Autism Family Resource

Sensory processing is one of the most commonly discussed topics among parents of neurodivergent children, yet it can also feel confusing and overwhelming to fully understand. In this episode of the Autism Family Toolkit Podcast, Brian Keene speaks with occupational therapist Catie Sondrol about sensory processing difficulties, sensory regulation, and practical strategies families can use to support their children.

Catie explains how the brain processes sensory information and why some children may feel overwhelmed, disorganized, avoidant, or sensory-seeking in different environments. She also breaks down the eight sensory systems, including vestibular, proprioceptive, and interoceptive systems, in a parent-friendly and easy-to-understand way.

Families will also learn why sensory behaviors and emotional regulation often go hand-in-hand, how to think like a "sensory detective," and why Catie prefers the term "sensory lifestyle" over "sensory diet."

This episode offers practical guidance for helping children feel more regulated, organized, and supported throughout everyday life.

Topics Covered

• What sensory processing difficulties can look like • The difference between sensory seeking and sensory avoiding • The eight sensory systems explained • Why sensory processing and behavior are connected • Hyper-sensitive versus hypo-sensitive sensory responses • How to create a sensory lifestyle at home • Frequency, intensity, and duration of sensory activities • Supporting regulation through play and everyday routines

Memorable Quote

"We all use strategies throughout our day and throughout our life to keep us regulated."

About the Guest

Catie Sondrol is an occupational therapist and co-owner of Milemarkers Therapy in Arizona. She has worked with neurodivergent children and families for many years and has completed mentorship training through the STARS Institute and Avanti Therapeutic Projects.

Resources Mentioned

Milemarkers Therapy

STARS Institute

Avanti Therapeutic Projects

About the Host

Brian Keene is the host of the Autism Family Toolkit Podcast and founder of Pure Hearts Therapy. Pure Hearts Therapy provides home-based pediatric occupational therapy, speech therapy, physical therapy, and family-centered support for neurodivergent children and families in Arizona.

Subscribe & Connect

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

Listen and subscribe to the Autism Family Resource Podcast: https://pod.link/1591840956

Explore more resources for families at: https://pureheartstherapy.com

Siblings of neurodivergent children often experience a wide range of emotions that can be difficult to talk about openly. Some siblings may feel left out, overwhelmed with responsibility, confused about autism, or unsure how to express their emotions in healthy ways. In this solo episode of the Autism Family Toolkit Podcast, occupational therapist Brian Keene shares practical strategies for supporting siblings of autistic and special needs children.

Brian discusses common emotional experiences siblings may have, including feeling overlooked, taking on caregiver roles too early, and struggling to communicate feelings such as guilt, frustration, embarrassment, or resentment. He also shares simple ways families can create more balance, connection, and emotional support at home.

This episode offers practical tools for helping all children in the family feel seen, valued, included, and emotionally supported.

Topics Covered

• Common emotions siblings of autistic children may experience • Why some siblings feel left out or overlooked • Caregiver burnout in siblings • Creating one-on-one time with each child • Encouraging healthy emotional expression • Teaching siblings about autism in age-appropriate ways • Clarifying responsibilities within the family • Support groups and resources for siblings

Memorable Quote

"We want to make sure none of our children feel left out or treated unfairly."

Resources Mentioned

Sibshops by Arizona Autism United

Arizona Autism United

About the Host

Brian Keene is the host of the Autism Family Resource Podcast and founder of Pure Hearts Therapy. He is also a pediatric occupational therapist who works closely with neurodivergent children and their families throughout Arizona.

Pure Hearts Therapy provides home-based occupational therapy, speech therapy, physical therapy, and family-centered support services for neurodivergent children and families.

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

Navigating autism alongside a rare medical condition can feel overwhelming for families, especially when diagnoses come with limited information, financial stress, and complicated medical needs. In this episode of the Autism Family Toolkit Podcast, Brian Keene speaks with Christina Broderick, mother of two neurodivergent children, including a son with autism and PKU (Phenylketonuria), a rare metabolic disorder.

Christina shares her family's journey of learning about PKU after her son's newborn screening and the emotional and financial challenges that followed. She discusses the difficulties of managing specialized diets, traveling long distances for medical care, and trying to navigate unfamiliar systems as a young parent.

Most importantly, Christina shares the organizations and resources that helped her family access specialized food, medication support, financial assistance, gas reimbursement, hotel stays, and educational guidance. This episode highlights how life-changing the right support systems can be for families navigating complex diagnoses.

