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
  
  

Host: Brian Keene, Pure Hearts Therapy
Guest: Mandy — Autistic Advocate, Peer Mentor, Neurodiversity Educator

In today's episode, Brian welcomes back Mandy—an autistic advocate whose insight, honesty, and lived experiences help bridge understanding between neurodivergent individuals and the communities around them.

This conversation explores:

• What true inclusion looks like
  
  

• How peers can become better allies
  
  

• The power of online communities
  
  

• Healthy boundaries and safety for autistic adolescents
  
  

• Why children should be believed, supported, and included intentionally
  
  

• Real-life stories from Penguin Project musical theatre
  
  

• How parents and teachers can advocate with—not for—their children
  
  

• What friendship means through a neurodivergent lens
  
  

• How resources and gentle assistance can reduce stress and build empowerment
  
  

This is an honest, insightful, heartfelt conversation that helps families, educators, and peers understand ways to foster acceptance, belonging, and meaningful relationships.

Mandy explains that inclusion goes beyond the "right thing to do."
It's about recognizing that a person's presence matters and enriches the group.

Digital communities remove physical judgments and bring people together based on interests and strengths—not labels.

• Modeling respectful communication
  
  

• Directing conversation to the neurodivergent individual rather than around them
  
  

• Recognizing and celebrating strengths
  
  

• Meeting people where they are
  
  

Brian and Mandy discuss examples of parents who:

• Observe classrooms firsthand
  
  

• Ask specific questions
  
  

• Identify mismatches between learning environments and student needs
  
  

• Advocate beyond the "check-the-box" approach
  
  

For many autistic individuals:

• The line between acquaintance and friend may feel unclear
  
  

• Empathy is expressed through shared experiences, not always through typical responses
  
  

• Volume, pacing, or intensity may fluctuate with comfort or excitement
  Gentle, respectful cues from friends can be extremely helpful.
  
  

Mandy shares personal experiences illustrating how:

• Autistic youth often aren't taught what harassment or unhealthy dynamics look like
  
  

• Early boundary education (middle school age) can prevent exploitation
  
  

• Families and educators should prioritize these conversations
  
  

Sharing resources is important, but offering help with applications, forms, or steps shows real advocacy.

• "Inclusion isn't just letting someone sit at the table—it's wanting them to be there." – Mandy
  
  

• "Meeting people where they're at is huge." – Brian
  
  

• "Some of us don't even know what a friend is—and that's okay." – Mandy
  
  

• "Teaching healthy boundaries early can change lives." – Mandy
  
  

• Penguin Project – Inclusive musical theatre program pairing neurodivergent actors with peer mentors
  
  

• CARD (Center for Autism & Related Disabilities) – State-supported resources (varies by location)
  
  

• Local/state autism agencies or community groups
  
  

• Online peer support communities for autistic youth and adults
  
  

Pure Hearts Therapy
Website: pureheartstherapy.com

What is it really like to grow up autistic? And what do autistic youth wish the adults in their lives understood better?

In this episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, Brian Keene sits down with autism advocate Mandy Pinckley to talk about her lived experience growing up autistic and the journey that led her into advocacy work today. Mandy shares what it was like navigating childhood, friendships, bullying, and the search for belonging while growing up undiagnosed.

Together they explore how early understanding, supportive relationships, and open communication can make a meaningful difference for autistic youth. Mandy also shares insights on digital safety, emotional experiences, identity development, and why it's so important for parents to meet their children where they are.

This conversation is the beginning of a multi-episode series with Mandy, where Brian and Mandy will explore topics like digital safety, inclusion, peer advocacy, and building supportive communities for neurodivergent youth.

If you've ever wondered how to better understand your child's perspective or create a stronger connection with them, this episode offers thoughtful insights and encouragement.

Topics Covered

• Mandy's experience growing up autistic and being diagnosed later
• Why many autistic girls go undiagnosed longer than boys
• The emotional experiences many autistic youth navigate
• Bullying, isolation, and searching for belonging
• The role of digital environments and online safety
• How open communication helps protect and support kids
• Supporting identity development and self-expression
• Helping neurodivergent youth find community

Memorable Quote

"Meet them where they're at — not where you want them to be."
— Mandy Pinkley

About the Guest

Mandy Pinckley is an autism advocate focused on promoting digital safety, inclusion, and support for neurodivergent youth. Through speaking, advocacy work, and community engagement, she helps families and educators better understand the experiences of autistic individuals and create safer, more supportive environments.

