Send us a text What does it mean to discover your autism at age 44? Dr. Jason Ybarra takes us on a profound journey of self-discovery that began when he noticed he could understand his autistic students in ways others couldn't. "This feels like a cozy sweater," he recalls thinking, as pieces of his own identity puzzle started falling into place. The revelation transformed Dr. Ybarra's understanding of his past. Those childhood hours spent alone with art and Legos, the social exhaustion misdiagno...
Jun 24, 2025â˘38 minâ˘Season 13Ep. 316
Send us a text What happens when you're passionate about cooking but can't see the ingredients? For Debra, founder of The Blind Kitchen, vision loss became the catalyst for culinary innovation rather than limitation. Debra's story begins unexpectedly â she wasn't a natural cook, growing up as one of twelve children with limited kitchen experience. When retinitis pigmentosa claimed most of her vision in her fifties, she made a remarkable decision: instead of abandoning cooking, she enrolled in cu...
Jun 17, 2025â˘29 minâ˘Season 13Ep. 315
Send us a text "What if homeschooling didn't have to look like anyone else's version but your own?" This question frames our enlightening conversation with Linsey Knerl, veteran homeschooling mother of six and author of "Homeschool Hacks." With children ranging from 11 to 26 years old, Linsey shares how her family's "one year at a time" approach evolved into a two-decade educational journey that prioritizes flexibility, observation, and meeting each child where they are. Linsey reveals her pragm...
Jun 10, 2025â˘35 minâ˘Season 13Ep. 314
Send us a text What if the key to meaningful connections isn't trying harder to fit in, but learning how to authentically stand out? Coach Lee Hopkins transforms this question into life-changing guidance for late-diagnosed autistic adults struggling with social connections. Growing up watching sitcoms where problems resolved neatly in 30 minutes, Coach Lee assumed real relationships would follow the same pattern. Instead, he spent decades "destroying relationships" without understanding why. Thr...
Jun 03, 2025â˘39 minâ˘Season 13Ep. 313
Send us a text Discovering you're twice exceptionalâboth gifted and neurodivergentâcan be transformative, especially when diagnosed as an adult. In this fascinating conversation, Sara welcomes authors Deb Gennarelli and John Truitt to explore the complex world of twice exceptionality (2E) through their book "Navigating Neurodiversity." John shares his remarkable journey of being diagnosed at 45 as both gifted and on the autism spectrum with dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia. Unlike many narr...
May 20, 2025â˘50 minâ˘Season 13Ep. 312
Send us a text What happens when your entire life changes in an instant? For Sara Freeman Smith, losing 95% of her vision wasn't the end of her storyâit was the beginning of something much greater. In this profound conversation, Sara shares her remarkable journey as a disability advocate, career navigator, and author of "Turning Stones Into Gems: Learn How to Find Purpose in Your Life and Career." With warmth and wisdom, she reveals how her greatest challenge became her greatest gift, teaching h...
May 13, 2025â˘39 minâ˘Season 13Ep. 311
Send us a text Ever wondered why some brilliant minds struggle with reading, writing, or math? What if the key isn't trying harder, but learning differently? Dr. Emily Levy, founder of EBL Coaching, takes us into the world of multi-sensory learning strategies that transform education for students with diverse learning needs. Drawing from her twenty-one years of experience and childhood immersed in special education (her mother founded a school for students with learning disabilities), Dr. Levy s...
May 06, 2025â˘32 minâ˘Season 13Ep. 310
Send us a text What does authentic autism advocacy look like when powered by faith? Ron Sandison offers a compelling answer in this thought-provoking conversation from the International Autism Summit. As a mental health professional speaking to over 30,000 people annually across 70 events worldwide, Ron brings a unique perspective shaped by his extraordinary giftâ15,000 scriptures memorized word-perfectâand his journey as one of only two openly autistic licensed ministers in the Assemblies of Go...
Apr 27, 2025â˘19 min
Send us a text What happens when a simple strep throat infection triggers a devastating autoimmune response that attacks your brain? At age 13, Ethan Pompeo's life changed overnight when mysterious motor tics, compulsive behaviors, and overwhelming anxiety suddenly appeared, beginning a two-decade journey toward answers and healing. Ethan takes us through the frustrating reality of living with PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neurological Disorders Associated with Strep) â a condition where strep an...
Apr 23, 2025â˘42 minâ˘Season 13Ep. 309
Send us a text Craig Parks transforms our understanding of connection with autistic children through the profound language of music. Drawing from his dual expertise as both a professional musician and father to an autistic son, Craig reveals how music became the bridge that helped his non-verbal toddler communicate and eventually thrive as a drummer with perfect pitch. The conversation takes us through Craig's personal journey of receiving his son's autism diagnosis at just 16 months old, facing...
