Autism Family Resource

Many autistic children chew on shirts, toys, or even their own hands. For parents, these behaviors can feel confusing or concerning. But often, mouthing and chewing behaviors are a child's way of meeting an important sensory need.

In this episode of the Common Chaos Sensory Series, host Brian Keene is joined by occupational therapist Dipali Devani to explore why these behaviors happen and how families can support their children in safe and supportive ways.

Dipali explains how oral sensory needs, regulation challenges, anxiety, and sensory seeking can all play a role in mouthing behaviors. She also shares practical strategies parents can use at home—from sensory replacements and calming routines to creating safe spaces that help children regulate.

This conversation helps parents understand what's developmentally typical, when to seek support, and how occupational therapy can help children meet their sensory needs in ways that support their well-being.

If your child frequently chews on clothing, toys, or their hands, this episode will give you helpful insight and practical tools you can start using right away.

Topics Covered

• Why autistic children may chew or mouth objects • How oral sensory needs relate to regulation • When mouthing behaviors are developmentally typical • Signs parents should look for after age 3–5 • Health, social, and eating challenges that may arise • Sensory tools and safe alternatives for chewing • Practical strategies families can use at home • The role of occupational therapy in supporting sensory needs

Memorable Quote

"Children often chew or mouth objects because their body is trying to regulate itself—they're simply trying to get the sensory input they need."

About the Guest

Dipali Devani is a pediatric occupational therapist who works with children and families to support sensory processing, regulation, and development. Her experience spans outpatient therapy, home health, and pediatric care settings.

In addition to her clinical work, Dipali has studied Ayurveda, a holistic healing system focused on natural wellness and balance. She integrates both traditional occupational therapy strategies and holistic perspectives to support children and families.

About the Host

Brian Keene, OTD, OTR/L is an occupational therapist and the founder of Pure Hearts Therapy. He created the Autism Family Resource Podcast to help parents better understand autism and gain practical strategies that support regulation, connection, and advocacy for neurodivergent children.

Through Pure Hearts Therapy, Brian works with families to provide education, therapeutic services, and resources that empower children to thrive.

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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 a neurodivergent child can bring many unexpected challenges—emotionally, logistically, and financially. In this episode, Brian sits down with autism advocate and father Michael Pereira, founder of My Autism Voyage, to talk about the real-life journey that led him to support other families navigating autism.

Michael shares the story of recognizing early signs in his son, moving through denial, seeking professional guidance, and ultimately leaving corporate life to build a mission-driven platform for autism families. Through his blog and newsletter, My Autism Voyage helps parents think about daily living strategies, long-term planning, and entrepreneurship opportunities that can create more flexibility for families raising neurodivergent children.

Together, Brian and Michael explore topics that many families don't always have time to think about—like life insurance planning, long-term care considerations, and financial protection strategies that support children well into adulthood.

This conversation also highlights the importance of community, collaboration with professionals, and empowering parents with practical tools to move forward with clarity and confidence.

If you've ever felt overwhelmed by the responsibilities of parenting, planning, and advocating for your child, this episode offers encouragement, perspective, and actionable ideas to support your family's journey.

Topics Covered

• Michael's journey as a father navigating an autism diagnosis • Moving from corporate life to mission-driven entrepreneurship • Practical daily living resources for autism families • Why long-term financial planning matters for families with neurodivergent children • Understanding life insurance, disability protection, and future care planning • Creating income flexibility through entrepreneurship • The importance of community and collaboration among parents and professionals • Common mistakes parents make when seeking advice

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction 02:08 Michael's parenting journey and early signs of autism 09:18 The mission behind My Autism Voyage 13:00 Financial and life planning considerations for families 18:00 Entrepreneurship and creating flexibility for parents 25:05 Why professional guidance and collaboration matter

Memorable Quote

"Movement brings clarity. When you keep moving toward your goals, you start to see what works and what doesn't."

About the Guest

Michael Pereira is the founder of My Autism Voyage, a platform created by a parent for parents navigating autism. Through blog content, newsletters, and educational resources, Michael shares practical insights on daily living strategies, long-term financial planning, and entrepreneurship opportunities for families raising neurodivergent children. He is also an insurance professional who helps families think strategically about protecting their child's long-term future.

About the Host

Brian Keene, OTD, OTR/L is a pediatric occupational therapist and the founder of Pure Hearts Therapy. Through the Autism Family Resource Podcast, Brian shares practical strategies, expert insights, and parent perspectives to help families support regulation, connection, safety, and independence for neurodivergent children.

