In this episode of Pieces For My Puzzle, author Janet Elliot joins us to share her powerful memoir, The Alien Savant, and her deeply personal journey as the sibling of an autistic brother. Through her heartfelt storytelling, Janet
offers a unique lens on autism, weaving together humor, history, and hard-won wisdom from growing up alongside her brother Michael in Ontario’s special needs education system of the ’60s–’80s.



We discuss what inspired her to write the book, how she balanced authenticity with universality, and the lessons Michael taught her about resilience, connection, and seeing the world differently. Janet also opens up about her advocacy work, her approach to infusing humor into challenging topics, and what she hopes readers and listeners—whether caregivers or simply curious—will take away from her story.



Topics Covered

o  A simbling’s honest and compassionate
perspective on Autism
o  Insights into the historical landscape of
special needs education
o  Practical wisdom for navigating advocacy and
storytelling with heart
o  Encouragement to find humor and hope in even the
toughest seasons.





About Jane Elliot


Janet Elliot, author of The Alien Savant, shares a deeply personal and enlightening perspective on life as the sibling of an autistic individual. Her book highlights her brother’s unique experiences and strengths while offering powerful insights into the sibling dynamic within the autism community. Through her writing and storytelling, Janet provides a heartfelt and
nuanced lens on autism, fostering understanding and connection for families, advocates, and anyone seeking to broaden their knowledge.



 



Resources Mentioned


👉 Website: https://www.myguidedpen.com





Connect With Us: 

Follow us on Instagram: @piecesformypuzzle
Email us:  [email protected]

Learn more:  www.piecesformypuzzle.com



Check it out! We are one of the Top 35 Special Need Parenting Podcasts! https://podcast.feedspot.com/special_needs_parenting_podcasts/



 



If you found this episode inspiring, be sure to like, share, and subscribe to Pieces For My Puzzle! Leave us a comment below to share your biggest takeaway—we’d love to hear your thoughts and connect with you.

This week on Pieces For My Puzzle, host Nikki Shipp welcomes Gabs Hayes, an inspiring business coach and mother of three, including a child with special needs. Gabs shares her powerful story of navigating life’s challenges, from parenting a daughter with severe asthma to making life-changing decisions for her family’s well-being. With grace and resilience, she has turned her experiences into a mission to support other parents who are balancing the complexities of family life and entrepreneurship.
Join us for an honest and heartfelt conversation about motherhood, grief, inspiration, and finding a meaningful balance between your dreams and family commitments.

Key Discussion Points
Gabs’ Journey as a Mom
Gabs discusses her experiences raising a child with severe asthma and other conditions, including the decision to relocate her family from Georgia to Arizona to improve her daughter’s health.

Finding Strength Through Loss
After enduring the stillbirth of her son, Gabs explains how she found the strength to rebuild and offers practical advice for parents coping with loss.

Balancing Parenthood and Ambition
Gabs shares how she helps parents see that they can pursue their dreams without sacrificing family time, focusing on sustainability and realistic goals tailored to their lives.

Advice for Overwhelmed Moms
With empathy and lived experience, Gabs provides tips for moms struggling to keep up, reminding them that they are enough and that it’s okay to take care of themselves too.

Making an Impact
Gabs discusses her vision for her work, her passion for helping entrepreneurial parents, and her message for families facing similar struggles.

 

Resources Mentioned
Learn more about Gabs Hayes and her coaching services on gabshayes.com

About the Guest
Gabs Hayes is a business coach and mentor specializing in helping entrepreneurial parents achieve sustainable success. A mother of three, Gabs brings her unique perspective and practical strategies to support parents in building the lives they envision without compromising their family values.

Connect with Us!



Follow
    us on Instagram: @piecesformypuzzle

Email
    us:  [email protected]

Learn
    more:  www.piecesformypuzzle.com



·       
Check it out! We are one of the Top 35 Special
Needs Parenting Podcasts! https://podcast.feedspot.com/special_needs_parenting_podcasts/

Thank you for tuning in, and we’ll see you next week for another heartfelt conversation!

Join us for an inspiring conversation with the founder of Dare To Be Academy, Ashlee Dollar, a passionate mom of an autistic child who turned her personal challenges into a groundbreaking educational mission. This episode dives into her extraordinary journey, from navigating life as a mother of a neurodiverse child to creating a home-based microschool where autistic and neurodiverse learners can thrive.

Learn how Dare To Be Academy is breaking barriers with its tailored, sensory-friendly learning environment, passion-driven curriculum, and focus on life skills. You'll hear about the obstacles faced during its creation, the profound rewards of working with neurodiverse children, and heartfelt advice for parents seeking the right educational path for their kids.

