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Divorce is never easy, and when a child with special needs is involved, the process can feel even more overwhelming. In this episode, we explore key legal and emotional considerations to help families navigate divorce while prioritizing their child’s well-being.

Our guest expert, Anna Krolikowska, a seasoned family law attorney and mediator, shares practical advice on choosing the right divorce process, effective co-parenting strategies, and minimizing conflict to create the best possible outcome for your child.

Guest: Anna Krolikowska

Anna Krolikowska is a respected family law attorney and mediator with nearly 20 years of experience helping families through divorce. She specializes in working with families of children with special needs, offering compassionate legal guidance tailored to each family’s unique situation.

Key Takeaways:

• Choosing the Right Process: Understand the differences between litigation, mediation, and collaborative divorce to determine the best approach for your family.

• Co-Parenting with Intention: Learn how to communicate effectively, share decision-making, and create a detailed parenting plan that meets your child’s needs.

• Minimizing Conflict: Discover ways to reduce stress and protect your child from emotional strain during and after the divorce.

• Planning for the Future: Gain insights on legal tools like special needs trusts to ensure your child’s long-term financial security.

Resources:

• Anna K's Website

• Arizona State Bar Association

• American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers

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Welcome Back!

Join us as we explore how sensory sensitivities impact neurodivergent children and share practical strategies for creating a calmer, more supportive environment.

Our guest, Dipali Devani, an occupational therapist and Ayurveda practitioner, shares expert insights on recognizing sensory triggers, creating calming spaces, and empowering children to regulate their responses. Whether your child struggles with certain textures, loud noises, or strong smells, this episode is packed with actionable tips to help you build a more harmonious home environment.

Guest: Dipali DevaniDipali Devani is a licensed occupational therapist specializing in sensory integration and a certified Ayurveda practitioner. She works with individuals of all ages to help them process sensory input, develop emotional regulation skills, and build independence in daily life. Her holistic approach blends modern therapy techniques with ancient wellness practices to promote overall well-being.

Key Takeaways:

• Recognizing Sensory Triggers – Learn how to identify the sights, sounds, and textures that may overwhelm your child.

• Creating a Calming Environment – Simple, practical changes can make home and community spaces feel safer and more comfortable.

• Supporting Self-Regulation – Explore strategies like desensitization, sensory tools, and calming techniques to help your child manage sensory input.

Seeking Professional Guidance – Occupational therapists can create personalized sensory plans to support your child’s unique needs.

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Welcome Back!

In this episode, we sit down with Gail Ewell, the founder and executive director of Hope Technology School (HTS), to explore how friendships and inclusive environments can profoundly impact neurodiverse learners. Gail shares practical strategies for fostering inclusion at school, in the community, and at home. She also offers guidance on advocating for accessible spaces and the critical role of communication in empowering children to thrive. Whether you're a parent, educator, or community member, this episode is filled with actionable insights to help create a more inclusive world for all.

Guest: Gail Ewell

Gail Ewell is a leader in inclusive education and the visionary behind Hope Technology School, an award-winning K-12 institution dedicated to integrating neurodiverse and neurotypical learners. With over 20 years of experience in teacher training, advocacy, and accessibility, she has transformed educational spaces to be more inclusive and empowering for all students. Gail frequently speaks at conferences and universities, sharing her expertise on building meaningful community connections.

Website: Hope Technology School

Social Media: Hope Technology School Instagram, Facebook, Gail’s Instagram

Key Takeaways:

1. The Power of Friendship – "Having a strong circle of friends can significantly reduce the incidence and impact of bullying." Gail emphasizes how structured peer interactions, like buddy systems and mentorship programs, can help neurodiverse learners build confidence and social skills.

2. Creating Inclusive Spaces – Whether at school, home, or in the community, inclusion starts with intentional design. Gail shares ways to foster welcoming environments that support all learners.

3. Advocating for Change – Parents and caregivers play a vital role in shaping inclusive policies. Gail provides steps for educating others, building online support networks, and initiating school-based inclusion programs.

