THE SJ CHILDS SHOW-Building a Community of Inclusion

Send us Fan Mail Have you ever wondered how the stories of our grandparents can shape our approach to modern parenting? Join us on the SJ Child Show as we sit down with Victoria, the Chief of Staff at Phoenix Hydrogen, who brings her expertise in renewable energy and a heartfelt commitment to coaching others through life's significant changes. We share personal anecdotes about the profound im...

Send us Fan Mail Ever felt the itch to pick up a pen or open a fresh document and pour your heart onto the page? This episode's conversation with Rochelle Melander will not only scratch that itch but offer a soothing balm for those struggling to find their creative flow amidst a world abuzz with distraction. We journey with Rochelle from her second-grade writing roots to her life as a coach a...

Send us Fan Mail When Matthew Zakreski, with his unique blend of ADHD and giftedness, sits down to share his story, the conversation inevitably turns into a masterclass on neurodiversity advocacy. From navigating personal challenges to championing inclusive workplace practices, his insights offer a beacon of hope for individuals and families alike. Our discussion with Matthew takes a deep and mean...

Send us Fan Mail Embark on a critical exploration of how individuals and students can successfully transition from high school to college, with Shellee Howard from College Ready guiding the way. You're promised a treasure trove of insights on early planning for college readiness, beginning as early as middle school — a strategic approach to choosing the ideal college environment, and the fina...

Send us Fan Mail Once upon a time, Geoffrey Wells went from orchestrating the airwaves as a broadcasting executive to spinning tales as a full-time writer. This episode invites you into a riveting chat with Geoffrey, who takes us on a journey through his literary metamorphosis and the vibrant worlds he creates for middle-grade readers. Channeling his childhood, steeped in the written word thanks t...

Send us Fan Mail When former Nashville musician Danny Combs stepped into the world of autism advocacy, he uncovered a symphony of potential within the neurodiverse community. His own son Dylan's autism diagnosis became the opening note to a life-changing movement, a tale of embracing unique abilities and transforming challenges into opportunities. In our conversation, Danny articulates the im...

Send us Fan Mail Embark on a journey to transform mealtimes with your little ones as we host Jennifer House, a registered dietitian and mother of three who is an expert in navigating the challenges of feeding picky eaters. Discover the secret to a peaceful dinner table as we unpack Ellen Satter's division of responsibility in feeding. Jennifer brings her profound insights into why allowing ki...

Send us Fan Mail Parenting is an art form, a science, and a marathon all rolled into one – and none of us are handed a manual at the start. But what if you had a guide, someone who could shine a light on the path ahead? Enter DJ Stutz, an early childhood specialist who joins us with a treasure trove of insights. Together, we unravel the intricacies of instilling core values, managing tantrums, and...

Send us Fan Mail Once underestimated due to his undiagnosed Asperger's, special education attorney Michael Gilberg joins us to shatter the outdated narratives surrounding autism, sharing his riveting story of triumph and the transformative power of recognizing the abilities within the spectrum. His journey from being misunderstood to advocating for others like him is a testament to the potent...

Send us Fan Mail Discover the power of empathy and the strength of a global community with the International Virtual Autism Summit. As your host, Sarah Bradford, I'm inviting you into a transformative conversation where we unite voices from across the world—self-advocates, professionals, caregivers—all dedicated to championing the cause of autism. We're not just talking about autism; we&...

Send us Fan Mail Diana Fannon's life changed when epilepsy entered the scene, but it didn't stop her from becoming a beacon of hope in special education. As the founder of Disability Ed Pros, she joins us to share the nuances of crafting tailored educational experiences for children like hers and mine, who have had their own neurodiversity revelations later in life. Our heartfelt convers...

Send us Fan Mail Imagine navigating life's complexities with the vibrant mind of an autistic individual, then channeling that experience into a beacon for others on a similar journey. That's precisely what Nigel Rising, founder of Autistic Women Emerging, accomplished with the launch of Autistica Palooza, a conference celebrating autistic women. In our latest episode, we're honored...

Send us Fan Mail From the heart of Philadelphia's vibrant streets to the intimate corners of fatherhood and advocacy, Jamiel Owens guides us through a labyrinth of emotions and experiences as he champions the cause for autism awareness. In a spirited conversation that defies boundaries, Jamiel, a father turned fierce advocate, opens the gates to his life's story, detailing his multifacet...

