Adapting Together

EP 37: The Parents Guilt Trap - How to Support Every Child Fairly

This conversation explores the often overlooked experience of siblings growing up alongside a neurodivergent child. Join Co-host Carmen, Kevin, and guest Ms. Raynette Soon, a Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor TM, as they discuss on the emotional impact on siblings, the signs parents may miss, and practical ways to respond with more connection and less guilt. Raynette shares how a systemic family lens helps parents see that every child in the household needs support, even when one child requires more care. This episode offers clear language, simple frameworks, and examples parents can use right away. Resource: ⁠Connect with Raynette⁠

EP36: How United Voice Empower Neurodivergent Adults

In this first episode of our NGO Series, we sit down with Wan Ching, Head of Social Enterprise, Training & Job Coaching at Malaysia United Voice (UV)—Malaysia's first self-advocacy society led by adults with learning disabilities. Together, we explore what adulthood can look like for neurodivergent individuals and why preparing for adulthood starts much earlier than many families realize. In this episode, we discuss: 🎙️ What Malaysia United Voice does and its mission 💼 Employment opportunities and job coaching for adults with learning disabilities 🗣️ The importance of self-advocacy and independent living 🤝 Challenges families, employers, and communities face during the transition to adulthood 🌱 Practical advice for parents to prepare their children from a young age ✨ Inspiring stories of adults with learning disabilities speaking up, finding employment, and creating meaningful change If you'd like to support Malaysia United Voice through volunteering, donations, employment opportunities, or other contributions, please visit:🌐 Website: https://www.unitedvoice.com.my✉️ Email: unitedvoiceinfo@gmail.com📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/unitedvoicemalaysiaEvery contribution helps create a more inclusive community for adults with learning disabilities.

EP 35: Understanding Educational Psychology Assessments

Explore the importance of psychoeducational assessments in supporting children with learning and behavioral challenges. In this episode, Carmen and Kevin speaks with a School Psychologist, Joanne Goh to clarify common questions about the assessment process, what these evaluations reveal, and how they can positively shape a child’s educational journey. Educational psychology assessments are valuable tools for understanding a child’s learning profile and needs. When done well, they help families and educators move from uncertainty to clarity, and from concern to practical support. If you found this episode helpful, please follow or subscribe to Adapting Together so you won’t miss future conversations. If you know a parent, caregiver, teacher, or family member who may benefit from this episode, please share it with them. LinkedIn

EP 34: The Science Behind Everyday Behaviour

Why does a child hit, scream, refuse an instruction, or suddenly melt down? Many of us instinctively focus on stopping the behaviour. But what if behaviour is actually communication? In this episode, Kevin speaks with Board Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA) Xin Yi to unpack the science behind everyday behaviour. Together, they explore why behaviour happens, how children learn from their environment, and why understanding the "why" behind a behaviour is often more important than simply trying to stop it. Whether you're a parent, caregiver, educator, or simply curious about Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), this conversation offers practical insights that can help you respond with greater understanding, curiosity, and confidence. In this episode, we discuss: Why behaviour is more than just "good" or "bad." The hidden reasons behind behaviours like hitting, tantrums, and meltdowns. How understanding the function of behaviour leads to better support and skill-building. The role of motivation, reinforcement, and teaching replacement behaviours. Common misconceptions about ABA and behaviour management. Every behaviour tells a story. When we learn to understand the message, we can better support the child behind it. If you found this episode helpful, we'd love your support. Follow or subscribe to Adapting Together so you won't miss future conversations. If you know another parent, caregiver, teacher, or family member who may benefit from this episode, please share it with them. We'd also love to hear from you. What topics would you like us to cover? What questions are you navigating in your autism journey? Leave us a comment, share your feedback, or email us at adaptingtogetherpodcast@gmail.com Your ideas and experiences help shape future episodes and support our growing community.

EP 33: Autism and Medication

💊 Should my child take medication for ADHD or autism?It's one of the most common and most emotional questions parents ask.In this episode, we sit down with Developmental Paediatrician Dr. Ragini to discuss the facts behind ADHD medication, including:• When should medication be considered?• How do stimulant and non-stimulant medications work?• What are the common side effects?• Is medication a lifelong commitment?• How can parents make an informed decision with their doctor?We also share real clinical experiences, common misconceptions, and practical guidance to help families weigh the benefits and risks with confidence.🎧 Listen now and empower yourself with evidence-based knowledge to make the best decision for your child.