Key Takeaways

The Founder’s Journey

Discover how being a mom of a child with autism shaped her life and inspired a larger vision.

The Story Behind Dare To Be Academy

Learn what makes this microschool unique and its approach to supporting neurodiverse children.

Insight into the struggles of creating a school and the resilience required to succeed.

Advice for Parents

Valuable tips for advocating for your child’s needs and finding the right environment.

Dare To Be Academy’s Mission and Vision

Explore the future goals of the academy and how you can support this important work.

Links & Resources

Email Dare To Be Academy at [email protected]

Feeling inspired? Support Dare To Be Academy’s mission or share this episode with a parent who needs encouragement. Visit www.daretobeacademy.com for more details or connect with the academy to learn how you can get involved.

Connect With Us: 


Follow
    us on Instagram: @piecesformypuzzle

Email
    us:  [email protected]

Learn
    more:  www.piecesformypuzzle.com
·       
Check it out! We are one of the Top 35 Special
Need Parenting Podcasts! https://podcast.feedspot.com/special_needs_parenting_podcasts/

This episode features the inspiring Dr. Roz, a
trailblazer in personal and societal transformation through L.O.V.E. (Letting
Others Voluntarily Evolve). Dr. Roz discusses her groundbreaking work as a
Certified Trainer of Kingian Nonviolence, her mission to foster positive change
through the Love Revolution, and her innovative approach to accessible
education with DebtFreeDegree.

We chat about how love intersects with leadership,
education, and even parenting. Dr. Roz also dives into the power of her GRITBlueprint,
sharing actionable strategies to overcome challenges and create meaningful
growth in all areas of life. Whether you're a parent, a student, or someone
looking to lead with more love, this episode has something for you!

Topics Covered

• The
      meaning behind L.O.V.E. and its impact on leadership and life

• How
      the DebtFreeDegree program is making education accessible without student
      loans

• The
      GRITBlueprint and its role in overcoming life’s obstacles

• Parenting
      with love, especially when raising neurodivergent children

• Inspiring
      personal stories and transformations

About Dr. Roz

Dr. Roz is a passionate advocate for leading with
love and fostering transformation, one heart at a time. Through her Love
Revolution and the DebtFreeDegree initiative, she empowers
individuals and organizations to think and act with compassion while creating
real change. Her work as a Certified Trainer of Kingian Nonviolence aligns with
her mission to inspire understanding, growth, and harmony in communities all
over the world. Explore more about her mission and programs at drroz.love

Connect With Us: 

• Follow
      us on Instagram: @piecesformypuzzle

• Email
      us:  [email protected]

• Learn
      more:  www.piecesformypuzzle.com

·       
Check it out! We are one of the Top 35 Special
Need Parenting Podcasts! https://podcast.feedspot.com/special_needs_parenting_podcasts/

Join us for an enlightening conversation with Kerre Burley,
a parental development specialist with over 50 years of experience helping
families overcome challenges and build harmony at home. Kerre shares her
groundbreaking SleepTalk® process, which has transformed families around
the world by providing simple, effective tools for overcoming dysfunction and
stress. She also discusses the importance of laughter, emotional well-being,
and the power of seeing dysfunction as an opportunity for growth.

Whether you're a parent feeling overwhelmed or a
professional looking for innovative approaches to support families, this
episode is packed with practical advice, inspiring success stories, and
actionable insights to help you elevate your parenting game.

Topics Covered

• How
      the SleepTalk® process empowers families and strengthens
      relationships

• Tips
      for parents feeling like they’re “failing” and how to rediscover joy in
      parenting

• The
      role of laughter and play in fostering connection and harmony

• Transforming
      family dysfunction into personal growth and resilience

• How
      the Goulding Institute provides training for professionals and
      parents alike

• Practical
      strategies to improve communication and build emotional well-being

About Kerre Burley

Kerre Burley is a globally respected parental
development specialist, speaker, and trainer. She is the founder of Creating
Functional Families and CEO of the International SleepTalk® Training
Academy. Over her impressive 50+ year career, Kerre has worked with
thousands of families, creating innovative solutions like the SleepTalk®
process to help parents and children thrive. She continues to inspire and
educate through her consulting, training programs, and international speaking
engagements. Learn more about her work at creatingfunctionalfamilies.com.

