All Abilities No Filter

When Parenting Becomes Survival Mode is a reality many families know all too well. In this episode of All Abilities, No Filter, we’re joined by Paul Voss, a father of eight whose life changed when his youngest child was diagnosed with autism. Paul shares the raw, behind-the-scenes truth of parenting through years of exhaustion, sleep deprivation, and emotional burnout while still showing up for a full family. This conversation isn’t about perfect parenting or clinical theory. It’s about what actually happens when families are pushed into survival mode, and what helped Paul move from constant chaos to a calmer, more intentional home. Along the way, he shares practical changes that didn’t just support his autistic child, but improved life for the entire family  including siblings with ADHD. In this episode, we discuss:

• Parenting during extreme exhaustion and sleep loss
• Why common advice often doesn’t work in real life
• How small environmental changes can create big shifts
• The emotional weight parents especially fathers  carry silently
• Finding hope without minimizing how hard autism can be

This episode is for parents who are tired, overwhelmed, and wondering if it ever gets better. You’re not alone, and survival mode doesn’t have to be permanent.

In this powerful Season 2 premiere, we sit down with Becky and Michelle from Paws With a Cause, an organization dedicated to pairing highly trained service dogs with individuals who need them most. Becky and Michelle take us behind the scenes of how service dogs are trained, matched, and integrated into the lives of children and adults with disabilities—and the profound, life-changing impact that partnership can have. We talk honestly about the misconceptions surrounding service dogs, the commitment required from families, and the emotional moments that make this work so meaningful. Whether you’re a parent, educator, clinician, or simply someone who believes in inclusion and access, this episode will leave you inspired by the incredible bond between humans and service dogs.

When seconds matter, understanding makes all the difference. In this powerful episode, we sit down with Jennifer Kaufman—school principal, autism advocate, and grandmother to a child on the spectrum—to explore how first responders can dramatically improve outcomes for autistic individuals through training, awareness, and compassionate response. Jennifer shares real experiences from both sides of the table, offering a rare dual perspective on what families, educators, and emergency personnel all need to know. She also highlights her work with First Response on Autism, an organization transforming the way police, firefighters, EMTs, and other first responders approach autism-related emergencies. Listeners will learn:

• The hidden challenges autistic individuals face during crisis situations
• Why traditional emergency response methods can unintentionally escalate behaviors
• Practical strategies first responders can use to create safety, calm, and trust
• How families can prepare their loved ones for emergency interactions
• The critical role of communication, sensory awareness, and trauma-informed response
• What "safety through understanding" really looks like in the field

Whether you're a parent, educator, clinician, or first responder, this conversation delivers essential insight into building a safer, more prepared, and more empathetic world for autistic individuals.

In this episode of All Abilities, No Filter, we dive deep into one of the most powerful—and often overlooked—factors in a child’s special education journey: the relationship between parents and the special education teacher. A strong, respectful partnership can transform the entire IEP process, leading to better communication, stronger interventions, and a more united team supporting the child. But when this relationship breaks down, the impact is felt immediately—and the child pays the price. We explore: ✨ What happens when parents and teachers build trust and communicate openly ✨ How collaboration strengthens IEP planning, problem-solving, and consistency between home and school ✨ The real consequences when the relationship is strained, disconnected, or adversarial ✨ The different “types” of parent–teacher relationships—from highly collaborative teams to high-conflict partnerships ✨ Practical steps BOTH sides can take to strengthen communication, respect, and alignment Whether you’re a parent navigating special education, a teacher working to build trust with families, or an advocate supporting teams through the IEP process, this episode gives honest insight into what makes these relationships work—and what happens when they don’t. At the end of the day, the relationship between parents and special educators isn’t just a professional interaction. It’s a partnership that directly shapes a child’s success. And when we get it right, everyone wins—especially the student.

In this influential episode of All Abilities, No Filter, Brandon Clark interviews Bailey Payne, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. Bailey shares her unique backstory that led to her lifelong career transition into treating children with autism.  During her transformative career undertaking, Bailey identified reasons why interventions weren't as effective as they could be. The solutions she came up with are surprisingly simple. This led Bailey to developing TEAM: Training Educators and Managing Behavior. Within this episode, Bailey breaks down her teamwork approach to practical and sustainable outcomes for home, school, and community interventions. Bailey has a wealth of knowledge and experience. She is relatable and passionate, making her content easy to digest for all listeners. For parents, educators, and advocates, this is an episode you don't want to miss!

