When Mike and Kay Carr’s son Michael, who has severe autism, aged out of school services, they faced limited options and heartbreaking rejections from programs unable to handle his needs. Frustrated but determined, they partnered with Dr. Nina Zuna at UT to create a unique program involving multiple departments. Students earned credit while providing therapy and support for Michael, fostering his growth and gaining invaluable experience. Though funding challenges forced them to scale back, the Carrs continue to collaborate with students, improving Michael’s care and sharing their journey to inspire and help other families facing similar struggles.

Mike Carr, a parent of a severely autistic adult, envisions AI "Doers" as transformative personal assistants. These advanced tools would seamlessly handle daily tasks, monitor health through wearables, and, for autistic individuals, analyze data to identify stressors, track positive experiences, and offer tailored insights. This innovation holds the potential to improve caregiving, enhance quality of life, and provide invaluable support to families like his.

This is the heartfelt story of a father navigating the challenges of raising a severely autistic son. One particularly overwhelming day—filled with work stress, a difficult morning, and no time for himself—he went for a run to clear his head and was struck by a car. Thankfully, he survived with minor injuries, but the experience left him reflecting on his life.
He shared how raising his son brings constant challenges: financial strain, sleepless nights, and missed plans. Yet, it’s the little moments—his son’s spontaneous hugs and pure affection—that make every sacrifice worthwhile. He encourages other parents to focus on these unique joys, as they can bring light even on the hardest days.

As a parent navigating the challenges of supporting an adult with severe autism, I took a closer look at AI tools—ChatGPT, Claude, Perplexity Pro, and Gemini Deep Research—to see how they could help parents like us. ChatGPT and Claude gave general advice, but Claude caught my attention by sharing relatable fictional case studies. Perplexity Pro provided references, but it felt like you had to dig for the gold. Then there’s Gemini—it delivered tons of info, including research plans and real-world examples, though not always specific to severe autism. While none fully captured the unique challenges we face, Gemini stood out for its sheer amount of helpful content, making it my top pick for research, even with its quirks.

Behind every extraordinary journey is a true MVP. For families navigating profound autism, that MVP often wears many hats. Mike Carr’s wife, Kay, embodies this role with tireless dedication—coordinating care, managing therapy, and even creating custom solutions like an iPad cover for their son. Mike’s heartfelt reflection reminds us all to honor the unwavering strength, love, and creativity that mothers bring to the table. Because behind every family’s strength is someone quietly, yet heroically, holding it all together.

In this moving episode, Mike Carr shares the deeply personal challenges of safeguarding children with profound autism, offering a window into the constant vigilance required to protect those we love most. He recounts a heart-stopping moment when a miscommunication at school led to a child running dangerously close to a busy street—proving that even the most trusted spaces can pose unexpected risks.
At home, Mike has turned his love into action, creating five layers of security to shield his son, from smart locks to cameras, crafting a haven in an often unpredictable world. But he also opens up about how even well-meaning institutions can fall short, recalling a fire drill when school doors were mistakenly left unlocked, exposing vulnerabilities in the system.
Mike’s heartfelt message resonates deeply: safety isn’t just about precautions; it’s about constant vigilance, clear communication, and proactive preparation. "You can never be too safe," he reminds us—a simple but powerful truth for families navigating these challenges. This episode is a comforting, hope-filled reminder that every effort to ensure safety matters—and that love is the driving force behind it all.

Parent and Founder of John 13 Community Mike Carr chats with parent and BCBA certified Mark Garcia about their search for a program for their children, and what makes John 13 Community Program different than the other programs they’ve seen, including the staff, structure, and social benefits of the program.