THE SJ CHILDS SHOW-Building a Community of Inclusion

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What happens when artificial intelligence meets neurodivergent thinking? Magic, innovation, and life-changing tools for those who've always felt different.

Meet Derek Crager, a late-diagnosed autistic entrepreneur who spent decades feeling like "an alien here on Earth to observe" before discovering his neurotype at age 50. Now he's channeling his unique perspective into creating AI solutions specifically designed for the neurodivergent community.

Derek's journey from industrial construction worker to the creator of Amazon's highest-rated employee training program reveals how differently-wired brains can excel when given the right opportunities. Through his nonprofit "AI for Autistics," he's teaching non-programmers how to harness artificial intelligence to build websites, apps, and even launch their own businesses – all without writing a single line of code.

The conversation explores Derek's groundbreaking "Pocket Mentor" system, which transforms complex knowledge bases into accessible phone conversations. Imagine having 24/7 access to specialized autism support or workplace guidance through a simple phone call – no apps, internet connection, or technical skills required. For neurodivergent individuals who struggle with traditional employment, these tools create judgment-free spaces to ask questions that might otherwise lead to misunderstandings.

What makes Derek's approach revolutionary is his focus on knowledge accessibility as the key to true empowerment. "I'm looking at filling the knowledge gap," he explains, revealing how AI can transform lives when designed through a neurodivergent lens.

Whether you're autistic, support someone on the spectrum, or simply interested in how technology can create more inclusive spaces, this episode offers fresh perspectives on harnessing AI to amplify human potential. As Derek puts it: "Don't be scared of AI... it's about empowering the individual to make them irreplaceable."

Visit practicalai.app to connect with Derek's community and discover resources for neurodivergent individuals interested in exploring AI.

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What happens when you uncover a hidden family history that reveals both heartbreak and resilience? Janet's discovery of a banker's box filled with her brother's medical records sparked an unexpected journey into autism's troubling past and ultimately led to her powerful memoir, "The Alien Savant."

Born in the 1950s when autism wasn't recognized as a diagnosis, Janet's brother Michael was simply labeled "mentally retarded" like countless other neurodivergent children of his era. Through intimate family stories and Michael's own remarkable artwork, Janet reconstructs a time when children displaying autistic behaviors were routinely institutionalized rather than supported. Her narrative takes us inside the walls of these facilities, where children with vastly different conditions received generic care rather than tailored education or development opportunities.

What makes this story uniquely powerful is how Janet contrasts Michael's experience with that of her twin grandchildren, both on the autism spectrum but receiving vastly different support in today's world. The evolution from institutional care to individualized education plans represents decades of progress, yet Janet reminds us how recent these changes truly are. Michael's primary mode of communication—detailed drawings that expressed his thoughts when words couldn't—feature throughout the book, offering readers a direct window into his perspective and creativity.

The Alien Savant serves multiple purposes: historical documentation of autism treatment, a loving family tribute, and a call for continued acceptance and understanding. Whether you're personally connected to autism or simply interested in how society's approach to neurodiversity has evolved, this memoir offers valuable insights through one family's deeply personal journey. Find Janet's book on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Indigo Chapters, or through her website at myguidedpen.com, and join the conversation about how far we've come and where we still need to go in supporting neurodivergent individuals.

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- Stream-Able Live — https://www.streamable.live-COMING SOON

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What if you suddenly experienced the sensory challenges your autistic child faces every day? Jacki Edry's life took a dramatic turn when doctors discovered a massive tumor on her brainstem. After surgery, she woke to a transformed reality - faces appeared to melt, floors became disorienting patterns, and everyday sounds overwhelmed her completely.

This remarkable conversation explores Jacki's extraordinary journey from being solely a parent and advocate for her autistic son to experiencing neurodistinctness firsthand. As the author of "Moving Forward: Reflections on Autism, Neurodiversity, Brain Surgery and Faith," Jacki shares how this dual perspective revealed insights that transformed her understanding of neurodiversity.

The most eye-opening aspect of Jacki's story involves the four years she spent virtually homebound with severe visual processing issues that numerous medical professionals couldn't identify or treat. The solution, when finally discovered, was shockingly simple: custom-colored spectral filters that immediately corrected her visual disturbances. This paralleled her children's experiences, who struggled with reading for years until colored lenses revealed they had been seeing words move across the page all along.

Jacki passionately discusses why parents must trust their instincts and continue searching for answers when conventional approaches fail. "Don't ever accept when a professional says there's nothing you can do," she advises, highlighting how solutions like Irlen Syndrome testing remain largely unknown despite their life-changing potential for many.