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

Listen and subscribe: https://pod.link/1591840956

More resources for families: https://pureheartstherapy.com

Divorce is never easy, and when a child has additional support needs, the process can feel even more overwhelming. In this episode, Brian Keene sits down with family law attorney Anna Kay to talk through some of the biggest questions parents may face when navigating divorce while caring for a neurodivergent child or a child with disabilities.

Anna shares practical insight on different divorce process options, including litigation, mediation, and collaborative divorce, and explains why being intentional early can make such a meaningful difference for families. The conversation also explores how parents can reduce conflict, communicate with children in age-appropriate ways, think through therapy schedules and medical decisions, and plan ahead for long-term financial and legal considerations.

This episode is designed to offer guidance, encouragement, and a starting point for parents who may be trying to make thoughtful decisions during a difficult season. Whether you are currently navigating divorce or simply want to better understand what support can look like, this conversation offers helpful perspective and practical next steps.

Topics Covered

• The difference between litigation, mediation, and collaborative divorce

• Why process choice matters for families of children with disabilities

• How to reduce conflict and protect children emotionally during divorce

• Why children should not be used as messengers between parents

• Planning for therapy schedules, medical decisions, and day-to-day logistics

• How special needs planning and trusts may protect long-term benefits

• Why working with the right professionals in your state matters

• The importance of self-care while navigating major family transitions

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction and episode overview 01:46 What parents can take away from this conversation 02:45 Divorce process options: litigation, mediation, and collaboration 10:27 Reducing conflict and protecting children emotionally 13:42 Therapy, medical decisions, and long-term planning 23:37 Helpful resources and final encouragement

Memorable Quote

"Please protect your children and shelter them during your divorces as much as you can."

About the Guest

Anna Krolikowska is a family law attorney who helps families navigate divorce with intention, clarity, and long-term planning in mind. Her work includes supporting parents of children with disabilities as they think through co-parenting, legal agreements, and future planning in a way that protects their children and helps families move forward.

Resources Mentioned

• Anna Kay Law

• State bar associations

• Collaborative divorce associations

• American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers

• Special needs trust planning attorneys

About the Host

Brian Keene is the host of the Autism Family Resource Podcast and the founder of Pure Hearts Therapy, a neurodiversity-affirming pediatric therapy practice that supports children and families through compassionate, practical care.

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

Some children seem overwhelmed by everyday smells, while others seek out strong scents or react in ways that can leave parents feeling confused and unsure how to help. In this episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, Brian Keene is joined by occupational therapist Dipali Devani to talk about smell sensitivity, sensory processing, and practical ways families can support children who are highly affected by scents in their environment.

Dipali explains how the olfactory system connects with regulation, behavior, taste, and memory, and why certain smells can trigger distress, avoidance, nausea, or big emotional reactions. She also shares simple, actionable strategies parents can try, including journaling triggers, introducing smells slowly and safely, and using calming or alerting scents in supportive ways.

This episode is a helpful starting point for parents who want to better understand what their child may be experiencing and how occupational therapy can help. It is warm, practical, and full of simple ideas families can begin using right away.

Topics Covered

• What sensory sensitivity means, especially with smell

• How smell can affect regulation, behavior, and emotional responses

• Why some children are especially sensitive to certain scents

• How smell and taste work closely together

• Why journaling triggers can help parents spot patterns

• Gentle ways to desensitize children to difficult smells

• How calming and alerting scents can support regulation

• Why occupational therapy can be helpful early on

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction and episode overview 01:30 What smell sensitivity means in sensory processing 04:39 Why journaling triggers is a helpful first step 10:27 How to slowly reintroduce difficult smells 13:44 Real-life OT example using mashed potatoes 18:15 Using calming and alerting scents to support regulation

Memorable Quote

"You don't know what else is involved. You might not know what else the child needs as a support."

About the Guest

Dipali Devani is an occupational therapist at Pure Hearts Therapy who specializes in sensory integration and supporting children through practical, family-centered strategies. She is also an Ayurvedic practitioner and brings an integrative, client-centered perspective to her work with children and families.

Resources Mentioned

• The Out-of-Sync Child

• Occupational therapy

• Sensory diets

About the Host

Brian Keene is the host of the Autism Family Resource Podcast and the founder of Pure Hearts Therapy, a neurodiversity-affirming pediatric therapy practice supporting children and families through compassionate, practical care.

