What if paying for tuition, therapy, and educational support did not have to feel overwhelming? In this episode of Helping Families Go Beyond, Loryn Carpenter sits down with Kirstin O’Brien from Step Up For Students to break down what Florida families need to know about scholarship opportunities. They talk through eligibility, how the Family Empowerment Scholarship works, what qualifies as a diagnosis, and how funding can be used for tuition, ABA therapy, OT, speech services, tutoring, curriculum, and more. They also cover recent changes that expanded access and removed income barriers. If you are navigating a new diagnosis, feeling unsure about your options, or wondering if your family qualifies, this conversation offers clarity, reassurance, and practical next steps.

Timestamps:

(00:00) Introducing Kristin O’Brian, Step Up for Students, plus school updates

(02:20) About Step Up for Students

(04:30) How Step Up for Students got started and the evolution

(11:40) What options can families apply for?

(14:00) Biggest misconceptions

(15:25) What can the scholarships be used for?

(17:40) Demand for the scholarships

(18:45) Advice for families

(21:00) When can you begin to apply for scholarships?

(24:35) EMA explanation and advice

(27:55) Federal Scholarships Tax Program Updates

(32:10) Success stories

(36:20) Final message

In this Valentine’s Day themed episode of Helping Families Go Beyond, host Loryn Carpenter sits down with vocational coordinator Ariana McDaniels for an honest, compassionate conversation about dating, relationships, and connection for neurodivergent adults. From navigating attraction, consent, and masking to understanding rejection sensitivity, online safety, and the role caregivers play, this episode offers practical insight and reassurance for families. Together, they unpack how love can look different but no less meaningful on the spectrum, and why dignity, safety, and open communication matter most when supporting healthy relationships.

Timestamps:

00:01 – Valentine’s episode intro and why dating on the spectrum matters

03:26 – What love, attraction, and connection can look like for neurodivergent adults

05:48 – Infantilization and society’s discomfort with neurodivergent relationships

07:08 – Puberty, body changes, and the importance of open caregiver dialogue

11:05 – Masking, boundaries, and unmasking in romantic relationships

15:31 – Teaching consent clearly and safely for neurodivergent individuals

22:46 – Rejection sensitivity, breakups, and building emotional resilience

In this episode of Helping Families Go Beyond, host Loryn Carpenter sits down with Chase Pettey, founder of the nonprofit Adventure For All. Chase shares the inspiring journey of building an organization that empowers individuals with exceptionalities through outdoor challenges like biking, hiking, and nature-based growth. From redefining human potential to sparking transformation in both kids and parents, this episode is full of powerful insights and stories that will resonate with caregivers, educators, and advocates alike. Tune in to hear how Adventure For All is helping families push past limits and discover what’s truly possible.

Adventure for All Website:

https://www.adventureforall.org/

Timestamps:

(00:00) Introducing Chase Pettey, Founder/CEO of Adventure for All, plus school updates

(02:45) The story of Adventure for All

(10:30) The training process and the power of positive reinforcement

(13:00) Celebrating every success

(14:30) Thought process of Adventure for All programs

(22:10) Your child is capable of much more

(28:35) Success stories and what’s coming in 2026

(35:50) Chase’s background

(40:41) Learn more about Adventure for All

Join us every month for a new episode of Helping Families Go Beyond. Visit beyondthespectrum.org for more information.