What happens when years of professional autism experience suddenly become personal?

In this episode of My Sibling is Autistic, Dr. Radhika Achari shares her experience as a BCBA and mother raising an autistic son and his younger sister. Even after working in early intervention for years, becoming a parent opened her eyes to a completely different side of autism support.

Dr. Achari talks about the early signs they noticed, feeding and oral motor challenges, sensory processing, occupational therapy, social interaction, and how her Indian family learned to connect with her son in ways that worked for him. She also shares how his younger sister naturally became one of his strongest supporters while still making sure her own needs and interests receive equal attention.

The conversation also looks toward the future. Dr. Achari explains why she believes building independence should start early and how social skills, executive functioning, self-advocacy, daily living skills, and communication can help prepare neurodivergent young people for college and adulthood.

This episode is for parents, siblings, educators, professionals, and families who want to better understand autism, sibling relationships, early intervention, and the transition toward independence.

Subscribe to My Sibling is Autistic for more real conversations about autism, siblings, family, advocacy, and building a more inclusive future.

What should parents do after learning their child is autistic, and how can they make sure their child gets the right support at school?

In this episode, educational psychologist and parent advocate Monica Trost shares both her professional expertise and personal experience raising two young boys with different communication and support needs. She talks about recognizing early signs, speech delays, AAC communication, early intervention, and navigating autism resources through California’s Regional Center system.

Monica also breaks down the world of special education and IEP advocacy from the perspective of someone who has worked inside school systems. She explains when families may benefit from a parent advocate, how Self-Determination Program funding can help families access support, and why parents should think about their child’s future independence when setting goals today. She also shares a simple but important message for families receiving a diagnosis: continue loving your child for who they are, recognize their strengths, and build a village of people who can support your family.

Subscribe to My Sibling is Autistic for more real conversations about autism, family life, sibling experiences, education, advocacy, and building stronger support systems.

What is it like raising an autistic daughter with a PDA profile while also protecting and strengthening the sibling relationship?

In this episode, happiness expert, author, and speaker Tia Gram shares her experience raising two neurodivergent daughters, including an older daughter who was diagnosed with autism and a PDA profile at seven and a half. Tia discusses why autism can present differently in girls, the years her family experienced dysregulation and stress, and how therapy, open communication, and a different approach to parenting helped their family heal.

The conversation also explores the sibling side of autism. Tia shares how her daughters’ relationship changed during difficult years, why she intentionally works to strengthen their bond, and her hopes for their relationship as adults. She also discusses specialized education, school advocacy, finding the right resources, supporting independence, and learning to recognize a child’s individual strengths instead of focusing only on challenges.

This episode is for parents, siblings, educators, and families navigating autism, PDA, neurodivergence, school support, and sibling relationships.

Subscribe to My Sibling is Autistic for more real conversations about autism, sibling experiences, family relationships, advocacy, and building a more understanding and inclusive world.

What is it like raising twin daughters on the autism spectrum while being neurodivergent yourself?

In this emotional and insightful episode, Dan Roth shares his journey as a father, advocate, and community leader. From growing up with ADHD and anxiety to raising two autistic daughters with different support needs, Dan opens up about acceptance, school advocacy, inclusion, and the importance of showing up as a parent.

You’ll hear:

• The reality of parenting autistic twins

• Why no two autistic children are alike

• How autism changed the way he views progress and milestones

• The importance of school support and advocacy

• Challenges families face with services and regional centers

• How the Manny Project is helping create more inclusive schools

Dan also shares his mission to improve adaptive playground access, support educators, and create stronger communities for autistic children and their families.

This episode is for parents, educators, advocates, and anyone wanting a deeper understanding of autism, neurodiversity, and inclusive support systems.

Subscribe for more real conversations about autism, family life, advocacy, and community impact.

What is it like being diagnosed with autism later in life?

In this honest and emotional episode, Thomas Hassel shares his journey from struggling in school as a teenager to finally receiving an autism diagnosis at age 44. He talks about becoming a self-advocate, serving the autism community for over 15 years, and the difficult reality of family relationships changing over time.

You’ll hear:

• The experience of receiving an adult autism diagnosis

• How autism can go unnoticed for years

• The importance of self-advocacy in the disability community

• Family dynamics after parents pass away

• What it means to build purpose through advocacy

• The emotional reality of loneliness and connection

Thomas also shares his work with the Autism Society Greater Harrisburg Area, adult autism support groups, and organizations helping autistic individuals speak up for themselves.

This episode is for autistic adults, families, siblings, educators, and anyone wanting a deeper understanding of adult autism and self-advocacy.

