Isaac's Autism in the Wild

Technology can be an excellent tool for kids with special needs, but it's essential to be aware of the risks involved. Preparing for safe online interactions is necessary, and it is critical to examine the particular risks and issues that youth with disabilities face online. The Isaac Foundation, along with Ed Richardson of the Spokane … Read More Read More

In this podcast I have my son, producer Tyler, join me. Tyler has been the only person who has been with me as long as the ISAAC Foundation has been in existence and can appreciate the evolution of what is accomplished under this roof and the difference it has made in the lives of families … Read More Read More

Maria and Holly talk about the confusing world of special education. In this episode, we share our own IEP experiences (the good and not so good), and why it's acceptable and encouraged to advocate for goals that are meaningful for your child – not necessarily settle for goals that are proposed by your teacher. To … Read More Read More

In this episode my youngest daughter shares some of our recent struggles with her oldest brother with autism. We talk about the term glass sibling. Tune in to find out more.

Saturday, March 11 9am -1pm | Open House 4004 E Boone Ave. Spokane, WA 99202 Are you or someone you know living with a disability? Are you confused about employment options, benefits, or finances? Attend this event for answers! We will have on-site solutions from: DDA and DVR Case Managers (Service sign-up and Q&A) Mary … Read More Read More

In this episode Holly and John Goodman share their experience doing Adaptive Fire Safety Education through the ISAAC Foundation and how the program builds skills that: (1) helps individuals with disabilities learn the skills needed to survive a home fire – no matter their level of function and ability; and (2) addresses risk for potential … Read More Read More

Usually, Caleb counts down the days leading up to his birthday with excitment. This year, he woke up on his 15th birthday with debilitating anxiety about the prospect of getting one year closer to adulthood. In this podcast, Caleb talks about his anxieties related to all the elements of becoming an adult and strategies we … Read More Read More

After a long hiatis, Holly and her partner in crime, Maria, get back in the saddle to talk about a new DDA service opportunity that is made available with all DDA waivers. These changes rolled out in 2020, but since we were all busy staying healthy, learning how to Zoom, and educating our children through … Read More Read More

In this podcast, parents discuss ways their children have learned to use their voice to advocate for themselves.

Dedicated to Conner Smith and Family

Imagine Spokane offers evidence-based, integrated treatment for mental health and co-occurring substance use issues in teens. Their outpatient center offers support for teens and their families during the road to recovery. Their specialized teen treatment programs are designed to support the whole family. Contact Imagine at: 509.800.5738 Learn more about their outpatient programs: About Us … Read More Read More

We took the summer off from podcasting to get moved and settled into our new building.  There's a lot of fun activities kicking off this month and we want to share all about them.

We took the summer off juggling lots of new things. Learn what's coming your way on Isaac's Autism in the Wild Podcast.

In this episode Mindy, a special education resource room teacher shares with Maria her unique perspectives as a teacher working with children with autism and other delays.    

May is Williams Syndrome Acceptance Month. Joining me for this episode of Isaac's Autism in the Wild podcast is self-advocate Laine Anderson who shares with me her journey as a young woman living with Williams Syndrome. We chatted about her early years along with some of the medical  challenges associated with Williams Syndrome. Show Notes: … Read More Read More

In this podcast, parents discuss some of the funny, and more serious things, parents have done in the name of autism. We apologize for the poor audio as we had a set of microphones fail during recording but felt like the content was still fun to share.

⚠️TRIGGER WARNING⚠️ In this episode we welcome Jim Lane and Jenn Ranney from the Arc of Spokane. Jim is a sexual Abuse Awareness-Disability Professionals Trainer in the Arc of Spokane's Sexual Abuse Prevention program.  His program works to end sexual abuse of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities by educating disability professionals, parents, guardians, and … Read More Read More

What is Isaac's Clubhouse? It's a safe place for children on the autism spectrum to congregate, explore interests, and make connections with peers in their community. In this episode, members of our Tuesday after school Clubhouse crew join me for their first ever podcast experience. You'll have to forgive the excessive background noise as the … Read More Read More

In this podcast we get a behind the scene's view point from a special education teacher. You'll laugh and probably cringe as we chat about some of the real-life realities of special education.

In this short episode, little sister Kelly joins her mom Holly to talk about their journey finding her a counselor. Their solution may be an opportunity that could help others find support they need, sooner rather than later.

In this segment, David, Maria and Holly discuss the upcoming recording of Red Instead vs. Light it Up Blue: Creating a Community of Purple. If you are interested in participating in the upcoming recording of Red Instead vs. Light It Up Blue, please email Hello@theisaacfoundation.org with Red Instead podcast guest in the subject like and … Read More Read More

Every now and again, you need to get some of your safe people together and gripe about how special education and the IEP process just-plain-sucks.  In this episode, David and Maria join me to vent about complicated seasons of sadness parents experience at different times, frustrations with IEP conversations and how we wish systems were … Read More Read More

We dug through the vault and pulled out an interview from earlier this fall with Holly's son Caleb. In this podcast (over dinner), Holly and Caleb reflect on areas of growth Caleb has experienced over the years.