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

Friendship, belonging, and inclusion matter deeply for neurodivergent children, but many families still struggle to find environments where their child feels truly welcomed and supported. In this episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, Brian Keene talks with Gail Ewell, Executive Director of Hope Technology School, about what it takes to build inclusive spaces at school, at home, and in the community.

Gail shares how her own parenting journey led her to create a fully inclusive school for students with diverse support needs. She discusses why friendship is such an important protective factor, how inclusive activities can help reduce bullying, and why communication, advocacy, and community partnerships matter so much for children with higher support needs.

This conversation is full of encouragement for parents, educators, and therapists who want to create more connection and opportunity for neurodivergent learners. Gail also offers practical ideas families can use right away, from buddy systems and social groups to community programs and inclusive play opportunities. If you've ever wondered how to help your child build friendships and feel more included, this is a meaningful episode to listen to.

Topics Covered

• Why friendship is essential for neurodivergent children

• How inclusion can reduce bullying and social isolation

• Gail's journey as a parent and founder of Hope Technology School

• What makes a fully inclusive school environment different

• Practical ways families can encourage connection in everyday life

• How therapists and community organizations can support inclusion

• Why communication support matters for children with higher support needs

• The importance of advocacy, hope, and not giving up on your child's potential

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction and episode overview 01:10 What families can expect from this conversation 04:17 What makes Hope Technology School different 05:52 Building inclusive environments and circles of friends 10:33 How parents can encourage inclusion at home and in the community 19:39 Communication, advocacy, and not giving up

Memorable Quote

"Don't give up hope."

About the Guest

Gail Ewell is the Executive Director of Hope Technology School, a nonprofit inclusive K–12 school in California. She is also a mother of three adult children with diverse support needs and has spent decades building programs, schools, and inclusive opportunities that support neurodivergent children and their families.

Resources Mentioned

• Hope Technology School

• Inclusive sports programs

• Buddy systems and mentorship programs

• Social skills groups

• AAC and communication supports

About the Host

Brian Keene is the host of the Autism Family Resource Podcast and the founder of Pure Hearts Therapy, a neurodiversity-affirming pediatric therapy practice that supports children and families through compassionate, practical care.

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

What happens when someone grows up autistic without knowing why the world feels different? In this episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, Brian Keene talks with New York Times bestselling author J.D. Barker about his experience growing up autistic without a diagnosis, how that shaped his childhood and work life, and what changed when he was finally diagnosed at age 22.

J.D. shares openly about social challenges, anxiety, masking, and the pressure to fit neurotypical expectations. He also reflects on how understanding his autism helped him recognize his strengths, including pattern recognition, structure, and creativity, which now support his work as a successful author. The conversation also explores partnership, parenting, and what it has been like to support his own autistic daughter with a much earlier diagnosis and a stronger support system.

This episode offers encouragement for parents, autistic adults, and anyone who wants a deeper understanding of how autism can show up across the lifespan. It is an honest, thoughtful conversation about challenges, self-awareness, support, and the importance of focusing on strengths.

Topics Covered

• Growing up autistic without an early diagnosis

• How a diagnosis at age 22 changed J.D.'s life

• Social anxiety, masking, and navigating neurotypical expectations

• Why some environments are more draining than others

• How autism can shape creativity, structure, and problem-solving

• The role of partnership and support in personal growth

• Parenting an autistic child with more early support

• Why it helps to focus on a child's strengths and interests

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction and episode overview 01:15 Growing up autistic without a diagnosis 06:04 Social situations, masking, and recharging 11:35 J.D.'s writing career and current projects 15:18 Parenting, partnership, and supporting his daughter 21:36 Final takeaway on finding a child's strengths

Memorable Quote

"Find the one thing that they actually do like and encourage that."

About the Guest

J.D. Barker is a New York Times bestselling author known for thrillers, horror, and suspense novels. He has written numerous bestselling books, collaborated with major authors including James Patterson, and speaks openly about his personal experience as an autistic adult.

Resources Mentioned

• J.D. Barker

• Master of Suspense

• Forsaken

• The Fourth Monkey

• Dracul

• Behind a Closed Door

• The Writer

About the Host

Brian Keene is the host of the Autism Family Resource Podcast and the founder of Pure Hearts Therapy, a neurodiversity-affirming pediatric therapy practice that supports children and families through compassionate, practical care.