Topics Covered

• Parenting a child with autism and a rare disorder • Understanding PKU (Phenylketonuria) • Navigating rare disease diagnoses as a parent • Specialized diets and medical nutrition support • Financial assistance programs for families • Traveling for specialty medical care • Organizations that support rare disease families • Finding resources for undiagnosed or complex conditions

Memorable Quote

"We all want to help our kids and we all want some information or some type of little help to get us there along the way."

About the Guest

Christina Broderick is a mother of two neurodivergent children living in Arizona. Through her personal experiences navigating autism, PKU, and developmental disabilities, she has become passionate about helping other families find resources, support, and guidance.

Resources Mentioned

National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) https://rarediseases.org

Cambrooke Therapeutics

BioMarin Pharmaceuticals

Kuvan (sapropterin)

Phoenix Children's Hospital

Milemarkers Therapy

Rise Services, Inc.

About the Host

Brian Keene is the host of the Autism Family Toolkit Podcast and founder of Pure Hearts Therapy. Pure Hearts Therapy provides home-based pediatric occupational therapy, speech therapy, physical therapy, and family-centered support for neurodivergent children and families in Arizona.

Subscribe & Connect

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

Listen and subscribe to the Autism Family Resource Podcast: https://pod.link/1591840956

Explore more resources for families at: https://pureheartstherapy.com

Many behaviors that look like defiance, impulsivity, or emotional overreactions may actually be connected to executive functioning difficulties. In this episode of the Autism Family Toolkit Podcast, Brian Keene speaks with occupational therapist and executive functioning specialist Abigail Wool-Biringer about how executive functioning impacts emotional regulation, routines, flexibility, planning, and everyday life for neurodivergent children.

Abigail explains executive functioning as the "boss" of the brain that helps children organize, plan, manage emotions, solve problems, and transition between activities. She shares why children with autism and ADHD often struggle with these skills and why behavior should be viewed through a compassionate, skill-building lens instead of simply assuming children are being defiant.

Families will also learn practical ways to support executive functioning development through collaboration, problem-solving, flexibility, and empowering children to better understand themselves.

This episode offers practical insights for helping children build lifelong skills while strengthening parent-child connection.

Topics Covered

• What executive functioning skills are • How executive functioning affects emotional regulation • Why transitions and routines can feel difficult • Executive functioning and autism/ADHD • Recognizing patterns behind behaviors • Supporting flexibility and problem-solving • Moving away from "my way or the highway" parenting • Helping children build independence and self-awareness

Memorable Quote

"Who's the expert in you? Me. Of course you are."

About the Guest

Abigail Wool-Biringer is an occupational therapist and executive functioning specialist who supports neurodivergent children and families. She provides parent coaching, group programs, and workshops focused on executive functioning, emotional regulation, and collaborative problem-solving.

Resources Mentioned

Kids Empowered for Life https://kidsempowered4life.com

Arizona + ADHD Parent Support Facebook Group

Dr. Ross Greene

About the Host

Brian Keene is the host of the Autism Family Toolkit Podcast and founder of Pure Hearts Therapy. Pure Hearts Therapy provides home-based pediatric occupational therapy, speech therapy, physical therapy, and family-centered support for neurodivergent children and families in Arizona.

Subscribe & Connect

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

Listen and subscribe to the Autism Family Resource Podcast: https://pod.link/1591840956

Explore more resources for families at: https://pureheartstherapy.com

In this solo episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, occupational therapist Brian Keene continues his two-part series on behaviors and emotional regulation by focusing on how parents can respond to meltdowns with calmness, compassion, and connection.

Brian explains why behaviors are forms of communication and discusses the importance of looking beyond the behavior itself to understand what may be triggering a child's emotional response. He shares practical strategies for investigating triggers, remaining calm during difficult moments, and teaching alternative responses in ways that reduce shame and build emotional safety.

Families will also learn how sensory experiences, transitions, communication challenges, and interoception difficulties can contribute to meltdowns. Throughout the episode, Brian provides real-life examples of how parents can respond with curiosity, flexibility, and support while still maintaining boundaries.

This episode offers practical tools for helping neurodivergent children feel safe, heard, and supported during emotionally overwhelming moments.