Apr 15, 2025â˘34 minâ˘Season 13Ep. 308
Send us a text Dr. Gilly Kahn brings a refreshing perspective to our understanding of ADHD, particularly in women, through her dual expertise as both a clinical psychologist and someone with lived experience. Her powerful reframing of ADHD not as an attention deficit but as an "overabundance of attention" challenges conventional thinking about neurodiversity in ways that will resonate deeply with listeners. What makes this conversation particularly valuable is how Dr. Kahn bridges the gap betwee...
Apr 01, 2025â˘1 hr 8 minâ˘Season 13Ep. 307
Send us a text Bryson Tarbet, founder of That Music Teacher, takes us on a captivating journey through the world of accessible music education. Drawing from his personal experience with ADHD and sensory processing disorder, Bryson reveals how his quest to make the classroom more comfortable for himself evolved into a mission to ensure music is truly accessible for all students. What begins as a conversation about simple seating arrangements quickly expands into a masterclass on creating fully in...
Mar 25, 2025â˘32 minâ˘Season 13Ep. 306
Send us a text Angela Fowler, a totally blind accessibility consultant from California, transforms our understanding of digital inclusion in this compelling conversation that challenges common misconceptions while offering practical solutions. The eye-opening discussion begins with Angela sharing her evolution from passionate disability rights advocate to dedicated educator. This transition occurred when she realized that most designers, developers, and business leaders aren't deliberately creat...
Mar 16, 2025â˘30 minâ˘Season 13Ep. 305
Send us a text Welcome to a sneak peek into The International Autism Summit 2024 with special guest speaker Devin Morrisey When doctors told three-year-old Devin Morrissey he would never graduate high school, attend college, or live independently, they couldn't have imagined he would one day help transform how the world sees autism. In his powerful presentation "Bringing Autism to the Center Stage," Devin takes us on a journey from his childhood diagnosis to becoming a Netflix personality, podca...
Mar 10, 2025â˘45 min
Send us a text How do you navigate the complex landscape of parenting adult children while fostering their independence? In this enlightening episode, we delve into the essential principles of navigating this transition with love, support, and a focus on boundaries. Our expert guest, a seasoned psychologist, offers invaluable strategies that help parents understand the dual roles of love and discipline when guiding their children into adulthood. From discussing the varying challenges young adult...
Feb 26, 2025â˘37 minâ˘Season 13Ep. 304
Send us a text What does it mean to truly support special needs families, and how can we as a community come together to offer that support? In our latest episode, we bring you a heartfelt conversation with John Fela, a dedicated advocate who has turned his personal journey as a parent of a nonverbal autistic son into a powerful mission working with Joni and Friends, a global Christian disability ministry. John's inspiring story of creating a support group for special needs dads not only highlig...
Feb 12, 2025â˘38 minâ˘Season 13Ep. 303
Send us a text Join us for an enlightening conversation with Leroy Slanzi, an educator whose journey ranges from principal roles worldwide to his fulfilling work at an Indigenous school in British Columbia. This episode sheds light on the nuances of global educational systems, highlighting Canadaâs impressive standing in education. Leroy offers insights into how the digital age and environmental factors are reshaping student behavior, and why emotional intelligence and holistic learning are crit...
Feb 04, 2025â˘44 minâ˘Season 13Ep. 302
Send us a text Anneke Elmhirst, a coach with a unique focus on neurodivergence, shares her transformative journey from behavior analysis to coaching. We explore the complexities of ADHD and autism, challenging the conventional one-size-fits-all approach and advocating for a personalized understanding of mental health. Anneke 's shift was driven by a need for values alignment, and she provides insight into how late diagnoses can manifest differently across individuals. Together, we question the e...
Jan 14, 2025â˘45 minâ˘Season 13Ep. 301
Send us a text Discover the inspiring journeys of Marlene and Judi, two extraordinary advocates reshaping the autism community. Judi, the mastermind behind Autism and Entertainment and leader of the Orange County Asperger Support Group, reflects on her dual role as a mother and high-tech marketing professional. Marlene, with her rich experience in animation as a producer and writer, shares her vision for bridging education with the entertainment industry through her work with the Center for Lear...
Dec 21, 2024â˘47 min
Send us a text Ever wondered how a personal journey can ignite a movement that changes lives? Meet Tamika LecheĂŠ Morales, the dedicated founder of the Autism Hero Project, who turned her son Legend's autism diagnosis into a mission to transform the landscape for autistic individuals and their families. From offering crucial medical insurance to pioneering educational scholarships and hosting inclusive community events, learn how the Autism Hero Project is making a real difference. Tamika's story...
