Navigating the Spectrum with Michele Portlock

Dr. Julie Fraumeni-McBride is the Director of Research and development and Co-Founder at The Steadfast Institute. Julie has overseen the implementation of research focus and development specifically designed to better understand and meet the needs of women, men, LGBT identities, and those with intellectual and mental health impairments such as autism, OCD, bipolar, depression, ADHD, cyclothymia and other conditions who experience problematic pornography use.

Together Julie and I discuss the importance of teaching healthy sexual boundaries to those with a disability. What does this look like? Why does it matter? How is teaching sexual boundaries and sexuality different for an individual with a disability as opposed to someone without a disability?

Dr. Julie Fraumeni-McBride is knowledgeable, intelligent, and well-spoken and speaks with compassion and knowledge.

Podcast Edit: 1 in every 36 individuals is diagnosed as autistic.

Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife is an LDS relationship and sexuality coach with a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology. Her teaching and coaching focus on helping LDS individuals and couples achieve greater satisfaction and passion in their emotional and sexual relationships. Her knowledge, expertise, and resources are meaningful to broader audiences as well.

Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife is a parent of a 23-year-old autistic son and together we discuss how raising neurodivergent children may require a shift in the way we think about parenting. Parenting a child with a disability requires us to acknowledge that our child does not exist to reinforce us. The goal is to meet the needs of our individual children and to accept and embrace them for who they are. Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife discusses how truly loving our children may require some internal work on our part as parents. Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife focuses on marriage and intimacy and has worked with hundreds of couples to help them see themselves more clearly as individuals within their marital relationships. If you would like to learn more about Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife and her work, you can find her at:

www.finlayson-fife.com

@finlaysonfife

Robert Freiri is the Executive Director at Gateway Center of Monterey County, a community that has been serving adults with developmental disabilities for the past 60 years. Together, Robert and I discuss how to meet the needs of adults with disabilities through residential care as well as through community resources.

Gateway Center's slogan of Care and Compassion can be seen in all its programs--including the Without Walls program, which is designed to meet the needs of adults transitioning out of the classroom setting.

As parents, we often worry about how to care for our adult children with disabilities in the most meaningful way. And this includes their care when we are no longer here to care for them ourselves. Take a listen to Robert as he shares how Gateway Center helps meet the needs of it's clients through care and compassion.

Tyler Bastian is an educator, filmmaker, and founder of Roots Charter High School. Tyler loves to teach and has a passion for discovering and developing potential in everything around him. For four years, Tyler taught Character Education at a local high school and believes positive character is the greatest indicator of success. In 2012, Tyler began to develop the concepts that have become Roots-- Utah's first farm-based charter high school where educators work with students who come from risky environments, helping them find and reach their potential. Spoiler alert, many of the kids that attend Roots Charter High School are neurodivergent. As is Tyler Bastian himself.

This is an inspiring listen. Maybe even inspiring enough for you to open a Charter HS that incorporates many of Roots Charter HS's values.

This is one of those episodes you don't want to miss. Liz Feicht works as the Family Caregiver Community Outreach Lead for Solace Pediatric Healthcare and she takes the time to break down the Medicaid waiver process. And she does this in her informative and engaging way. You'll want to have a pen and notepad handy. And to all of those families that don't believe they will qualify for Medicaid services, take a listen and rethink the opportunities that may be afforded to your family.

Solace Pediatric Healthcare is the leading provider of family caregiver, occupational, physical, speech, and feeding therapy services. Since 2005, their clinicians have provided pediatric care to children from birth to 21 years of age. At Solace, they've instilled a culture built on trust, communication, teamwork, and accountability. Their mission is to provide pediatric healthcare services to help children and families live their best lives.

Abbey Butcher is an IEP Coach, a parent of children with behavioral needs, a special education teacher and a behavior specialist. She has 11+ years drafting behavior plans for students and her own children's behavioral needs and has helped hundreds of kids be more regulated and successful in school.

When addressing a child's behavioral needs, Abbey brings a brain-based approach. Supports she recommends will focus on helping a child to regulate and engage in their classroom setting.

She is a proud member of the Master IEP Network and cannot wait to help you on your IEP Journey!