EP 32: Autism and ADHD

In this episode, Kevin and Carmen are joined in Dr. Rajini's consultation room at ParkCity Medical Centre to explore two of the most commonly misunderstood areas in child development: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Together with Dr. Rajini, we explore how ASD and ADHD can co-exist in children, how common this overlap is, and why it is often missed or misunderstood in early years. The discussion unpacks the similarities and differences between ASD and ADHD, and also touches on how diagnosis is not always a one-time label but an evolving understanding of a child’s developmental profile. The episode highlights practical considerations for parents and caregivers—especially around sleep, routine, nutrition, outdoor play, and behavioural strategies. 👩‍⚕️ Dr. Rajini's Profile and Appointment Page Got a question or topic you’d like us to cover? 📩 Drop us a message at ⁠adaptingtogetherpodcast@gmail.com ⁠. We'd love to hear from you.

EP 31: Schooling Options Under The Ministry of Education Malaysia

We know how challenging it can be to find the right educational path for your neurodivergent child. In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Shyielathy, a special education expert, who is an Academic Lecturer at the Institute of Teacher Education (Ipoh), to explore the schooling options available in Malaysia. How This Episode Can Be Insightful and Important: Understanding Options: Learn about the different programs and how they can meet your child's unique needs. Advocacy Tips: Discover how to effectively advocate for your child's rights and ensure they receive the support they deserve. Real-Life Insights: Hear stories and advice from Dr. Shy that resonate with your journey. Join us as we delve into practical strategies and insights to help you make informed decisions for your child's future. You're not alone in this journey, and together, we can create a supportive learning environment for your child. Resources: Dr. Shyielathy on LinkedIn Dr. Shyielathy Teaching IDEAS for Special Needs Dr. Shyielathy Facebook Page Related to Dasar Sifar Penolakan and Sukarelawan di dalam Kelas (SdK)

EP 30: First Dental Visit

A reminder for all of us: "Progress is not only about completing treatment, sometimes sitting comfortably on the chair is already a huge win" In this episode of Adapting Together Podcast, we sat down with Dr. Elaine Goh, a dentist and certified clinical hypnotherapist, to talk about how slowing down, building trust, and creating a safe environment can transform dental visits for children on the spectrum. We discussed: 🦷 How to prepare autistic children for dental visits 🦷 Reducing anxiety during appointments 🦷 The importance of early exposure and desensitization 🦷 What parents can do before, during, and after visits 🦷 Building trust instead of forcing compliance This episode is filled with practical strategies and heartfelt insights for families navigating dental care with autistic children. Whether you are a parent, caregiver, therapist, or educator, we hope this episode gives you practical ideas and reassurance that dental visits can become a safer and more positive experience over time.

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EP 29: How Rock Climbing Supports Children with ASD

In this episode of Adapting Together, we explore how rock climbing—specifically bouldering—can support children on the spectrum and how it could complement therapy. Joined by Dr. Cheryl, a former medical doctor turned climbing coach, we dive into how climbing helps children develop focus, body awareness, emotional regulation, and confidence—all through play-based activities. We also unpack common questions parents have: Does my child need any skills before starting? How do children handle fear and challenges on the wall? Can activities like climbing really support development? Through real stories and practical insights, this conversation highlights the importance of small wins, safe challenges, and allowing children the space to grow at their own pace. If you’ve ever wondered what your child might be good at—or how to support them beyond therapy—this episode offers a refreshing perspective. The episode ends with a peek of the safety briefing video and a 'tour' at the Batuu Kids gym . Appreciation to Batuu Climbing and Batuu Kids for providing the venue for this episode. Batuu is situated at 3 Damansara Mall, Jalan SS 20/27, Petaling Jaya, Selangor. Resources: More about Batuu Kids

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EP 28: Supporting Social Skills in Children with Autism

In this episode, Xin Yi and Kevin host Emma, a seasoned Speech Language Pathologist (Speech Therapist) to explore the intricacies of social skills in children with autism. Through engaging and interactive conversation, Emma highlights early signs, shares effective teaching strategies, and emphasizes the importance of understanding their unique social worlds. Her practical insights aim to nurture social development and foster meaningful peer interactions. In this episode: The core components of social skills: non-verbal communication, social-emotional reciprocity, and relationship building Early signs of social challenges in children with autism and how to recognize them The concept of joint attention: its significance and how to nurture it in children on the spectrum How theory of mind impacts social interactions and strategies to develop it The role of structured teaching programs like social thinking approaches and making social rules explicit Supporting children in preschool: understanding hidden rules and creating supportive peer environments Practical tips for parents and teachers: role play, reading social stories, and deliberate social opportunities

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EP 27: Bullying - Sign Every Parents Should Know

This episode offers a comprehensive exploration of bullying, covering how it's defined, identified, and managed; particularly in the context of children with neurodivergent needs. With lively sharing from Registered Play Therapist and Counsellor, Ms. Raynette Soon, this episode offers parents and caregivers valuable, insightful information and practical tools for early recognition and intervention. What you will learn from this episode:- How to define bullying and its three core criteria- Types of bullying with examples and subtle distinctions - The vulnerability of neurodivergent children to bullying- Recognizing early warning signs- How to build assertiveness and boundary-setting skills- Differentiating normal social conflicts from unkind behaviors and bullying- Strategies parents and caregivers can adopt Connect with Raynette

