best interest. Constantly ask yourself: What do I deserve? What will empower me? Who will empower me?  Who will give me what I deserve?  Where do I want to be? Know your WHY!

In this episode Dr. Annette Nunez and Maylene Johnson chat with Jess Brooks and her staff Marlow Partin.  Jess catches everyone up on how she spent her holidays, tasty foods she has been eating, new games she has been playing, and her favorite decks of cards.  It is an episode filled with girl talk and sisterly love! MINDSHIFT (takeaways) Jess wants everyone to know she loves them and to be a good one!

In this episode Dr. Annette Nunez and Maylene Johnson chat with Denise Voight a nutritionist and formulator of My Spectrum Heroes Supplement.  Denise talks about the importance of nutrition and wants people to understand that everything you put into a child's body effects their health, behavior, and learning.  Her passion of wanting to educate people by giving them the tools and knowledge of what to put versus what not to put in their child's body was so important that she developed a supplement that would help.  To find out more about My Spectrum Heroes Supplement go to myspectrumheroes.com and use discount code BREAKTHROUGH20 to get 20% off your first purchase. MINDSHIFT (takeaways) The food you feed your child directly affects health, learning, and behavior. Give your child the building blocks to improve the foods they eat. This will help decrease toxins to better support growth in their brain and nervous system so they can have the best life.

This is the tenth vignette that Dr. Annette Nunez and Maylene Johnson share.  In this episode Dr. Nunez shares her personally health journey.  She discusses the importance of self-care, positive thinking, doing research, and trusting your intuition.  This episode is meant to empower and educate ALL women!  MINDSHIFT (takeaways) 1.   You’re an amazing person. Believe in that, and you will start attracting things you deserve. 2.  Trust your gut. It’s ok to turn down therapist, doctors, providers, or professionals. If you feel in your gut that its not a right fit, do your research and find someone who is. There is somebody out there for you, your child, your family.

In this episode Dr. Annette Nunez and Maylene Johnson chat with Alexandra Herold who is the founder and CEO of PATTI + RICKY an inclusion marketplace offering stylish and functional clothing and accessories for women, men, and kids with disAbilities.  She opens up about how she started the company based on her own disAbilities, her close relationship with her cousin Ricky who was unable to walk or verbally communicate, and her mother’s battle with brain cancer.  Her company was recently featured on The Today Show where she shares how many of the designers whose products are featured on the site also have disAbilities or a loved one with disAbilities. PATTI + RICKY strives to be the one-stop shop for people with disAbilities including visible and non-visible disAbilities as well as temporary and lifelong disAbilities and is demonstrating what inclusion looks like.  Alexandra is impacting the world in positive ways! MINDSHIFT (takeaways) In terms of disability, individuals with disAbilities are the experts. Be

In this episode Dr. Annette Nunez and Maylene Johnson chat with Rachel Bolin a mother warrior who shares her daughter's autism journey from the initial diagnosis to currently receiving ABA services.  She started to share her daughter's journey on social media as a way to connect with other parents.  When a recent video of her daughter repeating positive self-affirmations went viral, Rachel realized the importance of social media and how her optimistic outlook on life can positively encourage others on their journey.    MINDSHIFT (takeaways) Your opinion effects others in a positive or negative way and we are in this community together so we should all be supportive of one another and not be so judgmental!

In this episode Dr. Annette Nunez and Maylene Visaya chat with Anothony Ianni, motivational speaker, author, coach, and first known individual with autism to play basketball for Michigan State, a D1 University.  Anthony shares his story of what it was like growing up with autism during a time when little was known about the disorder.  He shares how he overcame many obstacles from struggling with academics to being bullied and how his love for playing basketball changed all of that.  Basketball taught Anthony how to navigate his world from being a good teammate, a good person, and having a purpose in life.  His passion and love for the sport is what drove him to play for Michigan State University. Anthony's story is not only inspirational, but it is a game changer as to how individuals with autism think, feel, and what they are capable of achieving. MINDSHIFT (takeaways) Keep the expectations high for you kids, let your kids fly, push them up, push them as high as they can go. Some of them may not make it, bu

Dr. Annette Nunez and Maylene Johnson start 2020 off with a bang by having a fun and uplifting conversation with Jess and Val Brooks.  They chatted about Jess's recent vacation to Disneyworld and which rides she found to be the scariest.  Jess also shared how her nursing studies were going and gave some helpful health advice to Annette and Maylene on how to stay healthy during the winter season.  This podcast episode will be sure to start your New Year off to a positive start! MINDSHIFT (takeaways) When the weather’s cold drink plenty of fluids and wrap up warm!

