Autism Family Resource

The lockdown may feel far behind us, but for many children, its impact is still showing up in everyday life, especially in social communication and emotional regulation. In this episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, Brian Keene welcomes back Lenora Edwards to talk about how the pandemic and isolation affected children's language development, social skills, and confidence in communication.

Lenora shares how reduced in-person interaction, masking, and fewer natural opportunities for conversation created real developmental gaps for many children, especially those who were very young during lockdown. She explains why skills like reading facial expressions, understanding tone, problem-solving in social situations, and simply knowing what to say in everyday interactions have become harder for many kids. She also offers practical, encouraging strategies parents can start using right away, including modeling, creating safe opportunities for communication, and helping children build confidence through practice.

This episode is especially helpful for parents, caregivers, educators, and therapists who want to better understand what was lost during lockdown and how to gently rebuild those social and communication skills moving forward.

Topics Covered

• How lockdown affected language development in young children

• Why masks and isolation changed social learning

• The impact on tone, body language, and facial expression reading

• Why some children now feel stuck in social situations

• How texting and screens can reduce real-life communication practice

• Why modeling communication matters so much

• Practical ways parents can create safe social opportunities

• When to trust your instincts and seek professional support

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction and episode overview 01:56 What families can expect to learn from this conversation 04:10 How lockdown changed language exposure and development 10:14 Why children may not know what to say socially 17:51 Practical strategies parents can use at home 22:06 When to seek help and trust your instincts

Memorable Quote

"It's our responsibility as the community, as people of this world, to help them communicate."

About the Guest

Lenora Edwards is a TEDx speaker and Chief Knowledge Officer with Better Speech. She is a speech-language pathologist with extensive experience supporting children and adults with communication needs across a wide range of settings, including hospitals, schools, outpatient clinics, and online therapy.

Resources Mentioned

• Better Speech

• BetterSpeech.com

• Speech therapy for social communication

• Online speech therapy consultations

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 a child who is labeled as "slow" or "lazy" is actually a bright, creative learner who simply needs the right support? In this episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, Brian Keene talks with Lynn and Jonathan Greenberg about their family's journey with dyslexia, the challenges Jonathan faced growing up, and the powerful book they created together, Robbie the Dyslexic Taxi.

Jonathan shares what it was like to struggle with reading and writing in traditional school settings, how those early labels affected him, and the difference it made when he was finally understood and supported in the right environment. Lynn offers a parent's perspective on trusting her instincts, advocating for her child, and making difficult decisions to get him the help he needed. Together, they talk about how creativity, support, and perseverance helped transform challenges into strengths.

This episode is a meaningful listen for parents, educators, and anyone who wants a better understanding of dyslexia, learning differences, and the importance of seeing the child beyond the label.

Topics Covered

• What dyslexia looked like in Jonathan's early school experience

• How negative labels affected confidence and self-image

• Lynn's journey of recognizing that something was different

• Finding the right school and support for a child with dyslexia

• How dyslexia can affect reading, writing, and visual processing

• Why support from family can make such a powerful difference

• The story behind Robbie the Dyslexic Taxi

• Why learning differences can also come with unique strengths

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction and episode overview 03:56 Jonathan's experience growing up with dyslexia 07:03 Lynn's perspective and finding the right support 10:49 How the book Robbie the Dyslexic Taxi came to life 16:21 Final encouragement for parents and children 20:07 Where to find the book and connect with Lynn and Jonathan

Memorable Quote

"You may be different, but that's not a bad thing."

About the Guest

Lynn Greenberg is Jonathan's mother and co-author of Robbie the Dyslexic Taxi. Jonathan Greenberg is a college student, artist, and writer who was diagnosed with dyslexia as a child. Together, they created their book to help children and families better understand dyslexia and to encourage confidence, creativity, and conversation.

Resources Mentioned

• Robbie the Dyslexic Taxi

• Creative Cab Company

• CreativeCabCompany.com

• Amazon book listing

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

Diaper digging is one of those topics many families experience but few people openly talk about. In this episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, Brian Keene talks with Cindy Seifert, founder of Prevent-A-Wear and mother to an autistic daughter with high support needs, about a behavior that can be exhausting, isolating, and hard to manage without the right support.

