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

Parenting an autistic child can bring moments of joy, uncertainty, growth, and deep reflection. In this episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, Brian Keene sits down with Dr. Jonathan Chism, also known as Dr. Chiz, a father, professor, minister, and co-founder of the Autism Dad Social Club.

Dr. Chism shares the honest story of his family's journey raising his non-speaking autistic son. He opens up about the early shock and denial after diagnosis, the hope that therapy might "fix" autism, and the powerful shift that happened when he began listening to autistic voices and embracing a different perspective.

Instead of focusing on changing his son, Dr. Chism learned to focus on connection, acceptance, and supporting his son's communication and independence. In this conversation, he reflects on the lessons autism has taught him about empathy, patience, inclusion, and what it really means to show up as a father.

This episode is especially meaningful for parents who may feel overwhelmed early in their journey. It's a reminder that growth happens not only for children, but for parents too.

Topics Covered

• Processing an autism diagnosis as a parent
• Moving from denial toward acceptance in the autism journey
• Parenting a non-speaking autistic child
• Listening to autistic voices and lived experiences
• Supporting communication through AAC devices
• Building strong father-child relationships
• Encouraging independence and life skills
• Finding community as an autism parent

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Jonathan Chism
01:21 Dr. Chism's background and family
03:08 Receiving an autism diagnosis at age two and a half
07:57 Moving from denial toward understanding autism
10:40 Learning from autistic voices and shifting perspective
24:26 Advice for parents feeling overwhelmed

Memorable Quote

"Be patient with yourself. Your child is a gift, and this journey will create a new normal."
— Dr. Jonathan Chism

About the Guest

Dr. Jonathan Chism, also known as Dr. Chiz, is an associate professor of history at the University of Houston Downtown, an ordained minister, and the co-founder of the Autism Dad Social Club. As a father raising a non-speaking autistic son, he is passionate about supporting fathers, promoting autism acceptance, and helping families build meaningful connections with their children.

Resources Mentioned

• Autism Dad Social Club
• Uniquely Human by Dr. Barry Prizant
• AAC communication tools such as TouchChat

About the Host

Brian Keene is a pediatric occupational therapist and founder of Pure Hearts Therapy, a neurodiversity-affirming therapy practice providing in-home pediatric therapy services for families in Arizona.

Through the Autism Family Resource Podcast, Brian shares practical tools, expert conversations, and supportive insights to help parents navigate the journey of raising neurodivergent children.

Learn more at:
https://pureheartstherapy.com

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 something deeper might be affecting your child's regulation, behavior, or sleep?

In this episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, Brian sits down with Dr. Jeffrey Knight, chiropractor and founder of the Autism Wellness Center, to explore how factors like inflammation, gut health, environmental toxins, and cellular health may influence a child's nervous system and overall regulation.

Dr. Knight shares his four-phase approach to cellular healing, designed to help support detox pathways, improve mitochondrial function, and restore gut health. The conversation also highlights how addressing these internal systems may help children better engage in therapies, school, and daily life.

This episode is not about quick fixes. It's about gaining a deeper understanding of how the body works and how families can explore additional tools to support their child's development and regulation.

Topics Covered

• How inflammation may influence behavior and regulation
• The connection between gut health and neurological function
• Dr. Knight's four-phase cellular healing approach
• The role toxins and environmental exposures may play in health
• Supporting detox pathways safely and thoughtfully
• Why mitochondrial health matters for energy and regulation
• Real stories of changes families have experienced
• Simple lifestyle adjustments families can start today

About the Guest

Dr. Jeffrey Knight is a chiropractor and founder of the Autism Wellness Center in Utah. His work focuses on a whole-body approach to health, supporting neurological function, detoxification pathways, cellular healing, and gut health.

Through his four-phase wellness program, Dr. Knight works with families across the country to help support children's overall health and regulation.

Learn more:
https://healthempoweredfamilies.com

Resources Mentioned

Health Empowered Families
https://healthempoweredfamilies.com

About the Host

Brian Keene is a pediatric occupational therapist and founder of Pure Hearts Therapy, a neurodiversity-affirming therapy practice providing in-home pediatric therapy services for families in Arizona.

Through the Autism Family Resource Podcast, Brian shares practical strategies, expert conversations, and supportive insights to help parents navigate autism and neurodiversity with confidence.

Learn more:
https://pureheartstherapy.com

Subscribe & Connect

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

You can find more resources and support at:
https://pureheartstherapy.com

Follow Pure Hearts Therapy on social media for more tools, strategies, and conversations supporting neurodivergent families.

Many parents of neurodivergent children share a common feeling: isolation. Even when surrounded by people, it can feel like no one truly understands the unique challenges your family is navigating.

In this episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, Brian Keene sits down with autism advocate Mandy Pinckley to talk about the power of community and connection. Mandy shares her personal journey of discovering supportive spaces where she could be authentic about being autistic, and how finding the right community helped her build confidence and self-acceptance.

Together, they explore why so many parents feel alone, how community support can transform the experience of raising a neurodivergent child, and practical ways families can begin building their own support networks. From online communities to local support groups, Mandy highlights how even one meaningful connection can help families move from isolation to hope.

If you've ever wondered whether other families truly understand what you're going through, this conversation is a reminder that you are not alone—and your community may be closer than you think.