Topics Covered

• Why behaviors are forms of communication • Responding to meltdowns with calmness and compassion • Investigating triggers behind behaviors • Sensory overload and emotional regulation • Interoception and understanding body signals • Teaching replacement behaviors and safer responses • Reducing shame during difficult moments • Providing choices and maintaining boundaries

Memorable Quote

"If your kids feel safe, they're more likely to open up and communicate."

About the Host

Brian Keene is the host of the Autism Family Resource Podcast and founder of Pure Hearts Therapy. He is a pediatric occupational therapist who supports neurodivergent children and families throughout Arizona using neurodiversity-affirming and family-centered approaches.

Pure Hearts Therapy provides home-based occupational therapy, speech therapy, physical therapy, and family-centered support services for neurodivergent children and families.

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 solo episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, occupational therapist Brian Keene begins a two-part series focused on understanding and preventing meltdowns in neurodivergent children.

Brian explains why meltdowns often happen when children feel overwhelmed, powerless, or unsupported by their environment. He discusses how routines, visual schedules, calendars, checklists, timers, and countdowns can help children feel safer, more prepared, and more emotionally regulated throughout the day.

This episode also explores why predictability and collaboration matter so much for autistic children, especially during transitions, new experiences, or sensory-heavy environments. Brian provides practical examples families can immediately begin using at home to reduce stress and support smoother transitions.

This conversation offers parent-friendly tools designed to help children feel more empowered, understood, and emotionally supported while reducing unnecessary overwhelm.

Topics Covered

• Why meltdowns happen • Understanding overwhelm and emotional regulation • Creating routines for children • Using visual schedules and calendars • Preparing children for transitions and events • Supporting autonomy and collaboration • Visual timers and countdown strategies • Reducing stress through predictability and consistency

Memorable Quote

"We can reduce meltdowns by making sure our kids feel safe, empowered, and seen."

About the Host

Brian Keene is the host of the Autism Family Resource Podcast and founder of Pure Hearts Therapy. He is a pediatric occupational therapist who supports neurodivergent children and families throughout Arizona using neurodiversity-affirming and family-centered approaches.

Pure Hearts Therapy provides home-based occupational therapy, speech therapy, physical therapy, and family-centered support services for neurodivergent children and families.

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 exactly does pediatric physical therapy help with, and how is it different from occupational therapy? In this episode of the Autism Family Toolkit Podcast, Brian Keene speaks with pediatric physical therapist Rhonda Schnabl about the role of physical therapy in supporting neurodivergent children and children with developmental differences.

Rhonda explains how physical therapists focus on movement, coordination, endurance, posture, balance, strength, and gross motor development across the lifespan. She also discusses common concerns she sees in autistic children, including toe walking, low muscle tone, poor endurance, balance difficulties, and coordination challenges.

Throughout the conversation, Rhonda shares practical examples of how physical therapists use play-based activities to help children build movement skills while supporting participation in everyday life. Families will also learn when to consider a PT evaluation and what signs may suggest a child could benefit from additional support.

This episode offers practical guidance for parents trying to better understand pediatric physical therapy and how it can support their child's development.

Topics Covered

• What pediatric physical therapy addresses • PT versus OT: understanding the differences • Toe walking and movement patterns • Balance, coordination, and endurance • Core strength and posture • Gross motor development in autistic children • Common signs a child may benefit from PT • Communicating with your child's physical therapist

Memorable Quote

"We consider ourselves movement experts."

About the Guest

Rhonda Schnabl is a pediatric physical therapist at Mile Markers Therapy in Lake Havasu City, Arizona. She has worked as a physical therapist for over 20 years across multiple settings, including pediatric therapy, stroke rehabilitation, education, and developmental support services.

Resources Mentioned

Mile Markers Therapy

Little Steps shoe inserts

About the Host

Brian Keene is the host of the Autism Family Toolkit Podcast and founder of Pure Hearts Therapy. Pure Hearts Therapy provides home-based occupational therapy, speech therapy, physical therapy, and family-centered support for neurodivergent children and families in Arizona.

Subscribe & Connect

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

Listen and subscribe to the Autism Family Resource Podcast: https://pod.link/1591840956

Explore more resources for families at: https://pureheartstherapy.com

What exactly does occupational therapy help with, and how does it support autistic and neurodivergent children in everyday life? In this solo episode of the Autism Family Toolkit Podcast, occupational therapist Brian Keene breaks down the role of occupational therapy and explains how OTs support children through play, sensory processing, emotional regulation, daily routines, social participation, and life skills.

