Navigating Adult Autism

Welcome to our last episode of season three! Today’s episode includes conversations we had this past year at various events for our local autism community. We hope you enjoy hearing their perspectives! Have a wonderful summer and we will return in September with season 4! Thank you for your continued support—be sure to subscribe, share, and connect with our community! If you like our podcast, plea...

Welcome to our latest episode! Today’s episode is the fourth installment of our day-in-the-life series, where we discuss what a typical day looks like for our adult children on the autism spectrum. In this episode, Elizabeth discusses a typical day for Nathan, Chase and Nicole. Join us for this meaningful conversation. Thank you for your continued support—be sure to subscribe, share, and connect w...

Welcome to our latest episode! Today’s episode is the third installment of our day-in-the-life series, where we discuss what a typical day looks like for our adult children on the autism spectrum. In this episode, Mary discusses a typical day for Conrad who just recently turned 34. Join us for this meaningful conversation. Thank you for your continued support—be sure to subscribe, share, and conne...

Welcome to our latest episode! Today’s episode is the second installment of our day-in-the-life series, where we discuss what a typical day looks like for our adult children on the autism spectrum. In this episode, Dawn and Tara discuss a typical day for JR and Zion. Join us for this meaningful conversation. Thank you for your continued support—be sure to subscribe, share, and connect with our com...

Today’s episode is the first installment of our day-in-the-life series, where we discuss what a typical day looks like for our adult children on the autism spectrum. In this episode, Heather discusses a typical day for Zachary, a 24-year-old who requires 24/7 care. Join us for this meaningful conversation. Thank you for your continued support—be sure to subscribe, share, and connect with our commu...

Welcome to our latest episode! Today’s episode is so special and meaningful to us! The moms got to spend time with Connie Cline, mom to Diane, a retired educator and a legendary autism advocate in Southwest Missouri! Connie shares with us the journey she took to get her daughter access to education (she was the first student served at Springfield Public Schools) and the many other resources that w...

Welcome to our latest episode! Today, the moms discuss the lack of inclusive resources and activities for individuals on the severe end of the autism spectrum. Before families and communities can move from awareness to acceptance, it is imperative that all individuals on the spectrum are understood and vital resources exist to meet all levels of support needed. Individuals on the severe end of the...

Welcome to our latest episode! Today, the moms discuss proposed budget cuts in Missouri that would directly affect families in the disability community. Advocacy has been a common thread for all of us throughout our children's lives. Join us to learn more about the current issues and the systems our families must navigate to access services, as well as ways to help. Thank you for your continue...

Welcome to our latest episode! Today, the moms dive into the release of Mattel’s new Barbie doll with autism—a topic sparking important conversations in the autism community and beyond. We’ll explore the significance, reactions, and what this means for representation. Settle in for a candid, insightful, and engaging discussion. Thank you for your continued support, and for being part of our commun...

In this episode, the moms discuss the successes and struggles of finding community activities that our adult children can and want to participate in. We talk in depth about the resources we tried when our children were young, and we share some great current resources available in our area. We are deeply grateful for your support and look forward to sharing this episode with you! Thank you for list...

In this episode, the moms welcome back Angie Groven, Executive Function Coach and founder of Grow.co, to join our discussion on hygiene, sex, and sexuality. These are sensitive topics that are often difficult for adults on the spectrum to understand and navigate. The group discusses their families’ personal experiences with these important topics; things that worked for them and the things that di...

In this episode, the moms continue the discussion of placement out in the community! Mary and Dawn took to the mobile mic to interview Rebecca Greene and Becky Shaw, both autism moms, about their families’ experiences with placement for their adult sons on the spectrum. There is also a quick bonus discussion with Caleb Giles and David Shaw. Please listen in and join us for this unique episode! We...

In this episode, the mom’s welcome leadership from The Arc of the Ozarks! Clay McGranahan, Vice President of Program Services, and Kelley Sikes, Director of Counterpoint, join us to discuss avenues of care and living for individuals with disabilities in adulthood. Clay and Kelley discuss all the different ways The Arc of the Ozarks supports individuals. They walk us through placement options and f...