Peter Mann is the CEO and Founder of Virginia-based Oransi, a leading air purification company known for its efficient, intuitive, and reliable products for consumers, schools, organizations, and businesses. He also is the Chair of the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers' Air Cleaner Council. In 2021, Oransi merged with Aviemore Technologies and is now a motor technology company with a clean energy mission. Oransi's new manufacturing facility in Radford, Virginia is making products in the USA with advanced motor technologies. Previously, Peter was the Founder and CEO of the Austin, Texas-based Alen Corp., an air purification company he built, and after 7 years had a successful exit. He went to college on a Navy ROTC scholarship and then served 4 years, including a tour in the Red Sea during the First Gulf War. He was a communications officer and then a gunnery officer on the USS McCandless. Peter is late diagnosed autistic and now advocates for autism awareness in the workplace. You can connect with him on LinkedIn at

https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-mann/

In 2020, Tiffany and her husband, Cyle Feingold, founded Guiding Bright Minds, a community of educators, professionals, non-profits, and parents of neurodivergent children on their journey. Tiffany's motivation and passion for Guiding Bright Minds stem from her journey as a parent of a neurodivergent child and spouse to a neurodivergent husband.

Tiffany is passionate about helping build a meaningful community around parents and families raising neurodivergent children. Take a listen to learn more about how she can help you, as a parent, build a community of support and connection. 

Sam Mitchell is autistic and runs a successful podcast called Autism Rocks and Rolls. Sam is a motivational speaker and entrepreneur who sells merchandise and writes creatively for his podcast. Sam has published a TED talk called Souled Structure, and he also recently graduated from high school. 

Together Sam and I talk about some of the challenges he has experienced as an autistic individual. We also talk about lessons learned. Sam shares advice for parents who are raising an autistic child. You can find Sam Mitchell on Instagram @autismrocksandrolls. He can also be found on multiple other platforms under the same name. 

Jan Stewart is a highly regarded mental health governance expert and advocate. Her brutally honest memoir Hold on Tight: A Parent's Journey Raising Children with Mental Illness describes her emotional roller coaster story of parenting two children with multiple mental health disorders. Her mission is to inspire parents to persevere, as well as to better educate their families, friends, healthcare professionals, educators, and employers. 

Jan is engaging, intelligent, and well-spoken, and together we discuss her new book coming out, as well as the importance of breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health. Jan even shares multiple ways to help break the stigma. 

Together Kody and I talk about the very real benefits gained when parents participate in parent coaching/consulting focused on current best practices in raising neurodivergent children. Kody is the co-owner of Curated Family Therapeutics and he and his partner work with clients in-person and also through telehealth. Kody has worked in this field for over ten years now and he is passionate about the work he does and those he serves. Kody has an open heart and his voice and approach are informative, experienced, and calming. 

Jason is a single father of an 8 yo daughter, a retired navy man, and co-creator of the Next Time I'm Up reminders app. Together Jason and I discuss what inspired this app and all of the app's many uses. This is a useful tool for all the little things you wish you remembered to do when you were up and about. Take a listen, and then go download the app.

This episode with Amanda Diekman focuses on low-demand parenting. Amanda tells us what it is, who it benefits, and why she uses low-demand parenting herself. Amanda has also written a book on low-demand parenting that will be out in the near future. 

Beatrice Moise is a Board-Certified Cognitive Specialist, parent coach, national speaker, and author of Our Neurodivergent Journey. She also has a unique parenting channel on YouTube that is dedicated to educating individuals on neurodiversity. Together we discuss why understanding neurodiversity matters, and specifically why it matters to Beatrice. Beatrice is engaging, educated, insightful, and passionate about being a resource for struggling parents. 

Natashia Kletter is the creator of the I Want to Tell You book series. Her books are created as a simple and fun form of assistive communication. They create a way to help our loved ones communicate their basic needs and beyond. Her book series is a meaningful tool that we can use in our own homes. 

Sivan Hong is a neurodivergent author and mom. She is an author and illustrator of the Super Fun Day Books Series which focuses on social stories and neurodivergent children. Sivan is passionate about advocating for her own neurodivergent children as well as the neurodivergent children of others. She believes that when we, as parents, advocate together, we can really make a difference in the lives of our neurodivergent loved ones. 

Elliot was diagnosed autistic at the age of 17. Elliot is now 19 years old and still processing what his diagosis means specifically for him. Elliot is insightful and a solid communicator. He loves playing ultimate frisbe and playing instruments such as his guitar, bass, and drums. He also loves film. 

