THE SJ CHILDS SHOW-Building a Community of Inclusion

Send us Fan Mail What happens when a childhood dream takes an unexpected detour through the world of speechwriting only to emerge as a vibrant career in adolescent fiction? That's what our guest reveals as she recounts her unique journey towards becoming an author, inspired by personal experiences and a flair for capturing diverse voices. Discover how her life as a mom, wife, and writer inter...

Send us Fan Mail Aaron DeVries, a devoted advocate for disability inclusion, brings his heartfelt journey to our conversation, inspired by his daughter's battles with epilepsy and cerebral palsy. As a father navigating a predominantly female advocacy space, Aaron shares the importance of belonging over merely fitting in, urging more fathers to lend their voices to the cause. We explore how pe...

Send us Fan Mail Join us for an enlightening conversation with Healey Ikerd, a seasoned licensed counselor from Arkansas who brings 17 years of expertise in mental health to our discussion. Healey passionately shares her journey from working with children to focusing on adults in her private practice, and the significance of modeling good mental health practices. Her insights are not just professi...

Send us Fan Mail What happens when you challenge societal norms and prove the naysayers wrong? Join us as Christian takes us through his inspiring journey from overcoming the stigma of autism to becoming a beacon of hope and inclusion. Diagnosed in 2001, when understanding was limited, Christian defied discouraging predictions of his future by breaking stereotypes. From obtaining his driver’s lice...

Send us Fan Mail What happens when an occupational therapist and a devoted mother come together to tackle the pressing issues surrounding autistic adult transition support? Join us in a heartfelt exchange with April as we uncover the real challenges faced by autistic individuals and their families as they step into adulthood. With April's personal journey as both a professional and a parent,...

Send us Fan Mail Navigating the emotional waves of an autism diagnosis can feel overwhelming, but it also opens doors to empowerment and understanding. Join us as we share the emotional journey of embracing this new reality, featuring Bridget Hamstead, the visionary behind Vishnu Tree. Bridget offers valuable insights on transforming initial fears into a sense of freedom, where families can tap in...

Send us Fan Mail Join us as we welcome the remarkable Tamika Lechee Morales, founder of the Autism Hero Project. Born from her personal journey with her son's autism and ADHD diagnosis, Tamika's nonprofit has been a beacon of hope since 2015. Originally focusing on providing essential medical insurance in Illinois, the Autism Hero Project has grown to include educational scholarships, in...

Send us Fan Mail What makes Stephen Wright's surreal humor so uniquely captivating? Join us as our friend Andrew, known for his sharp wit and keen intellect, takes us on a journey through Wright's world of deadpan delivery and bizarre punchlines. Discover how Wright’s offbeat humor resonates profoundly with the autistic experience, turning what many see as different into a source of beau...

Send us Fan Mail What does it mean to truly support someone with undiagnosed autism? Our latest episode promises a journey through the eyes of a humanities professor from Metro Detroit, who has navigated the complex terrains of life and academia without the clarity of a diagnosis until the age of 41. Discover how survival skills from a challenging childhood turned into indispensable tools for crea...

Send us Fan Mail What happens when a New Jersey native with dreams of joining the Army turns those dreams into a 22-year journey of service? Join us as we chat with Rich LaMonica, a retired Army veteran who opens up about the values instilled in him by his hardworking parents and the challenges he faced, including a last-minute scramble to prepare for college. We reflect on his four combat deploym...

Send us Fan Mail Miss Zorina, a resilient veteran and dedicated caregiver, joins us to share her wisdom on intentional parenting and child development. We delve into the unique challenges faced by parents in the wake of COVID-19 and the strategies that can help overcome them. Zorina recounts her personal journey of raising her son and granddaughters, highlighting the transformative power of consis...

Send us Fan Mail Ever wondered how sensory strategies can transform speech therapy? In this episode, Jessie Ginsberg, a seasoned speech-language pathologist and mother of four, shares her innovative approach to integrating sensory techniques into speech therapy. With years of experience running a clinic in Los Angeles and creating online programs, Jessie provides invaluable insights into understan...

Send us Fan Mail Ever wondered how to turn everyday conflicts into opportunities for growth and understanding? Join us as we sit down with Kat Newport, a seasoned conflict management expert and mother of four, to unpack her transformative journey from the corporate world to raising three neurodiverse children. Kat's personal story is a testament to the power of evolving conflict resolution sk...

