S3E4 This weeks episode broaches the subject of what it’s like to be an Autism parent, while in the US Military. I had the honor to speaking with Josh Gibbs and learning about the unique challenges that our Military families face while raising a child with Autism. Josh shares how to navigate the system inside the military in order to find your child the help and services they need. I’m so grateful that Josh was willing to share a bit about his life and introduce us to Jai, his amazing son. ☺

Josh Gibbs Bio: Joshua Gibbs enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1998. He graduated basic training at Parris Island, SC in August 1998 and began training with Charlie Company, 8th Tank Battalion in Tallahassee, FL where he was enrolled at Florida State University. Lance Corporal Gibbs attended Officers Candidate School in 2000 and upon completion of his B.S. in Criminology and subsequent commissioning, attended The Basic School in Quantico, VA. In October 2002, Second Lieutenant Gibbs was assigned to the 1st Marine Division in Camp Pendleton, CA, serving as the Assistant G-1 Operations Officer, Assistant G-1 Adjutant and G-1 Adjutant. During this time, he deployed twice in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM in 2003 and 2004. Josh has served at several duty stations around the world. His son, Jai Lando GIbbs was born in 2014, in New Orleans, LA. In August 2015, he was transferred to U.S. Marine Corps Forces Command in Norfolk, VA. During this tour, his son was formally diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and enrolled in the Exceptional Family Member Program. In 2018, Major Gibbs received orders to the U.S. Marine Corps Forces Logistics Command in Albany, GA. However, it was discovered that this Command could not support the educational and therapeutic needs of his son and so a request was made to transfer his orders to U.S. Marine Corps Forces, South in Doral, FL. The MARFORSOUTH location could not only provide the services his son required, but was closer to immediate family members in the event of an emergency. Major Gibbs’ personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal (2d Award), the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal and the Humanitarian Service Medal. He is a graduate of the Expeditionary Warfare School, the Command and Staff College and has an M.S. in Criminology. He has also written one book, Kingdom of Hook, a fictional origin story for Captain Hook which was inspired by cartoons his son watched as an infant. He currently resides in Miramar, Florida. You can find Josh: Twitter: twitter.com/ChiefJosheola http://bit.ly/2ZPjjAx (Support This Podcast) You can find me: https://my.captivate.fm/theautismdad.com (theautismdad.com) Twitter: https://twitter.com/theautismdad (https://twitter.com/theautismdad)

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Happy Ladders

Happy Ladders is Parent-Led Early Autism Therapy that empowers you, the parent, to teach your toddler essential developmental skills through play. Studies have shown that the parent-led model is highly effective while eliminating frustration over long wait lists, or the worry about losing precious developmental time. All without the disruption of people coming into your home Happy Ladders includes activities that target 150+ essential developmental skills every toddler needs as well as assessments in 4 different developmental areas. There’s also an exclusive community of parents just like you, and professional coaching to ensure success for both you and your toddler. To learn more, get a free trial, and take advantage of an exclusive, limited-time offer for my listeners, visit happyladders.com. Use the code “theautismdad” at checkout to save 50% off the monthly membership. Plus get a free one-on-one session as well as access to the Tantrums and Meltdowns mini-course. This is a limited-time offer so act now.

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