In this special holiday edition of Helping Families Go Beyond the Podcast, host Loryn Carpenter sits down with Dr. Valerie Roth and Dawn Wisniewski to share practical, compassionate strategies for families with neurodivergent learners navigating the busy holiday season. From prepping relatives for sensory-friendly gatherings to handling unsolicited comments with grace, this episode is packed with actionable advice on creating inclusive, joyful celebrations. Whether you're traveling, hosting, or just trying to keep things calm, you'll find thoughtful tips on visual schedules, sensory kits, and self-care for caregivers.

Timestamps:

(00:00) Introducing Dr. Valarie Roth & Dawn Wisniewski, School updates, thank you Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation

(03:25) How can we prepare students for travel and meeting extended family?

(08:30) Software, technology, or strategies that might help

(14:50) Sensory friendly environments for holidays

(20:30) Dealing with uninformed comments

(23:30) Dealing with burnout of the holidays

(29:30) Final tips and toolkit

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

In this heartwarming episode of Helping Families Go Beyond, host Loryn Carpenter sits down with professional soccer player and community leader Cade Hagan to explore his latest initiative, Sarasota Unified Sports, an adaptive sports clinic designed for individuals with exceptionalities. Cade shares the story behind his passion project, the challenges of launching it, and the incredible response from the local community. Tune in to learn how inclusive sports build confidence, connection, and resilience, not just for participants, but for families too. If you're seeking ways to help your child thrive through movement and socialization, this episode is for you.

Timestamps:

(00:00) Introducing Cade Hagan, Founder, Sarasota Unified Sports and Professional Soccer Player + School Updates

(03:45) What inspired you to start Sarasota Unified Sports?

(05:00) Benefits of adaptive sports clinics

(06:15) Adapting activities to make them more accessible

(07:45) What sports do you focus on in the clinics?

(08:45) Using sports to teach “real world” skills

(10:10) Challenges during the creation phase

(11:40) Success moments that stick out

(14:30) How this benefits the rest of the family

(16:00) Collaborating

(17:45) Who are your clinics open to?

(20:10) How can people get involved?

(20:50) Advice for families

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

In this episode of Helping Families Go Beyond, host Loryn Carpenter welcomes Dr. Kerri Duncan, BCBA, with nearly 40 years of experience in special education, ABA therapy, and parent advocacy. Dr. Duncan explains the Comprehensive Diagnostic Evaluation (CDE), the first crucial step in obtaining an autism diagnosis and accessing therapies. She shares what families should expect from the process, key signs to watch for, and how evaluations can guide access to ABA, speech, and occupational therapy. The conversation also highlights recent challenges with insurance and Medicaid, along with practical advice to help families feel informed and empowered.

Hart 4 Autism Website: https://www.hart4autism.com/

Phone: 239-512-0777

Email: info.hart4autism@gmail.com

Timestamps:

(00:00) School Updates

(01:55) Introducing Kerri Duncan, BCBA, CEO of Hart for Autism

(03:20) What is a CDE?

(06:30) What is the difference between a CDE and a medical diagnosis?

(09:10) What therapies are available once a diagnosis has been made?

(10:10) Is this limited by age?

(13:00) How can a CDE guide the broader support a child might need?

(14:15) What should parents look out for in an evaluator?

(16:45) Signs that might prompt a parent to request a CDE

(20:30) Changes in how the evaluations are being used

(25:20) Recent Medicaid changes

(30:30) Learn more about Hart 4 Autism

(33:50) Requirements states outside of Florida

(35:15) Advice for families

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