Cindy shares her personal experience raising her daughter Kyla, how diaper digging and disrobing became major challenges in daily life, and how those struggles led her to create clothing solutions designed to help families dealing with incontinence, fecal smearing, and clothing removal. She talks honestly about the emotional toll of these behaviors, the practical realities caregivers face, and the importance of finding tools that help preserve dignity, safety, and peace of mind.

This conversation is especially helpful for parents and caregivers who feel alone in these challenges and are looking for practical support without shame or judgment. It is candid, compassionate, and full of real-world insight from a parent who has lived it.

Topics Covered

• Cindy's journey parenting her daughter with autism and epilepsy

• How diaper digging began and how it affected daily life

• The emotional and practical challenges of fecal smearing and disrobing

• Why families often feel alone or unable to talk about these behaviors

• How Prevent-A-Wear was created out of real caregiver need

• How specialized clothing can help prevent diaper digging and stripping

• Why sensory needs may play a role in these behaviors

• Additional products Cindy created for incontinence and caregiver support

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction and episode overview 01:04 Cindy's background and her daughter's story 04:11 How diaper digging began and why it was so difficult 08:27 Creating the first clothing solution at home 11:57 Sensory questions around diaper digging 14:09 What Prevent-A-Wear offers for families

Memorable Quote

"I really do hope that I reach people and they're going to listen to this and they're going to be like, wow, there's help out there."

About the Guest

Cindy Seifert is the founder of Prevent-A-Wear and the mother of a 25-year-old autistic daughter with epilepsy and high support needs. She created her product line after years of managing diaper digging, fecal smearing, incontinence, and clothing removal at home.

Resources Mentioned

• Prevent-A-Wear

• PreventAware.com

• Prevent-A-Wear Facebook page

• Specialized clothing for incontinence and stripping prevention

• Waterproof wheelchair pads, bibs, couch covers, and sheets

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 if your child's current school setting just is not working? For many families, that question brings frustration, worry, and a lot of uncertainty about what to do next. In this episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, Brian Keene talks with teacher, tech entrepreneur, and Teach Your Kids host Manisha Snoyer about homeschooling, school choice, and what it can look like to create a more personalized education for your child.

Manisha shares her background as an educator and explains why so many families, including families with neurodivergent children, are exploring homeschooling and other customized learning options. She talks about how education can be adapted around a child's needs, interests, and learning style, and why homeschooling does not have to look like one parent sitting at a table teaching all day. The conversation also touches on tutoring, curriculum matching, flexible schedules, and Arizona's Empowerment Scholarship Accounts.

This episode is especially helpful for parents who feel stuck, discouraged, or curious about alternatives to the traditional school system and want to know what options may actually be possible for their family.

Topics Covered

• Why many families are feeling frustrated with traditional school systems

• How Manisha's teaching experience led her into supporting homeschooling families

• What homeschooling can look like in real life

• Why personalized curriculum matters for neurodivergent learners

• How tutoring and flexible education can support unique needs

• Why homeschooling can work for many different family structures

• How Arizona's Empowerment Scholarship Accounts can help families

• Where parents can go to get support, curriculum help, and community

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction and episode overview 01:10 Manisha's background and why she does this work 04:18 How personalized curriculum can fit different learners 05:55 What homeschooling can actually look like 08:28 How tutors and curriculum matching work 08:56 Arizona ESA support and school choice 10:25 First steps for families interested in homeschooling

Memorable Quote

"You do know what your children need."

About the Guest

Manisha Snoyer is a teacher, tech entrepreneur, and the host of Teach Your Kids, a podcast and online community for homeschooling families. She has spent years building tools, resources, and support systems to help families create personalized education paths for their children.

