The Polaris Connection Autism Parenting, Expert Insights & Proven Resources

Send us Fan Mail This week’s episode of The Polaris Connection is a little different and incredibly special. Our hosts, Brad Broyles and Nathan Palmer, were invited to join Norrine Russell on her podcast, Breaking Out of the Box . The conversation was so meaningful, honest, and full of hope that we knew we wanted to share it with our Polaris community as this week's episode. In this episode,...

Send us Fan Mail In this special Father's Day episode, hosts Brad Broyles, Nathan Palmer, and guest Aaron Kaczmarek reflect on fatherhood, autism, family life, and the lessons they've learned as dads, educators, and advocates. The episode begins with exciting updates from Polaris Academy, then shifts to the heart of the episode: fatherhood. Nathan shares the importance of recognizing and...

Send us Fan Mail This episode features Dr. Tara Williams, who shares invaluable insights into supporting autistic children through educational transitions. The discussion covers innovative approaches to integrating therapy into academics, the importance of visual learning, and strategies for fostering independence and self-advocacy in children.  Dr. Williams also highlights the significance of bod...

Send us Fan Mail How do you keep moving forward when life hands you challenges that seem impossible to carry? In this heartfelt episode of  The Polaris Connection, Brad and Nathan sit down with Amber Jackson, Instagrams @EnjoyingHolland, a mother of four whose journey has been marked by profound loss, unexpected turns, and extraordinary resilience. Amber is raising children with diverse needs, inc...

Send us Fan Mail "Ever thought, ‘What do butterflies and autism have in common?’ 💭  Turns out, a lot more than you’d think. It’s all about transformation and small changes making a big impact.  Drop a 🦋 if you believe in the power of tiny shifts to create big results in neurodiversity support!  In our chat with Laura, she shared how her butterfly branding isn’t just pretty, it symbolizes me...

Send us Fan Mail Join us on "The Polaris Connection" as we explore the unique challenges and joys of parenting autistic children during the summer months.  Hosts Brad Broyles and Nathan Palmer share insightful tips and personal stories to help you navigate family vacations, manage sensory overload, and embrace the unpredictability of summer.  Discover how to create meaningful experiences...

Send us Fan Mail Dr. Norrine Russell, a leading expert in neurodiversity and founder of Russell Coaching for Students shares her personal journey as a mother of a neurodivergent child, Ethan, who has been diagnosed with ADHD, autism, and anxiety. She discusses the challenges and triumphs of raising Ethan, emphasizing the importance of finding a supportive community and understanding each child&apo...

Send us Fan Mail How does a simple tax redirect help kids get the education they deserve? It’s not just about taxes... it’s about giving every child the chance to thrive in the right environment. 💡 Drop a 🔑 if you believe in giving kids more options.  ✨Here's the scoop: in Arizona, you can redirect your tax dollars to support private school scholarships and it costs you nothing extra. Yes,...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of "The Polaris Connection," hosts Brad Broyles and Nathan Palmer welcome Emily Moffat, a talented singer known for her work as a Disney princess voice. The discussion centers around Emily's journey with her son Jasper, who was diagnosed with autism. Emily shares how music became a powerful tool in helping Jasper navigate daily challenges, such as ge...

Send us Fan Mail This episode offers valuable insights for parents of neurodivergent children by reframing autism as a unique language rather than a set of behaviors to be corrected. Dr. Barry Prizant emphasizes understanding the "deep why" behind behaviors, encouraging parents to see these actions as meaningful communication. By shifting focus from changing the child to adapting the env...

Send us Fan Mail In this uplifting episode of "The Polaris Connection," learn Why Understanding Your Sensory System Can Transform Parenting Outcomes  with hosts Brad Broyles and Nathan Palmer. Guest Lindsey Biel, an experienced occupational therapist, discusses practical strategies for supporting autistic children. Lindsey shares insights from her 27 years of experience, emphasizing the...

Send us Fan Mail Discover practical insights on maintaining healthy relationships and effective parenting strategies for families with autistic or special needs children. Join us as Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife shares her personal journey, professional expertise, and compassionate advice for couples and parents navigating these unique challenges.  In this episode you will find: Dr. Jennifer’s backg...