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

Receiving an autism or ADHD diagnosis for your child can bring a wave of emotions, questions, and uncertainty. In this episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, Brian Keene sits down with author, speaker, podcaster, and Arizona mom Kari Baker to talk about her journey parenting her son with autism and ADHD.

Kari shares honestly about the early years of confusion, the pressure she felt to keep everything together, and the long road toward acceptance and healing. She also talks about the inspiration behind her book, Finding Kind, and how her family moved from secrecy and shame into a more strengths-based, hopeful way of supporting their son. This conversation is full of encouragement for parents who may be in the thick of diagnosis, therapies, school challenges, or simply learning how to let go of the "perfect parenting" picture they once imagined.

If you are looking for a reminder that you are not alone, that your child has gifts worth nurturing, and that there can be joy in a different path than the one you expected, this episode is a meaningful one to hear.

Topics Covered

• Kari's journey from financial planning into advocacy and encouragement for families

• What it was like to parent through an autism and ADHD diagnosis

• The emotional impact of secrecy, shame, and learning to make peace with a different path

• Why early diagnosis and early intervention matter

• How autism and ADHD can show up differently at school and socially

• Kari's book Finding Kind and why she wrote the story she wished she had found

• The power of community and finding other parents who understand

• Why focusing on a child's strengths can change everything

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction and episode overview 04:17 Kari's biggest takeaway for families 06:48 The story behind Finding Kind 10:48 Discovering her son's autism diagnosis 17:23 Autism, ADHD, and school challenges 20:35 Kari's podcast and what she's learning from other families

Memorable Quote

"Your child was born on purpose for a purpose."

About the Guest

Kari Baker is an author, speaker, podcaster, and Arizona mom of a son with autism and ADHD. She is the founder of Kind Families and the author of Finding Kind, a book that shares her personal parenting journey and offers encouragement to families navigating diagnosis, therapies, and the beauty of raising neurodivergent children.

Resources Mentioned

• Finding Kind

• Kind Families

• Kari A. Baker

• Gentry Pediatric Behavioral Services

• Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center

• Think Asperger's

• ASD Mamas by Your Side

About the Host

Brian Keene is the host of the Autism Family Resource Podcast and the founder of Pure Hearts Therapy, a neurodiversity-affirming pediatric therapy practice that supports children and families through compassionate, practical care.

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

What does autism therapy look like when it is truly play-based, family-centered, and grounded in a child's individual strengths? In this episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, Brian Keene talks with Will Martin from SOAR Autism Center about the Early Start Denver Model, often called ESDM, and how it offers a different approach from more traditional forms of ABA therapy.

Will shares how he entered the autism field, what drew him to early intervention, and why ESDM stood out as a developmentally informed, relationship-based model for supporting young autistic children. The conversation explores how SOAR approaches communication, play, challenging behavior, family collaboration, and neurodiversity-affirming care. Brian and Will also talk openly about some of the concerns families have around ABA and how providers can take a more respectful, individualized approach.

This episode is especially helpful for families who are trying to understand different therapy options, ask better questions when choosing a provider, and find care that aligns with their values.

Topics Covered

• What the Early Start Denver Model is and how it differs from traditional ABA

• Will's journey into autism care and early intervention

• How play-based therapy can support communication and learning

• What discrete trial training is and why some families seek alternatives

• Common signs a child may benefit from autism therapy or assessment

• How SOAR structures assessment, scheduling, and interdisciplinary care

• What neurodiversity-affirming autism care can look like in practice

• Why families should ask hard questions when choosing a provider

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction and episode overview 01:21 What families may take away from the episode 04:23 ESDM compared to traditional discrete trial training 10:34 How SOAR assesses children and builds treatment plans 15:04 Signs a child may benefit from autism therapy 25:29 Neurodiversity-affirming care and concerns around ABA

Memorable Quote

"Feel empowered to ask tough questions about what type of therapy and what type of approach you might experience at different providers."

About the Guest

Will Martin is a behavior analyst and Head of Early Start Denver Model Implementation at SOAR Autism Center. He has worked across home, school, clinic, and research settings and is passionate about providing developmentally informed, individualized care for autistic children and their families.

Resources Mentioned

• SOAR Autism Center

• Early Start Denver Model

• ESDM curriculum checklist

About the Host

Brian Keene is the host of the Autism Family Resource Podcast and the founder of Pure Hearts Therapy, a neurodiversity-affirming pediatric therapy practice that supports children and families through compassionate, practical care.