For anyone parenting, teaching, or supporting neurodistinct individuals, this episode offers rare insights into sensory experiences that are often difficult to understand from the outside. Jacki's story reminds us that sometimes the most powerful solutions aren't found in traditional medical settings but through persistent advocacy and openness to unconventional approaches.

Discover more about Jacki's work and upcoming projects at jackisbooks.com, and consider how her experiences might illuminate challenges faced by the neurodistinct people in your life.

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WEBSITES

- Stream-Able Live — https://www.streamable.live-COMING SOON

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What happens when autism representation meets reality? Kaelynn Partlow pulls back the curtain on life before, during, and after Netflix's "Love on the Spectrum" in this candid conversation about authenticity and advocacy in the public eye.

Diagnosed with autism at age 10 after years of medical professionals dismissing her mother's concerns ("In the nineties, girls couldn't catch autism," she jokes), Kaylin's journey from struggling student to lead therapist at Project Hope showcases the power of proper identification and support. Now working with autistic clients while managing her growing social media presence, she navigates the complexities of being both clinician and community member with remarkable insight.

The conversation reveals surprising truths about overnight fame - the eight-hour filming days, the unexpected social media explosion, and the loneliness of an experience "only you have, by yourself." Most poignantly, Kaelynn articulates the challenge of forming genuine connections when followers seek advice rather than friendship: "There's a power imbalance. When we meet up, you will want something from me." This reality led her to write "Life on the Bridge: Linking my World to Yours as an Autistic Therapist," offering practical guidance to the many families who reach out for support.

Between discussions of sensory accommodations (fidget toys, headphones, earplugs) and behind-the-scenes television realities (being excluded from award ceremonies despite the show's success), emerges a portrait of someone determined to create meaningful change through authentic representation. As Kaelynn transitions from direct service to more conceptual advocacy work, her perspective remains invaluable for anyone seeking to understand autism beyond stereotypes and simplifications.

Connect with Kaelynn on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube to follow her continuing journey advocating for authentic autism representation and understanding.

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- Stream-Able Live — https://www.streamable.live-COMING SOON

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Every movement matters. That's the powerful message Dr. Mark Fleming brings to his work with autistic individuals seeking to improve their physical wellness. Diagnosed with autism at age 11 due to motor and speech challenges, Dr. Fleming has transformed his personal experience into a mission that's changing lives across the autism community.

The conversation reveals how seemingly simple movements can dramatically improve quality of life when approached with understanding and expertise. Dr. Fleming shares the story of preventing a young client's knee surgery through dedicated movement therapy – a success that proved even more critical as the child later experienced significant growth in height. These tangible results highlight the vital importance of adaptive physical training for neurodivergent individuals.

What makes Dr. Fleming's approach revolutionary is his deep recognition that autism manifests differently in each person and fluctuates daily. "I know how my autism affects me, but I don't know how it affects them," he explains. This perspective allows him to create truly individualized programs focused on functional movements that directly translate to improved independence: squats that mimic sitting and standing, push-pull motions for daily tasks, balance exercises, and reaching movements.

His insights on nutrition for sensory-sensitive individuals provide a refreshing alternative to rigid diet plans. Rather than overwhelming clients with dramatic dietary overhauls, Dr. Fleming advocates for gradual modifications and supplementation, drawing from his own experiences with food sensitivities. "If someone's eating ten cheeseburgers daily, let's reduce to seven and add a vitamin," he suggests pragmatically.

From the child who first walked to chase an ice cream truck to the doctoral graduate defying expectations, Dr. Fleming's journey exemplifies the power of understanding individual motivation and capability. Connect with him on social media under "Official Dr Mark" to discover how specialized movement training could transform your or your loved one's daily living experiences.

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WEBSITES

- Stream-Able Live — https://www.streamable.live-COMING SOON

- The SJ Childs Global Network — https://www.sjchilds.org

- The SJ Childs Show Podcast Page — https://www.sjchildsshow.com

YOUTUBE

- The SJ Childs Show — https://www.youtube.com/@sjchildsshow

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What does it mean to discover your autism at age 44? Dr. Jason Ybarra takes us on a profound journey of self-discovery that began when he noticed he could understand his autistic students in ways others couldn't. "This feels like a cozy sweater," he recalls thinking, as pieces of his own identity puzzle started falling into place.

The revelation transformed Dr. Ybarra's understanding of his past. Those childhood hours spent alone with art and Legos, the social exhaustion misdiagnosed as depression, the academic paradox of excelling in math while struggling with writing—suddenly made sense through a neurodivergent lens. His conversation with his mother after diagnosis brought new clarity to both of them, strengthening their bond as they reframed puzzling childhood moments.

