
The Spectrum Dad
By Fred Marvel
Our family’s journey with our son on the spectrum along with interviews of other families and professionals to help bring about more autism awareness

The Spectrum DadFeb 09, 2021
00:00
23:34

Katie Emde
It’s the Season Finale of the Spectrum Dad! This week I am talking to Katie Emde. She’s an incredible mom and advocate. We talked a lot about advocating and finding our voices as advocates for our kids. Katie was incredible to talk to and a great source of information.
Sep 20, 202244:37

My Heroes on the Spectrum
This week on the Spectrum Dad I am joined by Ryan. He is an incredible dad to two kids on the spectrum. We had a great talk about dealing with and processing an autism diagnosis as a dad. Ryan also shares the advice he would give to dads of newly diagnosed children. It was really great to get the perspective of another dad
Sep 13, 202220:57

Siblings on the Spectrum
This week on the Spectrum Dad I am joined by Jessi. Jessi has two incredible kids Buddy and Lyla. Both kids wound up getting diagnosed with autism on the same day. Jessi is very open about how she learned to process what she felt going through that. Then we have a great talk about AACs. We talked a lot about finding the right therapy fit for our kids and we finished by discussing sibling relationships. Jessi was incredibly open and honest and we had a great conversation!
Sep 06, 202229:51

Meet Little Brittles
This week on the Spectrum Dad I have a great conversation with Brittany. She is mom to an incredible son, Teegan. We talk a lot about Teegan’s diagnosis and his story, but we also talk a ton about self-care. We have a great conversation about prepping and planning ahead and making sure we as parents are in a good place so we can do the best job for our kids.
Aug 30, 202222:27

Life on the Fox Strum
This week’s episode of the Spectrum Dad covers it all. I have the pleasure of taking to Daniele. We talked about the early signs of autism in her son and quickly learning to advocate for him with doctors and professionals. We talked about finding the right school setting for our kids and then we finish with Daniele talking about her journey with sobriety.
Aug 23, 202233:29

Life with Opal
This week I am joined by Renee, a special needs mom from Oklahoma. We had a great discussion about regression, acceptance and inclusion. We also talked about the inspiration behind Renee’s Disney reels highlighting some amazing kiddos.
Aug 16, 202215:39

Interview with Jennifer McCormick
This week I had the pleasure of interviewing Jennifer McCormick. She is the mother of two adults sons in Virginia. One son, Ashton, is on the spectrum. We had a great conversation about the transition from high school to being a young adult. We talked a lot about the options that are available to young adults on the spectrum.
Aug 09, 202224:32

Simple Spectrum Supplements
This episode is a must listen! I am joined by Dr. Kristen Shay and Heather Grimaldi, MS, BCBA from Simple Spectrum Supplements. Aleks has been going through some digestive issues lately so we talked all about how picking eating and food aversions can affect gut health. There is a lot of great information this week about the affects poor gut health has on everything else. Make sure you take notes with this episode. Also stay tuned to the end of the show for instructions on how to win a special giveaway from Simple Spectrum!
Aug 02, 202228:25

Garley Girls
This week I am joined by an incredible mom and advocate Claire. Claire is the mom of two amazing little girls. We chat all about having two kids on the spectrum and how they can be so alike and so different. We also trade some of our kids’ sleep stories back and forth and talk about how a lack of sleep impacts our kids.
Jul 26, 202221:40

Chatting with Lexas
This week on the Spectrum Dad I am chatting with Lexas. She is the mom of four amazing kids. Three of them are on the spectrum. We talk a lot about the differences and similarities in her kids and how autism is different for everyone. We also talk a lot of advocating and what to do when you disagree with what a therapy center or therapy providers recommends.
Jul 19, 202230:33

Chatting with Sarah
This week on the Spectrum Dad I am chatting with an incredible mom and advocate Sarah. We talk about her amazing daughter Ivy, dealing with school districts and finding out voices as advocates for our kids.
Jul 12, 202222:40