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

Divorce is never easy, and when a child has autism, disabilities, or other support needs, the process can feel even more overwhelming. In this episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, Brian Keene talks with certified divorce coach, mediator, and special needs parent Mary Ann Hughes about how families can navigate separation while keeping their child's well-being at the center.

Mary Ann shares her personal experience parenting two children on opposite ends of the autism spectrum while going through divorce, and explains why special needs divorce planning often requires a different level of care, foresight, and support. She offers practical guidance on talking with children about divorce, avoiding rushed decisions, protecting government benefits, planning for therapies and future services, and creating a more child-centered approach to co-parenting.

This episode is especially helpful for parents who are currently going through separation, considering divorce, or simply want to understand what to think about if life takes an unexpected turn. It is honest, grounded, and full of helpful perspective for families facing a difficult season.

Topics Covered

• Why divorce planning looks different when a child has special needs

• How to talk with children about divorce in a supportive way

• Using social stories to help children understand change

• Why it is important not to rush major legal and financial decisions

• How to keep the child's needs at the center of the divorce process

• Why future planning matters for therapies, programs, and adult services

• Protecting government benefits and financial eligibility

• How divorce coaching, mediation, and parenting coordination can help families

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction and episode overview 01:12 Mary Ann's story and why she does this work 04:28 Talking with children about divorce and using social stories 07:29 Planning ahead for therapies, services, and the future 12:33 Protecting benefits and understanding legal considerations 15:56 How parents can work with Mary Ann and get support

Memorable Quote

"This is not the end. It's the start of something new and something different."

About the Guest

Mary Ann Hughes is a certified divorce coach, mediator, and parenting coordinator who specializes in supporting families with children with special needs. She is also a mother of two autistic young adults and brings both personal and professional insight to helping families navigate divorce in a more thoughtful, child-centered way.

Resources Mentioned

• Special Family Transitions

• Social stories for divorce conversations

• Special needs trusts

• Parenting coordination

• Mediation for families with children with disabilities

About the Host

Brian Keene is the host of the Autism Family Resource Podcast and the founder of Pure Hearts Therapy, a neurodiversity-affirming pediatric therapy practice that supports children and families through compassionate, practical care.

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

Mental health is an important part of supporting neurodivergent children, yet it is often overlooked in the larger autism conversation. In this episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, Brian Keene talks with social worker and certified autism specialist Mitch Leppicello about the emotional lives of autistic children and why families need practical tools to support regulation, communication, and connection.

Mitch brings more than 30 years of experience working with autistic individuals and their families. He shares how the field has changed over time, why anxiety and other mental health challenges often overlap with autism, and how parents can better understand what their child is trying to communicate during emotionally intense moments. He also introduces his Calm Compass framework, which helps families focus on connection, communication, encouragement, and movement as ways to support children through stress and dysregulation.

This episode is especially helpful for parents, caregivers, therapists, and educators who want a more compassionate and practical understanding of how mental health and autism can intersect in everyday family life.

Topics Covered

• How Mitch found his way into autism and neurodiversity work

• Why mental health challenges often overlap with autism

• Common emotional struggles autistic children may experience

• Why communication breakdowns can fuel emotional dysregulation

• Mitch's Calm Compass framework: Connect, Articulate, Lift, and Move

• How parents can help children better express what they are feeling

• Why connection and co-regulation matter during hard moments

• The value of collaboration between families and therapists

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction and episode overview 01:27 Mitch's path into autism and mental health work 07:17 How autism and mental health challenges overlap 11:31 What the Calm Compass is 13:53 Using "Articulate" to help children express feelings 20:46 Why connection and regulation strategies matter most

Memorable Quote

"Autism is not an excuse. It's an explanation."

About the Guest

Mitch Lepicello is a social worker, certified autism specialist, and mental health professional with more than 30 years of experience working with autistic children, teens, adults, and families. He created the Calm Compass framework to help families strengthen connection, communication, and emotional regulation.

Resources Mentioned

• The Calm Compass

• ASD Parenting Journey

• Mitch Lepicello's social media resources

• Stress management tools and visual supports for autistic children

About the Host

Brian Keene is the host of the Autism Family Resource Podcast and the founder of Pure Hearts Therapy, a neurodiversity-affirming pediatric therapy practice that supports children and families through compassionate, practical care.

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