Beyond Expectations: Parenting Autism

How can a connection with horses open new doors for autistic children? In Episode 32 of Beyond Expectations: Parenting Autism , Michelle Chabolla welcomes Nancy Krenek , a physical therapist with ROCK—Ride On Center for Kids . Nancy shares how therapeutic riding and working alongside horses can support sensory regulation, confidence, and independence. Michelle reflects on Gregory’s early experienc...

What can parents learn from someone who experienced autism from the inside? In Episode 31 of Beyond Expectations: Parenting Autism , Michelle Chabolla and Sean Dobson welcome Pieter Niemann , a mental health professional diagnosed with autism as an adult. Pieter shares how his diagnosis helped him understand his childhood in a new way—from rules, routines and literal thinking to bullying and self-...

What does a genuine, lifelong friendship look like? In Episode 30 of Beyond Expectations: Parenting Autism, Kam and Mike share the story of a remarkable friendship that has lasted more than 40 years. Their conversation reminds us of the importance of seeing beyond differences, building authentic relationships, and recognizing the incredible blessings people with special needs bring to our lives. T...

In Episode 29 of Beyond Expectations: Parenting Autism , Michelle Chabolla and Sean Dobson welcome Dr. Jonathan Chism , co-founder of the Autism Dads Social Club, for an honest conversation about raising his non-speaking autistic son. Jonathan shares his journey from diagnosis and uncertainty to acceptance, advocacy, and connection—and explains why community is so important for fathers navigating...

In Episode 28 of Beyond Expectations: Parenting Autism, Michelle Chabolla and Sean Dobson are joined by author, coach, and fellow autism mom Susanna Peace Lovell for an honest conversation about raising her daughter, Arizona, navigating the unexpected, and learning to care for yourself while caring for someone you love. Susanna shares her journey through diagnosis, advocacy, self-care, building a...

In Episode 27 of Beyond Expectations: Parenting Autism , Michelle Chabolla and Sean Dobson welcome Allysen Ortega , Gregory’s friend since fifth grade and now a special education teacher. Allysen shares how her friendship with Gregory inspired her career and shaped her commitment to inclusion. They also discuss Unified programs, IEPs and 504 plans, school evaluations, and the importance of strong...

In Episode 26 of Beyond Expectations: Parenting Autism , Michelle Chabolla and Sean Dobson are joined by Kelli Fortner , principal of Quitman Elementary, for a real-world look at special education, inclusion, and supporting students at school. Inspired in part by growing up alongside Gregory, Kelli shares why she entered special education and how schools are moving toward more individualized suppo...

In Episode 25 of Beyond Expectations: Parenting Autism, Michelle Chabolla and Sean Dobson are joined by Doris Champlin, Gregory's former high school paraprofessional, for a heartfelt conversation about inclusion, advocacy, and helping students with autism succeed in school. Doris shares what it's really like supporting students with special needs, why communication between parents and ed...

In Episode 24 of Beyond Expectations: Parenting Autism , Michelle Chabolla and Sean Dobson welcome LynnLee Schmidt for a conversation about the powerful connection between people and animals. LynnLee shares how meaningful animal experiences can encourage confidence, connection, learning, and growth for individuals with autism and their families. Learn more about Tanganyika Wildlife Park: https://w...

In Episode 23 of Beyond Expectations: Parenting Autism , Michelle Chabolla and Sean Dobson welcome Derek Crager for a conversation about employment, independence, and creating meaningful opportunities for individuals with autism. Derek shares practical insights on preparing for the workplace, developing life skills, and how the right support can help individuals on the spectrum build confidence an...

In Episode 22 of Beyond Expectations: Parenting Autism, Michelle Chabolla and Sean Dobson welcome occupational therapist Rondalyn Whitney to explain sensory processing and how it affects children with autism. Rondalyn shares practical strategies to help parents better understand sensory needs, emotional regulation, and simple tools that can make everyday life easier for children and families. This...

In Episode 21 of Beyond Expectations: Parenting Autism , Michelle Chabolla and Sean Dobson are joined by Gregory's former teacher and coach, Clark Stukey, to discuss the life-changing impact of Unified Sports and inclusive education. Clark shares how creating opportunities for students with and without disabilities transformed not only Gregory's high school experience, but also the lives...

