• Ep 12. The Superhero Within | Interview with Jeff and Jessica Carbajal
    Mar 23 2024

    Connect with Jeff and Jessica on Instagram @theautismsuperhero

    Empower the mission of inclusion and advocacy by supporting them and buying their merchandise at:
    https://theautismsuperhero.com/


    When Jeff and Jessica first learned their son was nonverbal and autistic, they never imagined they’d become superheroes in their own right. Yet, here they are: the duo behind the brand “The Autism Superhero”, turning their parenting journey into a celebration of diversity and resilience. Their story, rich with personal insights, unfolds in our latest episode, where they join us to talk about transforming struggle into empowerment, not just for themselves, but for families everywhere facing the challenge of raising a child on the autism spectrum.

    The rollercoaster of emotions that accompanies a child’s autism diagnosis can be overwhelming; however, acceptance and advocacy carve a path to hope. Our conversation traverses the landscape of early intervention, educational planning, and harnessing the power of community. Jeff annd Jessica offer a unique glimpse into the balancing act of parenthood, discussing how normalizing experiences for children with special needs can foster a sense of inclusion. The candid sharing of these personal narratives promises to strike a chord with listeners, whether they're knee-deep in their own parenting odysseys or simply seeking understanding.

    In the heart of this episode lies the core message: the unexpected strength found through conquering challenges. We reflect on the growth, the connections made, and the profound resilience parents unearth within themselves. Jeff and Jessica's journey, punctuated by moments of vulnerability and triumph, illuminates a path for other parents. Their tales of advocacy, hope, and acceptance remind us that while the road may be fraught with obstacles, it can also lead to a world of possibilities and support, highlighting the superhero within each of us.

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    45 mins
  • Ep 11. Life As An Autism Sibling
    Mar 16 2024
    When life presented us with the gift of our son Ezra and his autism diagnosis, the complex tapestry of our family deepened with vibrant new colors. It's a story not unlike a spiritual awakening, one that found us celebrating the arrival of his younger brother Justice, whose name came to us in a moment of profound clarity. Our journey is laden with laughter, tears, and the rich, rewarding challenge of embracing the individuality of our children. This episode is an open invitation to feel the warmth of our family embrace as we navigate the highs and lows of raising two uniquely marvelous boys.

    Join us as we paint a vivid picture of the beautiful chaos that is our daily life, from the heart-melting sweetness of Ezra's innocence to the hilarious escapades of Justice's "terrible twos." We peel back the layers of sibling relationships in a household where autism is a part of the family narrative, sharing insights on how we tailor our connections to meet each child where they are. The stories we share not only shed light on the lesser-discussed experiences of siblings in similar situations but also serve as a beacon of joy and a testament to the unspoken strength that comes from facing life's unplanned adventures head-on.

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    Video Content: https://youtube.com/@notanislandpodcast
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    Contact us at notanislandpodcast@gmail.com


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    20 mins
  • Ep 10. Faith and ABA therapy | Interview with Christina Flores, BCaBA
    Mar 10 2024
    When life's passions and our faith intertwine, the journey can lead us to extraordinary places. Christina Flores' story is a testament to this very idea. Our latest episode welcomes our good friend and Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst, Christina, as she shares the powerful moments that directed her towards supporting children on the autism spectrum. Christina's powerful narrative is not just about a career; it's a story where divine guidance and personal calling find a harmonious symphony.

    Our conversation dives deep into the essence of divine encounters and their role in shaping our destinies. The narrative of how a chance meeting at a conference and a prayer altered our paths is one of our most cherished testimonies. It's a celebration of the Holy Spirit's orchestration in our lives, leading us to become champions for special needs and advocates for inclusion. The episode serves as a moving reminder of the impact we can have on families navigating the challenges of raising children with special needs, and the beauty of spiritual guidance in uncovering one's purpose.

    Walking with Christina through her experiences, we uncover the blessings that children with autism bring into our lives and the community. The discussion sheds light on the expanding embrace of the autistic community within American society and the importance of welcoming all families to the fold. We close with heartfelt advice for parents seeking solace and support, ensuring them that they are never alone. Join us in this soul-stirring episode, where faith meets purpose and where every story shared is a beacon of hope for embracing the gifts of every child.