Resources Mentioned

• Teach Your Kids

• TeachYourKidsPod.com

• Cottage Class

• Arizona Empowerment Scholarship Accounts (ESA)

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 would happen if your child got lost in the community and could not communicate who they are or how to get home? For many parents of non-speaking or high-support-needs children, that question can keep them up at night. In this episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, Brian Keene talks with Justin Behnke, a father who created ScanMeHome after realizing his own son needed an added layer of safety.

Justin shares how raising his non-speaking autistic son led him to think differently about community safety, wandering, and what families really need in those frightening "what if" moments. He explains how ScanMeHome works, why QR-based safety tools can be so helpful now that people are used to scanning codes in daily life, and how the product can support children, adults with dementia, and others who may need a quicker path back to safety.

This episode is especially valuable for parents and caregivers who want more peace of mind when it comes to wandering, field trips, travel, or everyday community outings.

Topics Covered

• Justin's story as a father of a non-speaking autistic son

• Why wandering and community safety became such a big concern

• How ScanMeHome was created in just a few days after years of need

• Why QR code safety tools can work well for non-speaking children

• What kinds of information families can include in a profile

• How the product can help in field trips, travel, and community outings

• Why education and awareness in the community still matter

• Other uses for the product, including dementia and seizure support

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction and episode overview 01:15 Justin's background and his family story 02:36 What led him to create ScanMeHome 06:06 How the product works 09:46 Other safety strategies for families 13:20 Discount code and final thoughts

Memorable Quote

"My purpose was my son. God forbid he gets out, I need to get him home."

About the Guest

Justin Behnke is a father, technology professional, and creator of ScanMeHome. He designed the product after recognizing that his non-speaking autistic son needed a practical, accessible safety solution that could help others reconnect him with family if he ever got lost.

Resources Mentioned

• ScanMeHome

• ScanMeHome.com

• ScanMeHome Instagram

• QR safety tags for clothing, backpacks, wristbands, and more

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

Parents and caregivers often feel excited when their child finally receives an AAC device. But what happens when the device arrives and your child shows little interest in using it?

In this episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, Brian Keene is joined by speech-language pathologists Lydia McKay and Staci Dover to discuss the final part of a three-episode series on augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). This conversation focuses on the practical side of implementation — how families can help children begin using their AAC device in meaningful ways at home.

Lydia and Staci share practical strategies that help families move beyond simply having the device to actually building communication with it. They explain why routines matter, why modeling is so powerful, and why play and joy are essential for helping children develop confidence with AAC.

Parents will learn how to introduce AAC in ways that feel natural rather than forced, how to reduce pressure for their child, and how to support language development through everyday interactions.

If your child has an AAC device but isn't using it yet, this episode will help you understand what steps to take next.

• Why some children don't immediately use their AAC device • The importance of routines when teaching AAC • How modeling helps children learn communication • Why play and preferred activities help build language • Understanding the "hide and show" feature for teaching vocabulary • Why AAC never prevents speech development • How parents can support AAC in everyday life • Why patience and consistency are key for communication growth

"Communication happens all day long. It doesn't happen once a week for 30 minutes with the speech therapist."

Lydia McKay and Staci Dover are Phoenix-area speech-language pathologists who specialize in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). They work through Northern Arizona University's AAC Evaluation and Training Program, helping families and individuals access communication systems that support language development and independence.

Brian Keene, OTD, OTR/L is the founder of Pure Hearts Therapy and host of the Autism Family Resource Podcast. His work focuses on helping neurodivergent children and families build skills, confidence, and connection through practical strategies and compassionate care.

If your child is non-speaking or experiencing speech delays, you may have heard about AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) but wondered how families actually obtain a communication device.

In part two of this three-part AAC series, host Brian Keene is joined by Phoenix-area speech-language pathologists Lydia McKay and Stacey Dover to walk parents through the real-world process of getting an AAC device.

They explain how families can begin the evaluation process, what steps are involved, and how a team determines the best communication system for each individual. From navigating insurance and Arizona's Department of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) services to understanding the role of therapists and medical providers, this episode offers practical guidance for parents who want to explore AAC for their child.

The conversation also highlights the importance of matching a device to a child's unique needs, including motor abilities, access methods, and family preferences. Parents are active partners throughout the process, helping ensure the selected system truly supports meaningful communication in everyday life.

