Parenting an autistic child can bring moments of joy, uncertainty, growth, and deep reflection. In this episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, Brian Keene sits down with Dr. Jonathan Chism, also known as Dr. Chiz, a father, professor, minister, and co-founder of the Autism Dad Social Club.

Dr. Chism shares the honest story of his family's journey raising his non-speaking autistic son. He opens up about the early shock and denial after diagnosis, the hope that therapy might "fix" autism, and the powerful shift that happened when he began listening to autistic voices and embracing a different perspective.

Instead of focusing on changing his son, Dr. Chism learned to focus on connection, acceptance, and supporting his son's communication and independence. In this conversation, he reflects on the lessons autism has taught him about empathy, patience, inclusion, and what it really means to show up as a father.

This episode is especially meaningful for parents who may feel overwhelmed early in their journey. It's a reminder that growth happens not only for children, but for parents too.

Topics Covered

• Processing an autism diagnosis as a parent
• Moving from denial toward acceptance in the autism journey
• Parenting a non-speaking autistic child
• Listening to autistic voices and lived experiences
• Supporting communication through AAC devices
• Building strong father-child relationships
• Encouraging independence and life skills
• Finding community as an autism parent

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Jonathan Chism
01:21 Dr. Chism's background and family
03:08 Receiving an autism diagnosis at age two and a half
07:57 Moving from denial toward understanding autism
10:40 Learning from autistic voices and shifting perspective
24:26 Advice for parents feeling overwhelmed

Memorable Quote

"Be patient with yourself. Your child is a gift, and this journey will create a new normal."
— Dr. Jonathan Chism

About the Guest

Dr. Jonathan Chism, also known as Dr. Chiz, is an associate professor of history at the University of Houston Downtown, an ordained minister, and the co-founder of the Autism Dad Social Club. As a father raising a non-speaking autistic son, he is passionate about supporting fathers, promoting autism acceptance, and helping families build meaningful connections with their children.

Resources Mentioned

• Autism Dad Social Club
• Uniquely Human by Dr. Barry Prizant
• AAC communication tools such as TouchChat

About the Host

Brian Keene is a pediatric occupational therapist and founder of Pure Hearts Therapy, a neurodiversity-affirming therapy practice providing in-home pediatric therapy services for families in Arizona.

Through the Autism Family Resource Podcast, Brian shares practical tools, expert conversations, and supportive insights to help parents navigate the journey of raising neurodivergent children.

Learn more at:
https://pureheartstherapy.com

Subscribe & Connect

If this episode resonated with you, please consider sharing it with another parent who might benefit from this conversation.

Listen and subscribe to the Autism Family Resource Podcast:
https://pod.link/1591840956

Explore more resources for families at:
https://pureheartstherapy.com

Have you ever wondered if something deeper might be affecting your child's regulation, behavior, or sleep?

In this episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, Brian sits down with Dr. Jeffrey Knight, chiropractor and founder of the Autism Wellness Center, to explore how factors like inflammation, gut health, environmental toxins, and cellular health may influence a child's nervous system and overall regulation.

Dr. Knight shares his four-phase approach to cellular healing, designed to help support detox pathways, improve mitochondrial function, and restore gut health. The conversation also highlights how addressing these internal systems may help children better engage in therapies, school, and daily life.

This episode is not about quick fixes. It's about gaining a deeper understanding of how the body works and how families can explore additional tools to support their child's development and regulation.

Topics Covered

• How inflammation may influence behavior and regulation
• The connection between gut health and neurological function
• Dr. Knight's four-phase cellular healing approach
• The role toxins and environmental exposures may play in health
• Supporting detox pathways safely and thoughtfully
• Why mitochondrial health matters for energy and regulation
• Real stories of changes families have experienced
• Simple lifestyle adjustments families can start today

About the Guest

Dr. Jeffrey Knight is a chiropractor and founder of the Autism Wellness Center in Utah. His work focuses on a whole-body approach to health, supporting neurological function, detoxification pathways, cellular healing, and gut health.

Through his four-phase wellness program, Dr. Knight works with families across the country to help support children's overall health and regulation.

Learn more:
https://healthempoweredfamilies.com

Resources Mentioned

Health Empowered Families
https://healthempoweredfamilies.com

About the Host

Brian Keene is a pediatric occupational therapist and founder of Pure Hearts Therapy, a neurodiversity-affirming therapy practice providing in-home pediatric therapy services for families in Arizona.

Through the Autism Family Resource Podcast, Brian shares practical strategies, expert conversations, and supportive insights to help parents navigate autism and neurodiversity with confidence.

Learn more:
https://pureheartstherapy.com

Subscribe & Connect

If this episode resonated with you, please consider sharing it with another parent who might benefit from the conversation.

You can find more resources and support at:
https://pureheartstherapy.com

Follow Pure Hearts Therapy on social media for more tools, strategies, and conversations supporting neurodivergent families.

Many parents of neurodivergent children share a common feeling: isolation. Even when surrounded by people, it can feel like no one truly understands the unique challenges your family is navigating.

In this episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, Brian Keene sits down with autism advocate Mandy Pinckley to talk about the power of community and connection. Mandy shares her personal journey of discovering supportive spaces where she could be authentic about being autistic, and how finding the right community helped her build confidence and self-acceptance.

Together, they explore why so many parents feel alone, how community support can transform the experience of raising a neurodivergent child, and practical ways families can begin building their own support networks. From online communities to local support groups, Mandy highlights how even one meaningful connection can help families move from isolation to hope.

If you've ever wondered whether other families truly understand what you're going through, this conversation is a reminder that you are not alone—and your community may be closer than you think.

Topics Covered

• Why many parents of neurodivergent children feel isolated
• Mandy Pinkley's journey embracing her autistic identity
• The power of finding community with people who understand your experience
• How support groups can reduce isolation and build confidence
• Online communities vs. in-person support networks
• How parents can help their children find supportive social environments
• Why advocacy and authenticity matter in the autism community
• How families can start building their own support networks

About the Guest

Mandy Pinckley is an autism advocate who speaks openly about identity, community, and the importance of creating spaces where neurodivergent individuals feel accepted and understood. Through advocacy and community engagement, Mandy works to promote inclusion, awareness, and authentic representation of autistic experiences.

About the Host

Brian Keene is a pediatric occupational therapist and founder of Pure Hearts Therapy, a neurodiversity-affirming therapy practice providing in-home pediatric therapy services for families in Arizona.

Through the Autism Family Resource Podcast, Brian shares practical insights, expert conversations, and supportive strategies to help parents navigate the journey of raising neurodivergent children.

Learn more at:
https://pureheartstherapy.com

Subscribe & Connect

If this episode resonated with you, please consider sharing it with another parent who might benefit from this conversation.

You can find more resources and support at:
https://pureheartstherapy.com

Follow Pure Hearts Therapy on social media for more conversations, guidance, and resources supporting neurodivergent families.

• CARD – Center for Autism & Related Disabilities

• Family Inclusion Networks (e.g., "FIN")

• Local autism organizations

• Facebook and online support groups

• Community events and family-friendly meetups