Brian explains that occupational therapists focus on helping children participate in meaningful everyday activities, which OTs refer to as "occupations." He walks families through the major areas occupational therapy may address, including sleep, play, self-care skills, social participation, school participation, executive functioning, sensory processing, and routines.

This episode also explores how occupational therapists evaluate children, collaborate with families, and create individualized interventions that support development while honoring each child's unique strengths and needs.

Families will leave this episode with a clearer understanding of what OT services may look like and how to maximize therapy support at home and within everyday routines.

Topics Covered

• What occupational therapy actually is • The eight major occupations OTs address • Sensory processing and emotional regulation • Social emotional development and communication • Executive functioning and coordination • Daily living skills and routines • Environmental adaptations and supports • How parents can collaborate with occupational therapists

Memorable Quote

"OTs do way more than just fine motor skills."

About the Host

Brian Keene is the host of the Autism Family Toolkit Podcast and founder of Pure Hearts Therapy. He is a pediatric occupational therapist who supports neurodivergent children and families throughout Arizona using neurodiversity-affirming and family-centered approaches.

Pure Hearts Therapy provides home-based occupational therapy, speech therapy, physical therapy, and family-centered support services for neurodivergent children and families.

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

The new year often brings pressure to set goals, improve routines, and "do better" as parents. But parenting neurodivergent children already requires an incredible amount of flexibility, patience, and emotional energy. In this solo episode of the Autism Family Toolkit Podcast, Brian Keene shares three practical parenting resolutions designed to support both children and caregivers throughout the year.

Brian introduces the "Three C's" for families: connection, consistency, and compassion. He discusses how meaningful connection can strengthen relationships with children, why routines and predictability help reduce overwhelm, and how compassion for both children and caregivers can create healthier family dynamics.

This episode offers realistic, neurodiversity-affirming strategies that families can begin using immediately without needing to completely overhaul their lives or parenting approaches.

Families will leave this conversation with simple tools to help create more connection, emotional safety, and balance within everyday routines.

Topics Covered

• Building stronger connections with your child • Following your child's interests • Why routines and schedules matter • Preparing children for transitions and changes • Using social stories and visual supports • Practicing compassion for your child and yourself • Reducing pressure and comparison in parenting • Finding parenting support and community resources

Memorable Quote

"We are never going to be a perfect parent."

About the Host

Brian Keene is the host of the Autism Family Toolkit Podcast and founder of Pure Hearts Therapy. He is a pediatric occupational therapist who supports neurodivergent children and families throughout Arizona using neurodiversity-affirming and family-centered approaches.

Pure Hearts Therapy provides home-based occupational therapy, speech therapy, physical therapy, and family-centered support services for neurodivergent children and families.

Resources Mentioned

Parenting support groups

Parenting podcasts and educational resources

Social stories

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

Sleep impacts nearly every part of a child's development, including attention, emotional regulation, learning, memory, physical health, and overall wellbeing. Yet many neurodivergent children struggle with falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking feeling rested.

In this solo episode of the Autism Family Toolkit Podcast, occupational therapist Brian Keene discusses how sleep affects child development and shares practical, family-friendly strategies to improve sleep hygiene and bedtime routines for neurodivergent children.

Brian explains how sensory differences, stress levels, environmental factors, screen time, nutrition, and routines can all influence sleep quality. He also introduces a practical sleep journal tool families can use to identify patterns and better understand what may be helping or disrupting their child's sleep.

This episode offers supportive and realistic strategies families can begin implementing immediately to improve bedtime routines, reduce sleep disruptions, and support healthier regulation throughout the day.

Topics Covered

• Why sleep is important for child development • Sleep challenges in neurodivergent children • Sensory processing and sleep • Creating healthy sleep hygiene routines • Bedtime routines and environmental supports • Screen time and blue light effects • Nutrition and sleep quality • Using a sleep journal to identify patterns

Memorable Quote

"Sleep is one of the most important things we do every day and has the ability to impact every aspect of our lives."

About the Host

Brian Keene is the host of the Autism Family Toolkit Podcast and founder of Pure Hearts Therapy. He is a pediatric occupational therapist who supports neurodivergent children and families throughout Arizona using neurodiversity-affirming and family-centered approaches.

Pure Hearts Therapy provides home-based occupational therapy, speech therapy, physical therapy, and family-centered support services for neurodivergent children and families.

Resources Mentioned

Moshi app

Calm app

Headspace app

White noise machines

Weighted blankets

Sleep Better app

Snore Track app

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