Traveling with a neurodivergent child can feel overwhelming for many families… especially when sensory needs, routines, mobility challenges, or accessibility concerns are involved.

In this episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, Brian Keene sits down with Teresa Roddy, an accessible travel specialist and occupational therapy assistant, to talk about how families can make travel feel more realistic, supportive, and enjoyable.

Teresa shares how she helps families plan around real-life needs including sensory sensitivities, adaptive equipment, mobility accommodations, dietary restrictions, and communication supports. She also shares practical strategies families can use to reduce stress while traveling, including pacing vacations differently, preparing ahead of time, and building around a child's comfort needs rather than forcing packed schedules.

This conversation is a reassuring reminder that meaningful family experiences are possible… and that families do not have to figure everything out alone.

• Sensory-friendly travel planning for autistic children

• Accessible travel accommodations and adaptive equipment

• Vacation strategies for families with disabilities

• How to reduce travel stress for neurodivergent children

• Comfort items and regulation support while traveling

• Why slowing down can improve family vacations

• Practical ways to prepare children before trips

00:00 Introduction
02:30 Accessible travel and sensory accommodations
06:50 How Teresa plans trips around family needs
10:15 Common barriers families face with travel
13:05 Tips for avoiding overstimulation while traveling
15:20 Final encouragement for families

"Sometimes slowing down… taking breaks… and building around your child's comfort needs can completely change the experience for the whole family."

Teresa Roddy is an accessible travel specialist and certified occupational therapy assistant with over 25 years of experience working with pediatric populations. Through Accessible Travel with Teresa, she helps families plan vacations that consider sensory needs, mobility accommodations, adaptive equipment, dietary restrictions, and accessibility support.

Instagram: Accessible Travel with Teresa Instagram

Facebook: Accessible Travel with Teresa Facebook

• Autism on the Seas

Hosted by Brian Keene, occupational therapist and founder of Pure Hearts Therapy, a neurodiversity-affirming pediatric therapy company providing home-based occupational, speech, and physical therapy services throughout Arizona.

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:
Autism Family Resource Podcast

Explore more resources for families at:
Pure Hearts Therapy

What does sensory overload actually feel like for autistic individuals?

In this episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, Brian Keene sits down with speaker, author, and content creator Lawrence Harris to discuss autism, sensory overwhelm, social connection, emotional regulation, bullying, and identity through Lawrence's lived experiences.

Lawrence shares powerful examples of what sensory overload felt like growing up… from loud classrooms and fluorescent lights to overwhelming grocery stores and uncomfortable clothing textures. He also opens up about navigating friendships, masking, confidence, and learning how to better understand himself over time.

This conversation offers parents and caregivers a meaningful look into how autistic individuals may experience the world differently… while also reminding families that being different does not mean something is wrong.

A thoughtful, honest, and neurodiversity-affirming conversation filled with practical insight and emotional reflection for families supporting neurodivergent children.

• What sensory overload can actually feel like

• Clothing sensitivities and sensory overwhelm

• Autism and emotional regulation

• Loud environments, grocery stores, and overstimulation

• Social communication and reading social cues

• Bullying, masking, and self-acceptance

• Autism, friendships, and finding connection

• Strategies Lawrence uses to manage sensory overwhelm

• Why understanding sensory needs matters for families

• Supporting autistic children with compassion and acceptance

00:00 Introduction to Lawrence Harris
01:45 What sensory overload can feel like
06:40 Clothing sensitivities and family misunderstandings
10:20 Autism, friendships, and social communication
21:00 Finding friendships through shared interests
26:20 Different sensory regulation strategies within families
30:35 Lawrence's journey into advocacy and speaking
34:40 "You're not broken" message for autistic individuals

"You're not broken… you just think a bit different… and that's okay."

Lawrence Harris is an autistic speaker, author, and content creator who shares openly about sensory overwhelm, emotional regulation, confidence, bullying, and personal growth through his lived experiences. Through speaking, writing, and online content, Lawrence helps others better understand autism and neurodivergent experiences in a relatable and empowering way.

Instagram:
Lawrence C Empowers Instagram

Website, books, and resources:
Lawrence Harris Website

• Noise-canceling headphones

• Journaling for emotional regulation

• Meditation and exercise for stress management

Hosted by Brian Keene, occupational therapist and founder of Pure Hearts Therapy, a neurodiversity-affirming pediatric therapy company providing home-based occupational, speech, physical, and aquatic therapy services throughout Arizona, along with virtual parent coaching and family support.

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:
Autism Family Resource Podcast

Explore more resources for families at:
Pure Hearts Therapy

What happens when an autistic adult becomes a speech therapy professional supporting neurodivergent children and families?

In this episode, Brian sits down with Ozzie Inzunza, a neurodivergent Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant (SLPA) and autistic adult, to discuss his personal journey growing up neurodivergent, navigating communication and social differences, and how those experiences now shape his work with children and families.

