Autism Blueprint Podcast

Episode Summary We are in the therapy room today, and I'm thrilled to welcome Erica Whitfield to the Autism Blueprint Podcast. As a specialist in working with gifted and neurodivergent children and teens, Erica brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our discussion. Did you know that a study from the Carver College of […] The post The Intersection of Giftedness and Neurodivergence: Insights from Erica Whitfield appeared first on Puzzle Peace Counseling.

Episode Summary In this episode of the Autism Blueprint Podcast, we're on retreat with Brigitte Shipman and Maureen Brice, two inspiring autism moms and life coaches. Together, we explore the challenges and triumphs of parenting children on the autism spectrum, emphasizing the critical importance of self-care for mothers. Brigitte and Maureen share their personal journeys, […] The post Empowered Parenting | Insights and Strategies from Experienced Moms | A conversation with Brigitte Shipman & Maureen Brice appeared first on Puzzle Peace Counseling.

Episode Summary In this episode of the Autism Blueprint Podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Elizabeth Vosseller, a speech-language pathologist with nearly 30 years of experience specializing in complex communication needs. We explored the transformative method of Spelling to Communicate (S2C), which emphasizes the importance of motor planning in communication and the critical […] The post Spelling To Communicate | How S2C can help your child find their voice | A conversation with Elizabeth Vosseller appeared first on Puzzle Peace Counseling.

Summary In this episode of the Autism Blueprint Podcast, I am joined by Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum, a leading expert in selective mutism and the president of the SMART Center in Pennsylvania. We explore the often misunderstood condition of selective mutism, discussing its critical differences from nonverbal autism and the importance of recognizing it as an […] The post Selective Mutism vs. Non-Speaking Autism | How understanding the difference can help your child | A conversation with Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum appeared first on Puzzle Peace Counseling.

Episode Summary In this episode of the Autism Blueprint Podcast, we welcome author Kathleen Somers to the family room. Kathleen shares her poignant memoir about raising a son diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome, (now referred to as autism.) Kathleen's journey highlights the unique challenges and triumphs of parenting a child on the autism spectrum, offering insights […] The post Barely Visible | Helping Your Misunderstood Child | A conversation with Kathleen Somers appeared first on Puzzle Peace Counseling.

Episode Summary In this episode of the Autism Blueprint Podcast, I have the pleasure of speaking with Maria Perrin from Public Partnerships about the invaluable support that self-directed programs can provide for families with autistic individuals. Maria shares her journey, beginning with her child's autism diagnosis, and we discuss the benefits of self-direction, which empowers […] The post Medicaid and Autism | Finding Support Through Self-Directed Care Programs | A conversation with Maria Perrin appeared first on Puzzle Peace Counseling.

Episode Summary: In this episode of the Autism Blueprint Podcast, I had the pleasure of welcoming back Katherine Scott, a licensed marriage and family therapist from Puzzle Peace Counseling in North Florida. We discussed the insights gained from our ongoing therapy group, “Love Beyond Labels,” which focuses on individuals in romantic relationships with neurodivergent partners. […] The post Love Beyond Labels |Overcoming Resentment in Neurodivergent Relationships | A conversation with Katherine Scott, LMFT appeared first on Puzzle Peace Counseling.

Episode Summary In this episode of the Autism Blueprint Podcast, host Janeen Herskovitz shares her personal journey of managing stress following a challenging trip to Asheville with her family. She discusses the unique stressors that come with being a parent of an autistic child and how acute stress can significantly impact emotional well-being. Janeen explores […] The post Understanding Trauma Responses | A Caregiver's Guide appeared first on Puzzle Peace Counseling.

Episode Summary In this episode of the Autism Blueprint Podcast, Janeen shares a gripping story about her family's unexpected adventure during a recent trip to Asheville, North Carolina, coinciding with Hurricane Helene. Joined by her husband, Joe, they recount their experience of waking up to a power outage and the chaos that ensued as they […] The post Navigating the Storm | Our Neurodivergent Family's Escape From Hurricane Helene appeared first on Puzzle Peace Counseling.

Episode Summary In this episode of the Autism Blueprint Podcast, we're in the classroom today with Rosalia Rivera, an expert in body safety education. Our conversation centered around the critical importance of teaching children about their bodies, boundaries, and consent, particularly in the context of preventing abuse. Rosalia introduced the concept of “body safety,” practical […] The post Understanding Consent | Body Safety Strategies for ALL Families | A conversation with Rosalia Rivera appeared first on Puzzle Peace Counseling.

