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