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.