In this episode, we sit down with two very special guests—Tyler and Madeleine, Alec’s original roommates when he first moved to Utah seven years ago.

These were the early days of Alec’s transition into group home living, and Tyler and Madeleine were right there helping him settle in, build routines, and adjust to a new level of independence. What started as a working relationship quickly grew into something much deeper.

Now, years later, it has been so special to reconnect and see how their relationship with Alec has continued to grow and evolve—even after they moved back to California and started a family of their own.

We talk about the life lessons they learned during their time with Alec, the challenges they faced, and of course, the funny and unforgettable moments that come with daily life supporting someone on the autism spectrum.

This episode offers a unique behind-the-scenes look at what it’s really like to support someone transitioning into a group home setting—highlighting the importance of consistency, connection, and the relationships that make it all meaningful.

It’s a reminder that while systems and structure matter, it’s the people who truly make the difference.

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In this episode, we share Alec’s journey with communication—one of the most meaningful and challenging parts of his story.

We take you back to the early years, starting with speech therapy and the initial stages of communication, and the moment Christi realized that Alec may not develop verbal language. From there, we walk through the many paths we explored in helping Alec find a way to communicate.

We discuss Alec’s experience working with Soma in Austin, Texas, where he began using a letter board, and how that method evolved into the communication system he uses today. While the journey has not been easy, it has been incredibly meaningful. Through this process, Alec has been able to share his thoughts, feelings, and personality in ways that were once out of reach.

We also talk honestly about the challenges along the way, including attempts to transition to typing on an iPad. Despite working with multiple communication specialists, that path has come with roadblocks, reminding us that communication is not one-size-fits-all.

This episode is a reflection on persistence, growth, and the importance of continuing to seek out what works for each individual. For families navigating nonverbal autism or exploring communication options, we hope Alec’s story offers both encouragement and insight.

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In this episode, we sit down with Sharisa Lewis, Dylan’s mom, to hear her perspective on raising a child on the autism spectrum and navigating the journey from early intervention to adulthood.

Dylan, a good friend of Alec’s, is a fun, creative, and project-loving young man, and Sharisa shares what it has looked like to support him every step of the way. From receiving his official autism diagnosis at age five to starting early intervention at just two years old, her story highlights the importance of getting support early and staying the course through each stage of development.

In addition, Sharisa brings a wealth of knowledge when it comes to autism services and government waivers, and we touch on how important these supports can be for families planning for the future. We’re already looking forward to having her back for a deeper dive into this topic.

Most of all, this episode is a reminder of how valuable it is to hear from other autism parents—sharing experiences, learning from one another, and realizing you’re not alone on this journey.

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In this episode, we sit down with our longtime friend Megan, a passionate advocate for children with learning differences — both in the classroom and at home. With years of experience raising her own children and teaching students with a wide range of needs, Megan brings a valuable dual perspective to the conversation.

Married to her husband Michael for 22 years and a proud mom to Anna, Blake, Max, and Spencer, Megan’s life is full of camping trips, baseball games, and soccer fields. She earned her education degree from TWU and has spent the last 12 years advocating fiercely for her children and her students. Special education has become a true calling for her, and she plans to pursue her Master’s degree next fall.

Megan also holds a special place in Alec’s story. As a longtime friend of his, she’s seen firsthand how advocacy, support, and individualized education can change a child’s trajectory.

This episode is an incredible resource for any parent who feels unsure about how to navigate school systems, special education services, or how to best support a child who learns differently. Megan offers practical advice, real-life examples, and empowering encouragement to help families feel confident and informed as they advocate for their children.

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This week, we’re joined by a very unique guest—Mr. J, the creator behind Punk for Kids, a music project bringing upbeat punk and ska sounds to children and families.

Mr. J shares how Punk for Kids began with a simple need—wanting something more enjoyable to listen to during daily commutes with his son. What started as a personal solution quickly grew into a creative project that blends high-energy music with kid-friendly themes, making it fun for both parents and children.

As a full-time high school TV Production teacher in New Jersey, Mr. J is no stranger to creativity. His students even produce a live show every day for their school. But his most meaningful work came from home—creating music for his autistic son as a way to connect, engage, and bring more joy into their everyday routines.

We also talk about his journey as a parent of a child on the autism spectrum and how music has played such an important role in his son’s learning and enjoyment. From weekend trips to amusement parks to sharing a love of music, Mr. J brings a relatable and heartfelt perspective on parenting and connection.

In this episode, he shares one of his songs, “Frankie Mac and Cheese.”

Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, or just someone looking to bring more fun into your daily routines, this episode is a reminder that sometimes the best ideas come from simply trying to make life a little more enjoyable—for both you and your child.

You can find Mr. Jay @punk4kids on instagram, tiktok, and youtube.