In Episode 20 of Beyond Expectations: Parenting Autism , Michelle Chabolla and Sean Dobson are joined by Mario and Courtney Lopez for a heartfelt conversation about friendship, acceptance, and the lasting impact Gregory has had on their lives. Together, they share personal stories about their relationship with Gregory, the importance of inclusion, and how genuine friendships can create confidence,...

In this episode, Michelle Chabolla and Sean Dobson sit down with Lawrence Harris—author, speaker, and entrepreneur—to hear what autism is really like from the inside. Lawrence shares his journey, the challenges of communication and social connection, and practical advice for parents raising children on the spectrum. His perspective is insightful, inspiring, and full of hope. Learn more about Lawre...

In Episode 18 of Beyond Expectations: Parenting Autism, Michelle Chabolla and Sean Dobson are joined by Gregory’s former teacher, Jill Brazil, to discuss inclusion, IEPs, parent advocacy, and the powerful role teachers play in a child’s success. Together, they share practical advice for building strong parent-teacher partnerships, creating supportive classrooms, and helping children with autism th...

In Episode 17 of Beyond Expectations: Parenting Autism , Michelle Chabolla and Sean Dobson discuss special interests, hyperfixations, and why change and disappointment can be especially challenging for autistic individuals. Through personal stories about Gregory, they explore how passions can bring joy and comfort while sharing practical insights on setting boundaries, managing expectations, and b...

In Episode 16 of Beyond Expectations: Parenting Autism , Michelle Chabolla and Sean Dobson talk about the everyday life skills that can make a big difference for a child with autism—from getting dressed and brushing teeth to haircuts, dentist visits, sensory challenges, and building independence over time. Michelle shares honest stories from raising Gregory, including what worked, what was hard, a...

In Episode 15 of Beyond Expectations: Parenting Autism , Michelle Chabolla and Sean Dobson are joined by Mike Walther, founder of Oak Wealth Advisors, for an eye-opening conversation about special needs trusts, government benefits, financial planning, and preparing for the future of a loved one with disabilities. Mike shares how his own family’s experience inspired him to help families navigate th...

In Episode 14 of Beyond Expectations: Parenting Autism , Michelle Chabolla and Sean Dobson are joined by Randy Gillespie of Oak Wealth Advisors to discuss care guides, letters of intent, and planning for the future of a loved one with special needs. Randy shares why documenting routines, preferences, medical needs, behaviors, and daily life details can make a critical difference for future caregiv...

In Episode 13 of Beyond Expectations: Parenting Autism , Michelle Chabolla and Sean Dobson sit down with Sharon Vehrs, a former special education teacher who worked with Gregory, to talk about what really helps kids succeed in school—and beyond. From individualized education plans (IEPs)  and inclusion to real-world life skills, Sharon shares powerful insights from 17 years in the classroom, inclu...

In Episode 12 of Beyond Expectations: Parenting Autism , Michelle Chabolla and Sean Dobson are joined by Michelle’s best friend of over 20 years, Jane Claxton, for a heartfelt conversation about friendship, support systems, and raising children side by side. With their kids growing up around the same time, Michelle and Jane share what it has looked like to walk through life together while navigati...

In Episode 11 of Beyond Expectations: Parenting Autism , Michelle Chabolla and Sean Dobson explore the often misunderstood topic of masking in autism, when individuals suppress natural behaviors in public in order to fit in socially. They discuss how many autistic individuals become deeply aware of being different and work hard to hide stimming, sounds, movements, or coping behaviors in public set...

In Episode 10 of Beyond Expectations: Parenting Autism, Michelle Chabolla and Sean Dobson welcome one of Gregory’s favorite high school teachers, Bradd Markusch, for an inspiring conversation about helping students with autism succeed in school and beyond. With decades of experience in special education, Bradd shares practical guidance for parents navigating high school services, IEPs, 504 plans,...

In Episode 9 of Beyond Expectations: Parenting Autism , Michelle Chabolla and Sean Dobson explore one of the most emotional and misunderstood topics for families raising a child with autism: friendship. They discuss what friendship can look like for individuals on the spectrum, how social connection changes through childhood and adulthood, and why meaningful relationships may not always fit tradit...

In Episode 8 of Beyond Expectations: Parenting Autism , Michelle Chabolla and Sean Dobson sit down with Trudy Bauer Martinez, an experienced occupational therapist and Greg’s first paraprofessional during his first year of school, to explore what school support for children with autism really looks like.  Trudy shares her unique perspective, combining her professional background in occupational th...