Send us Fan Mail https://www.eventbrite.com/e/3rd-annual-1-in-36-mix-ii-virtual-autism-summit-tickets-928621290277 Ever wondered how to navigate the world of autism therapies, employment, dating, and advocacy? Join us from August 15-18, 2024, for the 1 in 36 Mix 2 Virtual Autism Summit, where we bring together a stellar lineup of speakers and panelists who are at the forefront of autism research a...

Send us Fan Mail Are you aware of the hidden dangers that could be lurking in your teenager's life post-pandemic? Tune in to this eye-opening episode of the SJ Child Show, where we welcome back our esteemed guest, Richard, a seasoned expert in education and mental health with a wealth of experience from the Menninger Clinic. We'll uncover the alarming rise of fentanyl and explore how par...

Send us Fan Mail Imagine growing up knowing that one leg is significantly shorter than the other, with no quadriceps or hamstring on your right side. Our guest shares the profound impact this physical difference had on their life, shaped by their grandmother's unwavering love and wisdom. They recount a crucial moment in childhood when a proposed surgery promised a semblance of normalcy but ul...

Send us Fan Mail How do you turn a life-threatening accident and a struggle with mental health into a story of hope and resilience? The incredible Carolyn Sophia joins us on The SJ Childs Show to share her journey of overcoming a nonverbal learning disability, anxiety, and depression. Carolyn's life took a dramatic turn during her senior year of college after surviving a car accident, which b...

Send us Fan Mail What if you could challenge societal norms and change the world’s perception of individuals with disabilities? Join us in an inspiring conversation with Laura Hope Whitaker, CEO of ESP, as she shares her incredible journey of leadership, community building, and the transformative metaphor of the dandelion. At just 19, Laura stepped into the role of CEO after the sudden passing of...

Send us Fan Mail What if you could transform your approach to parenting an autistic child while shedding the burden of guilt and frustration? Join me for an illuminating conversation with Andrea Pollack, a former lawyer turned autism educator and coach, who shares her compelling journey from the legal field to homeschooling her autistic son and founding Autism Parent Solutions. Andrea’s insights a...

Send us Fan Mail Get ready to unlock the secrets of family wellness with our special guest, Sharon Fillmore, known affectionately as the "Mary Poppins of family wellness." In this captivating episode, we explore Sharon's incredible journey from a registered nurse with over 45 years of experience to a dedicated family wellness expert. Sharon's passion for helping families thrive...

Send us Fan Mail What if a simple thank you letter could change your life? Join us as we sit down with the award-winning author and filmmaker Carew Papritz to explore his remarkable journey from Hollywood's elite to the cowboy life in southern Arizona. Discover how Carew's diverse experiences with icons like Madonna and Marlon Brando have shaped his belief in the power of curiosity, kind...

Send us Fan Mail Join us as Alena, a resilient mother of three, shares her remarkable journey of navigating life's transformations with authenticity and grace. We journey through the lush beauty of Sydney's Northern Beaches, drawing parallels between these scenic treasures and other iconic beaches worldwide. Alena's story is a testament to the power of showing up authentically and f...

Send us Fan Mail Ever wondered why mother-daughter relationships are so complex yet crucial for development? Join us for a thought-provoking conversation with Hilary Mae, a former family therapist who now dedicates her expertise to unraveling the intricate dynamics of these bonds. Hilary's journey from general family therapy to focusing exclusively on the mother-daughter connection is both in...

Send us Fan Mail Can dance transform a child's entire world beyond just physical fitness? Join us on this enlightening episode of the SJ Child Show, where we sit down with Terrell from Once Upon a Dance to uncover the myriad ways dance can enhance children’s lives. From boosting brain and body coordination to enhancing social skills and mental health, Terrell shares her incredible journey fro...

Send us Fan Mail Prepare to transform your understanding of chiropractic care as we welcome Dr. Travis Arrington, a pioneering chiropractor with a remarkable journey from battling addiction to mastering brain-based treatments. Discover how Dr. Arrington, alongside his wife, a dedicated marriage and family therapist, combines mental and physical healthcare into a holistic approach that’s changing l...