Now as a university professor and planetarium director, Dr. Ybarra channels his lived experience into creating more accessible spaces for neurodivergent students. He's implementing autism training for staff, revising instructional materials for clarity, and mentoring students who share his neurotype. Most powerfully, he's identifying unique talents in autistic students and creating research opportunities tailored to their abilities—like partnering with a calligraphy-skilled student on a historical astronomy project.

"When you embrace neurodiversity, that benefits everyone," Dr. Ybarra explains, highlighting how accommodations designed for neurodivergent minds often improve experiences for all. His work demonstrates that understanding the autistic experience isn't just about helping those on the spectrum—it's about creating a world where different ways of thinking are recognized as valuable, where clear communication replaces unspoken expectations, and where everyone has the opportunity to contribute their unique gifts.

Ready to explore more about autism, neurodiversity, and creating inclusive environments? Connect with Dr. Ybarra or reach out to autism advocacy networks that can guide you toward resources and community support.

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WEBSITES

- Stream-Able Live — https://www.streamable.live-COMING SOON

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- The SJ Childs Show — https://www.youtube.com/@sjchildsshow

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What happens when you're passionate about cooking but can't see the ingredients? For Debra, founder of The Blind Kitchen, vision loss became the catalyst for culinary innovation rather than limitation.

Debra's story begins unexpectedly – she wasn't a natural cook, growing up as one of twelve children with limited kitchen experience. When retinitis pigmentosa claimed most of her vision in her fifties, she made a remarkable decision: instead of abandoning cooking, she enrolled in culinary school as their first legally blind student. There, she developed adaptive techniques that have since transformed kitchen accessibility.

The Blind Kitchen now offers approximately 100 specialized tools that make cooking safer and more approachable for people with vision impairments. Remarkably, about 90% weren't originally designed for the visually impaired but work perfectly with slight adaptations. From cut-resistant gloves that prevent injuries while grating or chopping to simple bump dots that create tactile markers on stove dials, these solutions bridge the gap between culinary arts and accessibility.

What makes Debra's approach revolutionary is her focus on practical, affordable solutions. A rubber band around a conditioner bottle distinguishes it from shampoo. Specialized whipped cream makers allow children to participate safely. These techniques restore kitchen independence for older adults who've lost vision due to conditions like diabetes or glaucoma, while opening culinary possibilities for those who never thought cooking was within their reach.

The Blind Kitchen's website exemplifies digital accessibility with clean design, audio-described videos, and comprehensive resources. As Debra beautifully puts it, "Food is a bridge. We all have to eat. That's something we have in common, regardless of our ability or disability." Her work reminds us that cooking isn't just about nourishment – it's about identity, connection, and the universal joy of creating something delicious.

Explore The Blind Kitchen at theblindkitchen.com and discover how adaptive tools and techniques are transforming lives one recipe at a time. Want to make your own spaces more accessible? Start by considering how simple modifications could make a world of difference for everyone who encounters them.

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WEBSITES

- Stream-Able Live — https://www.streamable.live-COMING SOON

- The SJ Childs Global Network — https://www.sjchilds.org

- The SJ Childs Show Podcast Page — https://www.sjchildsshow.com

YOUTUBE

- The SJ Childs Show — https://www.youtube.com/@sjchildsshow

- Louie Lou (Cats Channel) — https://www.youtube.com/@2catslouielou

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"What if homeschooling didn't have to look like anyone else's version but your own?" This question frames our enlightening conversation with Linsey Knerl, veteran homeschooling mother of six and author of "Homeschool Hacks." With children ranging from 11 to 26 years old, Linsey shares how her family's "one year at a time" approach evolved into a two-decade educational journey that prioritizes flexibility, observation, and meeting each child where they are.

Linsey reveals her pragmatic "education curation" philosophy—connecting children with passionate subject experts through online courses, co-ops, and carefully selected curricula rather than attempting to personally teach every subject. This approach fosters independence while developing research skills children will need throughout life. "I'm not providing all the information," she explains. "My job is equipping them to find that information themselves."

The discussion explores how technology has transformed homeschooling, making learning more accessible for diverse learning styles. Linsey shares candid insights about supporting her son with dyslexia, finding the unexpected combination of audiobooks with physical text tracking worked best for him—not because it followed expert recommendations, but because they observed and listened to what actually helped him learn effectively. This theme of careful observation runs throughout our conversation, challenging parents to truly know their children rather than following prescriptive educational methods.

Whether you're considering homeschooling, already deep in the journey, or simply curious about educational alternatives, Linsey's practical wisdom offers a refreshing counterbalance to perfectionism. "Take the time to get to know your child," she advises. "Let them be more of the compass than the group of families on Facebook who have this specific curriculum they love." Connect with Linsey at homeschoolhacksbook.com and discover how to create a homeschooling approach uniquely suited to your family's needs.

