THE SJ CHILDS SHOW-Building a Community of Inclusion

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...

Send us Fan Mail Every parent knows the road to raising teenagers is paved with a unique blend of challenges and triumphs. In our latest episode, we're joined by Chantal, a teen psychology expert, who offers a map for navigating this terrain with grace and wisdom. Together, we uncover the keys to fostering resilience and independence in adolescents, discussing the fine line between giving the...

Send us Fan Mail Unlock the mysteries of childbirth with the guidance of Gina, a veteran childbirth attorney, as we navigate the often complex and emotional landscape of bringing new life into the world. With over twenty years in the trenches, Gina shares her profound insights on how to prepare for the unpredictable nature of labor and delivery. This episode is a must-listen for expectant parents,...

Send us Fan Mail Have you ever felt the weight of generational anger shape your worldview? My guest, Paul, and I explore the raw and riveting transformation from anger to empathy, revealing how one can reconstruct an upbringing awash with frustration into a life brimming with understanding. We discuss the pivotal role of education in breaking free from the shackles of inherited discord and dive in...

Send us Fan Mail Step off the streets and into the squad car with Vic Ferrari, a retired NYPD detective with a library of tales that would keep even the most seasoned crime novelists on their toes. In a candid chat, Vic offers us an insider look at his two decades with the NYPD, revealing the highs and lows of life in blue. From his start, influenced by the gritty crime dramas of his youth, throug...

Send us Fan Mail Embarking on the parenting journey often feels like navigating uncharted waters, but imagine steering your family ship with unwavering intention and faith. That's precisely what Amy Weichel, founder of Faithful Parent, has mastered. In today’s episode, we traverse Amy's personal odyssey from professional teaching to the intimate classroom of homeschooling her four childr...

Send us Fan Mail Reflecting on two decades of marriage is no small feat, especially when both partners are on the autism spectrum. As we celebrate our 250th show, my husband Dustin and I open up about our journey—how we've navigated the nuances of our own neurodiversity while raising three unique children. From the daunting early days following our son's diagnosis to the daily victories...

Send us Fan Mail Ever wondered how a career in constitutional law can ignite a passion for human rights advocacy? Nicole Smith, our esteemed guest, takes us through her inspiring transition into nonprofit work, where she's breaking new ground with digital campaigns that touch hearts and change minds. Her journey is a reminder that when we're armed with education and empathy, we can resha...

Send us Fan Mail When Kevin Palmieri hit rock bottom, he didn't know that a New Jersey hotel room would be the catalyst for a dramatic career pivot and a quest for deeper fulfillment. Embark on a compelling journey with us as Kevin recounts his transformation from chasing financial success through job-hopping to co-founding Next Level University, where personal growth is paramount. During our...

Send us Fan Mail When I first embarked on the rollercoaster ride of parenthood, little did I know that it'd lead me to a heart-to-heart with Debbie Godfrey, a beacon of wisdom in the parenting world. Listen closely as Debbie, with her 30 years of nurturing know-how, joins us to discuss the journey from parenting overwhelm to embracing the joy and unique challenges that come with raising littl...

Send us Fan Mail When Barbara Ann Mojica, a seasoned educator, shares her journey through the peaks and valleys of special needs education, you can feel the weight of her wisdom and the warmth of her dedication. From a history lover to a principal and special education administrator in the bustling heart of New York City, Barbara's narrative is a powerful blend of passion and resilience. Her...

Send us Fan Mail Have you ever considered that your gut health might hold the key to understanding complex behaviors, particularly those related to autism? Our latest guest, Christian, a seasoned health consultant with an intimate knowledge of autism's challenges, brings this fascinating connection to light. Embarking on a journey that spans cultures from Eastern Europe to Portugal, Christian...

Send us Fan Mail Navigating the complex world of neurodiversity can be a bewildering journey, which is why I sought insight from Dr. Theresa Haskins, an educational psychologist with a compelling personal narrative. As we sat down, she unfolded the story of her twice-exceptional son, revealing a tale of extraordinary cognitive abilities intertwined with unique challenges. Through Theresa's ey...