SPARC Out

It can be tough to find organizations that are able to support families from pregnancy through adulthood, but HomeSafe is one of those organizations.
Today, we talk with Fernanda Martinez Gonzalez, an Outreach Educator with HomeSafe. We went over the various programs the nonprofit offers, the outreach it does (through staff like Fernanda) in all areas of Palm Beach County, and how collaboration between agencies leads to positive outcomes for families and organizations alike. 
If you are in Palm Beach County and need assistance (or know a family that needs assistance) regarding situations such as: pregnancy to early intervention; recently turned 18 and aged out of foster care; you're looking for a safe place from DV, or are simply looking for family resources, HomeSafe can be reached at this number: 561-383-9871.

Drowning is one of the leading causes of death for autistic children—but it doesn’t have to be. In this episode, I sit down with Anna Stewart from the Drowning Prevention Coalition of Palm Beach County to talk about water safety strategies that save lives. We discuss how families can access swimming lesson vouchers, the importance of teaching both children and adults how to swim, and what caregivers need to know about safety at pools, beaches, lakes, and canals. Whether you're a parent, teacher, or community member, this episode offers practical, potentially life-saving tips to keep autistic children safe around water.

In light of recent events that have shaken the autism and autistic communities, along with an onslaught of false information regarding autism, I decided to record this episode. I had no outline, no real plan, only real emotions, thoughts, and data. There is no music, and the only editing I did was to cut out pauses and redundant words (stutters, repeats, etc.). I wanted this episode to be raw and honest. 
The past two weeks have been a brutal wake up call for anyone thinking that maybe, just maybe, progress was being made in autism awareness and acceptance. I myself am included in this. We do not have time to rant and rage, however. We must work to counter the one emotion that is at the heart of not just this enhanced campaign against neurodivergence and autism, but in every campaign against everyone seen as the "other."

Fear.

As we kick off World Autism Acceptance Month, we have Part 2 of my mini series covering the Medicaid updates that have affected countless families in Florida this year. In this episode, I speak with Meichico, a mom of autistic twins who has become something of an expert at navigating disability-related systems in Florida. We will get a family view of the impact of the Medicaid changes, along with advice for families and caregivers on how to weather changes like these and the state and local systems related to disability services.

In light of the recent restructuring of Florida Medicaid that has left hundreds of families and providers scrambling to acquire or provide autism-related services, I sat down and chatted with BCBA and Owner of Look Up Therapy, Christian Sanon. We discuss the widespread impact of the restructuring on providers in particular, including how these changes could shutter some providers for good. We also talk about what providers can do to protect themselves from sudden upheavals in the autism field going forward.
This is the first of a two part series. Next month's episode will take a closer look at the impact this restructuring has had on Medicaid families, along with advice on how families can prepare for similar changes in the future.

Happy 2025! We are back with season 4!

To kick off the new year, I spoke to Dr. Mary Jones, a pediatrician with personal ties to autism. Get insight into the pediatric side of autism as Dr. Jones talks about her own personal experiences with autism, how she's shaping her practice to adjust to the growing autism rates, and what both parents and the medical field can do to advocate for autistic individuals. We also talked about how race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status affects the autism field, and how providers like her plan to build more equity in diagnosis and treatment. Links to both her website and Glow Pediatrics (another team reshaping the autism field) are below.
On a technical note, this is the first episode that I have edited completely on my own (new year, new roles!). I'm on a learning curve with audio editing, so I apologize if anything sounds a bit off. I promise it will get better as I get the hang of things!

Dr. Mary Jones website: https://drmarycoaches.com/

Glow Pediatrics: https://www.glowpediatrics.com/

Yes, I'm still alive! Here is a quick update on where I have been and what's coming for the podcast. Just a heads up: this is a raw recording, so no music or edits. Just me.

I sit down with the parents behind the Jasen Autism Sensory Environment, a sensory learning center in Palm Beach County for autistic and sensory need children and teens. We talk about what inspired the center, what they offer (and have coming up!), and what their journey with their teenage autistic son has taught them about autism, advocacy, and representation.

The subject of mental health with regards to autism spectrum disorder is a relatively new subject, though it shouldn't be. Looking through the lens of both a provider and a former therapist, Angel examines why it is so difficult for autistic people to gain access to mental health care, why so few therapists have experience with autism, and what could possibly be done to allow more access.

New name, new home, new season!
SPARC Out is ready for season 3, and we are going beyond South Florida to talk to people from all over about autism. We hope you will join us!