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On this special Thanksgiving episode, join Brad Broyles, Nathan Palmer and Mr.K in a special addition about gratitude, in addition listen to a select number of parents share their gratitude this Thanksgiving season. 

This special Thanksgiving edition of Gratitude Through the Spectrum, Mr. K brings together parents from Polaris Academy and Starlight Behavior Academy for an open, heartfelt conversation about gratitude, autism, and family life during the holiday season.

This episode dives into the real moments that shape our families—celebrations, challenges, routines, and the small victories that mean everything. Parents share how they create autism-friendly holiday traditions, support emotional regulation during busy gatherings, and find joy in the unique strengths and perspectives of their neurodivergent children.

Listeners will hear stories of resilience, connection, and personal growth, along with practical insights for navigating Thanksgiving with intention, flexibility, and compassion. Whether you're a parent, educator, therapist, or supporter of the autism community, this conversation offers warmth, understanding, and a reminder to slow down and appreciate the beauty in each moment.

Tune in for a meaningful Thanksgiving reflection filled with gratitude, community, and hope.

Guest: Aaron Kaczmarek, COO of Polaris Academy 
Host: The Polaris Connection Podcast

Key Takeaways

• Parents of Polaris Academy and Starlight Behavior: Parents share how thankfulness can show up in small victories, meaningful routines, and moments of connection with their neurodivergent children.
• Autism-Friendly Thanksgiving Strategies: Practical ideas for creating predictable, sensory-friendly, and flexible holiday traditions that reduce stress and increase joy.
• Gratitude Looks Different for Every Family:Insights on how Polaris Academy and Starlight Behavior Academy support families, build confidence, and foster a sense of belonging.
• Embracing Individual Needs: A reminder that it’s okay to adjust expectations, honor each child’s sensory profile, and create a holiday that works for them—not the other way around.
• Celebrating Unique Perspectives: Parents highlight the beauty, creativity, and emotional depth that autistic children bring to family traditions and holiday moments.
• Mindful Togetherness: Encouragement to slow down, focus on connection, and find gratitude in small, meaningful experiences throughout the holiday season.

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In this episode of The Polaris Connection, we sit down with Amber Arrington, founder of Autism Savvy, to talk about practical, real-world strategies for supporting autistic children at home, in school, and in the community. Amber shares expert insights on behavior tools, communication skills, sensory needs, and how families can confidently navigate their autism journey.

If you’re looking for autism support, positive behavior strategies, parenting tips, or guidance on building a structured, supportive environment, this conversation is packed with actionable takeaways. Learn how to understand behaviors, strengthen relationships, and create routines that truly help your child thrive.

 Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more episodes of The Polaris Connection focused on autism, neurodiversity, and family empowerment.

Guest: Amber Arrington, Founder of Autism Savvy
Host: The Polaris Connection Podcast

In This Episode

• Amber’s mission behind founding Autism Savvy
• Understanding behaviors through connection and communication
• Sensory-friendly strategies that make daily life smoother
• Practical steps for building routines that support autistic children
• How parents can reduce frustration and increase confidence
• Strengthening collaboration between home, school, and therapists
• Tools families can start using today

Key Takeaways

• Behavior is communication: what your child is really telling you
• Simple behavior strategies that work in real life
• Why sensory regulation is foundational for learning
• How to create supportive environments that honor neurodiversity

Learn More

• Autism Savvy: https://autismsavvy.com/
• The Polaris Connection Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-polaris-connection-autism-parenting-expert/id1827407102 

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In this episode of The Polaris Connection, in collaboration with RPsych Radio, host Garrett Smith interviews Nathan Palmer, the passionate leader behind Polaris Academy. Nathan shares how Polaris was created as a place where neurodivergent and autistic children can truly connect, learn, and thrive.

Together, they explore what it takes to build a school physically designed for focused learning and academically structured to promote creativity, flexibility, and real-world growth. This inspiring conversation shines a light on the power of purpose-driven education, and how understanding neurodiversity changes lives—one student at a time.

If you live in the greater Phoenix area and are struggling with mental health, know someone who is, or just want to discuss what we do, please reach out to us through one of the means below.

Website: https://rpsych.com
Phone: (480) 471-8560
Instagram: redemption_psychiatry

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Join Rachel Crupi, BCBA and Director of Behavior Services at Polaris Academy and Starlight Behavior Academy, as she shares essential strategies and insights for families navigating autism. In this episode of Parenting Autism With Purpose, Rachel breaks down the ABCs—Antecedent, Behavior, Consequence—and explains how understanding these core principles can transform daily routines, support skill-building, and strengthen family connections.

Drawing from over a decade of experience in ABA therapy and her personal journey as a parent of a child with autism, Rachel offers practical tips, real-life examples, and actionable advice to help families create meaningful change. Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, or educator, this episode provides the tools to empower children, foster independence, and make everyday moments more manageable and joyful.

Listen now to gain strategies that every autism family should know and start parenting with purpose today!

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www.polarisacademy.org

www.starlightbehavior.com 

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In this powerful episode of The Polaris Connection, we sit down with Jef Rawls  actor, comedian, and improv expert  to explore how the art of improv can deepen connection, communication, and understanding with autistic children. Jef shares how the “Yes, and ....?” philosophy of improv encourages presence, respect, and creativity in every interaction — helping families, educators, and therapists honor each child’s unique way of expressing themselves.

Through laughter and imagination, Jef reveals how these games build trust, teach flexibility, and honor each child’s unique way of engaging with the world. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or therapist, this episode offers powerful tools to bring more joy, presence, and understanding into everyday interactions.

From laughter to life lessons, this conversation reminds us that true connection starts when we listen, respond, and celebrate the moment we’re in.

