MEF2Cast19 Sep 2025

Episode 24: Autism and Movement with Sheena Leedham

Episode 24: Autism and Movement with Sheena Leedham

In this episode, we sit down with Sheena Leedham, an educator and trainer whose work highlights the power of movement in the autism community. Sheena shares her unexpected journey into this field, emphasizing how physical milestones and skill acquisition play a crucial role in child development.

The conversation explores how exercise and structured training can be adapted to meet the needs of autistic individuals. Sheena explains why creating a supportive environment matters, how integrating choice and motivation can boost engagement, and why observational skills are critical for trainers and parents alike. She also offers practical strategies—like using schedules for predictability—and discusses how movement, like any other skill, requires practice and progression.

Sheena’s insights and resources, including her books, provide valuable guidance for parents and trainers seeking to better support autistic children through movement and exercise.

Subjects covered include:

Sheena’s journey into the autism community
Physical milestones and their role in development
Skill acquisition through movement and exercise
Building supportive environments for success
The importance of choice and motivation in training
Observational skills for trainers and parents
How schedules create structure and predictability
Movement as a practiced, progressive skill
Adapting training techniques to individual needs
Resources for parents and trainers

Links:
🌐 Website: https://mef2cast.com
🛒 Merch: https://mef2cast.printify.me

Det här avsnittet är hämtat från ett öppet RSS-flöde och publiceras inte av Podme. Det kan innehålla reklam.

Avsnitt(46)

Core Conversations: Cody and Shawnacy Bruce

In this Core Conversation, we revisit our conversation with Shawnacy and Cody Bruce, parents navigating the beautifully complex world of raising two daughters—one of whom, Boston, has developmental de...

24 Apr 1h 24min

Episode 39: Childhood Apraxia of Speech and IEP Advocacy | Jordan LeVan

In this episode of MEF2Cast, we sit down with Jordan LeVan to explore his powerful journey living with childhood apraxia of speech (CAS). Jordan shares what it was like growing up with a motor plannin...

27 Mars 50min

Episode 38: Finding the Path with Audra and Phil Kimmett

In this episode of MEF2Cast, we sit down with Audra and Phil Kimmett to talk about their journey raising their son William, who was diagnosed with MEF2C haploinsufficiency syndrome (MCHS). Through a c...

13 Mars 1h 16min

Episode 37: Therapy, Parenthood, and Family with Julia Irwin

In this episode of the MEF2Cast, we sit down with Julia Irwin, mom to Elsie, to share their family’s journey with MEF2C haploinsufficiency syndrome. Julia reflects on Elsie’s early birth and low birth...

27 Feb 1h 4min

Core Conversations: Dr Christopher Cowan

In this episode of our Core Conversations series, we explore the critical role of MEF2C, a transcription factor that shapes early brain development and influences a wide range of neurological function...

6 Feb 47min

Core Conversations- Jennifer and Keith Aguirre

Core Conversations are revisited episodes from our archives that still stick with us and feel especially relevant, offering meaningful insight for families in the MEF2C community.In this Core Conversa...

30 Jan 3h 30min

Episode 36: Navigating MCHS with Helle and Andreas

In this episode of MEF2Cast, we sit down with Helle and Andreas to share their family’s journey navigating life with MEF2C haploinsufficiency syndrome (MCHS). Helle reflects on the early signs that so...

23 Jan 1h 16min

Episode 35: Understanding Leucovorin with Dr. Elizabeth Laughlin, PharmD

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Elizabeth Laughlin, PharmD, to explore the use of Leucovorin, a prescription form of folate, and its emerging role in supporting children with certain neurologica...

16 Jan 37min