If you would like to donate to the Shannon Daley Fund, visit the link below:

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In this episode, we open up Alec’s teaching toolbox and share many of the tools, programs, and systems that have helped him learn, grow, and gain independence over the years.

Teaching individuals on the autism spectrum often requires creativity, structure, and the right supports. We talk about some of the programs and skill-building activities we’ve implemented with Alec over the years, including things like Travel Match, practicing waiting, and other structured learning opportunities that help build independence.

We also discuss some of the physical tools we use during teaching sessions—everything from laser pointers and whiteboards to Alec’s computer and textbooks. These simple but effective tools help keep learning engaging, organized, and accessible.

Beyond the tools themselves, we share how we organize and support Alec’s team. Having systems in place allows the team to be consistent, efficient, and focused on helping Alec succeed.

Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, or professional working with individuals on the autism spectrum, this episode offers a look inside the practical tools and strategies that have helped Alec thrive.

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This week’s episode is a very special one for us. For the first time, we sit down with the person who started it all—Alec.

Because Alec is nonverbal, this conversation looks a little different than a traditional interview. Ahead of recording, we sat down with Alec and asked him a series of questions. Using his keyboard, Alec thoughtfully typed out his responses, giving us a rare and meaningful opportunity to hear directly from an adult on the autism spectrum about his experiences, thoughts, and perspective.

To help bring Alec’s words to life on the podcast, we were joined by Michael Owen, who reads Alec’s responses and serves as his voice during the episode.

Michael Owen is a detective by day, but a devoted friend and advocate of Alec by heart. Having shared years of life’s ups and downs with Alec, Michael brings a raw and honest look at what friendship looks like beyond the diagnosis. He isn’t an expert—just someone who has learned that connection doesn’t always need words, and that showing up is the most important part of the journey.

Michael has been a police officer and detective for 20 years. He has been married to his wife Megan for almost 23 years, and together they have four children ranging in age from 21 to 13. When he’s not working, Michael enjoys camping with his family, spending time on the lake, and coaching his boys’ baseball teams.

This episode is a powerful reminder that communication can take many forms, and when individuals on the spectrum are given the right tools and support, their voices can absolutely be heard. We’re honored to share Alec’s thoughts with all of you and grateful to Michael for helping bring them to life.

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Chores may seem simple, but they can be one of the most powerful tools for building independence in children and adults on the autism spectrum.

In this episode, we expand on one of our most popular topics—Alec’s chore system—and dive deeper into how we teach life skills through everyday tasks at home. We talk about the prompt levels we use in ABA, how to gradually fade support, and why learning to contribute around the house builds confidence, responsibility, and independence.

We also discuss how chores can lay the foundation for future vocational opportunities. Skills like cleaning, organizing, carrying items, and completing multi-step tasks can later translate into meaningful work experiences.

For families just getting started, we encourage you to start small. Cooperative activities like walking the dog together, carrying groceries, or moving a cooler from the garage are great ways to begin building instructional cooperation and teamwork.

Whether your learner is young or an adult, chores can help develop essential life skills, independence, and pride in contributing to their home and community.

If you’re looking for practical ways to teach responsibility and real-world skills through ABA principles, this episode is full of ideas to help you get started.

The BEST laser pointer! 

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In this episode, we talk about one of our most practical tools for daily life with Alec—the backpack. Whether you’re running errands, heading to a therapy appointment, or spending the day out and about, being prepared can make all the difference when caring for a child with autism.

We share what we always keep packed and ready to go—from sensory supports and snacks to communication tools and cleanup supplies. Our favorite? The Under Armour Hustle 5.0 backpack—but the most important thing is finding a bag that fits your child’s specific needs and routines.

We’ll walk through our must-haves, a "thank goodness we had that” stories, and tips for building your own go-bag to reduce stress and stay one step ahead of the unexpected.

Click here for Under Armour Hustle 6.0 backpack

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In this episode, we sit down with Anna Osmond, Alec’s house manager and an essential part of his support team. Anna has known Alec for years and brings a rare, full-circle perspective—having worked with him in Texas before his move to Utah and now supporting him in his group home setting.

Anna shares what it truly looks like to support an adult on the autism spectrum behind the scenes. From managing home maintenance and scheduling appointments to making sure everyday essentials like laundry soap, toothpaste, and toilet paper are always stocked, her role allows direct support staff to focus fully on Alec himself. These details may seem small, but they make a huge difference in creating stability, consistency, and independence.

We also talk about Anna’s background as a school teacher and how working with Alec and learning from ABA has shaped the way she supports students in her classroom. Most of all, this episode highlights the heart behind the work—how genuine connection, consistency, and teamwork create an environment where individuals on the spectrum can thrive.

If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to build a strong autism support system—or how ABA principles extend far beyond therapy sessions—this episode is for you.

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