Piece by Piece Autism Podcast

In this episode, we’re talking chores—how we got Alec started, how we create chore chains with just the right level of support, and why these daily tasks are so much more than household responsibilities. Chores have been a huge part of Alec’s journey toward independence. We share how we taught him to complete tasks step by step, how we adjusted support as his skills grew, and why we believe every...

In this episode, we dive into one of the most important routines in Alec’s daily life: sitting down at the start of each shift with his team member to plan out their time together. This isn’t just a schedule—it’s a thoughtful, intentional way to make sure Alec is engaging both his body and his mind in meaningful ways. We talk about the parameters we’ve set to help guide those daily plans and creat...

In this episode, we talk about one of our most practical tools for daily life with Alec— the backpack . Whether you’re running errands, heading to a therapy appointment, or spending the day out and about, being prepared can make all the difference when caring for a child with autism. We share what we always keep packed and ready to go—from sensory supports and snacks to communication tools and cle...

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode, we share what Alec’s life looks like today—from the home he lives in to the systems we’ve put in place to support his independence and well-being. Over the years, we’ve worked hard to tailor his living environment to meet his unique needs, and we’re excited to give you a glimpse into the thoughtful setup that helps him thrive. We walk through the amenities in Alec’s home, how we d...

In this episode, we—Angie and Christi—look back on Alec’s early years and the start of our autism journey. We share what it was like when Alec was diagnosed at just 2 years old, some of the behaviors he struggled with, and how we navigated those early, uncertain days as parents and caregivers. We talk about the professionals who came into our lives and played a huge role in shaping Alec’s progress...

Join us—Angie Matheney and Christi Jensen—for a candid Q&A-style conversation where Christi opens up about what she wishes she could have told her younger self when Alec was first diagnosed. We talk about the shifting priorities that come with raising a child on the spectrum, the pressure to "do everything right," and the importance of giving yourself grace. Whether you're just...

In our very first episode of Piece by Piece: An Autism Podcast , we—Angie Matheney and Christi Jensen—introduce ourselves and share the heart behind this podcast. We're two women with a shared passion for helping others navigate the world of autism, and we’re here to build a supportive, honest, and empowering community. We’ll talk about our experiences working with Alec and how we use Applied...