The Autism Exchange

We should all strive to be a little bit more like Jeff Wiles. What a great story. The even-keeled Jeff shares about his life and his experiences with hippotherapy, including the kids involved. Great stuff!

"What is hippotherapy? Who does it? How does it work? I like horses." If any of these have crossed your mind, don't miss episode 25. Jerome Gullett, vice president of the Kentucky Natural Gaited Horse Association and trainer/rider extraordinaire, shares his experiences meeting children with developmental disabilities for the first time, as well as some other good horse goofin'.

Happy Halloween! Janis, Michael, & Lorraine, kick off the spooky season with a lot of fun, and a lot of exploring how Halloween traditions (and other holidays) look different for families of children with autism and other developmental disabilities. It might be hard, but it CAN BE FUN!

Yes, you read that right. Cockroach Milk. It's a thing. But that's beside the point. In today's episode, we have some raw insight into parenting a child with autism (or developmental disability), and also established that the posse of people who love someone with a developmental disability is NOT the group you want to mess with. Oh, and we touch on a new communication app (SpeakSteps), with some K...

We're back again! José joins us to share his experience as a Doctoral OT student, Janis & Michael go through some interesting autism talk, and Lorraine joins again for some pop-quiz goofin.

After an unfortunate series of events, the co-hosts of this show had to take some time away - and they hated it. Join Michael and Janis as they jump headfirst back into the world of autism and current events. Welcome back!

In true Autism Exchange fashion, Janis and Michael goof up a lot of things. The most recent of these things is the very episode you are about to listen to. Months ago, when life required both hosts to take some time away from podcasting (which was AWFUL), we had recorded this episode. OF COURSE we are not going to take time to go back and listen to it before we share it with you, because that woul...

She might be a postmaster, but she's also a masterful momma. Join us to meet Lauren Strunk, a mother with a son on the autism spectrum. Lauren exemplifies commitment, determination, and love for her children. Spoiler alert: Twizzlers did not win the candy tournament. Thoughts? Feedback? Ideas? We want to know! info.autismexchange@gmail.com

Autism in the News! Bears, elk, and deer, make a surprise appearance in this episode! Getting slightly more on track, Janis & Michael review their latest train wreck and discuss some current topics regarding autism in the news - for better or for worse. Oh, and there's a preview of a GIVEAWAY! Ideas? Feedback? Thoughts? We want to know! info.autismexchange@gmail.com

Well, this happened. After a necessary two week hiatus, Janis & Michael FINALLY return to...well...we don't really know what happened. We do learn a little bit, like how pickles can be positive, among other things. We're all over the place. This is unscripted catch-up between hosts who can't keep a train of thought. Buckle up. Feedback? Ideas? Comments? Questions? We want to know! info.autisme...

Well, this happened...Janis & Michael attempt to recap wonderful conversations with Kirsten and Farha, but as they often do, things went sideways. These twists and turns make for a lot of fun - and yes - there are many, many things to pull from great conversations with great people. Questions? Ideas? Feedback? We want to know! info.autismexchange@gmail.com

Join Michael and Janis as they test the waters, talking about "The Stimming Pool"  a film co-created by the Neurocultures Collective and filmmaker Steven Eastwood.  The discussion takes twists and turns, and in true Autism Exchange fashion, even agreeing and disagreeing, there is so much to learn from one another.  Speaking of fashion, the conversation includes Barbies and race cars- don't miss ou...

Janis & Michael have a VERY quick check-in with news, reviews, and things to come. Get your Autism Exchange quick fix in this short. Ideas? Questions? Feedback? Let us know! info.autismexchange@gmail.com

Michael and Janis welcome back a special guest, one who generously works behind the microphone and behind the scenes- AND is a mom of two boys, one of whom has autism.  Who can it be?  Welcome back, Kirsten Coldiron!  In her usual candor, Kirsten talks about finding the right fit with doctors, caregivers, and everyday people who interact with families,  including hair stylists, grocery store passe...

Farha, a solo mom of Vincent, a young boy with autism, shows us how to find the beauty in everything - even the hard stuff (like poo in a pool). Her perspective on "get to" instead of "have to" is life changing. Please don't miss this! Feedback? Questions? Comments? Suggestions? Let us know! info.autismexchange@gmail.com

Well, this happened...Join Janis and Michael as they try their best to keep the wheels on the bus during this continuation of the recap series. Try not to laugh - we dare you. Find great conversation and great levity in this episode that recounts recent happenings in the Autism Exchange world!

Catherine Weiner Part 2! The follow-up we have been promising definitely delivers. Catherine gives us more details and insights to drive home exactly how to bring self-advocacy to your next IEP meeting. This should be required listening for parents and professionals alike - to learn more about your child/student and where they want to go. Questions? Feedback? Ideas? We want to hear from you! info....

In this episode of the Autism Exchange, we talk about reading and speaking new languages with parents, how we attempt to define autism for ourselves and others, and of course, Michael shares his notorious penchant for southern sayin’s. This episode has a few surprises and more great conversations that bring new insights into the Autism Exchange, you won’t want to miss this one!

In today's episode of the Autism Exchange, Janis & Michael meet Stacey Ferrell, a preschool teacher (and a whole lot more), who shares lots of laughs and lots of insight into what it takes to push children to be the best they can be. It's not easy, and sometimes you get a black eye, but it's possible. Equally informative, emotional, and hilarious, you don't want to miss this one! Feedback? Que...

In this brief sneak peek episode, get to know Catherine Weiner! What does it look like in Catherine's Home and Country? Come see why you DO NOT want to miss Part 2 of Catherine Weiner - coming soon!!

Join Michael and Janis as they recap the last three episodes. If you weren't able to listen individually, this is a great opportunity to hear a summary of the GREAT things that came from unplanned and unprompted conversation with three AMAZING guests. "My Home. My Country." continues to shine! Questions? Feedback? Ideas? Let us know! info.autismexchange@gmail.com

In this special episode, things get personal as we hear from an amazing teenager who chats with Michael and Janis about what it's like to have ADHD.  What it like to have ADHD at home?  At school? With friends?  With peers?  And most importantly, how do see yourself with ADHD?    This special episode is not an insight into just ADHD,  Caroline's voice speaks for kids and adults everywhere who feel...

The podcast today is like NOTHING you have heard before in the world of education & autism (and other special needs IEP planning). Catherine Weiner joins us today to talk about her commitment to her students and her own sons, to make sure they have a voice in their own education and their own future. In Part 1 of 2, Catherine discusses the overlooked part of all IEP meetings - the student. Cat...

Join Janis and Michael as they have GREAT fun with Dr. Kara Burton, a Doctor of Occupational Therapy but, more importantly, a kind and inquisitive person! Kara brings humor, energy, and raw truth-telling to the conversation. You don't want to miss this one! Buckle up!

To suggest a guest, provide priceless feedback, or to offer suggestions for topics that are important to YOU, send us an email at: info.autismexchange@gmail.com ! In this episode of the Autism Exchange, join Michael and Janis as they dig into the best parts of the first two episodes! You will laugh, you will learn, but most importantly, you WILL HAVE FUN! As always, we promise not to preach self-h...