Episode Summary In this episode of the Autism Blueprint Podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Kari Baker, a remarkable mom who has transitioned from a successful career in corporate finance to becoming a passionate advocate for families with neurodivergent children. Kari shares her personal journey as a mother to her son, Brady, who […] The post Creating a KIND Family | An autism mom's story of love, faith and resilience | A conversation with Kari Baker appeared first on Puzzle Peace Counseling.

Episode Summary In this episode of the Autism Blueprint Podcast, I am joined by my friend and colleague, Katherine Scott, a licensed marriage and family therapist based in North Florida. Together, we delve into the complexities of neurodivergent relationships, particularly focusing on couples where one partner is neurodivergent and the other may be neurotypical or […] The post Neurodivergent Love appeared first on Puzzle Peace Counseling.

Episode Summary In this episode of the Autism Blueprint Podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Rachael Dunkle, a licensed clinical professional counselor and certified high conflict divorce coach. Rachel shared her journey into the mental health field, which was inspired by her personal experiences with trauma and addiction, as well as her own […] The post Resilience To Rise | Empowering Special Needs Moms Through High-Conflict Divorce appeared first on Puzzle Peace Counseling.

Episode Summary: In this episode of the Autism Blueprint Podcast, I had a conversation with autism specialist, Katherine Scott about preparing for back to school. “Miss Kat,” a licensed marriage and family therapist, shared valuable insights on the struggles parents and children face during this time. We discussed the pressures of success, challenges in school […] The post Time For School! | Expert Tips To Set Up Your Neurodivergent Kiddo For Success | A conversation with Katherine Scott appeared first on Puzzle Peace Counseling.

Episode Summary: In this episode, I had the pleasure of welcoming Jan Stewart, a dedicated mother and advocate for neurodivergent individuals, back to the Autism Blueprint Podcast. Jan shared valuable insights into the challenges and triumphs of raising her children, Andrew and Ainsley, who are now thriving in their respective careers. Jan discussed the importance […] The post How To Be A Forever Parent | Empowering adult children with disabilities | A conversation with Jan Stewart appeared first on Puzzle Peace Counseling.

Podcast Episode Synopsis: In this episode of the Autism Blueprint Podcast, host Janeen Herskovitz, welcomes author and advocate Jan Stewart to share her journey of raising children with mental health and neuro-developmental disorders. Jan Stewart's award-winning memoir, “Hold on Tight, A Parent's Journey Raising Children with Mental Illness,” serves as a guide for parents navigating […] The post Buckle Up! Embracing the Twists and Turns of Neurodiversity Parenting | A conversation with author and advocate Jan Stewart appeared first on Puzzle Peace Counseling.

In this episode of the Autism Blueprint Podcast, we're in the home office speaking with Lisa Gomez, the Assistant Secretary for Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA). Lisa shared valuable insights into how EBSA works to protect the retirement and health plans of American workers and their families. Throughout the episode, Lisa discussed the mission of […] The post Understanding Insurance Coverage for Autism: A conversation with Lisa Gomez of the EBSA appeared first on Puzzle Peace Counseling.

In This Episode  In this episode Janeen speaks with Meg Applegate, who shares her powerful story of being a survivor of the troubled teen industry. Meg opens up about her experiences of being undiagnosed autistic throughout her life and the trauma she faced during her time in congregate care facilities from the ages of 15 […] The post Unsilenced: Exposing the Troubled Teen Industry | A conversation with survivor & advocate Meg Appelgate appeared first on Puzzle Peace Counseling.

In this episode, we're in the theater chatting with Janeen's daughter, Rebekah, who has returned to the podcast for the second time after several years. Rebekah, now 24 years old, shared her journey from being a theater-loving kid to a young adult navigating life with neurodiversity. As our new Creative Consultant at Autism Blueprint, Rebekah […] The post Unscripted Insights | Rebekah Herskovitz shares her neurospicy journey appeared first on Puzzle Peace Counseling.