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EP 26: Looking Back and Looking Forward

26 bi-weekly episodes will translate into 52 weeks, equal to the first 1 Year Milestone! Join us as we celebrate a year of Adapting Together. In this special episode, Carmen, Xin Yi and Kevin reflects on the journey, sharing motivations, challenges, and memorable moments. Discover stories, feedbacks, future plans and how we've impacted the community. Main Topics Covered: Origins and motivations behind starting the podcast Key challenges faced in production and content creation Memorable episodes and impactful conversations Insights into future topics and expansion plans Audience feedback and community impact Have feedback? Welcome to reach out to us via our channels below: Email - adaptingtogetherpodcast@gmail.com Instagram - @AdaptingTogetherPodcast

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EP 25: A Family's Journey From Shock to Strategy (Part 2)

After a child’s diagnosis, therapy becomes part of daily life. Schedules get fuller. Commitments increase. And finances start to feel very real. In this episode of Adapting Together, we talk about: • What “financial stability” really means for families • Early warning signs your cash flow may be under pressure • Managing therapy costs alongside existing loans and commitments • Rising cost of living — and how to adapt without panic • Traditional budgeting vs a more realistic “spending plan” approach • How to adjust priorities without feeling like you’ve failed This conversation isn’t about being rich or poor. It’s about sustainability, awareness, and making intentional decisions for your family’s long-term wellbeing. If you’re feeling stretched but trying your best to make it work, this episode is for you. Listen now on Spotify & YouTube.

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EP24: A Family's Journey From Shock to Strategy - Part 1

Can We Afford This? The Real Cost of Autism Therapy After Diagnosis After an autism diagnosis, many parents are focused on understanding their child’s needs. But soon, another difficult question often follows, "Can we afford this?" In this episode of Adapting Together, we have a conversation with Kevin to explore the emotional and financial realities that families may face in the early stages after diagnosis. From initial speech and occupational therapy sessions to considering more intensive intervention programmes, therapy costs can quickly become a major concern. This episode touches on: The moment financial worry begins The pressure to “do the best” for a child The sustainability of ongoing therapy Avoiding rushed decisions during stressful periods Taking gradual, thoughtful steps instead of reacting out of fear We hope this angle offers an honest reflection on balancing urgency with practicality and reassurance for parents transitioning through similar uncertainties. If you are in the early phase after diagnosis and feeling overwhelmed by both emotion and finances, may this conversation remind you that you are not alone, and it is okay to move forward one step at a time. Have any feedback or suggestions? Send us an email here: adaptingtogetherpodcast@gmail.com

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EP 23: Supporting Reading, Writing and Spelling in Autism

Reading can be one of the most confusing and emotionally charged challenges for parents, especially when a child is navigating both autism and dyslexia. Many parents find themselves asking: Is my child struggling because of autism? Dyslexia? Or something else entirely? And how do I know what kind of help actually works? In this episode of Adapting Together, we sit down with Rachel, a Literacy Specialist who works closely with children with dyslexia and children on the autism spectrum. Drawing from her real-world experience, Rachel helps unpack what dyslexia really is, how it can look different in autistic children, and why early, accurate understanding matters so much. We explore how professionals assess children who may be facing overlapping challenges, what key patterns parents can look out for, and how reading difficulties related to dyslexia differ from autism-related learning differences. Rachel also shares practical, evidence-informed intervention approaches—along with a meaningful success story that shows what progress can look like when the right support is in place. Beyond therapy rooms, this conversation also looks at everyday life. We discuss how teachers can better support children in school, what parents can realistically do at home, and gentle strategies for encouraging children who feel frustrated, avoid reading, or have lost confidence. Most importantly, this episode is a reminder that reading struggles are not a reflection of a child’s intelligence or effort—and that parents are not alone in this journey. With the right understanding, support, and encouragement, progress ispossible. If you’re a parent feeling unsure about where to start, overwhelmed by conflicting advice, or simply looking for clarity and reassurance, this episode is for you.

