In this special holiday edition of Helping Families Go Beyond the Podcast, host Loryn Carpenter sits down with Dr. Valerie Roth and Dawn Wisniewski to share practical, compassionate strategies for families with neurodivergent learners navigating the busy holiday season. From prepping relatives for sensory-friendly gatherings to handling unsolicited comments with grace, this episode is packed with actionable advice on creating inclusive, joyful celebrations. Whether you're traveling, hosting, or just trying to keep things calm, you'll find thoughtful tips on visual schedules, sensory kits, and self-care for caregivers. 

Timestamps:

(00:00) Introducing Dr. Valarie Roth & Dawn Wisniewski, School updates, thank you Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation

(03:25) How can we prepare students for travel and meeting extended family?

(08:30) Software, technology, or strategies that might help

(14:50) Sensory friendly environments for holidays

(20:30) Dealing with uninformed comments

(23:30) Dealing with burnout of the holidays

(29:30) Final tips and toolkit

Join us every month for a new episode of Helping Families Go Beyond. Visit beyondthespectrum.org for more information.

In this heartwarming episode of Helping Families Go Beyond, host Loryn Carpenter sits down with professional soccer player and community leader Cade Hagan to explore his latest initiative, Sarasota Unified Sports, an adaptive sports clinic designed for individuals with exceptionalities. Cade shares the story behind his passion project, the challenges of launching it, and the incredible response from the local community. Tune in to learn how inclusive sports build confidence, connection, and resilience, not just for participants, but for families too. If you're seeking ways to help your child thrive through movement and socialization, this episode is for you.

Timestamps:

(00:00) Introducing Cade Hagan, Founder, Sarasota Unified Sports and Professional Soccer Player + School Updates

(03:45) What inspired you to start Sarasota Unified Sports?

(05:00) Benefits of adaptive sports clinics

(06:15) Adapting activities to make them more accessible

(07:45) What sports do you focus on in the clinics?

(08:45) Using sports to teach “real world” skills

(10:10) Challenges during the creation phase

(11:40) Success moments that stick out

(14:30) How this benefits the rest of the family

(16:00) Collaborating

(17:45) Who are your clinics open to?

(20:10) How can people get involved?

(20:50) Advice for families

Join us every month for a new episode of Helping Families Go Beyond. Visit beyondthespectrum.org for more information.

In this episode of Helping Families Go Beyond, host Loryn Carpenter welcomes Dr. Kerri Duncan, BCBA, with nearly 40 years of experience in special education, ABA therapy, and parent advocacy. Dr. Duncan explains the Comprehensive Diagnostic Evaluation (CDE), the first crucial step in obtaining an autism diagnosis and accessing therapies. She shares what families should expect from the process, key signs to watch for, and how evaluations can guide access to ABA, speech, and occupational therapy. The conversation also highlights recent challenges with insurance and Medicaid, along with practical advice to help families feel informed and empowered.

Hart 4 Autism Website: https://www.hart4autism.com/

Phone: 239-512-0777

Email: [email protected]

Timestamps:

(00:00) School Updates

(01:55) Introducing Kerri Duncan, BCBA, CEO of Hart for Autism

(03:20) What is a CDE?

(06:30) What is the difference between a CDE and a medical diagnosis?

(09:10) What therapies are available once a diagnosis has been made?

(10:10) Is this limited by age?

(13:00) How can a CDE guide the broader support a child might need?

(14:15) What should parents look out for in an evaluator?

(16:45) Signs that might prompt a parent to request a CDE

(20:30) Changes in how the evaluations are being used

(25:20) Recent Medicaid changes

(30:30) Learn more about Hart 4 Autism

(33:50) Requirements states outside of Florida

(35:15) Advice for families

Join us every month for a new episode of Helping Families Go Beyond. Visit beyondthespectrum.org for more information.

In this episode of Helping Families Go Beyond, host Loryn Carpenter sits down with Jack Mills, a graduating senior with the Peabody Academy, to share his story, perspectives, and plans for the future. Jack opens up about his experiences growing up with autism, the teachers and friends who’ve supported him, and the unique talents that shape the way he sees the world. From his favorite classes and community trips to his dreams of becoming a NASCAR driver, lawyer, cruise ship captain, or YouTuber, Jack’s journey is full of determination and self-discovery. His message is clear: autism isn’t a disease, it’s a gift. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation that will inspire families, educators, and anyone who believes in the power of understanding and inclusion.

(00:00) School Updates and introducing Jack Mills, Peabody Academy Senior

(03:30) Favorite activities with Peabody School and what he’s learned

(04:40) Jack’s unique talents and difficulties

(06:19) Who has helped Jack feel understood and confident in the classroom

(08:10) What do you wish people knew about Autism?

