In today's episode of "Welcome to Dylan's House", Amy and Kevin Shope get raw and emotional on the many hardships they have navigated as parents of an adult son with autism. For new listeners, Amy and Kevin really give listeners a realistic view on what their everyday life looks like with Dylan. Later on in the episode, they share a medical emergency they had to face on Thanksgiving. This episode is a reminder of the daily challenges faced for people with autism along with their families and car...
Jan 13, 2025•29 min
On today's episode of "Welcome to Dylan's House", Amy and Kevin Shope had the pleasure to interview Melissa Archer who founded the nonprofit Jasmynn's Voice, named in honor of her daughter. Jasmynn is a 24 years old who is functionally non-verbal. Her parents wanted to ensure from a young age that she would have the tools to communicate. They found that technology was able to bridge the gap of communication between her and her world. The mission of their nonprofit is to not only provide iPads fo...
Dec 11, 2024•32 min
In this episode of "Welcome to Dylan's House," Amy and Kevin Shope interview the Mayor of Struthers, Catherine Cercone Miller. Mayor Cat has an educational background in psychology and autism and her desire for helping all the people in her community shines through this episode. The City of Struthers generously donated a piece of land within the city for the first new build for Dylan's House. Mayor Cat is passionate about making this project a priority and rallying the city of Struthers around t...
Nov 05, 2024•23 min
In this episode, Amy and Kevin Shope interview Crissi Jenkins, the Chief Growth Officer at Potential Development. Potential Development School, located in Youngstown, Ohio, is a pre-k through 12th grade school for students diagnosed with autism. Their mission is to provide an individualized education for each student in a safe, state-of-the-art environment designed to empower them to reach their fullest potential in life. Crissi shares valuable information on how Potential Development is differe...
Oct 08, 2024•20 min
In this episode of "Welcome to Dylan's House", Amy and Kevin Shope interview Rob Gorski, an influential blogger and podcast host, best known as "The Autism Dad". Since 2009, his mission has been to educate, validate, and provide support to parents raising children with disabilities while he has transformed his personal experiences as a father of three autistic children into a resource for parents across the globe. Rob’s work has earned recognition from CNN, ABC News, BBC Worldwide, the Tamron Ha...
Sep 09, 2024•34 min
In this episode of "Welcome to Dylan's House," we were thrilled to get a better glimpse of what it was like for our daughter Anderson growing up with a sibling with autism. Anderson relives all the trials and tribulations and everything in between she had to manage as she was navigating her childhood and teenage years alongside Dylan. She shares some vulnerable memories about family outings that didn't always go as planned. Anderson is currently 20 years old and a junior at Bowling Green Univers...
Aug 06, 2024•19 min
In this episode of "Welcome to Dylan's House," my wife Amy and I discuss the recent events that have kept us busy, including an educational event focused on autism transitioning into adulthood and our successful Sunday Funday fundraiser. We reflect on the overwhelming support we received from the community and the impact of our nonprofit, Dylan's House. We also provide updates on our son Dylan, sharing his experiences at his daily workshop, his upcoming visit to the lake house, and his recent ad...
Jul 02, 2024•23 min•Season 2Ep. 17
In this episode of "Welcome to Dylan's House," we had the pleasure of interviewing Bill Whitaker, the superintendent of the Mahoning County Board of Developmental Disabilities. Bill shared valuable insights into the services provided by the board for individuals with developmental disabilities in Mahoning County. He highlighted the importance of building relationships with schools to support individuals transitioning into adulthood. Bill also discussed the collaborative efforts within the Mahoni...
Apr 17, 2024•26 min
As the host of Welcome to Dylan's House, I had the pleasure of interviewing Mahoning County Prosecutor Gina DiGenova in this episode. Gina shared her background, from growing up in Niles to becoming the first female prosecutor in Mahoning County. She discussed the Special Needs Registry program she initiated, providing a vital mode of communication between individuals with special needs and law enforcement. Gina also highlighted the upcoming Blue Envelope program, designed to assist individuals ...
