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Kids & FamilyParenting

Adapting Together

Carmen Loke, Gan Xin Yi and Kevin Neoh

Adapting Together is a Malaysian podcast dedicated to raising awareness about autism and supporting families on this journey. It’s designed for parents, caregivers, educators, and the broader community to access reliable, local, and compassionate information about autism.

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  • 25 episodes
  • fortnightly
  • Avg 47 min
  • English

Episodes 25

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  • January 24 · 37 min

    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.

    • Transcript
  • January 10 · 52 min

    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.

    • Transcript
  • Dec 27, 2025 · 58 min

    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 ❤️

    • Transcript
  • Dec 13, 2025 · 45 min

    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.

    • Transcript
  • Nov 30, 2025 · 46 min

    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.

    • Transcript
Showing 21–25 of 25 episodes