Happy New Year!!!  This is the first episode of 2020 and in this episode Dr. Annette Nunez and Maylene Johnson reflect upon 2019 and chat about what is ahead for 2020.  They encourage listener's to change their mindset about yourself and the children, clients, etc. in your life.  2020 is a new year and represents a fresh start.  It is a great time to reset your mindset and to let go of habits that are hindering yours and your child's growth.  Set new goals for yourself and for your child, but most importantly set your goals with NO LABELS in mind.  Labels are restrictive and exclusive.  When you begin to look at your child as a human being instead of a label that is when the true growth and acceptance begins!     IN THIS EPISODE:   MINDSHIFT (takeaways) Please share your stories, we want to hear and share them! Your children are wonderful amazing humans and you have a story that someone needs to hear!!!   RESOURCES: IG: @breakthrough_autism FB: Breaking Through Autism       Breakthrough Interventions Twitte

In this episode Dr. Annette Nunez and Maylene Johnson do another Annette's Vignettes and talk about the importance of forming a real human connection with any child diagnosed with autism.  They remind parents and professionals not to underestimate a child just because of their diagnosis, but to treat the child how they would like to be treated... with respect.  Take the time to get to know a child, relate to them find out what their likes and dislikes are, be creative and come up with different strategies that will work specifically for that child.  When you treat a child with a diagnosis like a human being and not like a diagnosis, they will and can accomplish amazing things in life. This will be the last podcast episode until January 2020.   MINDSHIFT (takeaways) Look at your calendar take note of what days are typically harder. It could be a Monday, Friday, or weekend day.  On harder days pair it with a positive quote to help your mindshift and to keep you in a positive state. For professionals, take the

This is the first vignette of the season and in this episode Dr. Annette Nunez and Maylene Johnson chat about a client who ran his first 5K and placed third in his age group. They discuss all his aggressive behaviors while he was attending a public school and how many professionals refused to work with him because of his aggression. When Dr. Nunez and her team began to homeschool this client and didn't let his autism define what he could and could not do, this client began to soar. The whole point of this vignette is to remind parents and professionals to never use autism as an excuse of why a child acts a certain way, why they behavior out, or why they can't do something. When you create a team of people that believe in a child, they can and will accomplish anything! IN THIS EPISODE: MINDSHIFT (takeaways) 1. Keep going. No matter what happens as long as you keep going you are headed in the right direction. 2. Believe in your child and find a team that believes in your child.

In this episode Dr. Annette Nunez and Maylene Johnson chat with the wonderful Jess Brooks.  Jess talks about the passing of her granny and shares her feelings about it.  The ladies also talk about dogs, Disney, nursing, and Jess shares some juicy gossip. Jess's humor and honesty will definitely put a smile on your face!   IN THIS EPISODE:   MINDSHIFT (takeaways)   1. Listen and watch Autistic Interpretations so you can feel better!  

In this episode Dr. Annette Nunez and Maylene Johnson chat with Sam Hines from Samantha Hines Documentary Family Photography.  This season's theme is about empowerment and Sam is one empowering and talented woman! Sam shares her journey of becoming a documentary photographer and how she did not lose herself when her son was diagnosed with autism.  Sam’s life was run by fear, but when her son was first diagnosed she decided that fear was not going to run her life anymore. Her rule is “if the only reason I’m not thinking about something is because I’m afraid, then I have to do it.” Now she has an amazing career capturing images to document a family’s story as special moments are happening.     IN THIS EPISODE: MINDSHIFT (takeaways) If the only reason you’re not thinking of doing something is because you are afraid, then you have to do it.” Take fear off the table, and don’t make it part of your decision making process. Most things that you are afraid of wont happen, and if they do you can handle it.

In this episode Dr. Annette Nunez and Maylene Johnson chat with Anne G. Bragg who is one Autism Super Mom. She shares how raising her middle daughter who is diagnosed with autism has brought her out of her shell and helped heal her on her life journey.  Anne explains that her daughter is an extreme extrovert and has taught her to be more fearless.  Through the years Anne has also been very active on social media where she shares information and quotes meant to be uplifting and to help other parents not feel so alone and overwhelmed.  Her motto to live more, worry less is influenced by her daughter and is not only inspirational but also beneficial to us all!   IN THIS EPISODE:   MINDSHIFT (takeaways) The main point to remember is to not get overwhelmed by the label. Just look at the small goals that you can work on every week and work on things that are necessary. Start with little things and aim for more positive outcomes. I don’t believe in changing anyone in a drastic way. Try to find the balance so everyo