4. Communication is Key – "Don't lose sight of communication, because no matter what kind it is, it’s so important." Gail encourages parents to explore different methods of communication, from AAC devices to assistive technology, ensuring every child has a voice.

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Welcome Back!
In this episode, we sit down with J.D. Barker, a New York Times bestselling author known for his thrillers, to discuss his inspiring journey as a neurodiverse individual. Diagnosed with autism as an adult, J.D. reflects on his career transformation, shares strategies for navigating neurotypical expectations, and offers invaluable insights for parenting neurodiverse children. This heartfelt conversation is filled with practical advice, empowering takeaways, and hope for families navigating similar paths.

Guest:
J.D. Barker is an acclaimed author of numerous bestselling books, including Heavy Are the Stones and The Writer (co-written with James Patterson). Diagnosed with autism in his 20s, he combines his unique perspective with his passion for storytelling to advocate for understanding and acceptance.

Website: https://jdbarker.com/

Social Media: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter

Key Takeaways:

1. Leaning into Strengths: "Find the one thing your child loves and encourage it. That can open so many doors." J.D. credits his love for reading and writing as his gateway to success.

2. The Role of Community: J.D. highlights the importance of a supportive network, from his wife’s life-changing encouragement to his daughter’s school team.

3. Overcoming Challenges: Social interactions can be tough, but J.D. has developed strategies like slowing down, maintaining eye contact, and focusing on one response at a time.

4. Parenting with Compassion: J.D. advises parents to embrace their child's unique strengths and to view neurodiversity as a collection of superpowers.

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Welcome back to the Autism Family Resource Podcast! In this episode, we spoke with Kari Baker—a local podcaster, author, and an inspiring mom who is navigating life alongside her 13-year-old son, who has both autism and ADHD. Kari shares her journey through powerful stories, lessons, and insights on finding kindness in the everyday moments of parenting and how she has grown through her experiences.

Guest:

Kari Baker’s path took a transformative turn with the birth of her son, Brady, and his autism diagnosis at age three. Driven by a new perspective on success and purpose, Kari shares her family’s journey and founded KIND Families, a resource supporting Kids with Invisible Neurological Differences. She is the author of Finding Kind: Discovering Hope and Purpose while Loving Kids with Invisible Neurological Differences.

Website: https://kariabaker.com/

Social Media: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn

Key Takeaways:

• Grieving the loss of an imagined ideal life is natural, yet there’s a greater reality: your child is perfect just as they are.
• Your child’s challenges are also what make them wonderfully unique—these qualities are gifts to be appreciated.
• Building connections with others on a similar journey is essentia—community matters.
• Your child has a bright future, and early intervention will greatly benefit them, you, and your relationship in the long run.

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Welcome back to the Autism Family Resource Podcast!

Are you a parent of a child with autism struggling to find the right support and therapy for your child? You are not alone. Many parents find it challenging to navigate the world of autism care, especially with the numerous therapies and approaches available.

But what if there was a different approach to autism care that focused on the whole family and was more collaborative and supportive? What if there was a therapy that was more play-based and encouraged intrinsic motivation?

We have good news! There is. In this episode, we have another awesome guest on our show, Will Martin, from Soar Autism Center. Soar Autism Center is doing amazing work, taking a fresh approach to autism care that is centered on whole family support, early intervention, and collaborative care.

Guest:

Will Martin MEd, BCBA is a board-certified behavior analyst and Head of Care Model Design implementation at Soar Autism Center. Soar provides Early Start Denver Model-based therapy to children with autism in the Phoenix and Denver metro areas.

Website: https://soarautismcenter.com/

Social Media: Facebook, Instagram, YouTube

Key Takeaways:

• The Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) is a play-based intervention that encourages intrinsic motivation.

• The goal of ESDM therapy is to find something the child likes and incorporate therapy into that activity.

• DTT stands for Discrete Trial Training and is one of the original forms of ABA. It involves repeated practice of skills in an isolated or controlled context.

• When looking for an ABA provider for your child, it is important to ask questions about the type of therapy and the approach used.

