What would you do if doctors told you your 7-year-old would “never progress past second grade” and belong in a group home?

Mike Knox thought his world was ending when his 2-year-old daughter Vivian had her first seizure and flatlined at the hospital. What followed were years of failed medications, schools that refused to help, bullying from classmates making fake seizure videos, and doctors who said she’d never progress beyond second grade. But Mike refused to accept that future for his daughter. After five grueling years and a leap of faith with a vagus nerve stimulator—a device the size of a silver dollar—everything changed.

Today, Vivian is 18, seizure-free for eight years, and preparing for college with dreams of film set design. But Mike’s fight isn’t over. He’s working to change state laws because epilepsy affects 3 million Americans yet has virtually no legal protections. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or advocate, this episode will open your eyes to a community that desperately needs support.

How might having a child on the autism spectrum change a marriage?

On this episode of Let’s Plant Houses, I sit down with Paul Carroll, founder of Autism Dadvocate, a podcast and community he’s built for autism dads. Paul opens up about parenting his 18-year-old son Vaughn, who’s on the autism spectrum.

He walks us through those early “micro moments” like playground movements, Vaughn’s fascination with Arabic alphabets, tough sensory moments with hand dryers. It’s these smaller observations that eventually helped him understand his son’s beautiful neurodivergent mind.

Paul and I also get talk about how special needs parenting reshapes marriages. How roles can become entrenched, why communication becomes absolutely critical, and how parents find themselves juggling being both partners and co-therapists. We also dig into the overlooked perspective of fathers in the autism community and how Paul’s own feelings of isolation drove him to create this supportive online space for dads.

Come hear Paul’s story!

What happens when a school principal who’s worked with autistic students for years becomes a grandparent to a child on the spectrum?

This week on Let’s Plant Houses, mu guest is Jennifer Kaufman, author of “Grandparenting on the Spectrum: A Journey from Both Sides of the Desk.” Jennifer brings a unique perspective – she’s both a school principal who has worked with autistic students AND a grandmother to a 7-year-old with autism.

What struck me most was Jennifer’s honesty about how her professional knowledge didn’t prepare her for the emotional journey of being a grandparent. She shares practical strategies for creating welcoming spaces, the importance of following the parents’ lead, and how to shift from trying to “fix” autism to celebrating neurodivergent minds. This episode is a must-listen for grandparents, parents, and those who want to better support special needs families.

How can growing up alongside autism shape not just your childhood, but your entire life’s calling?

In this episode of Let’s Plant Houses, Katie Bullock shares the beautiful complexity of growing up as the middle child and only girl, with a younger brother who has profound autism.

She recalls everything from the terrifying Father’s Day when 3-year-old Michael disappeared, to crashing his therapy sessions because they looked like “amazing play dates,” to watching him become the beloved “mayor” of her elementary school, adored by all her friends.

Michael’s clever way of navigating the world and his straightforward honesty brought laughter and light to their family—even as they faced challenges like missing soccer games and installing extra locks on the doors.

Katie’s journey beautifully illustrates how love and difficulty can coexist, ultimately leading her to a career in early intervention and speech-language pathology where she now helps other families find their own path. She shares invaluable insights about the importance of therapy for siblings, the reality that not every sibling will want to be a caregiver, and why finding joy in your child’s interests—even if it’s lining up blocks—can transform your relationship.

Whether you’re a parent, sibling, or professional working with special needs families, Katie’s perspective offers both validation and hope, showing that the autism journey, while complex, can be filled with unexpected moments of connection and joy.

Ever wonder why getting disability services feels like you need a PhD in bureaucracy? One dad figured out the system and created roadmaps for all 50 states.

This week, I have honor of sharing Eric Jorgensen’s story on Let’s Plant Houses. When military dad Eric Jorgensen lost his wife After 5 years of military separation, Eric came home in 2010 only to lose his wife to suddenly in 2012, leaving him to navigate his son’s autism journey completely alone. From an 18-month battle for housing placement to dangerous behavioral incidents, Eric’s raw honesty about system gaps will make you both angry and inspired.

But here’s why this episode is essential: Eric transformed his frustration into action, creating roadmaps for all 50 states to help families navigate Medicaid waivers and benefits.

This is a masterclass in practical advocacy that actually works. Eric’s hard-won wisdom about what to say (and what NOT to say) to caseworkers could save your family months of heartache. Whether you’re a parent, adult sibling, or a professional supporting families, his insights will change how you approach the system.

Interested in improving educational outcomes for all children of all abilities?

In this episode, I talk with Heather Eckner, an education professional whose personal journey with raising two children with disabilities has led her to become a passionate advocate for inclusive education.

Heather shares her family’s experiences navigating the challenges of early intervention, finding appropriate educational settings, and advocating for her children’s needs within the school system. She discusses her transition from classroom teacher to a leader in the autism advocacy space, highlighting her work with the Autism Alliance of Michigan and her recent success in advocating for statewide literacy legislation.

Listen now!

What does it take to create an inclusive playground?

In this episode, I sit down with AnnMarie Ottoy to explore her incredible journey – from navigating her son’s early diagnoses to becoming a fierce advocate for inclusion. She shares how her family turned challenges into opportunities, creating a supportive environment that uplifts not just their son but now their entire community.

AnnMarie also takes us behind the scenes of her volunteer work in Clinton Township, Michigan, where she helped bring an inclusive playground to life – a space where all children can play, belong, and thrive.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation advocacy and the power of inclusive communities!

How can you create a safe, independent future for your child with special needs?

Every parent wants to see their child grow into a happy, independent adult, but for families raising children with special needs, that path can feel uncertain. In this episode, I sit down with Kathy Remski, a mother who has walked this journey and is paving the way for others. She shares her family’s story, from early interventions and overcoming challenges to finding creative solutions for independent living. We also explore the game-changing role of organization she helped create, SAIL (Solutions for Adult Interdependent Living), which empowers families to build sustainable housing and support systems for their adult children with disabilities.

If you’re looking for real-life insights, practical strategies, and hope for your child’s future, this episode is for you.

How do you find joy while raising a child with profound autism?

In this episode, Julie Bullock, a mother of three, opens up about her family’s journey with her son, who has profound or severe autism. She reflects on their experience, from the initial diagnosis and the flurry of therapies to embracing acceptance and discovering joy in the present moment.

Julie discusses the evolving understanding of autism, the importance of community support, and the crucial role of self-care for parents. Now that her son is an adult, she discusses the need for inclusive housing options and the shift in perspective from “fixing” children to celebrating their unique strengths and supporting their individual paths to fulfillment.

There’s so much to learn from Julie’s incredible journey – listen now!

On this episode, I talk with Julia Dapkus, a dedicated mother and advocate, about her family’s journey with her daughter, Isabelle, who has autism. Julia shares the challenges of navigating early developmental delays, the impact of early intervention, and the power of communication. She also discusses her inspiration for founding Communication is Key AAC, a Michigan-based nonprofit that ensures individuals with complex communication needs have access to the tools and support they deserve. Through scholarships, training, and essential resources – including communication devices, software, literacy materials, and playground communication boards – the organization is breaking barriers and empowering families and schools.