Connect With Us: 

• Follow
      us on Instagram: @piecesformypuzzle

• Email
      us:  [email protected]

• Learn
      more:  www.piecesformypuzzle.com

·       
Check it out! We are one of the Top 35 Special
Need Parenting Podcasts! https://podcast.feedspot.com/special_needs_parenting_podcasts/

Step into the world of Jennifer Celeste Briggs, an
extraordinary mother and writer who inspires change and connection through her
powerful memoir, Watching Sarah Rise. This heartfelt conversation dives
into her journey raising her daughter, Sarah, who was diagnosed with autism,
and how the Son-Rise Program transformed their lives.

Topics Discussed:

• What
      is the Son-Rise Program? Learn about this unique approach that fosters
      social connection and potential in children with autism.

• Parenting
      Outside the Box: Jennifer shares pivotal moments, breakthroughs, and
      lessons from her experiences as Sarah’s mom.

• The
      Power of Community: Uncover the integral role that volunteers and a
      supportive network played in Sarah’s progress.

• Advocating
      for Neurodiversity: Jennifer discusses why celebrating individual
      potential is key to unlocking a thriving future.

• Tips
      for Parents and Caregivers: Insightful advice to support those
      navigating similar journeys.

Jennifer’s openness and unwavering love provide hope and
practical wisdom to parents, educators, and anyone touched by autism.

 About Our Guest

Jennifer Celeste Briggs is the author of Watching Sarah
Rise, a moving memoir that chronicles her life as a mother raising her
daughter with autism. Through the Son-Rise Program, Jennifer embraced
creativity, patience, and play to help Sarah achieve incredible milestones.
Passionate about neurodiversity and acceptance, she continues to inspire others
with her story of hope, love, and connection. Learn more about Jennifer at watchingsarahrise.com.

Get Your Copy of Watching
Sarah Rise:

• Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/watching-sarah-rise-jennifer-celeste-briggs/1145900741 

• Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1647428246

•  Links and Resource

• Explore
      Jennifer’s work and mission at watchingsarahrise.com.

• Learn
      more about the Son-Rise
      Program at https://autismtreatmentcenter.org/

• Get
      parenting tips, ideas, and inspiration from Jennifer’s story.

Connect With Us: 

• Follow
      us on Instagram: @piecesformypuzzle

• Email
      us:  [email protected]

• Learn
      more:  www.piecesformypuzzle.com

·       
Check it out! We are one of the Top 35 Special
Need Parenting Podcasts! https://podcast.feedspot.com/special_needs_parenting_podcasts/

This episode features the inspiring T.L. McCoy, a dedicated author and publishing pioneer on a heartfelt mission to bring disability representation to children’s literature. Inspired by her granddaughter who lives with Dravet Syndrome, T.L. wrote Delilah Versus the Ghastly Grim to give kids with disabilities a hero they can see themselves in. The story follows Delilah, who, after a life-threatening seizure, is thrust into a magical world where she must unlock her hidden strengths to survive and help others.

We learn about T.L.’s personal connection to this story, why disability-inclusive storytelling matters, and the creative process of bringing this magical adventure to life. Whether you’re a parent, a writer, or an advocate for inclusivity, T.L.’s passion and purpose will leave you inspired and ready to make a difference.

Topics Covered

The inspiration behind Delilah Versus the Ghastly Grim and how T.L.’s granddaughter influenced the storyThe importance of disability representation in children’s literatureHow the fantastical adventure mirrors real-world challenges for kids and familiesT.L.’s experience launching her own publishing company, Blue Round Book GroupAdvice on storytelling and fostering inclusivity in creative worksAbout T.L. McCoy

T.L. McCoy is the founder of Blue Round Book Group, LLC, and the author of Delilah Versus the Ghastly Grim, a magical middle-grade fantasy inspired by her granddaughter and her experience with Dravet Syndrome, a rare seizure disorder. Passionate about crafting stories that empower kids with disabilities, T.L. creates vivid, inclusive worlds that inspire empathy and strength in readers of all abilities. Learn more about her work at blueroundbookgroup.com.

Purchase the book on Amazon! https://a.co/d/6rkBNL9

Connect With Us: 

Follow us on Instagram: @piecesformypuzzle Email us: [email protected] Learn more: www.piecesformypuzzle.com

·       Check it out! We are one of the Top 35 Special Need Parenting Podcasts! https://podcast.feedspot.com/special_needs_parenting_podcasts/

Join us for an inspiring episode as we sit down with
Kristina Lucia Pezza, a talented artist, author, and passionate advocate for
creative parenting. Kristina shares her incredible story and mission to help
families form deeper connections through meaningful traditions, creativity, and
compassion. Whether you're seeking fresh ideas for building family bonds or
looking for tools to support your parenting journey, this episode is packed
with valuable insights and heartfelt inspiration.

Episode Highlights:

• Exploring
      the meaning of redefining strength and its role in parenting.