Dec 16, 2024â˘30 minâ˘Season 12Ep. 299
Send us a text Facing the complexities of divorce is challenging enough, but when special needs are involved, the journey can feel even more daunting. Join us as we explore this sensitive topic with Mary Ann, a special needs divorce coach who has not only lived through the experience but has dedicated her career to helping others navigate these turbulent waters. Through her work with Special Family Transitions, Mary Ann offers invaluable insights into managing the emotional and logistical hurdle...
Dec 09, 2024â˘28 minâ˘Season 12Ep. 298
Send us a text The SJ Childs Show What if your life experiences could transform the lives of those you love most? Join us as Philip Blackett shares his compelling journey of personal growth and autism advocacy. Approaching his 40s, Philip reflects on how his grandmother's unwavering love shaped his understanding of autism and how his twin daughters' diagnoses became a turning point. Through heartfelt storytelling, Philip offers valuable insights into the importance of empathy, understanding, and...
Nov 30, 2024â˘31 minâ˘Season 12Ep. 297
Send us a text What if you could find peace and purpose after facing life's toughest challenges? Join us in this episode as we uncover the inspiring journey of Gage, a passionate advocate for autism awareness who transformed his early struggles into a powerful voice for change. Diagnosed with autism at age five, Gage didn't speak until then and found solace in building snack-box towers. His story is a testament to resilience and personal growth, taking us from a young boy in Pennsylvania to a de...
Nov 18, 2024â˘33 minâ˘Season 12Ep. 296
Send us a text Daniel Durany's journey from job losses to discovering his place on the autism spectrum offers a raw and inspiring narrative. His experiences growing up in a socially reserved family, juxtaposed with his outgoing nature, shed light on the complexities of forming friendships and finding one's identity. As we catch up with Daniel, he shares his insights from navigating the world as a sports referee and the joys and challenges of fatherhood, all while advocating for greater understan...
Nov 07, 2024â˘32 minâ˘Season 12Ep. 295
Send us a text What happens when a childhood dream takes an unexpected detour through the world of speechwriting only to emerge as a vibrant career in adolescent fiction? That's what our guest reveals as she recounts her unique journey towards becoming an author, inspired by personal experiences and a flair for capturing diverse voices. Discover how her life as a mom, wife, and writer intertwines, offering a refreshing take on managing a bustling household while nurturing a passion for storytell...
Nov 04, 2024â˘28 minâ˘Season 12Ep. 294
Send us a text Aaron DeVries, a devoted advocate for disability inclusion, brings his heartfelt journey to our conversation, inspired by his daughter's battles with epilepsy and cerebral palsy. As a father navigating a predominantly female advocacy space, Aaron shares the importance of belonging over merely fitting in, urging more fathers to lend their voices to the cause. We explore how personal experiences, including his upbringing, have shaped Aaron's advocacy approach, encouraging others to ...
Oct 30, 2024â˘30 minâ˘Season 12Ep. 293
Send us a text Join us for an enlightening conversation with Healey Ikerd, a seasoned licensed counselor from Arkansas who brings 17 years of expertise in mental health to our discussion. Healey passionately shares her journey from working with children to focusing on adults in her private practice, and the significance of modeling good mental health practices. Her insights are not just professional but deeply personal, as she draws from her experiences. Discover how believing in one's potential...
Oct 18, 2024â˘39 minâ˘Season 12Ep. 292
Send us a text What happens when an occupational therapist and a devoted mother come together to tackle the pressing issues surrounding autistic adult transition support? Join us in a heartfelt exchange with April as we uncover the real challenges faced by autistic individuals and their families as they step into adulthood. With April's personal journey as both a professional and a parent, we navigate the complexities of post-secondary education and the glaring gaps in autism-specific services, ...
Oct 09, 2024â˘32 minâ˘Season 12Ep. 291
Send us a text Join us as we welcome the remarkable Tamika Lechee Morales, founder of the Autism Hero Project. Born from her personal journey with her son's autism and ADHD diagnosis, Tamika's nonprofit has been a beacon of hope since 2015. Originally focusing on providing essential medical insurance in Illinois, the Autism Hero Project has grown to include educational scholarships, inclusive events, and first responder training. Tamika opens up about the raw and emotional process of accepting h...
Oct 02, 2024â˘35 minâ˘Season 12Ep. 290
Send us a text What happens when a New Jersey native with dreams of joining the Army turns those dreams into a 22-year journey of service? Join us as we chat with Rich LaMonica, a retired Army veteran who opens up about the values instilled in him by his hardworking parents and the challenges he faced, including a last-minute scramble to prepare for college. We reflect on his four combat deployments and how the patience and communication skills he honed over the years contrast with today's cultu...
Sep 11, 2024â˘20 minâ˘Season 12Ep. 289