The Shape of Autism
This week I had the pleasure of interviewing another incredible Autism Mom, Flavia. Flavia lives in Italy and we talked about the similarities and differences there are between the US and Italy. We talked about getting diagnosed, therapy options and schools. It was great to hear the perspective of another parent halfway across the world.
Jul 05, 202215:47

Tanna from Goally
This week I am speaking with Tanna from Goally! Goally can be used as a visual schedule, behavior tracker and AAC among other things. Tanna and I discuss many of Goally’s uses. It is something we’re using at home as a behavior tracker and scheduler. Listen to the show and then go check out Goally!
Jun 28, 202221:57

Willow and Anthony
Today I am talking with another awesome Autism mom, Jamie. She has an incredible son Anthony and she also has a service dog for Anthony named Willow. We talk a ton about service dogs. How to get them, how to train them and how they benefit our kids.
Jun 21, 202224:05

Elijah’s Mama Bear
This week I am joined by an amazing Autism Mom, Tara. We talk all about her incredible son Elijah and we have a great discussion on supplements for our kiddos.
Jun 14, 202219:50

Forever Chasing Austin
This week I am joined by Amanda. We talk all about her journey with her son Austin from getting him diagnosed to dealing with very picky eating as Austin got older. You don’t want to miss this interview.
Jun 07, 202232:12

The Autistic Filmmaker
This week I had the pleasure of speaking with Scott Klumb. Scott is an adult living on the spectrum and he is also a very talented filmmaker. Scott and I had a great conversation about growing up on the spectrum and how he got his start in filmmaking.
May 31, 202223:25

Disney World with Lily and Magnolia Travel
For this week’s episode I am joined once again by Dina from Lily and Magnolia Travel. Dina is a Certified Autism Travel Agent. We talk all about my family’s recent trip to Disney World. We go over all the planning that went into our trip, what happened during our trip and what we could have done differently.
May 24, 202225:26

Sense-Ational You!
Today I am joined by Julia. Julia is an autism teacher in Boston. She also created an amazing line of clothes for kiddos with sensory needs. Check out her clothing line at www.shopsenseationalyou.com
May 17, 202215:06

Conversation with Jordan Bates
Today I am joined by Autism mom, Jordan Bates. We talk all about getting her son diagnosed with ASD and we also discuss about some of the mental issues we deal with as parents of a child on the spectrum
May 10, 202221:30

Minute Masters
Today I am joined by Miss K and Miss J, the amazing creators of the Minute Masters video series. They have created incredible videos to help our kiddos deal with things such as transitions, doctor appointments, bedtime routines and just about anything else you could think of. Both ladies used their background in OT and Special Ed to develop these wonderful videos to help our kids in their daily lives. YouTube: Minute Masters Website: minutemasters.org
May 03, 202213:17

Unseen: Caregiver Documentary
Today I am talking with Amanda and Tom Dyer, the creators of the amazing new film Unseen: Caregiver Documentary. We are discussing their inspiration for this film as well as why it’s important to shine a light on special needs caregivers. Please go to caregiverdoc.com to learn how you can watch the online premiere.
Apr 26, 202214:46

Forever Boy with Kate Swenson
For the Season Premiere I am talked with Kate Swenson, the creator of Finding Cooper’s Voice. Kate just release her book Forever Boy. We talked about her book, raising kids with high anxiety and navigating complicated sibling relationships. Give it a listen and then head over to Amazon to pick up your copy of Forever Boy. https://www.amazon.com/s?k=forever+boy+kate+swenson&crid=2WYB6S3ENP63I&sprefix=%2Caps%2C49&ref=nb_sb_ss_recent_1_0_recent
Apr 19, 202222:03

Adventures in Autism
This is it! The final episode! What better way to finish the Spectrum Dad podcast than by interviewing my good friend Megan Carranza from Adventures in Autism. We go over everything from parenting to self care to podcasting. Thank you so much to everyone’s who has come on the show and thank you to everyone that has taken the time to listen!
Jun 01, 202142:55

