What happens when a special education teacher becomes an autism parent? James Paoletti taught in a self-contained autism classroom for nine years before his own son's autism diagnosis put him on the other side of the IEP table. Then he turned a lunch period observation into Spectrum Sports, an inclusive sports and fitness program for autistic kids and adults in New Jersey.

In this episode, we talk about:

• Why sitting on both sides of the IEP table changed how James advocates for his son, and what parents often misunderstand about school special education teams
• How Spectrum Sports grew from a rented basketball court into a full-time inclusive sports and fitness program, built on the motto "get up, get out, get active"
• What to say to parents who are hesitant to try sports or group activities with their autistic child, and why free trials lower the barrier
• Why autistic adults are so often the forgotten population once school services end, and how day programs can keep movement and connection going
• The advice James gives every overwhelmed parent after an autism diagnosis: progress, not perfection, one day at a time

Whether you're a parent navigating a new diagnosis, a teacher supporting autistic students, or a professional serving neurodiverse families, this conversation is a reminder that you're not alone and there are opportunities out there for every child.

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Subscribe to Around the Spectrum wherever you listen so you don’t miss future conversations.

If this episode was helpful, leave a review. It helps other parents and professionals find the show.

Learn more at
https://www.aroundthespectrum.com

Because when we sit at the same table, we understand more and judge less.

Diana Toronto joins the conversation to share her lived experience raising a child on the autism spectrum while also navigating her own ADHD.

This episode focuses on what it actually looks like when parent and child are both working through regulation in real time. Diana talks through her son’s diagnosis journey, the challenges of raising a child who often “looks fine” to others, and the emotional reality that doesn’t always get acknowledged outside the home.

We discuss how dysregulation can mirror between parent and child, what it means to build capacity as a parent, and the shift from trying to “fix” behaviors to supporting real-life coping and connection. The conversation also touches on advocacy, expectations, and how families adapt when support doesn’t fully match their needs.

This reflects the lived experience many families navigate, especially those raising children on the autism spectrum while managing their own mental and emotional load.

Support the show

Subscribe to Around the Spectrum wherever you listen so you don’t miss future conversations.

If this episode was helpful, leave a review. It helps other parents and professionals find the show.

Learn more at
https://www.aroundthespectrum.com

Because when we sit at the same table, we understand more and judge less.

Walking into an IEP meeting can feel confusing, especially when you’re unsure what’s required, what’s flexible, and how decisions are made. In this episode, Leila Farshchian, a special educator and Board Certified Behavior Analyst, breaks down what parents can realistically expect from the IEP process.

We cover the basics: who should be in the room, how outside diagnoses interact with school evaluations, and the legal timelines that protect families. We also talk about goal setting and service intensity — what meaningful instruction looks like, how to spot inconsistencies across ABA, speech, and OT, and why collaboration matters when progress feels slow.

We address common pressure points, including fading supports, protecting unstructured times like lunch and assemblies, and deciding when inclusion is appropriate. You’ll also hear how to approach transitions between grades or schools to protect continuity of services and preserve hard-earned progress.

This is a practical, steady conversation designed to help parents navigate the IEP process with more clarity and confidence.

Support the show

Subscribe to Around the Spectrum wherever you listen so you don’t miss future conversations.

If this episode was helpful, leave a review. It helps other parents and professionals find the show.

Learn more at
https://www.aroundthespectrum.com

Because when we sit at the same table, we understand more and judge less.