In this podcast I have my son, producer Tyler, join me. Tyler has been the only person who has been with me as long as the ISAAC Foundation has been in existence and can appreciate the evolution of what is accomplished under this roof and the difference it has made in the lives of families touched by autism.

This podcast is a bit of a vent at being overlooked along with many other organizations doing good work in the community.

We took the summer off from podcasting to get moved and settled into our new building.  There’s a lot of fun activities kicking off this month and we want to share all about them.

In this podcast we get a behind the scene’s view point from a special education teacher. You’ll laugh and probably cringe as we chat about some of the real-life realities of special education.

Every now and again, you need to get some of your safe people together and gripe about how special education and the IEP process just-plain-sucks.  In this episode, David and Maria join me to vent about complicated seasons of sadness parents experience at different times, frustrations with IEP conversations and how we wish systems were better when it comes to meeting the various needs of our kids on the spectrum.

You’ll notice an abrupt end to this episode, as the remaining content can be heard later this week under: Red Instead vs. Light it Up Blue Upcoming Podcast.

Disclaimer: We ran into microphone complications at the start of this podcast and had to share one microphone but since it’s great content, we still wanted to share.

In this episode Holly connects with the owner of Lilac City Behavioral Services to learn about their new school, Lilac Learning Center, which opened this past October. Lilac Learning Center is a non public agency option that is a good fit for students ages 14 to 21 who require a high level of support that is not able to be met by the student’s home district. Listen in to find out if Lilac Learning Center might be a good fit for your loved one touched by autism.

Resources from this podcast

https://lcbehavioral.com/lilac-learning-center/

Public schools are required to provide a free appropriate public education (FAPE) to students with disabilities ages 3-21 who are eligible for special education. If a student’s special education needs cannot be met by their resident district, the district may contract with an approved NonPublic Agency (NPA). The NPA provides the student’s special education and related services that are determined through the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process.

Washington Administrative Code related to Non Public Agencies

https://apps.leg.wa.gov/WAC/default.aspx?cite=392-172A-04090

This week, Jim Matthews that many of you know as the Director of Soar Behavioral Services, shared exciting news! He is opening the first of its kind private K-5 school for children on the autism spectrum in Spokane, Washington. Ascend Academy is accepting applications through December 10th for priority placing. The school will be opening this January and is an excellent fit for students who are struggling with emotional regulation and have behaviors that make school challenging.

Listen to our podcast to learn more about this exciting opportunity.

Resources:

Visit the AscendAcademy.org for more information.

For more specific questions, please reach out to Ascend Academy at [email protected]

In this episode of ISAAC’S Autism in the Wild Holly is joined by the Executive Director of the Arc of Spokane, Sima Thorpe. Sima is here to tell us all about The Arc of Spokane and introduces us to two of her most recent hires, Jennifer and Maria. Together this group discusses the different programs available to families in our area and how we plan to work together to help meet the needs of the developmentally disabled populations in Spokane and extending into our rural areas.

Questions on resources and services:

[email protected]

For Spokane Parent to Parent Resources:

Maria Jennings

[email protected]

509-789-8797

Facebook:  Parent to Parent of Spokane County | Facebook

For Pend Orielle and Stevens County Parent to Parent Resources:

Micaela Herman

[email protected]

509-789-8782

Parent to Parent of Stevens and Pend Oreille Counties | Facebook

Sexual Abuse Prevention Training

Jim Lane

[email protected]

509-789-8325

In this episode of ISAAC’S Autism in the Wild Podcast Holly was joined by Jim Matthews, Executive Director of SOAR Behavior Services. SOAR is a prominent ABA provider in Spokane with locations across the state of Washington, in Idaho, and Nevada.  We discuss how SOAR was founded and the services they provide. We also delve into issues concerning wait lists, staff turnover, and the politics involved in home vs school ABA settings.

About Jim Matthews

Jim Matthews holds four Bachelor’s degrees from the University of California, Irvine and two Masters degrees in Educational Psychology and School Psychology from Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, CA. Jim is also a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP). Throughout his two decades of working in ABA, he has worked with thousands of children and families both in schools and in private practice. Jim lives in Spokane WA. Professionally, Jim has dedicated his life to helping all people with disabilities. He is deeply passionate about helping people who are most in need during the time when they most need it. He feels strongly that ABA can confer meaningful lifelong skills that both enrich and enhance the quality of life for individuals with disabilities.

This week on ISAAC’S Autism in the Wild our host Holly is joined by another VERY special guest, her son Tyler. Tyler is 17 years old and was the only child in the family to have spent time with Isaac as they were only 11 months apart in age.

Tyler is an aggressive advocate for those with autism and other special needs. He is very close to his brother Caleb and acts as a mentor to him which, as a 17 year old young man, comes with its pros and cons We joke, but you will hear throughout this episode, what a passionate and kind young man Tyler is.

We discuss Tyler’s early memories of Isaac, how the ISAAC Foundation has impacted him throughout the years, and the struggles that he has experienced. Take a listen, we are sure you will be inspired by some of the charismatic gems of wisdom Tyler shares in-between the curse words.