Boat Week is one of the highlights of Alec's entire year—and this episode is all about the friendships, traditions, and memories that make it so special.

Each year, several families and close friends gather for what has become an annual tradition centered around Alec. What started as a simple week at the lake has grown into something much bigger: a community built on friendship, inclusion, and shared experiences.

Throughout the week, everyone participates in games, icky food eating contests, outdoor activities, and more. This year, we even hosted our own Boat Week Olympics, creating events where everyone could compete, celebrate, and have fun together.

Of course, no Boat Week would be complete without time on the water. From tubing and wake surfing to his new favorite, kneeboarding, we've watched Alec develop incredible confidence and skill over the years. Supporting his interests and celebrating his successes has been one of the greatest joys of this tradition.

This episode highlights several of our Boat Week crew who we recorded while we were together so we have pieced together their voices. It’s a bit different from our usual format. But trust us—this is a super fun listen.

In the end, this episode is about more than boats and summer fun. It's about what can happen when individuals on the autism spectrum are surrounded by people who believe in them, include them, and create opportunities for them to thrive. Boat Week is a reminder that hobbies build confidence, friendships create belonging, and community makes all the difference.

Whether you're raising a young child with autism or supporting an adult on the spectrum, we hope this conversation inspires you to build traditions, encourage interests, and create spaces where everyone can participate and feel valued.

Send us Fan Mail

In this heartfelt episode, Christi and Angie open up about the journey of helping Alec build and maintain meaningful friendships over the years.

Friendship doesn’t always come naturally — especially for individuals on the autism spectrum — but with patience, intentional opportunities, and the right support, genuine connections can grow. We talk about what’s worked for Alec, from structured social opportunities to natural friendships that blossomed through shared interests, work relationships and team bonds.

Whether you’re a parent, sibling, or caregiver, we hope this conversation offers encouragement and practical ideas for helping your loved one form lasting bonds — one piece at a time.

Send us Fan Mail

Todd is Alec's senior by three years. He grew up in Japan, Denmark and Texas. Todd holds a B.S. of Accounting from Brigham Young University - Utah. Following college, Todd has pursued a career in speciality finance in Texas while maintaining a few entrepreneurial real estate ventures on the side. In his free time, he enjoys hunting, fishing, smoking meat, riding dirt-bikes (much to Christi's dismay), playing RuneScape and bugging the living heck out of Alec! Todd shares his unique perspective on what it was like growing up with a sibling on the autism spectrum — the challenges, the lessons, and the moments that shaped their bond.

From early memories to the realities of sharing family attention and adapting to Alec’s needs, Todd’s honest reflection sheds light on how autism impacts not just the individual, but the entire family. We talk about what he learned along the way, how his relationship with Alec has evolved, and what advice he has for other siblings navigating similar experiences.

It’s a heartfelt, insightful look at family life, understanding, and the lasting love that comes from growing up piece by piece alongside autism.

Send us Fan Mail