In Episode 12 of Beyond Expectations: Parenting Autism, Michelle Chabolla and Sean Dobson are joined by Michelle’s best friend of over 20 years, Jane Claxton, for a heartfelt conversation about friendship, support systems, and raising children side by side. With their kids growing up around the same time, Michelle and Jane share what it has looked like to walk through life together while navigating both typical and unique parenting experiences.

They reflect on how their friendship has evolved over the years, the role of trust and understanding, and how having a close, supportive friend can make a meaningful difference when raising a child with autism. Jane offers her perspective as someone who has had a front-row seat to Gregory’s journey, sharing honest insight into what it’s like to support, learn, and grow alongside a family navigating autism.

Together, they discuss inclusion, shared memories, and the importance of surrounding yourself with people who show up, stay consistent, and truly care. This episode highlights the value of long-term friendships and the impact they can have not just on parents, but on their children as well.

This episode offers encouragement and perspective for anyone who values deep friendship, is raising children alongside others, or wants to better understand how meaningful relationships can shape the parenting journey.

This episode is proudly supported by Gregory’s Special Creations. If you are looking for thoughtful and unique gifts while supporting Greg's growing small business, visit: ⁠http://www.gregorysgifts.com⁠

In Episode 11 of Beyond Expectations: Parenting Autism, Michelle Chabolla and Sean Dobson explore the often misunderstood topic of masking in autism, when individuals suppress natural behaviors in public in order to fit in socially. They discuss how many autistic individuals become deeply aware of being different and work hard to hide stimming, sounds, movements, or coping behaviors in public settings.

Michelle shares Gregory’s experiences navigating concerts, NASCAR races, restaurants, doctor visits, haircuts, and other everyday situations that can create intense sensory overload. She explains how crowded spaces, loud environments, and constant stimulation can lead to exhaustion, shutdowns, and the need to decompress afterward.

Together, they also discuss public reactions, judgment from strangers, and why greater awareness and compassion matter. Michelle offers practical insight into preparing for stressful outings, building routines, and helping autistic loved ones feel safe while still enjoying life experiences.

This episode offers encouragement and perspective for parents, caregivers, educators, and anyone wanting to better understand the hidden effort many individuals with autism make every day just to participate in the world.

This episode is proudly supported by Gregory’s Special Creations. If you are looking for thoughtful and unique gifts while supporting Greg's growing small business, visit: http://www.gregorysgifts.com

In Episode 10 of Beyond Expectations: Parenting Autism, Michelle Chabolla and Sean Dobson welcome one of Gregory’s favorite high school teachers, Bradd Markusch, for an inspiring conversation about helping students with autism succeed in school and beyond.

With decades of experience in special education, Bradd shares practical guidance for parents navigating high school services, IEPs, 504 plans, evaluations, inclusion, and transition planning for adulthood. He explains how schools can tailor support to each student’s strengths, challenges, and future goals.

The episode also highlights the importance of life skills education, including resumes, job interviews, confidence building, social growth, and preparing students for independence after graduation.

Bradd reflects on teaching Gregory, seeing his growth over the years, and how fun, trust, and encouragement can unlock a student’s potential in powerful ways.

This episode is filled with hope, helpful school insights, and encouragement for parents who want to advocate for their child and prepare them for the future.

This episode is proudly supported by Gregory’s Special Creations. If you are looking for thoughtful and unique gifts while supporting Greg’s growing small business, visit: http://www.gregorysgifts.com

In Episode 9 of Beyond Expectations: Parenting Autism, Michelle Chabolla and Sean Dobson explore one of the most emotional and misunderstood topics for families raising a child with autism: friendship. They discuss what friendship can look like for individuals on the spectrum, how social connection changes through childhood and adulthood, and why meaningful relationships may not always fit traditional expectations.

Michelle shares Gregory’s journey with friendships at school, family bonds, and the challenges that often come after graduation when structured social environments disappear. Together, they talk about inclusion, sleepovers, birthday parties, and the importance of finding people who genuinely accept and value your child.

