Welcome to the very first episode of UnPuzzled Stories, a new series from the Get UnPuzzled Podcast dedicated to sharing the real, unfiltered journeys of families raising children with autism and intellectual and developmental disabilities.

In this episode, we sit down with Elizabeth to talk about her son's diagnostic journey—the questions, the uncertainty, the emotions, and the moments that shaped her family's path. Together, we discuss what life looked like before and after diagnosis, the challenges of navigating services, and the strength it takes to advocate for a child with unique needs.

Whether you're a parent just beginning this journey, a caregiver looking for encouragement, or someone wanting to better understand the experiences of families in the disability community, Elizabeth's story is a powerful reminder that every journey is different—and no family should have to walk it alone.

If this episode resonates with you, please share it with someone who may need to hear this story, and don't forget to follow Get UnPuzzled so you never miss an episode.

Learn more about UnPuzzled Parents Connect, our parent-founded 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, at www.unpuzzledparentsconnect.com.

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Navigating the IEP process can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. In this powerful episode of Get UnPuzzled, we sit down with Karen Mayer Cunningham, also known as the Special Education Boss, to break down what families, educators, and providers really need to know about building strong IEPs and advocating with confidence.

Karen shares real-world strategies for collaborating with IEP teams, understanding your rights, avoiding common mistakes, and preparing for meetings in a way that leads to better outcomes for students. Whether you’re a parent just starting your special education journey or a seasoned advocate looking to sharpen your skills, this episode is packed with practical tools you can use immediately.

You’ll walk away feeling more empowered, more informed, and more prepared to show up for your child, and yourself.

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In this episode of Get UnPuzzled, we are joined by Dr. Marc Ellison, a longtime leader in autism education, advocacy, and systems change.

Marc Ellison, Ed.D., is the Executive Director of the West Virginia Autism Training Center at Marshall University and a Licensed Professional Counselor. For more than 40 years, he has worked alongside individuals with autism, their families, and the professionals who support them, helping build person-centered services across the lifespan.

Marc began working in the autism field at just 19 years old and has witnessed firsthand how support systems have evolved, from institutional care to inclusive education, employment, relationships, and higher education access. He currently serves on the Board of the Autism Society of West Virginia and chairs the Autism Society of America’s Panel of Professional Advisors.

This conversation explores how autism support has changed over time, what progress has been made, and where advocacy must continue to grow. It is a meaningful look at the impact one dedicated advocate can have on thousands of lives across our state.