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.

Host: Brian Keene, Pure Hearts Therapy
Guest: Mandy — Autistic Advocate, Peer Mentor, Neurodiversity Educator

In today's episode, Brian welcomes back Mandy—an autistic advocate whose insight, honesty, and lived experiences help bridge understanding between neurodivergent individuals and the communities around them.

This conversation explores:

• What true inclusion looks like
  
  

• How peers can become better allies
  
  

• The power of online communities
  
  

• Healthy boundaries and safety for autistic adolescents
  
  

• Why children should be believed, supported, and included intentionally
  
  

• Real-life stories from Penguin Project musical theatre
  
  

• How parents and teachers can advocate with—not for—their children
  
  

• What friendship means through a neurodivergent lens
  
  

• How resources and gentle assistance can reduce stress and build empowerment
  
  

This is an honest, insightful, heartfelt conversation that helps families, educators, and peers understand ways to foster acceptance, belonging, and meaningful relationships.

Mandy explains that inclusion goes beyond the "right thing to do."
It's about recognizing that a person's presence matters and enriches the group.

Digital communities remove physical judgments and bring people together based on interests and strengths—not labels.

• Modeling respectful communication
  
  

• Directing conversation to the neurodivergent individual rather than around them
  
  

• Recognizing and celebrating strengths
  
  

• Meeting people where they are
  
  

Brian and Mandy discuss examples of parents who:

• Observe classrooms firsthand
  
  

• Ask specific questions
  
  

• Identify mismatches between learning environments and student needs
  
  

• Advocate beyond the "check-the-box" approach
  
  

For many autistic individuals:

• The line between acquaintance and friend may feel unclear
  
  

• Empathy is expressed through shared experiences, not always through typical responses
  
  

• Volume, pacing, or intensity may fluctuate with comfort or excitement
  Gentle, respectful cues from friends can be extremely helpful.
  
  

Mandy shares personal experiences illustrating how:

• Autistic youth often aren't taught what harassment or unhealthy dynamics look like
  
  

• Early boundary education (middle school age) can prevent exploitation
  
  

• Families and educators should prioritize these conversations
  
  

Sharing resources is important, but offering help with applications, forms, or steps shows real advocacy.

• "Inclusion isn't just letting someone sit at the table—it's wanting them to be there." – Mandy
  
  

• "Meeting people where they're at is huge." – Brian
  
  

• "Some of us don't even know what a friend is—and that's okay." – Mandy
  
  

• "Teaching healthy boundaries early can change lives." – Mandy
  
  

• Penguin Project – Inclusive musical theatre program pairing neurodivergent actors with peer mentors
  
  

• CARD (Center for Autism & Related Disabilities) – State-supported resources (varies by location)
  
  

• Local/state autism agencies or community groups
  
  

• Online peer support communities for autistic youth and adults
  
  

Pure Hearts Therapy
Website: pureheartstherapy.com

In this episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, Brian sits down with autism advocate Mandy Pinckley, who shares her lived experiences growing up autistic, navigating deep emotions, overcoming isolation, and finding her voice as a speaker and advocate. Mandy opens up about the challenges she faced in childhood, the bullying she endured, and the obstacles that come with being a late-diagnosed autistic girl.

She also discusses digital safety, online vulnerabilities for autistic teens, and how her painful experiences led her to advocacy work—including speaking at the CARD Conference about protecting autistic adolescents online.

Parents and caregivers will learn how to:
• Better understand the emotional depth many autistic children experience
• Foster open, judgment-free communication
• Support their child's self-identity and autonomy
• Build safety, connection, and community

Key Topics:

• Mandy's late diagnosis and how it changed her life
  
  

• Emotional intensity & misunderstood behavior
  
  

• Bullying, isolation & digital-age vulnerability
  
  

• How parents can create safer online environments
  
  

• Supporting identity development in a neurodiversity-affirming way
  
  

• Why community and connection reduce shame and fear
  
  

Resources Mentioned:
• CARD – Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (Florida)
• PureHearts Therapy resources & parent support services

Connect / Work With Us:
👉 Learn more or book a consultation: www.pureheartstherapy.com
👉 Follow us on social media for daily support & tips

Thank you for listening — and remember, you are not alone on this journey.