Ozzie shares what it was like growing up with intense interests, feeling different from peers, and eventually discovering a passion for helping others through speech therapy. Together, they explore why differences are not deficits, the importance of recognizing strengths, and how small, often overlooked wins can add up to meaningful progress over time.

This conversation offers encouragement for parents who may be wondering if their child is making progress, feeling uncertain about the future, or searching for a more empowering perspective on neurodiversity.

• Growing up neurodivergent in a traditional Hispanic household

• Special interests, scripting, and early signs of autism

• Social challenges and finding connection with others

• Ozzie's path from sports medicine to speech therapy

• Why strengths-based approaches matter

• Supporting autistic children without underestimating their abilities

• Helping parents recognize small but meaningful progress

• Hope, growth, and lifelong learning for neurodivergent individuals

00:00 Introduction to Ozzie's story
01:30 Early childhood interests and autism traits
05:11 Special interests through childhood and adulthood
08:20 Social experiences and growing up neurodivergent
10:42 Discovering speech therapy as a career
12:34 How lived experience shapes therapy
15:06 Encouraging and supporting parents

"Every single client is capable and knows more than I even suspect they might."

Ozzie is a neurodivergent Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant (SLPA) who works with pediatric families and is currently completing his studies at Arizona State University to become a Speech-Language Pathologist. Drawing from both professional training and lived experience as an autistic adult, Ozzie brings a strengths-based, neurodiversity-affirming perspective to supporting children and families.

• Ozzie's Instagram: @illmindofozzie

Brian Keene, OTD, OTR/L, is the founder of Pure Hearts Therapy and host of the Autism Family Resource Podcast. Through neurodiversity-affirming conversations, Brian helps families better understand, support, and advocate for their children while providing practical strategies they can use in everyday life.

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, Brian sits down with Dr. Norrine Russell, a developmental psychologist, parent, and founder of one of the largest coaching practices for neurodivergent students in the country. Drawing from both her professional expertise and her lived experience raising children with ADHD, autism, and anxiety, Dr. Russell shares a powerful and practical approach to supporting kids in school and in life.

The conversation breaks down executive functioning in a way that actually makes sense for parents and caregivers, reframing it as everyday life skills like planning, time management, and follow-through. You'll also hear about "Connected Coaching," a model that supports students through executive functioning, social-emotional growth, and study skills.

From task initiation struggles to test preparation challenges, this episode is filled with real-life examples and strategies families can begin using right away. Dr. Russell also shares key insights on IEP and 504 advocacy, helping parents better navigate school systems and ensure their child gets the support they need.

This episode is a reminder that there is no one-size-fits-all approach—and that your child's strengths matter just as much as their challenges.

Topics Covered

• What executive functioning really means in everyday life

• Why task initiation and follow-through are common challenges

• How to support kids with planning and organization

• The biggest study skill most students are missing

• Why self-testing is critical for learning and retention

• How to advocate effectively in IEPs and 504 plans

• Understanding autism as multiple spectrums, not just one

• Why strengths-based support changes everything

Memorable Quote
"You have permission to create your parenting style in a way that works for your child and your family."

About the Guest
Dr. Norrine Russell is a developmental psychologist, parent, and founder of Russell Coaching for Students, one of the largest coaching practices for neurodivergent students in the U.S. She developed the "Connected Coaching" model, which integrates executive functioning, social-emotional development, and academic skills to support students in a holistic and personalized way.

Resources Mentioned

• Russell Coaching for Students (20% off 3 months with code: podcast26)

• Quizlet (study and self-testing tool)

About the Host
Brian Keene is an occupational therapist and founder of Pure Hearts Therapy, a neurodiversity-affirming pediatric therapy practice based in Arizona. Through the Autism Family Resource Podcast, Brian provides practical tools, support, and real conversations to help families feel more confident navigating their child's 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

In this episode, Brian sits down with Robert J. Bernstein, a speech clinician with over 35 years of experience working with autistic children and their families. Together, they explore how communication, learning, and connection can grow through everyday moments—not just structured therapy.

This conversation challenges some traditional approaches in both school systems and home environments. Rob shares why many children struggle in classrooms that prioritize compliance over understanding, and how small shifts—like allowing movement, following a child's lead, and staying curious—can make a meaningful difference.

They also dive into practical, real-life strategies for parents, including how to support communication without pressure, how to respond when a child seems distracted, and why persistence (without forcing) matters.

If you're a parent feeling unsure, overwhelmed, or wondering if you're doing enough—this episode offers reassurance and simple ways to connect more deeply with your child.

• Why everyday moments are powerful for building communication

• How school environments can impact self-esteem and regulation

• Supporting kids who need movement to learn

• The difference between compliance and true understanding

• How to respond to echolalia and automatic responses

• Teaching "no" and "I don't know" as meaningful communication

• Why persistence matters (and when to adjust your approach)

• How parents can advocate effectively within school systems

"Don't give up… find a way to make a difference for your child."