In this episode, we're in the library where I had the pleasure of welcoming Dr. Wendela Marsh for the second time on Autism Blueprint. Dr. Wendy shared valuable insights on the significance of person-first language and the evolution of her book series, “Adulting While Autistic.” We delved into the challenges faced by autistic adults living […] The post Independent Living While Autistic | A roadmap to success with Dr. Wendy Marsh appeared first on Puzzle Peace Counseling.

In this episode of the Autism Blueprint Podcast, Janeen welcomes Dr. Sourav Sengupta, a child and adolescent psychiatrist, to discuss important topics related to children's mental health. The conversation delves into the role of medication in treatment, the importance of untangling complex stories, and the significance of working with systems to support children with emotional […] The post When Is It Time For Meds? | Medication Myths & Realities from a child psychiatrist|A conversation with Dr. Sourav Sengupta of Hopscotch Play appeared first on Puzzle Peace Counseling.

Today I am joined by the insightful and compassionate Katherine Scott, a licensed marriage and family therapist at our private practice. Known for her expertise in working with neurodivergent individuals, Katherine brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our discussions. In today's episode, we explore the complex dynamics of needs versus wants, shedding light […] The post Understanding Neurodivergent Needs | A conversation with Miss Kat | with Katherine Scott, LMFT appeared first on Puzzle Peace Counseling.

  In today's episode, we're traveling overseas to chat with a special guest, Jude Morrow, a renowned autism advocate and author. Jude shares his personal journey from the medical model of disability to the neurodiversity lens, and how it has shaped his work in advocating for the rights and dignity of neurodivergent individuals. We discuss […] The post Breaking the Stigma | Redefining Autism & Celebrating Neurodiversity| A conversation with Jude Morrow appeared first on Puzzle Peace Counseling.

Today we're in your wallet, talking about the complex issue of autism and consumerism. When parents are vulnerable and faced with consumerism while trying to find the right care for their child, the results can be financially and emotionally devastating. In this episode Janeen shares her experience and what to look out for on your […] The post Take My Money, Fix My Kid | When consumerism and autism collide; How to avoid the pitfalls appeared first on Puzzle Peace Counseling.

Today we're in the family room talking about support from extended family and friends. It's not an easy task for autism families to get the support we need from the people we love. This episode is designed to share with them and make it a bit easier. This is a replay. The original episode aired […] The post REPLAY: What Autism Parents Wish You Knew | An Episode To Share With Extended Family & Friends appeared first on Puzzle Peace Counseling.

Sometimes the journey to well-being feels overwhelming. But you don't have to walk it alone. Welcome to the peer network, where connection meets compassion through telehealth peer support. At the peer network, their certified peer support specialists are more than just trained professionals. They are individuals who have walked their own path of recovery and […] The post Substance Use & Addiction In Neurdivergent Families | A conversation with Kurt Schmidt of The Peer Network appeared first on Puzzle Peace Counseling.

We're in the workplace today talking with cofounder and COO, Tom D'Eri.  Tom shares his experience growing up with an autistic brother and helping to create a sustainable employment opportunity for him and so many others. In This Episode You Will Discover How his family came up with the idea for Rising Tide Car Wash. […] The post Autism and Employment | How one family created a successful business model that employs individuals on the spectrum appeared first on Puzzle Peace Counseling.

We're in the home library today talking with author and public speaker, Ron Sandison. Ron shares his experience growing up autistic and has some fantastic advice for parents, professionals and churches who help people on the autism spectrum. In This Episode You Will Discover How a honey badger and a groundhog help keep Ron grounded. […] The post A View From the Spectrum | A conversation with Ron Sandison about his experience growing up autistic appeared first on Puzzle Peace Counseling.

We're in the TV room/home theater today talking with Angie Harrington of The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City. Angie's son was diagnosed with autism last year, and she shares how she is navigating her new normal. In This Episode You Will Discover Why Angie decided it was time to leave the show Her family's […] The post The New Normal | Adjusting to Your Child's Autism Diagnosis | A conversation with Angie Harrington appeared first on Puzzle Peace Counseling.

We're in the therapy office today chatting with Whitney Owens about her autism motherhood journey. Whitney shares her experiences as a mom, private practice owner and entrepreneur. In This Episode You Will Discover What is a faith-based practice and who is it for? How Whitney's life has changed since her daughter's diagnosis The most difficult […] The post Wise Motherhood | How one autism mom balances parenting and her private practice | A Conversation with Whitney Owens, LPC appeared first on Puzzle Peace Counseling.

