I try not to push a lot of products or services. I know how annoying that can be. But, when it comes to the safety of our kids (and adults) and bridging the gap with the Law Enforcement community, I won’t be bashful sharing anything I find that might do some good. Today, I had a 2.5-hour phone conversation with Nick Tietz, co-founder and Chief Digital Officer of The Vitals App. Guys, this is a game-changer. In my opinion, this technology is the single most important advancement to come along for our families in the last decade. Imagine a safe and secure smartphone app distributed to all police officers that not only alerts them when they are within 80 feet of someone with Special Needs, but provides them with instant information on that individual’s diagnosis, emotional triggers, calming strategies, etc. This is it. It requires no action from the individual except keeping a small “beacon” in their pocket, keychain, etc. This is not just another tracking or locating tool. It meets a critical need for communicating vital information to law enforcement that might mean the difference between a positive outcome and tragedy. AND IT’S FREE! Nick and his team are the real deal. He blew me away with his vision and passion. This isn’t a concept. It exists. The app has been designed, tested, and is up and running in Minnesota and parts of Ohio. Their vision is to expand across the country and be embraced by all law enforcement agencies. For that, they need our help. The Vitals App team need “early adopter” families to register and participate in their program (again, it’s FREE and simple to enroll) in order to show local law enforcement the demand and need for police departments to participate in their service. Without a considerable roster of participating families, local police departments may be reluctant to sign on because they would be just guessing at the level of community interest. Please let me know if you have any questions or suggestions and I will be sure to pass them along. I’m giving this one 5 Bacon Strips and my full Five-0 endorsement. Check it out please, and share it liberally!!! -Mr. B.

Mr. Bacon tackles a sensitive and difficult topic:  Discipline.  When is it appropriate?  When is it ineffective?  There are some basic psychological principles of dog training that are surprisingly applicable.  No, I’m not comparing our kids to dogs.  Don’t freak out, walk with me a minute and I’ll explain…

Eric had a problem on the school bus today.  Mr. and Mrs. Bacon have differing opinions about the best course of action.  They do what any healthy 21st Century couple would do:  They argue about it online and record the whole thing.  😉 Love to hear your thoughts!

Mr. and Mrs. Bacon speak candidly about recent events, their fears, and their vision for bridging the gap between Law Enforcement and the Autism community.

Mr. Bacon responds to a message from a struggling fellow Autism Dad asking for some advice about family, comparison, relationships, and staying on course.

Mr. Bacon speaks with Wanda Refaely, owner and creator of ICE4Autism, the only Autism-specific In Case of Emergency smart phone app.

Mr. and Mrs. B. discuss the Autism sibling dynamic and the best big sister ever, Anna.

Mr. Bacon sits down with Eileen Shaklee (Mamma Fry) from Autism With a Side of Fries and discusses Autism, blogging, The Magical Feeding Therapist, and Tom Hanks.

Mr. and Mrs. B. discuss the challenges of maintaining friendships as Autism parents and the importance of having understanding, flexible, and non-judgmental friends… preferably without nice things in their home that might be broken.

Tha Bacons talk about their trials and tribulations taking on the epic challenges of a Special Needs family vacation.  Tips, advice, sharks… what more could you ask for in a podcast episode?