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WEBSITES

- Stream-Able Live — https://www.streamable.live-COMING SOON

- The SJ Childs Global Network — https://www.sjchilds.org

- The SJ Childs Show Podcast Page — https://www.sjchildsshow.com

YOUTUBE

- The SJ Childs Show — https://www.youtube.com/@sjchildsshow

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What if the key to meaningful connections isn't trying harder to fit in, but learning how to authentically stand out? Coach Lee Hopkins transforms this question into life-changing guidance for late-diagnosed autistic adults struggling with social connections.

Growing up watching sitcoms where problems resolved neatly in 30 minutes, Coach Lee assumed real relationships would follow the same pattern. Instead, he spent decades "destroying relationships" without understanding why. Through therapy, he discovered the foundation of connection—acknowledging that both he and others had feelings—but something was still missing. As an undiagnosed autistic person, his direct communication style clashed with neurotypical expectations, leaving him perpetually disconnected despite being surrounded by people.

Sarah Brafford shares similar experiences of feeling "like a unicorn in the horse and cow pasture," visible but fundamentally different. Both describe the exhaustion of masking—that survival strategy of nodding, smiling, and suppressing authentic responses to appear "normal." When they finally attempted to unmask, rejection often followed, creating a painful cycle that kept them isolated.

The conversation takes a powerful turn as Coach Lee reveals his transformative insight: "Rejection is redirection." Through his coaching practice, Patterns of Possibility, he guides clients to identify their values and seek connections in aligned environments. Rather than forcing yourself into spaces that require masking, he suggests finding communities where your authentic self naturally fits. The path requires vulnerability—something he teaches through practical, actionable steps rather than vague encouragements to "just be yourself."

Whether you're autistic, neurodivergent, or simply feeling disconnected, this episode offers hope through personal stories of finding genuine connection. Learn how small acts of recognition—like thanking the often-overlooked workers in our daily lives—can create ripples of positive change while building your connection muscles.

Ready to move from merely being invited to truly belonging? Visit PatternsOfPossibility.com for free resources, including a 7-minute guide on "How to be vulnerable without being overexposed" and information about joining the Trust and Thrive Tribe community.

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WEBSITES

- Stream-Able Live — https://www.streamable.live-COMING SOON

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- The SJ Childs Show Podcast Page — https://www.sjchildsshow.com

YOUTUBE

- The SJ Childs Show — https://www.youtube.com/@sjchildsshow

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FACEBOOK

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TIKTOK

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Discovering you're twice exceptional—both gifted and neurodivergent—can be transformative, especially when diagnosed as an adult. In this fascinating conversation, Sara welcomes authors Deb Gennarelli and John Truitt to explore the complex world of twice exceptionality (2E) through their book "Navigating Neurodiversity."

John shares his remarkable journey of being diagnosed at 45 as both gifted and on the autism spectrum with dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia. Unlike many narratives in the neurodiversity space, John describes a childhood where he excelled socially, becoming a class leader who dated "pretty, smart girls" and never experienced bullying. Yet his academic experience reflected classic 2E patterns—excelling tremendously in certain subjects while struggling inexplicably in others, facing accusations of laziness despite his obvious intelligence.

Deb brings her 30+ years of expertise as a gifted intervention specialist, explaining how twice exceptional students often fall into three categories: those whose gifts outshine their challenges, those whose challenges mask their gifts, and those who appear deceptively "average" when their exceptional abilities and struggles effectively cancel each other out. This insight proves crucial for parents and educators trying to identify and support 2E children.

The conversation takes a fascinating turn as John discusses workplace struggles that led him to entrepreneurship. "I've tried to fit into the office environment... it just doesn't work for me," he explains, articulating a common experience among highly capable neurodivergent adults. He poignantly observes the irony that many historical figures who shaped our modern world—from Einstein to Steve Jobs—were likely twice exceptional themselves: "It baffles me sometimes that we create the very world that we're not accepted in."

Whether you're a parent of a 2E child, an educator, or someone discovering their own neurodivergent traits, this episode offers invaluable insights into navigating the beautiful complexity of twice exceptional minds. As John powerfully states, "I don't want to be cured, I want to be understood."

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WEBSITES

- Stream-Able Live — https://www.streamable.live-COMING SOON

- The SJ Childs Global Network — https://www.sjchilds.org

- The SJ Childs Show Podcast Page — https://www.sjchildsshow.com

YOUTUBE

- The SJ Childs Show — https://www.youtube.com/@sjchildsshow

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FACEBOOK

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- https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjchilds/

PODCAST PLATFORMS

- Spotify — https://open.spotify.com/show/4qgD3ZMOB2unfPxqacu3cC

- Apple Podcasts — https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sj-childs-show/id1548143291

CONTACT EMAIL

- [email protected]