Barefoot Autism Warriors?

[MrsGhastlyCrumb]

Hi- has anyone any experience with this at all? Listened to one podcast so far, which was interesting- but then got an email with a couple of fairly batshit bits in it. I'd be very grateful for some opinions: are the techniques helpful? Are these given in the podcasts, or do you have to buy an expensive course? She does seem to have a lot of knowledge but the podcast seems a bit 'waffly' and I am not blessed with much spare time. Thanks in advance.

The name alone would put me off. Something I've also learned the hard way as I support my DC with SEN is that some of the more 'out there' / cultish people tend to unfold their theories slowly, so if the first email is batshit, can guarantee there is so so much more to come.

The batshit bit was her responding to some criticism of her bringing religion into things apparently. I'm not religious myself but don't mind if others are. But she seemed very touchy on the subject and basically ended by saying that if you did not believe in Jesus etc then her courses were not for you. Which got my eyebrows and back up somewhat.

Anyone know anything about this woman/system? Still curious, if inclined to back away slowly...

the podcast seems a bit 'waffly'

I would expect a podcast called "Barefoot Autism Warriors" to be waffly, so it sounds like she's perfectly on-brand.

But she seemed very touchy on the subject and basically ended by saying that if you did not believe in Jesus etc then her courses were not for you. Which got my eyebrows and back up somewhat.

Well, then it's not for you! You can't say she didn't warn you!!

Seriously though, I've never heard of this podcast, but I have a few people I follow on YouTube for various hobbies who happen to be US Christians and talk about Jesus in addition to the stuff I subscribed for (craft stuff, etc). I just 'read' it as it's just their faith coming through in the way they see the world, and then translate their advice into a way that's more meaningful for me.

When they express gratitude to god or talk about worship, etc, it's obvious what they mean so it's not like I sit there wondering what praying is or why they see this thing as a gift from god. I know what they mean still so I've got used to reading it in it's context.

I think it's just a case of deciding whether, on balance, it's worth putting up with the faith stuff that's irrelevant/irritating to you to get to the other stuff that might be more useful.

Also, just to add re techniques - if you're in doubt, definitely don't change your DC's routine or anything if you think it sounds batshit.

My personal opinion is that it's best to read/consume widely when it comes to chiildrearing generally and autism/SEN - IME, no one technique or scheme is going to be the solve-all it claims to be, even if other parents swear by it.

Every child is different, so if you like the woman/podcast, listen to her, but don't believe her if she says "do x and it will change your child's life" as she doesn't know your child or situation.

Cherry-picking from a range of resources is much healthier, IMO, unless a trusted professional who actually knows your DC has advised something specific, of course (we should be so lucky!).

@LonginesPrime:

"
Seriously though, I've never heard of this podcast, but I have a few people I follow on YouTube for various hobbies who happen to be US Christians and talk about Jesus in addition to the stuff I subscribed for (craft stuff, etc). I just 'read' it as it's just their faith coming through in the way they see the world, and then translate their advice into a way that's more meaningful for me.

When they express gratitude to god or talk about worship, etc, it's obvious what they mean so it's not like I sit there wondering what praying is or why they see this thing as a gift from god. I know what they mean still so I've got used to reading it in it's context."

Oh, I agree. And would do the same as you do. As I say, it doesn't concern me if someone is religious and I do not have an issue with them referring to it. It's just that it seemed a bit jarring to specifically and almost aggressively warn off non Christians in a mail out.

It was an acquaintance who recommended her, but I haven't got far enough to know if there is anything of real value there or not.

In fairness she seems fairly opposed to the 'one size fits all' approach: but that almost makes it harder to access her ideas ITSWIM.

I may see if supplements help as that is one thing she mentioned and reviews online seem to suggest they do help a lot of kids...

Argh, italics fail.

Thanks for your replies, by the way.

Different things work for different children, I've read blogs by many similar autism evangelists over the years. I've tried some of them with our son. You might get lucky. You might not. Remember that only those who find the 'magic' are likely to post, you won't hear from the thousands of similar parents who tried the same 'magic' with no result.

If there was a one-size-fits-all solution, conventional medicine would by now be promoting it.