(12:00) What does “working hard” mean to Jack?

(13:00) What Jack is looking forward this school year

(13:50) Graduating and career plans

(15:15) Advice for students starting the school year

(16:10) Jack’s history of schooling

(18:20) Favorite community outings

(20:00) How Jack feels when a schedule changes

(20:45) Traveling

(23:00) Jack’s last thoughts about Beyond the Spectrum

Join us every month for a new episode of Helping Families Go Beyond. Visit beyondthespectrum.org for more information.

In this episode of Helping Families Go Beyond, we talk with Chris Angilella from Chris and the Able Universe. Chris has autism and Asperger's and has developed his skills to write books, create illustrations, and characters. Chris is the proud author of seven books with several more in the making.  

Throughout this episode, we discuss Chris’ journey to this point, his interests growing up and how they influence his characters, and what Chris is working on now. Chris shares his interests in animals, specifically from South America, his participation in comic cons, and his continued pursuit of advancing his illustration skills. We also discuss his superpowers, including creating characters and being able to tell you what day of the week you were born on if you give him your birthday. This is an inspiring story for any family member who has somebody with a special ability.

Timestamps:

(00:00) Introducing Chris Angilella of Chris and the Able Universe & School Updates

(03:50) About Chris’ characters from the Able Universe

(07:00) Chris’ character inspiration and illustrations

(10:10) Working at Winn Dixie and how he found the job through Hope Services

(11:15) Chris’ Strengths and superpowers

(12:45) What do you wish people understood about Aspergers?

(17:00) Artists who inspire you

(19:10) Advice for people who have Autism and their family

(23:50) What can schools or communities understand about working with people with Autism?

(29:00) Learning about animals and South American Culture and how it inspires his books

(31:30) Writing new books and going to Comic Cons

(33:30) Touch a Truck Event

(34:45) Journey to get to where Chris is now

(38:10) How can people get in contact with you?

(43:45) Bear and the Big Blue House and having things “click”

(47:00) Sponsorship Opportunities for Chris and the Able Universe

(50:45) Wanting to visit the Nashville Zoo

Join us every month for a new episode of Helping Families Go Beyond. Visit beyondthespectrum.org for more information.

In this episode of Helping Families Go Beyond, host Lauren Carpenter speaks with Joshua Yirkovsky, 21-year Navy veteran and founder of Angel Force Foundation, about how families and schools can better prepare for emergencies involving neurodivergent children. From practical safety tools like wearable GPS devices and visual cues to individualized safety plans (ISPs) and modified emergency drills, Joshua shares expert strategies for reducing elopement risks and building collaborative, trauma-informed communities. Whether you're a parent, educator, or caregiver, this conversation is packed with actionable tips to help you create a safer, more responsive environment for children with developmental or sensory needs. Tune in to learn how you can take proactive steps to protect the ones you love.

Angel Force Foundation Website: https://angelforcefoundation.org/

Streetlight Angels Podcast: https://www.angelfp.com/streetlight-angels-podcast

Timestamps:

(00:00) School updates and introducing our guest, Joshua Yirkovsky Angel Force Foundation

(04:20) What is Angel Force Foundation?

(06:30) How has your experience in the military influenced the programs at Angel Force Foundation?

(08:00) What accommodations can schools make for students with additional needs?

(12:05) Emergencies at home and developing an emergency plan

(14:30) ISP - Individual safety plan

(15:40) Technology and tools

(19:25) Advice for students prone to elopement

(22:40) How can you design your environment to prevent elopement

(26:10) Creating a village of shared safety

(28:00) Success stories

(29:45) Learn more about Angel Force Foundation

Join us every month for a new episode of Helping Families Go Beyond. Visit beyondthespectrum.org for more information.

Planning a family trip with a neurodivergent child can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be. In this episode of Helping Families Go Beyond, we talk with Alan Day, co-founder of Autism Double Checked, about how families can prepare for travel with autistic children, what service providers need to understand about sensory processing and individual needs, and why patience and problem-solving are key. From real-life travel tips to compassionate advice for parents and professionals, this conversation offers practical tools and hope for making travel more accessible and enjoyable. Tune in to feel more confident and supported on your next adventure.

TSA Cares Number: 855-787-2227, Option 2

Autism Double Checked Website 

Timestamps:

(00:00) School Updates

(02:30) Introducing Alan Day, Co-Founder and CEO of Autism Double Checked

(03:45) The start of Autism Double Checked

(05:45) How did your special needs parent experience influence this decision?