Brody the Lion
Today I am talking with Kristen Wegner, author of Brody the Lion. Kristen has had an amazing career. We talk about her approach to ABA Therapy, her Autism and Behavior Center in Wisconsin and her amazing Brody the Lion Books!
May 25, 202125:01

Interview with Spectrum Dad Ken
This is one of my most honest and raw episodes to date. I’m talking with fellow Spectrum Dad Ken. We talk about his journey with his son Keon. But we also dive deep into the emotions involved with processing an autism diagnosis as a father. This is a definite must listen.
May 18, 202122:05

Dina from Lily and Magnolia Travel
Today I am chatting with an amazing mom, Dina. Not only is Dina an autism mom but she is also a certified autism travel consultant. We talk about Dina’s journey as an autism mom and we also talk about the ins and outs of traveling with someone on the spectrum
May 11, 202121:51

The Return of Echo Boy
Today I am welcoming back Chante Douglas. She is an amazing mom and children’s book author. She has an awesome new book coming out called, Are You Okay? We are also hyping up an amazing charity event coming up this July. www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B091WJ53LK/ref=dbs_a_w_dp_b091wj53lk
May 04, 202119:34

Interview with Kate, MA, BCBA
On this episode of the Spectrum Dad we are going over the in’s and out’s of ABA therapy with Kate, who is an amazing BCBA. We start at the beginning when a kiddo gets diagnosed and ABA therapy is recommended. We talk about what therapy looks like and we also go over some of the negative perceptions of ABA therapy.
Apr 27, 202120:49

Filling Their Cups with Jen Culberson
In today’s episode of the Spectrum Dad podcast I am chatting with Jen Culberson of Filling Their Cups. Jen and I talk about her journey with a kid on the spectrum, self care we need to do as parents and her Filling Their Cup program. Connect with Jen on IG @fillingtheircups
Apr 20, 202123:44

Happy Birthday Daniel!
It’s just me today on an all new episode of the Spectrum Dad podcast! Today I am talking about putting some focus on the spectrum siblings out there.
Apr 13, 202117:33

Empowered Sports and Fitness
Today I am joined by Michael Shipper from Empowered Sports and Fitness. Michael is a personal trainer that specializes in training people with special needs. We talk all about why it’s important for ours kiddos to get some form of exercise and how we can make it fun for them. Follow Michale on IG @empowered.sports.fitness
Apr 06, 202117:57

Sensory Kids Guide
Today I am talking with Beth Roberts, creator of the Sensory Kids Guide. We are talking about taking our kids to Amusement Parks. We cover prepping our kids ahead of time, what to do while we’re in the park and some of the recent accommodations these parks have been putting into place for our kids that need them. Follow Beth on IG @sensorykidsguide and online at www.sensory kids guide.com
Mar 30, 202124:35

Interview with Laurie Hellmann
Today I have the pleasure of talking to autism mom, Laurie Hellmann. Laurie is an amazing mom, podcast host and best selling author. We talk about her amazing son Skyler, the lack of services for older children on the spectrum and her amazing book, Welcome to My Life. Follow Laurie on Instagram @welcometomylife_lauriehellmann and purchase her book, Welcome to My Life https://www.amazon.com/Welcome-My-Life-Personal-Parenting/dp/1948238322/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=welcome+to+my+life&qid=1615910356&sr=8-4
Mar 23, 202114:29

Equally Fit with Mark Fleming
Today I am talking with Mark Fleming. Mark is an adult living on the spectrum. We talk about his growing up with autism, going to college and transitioning to adulthood. We also talk about his gym Equally Fit in Tampa, Florida. www.equallyfit.com
Mar 16, 202123:41

Chat with Jennifer and Barry Oglesby
For today’s episode I am talking with Jennifer and Barry Oglesby. They are parents to five amazing children. We talk about their oldest son who is on the spectrum and what led them to developing their own residential living facilities for adults on the spectrum. They are also in the process of developing an online social skills group for kids of all ages. www.jenniferoglesby.com
Mar 09, 202118:01