Please visit https://jesterzimprov.com 

[email protected]

✨ Keywords: autism connection, improv therapy, communication, honoring autistic children, Jef Rawls, Polaris Connection podcast, autism parenting, social skills through play

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Planning for your child’s future is one of the most important — and emotional — steps for any autism parent. In this episode of Autism Family Planning, we sit down with Attorney Hunter Knight of Knight Law PLC, a trusted expert in special needs estate planning, to break down everything you need to know about wills, special needs trusts, and guardianship.

Hunter shares practical legal guidance and real-world insight on how to protect your child’s benefits, ensure long-term care, and build a secure future. Whether you’re just starting to think about a trust or updating your family’s plan, this conversation will help you take confident steps forward with clarity and peace of mind.

Topics include:

• The difference between wills, special needs trusts, and ABLE accounts
• How to choose a guardian for your autistic child
• Common legal mistakes parents make — and how to avoid them
• When and how to start future planning

If you’re a parent, caregiver, or advocate in the autism community, this episode is your guide to planning wisely and protecting what matters most.

https://knightlawyers.com

480-832-6000

[email protected] 

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Come see us at SARRC's YES Day for Autism® Join the movement, be inspired, and celebrate community! 💙

📅 Sunday, October 26, 2025 at 9AM
📍 Tempe Beach Park

Start the day with opening ceremonies and a fun warm-up stretch, then join the 1-mile family-friendly walk at your own pace. Then stick around for:
🎶 Live entertainment & performances
🎪 Carnival games, arts & crafts, and kids’ activities
🎃 Free pumpkin patch & decorating stations
🍔 Eats & treats from local food trucks
💡 Resource fair with autism providers across Arizona
🛋️ A quiet zone for families who need a break

This is an incredible day of connection, inclusion, and celebration.
Stop by the Polaris Academy booth and show us you are a fan of the podcast and get a an exclusive The Polaris Connection t-shirt.

See you then!

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Welcome to the Polaris Connection and in today's episode Autism & Trauma: Understanding the Voice Behind Behavior — our special guest is  Amanda Hineline, M.Ed., BCBA, LBA, an autism and trauma expert with nearly a decade of experience helping children, families, and educators navigate complex behavioral and emotional challenges.

This episode will deep dive into how autism and trauma intersect, revealing how behavior often becomes the voice of unmet needs, emotional pain, or sensory overwhelm. Drawing from her work as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and trauma-informed practitioner, Amanda offers compassionate, science-backed insights on topics like:

• How trauma impacts the autistic brain and nervous system
• Recognizing trauma responses vs. “challenging behavior”
• The role of safety, connection, and co-regulation in healing
• Practical strategies for parents, educators, and clinicians
• Real-life stories of hope, resilience, and recovery

This episode is for parents, therapists, educators, and anyone seeking to better understand the emotional world of autistic individuals. With empathy and expertise, Amanda helps listeners shift from asking “What’s wrong with this behavior?” to “What is this behavior trying to tell us?”

Discover how trauma-informed care, behavioral science, and neurodiversity-affirming practices can transform how we see, support, and connect with autistic children and adults.

Keywords: autism and trauma podcast, trauma-informed autism support, neurodiversity and emotional regulation, autism behavior, trauma in children, Amanda Hineline BCBA, understanding autistic behavior, healing through connection. 

Feel Free to reach out to our guest Amanda Hineline at: [email protected]

AzBCBA: https://azaba.org/page-18114 

We would love to hear from you: [email protected] 

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Are you wondering if your child may be on the autism spectrum or what an autism assessment actually involves? In this episode of The Polaris Connection, we break down the entire autism evaluation process — from the first signs and screenings to formal diagnosis and next steps. You’ll learn what professionals look for, how assessments are conducted, and what parents can do to prepare.

Join us as we talk with specialists who explain testing tools, timelines, and common myths about autism diagnosis. Whether you’re beginning the journey or supporting someone through it, this episode offers clarity, guidance, and hope for families navigating autism assessments.

Meet Dr. Maylin Griffiths, Ph.D., a licensed clinical psychologist and founder of the Arizona Pediatric Assessment Center (AZPAC).  With a dedicated focus on children and families, Dr. Griffiths specializes in comprehensive psychological and developmental evaluations, including assessments for autism, intellectual disabilities, learning differences, ADHD, mood disorders, and more. 

Drawing from years of hands-on experience across clinical, educational, and academic settings, she also supports Independent Educational Evaluations (IEEs), coordinates treatment among multiple professionals, and has served in academic leadership, including chairing assessment committees. 

Dr. Griffiths is deeply committed to a strength-based, child-centered approach, guided by the belief that “there is no such thing as a bad kid.” 

Her work at AZPAC aims to bring clarity, hope, and actionable guidance to families navigating the complexities of developmental and mental health assessments.

[email protected]

https://azassessment.com/autism-evaluations

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Do you know how ESA works in Arizona?  In this episode, the discussion centers around the importance of educational freedom and the resources available to families, particularly those with children on the autism spectrum. The guests, Lucy Willing and Lindsey White, share insights into how Love Your School helps families navigate educational options, emphasizing the value of personalized education plans. They highlight the benefits of Arizona's open enrollment policies and the Education Savings Account (ESA) program, which provides families with the flexibility to choose the best educational path for their children. 

Parents of autistic children can learn about the application process for ESA, the importance of having a qualified diagnosis, and the various resources available to support their child's unique needs. The episode underscores the mission of Love Your School to empower families with the knowledge and tools to make informed decisions about their children's education.

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Find Love Your School resources at https://loveyourschool.org/arizona/

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