Sex education can feel awkward, overwhelming, or even taboo for many parents, especially when they are raising neurodivergent children and already navigating so many daily demands.

In this episode, Brian talks with Cath Hakanson, founder of Sex Ed Rescue, about how parents can approach sex education in practical, shame-free, and neurodiversity-affirming ways. Cath explains why sex education is not one big "talk," but a series of everyday conversations about bodies, safety, relationships, consent, privacy, values, and trust.

Cath shares how parents can become more "askable," why honest answers help build safety, and how conversations about body boundaries and consent can support autistic and neurodivergent children as they grow. This conversation is warm, direct, and grounded in real life, helping parents understand that they are probably already teaching sex ed in small ways, even if they do not realize it yet.

Topics Covered

• Why sex education starts earlier than many parents think
• How to become an "askable parent"
• Why honest, age-appropriate answers build trust
• Teaching consent, body boundaries, and privacy
• Supporting autistic and neurodivergent children with explicit teaching
• Why information is not permission
• Helping children feel safe, informed, and respected

Memorable Quote

"Information isn't permission. It actually empowers kids."

About the Guest

Cath Hakanson is an autistic ADHDer, parent of neurodivergent children, and founder of Sex Ed Rescue. She helps parents approach sex education in practical, shame-free ways that support safety, trust, consent, and healthy relationships.

Resources Mentioned

Sex Ed Rescue:
https://sexedrescue.com/

Sex Ed Shop:
https://sexedshop.com/

Sex Ed Membership for Parents:
https://sexedshop.com/products/sex-ed-membership

SECCA:
https://www.secca.org.au/

Cath Hakanson on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/cathhakanson

Cath Hakanson on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/sexedrescue/

Cath Hakanson on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathhakanson/

About the Host

Brian Keene is an occupational therapist and founder of Pure Hearts Therapy, a neurodiversity-affirming pediatric therapy practice supporting children and families through home-based occupational therapy, speech therapy, physical therapy, and parent support in Arizona.

Subscribe & Connect

If this episode resonated with you, please consider sharing it with another parent who might benefit from this conversation.

Listen and subscribe to the Autism Family Resource Podcast:
https://pod.link/1591840956

Explore more resources for families at:
https://pureheartstherapy.com

In this episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, Brian Keene talks with Dr. Jonathan Chism, father, educator, and founder of the Autism Dad Social Club. Dr. Chism shares how his own parenting journey led him to create a space where fathers of autistic children could connect, recharge, share resources, and build real community.

Together, Brian and Dr. Chism discuss why dads can sometimes feel isolated, why support matters for fathers as much as it does for children, and how community can help families feel less alone. Dr. Chism also explains how the Autism Dad Social Club creates social opportunities for dads, children, and families through meetups, family events, resource sharing, and virtual connection.

This conversation is a warm reminder that parenting does not have to happen in isolation. When fathers find community, they can support one another, share wisdom, and help create a wider circle of care for their children.

Topics Covered

• Why Dr. Chism started the Autism Dad Social Club

• The importance of community for fathers of autistic children

• How dads can support each other through shared experiences

• Creating social opportunities for autistic children and families

• Why respite and connection matter for parents

• How dads outside of Houston can begin finding or building community

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction
00:41 What is the Autism Dad Social Club?
02:12 Why Dr. Chism started the club
05:43 Challenges that led him to seek community
13:12 What dads can expect at a meetup
20:11 Advice for dads who do not have community yet
24:20 Why support for fathers matters

Memorable Quote

"Once you bond with other fathers, you feel a sense of pride. Like, man, I parent an autistic child, and we're out here doing it."

About the Guest

Dr. Jonathan Chism is a father, educator, and founder of the Autism Dad Social Club, a community created to support dads of autistic children through connection, social events, resource sharing, and family-centered gatherings. Based in the Houston area, the club helps fathers build brotherhood, reduce isolation, and create supportive spaces for their children and families.

Resources Mentioned

• Autism Dad Social Club

• Fatherhood Huddle

• Autism Society of Texas

• Autism Society

• Autism Speaks Walk

• WhatsApp

About the Host

Brian Keene is the host of the Autism Family Resource Podcast and founder of Pure Hearts Therapy. Pure Hearts Therapy provides home-based occupational therapy, speech therapy, physical therapy, and parent coaching services with a neurodiversity-affirming approach.

Subscribe & Connect

If this episode resonated with you, please consider sharing it with another parent who might benefit from this conversation.

Listen and subscribe to the Autism Family Resource Podcast:
https://pod.link/1591840956

Explore more resources for families at:
https://pureheartstherapy.com

Have you ever wondered if the world will truly understand your child for who they are?

In this powerful and deeply reflective conversation, Brian sits down with father, educator, and Autism Dads Social Club founder Jonathan Chism to explore the intersection of race and disability. Together, they unpack what it means to raise an autistic child while navigating cultural expectations, systemic challenges, and the pressure of being seen and understood in public spaces.

Jonathan shares how his perspective as a Black father has shaped his parenting journey, including unlearning traditional expectations, embracing patience, and learning to truly meet his child where he is. This episode dives into advocacy, acceptance, and the importance of seeing your child as a whole human being, not just a diagnosis.

If you've ever felt the weight of judgment in public or questioned your approach as a parent, this conversation will remind you that connection, not correction, is where growth begins.

Topics Covered

• The intersection of race and disability in parenting
• How cultural expectations can shape parenting approaches
• Understanding processing time and routines in autism
• Letting go of societal judgment in public settings
• The importance of joining your child's world
• Seeing your child as "different, not less"

Memorable Quote

"Your child is not a problem to fix. They are a person to know, connect with, and celebrate."

About the Guest
Jonathan Chism is a father, educator, and historian specializing in African-American religious history. He is also the founder of the Autism Dads Social Club, a community focused on supporting fathers raising autistic children through connection, advocacy, and shared experience.

Resources Mentioned

• Uniquely Human by Barry Prizant
• Autism Dads Social Club

About the Host
Brian Keene is an occupational therapist and founder of Pure Hearts Therapy, a pediatric therapy practice based in Arizona that provides neurodiversity-affirming, play-based services for children and families. He is passionate about helping parents feel confident, supported, and empowered in their journey.

Subscribe & Connect

If this episode resonated with you, please consider sharing it with another parent who might benefit from this conversation.

Listen and subscribe to the Autism Family Resource Podcast:
https://pod.link/1591840956

Explore more resources for families at:
https://pureheartstherapy.com