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Episode Description:\nIn this episode, I chat with Megan Brannan, mom to a five-year-old boy named Rory, diagnosed with autism. Megan shares her journey from early concerns about Rory\u2019s speech delay to facing long waitlists for a diagnosis, all while navigating COVID-19 hurdles. She emphasizes the importance of trusting parental instincts when developmental delays are present, especially when medical professionals encourage a \u201cwait and see\u201d approach.\nWe also dive into Rory\u2019s struggles with ARFID (Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder) and how sensory challenges impact his eating. Megan shares how feeding therapy, though slow, has been a crucial step in helping Rory expand his list of safe foods. If you\u2019ve ever felt unheard as a parent or struggled to navigate your child\u2019s needs, this episode offers valuable insights and support.\nKey Topics:\n- Recognizing early signs of autism in speech delays.\n- Megan\u2019s persistence in switching pediatricians after feeling dismissed.\n- Long waitlists for autism diagnoses and how to manage the system.\n- Rory\u2019s journey with ARFID and the role of feeding therapy.\n- Advocating for your child\u2019s needs, including adding sensory challenges to IEPs.\n- The emotional journey of seeing a child hit milestones, like talking.\nActionable Tips for Parents:\n1. Trust your gut: If you feel something\u2019s not right with your child\u2019s development, don\u2019t hesitate to seek a second opinion.\n2. Explore private testing options: If waitlists are long, consider alternative routes like private assessments or consulting school psychologists.\n3. Leverage IEPs: Work with your child\u2019s school to include food-related support in their IEP if sensory issues impact eating.\nResources:\n- Help Me Grow: https://www.helpmegrow.org \u2013 Early intervention services.\n- Akron Children\u2019s Hospital: https://www.akronchildrens.org \u2013 Feeding therapy and pediatric services.\nAbout Megan:\nMegan Brannan is a devoted mom to her 5-year-old son, Rory, who has Autism and ARFID. After noticing developmental delays at 15 months, Megan faced a long and challenging journey to secure an Autism diagnosis. Rory\u2019s ARFID, driven by sensory and anxiety issues, limits him to a small selection of safe foods. With the support of her family and therapists, Megan is dedicated to helping Rory grow and thrive despite these challenges.\nInstagram: @MegBran\nRelated Episodes:\n- Understanding Autism in Girls\n- Feeding Therapy and ARFID: What You Need to Know\nConnect with The Autism Dad:\n- Website: https://www.theautismdad.com\n- Instagram: @theautismdad \u2013 https://www.instagram.com/theautismdad\n\nThis Weeks Sponsors\n\nLearn More: Grokkoli\nHey parents! Is your child struggling with math? Meet Grokkoli, an AI tutor that helps kids progress multiple grade levels in months. Grokkoli identifies where your child struggles, meets them at their level, and is effective even for kids with learning disabilities, ensuring they get the support they need.\nCurrently supporting K-5 math, Grokkoli is expanding to grow with your child, making it a great alternative to human tutors at a lower cost.\nTry Grokkoli free for 7 days! Visit grokkoli.com and use code \u201ctheautismdad\u201d for 50% off your first month.\n\nLearn More: Mightier\nMightier helps kids self-regulate emotionally through biofeedback-based video games. Learn more and get a discount at Visit Mightier. Use code \u201ctheautismdad22\u201d to save 10%.