(07:50) The power of the Autism Flies Program

(12:30) TSA Cares

(16:20) Where to sit on the plane - Tips

(18:45) Advice for working through the airport

(21:50) Autism Stays Program - How to stay at a hotel

(27:30) Autism Passport Program 

(31:30) Trends towards neurodivergent children travel

(38:45) How can families advocate in the meantime?

(40:15) Messages for parents preparing for travel

Join us every month for a new episode of Helping Families Go Beyond. Visit beyondthespectrum.org for more information.

Discover how gamification, emotional literacy, and AI are transforming education for neurodiverse learners in this insightful episode of Helping Families Go Beyond. Educator Ariana McDaniels shares real-life classroom experiences and expert tips on using technology safely and effectively to support students with autism and other neurodiverse needs.

Learn how tools like AI can boost engagement, build community, and empower students to communicate and thrive—both in school and beyond. If you’re a parent, caregiver, or educator looking for practical strategies and inspiring stories, this episode is a must-listen.

(00:00) School updates and Summer Literacy Camp

(02:15) Introducing Ariana McDaniels from our Advanced Learning Center

(04:30) Ariana’s research at Georgia Tech

(05:40) Helping students navigate emotions

(06:45) Applying her research to her classroom

(07:50) Using AI in the classroom

(10:35) AI tools

(11:50) How will AI change special education?

(12:30) How families can use AI at home

(13:20) Using gamification to help students and eye tracking software

(14:50) Research with Horizons

(17:00) Success stories

(18:00) AI safety

(22:00) Final thoughts

(23:25) Adult programs

Discover how Hart 4 Autism is making a difference in the lives of families seeking autism assessments and support. In this insightful episode of Helping Families Go Beyond, we sit down with Dr. Kerri Duncan, who has conducted hundreds of evaluations, helping parents navigate the journey with clarity and confidence. 

Learn about the ADOS assessment process, why early diagnosis matters, and how families can access the right resources—plus, debunk common myths about autism diagnoses. 

If you’re a parent, educator, or advocate looking for trusted guidance, this episode is a must-listen! Visit BeyondTheSpectrum.org for more resources.

Visit Hart 4 Autism’s website: www.hart4autism.com

Kerri's email: [email protected]

Timestamps:

(00:00) Introducing Dr. Kerri Duncan Founder of Hart 4 Autism & School updates 

(02:15) Starting Hart 4 Autism

(05:40) Advice for adults who are seeking a diagnosis

(09:40) What is the ADOS assessment process?

(13:40) Advice for families searching for an ABA Therapy provider

(16:30) Benefits of parent training

(18:00) How can we be supportive of families who recently get the diagnosis?

(22:30) How do you address the misunderstanding that Autism needs to be “fixed”?

(25:00) Real-life story - Making friends and living independently

(29:05) Advice for someone pursuing this career?

(32:55) How can people reach out to you?

(36:25) Final advice

Join us every month for a new episode of Helping Families Go Beyond. Visit beyondthespectrum.org for more information.

Discover how Autism Fitness is transforming adaptive fitness training with expert Eric Chessen. In this episode, we explore the importance of scalable exercise modifications, self-regulation strategies, and creating sensory-friendly environments for neurodivergent athletes. Eric shares insights on overcoming coaching challenges, building consistency in home-based fitness, and fostering inclusivity in gyms. Plus, hear an inspiring success story that highlights the power of structured, adaptable workouts. Whether you're a coach, educator, parent, or self-advocate, this conversation is packed with actionable tips for making fitness accessible to all.

Eric Chessen is the Founder of Autism Fitness. With backgrounds in exercise and behavior sciences, Eric has spent over two decades developing effective, meaningful fitness programs for the autism and neurodivergent population. He is the creator of the PAC Profile Method and Autism Fitness Certification with over 500 Certified Pros worldwide. He is a TEDx presenter and consults with organizations and schools around the world seeking to prioritize and optimize their programs. Eric resides in Charlotte, NC with his wife, two rescue pitts, and egregiously problematic cat. He is an avid lifter and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu grappler. 

Reach Eric at:

Instagram: @TheAutism Fitness

YouTube: The Autism Fitness

Website: AutismFitness.com

Timestamps:

(00:00) School Updates 

(01:15) Introducing Eric Chessen, Founder of Autism Fitness

(02:50) What does it mean to be Autism Fitness Certified?

(04:10) Balancing Accessibility and Curriculum

(05:40) Misconceptions about Autism and fitness

(09:10) How have you seen fitness benefit people?

(13:00) How do you adapt an exercise routine for different individuals?

(17:10) What modifications can be made to adapt to individuals?

(23:00) What can parents do at home?

(26:20) Favorite success stories

(29:20) Advice to someone wanting to start their fitness journey

(31:45) How to reach Eric