About three years ago, before we’d even begun Milo’s autism evaluation, we decided to try something that felt “normal”: a fall family photoshoot. What followed was 15 minutes of chaos—apple-eating, shirt-lifting, tear-filled chaos—and a gallery of photos that captured much more than we intended.

In this episode, we revisit that afternoon in the field, the pressure Lisa felt to “get it right,” and the grief tucked inside those imperfect images. And we share what it feels like to view those photos now, with three years of growth behind us: a kid who suddenly shouts “Cheese!” for the camera, a family that has learned to redefine normal, and the understanding that it’s okay when things don’t look picture-perfect. They rarely do.

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Thank you to our friend Tom Evanchuck for the use of his song, "Sunshine," as our theme music. Follow Tom on Spotify.

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We are sharing what it’s like to watch Milo turn spaces in our home into scenes from his favorite stories — lately, it's been Encanto. His creativity surprises us every day!  We also talk about screen time, neurodiversity, and what we’re learning as we figure out how to meet Milo where he is. 

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Thank you to our friend Tom Evanchuck for the use of his song, "Sunshine," as our theme music. Follow Tom on Spotify.

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We’re sharing one of those mornings that started like any other — until it didn’t. When our son Milo couldn’t find his beloved stuffed animal moments before his school transport van arrived, everything unraveled fast.

We talk about what happens when comfort goes missing, how quickly calm can turn to chaos, and what it’s like to ride out those moments as a family.

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Thank you to our friend Tom Evanchuck for the use of his song, "Sunshine," as our theme music. Follow Tom on Spotify.

Thank you for being here!

“It’s not fair!”

When siblings are involved, fairness is always up for debate — but in our house, it takes on a whole new meaning. Milo, our son who’s on the autism spectrum, often needs extra support to stay calm and regulated. That means his sisters, Nora and especially June, sometimes have to bend, compromise, or give him space — even when it doesn’t feel fair.

In this episode, we share a recent Saturday morning that started with pancakes and playtime... and quickly turned into a full-blown showdown over a kitchen seat and a bin of Legos. What unfolds is a moment every parent of multiple kids can relate to, but with the added layers of parenting a child with autism, where keeping the peace sometimes means taking sides.

We talk about what it means to “take his side,” how that impacts June, and the constant balance between fairness, safety, and love in our family.

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Thank you to our friend Tom Evanchuck for the use of his song, "Sunshine," as our theme music. Follow Tom on Spotify.

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In the year leading up to Milo’s autism diagnosis—and months before we began speech therapy—a simple children’s book changed everything. Pete the Cat and the Perfect Pizza Party by James and Kimberley Dean became more than just another kids' book on our shelf; it became a breakthrough. Through this book, Milo found his voice, and we found a new way to connect with him.

Thanks, Pete! Pete the Cat and the Perfect Pizza Party 

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Thank you to our friend Tom Evanchuck for the use of his song, "Sunshine," as our theme music. Follow Tom on Spotify.

Thank you for being here!

We're talking about the constant tension between living in the present and worrying about Milo's uncertain future as an autistic adult. 

We're also exploring why, in our opinion, the word "autistic" has too big a job, as it is expected to convey millions of different lived experiences. 

Referenced in this episode:
The Lazy Genius Podcast | Podcast on Spotify
The East Pointers | Spotify

Follow us on Instagram @beyondthelabel440.

Email us at [email protected]

Thank you to our friend Tom Evanchuck for the use of his song, "Sunshine," as our theme music. Follow Tom on Spotify.

Thank you for being here!

Milo’s games may be simple — run, jump, knock down, pretend — but they’re full of meaning. We're sharing how repetition in play helps Milo connect, communicate, and grow.

We reference episode 17, The Great Divide, which discusses autism and friendship. Listen here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2431776/episodes/17221857 

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Email us at [email protected]

Thank you to our friend Tom Evanchuck for the use of his song, "Sunshine," as our theme music. Follow Tom on Spotify.

Thank you for being here!

We’d had a rough week and needed a reset, so on Sunday morning, we loaded everyone in the van and headed to Geneva-on-the-Lake. What started as a simple day trip became a reminder that Milo is so much more than his struggles. 

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Email us at [email protected]

Thank you to our friend Tom Evanchuck for the use of his song, "Sunshine," as our theme music. Follow Tom on Spotify.

Thank you for being here!

After Milo’s school meeting, where we discussed a change of placement as part of his IEP, we were left with heavy emotions and hard questions. 

In this episode, we sit with what came next: the grief, the challenges, and the small connections that help us keep going.

Follow us on Instagram @beyondthelabel440.

Email us at [email protected]

Thank you to our friend Tom Evanchuck for the use of his song, "Sunshine," as our theme music. Follow Tom on Spotify.

Thank you for being here!

Milo’s first-grade year started with so much promise, but just weeks in, we found ourselves in an unexpected and difficult conversation about his path forward. 

In this episode, we share what’s been happening behind the scenes as our family navigates a change in placement within his IEP.

Follow us on Instagram @beyondthelabel440.

Email us at [email protected]

Thank you to our friend Tom Evanchuck for the use of his song, "Sunshine," as our theme music. Follow Tom on Spotify.

Thank you for being here!