If AAC is something you've been curious about for your child, this episode helps demystify the evaluation process and explains what families can expect along the way.

Topics Covered

• What AAC is and why it can support communication at any age • Common myths about AAC and speech development • How families begin the AAC evaluation process • Navigating Arizona DDD services and insurance pathways • Why AAC evaluations involve both communication and motor specialists • How the "feature matching" process helps identify the best device • What happens after the evaluation and how devices are approved

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction to the AAC series and episode overview 02:45 Understanding AAC and common myths 05:00 How families begin the AAC device process 11:40 The AAC evaluation team and their roles 13:20 The "feature matching" process explained 20:30 Paperwork, prescriptions, and insurance approval 22:30 Loaner devices and training for families

Memorable Quote

"AAC makes sure that anyone, anywhere, at any time can say anything."

About the Guest

Lydia McKay and Staci Dover are Arizona-based speech-language pathologists who specialize in Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). They work with individuals and families across home and school environments and are involved with Northern Arizona University's AAC Evaluation and Training Program. Their work focuses on helping individuals access meaningful communication through evidence-based AAC systems and family-centered support.

Resources Mentioned

• Northern Arizona University AAC Evaluation & Training Program • Arizona Speech-Language Hearing Association (ArSHA) • Arizona Department of Developmental Disabilities (DDD)

About the Host

Brian Keene, OTD, OTR/L, is the host of the Autism Family Resource Podcast and founder of Pure Hearts Therapy in Phoenix, Arizona. Pure Hearts Therapy provides neurodiversity-affirming pediatric therapy services that support children and families through compassionate, individualized 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

If your child is non-speaking or experiencing speech delays, you may be wondering what communication options are available to support them.

In this first episode of a three-part AAC series, host Brian Keene sits down with Phoenix-based speech-language pathologists Lydia McKay and Staci Dover to explore the foundations of communication and language development.

Together they unpack what communication really means, beyond just spoken words. Communication includes gestures, facial expressions, writing, texting, and visual supports like AAC devices. Understanding this broader view of communication can help parents better support children who communicate differently.

Lydia and Staci also explain how language develops in early childhood, why interaction between caregivers and children is essential for language learning, and how tools like AAC can support communication without replacing speech.

One of the most important takeaways from this episode is that AAC is not a last resort. There are no prerequisites for using communication supports, and children can benefit from them at any stage of development.

This episode provides parents with a clear, encouraging introduction to AAC and practical ways to support language development at home.

Topics Covered

• What communication really means beyond verbal speech • The difference between receptive and expressive communication • How language develops during early childhood • Why interaction between parents and children supports language learning • Common myths about AAC and speech development • Why AAC can support communication at any stage • How AAC can help children express their thoughts, needs, and ideas

Memorable Quote

"If you're breathing, you're ready for AAC."

About the Guest

Lydia McKay and Staci Dover are speech-language pathologists in the Phoenix area who specialize in Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). They work with individuals across home and school settings and provide AAC evaluations and training through Northern Arizona University's AAC Evaluation and Training Program. Their work focuses on helping individuals access communication systems that support meaningful participation in everyday life.

Resources Mentioned

• Northern Arizona University AAC Evaluation & Training Program • Arizona Speech-Language Hearing Association

About the Host

Brian Keene, OTD, OTR/L, is the host of the Autism Family Resource Podcast and founder of Pure Hearts Therapy in Phoenix, Arizona. Pure Hearts Therapy provides neurodiversity-affirming pediatric therapy services that support children and families through compassionate, individualized 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

Many parents want to understand why their child may be experiencing certain symptoms rather than simply being told which therapies to pursue.

In this episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, host Brian Keene speaks with Karen Thomas, founder of Naturally Recovering Autism and author who shares her personal journey supporting her son after his autism diagnosis.

Karen explains how she began researching environmental health, nutrition, detoxification, and inflammation after noticing her son struggled with aggression, sleep issues, sensory overload, and anxiety. Through years of trial, research, and experimentation, she developed a structured approach focused on improving gut health, reducing toxic exposure, and supporting the body's natural healing systems.