In this episode of All Abilities, No Filter, we sit down with Jeaneen Tang, a speech-language pathologist, author, and proud mom of a neurodivergent son, for an open and inspiring conversation about communication, connection, and confidence. With more than 24 years of experience supporting children and adults with neurodiversity, Jeaneen dives deep into what speech therapy really is — and how it helps students find their voice, build relationships, and thrive. She also shares how her personal journey as a parent has shaped her passion for helping others communicate and connect in meaningful ways. We explore her new book, PLAY DUMB & SABOTAGE, along with the companion workbook and workshops she’s created for parents and educators. Her goal? To make early language development approachable, fun, and preventative — helping families raise confident communicators and reduce the need for formal therapy down the road. This episode is full of insight, laughter, and practical takeaways for anyone supporting a child’s communication journey. Tune in and discover why “playing dumb” might just be the smartest thing you can do.

In this heartfelt episode of All Abilities, No Filter, we sit down with John Fela, a former educator with experience in both general and special education, to explore the journey of fatherhood through the lens of raising a child with disabilities. John opens up about the emotional and practical challenges that come with balancing advocacy, parenting, and personal growth. He shares honest reflections on the hurdles he’s faced, but also the beautiful opportunities he’s discovered in building a deeper connection with his child. Throughout our conversation, John highlights the importance of community and support, encouraging parents to reach out, ask for help, and connect with others walking a similar path. With his background in education and his work with national advocacy organizations, John brings a unique perspective that blends compassion, experience, and wisdom. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or advocate, this episode will remind you that you don’t have to go through it alone—and that there’s real power in shared stories and support.

In this episode of All Abilities, No Filter, we sit down with Dr. Emily Levy — founder and director of EBL Coaching — to talk all about multi-sensory learning and how it can transform the way students absorb and retain information. Dr. Levy shares her expertise on using hands-on, research-based strategies that reach learners through sight, sound, touch, and movement. We dive into the real-world benefits of multi-sensory instruction, from helping students strengthen their reading and writing skills to boosting comprehension, focus, and confidence. Dr. Levy also gives us a peek into her Flags and Stars Orton Gillingham and Multi-Sensory Math programs — tools that are changing classrooms nationwide. Whether you’re a teacher, parent, or advocate, this conversation is full of practical takeaways and inspiring insight into how we can better support students of all abilities. Tune in for an episode that blends science, creativity, and compassion — all in the spirit of helping every student learn their way.

In this episode of All Abilities, No Filter, we sit down with Dr. Emily Levy — founder and director of EBL Coaching — to talk all about multi-sensory learning and how it can transform the way students absorb and retain information. Dr. Levy shares her expertise on using hands-on, research-based strategies that reach learners through sight, sound, touch, and movement. We dive into the real-world benefits of multi-sensory instruction, from helping students strengthen their reading and writing skills to boosting comprehension, focus, and confidence. Dr. Levy also gives us a peek into her Flags and Stars Orton Gillingham and Multi-Sensory Math programs — tools that are changing classrooms nationwide. Whether you’re a teacher, parent, or advocate, this conversation is full of practical takeaways and inspiring insight into how we can better support students of all abilities. Tune in for an episode that blends science, creativity, and compassion — all in the spirit of helping every student learn their way.

In this powerful episode of All Abilities, No Filter, host Jake Edgar sits down with Robert DeLena, a devoted father who shares his heartfelt journey raising his son, Ryan. From early childhood, Ryan displayed significant behavioral and emotional challenges that led to difficult decisions within the school system—including multiple residential placements that, in hindsight, Robert realized were not always in Ryan’s best interest. Robert opens up about the turning point that transformed everything: skiing. What began as a simple activity became a lifeline—a way for father and son to reconnect, rebuild trust, and rediscover joy. Through skiing, Ryan developed confidence, focus, and resilience that carried over into every part of his life, opening doors to opportunities that once seemed impossible. This episode explores how parents and caregivers can find unique, meaningful ways to connect with their children who struggle behaviorally or emotionally—and how the right approach can completely change a child’s trajectory.