Together Cary Colleran and I discuss ADHD and how she helps her clients better navigate in this world. We also talk about the differences between ADHD and Autism. Cary is educated, hilarious, and relatable, and you're going to want to be her friend after you listen to this episode. 

Brynne is the owner of Made to Play Pediatric Therapy. She has been an Occupational Therapist for 7 years and has practiced in just about every pediatric setting possible. At Made to Play, she offers clinic and home-based OT to children 0 to 21 years of age in the Denver Metro area. Brynne believes in meeting the sensory needs of each child through play, and in the power of connection. 

Dr. Marc Avner has been our family pediatrician for nearly ten years now. I have recognized his interest and love for all the children he cares for, but particularly those with additional needs. Together we discuss the importance of developmental milestones and how those milestones may signal the need for autism testing. Dr. Marc talks about traits he often sees in young children prior to an autism diagnosis and then what supports practices can provide for their patients upon receiving an autism diagnosis. 

Dr. Marc is full of knowledge, experience, and compassion, and you will appreciate what you learn from him during this discussion. Thank you Dr. Marc! 

Kendra is a speech-language pathologist that has been practicing in the field since 2014. She is highly intelligent, witty, and engaging. Kendra shares her insight into the differences between speech and language and what this may look like for an individual struggling with speech, language, or both. You'll be drawn in by her charismatic personality and the level of knowledge she shares in a meaningful and understandable way. 

Emily McAllister is a certified life coach and co-founder of Lead with Love Coaching, LLC. She is also a mother and a champion for helping people find their individual worth. She utilizes the science and psychology-based program of Clarity Point in working with her clients, specifically parents, youth, and young adults, who are trying to navigate their faith as well as LGBTQ+ neuro-diversity issues. 

Emily is all heart and, her experiences in life as a mother of an autistic young adult have led her to a place where she helps others navigate their neurodivergent experiences and struggles. She leads with love and helps others to move from fear-based thinking toward love-based thinking. 

Dr. Kristin Wegner is knowledgeable and well-versed in neurodiversity. She is neurodivergent herself, which leads to a greater understanding of her profession. Kristin earned her master's degree in special education and then began to work in the field of behavior. She fell in love with the opportunity she had to work with autistic children. She went back to school to become a clinical psychologist, and then started her own company which she has been running for the past few decades. 

Kristin has also written an award-winning book series called Brody the Lion. Through Brody's experiences, children with additional needs get to learn about self-regulation and other important life skills. 

If you have ever worried about the employment future of your neurodivergent child, then this episode is just for you. Anthony Pacilio is recognized domestically and internationally as an expert in neurodiverse employment and currently serves as Vice President of CAI Neurodiverse Solutions. Anthony discusses the Talent Discovery program implemented with the goal of getting to know the strengths of each neurodivergent individual seeking employment opportunities. And what I like best is the humanity that exists within CAI Neurodiverse Solutions. After you listen, you can check out CAI Neurodiverse Solutions by going to CAI.io. Make sure to listen and share. This information is a game-changer for so many neurodivergent individuals seeking meaningful and accommodating employment. 

Brielle is autistic and is currently attending college. Together we talk about accommodations she receives from her University and specific opportunities she has had due in part to being autistic. Brielle is witty, honest, hilarious, and a solid communicator. She is my oldest child, and we've been through some challenging experiences together in the past. I am so proud of who she is and in her mission to educate others about autism. 

Danish Mumtaz is a father to an autistic teenage son living in Pakistan. Danish has tapped into his own skillsets to create a social media platform centered on autism. Together, Danish and I discuss needs within the autism community at large, and how legislation is needed to help bring more resources to autistic families, as well as awareness within communities. 

Danish is dynamic and passionate about being the father to an autistic teenage son. He inspires others to do better by reaching out and informing those around him. This is a fantastic listen. 

Linc-d was created by Marisa Bentley to connect the autistic and disabled community together through art. Marisa's website includes her Artists in Residence and the many forms of art media each artist has for sale through Linc'd. Artists of all abilities are welcome and can send their art to Linc'd and then watch Marissa turn their art into sellable products such as mugs, notecards, socks, and much more. This is a resource I just had to share. Statistics show that up to 80% of the autistic community is unemployed. Linc-d gives artists an opportunity to share their talents and make a little money in the process. Take a listen and feel inspired!