They also discuss bullying, vulnerability, and how many individuals with autism can be trusting, deeply empathetic, and more susceptible to being taken advantage of both in person and online. Michelle offers honest insight into balancing protection with independence while helping a child safely experience the world.

This episode offers encouragement and practical perspective for parents wondering how to build social opportunities, teach boundaries, and support lasting relationships for their child with autism.

This episode is proudly supported by Gregory’s Special Creations. If you are looking for thoughtful and unique gifts while supporting Greg's growing small business, visit: http://www.gregorysgifts.com

In Episode 8 of Beyond Expectations: Parenting Autism, Michelle Chabolla and Sean Dobson sit down with Trudy Bauer Martinez, an experienced occupational therapist and Greg’s first paraprofessional during his first year of school, to explore what school support for children with autism really looks like.

Trudy shares her unique perspective, combining her professional background in occupational therapy with her firsthand experience supporting Greg in the classroom. She explains the role of paraprofessionals, what an IEP (Individualized Education Program) is, and how support systems in schools have evolved over time.

Together, they discuss the challenges of navigating the education system, the importance of early advocacy, and what parents need to know when their child is not being fully supported in the classroom. Trudy also shares how children with autism learn, the importance of repetition, and why focusing on life skills and independence is key.

This episode offers practical insight and encouragement for parents navigating autism in school, helping them better understand their rights, work with educators, and advocate for the best possible outcomes for their child.

This episode is proudly supported by Gregory’s Special Creations. If you are looking for thoughtful and unique gifts while supporting Greg's growing small business, visit: [http://www.gregorysgifts.com]( http://www.gregorysgifts.com)

In Episode 7 of Beyond Expectations: Parenting Autism, Michelle Chabolla and Sean Dobson share how Michelle created a structured learning environment at home to support Greg’s development, both before he started school and alongside his formal education.

Michelle explains why she chose not to fully homeschool, but instead built a home-based classroom to reinforce learning, communication, and life skills in a more personalized way. She shares how this approach helped meet Greg’s unique needs and provided consistency beyond the traditional school setting.

Together, they discuss the balance between school and home support, the importance of structure and routine, and how intentional time at home can make a meaningful impact for children with autism.

If you are a parent looking for ways to support your child with autism outside of school, this episode offers practical insight, encouragement, and a different perspective on creating a supportive learning environment at home.

This episode is proudly supported by Gregory’s Special Creations. If you are looking for thoughtful and unique gifts while supporting Greg's growing small business, visit: http://www.gregorysgifts.com

In Episode 6 of Beyond Expectations: Parenting Autism, Michelle Chabolla and Sean Dobson sit down with Suzy Hites, a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP), to explore how speech therapy for autism helps children and adults develop communication skills.

Suzy shares her professional experience working with individuals who face speech, language, and social communication challenges, and explains how therapy can support everything from early language development to meaningful everyday interactions.

Together, they discuss the importance of communication in daily life, the different types of speech and language difficulties individuals may experience, and how personalized speech therapy can build confidence, independence, and connection. Suzy also highlights how this support extends beyond the individual to impact the entire family.

This episode offers valuable insight for parents seeking guidance on speech therapy, communication delays, and how to help their child find and use their voice.

This episode is proudly supported by Gregory’s Special Creations. If you are looking for thoughtful and unique gifts while supporting Greg's growing small business, visit: http://www.gregorysgifts.com

In Episode 5 of Beyond Expectations: Parenting Autism, Michelle sits down with Sylvia Panzer, Greg’s former middle school special education teacher and Michelle’s former supervisor. Sylvia shares her perspective from years of working with students with special needs and reflects on her experience teaching Greg during his school years.
Together, they talk about the realities of special education, the importance of patient and dedicated teachers, and the role educators play in helping students discover their strengths. Sylvia also shares insights from her career about supporting children with different learning needs and the impact that belief and encouragement can have on a student’s growth.
This episode offers a meaningful look at special education through the eyes of a teacher who has devoted her career to helping students reach their potential.
This episode is proudly supported by Gregory’s Special Creations. If you are looking for thoughtful and unique gifts while supporting Greg's growing small business, visit: http://www.gregorysgifts.com