In this episode of Helping Families Go Beyond, we talk with Chris Angilella from Chris and the Able Universe. Chris has autism and Asperger's and has developed his skills to write books, create illustrations, and characters. Chris is the proud author of seven books with several more in the making.

Throughout this episode, we discuss Chris’ journey to this point, his interests growing up and how they influence his characters, and what Chris is working on now. Chris shares his interests in animals, specifically from South America, his participation in comic cons, and his continued pursuit of advancing his illustration skills. We also discuss his superpowers, including creating characters and being able to tell you what day of the week you were born on if you give him your birthday. This is an inspiring story for any family member who has somebody with a special ability.

Timestamps:

(00:00) Introducing Chris Angilella of Chris and the Able Universe & School Updates

(03:50) About Chris’ characters from the Able Universe

(07:00) Chris’ character inspiration and illustrations

(10:10) Working at Winn Dixie and how he found the job through Hope Services

(11:15) Chris’ Strengths and superpowers

(12:45) What do you wish people understood about Aspergers?

(17:00) Artists who inspire you

(19:10) Advice for people who have Autism and their family

(23:50) What can schools or communities understand about working with people with Autism?

(29:00) Learning about animals and South American Culture and how it inspires his books

(31:30) Writing new books and going to Comic Cons

(33:30) Touch a Truck Event

(34:45) Journey to get to where Chris is now

(38:10) How can people get in contact with you?

(43:45) Bear and the Big Blue House and having things “click”

(47:00) Sponsorship Opportunities for Chris and the Able Universe

(50:45) Wanting to visit the Nashville Zoo

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 Lauren Carpenter speaks with Joshua Yirkovsky, 21-year Navy veteran and founder of Angel Force Foundation, about how families and schools can better prepare for emergencies involving neurodivergent children. From practical safety tools like wearable GPS devices and visual cues to individualized safety plans (ISPs) and modified emergency drills, Joshua shares expert strategies for reducing elopement risks and building collaborative, trauma-informed communities. Whether you're a parent, educator, or caregiver, this conversation is packed with actionable tips to help you create a safer, more responsive environment for children with developmental or sensory needs. Tune in to learn how you can take proactive steps to protect the ones you love.

Angel Force Foundation Website: https://angelforcefoundation.org/

Streetlight Angels Podcast: https://www.angelfp.com/streetlight-angels-podcast

Timestamps:

(00:00) School updates and introducing our guest, Joshua Yirkovsky Angel Force Foundation

(04:20) What is Angel Force Foundation?

(06:30) How has your experience in the military influenced the programs at Angel Force Foundation?

(08:00) What accommodations can schools make for students with additional needs?

(12:05) Emergencies at home and developing an emergency plan

(14:30) ISP - Individual safety plan

(15:40) Technology and tools

(19:25) Advice for students prone to elopement

(22:40) How can you design your environment to prevent elopement

(26:10) Creating a village of shared safety

(28:00) Success stories

(29:45) Learn more about Angel Force Foundation

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

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.