Kirsten Hobbs is a wife and mother of four boys, three of which are autistic. Her boys are ages 18, 15, 13, and 8. Together we talk about how autism presents differently in each individual. We also discuss the impact autism has had on her youngest, neurotypical child. Kirsten is open and honest about the challenges and the beauty. Take a listen and find out for yourself. 

Jared and Amy Allen live in Idaho Falls, Idaho. They are the parents of 5 children, including an adult son who was recently diagnosed with ASD. Jared, Amy, and their family have worked hard together to create their family lavender farm; School Bell Flower Farm. And my favorite part is how they have involved their autistic son, Noah, after all, he was their inspiration. 

Dr. Nicole Gurash earned her doctorate in psychology and is also an LMFT and BCBA that provides compassionate, neurodiversity-affirming, trauma-informed therapy for individuals, couples, and families. She works with many autistic individuals, individuals with ADHD, couples that include either one or both diagnoses, and families trying to navigate this world together. Take a listen and learn from her expertise and personal experience. 

Whitney is a mom to four boys. Her oldest son is autistic and experienced bullying for an extended period of time. Together Whitney and I discuss the steps she took to get her son what he needed in order to feel safe in his education journey. 

Rosie's Ranch strives to "provide an inclusive therapeutic riding environment where children, with and without special needs, are able to connect with an equine partner and each other under the guidance of qualified staff, building self-confidence, literacy, and language skills through educational and equine-assisted activities"(Rosiesranch.com). 

Mary Mosher-States is the owner of Rosie's and she has three main passions in life. Spending time with her horses, teaching deaf children to communicate, and of course her own family. Rosie's has expanded their mission beyond just the deaf community and now also reaches all children with special needs as well as those without any additional needs. 

Together Mary and I discuss the benefits of children connecting with an equine partner. One of which includes the child's natural inclination to think outside of themselves. Mary is engaging and full of love for the many children and youth she has spent time with over the years. 

Jessica Beaty shares her own autism story. She is a wife and mother to two autistic children and during her parenting journey discovered her own autism diagnosis. Jessica is all heart and her experiences are raw and eye-opening. Take a listen for yourself. 

Brittany Strebel is a wife and mother of four beautiful children. Two of which she and her husband adopted through the foster care program. Through her experience as a foster parent and then adoption, Brittany has learned a lot about connection and bonding with your child. Something that can be challenging under some circumstances. And something I believe we need to talk about more often. So, if you are struggling with attachment and bonding issues with your child, this is worth the listen. 

Lisa Brown is the Independent Living Specialist with Wyoming Independent Living. As a paraplegic herself, she is a fierce advocate for people with disabilities. Lisa is a wife and mother of a beautiful little girl. Lisa shares her expertise as a disability advocate as well as her own personal story. She is witty, humorous, and full of love for her disability community. 

Kimberly DowDell married her high school sweetheart and together they have four children. Three teenagers and their eleven-year-old son Jack. Jack was diagnosed with downs syndrome at birth and together Kimberly and I discuss that experience as well as the idea that it's okay for parents to grieve and also celebrate their children with additional needs. Kimberly is a loving and devoted mother as well as a Zumba instructor. You can find her @zumbakimberly where she shares stories about her son Jack, and she also motivates her followers with her Zumba workouts. 

Dawn has been a pediatric physical therapist for over 21 years working with children from birth through school age. She has a passion for sensory processing as well as attachment between parent and child. Not only can you feel Dawn's passion throughout this episode, but she shares realistic tools for parents and families. 

In this episode, Kelsey and I laugh about some of our parenting blunders. If you want to feel good about yourself as a parent and you need a good laugh, this is your episode. We get real about our experiences as parents of children with additional needs. 

Kelsey is witty, hilarious, and an amazing mom to her two remarkable children. Take a listen and enjoy!

Taryn and Jess each bring their unique abilities and talents to the table to create a space where parents of special needs children can relate through the sharing of their own personal experiences. Both Taryn and Jess have beautiful baby girls with down syndrome that they brought into this world in 2020. They have come together to create @extraluckymoms. They sell apparel as well as work to normalize disabilities through their inclusive online platform. 

These two women are both engaging, intelligent, real and so much fun. Take a listen and enjoy!

Laura Smith, M.A. CCC-SLP is a 2014 graduate of Apraxia Kids Boot Camp, has completed the PROMPT Level 1 training, and the Kaufman Speech to Language Protocol (K-SLP). She is the author of Overcoming Apraxia and has lectured throughout the United States on CAS (childhood apraxia of speech) and related issues. Currently, Laura is a practicing SLP specializing in apraxia at her clinic A Mile High Speech Therapy in Aurora, Colorado. 