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    Video Content: https://youtube.com/@notanislandpodcast
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    Contact us at notanislandpodcast@gmail.com


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    48 mins
  • Ep 9. The Struggles and Joys of Autism Parenting
    Jan 21 2024

    When we first realized that our beloved Ezra was navigating the world uniquely as an autistic child, our hearts were flooded with a mix of concern, confusion, and a fierce desire to connect. Embrace this raw and genuine account of our family's journey, as we recount the trials, triumphs, and treasures discovered while raising Ezra. From battling misconceptions to celebrating his individuality, we open our lives to you, offering a beacon of hope and a shared understanding for those on similar paths.

    Join us as we shed light on the often-unspoken emotional landscape of parenting a child with autism, and reveal how our son's life has not only transformed our family dynamics but has also endowed us with an expanded capacity for patience, empathy, and resilience. Through laughter and tears, we'll share how these experiences have shaped our view of the world, our relationships, and our very sense of being.

    Support the show

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    Video Content: https://youtube.com/@notanislandpodcast
    Support our podcast: https://www.patreon.com/NotAnIslandPodcast
    Contact us at notanislandpodcast@gmail.com


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    26 mins
  • Ep 8. From Grief to Advocacy in Autism Families
    Jan 14 2024

    When the diagnosis of autism enters a family's life, it often brings with it a tempest of emotions. We've been there too—wading through the denial, wrestling with the fear, and ultimately, seeking solace in acceptance. Today's episode takes you through the heart of that storm, sharing our personal journey and the universal path many families tread upon learning their child is on the spectrum. We talk candidly about the initial shock, the fear of stigma, and how embracing knowledge about autism can be a beacon of light, guiding parents to a place of empowerment and advocacy.

    Joining us in this intimate conversation, we invite you to understand how stepping into our children's world can deepen connections, and how the 'sixth stage of grief,' advocacy, is a potent force for change. We navigate the complex emotional terrain of grief and acceptance, and discuss how marriages can be fortified when partners unite in support of each other and their child. The takeaway from our discussion is one of hope—a reminder that, while the journey is challenging, it's also rich with opportunities for growth and that the strength of our community is a wellspring of support for any family navigating this path.

    Support the show

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    Video Content: https://youtube.com/@notanislandpodcast
    Support our podcast: https://www.patreon.com/NotAnIslandPodcast
    Contact us at notanislandpodcast@gmail.com


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    29 mins
  • Ep 7. Church, Worship and Autism | A Family's Perspective
    Jan 7 2024

    In today's episode we take an intimate turn as we share the practicalities and heartwarming stories of integrating worship into your child's life. We offer an encouraging look at the hurdles we've personally overcome, such as our son's sensitivity to overstimulation at church, and celebrate the milestones reached, all while embedding lessons of sacrificial love into our daily lives. For families walking a similar path, we shed light on resources and share insights that have been lifelines for us, reinforcing the idea that within the challenges of raising children with special needs, there lies a beautiful opportunity to witness pure, unadulterated expressions of worship. Join us as we embrace the unexpected and share our story of faith, love, and the incredible impact of worship on our family's journey.

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    Video Content: https://youtube.com/@notanislandpodcast
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    Contact us at notanislandpodcast@gmail.com


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    27 mins
  • Ep 6. Understanding Elopement
    Dec 4 2023

     Join your hosts, Todd and Amanda Johnson, as they peel back the layers of their elopement experience.  In today's episode, they don't just share their personal story, but also offer insights into the reasons why autistic children elope, and discuss proactive steps you can take to manage your fear of elopement. It's not about blame, but about understanding, as they discuss the guilt and isolation that parents may undergo following such incidents. Their hope is that their journey can provide some solace for parent listeners facing similar challenges. We wrap up this episode with a heartfelt prayer, for peace, understanding, and the safety of all children.

    Support the show

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    Video Content: https://youtube.com/@notanislandpodcast
    Support our podcast: https://www.patreon.com/NotAnIslandPodcast
    Contact us at notanislandpodcast@gmail.com


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    24 mins
  • Ep 5. Our Autism Parenting Adventure (Pt. 2)
    Nov 26 2023

    In this second part of the Autism Parenting Adventure podcast series, we dive deeper into the challenges and joys that come with raising a child with autism. Join us as we continue our insightful conversation, sharing our personal experiences and offering practical advice on various aspects of autism parenting. Whether you're a parent, caregiver, or simply interested in learning more about autism, this podcast is filled with valuable information and heartfelt discussions that will leave you feeling informed and inspired.

    Support the show

    Be sure to FOLLOW, SHARE, RATE and SUBSCRIBE!
    Video Content: https://youtube.com/@notanislandpodcast
    Support our podcast: https://www.patreon.com/NotAnIslandPodcast
    Contact us at notanislandpodcast@gmail.com


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    24 mins