Send us Fan Mail Meet Kadin McElwain, a trailblazing autistic college student, whose story of transformation from diagnosis to advocacy is nothing short of extraordinary. As we chat with Kadin, he uncovers the realities of overcoming educational barriers, defying the odds, and how his struggles fueled his drive to become a vocal advocate for both the autism and LGBTQ communities. His narrative is...

Send us Fan Mail Discover the world through the eyes of Michelle Vinokurov, an empowering autistic self-advocate and behavior specialist, as she joins us to mark World Autism Awareness Day. Michelle's voice brings an unparalleled depth to our discussion, as she unveils her transformative experiences post-Purdue University Global and her trailblazing work in behavioral analysis. Her blog, The...

Send us Fan Mail  Join the International Autism Summit 2024 and Support World Autism Awareness Day! Hey everyone!  On April 2nd, we celebrate World Autism Awareness Day, a global initiative to promote understanding, acceptance, and inclusion of individuals in the autistic community. To mark this special occasion, we're thrilled to announce a one-day sale for tickets to the highly anticipated...

Send us Fan Mail Have you ever considered abandoning the career you spent years building to chase a dream? That's exactly what Reyna did, trading her lawyer's briefcase for a pen and paper. Embark on an intimate voyage with us as Reyna, a former lawyer with a newfound vocation in writing, divulges the intricacies of her career metamorphosis. Her narrative isn't solely about making a...

Send us Fan Mail Embarking on a personal odyssey through the peaks and valleys of human experience, I, SJ Childs, am honored to welcome the profoundly resilient Kristof  Morrow to the show. Our conversation unfurls the complexities of Kristof's life, revealing how his early infatuation with words provided solace and direction amidst a tumultuous upbringing in Texas. From grappling with a late...

Send us Fan Mail Navigating the complex currents of special education and parenting a child with a disability can feel like an insurmountable challenge, but Vickie Rubin has charted this territory with grace and resilience. Her journey, which encompasses both her personal life as a mother to Jessica and her professional career as an advocate, is rich with insights that offer support to families on...

Send us Fan Mail When you discover your truest self, the world unfolds in unexpected ways. Albert Jersey, a shining example of this axiom, joins us to share his story of self-discovery and acceptance in the face of autism. With every word, Albert, a staff accountant on the cusp of earning his graduate degree, paints a picture of the challenges he's faced and the victories he's claimed. H...

Send us Fan Mail Ever wondered how a simple shift in parenting approach can lead to a harmonious family life and resilient children? Kathy Bowers, a remarkable family coach from England, joins us to share her transformative journey from nursery nursing to empowering families through her innovative coaching methods. She dives into the heart of modern parenting challenges, discussing the delicate ba...

Send us Fan Mail Embark on a journey with Carice Anderson as she unfolds her life story, from her humble beginnings in Huey Town, Alabama, to her days as a global wanderer and scribe. Her narrative is a tapestry woven with the threads of family values, spiritual richness, melodious tunes, and scholarly pursuits. Your ears will be treated to tales of her South African adventures, where cultural rev...

Send us Fan Mail When Nellie Harden, a seasoned marine mammalogist turned human psychologist, made the pivot to mindful motherhood, she uncovered the profound impact of those first "6570" days on a child's development. Her story, filled with perseverance and the transition from her own challenging childhood to raising four daughters, resonates deeply with anyone who has ever questio...

Send us Fan Mail Have you ever pondered the intricate dance between a child's self-esteem and their academic success? Gabrielle Crichlow, the founder of Step Ahead Tutoring Services, joins us to illuminate this fascinating interplay. From her early days as a peer helper to a full-fledged entrepreneur, Gabrielle's journey epitomizes the transformative power of education. She offers a trea...

Send us Fan Mail Have you ever held a storybook and felt its magic ripple through to the core of your being? That's the sensation Carrie Pierce and I celebrate in our heartfelt conversation, where we traverse her amazing journey from the silver screen to the cozy nook of children's literature. Together, we uncover the intrinsic value of tangible books in nurturing the young mind and hear...