During the conversation, Karen outlines a four-stage framework she believes can support families exploring holistic approaches to autism-related symptoms. She also emphasizes the importance of moving slowly, making gradual dietary changes, and supporting both parents and children during the process.

Brian also reflects on the importance of exploring multiple perspectives in care and taking a thoughtful, individualized approach to supporting each child's needs.

Topics Covered

• Karen's personal journey supporting her son after an autism diagnosis

• The connection between gut health, brain health, and behavior

• Common dietary triggers that may increase inflammation

• The role of detoxification and environmental health

• Co-infections such as mold exposure and Lyme disease

• Why small, gradual changes can help families feel less overwhelmed

• Taking a holistic approach to supporting neurodivergent children

Memorable Quote

"Autism recovery is not a sprint, it's a marathon."

About the Guest

Karen Thomas is the founder of Naturally Recovering Autism and the creator of programs designed to help parents explore holistic health approaches related to autism symptoms. She began researching environmental health, nutrition, and detoxification strategies after her son was diagnosed with autism. Today she shares educational resources, programs, and support for families exploring these topics.

Resources Mentioned

• Naturally Recovering Autism

• Karen Thomas Food Guide

• Naturally Recovering Autism Podcast

About the Host

Brian Keene, OTD, OTR/L, is the host of the Autism Family Resource Podcast and founder of Pure Hearts Therapy in Phoenix, Arizona. Pure Hearts Therapy provides neurodiversity-affirming pediatric therapy services that support children and families through compassionate, individualized 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

Connect with Karen

NaturallyRecoveringAutism.com

NaturallyRecoveringAutism.com/7foods

Facebook.com/NaturallyRecoveringAutism

Instagram.com/recoveringautism (@recoveringautism)

What do you do when your questions keep getting redirected and you still feel like something important is being missed?

In this episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, host Brian Keene sits down with Debbie Kimberg and her son, Sammy, to share their family's experience searching for answers beyond the explanations they were initially given. Debbie discusses how years of persistent advocacy led their family to explore infections such as Bartonella and Lyme disease and how treatment changed Sammy's day-to-day functioning, learning, mood, and overall well-being.

Sammy also shares his own perspective on school, medication, and what it felt like when things began to improve. Together, they talk about the long road to finding the right doctors, the impact of finally getting support that helped, and why families sometimes need to keep asking questions when something does not feel right.

This conversation is a personal story, not a one-size-fits-all roadmap, but it offers an important reminder for families: your observations matter, persistence matters, and advocacy can make a powerful difference.

Topics Covered

• Debbie and Sammy's journey searching for answers beyond initial diagnoses

• Lyme disease, Bartonella, and related infections as part of their family's story

• How symptoms showed up in school, behavior, mood, and eating

• The challenge of finding knowledgeable providers

• Why some treatments helped and others made things worse

• Sammy's experience with learning, special education, and improvement over time

• The importance of family advocacy and trusting your instincts

Memorable Quote

"It's okay to say no when something doesn't feel right."

About the Guest

Debbie Kimberg is a parent advocate and writer who shares her family's story to help other caregivers ask questions, explore options, and feel less alone. Her son Sammy is a high school student who enjoys singing, weightlifting, frisbee golf, and video games. Together they speak openly about their family's long search for answers and support.

Resources Mentioned

• DebbieKimberg.com

• @hijackedbrain on Instagram

• @hijackedbrain on TikTok

• State and local Lyme support groups

• ProjectLyme.org

About the Host

Brian Keene, OTD, OTR/L, is the host of the Autism Family Resource Podcast and founder of Pure Hearts Therapy in Phoenix, Arizona. Pure Hearts Therapy provides neurodiversity-affirming pediatric therapy services that support children and families through compassionate, individualized 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

If you have a child or family with this condition and you are finding it difficult to access a good doctor, visit www.projectline.org to get a doctor's directory.

Connect with Debbie

Debbie's website: www.debbiekimberg.com

Instagram and Tiktok: @hijacked brains