Laura takes the time to explain apraxia on a professional level as well as share some of her daughter's experiences with apraxia. She is knowledgeable, highly intelligent, and easily approachable. Take a listen!

Wendy Thomas is a wife and mother of two boys. Her oldest son, Jack, is autistic. Together we discuss how Wendy has worked tirelessly to advocate for the educational needs of her oldest son. It all began when their family lived in Brazil for a time and it has continued after a move to San Francisco and now to Park City. Wendy has a special gift for finding local resources for her son Jack, no matter where they live. Wendy posed the question, "Is a roadblock something that stops you, or is it just something that needs to get resolved and solved?" 

S2, E 37 is with Adeena Jacobson. Adeena is a wife and mother to four children. Her own personal experiences led her to the field of Applied Behavior Analysis. And she shares those experiences with us in this podcast. Adeena earned her Master's in Special Education and is a licensed and board-certified behavior analyst. She is also the Chief Clinical Operator for BK Ventures. You can find BK Ventures at bkbehavior.com.

Adeena is intelligent, hard-working, dedicated, and passionate about what she does. 

S2, E36 with Jeff Silber is heartwarming and inspiring. Jeff is a 66-year-old single father who left the corporate world to earn his Masters in Special Education. He is currently completely another Masters in ABA therapy. He made these educational decisions in order to become the best version of himself as a father and also to help other children and parents within the autism and special needs community. 

S2, E35 with Larissa Packer is a true lesson in how to manage your life while raising multiple autistic children with their unique needs. Larissa is a wife and mother of two autistic children. She is a technical editor and when she takes time for herself, she enjoys spending it with a good book. Larissa is insightful, real, and a strong example of learning how to navigate autism as a parent. Take a listen!

Teva Johnstone is a social worker, psychotherapist, children's mental health consultant, and mother. You can follow her on Instagram at @neurocurioustherapist. Following Teva will be well worth your time. Her education, true heart, and wisdom all combine to create a beautiful and enlightening platform. She is also the owner of Blossom Child Therapy. 

Together we discuss some of the traumas experienced by neurodivergent individuals as well as those that love neurodivergent individuals. One of my favorite Teva quotes from our podcast is when she said, "Try to be that enlightened witness." Meaning, be the one that shows up with love, compassion, understanding, and zero judgment. Take a listen. And enjoy the journey. 

Amanda is a mother of two, her son is autistic. Amanda is an assistant principal, author of The Clouds that Chase Us: A Journey into Autism, founder of Emocet (bracelets that help children identify emotion), and she also started an organization called Autism Appititude where she helps parents through coaching. She is a single mom and very much down-to-earth and full of insight. Take a listen for yourself. 

Episode 32 with Yulika is informative and heart-felt. Because Yulika Forman approaches autism with a kind heart and an intelligent mind. Yulika specializes in autism and co-occurring conditions as well as IEPs, parent coaching, and the coaching of neurodiverse adults. You can find Yulika on Instagram at @theexpertally. She is a solid resource. So follow along and decide for yourself. 

Jessica Beaty is a wife, mom, autism & ADHD advocate, and a Master IEP Coach. Both of her children were diagnosed with autism around the age of 4 1/2. Through the diagnoses process, Jessica discovered that she too is autistic. After feeling overwhelmed and confused during her son's kindergarten transition IEP meeting, she knew she had to simplify the special education process and support other parents. 

Jessica has enriched her learning through educational law training through Wrightslaw and COPAA, as well as receiving training through the Master IEP Coach mentorship. She is currently a member of the Master IEP Coach Network and COPAA. If you need parent support at the IEP table, you can find Jessica on Instagram @jessicabeauty_advocate or contact her directly through her website jessicabeaty.com  

Sheila Reilly is the Head of Star Academy and her background includes over 20 years of business, education, and healthcare management. Sheila is insightful, knowledgeable, and passionate about the families and the children she serves. Sheila shares multiple golden nuggets regarding post-high school life for our children with additional needs. This is worth the listen!

Episode 29 with Shirley Swope from Peak Parent Center is a fantastic free resource for parents wanting to learn more about advocating for their child within the school system. Take a listen and become inspired by Shirley's knowledge and wisdom.