My Spectrum Heroes
Today’s guest is Denise from My Spectrum Heroes. We discuss all thing nutrition and the effects that poor nutrition can have on our kiddos. www.myspectrumheroes.com www.Denisevoight.com use the code SPECTRUMDAD15 for 15% off your next order from My Spectrum Heroes
Mar 02, 202134:29

Kara from Aligned 4 Learning
Today I am talk with Kara from the website Aligned 4 Learning. He are talking about advocating for our kids within the special education system and how we can prepare ourselves as parents deal with the school system. Check out Kara and her services at www.aligned4learning.com
Feb 23, 202121:38

Chat with Fellow Spectrum Dad, Joe Cesario
Today I am talking with Joe Cesario. Joe and I talk about some of the emotions you go through when you find out that your kid is on the spectrum and how we deal with that at fathers.
Feb 16, 202121:06

Author Aaron Wright
I am chatting with autism dad and author Aaron Wright. We talk about his daughters diagnosis and what inspires him to become such an amazing advocate and author of the book Thirteen Doors. https://www.amazon.com/Thirteen-Doors-Aaron-Wright/dp/1735072648/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=thirteen+doors&qid=1610404776&sprefix=thirteen+doors&sr=8-1
Feb 09, 202123:34

The Reason I Jump with Jerry Rothwell
On today’s episode I am joined by the director of The Reason I Jump, Jerry Rothwell. We talk all about this incredible film. Click the link below to view the movie. www.kinolorber.com/film/the-reason-i-jump www.thereasonijumpfilm.com
www.facebook.com/reasonijumpfilm
www.facebook.com/reasonijumpfilm
Feb 02, 202115:10

My Brother Otto!
Today I am talking with Meg Raby. She is the author of the amazing book, My Brother Otto. We talked about Meg’s career path and what led her to write My Brother Otto. https://www.amazon.com/My-Brother-Otto-Meg-Raby/dp/1423651545/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=my+brother+otto&qid=1609965555&sprefix=my+brother+otto&sr=8-1
Jan 26, 202121:07

Autism Dad in the 603
Today I am talking with Jon Rubin better known as the Autism Dad in the 603. We’re talking about life with a child on the spectrum and how he gets long with his four other siblings.
Jan 19, 202121:01

IEP Expert Markeisha Hall
This week I am joined by Markiesha Hall. She is an IEP expert and we talk about the IEP process from beginning to end. And we also discuss her amazing son Jo and his diagnosis.
Jan 12, 202131:22

Updates and Advocating
It’s a solo episode this week. Today I am updating everyone on how we made it through the holidays. I am also talking about some issues we’ve been having with Aleks’ IEP at school and speaking up when something is going wrong.
Jan 05, 202115:28

Occupational Therapy on the Spectrum
Today’s guest is Dawn, she is an occupational therapist that works with adults on the spectrum. We talk about why someone on the spectrum would need Occupational Therapy and some of the benefits of OT.
Dec 29, 202018:38

Will’s ASD Journey
This week we’re heading back to the UK. I am chatting with Will Stokes. He was diagnosed with ASD at 11. We talked about what led up to his diagnosis and how he is dealing with that now that he is in his early 20’s.
Dec 22, 202013:06

Echo Boy and ABC Girl!
Today I am talking with amazing autism mom and children’s book author, Chante Douglas. We talk about her son Levi and her incredible children’s book The Adventures of Echo Boy and ABC Girl. Here is a link the Chante’s Amazon store so you can get a copy of her book. www.amazon.com/Adventures-Echo-boy-ABC-girl/dp/1686224591
Dec 15, 202027:34

Autsome Brushes
Today I have the pleasure of speaking with Alexis from Autsome Brushes. We’re chatting about how her daughter’s diagnosis inspired her to open an autism related store in Delaware County, PA.
Dec 08, 202015:32

Disorderly Conduct Media
Today I am talking with Brianna and Esther. They are the amazing ladies behind Disorderly Conduct Media. We’re talking about being diagnosed with ASD and ADHD a little later in life and the inspiration behind their new podcast launching January 2021!
Dec 01, 202031:12