We're in the family room today chatting with Brigitte Shipman about helping our autistic kids become independent adults. Brigitte shares her experiences as a mom and coach, including her experience of writing a book with her son. In This Episode You Will Discover How to set up your child for success in life How to […] The post Autism and Adulthood: A Conversation With Brigitte Shipman appeared first on Puzzle Peace Counseling.

We're out of the house today, talking about travel. If you've ever tried to travel with your neurodivergent kiddos, you know it can be quite a challenge at times. Getting there is not always half the fun. So we're chatting today with Dawn M. Barclay about her new book, “Traveling Different: Vacation Strategies for Parents […] The post Travel Tips For Neurodivergent Families | A conversation with Dawn M. Barclay appeared first on Puzzle Peace Counseling.

We're in the library today talking with marriage and family therapist, Katherine Scott, about her new book, “The Tail Of A Trio.” We'll be chatting about how the book can be used by parents, therapists and teachers to help kids of all ages and abilities work through socializing, adjusting to new situations and the healing […] The post Telling ‘Tails': How Stories Can Help Kids Adjust To New Situations | A Conversation With Katherine Scott, LMFT appeared first on Puzzle Peace Counseling.

Today we're in the family room talking about support from extended family and friends. It's not an easy task for autism families to get the support we need from the people we love. This episode is designed to share with them and make it a bit easier.  In this episode you will discover: What inhibits […] The post What Autism Parents Wish You Knew | An Episode To Share With Extended Family & Friends appeared first on Puzzle Peace Counseling.

We're in the girls' room today chatting with Dr. Wendela Whitcomb Marsh about why it's so difficult for girls to get diagnosed with autism. Her most recent book, “Recognizing Autism In Women and Girls,” was just released this week and is a must-read for every clinician and woman on the spectrum.    In this episode […] The post Autism In Women & Girls: Why it's so difficult to get a diagnosis | ABP Episode 105 appeared first on Puzzle Peace Counseling.

We're in the family room today with host Janeen Herskovitz, talking about the number one thing her coaching clients have reported makes the biggest difference in their interactions with their children. It's not a specific therapy, secret supplement or special diet…it's presuming their competence!  In this episode you will discover: What it means to presume […] The post What Parents Say Makes the Biggest Difference When Interacting With Their Autistic Child appeared first on Puzzle Peace Counseling.

We're having a cup of tea with Stephanie Weiderstrand today, talking about autism parenting. Join us for Stephanie's story and how she manages special needs parenting as well as helping other families grow and thrive. In this episode you will discover: Stephanie's story and what she has learned through her daughter with ASD. How to […] The post Managing Your Energy As An Autism Parent | A conversation with Stephanie Weiderstrand of Beyond Special | ABP episode 103 appeared first on Puzzle Peace Counseling.

We're in the music room today with renowned child advocate and musician, Raffi! Not only is he a gifted musician, songwriter, producer and child advocate that you may remember from your own childhood, he's helping to educate the world about the importance of honoring our children and how this concept can make our world a […] The post Honoring Your Child's Personhood | A conversation with Raffi | ABP Episode 102 appeared first on Puzzle Peace Counseling.

We're in the library today speaking with Dr. Reema Naim about the sensory system and how it impacts your child. Dr. Naim's book series, Adventures of the Sensokids, help kids understand their sensory needs and how to regulate it.  In this episode you will discover: Why Dr. Naim became an occupational therapist and how she […] The post Sensory Superheroes | Understanding your child's sensory system through stories | A conversation with Dr. Reema Naim appeared first on Puzzle Peace Counseling.

In honor of our 100th episode, we're in the family room today with host Janeen Herskovitz, talking about what she's learned during her 20 plus years of parenting a child with autism.  In this episode you will discover: The things Janeen would do differently if she knew then what she knows now. What it means […] The post If I Knew Then What I Know Now: Reflections on 20 years of autism parenting and 100 podcast episodes appeared first on Puzzle Peace Counseling.

We're in the therapy room today speaking with Dr. Susan Sherkow of The Sherkow Center. In this episode we talk about making meaningful connections with your child and how to best understand their needs.  In this episode you will discover: Dr. Sherkow's autism journey as a professional and how she has seen this landscape change […] The post Connecting With Your Child | A conversation with Susan Sherkow | ABP Episode 99 appeared first on Puzzle Peace Counseling.