• How
      families can foster a sense of community and connection.

• Tools
      and resources in her books that are offered for parents seeking support and engagement.

• Kristina
      Lucia Pezza’s heartfelt vision and mission to create lasting family
      connections.

Connect with Our Guest:

·       
Linkedin Profile Link:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristinalandrews/

·       
Facebook Profile Link: https://www.facebook.com/kristina.andrews.77

·       
Instagram Profile Link: https://www.instagram.com/kristinaluciapezza/

·       
Website: www.kristinalucia.com

·       
Phone Number: (347) 633-3669

·       
E-mail: [email protected]

·       
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Kristina-Lucia-Pezza/author/B0BXMQJ4SF?ref=dbs_m_mng_rwt_byln&qid=1746399865&sr=8-1&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

Connect With Us: 

• Follow
      us on Instagram: @piecesformypuzzle

• Email
      us:  [email protected]

• Learn
      more:  www.piecesformypuzzle.com

·       
Check it out! We are one of the Top 35 Special
Needs Parenting Podcasts! https://podcast.feedspot.com/special_needs_parenting_podcasts/

 #autismparenting #autism #specialneeds #parenting #author #childrensbooks #kristinaluciapezza

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Jason, Science
Communications Specialist at Science Systems and Applications, Inc. (SSAI).
Jason shares his passion for STEM education, how his experience with Hyperlexia
has shaped his career, and the impactful work he’s doing to promote diversity,
equity, inclusion, and accessibility in STEM. From his role at SSAI to
practical advice for aspiring STEM communicators, this episode is packed with
insights and inspiration for listeners pursuing careers in science and beyond.

Episode Highlights:

• The
      importance of effective science communication and its impact on public
      understanding of STEM.

• Insights
      into Jason’s role at SSAI and his efforts in supporting STEM initiatives.

• Key
      challenges faced in making STEM fields more inclusive and accessible.

• Strategies
      for inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers.

• Tips
      on leveraging social media to promote science and engage with wider
      audiences.

• A
      glimpse into exciting projects and collaborations currently underway at
      SSAI.

• Follow
      Jason’s social media channels for updates, insights, and inspiring
      discussions on STEM and science communication.

How to get in touch with Jason:

Website: https://www.ssaihq.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ScienceSystemsandApplicationsI

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/166110/admin/dashboard/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SciSysApp

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ssaihq/

Email:  [email protected]

Phone: (267) 664-6960

Connect With Us: 

• Follow
      us on Instagram: @piecesformypuzzle

• Email
      us:  [email protected]

• Learn
      more:  www.piecesformypuzzle.com

Check it out! We are one of the Top 35 Special Need
Parenting Podcasts! https://podcast.feedspot.com/special_needs_parenting_podcasts/

#autism #STEM #autismparenting #autismawareness #scienceandautism #autismeducation

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Craig from
Parenting Harmony, as we discuss his passion for empowering families through
connection, mindfulness, music, and play. Craig shares his personal story and
professional insights tailored to help families, especially those in the autism
community, create more meaningful and joyful parenting experiences.

Episode Highlights:

·       
Craig tells us about his background and what
motivated him to create Parenting Harmony.

·       
Learn about "Parenting A to E" and
how it empowers parents to cultivate memorable moments with their kids.

·       
Craig emphasizes the crucial role of
"Affect" in parenting. Discover how this concept helps build stronger
bonds between parents and their children.

·       
Simple, actionable examples of using tone,
body language, and presence to increase trust and connection in family
relationships.

·       
Explore how letting go of societal
expectations can improve a parent's well-being and why this shift is so
important.

·       
Craig offers a peek into the music- and
play-based activities featured in his Parenting A to E course that help nurture
relationships and create joy in everyday parenting moments.

·       
Listen in as Craig shares one of his original
songs, a special treat that adds even more heart to this episode.

Don't miss this engaging and insightful discussion as we
learn parenting techniques that turn ordinary moments into extraordinary
connections.

Connect with Craig:

For more information or to connect directly with Craig,
visit his website at ParentingHarmony.com
or follow him on Instagram at @ParentingHarmony
or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/craigparksmusic/

Thank you for listening, and we hope this episode
inspires you on your parenting journey!

Connect With Us: 

• Follow
      us on Instagram: @piecesformypuzzle

• Email
      us:  [email protected]

• Learn
      more:  www.piecesformypuzzle.com

Check it out! We are one of the Top 35 Special Need
Parenting Podcasts! https://podcast.feedspot.com/special_needs_parenting_podcasts/

#autism #autismparenting #parenting #specialneedskids