Families raising children with disabilities often don’t leave church because they’ve lost faith. Many leave because they feel unseen, unsupported, isolated, or overwhelmed trying to navigate spaces that were never designed with their children in mind. In this powerful episode, I sit down with Pastor Craig Johnson, founder of Champions Club, a worldwide special needs ministry that has helped launch over 135 disability ministries across the globe. Together, we have an honest conversation about disability inclusion in churches, autism acceptance in faith spaces, supporting families with special needs, and what true belonging really looks like.

We discuss:

• Why many special needs families quietly stop attending church

• The emotional weight caregivers carry in public spaces

• How churches can better support autistic children and people with disabilities

• Practical ways to create sensory-friendly and inclusive ministries • Pastor Craig’s personal journey and heart behind Champions Club

• What pastors, volunteers, and ministry leaders often misunderstand

• How the Church can become a place of refuge instead of isolation Whether you are a parent raising a child with autism, a pastor, ministry leader, volunteer, educator, or someone passionate about disability awareness and inclusion, this conversation is deeply important. No family should feel invisible in the house of God.

✨ If you’re a special needs parent, what’s one thing you wish churches understood better about your family? Share below. Your story may help someone feel less alone.

#Autism #SpecialNeeds #DisabilityInclusion #AutismAcceptance #ChurchInclusion #SpecialNeedsMinistry #ChampionsClub #AutismParenting #DisabilityAwareness #SpecialNeedsParenting #FaithAndDisability #CaregiverSupport #AutisticChildren #InclusiveChurch #MomentsOfJoyPodcast #PastorCraigJohnson #AutismFamily #ChristianPodcast #SpecialNeedsFamilies

Families raising children with disabilities often don’t leave church because they’ve lost faith. Many leave because they feel unseen, unsupported, isolated, or overwhelmed trying to navigate spaces that were never designed with their children in mind. In this powerful episode, I sit down with

Pastor Craig Johnson, founder of Champions Club, a worldwide special needs ministry that has helped launch over 135 disability ministries across the globe. Together, we have an honest conversation about disability inclusion in churches, autism acceptance in faith spaces, supporting families with special needs, and what true belonging really looks like. We discuss: • Why many special needs families quietly stop attending church • The emotional weight caregivers carry in public spaces • How churches can better support autistic children and people with disabilities • Practical ways to create sensory-friendly and inclusive ministries • Pastor Craig’s personal journey and heart behind Champions Club •

What pastors, volunteers, and ministry leaders often misunderstand • How the Church can become a place of refuge instead of isolation Whether you are a parent raising a child with autism, a pastor, ministry leader, volunteer, educator, or someone passionate about disability awareness and inclusion, this conversation is deeply important. No family should feel invisible in the house of God. ✨ If you’re a special needs parent, what’s one thing you wish churches understood better about your family? Share below. Your story may help someone feel less alone.

#Autism #SpecialNeeds #DisabilityInclusion #AutismAcceptance #ChurchInclusion #SpecialNeedsMinistry #ChampionsClub #AutismParenting #DisabilityAwareness #SpecialNeedsParenting #FaithAndDisability #CaregiverSupport #AutisticChildren #InclusiveChurch #MomentsOfJoyPodcast #PastorCraigJohnson #AutismFamily #ChristianPodcast #SpecialNeedsFamilies

What happens when a dentist truly understands children with disabilities? 💙 In this conversation, we’re talking about the importance of compassionate dental care for children with special needs, how parents often have to advocate in medical offices, sensory challenges during appointments, and why finding the right provider matters so much. We also discuss practical ways dental offices can better support autistic children and families, plus resources that may help parents searching for understanding providers in their area. If you’re a parent raising a child with special needs, this episode is a reminder that you are not “doing too much” by speaking up for your child. Advocacy matters. ✨ Parents, have you ever had an amazing — or difficult — experience at the dentist with your child? Share below so other families can learn and feel less alone. #Autism #SpecialNeedsParenting #AutismParenting #SpecialNeeds #ParentAdvocacy #DisabilityAwareness #SensoryFriendly #AutismAcceptance #MomentsOfJoyPodcast #SpecialNeedsMom #MedicalAdvocacy #AutisticChildren

Here's the truth: living with profound autism means lifelong caregiving—it's overwhelming but also filled with moments of hope. 👉 Tag a parent who needs to hear this today. Have you ever wondered what really goes on behind the scenes of severe autism? Gunner's journey from early milestones to challenging years—and now breakthrough moments—show us that progress, no matter how small, is strength in disguise. It's not always pretty, and advocacy is tough, especially when boundaries are tested. But sharing our stories can give others hope and understanding. What message do you wish more people understood about profound autism? Let's keep the conversation real and compassionate. Full episode linked in bio — you don’t want to miss this inspiring talk! #AutismAwareness #ProfoundAutism #AutismJourney #MomLife #AdvocacyMatters

In this episode of the Moments of Joy podcast, Camille sits down with her friend Taylor J for a heartfelt and honest conversation about how friends and extended family members can better support families raising children with special needs.

Whether you’re a sibling, grandparent, cousin, or close friend, you may often wonder: How can I help? This episode dives into the kind of help that actually makes a difference—from emotional support to practical ways to show up for the everyday challenges.

🎙️ Topics We Cover:

What not to say to special needs parents

Practical ways to show up and support

How to include the child with special needs

Why empathy matters more than understanding

Personal stories from Camille and Taylor’s journey

💬 If you’ve ever felt unsure about how to be there for a family you love, this episode will give you the insight and encouragement you need.

🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode to support special needs families everywhere.

#SpecialNeedsParenting #FamilySupport #AutismAwareness #MomentsOfJoyPodcast #TaylorJ #ParentingPodcast #Neurodiversity #DisabilityInclusion #HowToHelp

We’re diving into a powerful conversation that every caregiver needs to hear. I’m joined by my friend, Dr. Tiyahri Wilson, Counseling Psychologist and Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), as we talk about the mental health of parents raising children with special needs. Dr. Wilson brings both professional insight and heartfelt compassion—offering practical tools, encouragement, and reminders that our wellness matters too. As caregivers, we often pour from an empty cup. This episode is your invitation to pause, breathe, and feel seen.

You can connect with Dr Wilson here : www.instagram.com/tiyahri

In this episode of the Moments of Joy podcast, Camille Joy discusses the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) process for children with special needs. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the special education system, advocating for children's rights, and the necessity of evaluations to identify needs. Camille shares personal stories and insights on navigating IEP meetings, the significance of documentation, and the power of affirmation in supporting children with disabilities. The episode serves as a guide for parents to empower themselves and their children in the educational journey. 

In this conversation, Areva Martin shares her journey as an advocate for autism awareness and support, stemming from her personal experiences as a mother of a child with autism. She discusses the disparities in services available to families based on socioeconomic status and race, the importance of early diagnosis and intervention, and the need for community support. Areva emphasizes that communication can take many forms and that autism should be viewed as a unique way of being rather than a deficit. She encourages parents to embrace their child's diagnosis and highlights the resources available through her nonprofit organization, the Special Needs Network.