Parenting an autistic child can bring moments of joy, uncertainty, growth, and deep reflection. In this episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, Brian Keene sits down with Dr. Jonathan Chism, also known as Dr. Chiz, a father, professor, minister, and co-founder of the Autism Dad Social Club.

Dr. Chism shares the honest story of his family's journey raising his non-speaking autistic son. He opens up about the early shock and denial after diagnosis, the hope that therapy might "fix" autism, and the powerful shift that happened when he began listening to autistic voices and embracing a different perspective.

Instead of focusing on changing his son, Dr. Chism learned to focus on connection, acceptance, and supporting his son's communication and independence. In this conversation, he reflects on the lessons autism has taught him about empathy, patience, inclusion, and what it really means to show up as a father.

This episode is especially meaningful for parents who may feel overwhelmed early in their journey. It's a reminder that growth happens not only for children, but for parents too.

Topics Covered

• Processing an autism diagnosis as a parent
• Moving from denial toward acceptance in the autism journey
• Parenting a non-speaking autistic child
• Listening to autistic voices and lived experiences
• Supporting communication through AAC devices
• Building strong father-child relationships
• Encouraging independence and life skills
• Finding community as an autism parent

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Jonathan Chism
01:21 Dr. Chism's background and family
03:08 Receiving an autism diagnosis at age two and a half
07:57 Moving from denial toward understanding autism
10:40 Learning from autistic voices and shifting perspective
24:26 Advice for parents feeling overwhelmed

Memorable Quote

"Be patient with yourself. Your child is a gift, and this journey will create a new normal."
— Dr. Jonathan Chism

About the Guest

Dr. Jonathan Chism, also known as Dr. Chiz, is an associate professor of history at the University of Houston Downtown, an ordained minister, and the co-founder of the Autism Dad Social Club. As a father raising a non-speaking autistic son, he is passionate about supporting fathers, promoting autism acceptance, and helping families build meaningful connections with their children.

Resources Mentioned

• Autism Dad Social Club
• Uniquely Human by Dr. Barry Prizant
• AAC communication tools such as TouchChat

About the Host

Brian Keene is a pediatric occupational therapist and founder of Pure Hearts Therapy, a neurodiversity-affirming therapy practice providing in-home pediatric therapy services for families in Arizona.

Through the Autism Family Resource Podcast, Brian shares practical tools, expert conversations, and supportive insights to help parents navigate the journey of raising neurodivergent children.

Learn more at:
https://pureheartstherapy.com

Subscribe & Connect

If this episode resonated with you, please consider sharing it with another parent who might benefit from this conversation.

Listen and subscribe to the Autism Family Resource Podcast:
https://pod.link/1591840956

Explore more resources for families at:
https://pureheartstherapy.com

As parents, it's natural to look for answers when your child continues to struggle with regulation, sleep, energy, or emotional balance. Many families begin asking deeper questions:

• Is something happening inside my child's body?

• How do gut health and inflammation affect behavior and regulation?

• Are there additional supports beyond what we're already doing?

In a recent episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, we explored these questions with Dr. Jeffrey Knight, focusing on how the body, gut, and nervous system are deeply interconnected.

Regulation challenges are often viewed through a behavioral lens alone. While strategies and therapies are incredibly important, they are just one part of the picture. A child's nervous system is influenced by many internal factors, including inflammation, digestion, sleep quality, and overall physical stress on the body.

When the body is under stress, the nervous system may stay in a heightened state, making regulation more difficult despite a child's best efforts.

Research continues to highlight the strong relationship between the gut and the brain. Gut health can influence mood, attention, sleep, and overall regulation. Inflammation in the body may also impact how efficiently the nervous system functions.

This doesn't mean there is one single cause or solution. Rather, it encourages families to look at regulation through a whole-body lens.

During the conversation, we discussed how supplements and detox support may play a role for some children when carefully considered and guided by a qualified professional. The goal is not to chase trends or quick fixes, but to understand:

• What questions to ask

• When additional supports might be appropriate

• How to approach integrative care safely

Every child is different, and what works for one family may not be right for another.

Exploring whole-body supports should always be done thoughtfully and collaboratively. Families benefit most when working with professionals who:

• Understand neurodiversity

• Respect the child as a whole person

• Consider medical history, sensory needs, and nervous system regulation

• Communicate clearly and transparently

At Pure Hearts Therapy, we believe in supporting children and families beyond a single approach. Our neurodiversity-affirming services focus on connection, regulation, and meaningful participation in everyday life.

We also believe parents deserve clear, grounded information so they can make confident decisions for their families.

If this conversation sparked new questions or gave you language for things you've been noticing, you're not alone.

• 🎧 Listen to the full podcast episode for deeper context

• 🌐 Visit https://www.pureheartstherapy.com to learn more about our services

• 📱 Follow us on Instagram @purehearts_therapy for education, resources, and community support

If you'd like to explore whether whole-body or nervous-system-informed supports might be helpful for your child, we encourage you to connect with qualified professionals who can guide you thoughtfully.

Dr. Jeffrey Knight
(Professional details, website, and contact information to be added)

This content is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace medical advice. Always consult with qualified professionals regarding your child's care.

In this episode, Brian sits down again with autistic advocate Mandy Pinkley to explore one of the most important (and often overlooked) parts of parenting a neurodivergent child: community.

Together they talk about:

• Why parents often feel isolated even when surrounded by people

• How finding the right community can change everything for both parents AND kids

• The role of digital connections and why online spaces can be incredibly supportive

• How families in small or rural towns can create their own support systems

• What it means to raise your hand first — and be the person who helps others feel less alone

Mandy also shares her own journey of embracing her identity, finding acceptance through media and storytelling, and discovering strength by connecting with other autistic peers.

• Community reduces isolation. Many families feel alone simply because no one is speaking up — often everyone is waiting for someone else to say, "Me too."

• Digital spaces matter. Online groups, forums, and social platforms can be powerful places to find belonging and support.

• Parents often see their own traits in their children. Many adults discover their own neurodivergence through their child's diagnosis.

• Support takes many forms. Large groups, small groups, online communities, in-person meetups — all are valid.

• You can create the space you wish existed. If there isn't a group in your area, you can be the person who starts one.

• CARD – Center for Autism & Related Disabilities

• Family Inclusion Networks (e.g., "FIN")

• Local autism organizations

• Facebook and online support groups

• Community events and family-friendly meetups
  
  

If you're looking for support, resources, or therapy services for your child, Pure Hearts Therapy is here for you.
Visit us at www.pureheartstherapy.com or schedule a call with our team today.