Topics Covered

• Why many parents of neurodivergent children feel isolated
• Mandy Pinkley's journey embracing her autistic identity
• The power of finding community with people who understand your experience
• How support groups can reduce isolation and build confidence
• Online communities vs. in-person support networks
• How parents can help their children find supportive social environments
• Why advocacy and authenticity matter in the autism community
• How families can start building their own support networks

About the Guest

Mandy Pinckley is an autism advocate who speaks openly about identity, community, and the importance of creating spaces where neurodivergent individuals feel accepted and understood. Through advocacy and community engagement, Mandy works to promote inclusion, awareness, and authentic representation of autistic experiences.

About the Host

Brian Keene is a pediatric occupational therapist and founder of Pure Hearts Therapy, a neurodiversity-affirming therapy practice providing in-home pediatric therapy services for families in Arizona.

Through the Autism Family Resource Podcast, Brian shares practical insights, expert conversations, and supportive strategies to help parents navigate the journey of raising neurodivergent children.

Learn more at:
https://pureheartstherapy.com

Subscribe & Connect

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

You can find more resources and support at:
https://pureheartstherapy.com

Follow Pure Hearts Therapy on social media for more conversations, guidance, and resources supporting neurodivergent families.

• CARD – Center for Autism & Related Disabilities

• Family Inclusion Networks (e.g., "FIN")

• Local autism organizations

• Facebook and online support groups

• Community events and family-friendly meetups
  
  

Many parents know the feeling. Your child comes home and says, "Nobody plays with me," or you watch them standing alone on the playground while other kids easily connect. Every parent wants their child to feel included and accepted, but sometimes it feels like the world doesn't quite know how to make room for differences.

In this episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, Brian Keene sits down again with autism advocate Mandy Pinckley to talk about what real inclusion looks like for autistic children. Together they explore how friendships form, how peers can become allies, and what parents and educators can do to create environments where neurodivergent kids feel genuinely welcomed.

Mandy shares personal insights from her advocacy work and her own experiences as an autistic adult. The conversation also explores practical ways parents can advocate for their children, teach healthy boundaries, and help kids build confidence and connection with others.

This episode is a reminder that inclusion isn't just about allowing someone to participate — it's about creating spaces where every child truly belongs.

Topics Covered

• What true inclusion means for autistic children
• Why some neurodivergent kids struggle with friendships
• How peer mentorship programs create inclusive environments
• The importance of listening to a child's lived experience
• Teaching healthy boundaries and self-advocacy skills
• How parents can advocate effectively in school settings
• Ways peers can become allies for neurodivergent classmates

Memorable Quote

"Inclusion isn't just letting someone sit at the table — it's wanting them there."
— Mandy Pinckley

About the Guest

Mandy Pinckley is an autism advocate dedicated to promoting understanding, inclusion, and empowerment for neurodivergent individuals. Through advocacy, community engagement, and educational conversations, she helps families and schools create environments where autistic individuals feel accepted and supported.

Resources Mentioned

• Penguin Project (inclusive theatre program for children with disabilities)
• CARD — Center for Autism and Related Disabilities

About the Host

Brian Keene is a pediatric occupational therapist and the founder of Pure Hearts Therapy, a neurodiversity-affirming therapy practice providing in-home pediatric therapy services for families in Arizona.

Through the Autism Family Resource Podcast, Brian shares practical tools, meaningful conversations, and expert perspectives to help parents support the development and wellbeing of their neurodivergent children.

Learn more at:
https://pureheartstherapy.com

Subscribe & Connect

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

You can explore more resources and support at:
https://pureheartstherapy.com

Follow Pure Hearts Therapy on social media for more conversations, strategies, and encouragement for families navigating autism and neurodiversity.

What is it really like to grow up autistic? And what do autistic youth wish the adults in their lives understood better?

In this episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, Brian Keene sits down with autism advocate Mandy Pinckley to talk about her lived experience growing up autistic and the journey that led her into advocacy work today. Mandy shares what it was like navigating childhood, friendships, bullying, and the search for belonging while growing up undiagnosed.

Together they explore how early understanding, supportive relationships, and open communication can make a meaningful difference for autistic youth. Mandy also shares insights on digital safety, emotional experiences, identity development, and why it's so important for parents to meet their children where they are.

This conversation is the beginning of a multi-episode series with Mandy, where Brian and Mandy will explore topics like digital safety, inclusion, peer advocacy, and building supportive communities for neurodivergent youth.

If you've ever wondered how to better understand your child's perspective or create a stronger connection with them, this episode offers thoughtful insights and encouragement.

Topics Covered

• Mandy's experience growing up autistic and being diagnosed later
• Why many autistic girls go undiagnosed longer than boys
• The emotional experiences many autistic youth navigate
• Bullying, isolation, and searching for belonging
• The role of digital environments and online safety
• How open communication helps protect and support kids
• Supporting identity development and self-expression
• Helping neurodivergent youth find community

Memorable Quote

"Meet them where they're at — not where you want them to be."
— Mandy Pinkley

About the Guest

Mandy Pinckley is an autism advocate focused on promoting digital safety, inclusion, and support for neurodivergent youth. Through speaking, advocacy work, and community engagement, she helps families and educators better understand the experiences of autistic individuals and create safer, more supportive environments.

Resources Mentioned

• CARD — Center for Autism and Related Disabilities

About the Host

Brian Keene is a pediatric occupational therapist and founder of Pure Hearts Therapy, a neurodiversity-affirming therapy practice providing in-home pediatric therapy services for families in Arizona.

Through the Autism Family Resource Podcast, Brian shares expert conversations, practical strategies, and supportive insights to help parents navigate the journey of raising neurodivergent children.

Learn more at:
https://pureheartstherapy.com

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