What if parents could feel less afraid, less confused, and more connected to their autistic children?

In this episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, Brian Keene sits down with Megan Ashley: an autistic Black woman, licensed therapist, parent advocate, speaker, and author. Megan shares her own late autism diagnosis, what helped her recognize autism in herself, and how her lived experience now shapes the work she does with families.

Together, they talk about sensory differences, masking, culture, behavior, and why so many autistic children are misunderstood when adults only look at the surface of what they do. Megan offers a compassionate, practical framework for parents who want to better understand their child instead of reacting from fear or frustration.

This conversation is a powerful reminder that many behaviors make more sense when we slow down, stay curious, and learn to listen differently. If you've ever wanted to better understand what your child is trying to communicate, this episode is a meaningful place to start.

Topics Covered

• Megan Ashley's late autism diagnosis and lived experience
• Why sensory differences are often one of the clearest signs of autism
• How culture shapes the way autism is understood and supported
• What masking is and why it can be so exhausting
• Why autistic girls are often diagnosed later than boys
• How environment influences whether autistic traits are supported or stressed
• Redefining what "okay" can mean for your child
• How parents can listen beyond behavior and better understand communication

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction and Megan Ashley's advocacy mission
01:20 Megan's late autism diagnosis and personal journey
03:00 Understanding autistic thinking and communication differences
04:30 Autism culture and why context matters
08:45 Sensory differences and real-life sensory examples
10:20 Masking explained and why it can be exhausting
13:40 Why autistic girls are often diagnosed later
17:20 Recognizing sensory differences in children
20:40 Autism traits, strengths, and supportive environments
25:30 Redefining what "okay" means for autistic children
28:30 How parents can listen better and remove bias

Memorable Quote

"Meet them where they're at — not where you want them to be."
— Megan Ashley

About the Guest

Megan Ashley is a licensed therapist, speaker, author, parent advocate, and autism advocate. As an autistic Black woman, her work focuses on helping parents better understand and connect with their autistic children through empathy, behavioral understanding, and practical support. She is the author of Blueprints of Behavior: Understanding Autism in Your Family Through Behavior.

Resources Mentioned

• Perfect Consulting
• Blueprints of Behavior: Understanding Autism in Your Family Through Behavior by Megan Ashley
• Megan Ashley on Instagram

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

Navigating autism can feel especially isolating when families are also carrying the weight of cultural barriers, medical mistrust, or systems that were not built with them in mind. In this episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, Brian Keene sits down with Dr. Martine LaVenture, a licensed social worker, school social worker, therapist, and proud mom of a teen on the autism spectrum.

Dr. LaVenture shares how her personal and professional journey shaped her passion for supporting autistic children and their families, especially within historically marginalized communities. Together, they talk about what to do after a diagnosis, how to build a care team and village around your child, how to educate family members in relatable ways, and why culturally responsive care matters so much.

This conversation is warm, practical, and deeply encouraging. If you have ever felt like you were carrying too much on your own, this episode is a reminder that you do not have to navigate autism by yourself. There is support, there is community, and there are ways to advocate with more clarity and confidence.

Topics Covered

• What to do after an autism diagnosis
• How to build a strong care team and support village
• Helping family members understand autism in relatable ways
• Teaching autistic children to advocate for their own needs
• Therapy burnout and why breaks can be healthy
• Cultural barriers and disparities in autism care
• Why communication between families and providers matters
• Encouragement for parents carrying a heavy load

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction and why this conversation matters
01:14 Dr. Martine LaVenture's background and autism advocacy journey
05:03 What to do after an autism diagnosis
10:13 Building a village and treatment team around your child
12:41 Therapy burnout, breaks, and discharge conversations
15:32 Cultural disparities, advocacy, and communicating with providers

Memorable Quote

"You don't have to do this by yourself. There is a village, there is a community out there."
— Dr. Martine LaVenture

About the Guest

Dr. Martine LaVenture is a licensed social worker, school social worker, therapist, and autism advocate. She is also a proud mom of an 18-year-old on the autism spectrum and brings both lived and professional experience to her work supporting children, families, and culturally responsive care systems.

Resources Mentioned

• Dr. Martine LaVenture's website: leventraconsultant.com
• Instagram: @laventurecslc
• Upcoming children's book about autism

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