The Pause That Connects

In this insightful interview, Ashley Gillespie shares her journey from speech therapy to founding Bloom Development Center, emphasizing the importance of connection, regulation, and individualized support in child development. Discover practical strategies rooted in Greenspan Floor Time to foster meaningful parent-child relationships and effectively support neurodiverse children. Follow Ashley on...

In this conversation, Dr. Jason from Revolution Chiropractic shares his journey into chiropractic care, emphasizing the importance of understanding the nervous system and its role in health and wellness. He discusses how chiropractic care can support neurodivergent learners and the signs parents should look for in their children that may indicate dysregulation. Dr. Jason also provides insights on...

In this conversation, Bailey, a sleep consultant with Sleep Wise, shares her journey from being an occupational therapist to also specializing in sleep consulting. She discusses the importance of a holistic approach to sleep, the role of sensory needs, and the significance of individualized sleep plans for families. The conversation also touches on common misconceptions about sleep consulting, suc...

In this conversation, Manju, also known as MJ, shares her inspiring journey from India to the United States, from working with animals to becoming an ABA therapist, and then transitioning into adaptive fitness. She emphasizes the importance of inclusion, empathy, and understanding in fitness for individuals with special needs. Through various success stories, she illustrates how adaptive fitness c...

 In this episode, I sit down with Clay and Rachel from G3 Games to explore how they foster connections and strengthen community through the shared experience of playing board games and hosting gatherings. We dive into the origins of G3 Games, the relationships that have grown from these events, and how they’ve cultivated a space that values inclusivity by welcoming people of all ages, genders, eth...

In this conversation, Mike shares his journey as a parent supporting his autistic son, reflecting on the barriers families often face in accessing meaningful services and inclusive supports. He emphasizes the importance of advocacy, understanding rights, and building strong community connections. Mike also discusses his role in creating organizations that center autistic voices and provide resourc...

 In this episode, we talk with Hannah from Team Luke Hope for Minds, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting children and families after a brain injury. Hannah shares insights about what a traumatic brain injury (TBI) is, the challenges families often face, and the incredible ways Team Luke Hope for Minds provides hope, resources, and financial assistance during recovery. Together, we exp...

 This episode features Amanda, a physical therapist assistant with Autism on the Seas , an organization dedicated to making cruise travel accessible and enjoyable for families with special needs. Amanda shares her personal journey, insights from her work onboard, and practical tips for families considering travel. The conversation highlights the power of community, inclusion, and the life-changing...

This conversation explores Kendra's journey in founding Elliot's Voice, an organization born from personal grief and the need for effective communication tools for children with speech delays. Kendra shares her experiences with AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication), the importance of advocacy, and her efforts to raise awareness and accessibility for communication tools in publ...

In this engaging podcast episode, Farrin shares her journey from being an educator to founding her travel consulting company, Vacations Worth Melting For. She focuses on creating personalized travel experiences for neurodiverse families, emphasizing the importance of understanding individual needs and providing sensory guides to support them. The conversation explores the challenges and strategies...

In this episode, we sit down with therapist Mim Kempson to explore the beauty and complexity of neurodivergent relationships and therapy. Mim shares her journey into the field, her own experiences with ADHD and Autism, and how narrative therapy shaped her approach to helping others. Together, we explore the power of relatability in therapy and understanding individual needs. Mim also reframes conf...

In this conversation, Melissia from Austin Special Needs Planning shares her personal journey as a mother of a special needs child and how it shaped her career in special needs planning. She discusses the importance of understanding long-term planning for children with special needs, including misconceptions about guardianship, the significance of special needs trusts, and the value of community s...

In this heartfelt episode, we sit down with Gabby Cornelio to explore her journey as a mother, author, and advocate. Gabby begins by sharing her family’s story and the moment she first received her son’s Williams syndrome diagnosis. She reflects on the challenges and growth that came with navigating early intervention, as well as the importance of building community and surrounding herself with su...

In this episode, Dr. Nancy Krenek from ROCK shares her journey into physical and equine therapy and the powerful impact these programs have on individuals with special needs. She highlights the healing role of horses, the importance of community, and the support offered to both participants and caregivers. Dr. Krenek also shares inspiring success stories and ways to get involved with ROCK’s missio...

In this uplifting conversation, Kaci and Amanda from Rising Tide Specialized Therapies share their inspiring journey into the world of recreation therapy. With passion and purpose, they talk about what drew them to the field, the experiences that have shaped their practice, and the meaningful impact their work has on neurodivergent individuals. They dive into the importance of community involvemen...

In this episode of The Pause That Connects podcast, Crystal Herrington opens up about her meaningful journey into financial planning, with a special focus on supporting families who have loved ones with special needs. She shares insights into the emotional and practical aspects of this path, including the often-overlooked grieving process families may experience. Crystal explains the differences b...

In this inspiring conversation, LeeAnna shares the heartfelt journey behind starting Sensory Style, a company dedicated to creating supportive and empowering environments for families. With a deep understanding of family dynamics and the challenges many face, she highlights the importance of intentional planning and collaboration with other professionals to design spaces that truly meet each famil...

In this inspiring conversation, Neta shares her incredible journey to becoming a devoted practitioner, working alongside her business partner Hagit to support children and families through emotional regulation and the wisdom of the Chinese five elements. She speaks passionately about the importance of creating inclusive tools for children and the need to understand emotional dynamics in both kids...

In this heartfelt and powerful episode of The Pause That Connects , Cindy invites us into her deeply personal journey as a parent raising a neurodivergent child. From the earliest signs to the diagnosis, she shares the emotional highs and lows of navigating an often overwhelming system—and why early intervention made all the difference. Cindy opens up about the tough conversations, the moments of...

In this gentle and reflective mini episode, we explore the quiet power of simply being present. Instead of reaching for questions or solutions, what happens when we choose stillness—especially when supporting someone who’s overwhelmed, neurodivergent, or just not ready to engage? Drawing from personal experience and professional insight, this episode offers a thoughtful look at why silence isn’t a...

What really happens when autistic individuals become adults? In this episode of The Pause That Connects , Amber discusses the often invisible journey of autistic people after they age out of school-based support systems. Many families don't discover critical services — like Medicaid waivers — until it's almost too late. One parent shared, "We got on the waitlist 4 years ago and I go...

In this episode of The Pause That Connects , we’re joined by physical therapist Dr. Jenny Johnson and Rebekah Dilks, PTA for a powerful conversation about the unique role physical therapy can play in supporting neurodivergent individuals. We explore how PT can address both motor development and underlying regulation needs, and discuss when it might be the right time to seek services for your child...

In this episode of The Pause That Connects , we explore the world of Gestalt Language Processing (GLP) —a way some individuals naturally acquire language through meaningful chunks, scripts, and echolalia. We walk through the stages of gestalt language development and how to identify and support GLP in everyday life. You’ll hear about what to look for in a GLP-informed provider and why collaboratio...

In this episode, we sit down to pause and listen to Nicole Santiago, M.Ed. , educator and founder of Family Addventures (@familyaddventures), as she shares her insight and lived experience navigating the world of special education. From decoding ARD meetings, IEPs, and 504 plans to advocating for strength-based, collaborative approaches, Nicole offers practical guidance for parents and caregivers...

In this powerful and heart-centered conversation, therapist Candice Fraser LPC joins us to discuss the evolving landscape of mental health and how we can make it more accessible, inclusive, and supportive—especially for families. We explore the importance of accessibility in mental health care and Candice's innovative approaches to therapy that meet clients where they are. She dives into the...