Resources Mentioned

• CARD — Center for Autism and Related Disabilities

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 expert conversations, practical strategies, 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

🔍 Episode Overview:
In this episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, host Brian Keene sits down with licensed therapist and autism advocate Megan Ashley to explore how empathy and cultural context shape our understanding of autism. From decoding sensory experiences to the challenges of masking and gender disparities in diagnosis, this conversation is packed with insight and practical tools for parents. Learn how to redefine what "okay" really means for your autistic child—and why listening without bias is one of the most powerful things you can do.

🧠 In This Episode, You'll Learn:

• What autism culture is—and why it matters

• How to spot sensory signs early

• What masking looks like in kids and adults

• Why girls are often underdiagnosed

• How to shift from fear to understanding as a parent

📌 Key Takeaways:

• Understanding autism requires empathy and cultural awareness

• Sensory experiences are crucial indicators of autism

• Masking is exhausting and often misunderstood

• Gender differences affect diagnosis rates

• Parents must tune into their child's unique sensory needs

• Redefining 'okay' is critical to truly supporting autistic children

• Accommodations aren't optional—they're necessary

• Listening to your child's needs builds stronger connections

🕒 Episode Chapters:
00:00 – Understanding Autism Through Empathy
03:02 – Cultural Context in Autism
05:46 – Sensory Experiences and Accommodations
09:00 – The Concept of Masking
12:04 – Gender Differences in Autism Diagnosis
15:09 – Recognizing Autism in Children
17:50 – Parenting Autistic Children
21:14 – Redefining 'Okay' for Autistic Kids
23:32 – Listening to Your Child's Needs

🎤 Guest: Megan Ashley, LCSW – Therapist, Author, Parent Advocate
🎙️ Host: Brian Keene, Pure Hearts Therapy

🛠️ Resources Mentioned:

• Website: perfectandconsulting.com

• Instagram: @imperfectconsulting

• Book: Blueprints of Behavior – available at Amazon, Target, Walmart, Barnes & Noble

📲 Stay Connected:

• 🌐 Website: pureheartstherapy.com

• 📷 Instagram: @purehearts_therapy

• 📘 Facebook: Pure Hearts Therapy

• 👥 Join the Community: Autism Family Resource Facebook Group

⭐ Subscribe & Review:
Don't miss an episode! Subscribe, rate, and leave a review to help more families find support.

🎧 Listen now: https://pod.link/1591840956
Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, and more.

In this powerful episode, host Brian Keene welcomes Dr. Martine Laventure, a licensed
social worker, mother, and passionate advocate for autism and inclusion. Together, they
explore the complexities of navigating an autism diagnosis as a parent, the importance of
building a village, and how cultural understanding shapes access to care.
Dr. Martine shares her personal journey as a mother to an autistic child, how she uses her
lens as a clinician and parent, and offers encouraging, real-world advice for families trying
to find their footing. They also discuss disparities in autism care within Black and Brown
communities, the importance of culturally competent services, and how to avoid therapy
burnout.

Key Topics Discussed:
- Building your support system and treatment team
- Talking to your child and family about autism
- Understanding and honoring cultural differences
- Self-advocacy and caregiver empowerment
- When therapy becomes too much – recognizing the signs of burnout
- The need for culturally informed care and inclusive assessments
- Encouragement for teens, young adults, and parents to seek support

Guest Info:
Dr. Martine Laventure is a licensed social worker, school clinician, per diem therapist, and
founder of LaVenture Consulting. She offers training and consulting on autism, cultural
competence, and family empowerment. She's also releasing a children's book on autism!
Connect with Dr. Martine Laventure:
- Website: http://laventureconsultant.com
- Instagram: @laventure.csllc

Resources Mentioned:
- ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences)
- Philadelphia Expanded ACEs Study
- Autism education and caregiver advocacy

Love this episode? Share it with another parent or therapist who needs to hear it. Don't
forget to subscribe and leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform!
Connect with Us:
- Website: https://www.pureheartstherapy.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pureheartstherapy
- Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/autismfamilyresource
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/purehearts_therapy