Subscribe for more real conversations about autism, neurodiversity, family relationships, and lived experiences.

What happens when a sibling becomes the future caregiver?

In this deeply emotional episode, Amanda shares her journey growing up with her brother Nick, who has a rare chromosomal condition. She talks about how being a special needs sibling shaped her identity, her career, and her purpose in life. From childhood guilt to building a nonprofit that now supports hundreds of families, her story reveals the side of caregiving that most people never see.

You’ll hear:

• The emotional reality of growing up with a sibling with support needs
• Why families should focus on happiness over milestones
• The internal pressure siblings carry but rarely talk about
• What it means to prepare for long-term caregiving
• The conversations families avoid about the future
• How lived experience can shape a purpose-driven career

This episode is for siblings, parents, caregivers, and anyone navigating life with a loved one who needs ongoing support. It’s an honest look at love, responsibility, and the strength it takes to step into a role that never really ends.

Subscribe for more real conversations about autism, neurodiversity, sibling experiences, and building long-term support systems.

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Website: werockthespectrumclovis.com/

What is it like growing up with not one, but two brothers on the autism spectrum?

In this episode, Joel and Serena share their experience as siblings to Alex and Mateo. They talk about early signs, ABA therapy, sensory overload in public spaces, fighting for school support, and why patience matters more than anything. They also open up about advocating in restaurants, dealing with stares, and preparing for a future where they will continue to support their brothers.

You’ll hear:

- The reality of growing up in a large family with autism

- How siblings naturally step into caregiving roles

- Why patience and understanding matter in public spaces

- The process of fighting for services and support

- Sensory overload and how music helps regulate

- What long-term sibling commitment looks like

This episode is for siblings, parents, educators, and families navigating autism support systems. It reminds us that autism affects the whole family — but it can also strengthen bonds in powerful ways.

Subscribe for more real conversations about autism, sibling stories, advocacy, and building inclusive communities.

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Website: werockthespectrumclovis.com/

What can an 8-year-old teach us about autism, bullying, and love?

In this powerful episode, Ryann shares what it’s like growing up with two brothers on the autism spectrum. He talks about protecting them, standing up against bullying, and feeling proud when they learn new words. His honesty reminds us that autism does not define a person’s worth — every child deserves respect.

You’ll hear:

- A sibling’s perspective on autism

- The reality of bullying and why it must stop

- How schools can better support autistic students

- The importance of patience and gentle communication

- Why early words like “help” and “open” are big victories

- How siblings can become strong advocates

This episode is for parents, siblings, educators, and anyone who wants to build a more understanding world for autistic children.

Autistic kids are not “less than.” They are learning, growing, and working hard every day.

Subscribe for more real conversations about autism, family life, sibling advocacy, and inclusion.

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Website: werockthespectrumclovis.com/

What is it like growing up with a sibling on the autism spectrum?

In this heartfelt episode, Sophia shares her experience growing up alongside her brother, who was diagnosed with autism at 18 months. She opens up about childhood jealousy, therapy sessions, school challenges, advocacy, and how their bond grew stronger over time. Today, her brother is a college student, independent, and thriving in his own way.

You’ll hear:

- What autism looks like across different support needs

- The impact of early therapy and communication growth

- The sibling perspective that is rarely discussed

- How to advocate for someone on the spectrum

- Why autism is not one-size-fits-all

- How this journey inspired a future career in behavioral therapy

This episode is for siblings, parents, educators, caregivers, and anyone who wants a deeper understanding of autism and family dynamics. It’s a reminder that progress is personal, growth takes time, and strong sibling bonds matter.

Subscribe for more real conversations about autism, neurodiversity, family life, and building supportive communities.

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Website: werockthespectrumclovis.com/

What is it really like growing up in a family with autism?

In this emotional and honest episode, a mother and daughter share their real-life experience raising and living alongside two siblings on the autism spectrum. From early diagnosis to communication struggles, 24-hour care needs, and preparing for the future, this conversation explores the strength, patience, and love required in a special needs household.

You’ll hear:

- What siblings of autistic children experience growing up

- The fear parents carry about the future

- The importance of early intervention and support programs like CVRC and ATP

- Why independence and discipline matter for special needs children

This episode is for parents, siblings, caregivers, and anyone who wants to better understand autism spectrum disorder and the reality behind the label.

If you are raising a child with autism or love someone who is, this conversation will remind you that you are not alone.

Subscribe for more honest conversations about autism, parenting, special needs advocacy, and building long-term support systems.

Connect with us:

Instagram: @werockclovis

Facebook: @werockclovis

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Website: werockthespectrumclovis.com/