Autism Family Resource

In this final episode of the series with Mandy Pinckley, we explore what advocacy truly looks like beyond awareness posts and hashtags. Mandy shares how lived experience can create meaningful change in schools, communities, organizations, and policy spaces when autistic voices are included in the conversation. Together, Brian and Mandy discuss neurodiversity-affirming advocacy, navigating IEP meet...

 In this episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, Brian Keene speaks with Joseph Shipman, an autistic adult, radio professional, musician, artist, and co-author of A Mother's Guide Through Autism. Joseph shares his experience growing up autistic, including early diagnosis, sensory sensitivities, speech therapy, social learning, friendships, bullying, grief, music, and the transition into adu...

Sex education can feel awkward, overwhelming, or even taboo for many parents, especially when they are raising neurodivergent children and already navigating so many daily demands. In this episode, Brian talks with Cath Hakanson, founder of Sex Ed Rescue, about how parents can approach sex education in practical, shame-free, and neurodiversity-affirming ways. Cath explains why sex education is not...

In this episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, Brian Keene talks with Dr. Jonathan Chism, father, educator, and founder of the Autism Dad Social Club. Dr. Chism shares how his own parenting journey led him to create a space where fathers of autistic children could connect, recharge, share resources, and build real community. Together, Brian and Dr. Chism discuss why dads can sometimes feel...

Have you ever wondered if the world will truly understand your child for who they are? In this powerful and deeply reflective conversation, Brian sits down with father, educator, and Autism Dads Social Club founder Jonathan Chism to explore the intersection of race and disability. Together, they unpack what it means to raise an autistic child while navigating cultural expectations, systemic challe...

Parenting an autistic child can bring moments of joy, uncertainty, growth, and deep reflection. In this episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast , Brian Keene sits down with Dr. Jonathan Chism , also known as Dr. Chiz , a father, professor, minister, and co-founder of the Autism Dad Social Club. Dr. Chism shares the honest story of his family's journey raising his non-speaking autistic son. H...

Have you ever wondered if something deeper might be affecting your child's regulation, behavior, or sleep? In this episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast , Brian sits down with Dr. Jeffrey Knight , chiropractor and founder of the Autism Wellness Center, to explore how factors like inflammation, gut health, environmental toxins, and cellular health may influence a child's nervous system and...

Many parents of neurodivergent children share a common feeling: isolation. Even when surrounded by people, it can feel like no one truly understands the unique challenges your family is navigating. In this episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast , Brian Keene sits down with autism advocate Mandy Pinckley to talk about the power of community and connection. Mandy shares her personal journey o...

Many parents know the feeling. Your child comes home and says, "Nobody plays with me," or you watch them standing alone on the playground while other kids easily connect. Every parent wants their child to feel included and accepted, but sometimes it feels like the world doesn't quite know how to make room for differences. In this episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast , Brian Keene sits dow...

What is it really like to grow up autistic? And what do autistic youth wish the adults in their lives understood better? In this episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast , Brian Keene sits down with autism advocate Mandy Pinckley to talk about her lived experience growing up autistic and the journey that led her into advocacy work today. Mandy shares what it was like navigating childhood, fri...

What if parents could feel less afraid, less confused, and more connected to their autistic children? In this episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast , Brian Keene sits down with Megan Ashley : an autistic Black woman, licensed therapist, parent advocate, speaker, and author. Megan shares her own late autism diagnosis, what helped her recognize autism in herself, and how her lived experience...

If your child's meltdowns leave you feeling frustrated, stuck, or unsure what to do next, this episode is for you. In this episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast , Brian Keene sits down with Lisa Chan , parent coach, behavior specialist, and former pediatric occupational therapist, to talk about what's really going on during hard moments at home. Lisa explains why emotional regulation is a...

Navigating autism can feel especially isolating when families are also carrying the weight of cultural barriers, medical mistrust, or systems that were not built with them in mind. In this episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast , Brian Keene sits down with Dr. Martine LaVenture , a licensed social worker, school social worker, therapist, and proud mom of a teen on the autism spectrum. Dr. L...

Many autistic children chew on shirts, toys, or even their own hands. For parents, these behaviors can feel confusing or concerning. But often, mouthing and chewing behaviors are a child's way of meeting an important sensory need. In this episode of the Common Chaos Sensory Series, host Brian Keene is joined by occupational therapist Dipali Devani to explore why these behaviors happen and how fami...

Parenting a neurodivergent child can bring many unexpected challenges—emotionally, logistically, and financially. In this episode, Brian sits down with autism advocate and father Michael Pereira, founder of My Autism Voyage, to talk about the real-life journey that led him to support other families navigating autism. Michael shares the story of recognizing early signs in his son, moving through de...

Divorce is never easy, and when a child has additional support needs, the process can feel even more overwhelming. In this episode, Brian Keene sits down with family law attorney Anna Kay to talk through some of the biggest questions parents may face when navigating divorce while caring for a neurodivergent child or a child with disabilities. Anna shares practical insight on different divorce proc...

Some children seem overwhelmed by everyday smells, while others seek out strong scents or react in ways that can leave parents feeling confused and unsure how to help. In this episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, Brian Keene is joined by occupational therapist Dipali Devani to talk about smell sensitivity, sensory processing, and practical ways families can support children who are highl...

Friendship, belonging, and inclusion matter deeply for neurodivergent children, but many families still struggle to find environments where their child feels truly welcomed and supported. In this episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, Brian Keene talks with Gail Ewell, Executive Director of Hope Technology School, about what it takes to build inclusive spaces at school, at home, and in the...

What happens when someone grows up autistic without knowing why the world feels different? In this episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, Brian Keene talks with New York Times bestselling author J.D. Barker about his experience growing up autistic without a diagnosis, how that shaped his childhood and work life, and what changed when he was finally diagnosed at age 22. J.D. shares openly a...

Receiving an autism or ADHD diagnosis for your child can bring a wave of emotions, questions, and uncertainty. In this episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, Brian Keene sits down with author, speaker, podcaster, and Arizona mom Kari Baker to talk about her journey parenting her son with autism and ADHD. Kari shares honestly about the early years of confusion, the pressure she felt to keep...

What does autism therapy look like when it is truly play-based, family-centered, and grounded in a child's individual strengths? In this episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, Brian Keene talks with Will Martin from SOAR Autism Center about the Early Start Denver Model, often called ESDM, and how it offers a different approach from more traditional forms of ABA therapy. Will shares how he...

Divorce is never easy, and when a child has autism, disabilities, or other support needs, the process can feel even more overwhelming. In this episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, Brian Keene talks with certified divorce coach, mediator, and special needs parent Mary Ann Hughes about how families can navigate separation while keeping their child's well-being at the center. Mary Ann share...

Mental health is an important part of supporting neurodivergent children, yet it is often overlooked in the larger autism conversation. In this episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, Brian Keene talks with social worker and certified autism specialist Mitch Leppicello about the emotional lives of autistic children and why families need practical tools to support regulation, communication,...

The lockdown may feel far behind us, but for many children, its impact is still showing up in everyday life, especially in social communication and emotional regulation. In this episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, Brian Keene welcomes back Lenora Edwards to talk about how the pandemic and isolation affected children's language development, social skills, and confidence in communication....

What happens when a child who is labeled as "slow" or "lazy" is actually a bright, creative learner who simply needs the right support? In this episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, Brian Keene talks with Lynn and Jonathan Greenberg about their family's journey with dyslexia, the challenges Jonathan faced growing up, and the powerful book they created together, Robbie the Dyslexic Taxi ....