In this episode, the moms welcome back Eli Winfrey! Eli is an author, veteran, autism advocate, podcast host, and founder of Team Winfrey, an organization focused on making a positive impact on others. Eli discusses ways to create self-care practices for busy parents and takes time to discuss the male perspective as they engage in parenting a child on the autism spectrum. Join us for this meaningf...

In this episode, the moms welcome Angie Groven! Angie always imagined she would work in special education. That dream became a reality as she worked in public schools for several years, serving special education students. Through her work, Angie recognized a gap as students were transitioning out of school and into adulthood. She saw the need and took action by founding Grow. Co, where she provide...

In this episode, the moms are so grateful to welcome Carrie Cariello! Carrie is a wife, mother to 5, blogger and a New York Times bestselling author. Through her writing she shares her family’s journey through life with her son Jack, who is on the autism spectrum. Carrie’s writing is vulnerable and insightful, and it has helped moms like us build connection in a world that is so often complicated...

In this episode, the moms welcome back Dr. Robert Jason Grant, EdD, owner and founder of AutPlay Therapy Clinic. Dr. Grant, a Licensed Counselor, Play Therapist, Neurodivergent Advocate, Author, Trainer, and Consultant, shares his invaluable insights on a diverse range of topics, from play therapy to ways we can build self-empowerment in our children with ASD. His extensive experience in serving t...

In this episode, the moms welcome Eli Winfrey! Eli is an author, veteran, autism advocate, podcast host, and founder of Team Winfrey, an organization focused on making a positive impact on others. Eli shares with us the experiences that shaped his purpose and drive to help the autism community and many others. Join us for this meaningful discussion with Eli. His life experiences are unique and pur...

In this episode, the moms highlight the importance of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM)! Dr. Robert Jason Grant, EdD, owner of AutPlay Therapy Clinic, joins us for this critical discussion. Employment for individuals with disabilities is very often an uphill battle. Join us as we discuss our families’ experiences with finding meaningful employment. We are deeply grateful for y...

In this episode, the moms welcome James Ballard, J.D., Vice President and Private Client Advisor at Commerce Trust. James addresses a range of questions related to guardianship, such as the legal process, financial implications, and the role of a guardian and also touches on Special Needs Trusts. Guardianship and Special Needs Trusts are complicated and multifaceted. James helps us parse out all t...

Welcome to the first episode of season 3! The moms are thrilled to bring you our conversation with Dr. Stephen Shore! Dr. Shore is a professor, author, and advocate, and currently serves on the board of Autism Speaks. Join us as we discuss Dr. Shore’s personal experiences with life on the autism spectrum, as well as his essential advocacy work. We are grateful for your support and excited to share...

In the Season Two finale, the moms discuss Heather's trip to the Authentic Awareness Autism Assembly in DC, focusing on the needs of individuals with severe autism, who make up 26.7% of the ASD spectrum. These individuals are often left out of research and important legislative discussions. We will cover key advocacy issues and gaps in support for those at the severe end of the spectrum. Thank you...

In this episode, the moms welcome Erik and Katherine Burington to the podcast! Erik is Cynthia’s son, who is on the autism spectrum, and we are delighted to have him and his wife, Katherine, sit down with us to discuss marriage and parenting. They share their story of dating, marriage, and welcoming their sweet daughter Viola! Tune in as they dive into the joys and challenges of being new parents,...

In this episode, the moms catch up with each other and the lives of their adult children with ASD. As we approach the end of the second season of our podcast, we decided to give an update on the current happenings of our families. We hope our listeners relate to our heartfelt conversation and feel a sense of community with us. As always, we celebrate progress, navigate the hurdles, and hope to upl...

In this episode, the moms discuss the complex relationship between seizures and autism, sharing personal stories and insights. They explore how seizures can manifest in individuals with autism and discuss various coping strategies for families affected by these challenges. Listeners will better understand the neurological aspects at play and treatment options. The episode aims to foster awareness,...