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EP 22: Travelling Together - Nina's Family Story

Travelling as a family can be joyful, but for families with children on the spectrum, it often comes with extra layers of preparation, uncertainty, and emotional baggage. In this episode of Adapting Together, we speak with Nina, a mother of twins. Her son Martin, now 18 years old, is non-verbal and on the autism spectrum, while his twin sister is neurotypical. Despite the challenges, travelling has become something Martin genuinely enjoys , and also something his family recognises through his smile, his calmness, and the way he responds to new environments. In this heartfelt and grounded episode, Nina shares with us How their family prepares before, during, and after trips Why preparation matters even more when travelling with an autistic family member Their experience using the Butterfly Effect service at Malaysian airports A difficult and distressing travel incident that led to police involvement - and how it was eventually resolved with understanding and empathy How their family practices “me-time” during trips by taking turns caring for Martin Why travelling doesn’t have to mean doing everything together, all the time Most importantly, Nina offers encouragement to parents who may feel discouraged or afraid to travel, reminding us that while every family is different, meaningful experiences are still possible when we put our mind to it. This episode is a candid conversation about realism, flexibility, resilience, and finding ways to keep living life together as a family. 🎧 Listen in if you’re a parent or caregiver wondering whether travel is still possible — and what “travelling together” can truly look like.

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EP 21: Feeding Without Stress

Feeding your child shouldn’t feel like a daily battle — but for many parents of neurodivergent children, it often does.In this episode of Adapting Together, we have an honest and compassionate conversation with Janice, a registered dietitian and co-founder of Fed to Flourish, about feeding, nutrition, and the emotional weight parents carry around mealtimes.Together, we explore:- Why “picky eating” is often just the tip of the iceberg- How sensory needs, stress, trauma, and routines can deeply affect eating- When picky eating is typical — and when it’s a signal to look deeper- What actually happens during a dietitian’s first consultation- How to assess whether a limited diet is still nutritionally adequate- Supporting children who overeat, food jag, or struggle with fullness cues- How to create calmer, more connected mealtimes — without pressure, force, or shame- Why feeding challenges are not a parenting failure and not a “bad child” problem- This episode is a reminder that all behaviour is communication, and that feeding challenges deserve curiosity, patience, and support — not guilt.🎙️ If eating feels stressful in your home, this conversation is for you.

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EP 20: Creating Connection Through Music Therapy

“You don’t need to be a singer or musician to do music with your kids.” — Sherrene TehJoin us for a heartfelt conversation with Sherrene, one of Malaysia’s pioneers in music therapy, as she shares her unexpected journey into a career that brings so much joy and meaning. From supporting children with autism and developmental needs to creating moments of pure connection, Sherrene shows how music becomes a bridge for communication, emotional regulation, and social growth.In a special moment, she even brings out instruments and sings together with us, showing how music can instantly light up a room and create unforgettable connections.If you’re looking for a credible music therapist in Malaysia, you can reach out to the Malaysian Music Therapy Association here: https://www.mmta.org.my/contactEpisode Highlights:-00:00 – Welcome & podcast disclaimer02:10 – Meet Sherrene: One of Malaysia’s pioneer music therapists06:45 – From corporate career to music therapy: finding her calling12:30 – What is music therapy? (Nasi lemak analogy 🍽️)18:40 – Music therapy vs traditional music lessons24:10 – Using music to build communication (real client example)32:20 – Emotional regulation through music & songwriting38:50 – Social skills, turn-taking & listening through musical play46:30 – Working with non-verbal children: powerful real-life story54:40 – Quality of life & research insights on music therapy58:20 – How parents can use music at home (no singing skills needed!)01:03:10 – Finding a music therapist in Malaysia01:05:30 – Final message for parents & caregivers ❤️

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EP19: Constipation Challenges in Autism

Dr. Cindy is back on Adapting Together — and yes, we’re talking about something every parent deals with but no one likes to mention… constipation. Why does it happen so often in autistic children? What red flags should parents actually pay attention to? And how do you know when tummy troubles are more than “just a phase”? We dig into all of it — from how Dr. Cindy evaluates these concerns in her clinic to the real, practical things parents can try at home: diet tweaks, hydration hacks, sensory-friendly routines, and balancing medical treatment with everyday habits. We also bust a few common myths, talk about how therapists and educators can team up with parents, and wrap up with the one piece of advice Dr. Cindy wants every family to hear. A super real, super helpful conversation — and trust us, you’ll walk away with tips you can use right away.

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EP 18: Sleep Challenges in Autism

In this episode of Adapting Together, hosts Xin Yi, Kevin, and Carmen sit down with Dr. Cindy, a developmental pediatrician from Sunway Medical Centre, to explore the often-overlooked challenges of sleep among neurodivergent children, particularly autistic children. Sleep can be one of the biggest challenges for children on the autism spectrum and it affects the whole family. In this episode, we explore why autistic children may strugglewith falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up at odd hours. Dr. Cindy shares expert insights on common causes such as anxiety, sensory sensitivities, routines, and habits, and offers practical strategies to improve sleep, including structured bedtime routines, gradual adjustments, outdoor activity,and mindful use of melatonin. Whether you’re a parent or caregiver, this episode provides guidance and encouragement to help your child and your family in getting the rest you all need.

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