• Red flags that may indicate your child would benefit from an autism assessment include: communication struggles, challenging behaviors, and difficulties engaging with your child in play.

• Any interventions or therapies should match the child's values and the family's values.

• Soar Autism Center typically serves children between two and five years old. Sometimes, they will serve children a little older than that if they are getting ready to transition to school.

• Soar Autism Center takes all major insurance, including Medicaid and most commercial insurance plans.

• Once an assessment is complete, the BCBA, speech-language pathologist, and occupational therapist will get together and make clinical recommendations.

Soar Autism Center Resources:

Website: https://soarautismcenter.com/

Social Media: Facebook, Instagram, YouTube

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Divorce is never easy, but when you have a child with autism or other special needs, the process can feel even more overwhelming. The Autism Family Resource Podcast is here to provide practical guidance and support during this challenging time. In this episode, we welcome Mary Ann Hughes, a compassionate and experienced special needs divorce coach and mother of two sons on the autism spectrum. Mary Ann shares her personal and professional insights to help families confidently navigate this difficult transition and prioritize their child's well-being.

Guest:

Mary Ann Hughes is a certified divorce coach and mediator specializing in families with special needs children.

Website: https://www.specialfamilytransitions.com/

Social Media: Facebook, Instagram, YouTube

Key Takeaways:

· Share the news of divorce with your child: Mary Ann emphasizes the importance of using a positive tone and creating a social story to help your child understand the changes that are happening.

o Mary Ann's YouTube video on creating a social story for divorce: https://youtu.be/wQtGlyZwCUI?si=5emzhpcbkK9yTUwO

· Take a meticulous and child-centric approach: Don't rush into major decisions. Carefully consider your child's long-term needs, including therapies, education, and financial resources.

· Focus on the future: Divorce is a difficult transition, but it's not the end. Maintain a positive outlook and focus on building a new life for yourself and your child.

· Protect your child's benefits: Understand the legal and financial implications of divorce on your child's eligibility for government benefits. Seek guidance from a knowledgeable family law attorney or financial expert.

· Consider mediation: Mediation can be a less adversarial way to reach agreements and co-parent effectively.

Special Family Transitions Resources:

https://www.specialfamilytransitions.com/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChI4BaUMGf50O2yPE_YnjFA

https://www.facebook.com/specialfamilytransitions

https://www.instagram.com/specialfamilytransitions/

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Guest:

Mitch Leppicello, LICSW, is a seasoned mental health professional with over 30 years of experience supporting autistic children and their families. Mitch is a Certified Autism Specialist with a Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work from Fordham University in New York.

Website: https://eastmetrofamilycounseling.com/

Social Media: ASD Parenting Journey

About this Episode:

Raising a child with autism comes with unique joys and challenges. One of the biggest hurdles parents face is understanding and supporting their child's mental health. In this episode, we're joined by Mitch Leppicello, a social worker and certified autism specialist, who shares his CALM Compass program—a practical guide to help you connect, communicate, and empower your neurodivergent child.

Bullet Point Recap:

The CALM Compass: Discover the four directions of this innovative program: Connect, Articulate, Lift, and Move. Each direction offers practical strategies to address common mental health challenges in children with autism.

Connect: Learn how to strengthen your relationship with your child and use it as a foundation for support during emotional and behavioral challenges.

Articulate: Understand the importance of clear communication and how to effectively help your child express their feelings and needs.

Lift: Gain insights into how to inspire and motivate your child when feeling down, discouraged, or overwhelmed.

Move: Explore the power of movement and sensory activities in promoting emotional regulation and well-being.

Real-Life Examples: Mitch shares relatable examples and scenarios to illustrate how to apply the CALM Compass strategies in everyday situations.

Call to Action:

Ready to find your way through the mental health maze? Visit ASD Parenting Journey to learn more about Mitch Leppicello and his CALM Compass program. And don't forget to subscribe to The Autism Family Resource Podcast for more valuable resources and support on your parenting journey.

Mitch Leppicello Resources:

ASD Parenting Journey, East Metro Family Counseling

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