Apr 10, 2024•27 min•Ep. 15
In this episode of "Welcome to Dylan's House," my wife Amy and I discuss our experiences with professional caregivers in the context of raising our son, Dylan, who has severe autism. We share stories of recruiting caregivers, balancing trust and control, and the impact caregivers have had on our lives. We highlight the challenges and rewards of the caregiver role, emphasizing the importance of their work in supporting individuals with autism. We also touch on our nonprofit's mission to support c...
Apr 03, 2024•28 min•Season 1Ep. 14
Join us as we explore the unique joys and challenges of traveling with an autistic child. In this episode, we'll share personal stories and practical tips for creating memorable and stress-free vacations for families on the autism spectrum. Discover strategies for planning, communication, sensory-friendly experiences, and creating a supportive environment that enhances the travel experience for everyone.
Mar 14, 2024•24 min•Ep. 13
In this episode, we sit down with Jimmy Suttman, the visionary founder of Purple Cat, an organization dedicated to providing phenomenal services to the autistic community. Join us as we delve into Jimmy's inspiring journey, his passion for empowering individuals on the autism spectrum, and share our stories. The innovative programs offered by Purple Cat are making a difference in the lives of many. Discover the impact of their work and gain insights into the importance of inclusivity and support...
Mar 06, 2024•31 min•Ep. 12
Having a child with severe Autism takes you on a trip you never planned for, but you end up at the destination you were meant to be at.
Mar 01, 2024•18 min•Season 1Ep. 11
In this emotional and inspiring episode, Autism mom Tammy talks about her son Artie, her family, and the special bond our families share. Welcome to Dylan's House is our families real and raw story of navigating Autism and how it inspired us to pay it forward. Learn more at dylanshouse.org.
Feb 21, 2024•23 min
Welcome to Dylan's House is our family's real and raw story of navigating Autism and how it inspired us to pay it forward. In this episode we respond to a followers request, and discuss our history of dealing with our school district, IEP meetings, attorneys, worry and stress, all to ensure the best school placement for our Autistic son.
Feb 14, 2024•23 min
In this episode, our friend and fellow Autism parent Lisa Robinson shares more heartwarming and hilarious stories of navigating Autism. Welcome To Dylan's house is our family's real and raw story of navigating Autism and how it inspired us to pay it forward. Learn more at dylanshouse.org. Join Us. Meet Us. Give Back.
Feb 09, 2024•36 min
In this episode, good friend and fellow Autism parent Lisa Robinson talks about her son James and her blended family. Welcome To Dylan's House is our family's real and raw story of navigating Autism and how it inspired us to pay it forward.
Jan 14, 2024•36 min
In this episode we discuss the overwhelming experience of starting our own non profit to give back. Welcome To Dylan's House is our family's real and raw story of navigating Autism and how it inspired us to pay it forward.
Jan 03, 2024•33 min
We discuss our the challenges and triumphs of our Autistic son since moving out of our family home. Welcome To Dylan's House is our family's real and raw story of navigating Autism and how it inspired us to pay it forward. Dylan's House is a non profit organization providing housing and promoting caregiver support for Autistic individuals. Follow Dylan's House on Facebook, TikTok, and LinkedIn, ThisIsDylansHouse on Instagram, and learn more at dylanshouse.org.
Dec 17, 2023•34 min•Ep. 5
In Episode 4: Sudden Silence of our podcast Welcome To Dylan's House we discuss our decision to transition our 17 year old Autistic son out of our family home to supported living. Welcome To Dylan's House is our family's real and raw story of navigating Autism and how it inspired us to pay it forward.
Dec 03, 2023•35 min
In Episode 3: Turkey and Smashed Windows, we share memories of Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Welcome to Dylan's house is our family's real and raw story of navigating Autism and how it inspired us to pay it forward.
Nov 19, 2023•25 min
In this episode we follow through on our promise to keep it real and raw discussing raising a son with severe Autism and how it effected our family. Welcome to Dylan's House is our families real story of navigating Autism and how it inspired us to pay it forward.
Nov 05, 2023•27 min
A couple's first attempt at podcasting to tell the real and raw story of raising a child with severe Autism. Hear how it transformed their family and inspired them to pay it forward. Join Us. Meet us. Give back. dylanshouse.org
Oct 21, 2023•35 min•Season 1Ep. 1