We're in the bedroom today speaking with George Bailey of ZPods. We discuss autism fatherhood, his company that created a bed designed just for kids with autism and related health issues, and so much more.  In this episode you will discover: What is a Zpod and how it can help your child sleep. The issues […] The post Sleep Is Possible | How an autism dad used ingenuity to help our kids get better sleep | ABP Episode 98 appeared first on Puzzle Peace Counseling.

We’re in the library today speaking with two editors of the book, Sincerely Your Autistic Child ; What people on the autism spectrum wish their parents knew about growing up, acceptance and identity. We discuss how the book came about, and why your child’s point of view and needs should be at the forefront of how […] The post What Your Autistic Child Wants You To Know | A conversation with Emily Paige Ballou and Morénike Giwa Onaiwu |ABP episode 97 appeared first on Puzzle Peace Counseling.

We’re in the master bedroom today speaking with psychotherapist, Kate McNulty, about navigating romantic relationships when one partner has autism. Her book, Love and Aspergers, discusses the topic in detail. Her perspective as a woman on the autism spectrum who was diagnosed late in life, informs her experience as a therapist.  In this episode you […] The post When Your Partner Has Autism | A conversation with Kate McNulty about navigating romantic relationships appeared first on Puzzle Peace Counseling.

We’re in the family room today with host Janeen Herskovitz, talking about the areas where autism parents get stuck. In her private practice, where Janeen provides therapy and autism parent coaching, parents often have the most difficulties in these areas.  In this episode you will discover: The most common areas where parents of neuro-diverse children […] The post 10 Common Areas Autism Parents Get Stuck | ABP Episode 95 appeared first on Puzzle Peace Counseling.

We’re in the library today talking with autism researcher, Simon Baron-Cohen, about his new book, “The Pattern Seekers: How Autism Drives Human Invention.”  In the book, he argues that understanding autism, and what he calls the Systemizing Mechanism to figure out why things are, is key to understanding the origins of and evolution of human […] The post Innovative Thinking and Autism | A Conversation with Simon Baron-Cohen about how neurodiversity drives invention appeared first on Puzzle Peace Counseling.

We’re in the therapist’s office today chatting with Marriage and Family Therapist, Katherine Scott, about how to help our kids with COVID fatigue. We’re a little over six months into the COVID experience, and while it’s had varying impacts on everyone, I think we can all agree we’re SO over it. Katherine and I talk […] The post Coping With COVID Fatigue | A conversation with Katherine Scott, LMFT, about helping our kids manage uncertain times | ABP Episode 93 appeared first on Puzzle Peace Counseling.

We’re in the master bedroom today talking with relationship coach, Janelle Harding.  We’ll be discussing the issues that come up in a marriage with someone on the spectrum, as well as tips for connecting with your child.  In this episode you will discover: How autism affects relationships, particularly romantic ones. Tips for connecting with someone […] The post Marriage On The Spectrum | A conversation with Janelle Harding about navigating relationships with someone on the autism spectrum |ABP episode 92 appeared first on Puzzle Peace Counseling.

Welcome to Autism Blueprint’s Kitchen Table Talk- a series of episodes where my husband, Joe, and I share some of our experiences living with autism over a cup of coffee at our kitchen table with you. So pull up a chair and join us.  In this episode we will be talking about: What autism parents […] The post Kitchen Table Talk | Honest conversations about autism parenting | What autism parents are learning from their COVID experience | ABP episode 91 appeared first on Puzzle Peace Counseling.

We’re in the family room today talking with Juan Santos, a professional counselor, relationship expert and autism sib. He’ll be sharing his immigration story, relationship tips, and his experience growing up with a sister on the autism spectrum.  In this episode you will discover: What gets in the way of building healthy relationships. How to […] The post A Sibling’s Journey | A conversation with Juan Santos | ABP Episode 90 appeared first on Puzzle Peace Counseling.

Welcome to Autism Blueprint’s Kitchen Table Talk- a series of episodes where my husband, Joe, and I will be sharing some of our experiences living with autism over a cup of coffee at our kitchen table with you. So pull up a chair and join us.  In this episode we will be talking about: Our […] The post Kitchen Table Talk | Honest Conversations About Autism Parenting |Get To Know Janeen & Joe appeared first on Puzzle Peace Counseling.