In this episode Dr. Annette Nunez and Maylene Johnson chat with momrenuer, Bernadette Henry.  Bernadette shares her experience of being a mom to her two sons with autism and the importance of self-care as being a mindset.  She reveals how jumping rope is her form of self-care and how this love has led her to be on TV shows, commercials, and to lead jump rope fitness challenges.  Bernadette's story is the true meaning of empowerment and how she transformed her mental, emotional, and physical journey into a positive mindset that inspires many.   IN THIS EPISODE:   MINDSHIFT (takeaways) If you are an autism mom, definitely take the time to accept the diagnosis. You will feel anger and grief and it is important to work through those phases. The more you accept your child’s diagnosis the more you are able to help them to get the services they need. If you have unresolved issues from past... go get help! Seek help from a professional or it will keep you in bondage and you won't be able to move on to the next level

In this episode Dr. Annette Nunez and Maylene Johnson chat with Becky Jones from the Instagram @parenting_special_needs_kids.  This amazing mother has two children on the spectrum and she shares her incredible journey filled with love, acceptance, and humor.  She started an Instagram to post funny memes that she creates in hopes of connecting with other families so they don't feel so isolated and alone. It is a page where there is no judgment and parents can relate and laugh at the situations that are happening in their day-to day lives.  Becky's motto is, "If you don't laugh you cry and laughter makes life a lot easier." MINDSHIFT (takeaways) When you are going through hard times, take each day at a time, or each hour at a time. Don’t dwell on things. If you have a bad day leave it on that day, take a fresh start the next day. Don’t force your children to do things you think they should be doing. Do things that suit your family. Do things that make your child happy

In this episode Dr. Annette Nunez and Maylene Johnson chat with Jess and Val Brooks from Autistic Interpretations.  Nurse Jess gives advice on how to stay healthy, which includes drinking lots of water and eating some chicken noodle soup.  She also talks about visiting Annette and Maylene next summer and they all starting making plans for their sleepover filled with games, watching movies, swimming, and lots of eating.  Jess makes it very clear that her mom is not invited to the sleepover.  This episode will be sure to brighten up everyone's day!   IN THIS EPISODE: MINSHIFTS (takeaways) Jess's tips on how to stay healthy “Drink plenty of water, take vitamins, and get some exercise… stuff like that” ~Nurse Jess

In this episode Dr. Annette Nunez and Maylene Johnson chat with Heather Grimaldi, MS, BCBA.  Her passion for autism comes through in this podcast as shares her career journey in hopes of inspiring other women and mothers.  From starting Proof Positive ABA Company, to selling it to Autism Learning Partners, to being a TACA ambassador, to co-founding Simple Spectrum Supplement, Heather is a force to be reckoned with.  Heather, along with Dr. Kristin Shay and Jacqueline Laurita created a supplement in which they wanted children to have the best possible nutrition.  She is currently working hard with insurance companies to fund Simple Spectrum Supplement because Heather explains how nutrition along with ABA and speech therapy is extremely beneficial to children with autism.  Her ultimate goal is for families to have access to higher end nutraceuticals that are affordable.        IN THIS EPISODE:   MINDSHIFT (takeaways) When you first receive a diagnosis, look at big picture. Begin early intervention therapies an

In this episode Dr. Annette Nunez and Maylene Johnson chat with two very special guests CJ Hernandez "The Autistic Barber," and his mother Mary Hernandez. This podcast is exceptional because we hear from two different perspectives of both mother and son navigating through the autism journey together.  CJ is one of the most positive, authentic, and insightful guests and it comes through during this podcast.  Both CJ and Mary share their inspiring journey in hopes of encouraging others who share the same journey.   IN THIS EPISODE:   MINSHIFT (takeaways) CJ: For all the autism parents you have to show your child unconditional love even though it maybe challenging at times, don’t give up on us and be patient. CJ: Always be positive and believe that your child can live a happy, successful, and independent life. CJ: For the young adults with autism, be happy and proud of who you are! There is nothing to be ashamed of...There is nothing wrong with having autism. CJ: Think of autism as a superpower and believe you

In this episode Dr. Annette Nunez and Maylene Johnson chat with Rachel Barcellona, advocate, opera singer, and the first contestant with autism to compete in the Miss Florida Pageant.  Rachel shares her autism journey and talks about how she was bullied in middle school.  She turned this negative bullying experience into a positive by entering the pageant world so she could build up her self-confidence.  It paid off, as Rachel has won numerous titles and has traveled around the world educating people about autism.  Making people happy is Rachel's ultimate goal in life and she is definitely making an impact in this world by spreading her light and positivity.   IN THIS EPISODE:   MINDSHIFT (takeaways) Never give up because you never know what your child or what YOU are capable of doing.