What happens when a military mom raises a neurodivergent daughter who thrives in dance despite challenges like autism and dyslexia?

In this episode of The Autism Round Table, host Leah Gross welcomes Amanda and her daughter Leta for a conversation full of laughter, insight, and inspiration.

Key Questions Explored in the Episode:

• How can parents support the unique talents of neurodivergent children?
• What challenges arise when raising an autistic child in a military family?
• How does dyslexia intersect with autism and affect creative expression?
• What role do structure, advocacy, and pets play in a neurodivergent child’s development?

Summary of the Conversation:

Amanda, a dedicated military mom, shares her experience raising Leta, a vibrant and talented young dancer on the autism spectrum. The conversation dives into topics such as stimming behaviors, the impact of dyslexia on Leta’s dancing, and the ways the military lifestyle has shaped their support system. Amanda encourages parents to celebrate their child’s unique talents while offering grounded advice drawn from her own journey. Leta joins the conversation with humor and honesty, giving listeners a heartfelt glimpse into the life of a neurodivergent teenager.

About The Guest:

Amanda is a military spouse and passionate advocate for her daughter Leta, who is both autistic and dyslexic. Amanda shares practical tips and encouragement from her years navigating military life and supporting Leta’s personal and creative growth. Leta, a gifted dancer, brings her voice to the episode, showing the joy and individuality that defines her journey.

Key Takeaways:

• Embrace your child's interests—they can become powerful tools for connection and growth.
• A structured environment can help neurodivergent children feel secure and thrive.
• Dyslexia doesn’t have to be a limitation—it can coexist with artistic talent.
• Military communities often offer unique resources and support for families with special needs.
• Let your child be part of the conversation—they have wisdom and perspective to share.

Time Stamps:

00:00 Amanda’s background and journey into autism advocacy

02:06 – Encouraging Leta’s talent in dance

11:22 – Understanding and managing stimming

14:49 – Advice for parents raising children on the spectrum

27:54 – Navigating autism within a military family

42:02 – How dyslexia affects Leta’s dance experience

55:00 – The healing and supportive role of pets

Ready to feel inspired and better equipped to support the neurodivergent children in your life?

Tune in to the full episode for heartfelt stories, expert advice, and practical encouragement.

What does true support for both parents and children in the autism community look like?

In this episode of The Autism Roundtable, Leah Gross is joined by occupational therapist JoAnna Poyssick, who shares her holistic approach to supporting families.

Key Questions Explored in the Episode:

• What is the Skyrocket Success coaching program, and how does it support parents?
• Why is self-care essential for parents of children with autism?
• How can parents better understand and support their child's sensory needs?
• What role do gross and fine motor skills play in a child’s development?
• How can occupational therapy help families thrive together?

Summary of the Conversation:

JoAnna Poyssick brings a refreshing and compassionate lens to supporting families navigating autism. She outlines how her Skyrocket Success program combines coaching, education, and community to empower parents. JoAnna emphasizes that parent well-being directly influences a child’s progress and shares actionable advice on sensory processing, executive functioning, and skill-building. Her approach centers on acceptance, empathy, and celebrating strengths, making this a must-listen episode for caregivers and professionals alike.

About the Guest:

JoAnna Poyssick is an experienced occupational therapist who specializes in working with children on the autism spectrum. Through her virtual and in-person coaching programs, she helps parents develop the tools, mindset, and routines they need to support their child’s growth while taking care of their own well-being.

Key Takeaways:

1. Parent self-care is foundational to supporting a child with autism.
2. Acceptance and mindset shifts can radically improve the family dynamic.
3. Sensory challenges require individualized strategies and patience.
4. Executive functioning and motor skills are essential for independence.
5. A strength-based approach builds confidence in both children and parents.

Time Stamps:

00:00 - Joanna’s work with children on the autism spectrum

01:53 – Skyrocket Success: A parenting coaching program

03:21 – The importance of self-care for parents

04:27 – Finding support and building community

09:10 – Acceptance as a foundation for parenting

12:01 – A deeper look at the Skyrocket Success structure

16:42 – The role of occupational therapy in family life

19:41 – Creating healthy sleep routines

23:16 – Supporting children’s social and leisure activities

26:12 – Understanding sensory processing challenges

28:05 – Meeting each child’s unique sensory needs

29:31 – Modeling calm behavior for emotional regulation

30:17 – Helping children manage emotions

32:16 – The importance of gross motor development

35:16 – Encouraging self-care skills in children

38:54 – Fine motor development and executive functioning

46:27 – Addressing parental guilt and fostering acceptance

Links for the Guest:

Connect with JoAnna Poyssick on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanna-poyssick-skyrocketsuccess/

Visit JoAnna’s website: https://www.sensationalstudentsot.com/

Call to Action:

Ready to support your child’s growth while taking care of yourself?

Tune in to the full episode for practical strategies and heartfelt insights from JoAnna Poyssick.

What happens when a father, once distant, decides to turn his personal story into a mission of advocacy and change?

In this episode, Jamiel Owens shares his deeply moving journey—from navigating his son’s autism diagnosis to becoming a powerful voice in the autism community. Through personal challenges, professional growth, and community activism, Jamiel illustrates what it means to show up, speak out, and build lasting impact.

Key Questions Explored in the Episode:

• What was Jamiel’s turning point after his son’s autism diagnosis?
• How do fathers play a vital role in a child’s autism journey?
• What unique challenges does the Black community face in autism awareness and support?
• How can families prepare children with autism for emergency interactions, including with law enforcement?
• What does true advocacy look like in action?

Summary:

Jamiel Owens opens up about the early difficulties of accepting his son Shane’s autism diagnosis and his initial absence during that critical time. With honesty and vulnerability, he shares how he chose to grow from that place and step into advocacy. As Family Relations Coordinator at the Center for Autism Research at CHOP and founder of Awesomeness Incorporated, Jamiel is making systemic change through community outreach, law enforcement training, and parent education. He offers heartfelt advice for other parents—especially fathers—encouraging them to be present, breathe, and build a team around their child. His story is one of redemption, empowerment, and passionate service.

About The Guest:

Jamiel Owens is a dedicated autism advocate, father, and community leader. As the Family Relations Coordinator at the Center for Autism Research at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), and founder of the nonprofit Awesomeness Incorporated, Jamiel works to build stronger support systems for families of children with autism, with a special focus on underserved communities and emergency preparedness.

Key Takeaways:

• Presence matters: Fathers have a unique and irreplaceable role in a child’s autism journey.
• Breathe and build a team: No one should parent alone—support is essential.
• Community change starts local: Jamiel’s work shows how grassroots efforts can have systemic impact.
• Emergency preparedness saves lives: Training law enforcement and first responders is crucial.
• Redemption is possible: It’s never too late to show up and make a difference.

Time Stamps:

00:00 - Fatherhood and Autism: A Personal Journey

03:44 – The Importance of Fathers in Autism

06:31 – Advice for Parents: Breathing and Teamwork

12:09 – Challenges in the Black Community

16:47 – Spiritual Journey and Acceptance

19:30 – Advocacy and Community Work

23:51 – Fire Safety and Law Enforcement Training

Links for the Guest:

Connect with Jamiel Owens on LinkedIn:

Visit Awesomeness Incorporated:

Call to Action:

Inspired by Jamiel’s story?

Tune in to the full episode for a powerful reminder that showing up for your child—and your community—can spark real change.