Robert J. Bernstein is an educational and cognitive therapist and autism specialist with over 35 years of experience supporting autistic children and their families.

• Uniquely Normal by Robert J. Bernstein

• SpedNet (Special Education Network event)

Brian Keene is an occupational therapist and the founder of Pure Hearts Therapy, a pediatric therapy company based in Arizona. He specializes in neurodiversity-affirming, play-based therapy that supports children and families in building regulation, connection, and meaningful daily life skills.

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 final episode of the series with Mandy Pinckley, we explore what advocacy truly looks like beyond awareness posts and hashtags. Mandy shares how lived experience can create meaningful change in schools, communities, organizations, and policy spaces when autistic voices are included in the conversation.

Together, Brian and Mandy discuss neurodiversity-affirming advocacy, navigating IEP meetings, building confidence in public speaking, collaborating with professionals, and why empowering autistic children starts with giving them autonomy and honoring their interests.

Mandy also shares her work helping improve autism representation and language within organizations like National Alliance on Mental Illness, along with conversations surrounding policy, digital safety, and reducing stigma around autism and neurodivergence.

This conversation is grounded, honest, and deeply encouraging for parents, caregivers, autistic individuals, and professionals who want to create safer and more supportive environments for neurodivergent children and adults.

• Turning autism awareness into meaningful advocacy

• Why lived experience matters in policy conversations

• Navigating IEP meetings with confidence

• Supporting autistic autonomy and self-advocacy

• Collaboration between parents, professionals, and autistic adults

• Neurodiversity-affirming language and reducing stigma

• Public speaking anxiety and building confidence over time

• Digital safety concerns for neurodivergent youth online

00:00 Introduction
01:00 What advocacy and action really look like
04:20 Building neurodivergent support spaces through collaboration
10:50 Overcoming fear and speaking publicly
13:20 Advocacy tips for parents navigating IEPs
17:20 Collaboration between families and professionals
20:40 Digital safety and protecting children online
23:30 Encouraging autonomy and self-expression in autistic children

"Your child's voice, you're their sword and their shield." — Mandy Pinckley

Mandy Pinckley is an autistic advocate focused on neurodiversity-affirming support, policy conversations, community collaboration, and empowering autistic voices in leadership spaces. Through advocacy work, peer-led initiatives, and public speaking, Mandy works to reduce stigma and help create more inclusive environments for neurodivergent individuals and families.

• National Alliance on Mental Illness

• Center for Autism and Related Disabilities

• Discord

• Roblox

Brian Keene is an occupational therapist and founder of Pure Hearts Therapy, a neurodiversity-affirming pediatric therapy company providing home-based OT, PT, ST, and parent support services.

Through the Autism Family Resource Podcast, Brian shares practical conversations and supportive resources to help families navigate autism, sensory needs, regulation, advocacy, and everyday life.

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:
Autism Family Resource Podcast

Explore more resources for families at:
Pure Hearts Therapy

In this episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, Brian Keene speaks with Joseph Shipman, an autistic adult, radio professional, musician, artist, and co-author of A Mother's Guide Through Autism.

Joseph shares his experience growing up autistic, including early diagnosis, sensory sensitivities, speech therapy, social learning, friendships, bullying, grief, music, and the transition into adulthood. He also reflects on the role his parents played as fierce advocates, especially his mother, Brigitte Shipman, and how their shared story became a book told from both parent and autistic adult perspectives.

This conversation offers parents a grounded and hopeful reminder: autistic children do not need to follow one narrow path to live meaningful lives. Joseph's story highlights the importance of advocacy, authentic support, creative expression, and believing in each child's capacity for growth, connection, independence, and fulfillment.

Topics Covered

• Joseph's early autism diagnosis and childhood experiences
• Sensory sensitivities and social learning
• How therapy and school support shaped Joseph's development
• Friendship, small talk, and reading social cues
• Mental health, grief, bullying, and resilience
• Music and art as outlets for expression
• Autistic adulthood, work, and independence
• The story behind A Mother's Guide Through Autism

Memorable Quote

"There's always going to be some level of capable, independent, authentic, happy living."

About the Guest
Joseph Shipman is an autistic adult, radio professional, musician, artist, and co-author of A Mother's Guide Through Autism. In the book, Joseph shares his perspective in Through the Eyes of the Guided, offering insight into growing up autistic and navigating adulthood with authenticity.

Resources Mentioned

A Mother's Guide Through Autism
https://www.amazon.com/Mothers-Guide-Through-Autism-Guided/dp/1737563959

Mother's Guide Through Autism
https://www.mothersguidethroughautism.com/

About the Host
Brian Keene is the founder of Pure Hearts Therapy, a neurodiversity-affirming pediatric therapy practice in Arizona. Pure Hearts Therapy provides home-based occupational therapy, speech therapy, physical therapy, and virtual parent coaching to help children grow through connection, play, and real-life experiences.

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