Send us Fan Mail Unlock the transformative power of music as a tool for connection, confidence, and healing... especially for children with unique needs. This episode dives into how inclusive choral programs like Phoenix Children’s Chorus are breaking barriers, fostering growth, and revealing the incredible potential within every child, regardless of their abilities.  Anne Coryell, a dedicated mus...

Send us Fan Mail This episode of "The Polaris Connection" podcast focuses on the role of fathers in parenting, particularly in families with autistic children. The hosts discuss the common perception that mothers are more involved in the care of autistic children and emphasize the importance of fathers being actively engaged. They explore topics such as the difference between responding...

Send us Fan Mail Are we really giving our kids the best shot at a full life? Here's what Carrie Cariello has learned from the stories and struggles of parents navigating autism. Drop a 💙 if you're doing your best and needed to hear this today. As a parent of a child with autism, we’ve seen how small moments of connection, like petting a dog or sharing a cookie are real victories. Our gu...

Send us Fan Mail This episode features Dr. Gabrielle Ficchi and Michele Thorne discussing Care for the Caregivers, an Arizona-based nonprofit, with hosts Brad Broyles and Nathan Palmer. They cover the organization’s founding story, mission to support caregivers of children with disabilities, and efforts to combat caregiver isolation through therapy, parent training, and community events.  The conv...

Send us Fan Mail Listen as our guest, Eileen Devine discusses Brain First Parenting, focusing on supporting neurodivergent children by understanding their unique brain functions and nervous systems rather than just their behaviors.  Key themes include: Brain-First Approach : Emphasizes the importance of recognizing neurodiversity as a difference, not a defect, and the need for tailored accommodati...

Send us Fan Mail At Starlight Behavior Academy, every decision is intentional. Every routine has purpose. Every moment matters. In this episode of Polaris Connection, Director Haley Palmer shares the powerful impact of early identification and early intervention for autistic children. From predictable morning routines to thoughtfully structured learning environments, Starlight Academy focuses on h...

Send us Fan Mail Unlock the transformative power of educational freedom for children with autism and neurodiversity. In this episode, George Khalaf, an expert in public policy and founder of innovative school models, reveals how parents can champion their kids’ unique needs and unlock opportunities previously out of reach. Discover why the conventional system often falls short and how advocacy, st...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Polaris Connection, Brad and Nathan sit down with Ann Monahan, Board President of the Arizona Autism Coalition and longtime healthcare and policy advocate, to talk about how autism and IDD services are changing and what families can do right now to stay informed and prepared. Ann shares how the Arizona Autism Coalition brings together families, providers, ed...

Send us Fan Mail Discover innovative home and school environment strategies to support children on the autism spectrum. Host Brad and Nathan explore practical design tips, sensory regulation tools, and neurological insights that can transform daily living spaces into calming, engaging environments for autistic children. Key Points: Tailor environment modifications to individual needs, avoiding one...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of "The Polaris Connection," the hosts Brad Broyles and Nathan Palmer engage with Nicole Kuck, a certified legal document planner, to discuss the intricacies of planning for children with special needs as they transition into adulthood. The conversation highlights the importance of proactive planning for legal guardianship, financial support, and decision...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Polaris Connection, we sit down with Kevin Humphrey, the executive director of Sunshine Acres, to explore the unique approach of this children's home in supporting autistic children. Kevin shares personal stories and insights into the challenges and triumphs of raising a child on the autism spectrum, as well as the broader mission of Sunshine Acres to p...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Polaris Connection , we sit down with Beth Garcia , STEM Teacher at Polaris Academy , to explore how STEM education helps autistic children discover their strengths, build confidence, and thrive through hands-on learning . Many parents of autistic children search for ways to support learning beyond traditional classrooms. This conversation dives into why STE...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Polaris Connection , hosts Brad Broyles and Nathan Palmer sit down with Dallas and Mackenzie Klenke, founders of Kenzie’s Kids Mobile Gym , to explore the powerful connection between movement, behavior regulation, and confidence for autistic and neurodivergent children. Dallas and Mackenzie share how Kenzie’s Kids began as a passion project rooted in special...