Cultivating Spectrum Connections

In this deeply personal host-only episode, Lauryn opens up about a realization that surfaced during a recent family vacation as she watched her 10-year-old son living with Autism and Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities alongside his neurotypical younger brother. As our children grow, the gap between them and their peers may become more noticeable, not because they are any less, but because...

Beautiful Acquiring Minds founder Mallory Baker joins Cultivating Spectrum Connections to discuss the importance of sensory-friendly haircut experiences for children with Autism and sensory processing differences. With backgrounds in cosmetology, early childhood education, and special education, Mallory shares how she combined her experience to create a supportive environment where children can bu...

What happens after high school for individuals with Autism and intellectual disabilities? For many families, that question can feel overwhelming but there are meaningful, empowering paths forward. In this episode of Cultivating Spectrum Connections, we sit down to explore two incredible postsecondary programs at Arkansas State University: the H.O.W.L. Comprehensive Transition and Postsecondary Pro...

In this Autism Awareness Day episode of Cultivating Spectrum Connections, we go beyond awareness and explore the difference between accommodation and true inclusion. With Autism now affecting 1 in 31 children, the conversation matters more than ever. This episode challenges us to move past simply making space and instead create environments where individuals are heard, valued, and given a voice....

In this episode of Cultivating Spectrum Connections, we sit down with Maci and Michael Ferguson from DeWitt, Arkansas, parents of six-year-old twin girls who are both living with Autism. Autism is diagnosed in boys nearly four times more often than in girls, making their story one you don’t hear about very often. While twins may share many similarities, each child’s Autism journey is unique, and t...

What does the Autism journey look like when your child grows up? In this episode of Caregiver Chronicles, we sit down with a parent who has walked the road from early diagnosis to raising an adult child with Autism. Through honest conversation, hard-earned wisdom, and heartfelt encouragement, this episode offers hope for parents who feel overwhelmed by the unknown. If you’ve ever wondered what the...

In this episode of Cultivating Spectrum Connections, we sit down with, Mallory Shelton, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst to explore Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, what it is, how it works, and why it’s often misunderstood. We discuss common misconceptions, how ABA has evolved, and what ethical, compassionate practice looks like today. At Ag for Autism, we maintain a neutral stance on A...

Understanding your rights can be life changing. In this episode, we’re joined by Shelby Knight the Director of The Center for Exceptional Families (TCFEF) to talk about how Arkansas families can access education, advocacy, and support when navigating disability services and special education. We break down what TCFEF does, how families can connect, and why no parent should feel alone on this journ...

As we come to the close of 2025, From Harvest to Horizon invites you to pause, reflect, and look ahead with hope. In this episode, we take time to acknowledge what this past year has produced the growth, the challenges, the lessons learned, and the moments that shaped us. Just as importantly, we talk about how to carry those experiences forward into a new season with intention and purpose. We’re h...

Navigating the holidays with a neurodivergent or autistic child can be overwhelming. In this episode of Cultivating Spectrum Connections, Lauryn shares encouragement, real-life insight, and practical strategies to support children with ASD during the holiday season. From sensory overload and family expectations to guilt-free boundaries and flexible traditions, this episode helps parents create cal...

In our debut episode, host Lauryn Tacker shares the inspiring story behind Ag for Autism and the mission of Cultivating Spectrum Connections. Discover how efforts in rural Arkansas grew into a movement of hope, awareness, and support for families navigating Autism and what you can expect in future episodes.