Planning a family trip with a neurodivergent child can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be. In this episode of Helping Families Go Beyond, we talk with Alan Day, co-founder of Autism Double Checked, about how families can prepare for travel with autistic children, what service providers need to understand about sensory processing and individual needs, and why patience and problem-solving are key. From real-life travel tips to compassionate advice for parents and professionals, this conversation offers practical tools and hope for making travel more accessible and enjoyable. Tune in to feel more confident and supported on your next adventure.

TSA Cares Number: 855-787-2227, Option 2

Autism Double Checked Website

Timestamps:

(00:00) School Updates

(02:30) Introducing Alan Day, Co-Founder and CEO of Autism Double Checked

(03:45) The start of Autism Double Checked

(05:45) How did your special needs parent experience influence this decision?

(07:50) The power of the Autism Flies Program

(12:30) TSA Cares

(16:20) Where to sit on the plane - Tips

(18:45) Advice for working through the airport

(21:50) Autism Stays Program - How to stay at a hotel

(27:30) Autism Passport Program

(31:30) Trends towards neurodivergent children travel

(38:45) How can families advocate in the meantime?

(40:15) Messages for parents preparing for travel

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

Discover how gamification, emotional literacy, and AI are transforming education for neurodiverse learners in this insightful episode of Helping Families Go Beyond. Educator Ariana McDaniels shares real-life classroom experiences and expert tips on using technology safely and effectively to support students with autism and other neurodiverse needs.

Learn how tools like AI can boost engagement, build community, and empower students to communicate and thrive—both in school and beyond. If you’re a parent, caregiver, or educator looking for practical strategies and inspiring stories, this episode is a must-listen. Timestamps:

(00:00) School updates and Summer Literacy Camp

(02:15) Introducing Ariana McDaniels from our Advanced Learning Center

(04:30) Ariana’s research at Georgia Tech

(05:40) Helping students navigate emotions

(06:45) Applying her research to her classroom

(07:50) Using AI in the classroom

(10:35) AI tools

(11:50) How will AI change special education?

(12:30) How families can use AI at home

(13:20) Using gamification to help students and eye tracking software

(14:50) Research with Horizons

(17:00) Success stories

(18:00) AI safety

(22:00) Final thoughts

(23:25) Adult programs

Discover how Hart 4 Autism is making a difference in the lives of families seeking autism assessments and support. In this insightful episode of Helping Families Go Beyond, we sit down with Dr. Kerri Duncan, who has conducted hundreds of evaluations, helping parents navigate the journey with clarity and confidence.

Learn about the ADOS assessment process, why early diagnosis matters, and how families can access the right resources—plus, debunk common myths about autism diagnoses.

If you’re a parent, educator, or advocate looking for trusted guidance, this episode is a must-listen! Visit BeyondTheSpectrum.org for more resources.

Visit Hart 4 Autism’s website: www.hart4autism.com

Kerri's email: hart4autism2017@gmail.com

Timestamps:

(00:00) Introducing Dr. Kerri Duncan Founder of Hart 4 Autism & School updates

(02:15) Starting Hart 4 Autism

(05:40) Advice for adults who are seeking a diagnosis

(09:40) What is the ADOS assessment process?

(13:40) Advice for families searching for an ABA Therapy provider

(16:30) Benefits of parent training

(18:00) How can we be supportive of families who recently get the diagnosis?

(22:30) How do you address the misunderstanding that Autism needs to be “fixed”?

(25:00) Real-life story - Making friends and living independently

(29:05) Advice for someone pursuing this career?

(32:55) How can people reach out to you?

(36:25) Final advice

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