On this week's episode, Maria Jennings joins me to discuss the dynamic that having a child with a disability has made on our neurotypical children and how we have each noticed a higher level of independence and self-advocacy skills. Show resources Holly shares her experience using combination door knobs in her home which increases safety … Read More Read More

In this episode Holly connects with the owner of Lilac City Behavioral Services to learn about their new school, Lilac Learning Center, which opened this past October. Lilac Learning Center is a non public agency option that is a good fit for students ages 14 to 21 who require a high level of support that … Read More Read More

This week, Jim Matthews that many of you know as the Director of Soar Behavioral Services, shared exciting news! He is opening the first of its kind private K-5 school for children on the autism spectrum in Spokane, Washington. Ascend Academy is accepting applications through December 10th for priority placing. The school will be opening … Read More Read More

In this episode, Holly sits with well known Spokane self-advocate, John Lemus to learn more about his childhood, teen years, and adult life on the autism spectrum. He shares about profound lessons he has learned, and even opens up about his experiences dating. References within podcast: Anger Management at Fulcrum Institute: www.fulcrumdispute.com/angermanagement.jsp Dating Apps to … Read More Read More

In this episode of ISAAC'S Autism in the Wild Holly is joined by the Executive Director of the Arc of Spokane, Sima Thorpe. Sima is here to tell us all about The Arc of Spokane and introduces us to two of her most recent hires, Jennifer and Maria. Together this group discusses the different programs … Read More Read More

In this special episode of ISAAC'S Autism in the Wild, Holly is joined by her very own son, Caleb. Caleb is 13 years old and was diagnosed with autism when he was very young, in fact during this episode he reveals that he does not remember a time when he was not in therapy. Listen … Read More Read More

On this very special episode of ISAAC'S Autism in the Wild Podcast we are joined by two of our favorite self-advocates, Tracey Cohen & John Lemus.  Tracey is an author of three books, two about autism and one about her passion for running.  We had featured Tracey in an episode earlier this year and were … Read More Read More

Today we are joined by Erin Holthaus with SafeinHome Remote Support Services. SafeinHome is a new service available in Washington state to help keep our loved ones with autism or other special needs safe while allowing some independence. This on-call remote support assistance is made possible using technology assisted communication devices (ie a walkie talkie … Read More Read More

In this episode of ISAAC'S Autism in the Wild Podcast Holly was joined by Jim Matthews, Executive Director of SOAR Behavior Services. SOAR is a prominent ABA provider in Spokane with locations across the state of Washington, in Idaho, and Nevada.  We discuss how SOAR was founded and the services they provide. We also delve … Read More Read More

In this episode of ISAAC'S Autism in the Wild we talk to parents that all are raising both children on the spectrum and children that identify with the LGBTQIA+ community in some way.  We have seen a large number of our kiddos with autism questioning their own identity or genders as well as several of … Read More Read More

This week on ISAAC'S Autism in the Wild our host Holly is joined by another VERY special guest, her son Tyler. Tyler is 17 years old and was the only child in the family to have spent time with Isaac as they were only 11 months apart in age. Tyler is an aggressive advocate for … Read More Read More

In this episode our host, Holly is joined by Self-Advocate John Lemus. John is an experienced Outreach Coordinator and has worked extensively in the non-profit industry, specifically in disability relations. John is a strong community and social services professional and a 2015 Graduate of Leadership Spokane. We are excited to have him, and his friend/ally/advocate, … Read More Read More

This week on ISAAC'S Autism in the Wild our host Holly is joined by a VERY special guest, her daughter Kelly.  Kelly is 11 years old and has been raised in an “autism house” since day one.  Her older brother Caleb (13yrs) has ASD 1 and now through Holly's recent marriage she has gained an … Read More Read More

In this episode we discuss the cringe-worthy compliments we have received over the years.  Sentiments like “God gives special children to special people” and “You are such a great advocate for your child” are meant to be confidence boosters, but over time can grate the nerves of a special needs parent.  So listen in and … Read More Read More

In this episode of ISAAC'S Autism in the Wild we are joined again by our friend Becky Gardner of “A Life of My Own” Executive Function Coaching. Several parents have also joined us to ask her questions about executive function as it relates to their own children.  Listen in and learn along with our parents, … Read More Read More

In this episode we are joined by Desiree Kameka Galloway of The Autism Housing Network. Holly had first learned of their work as well as the Madison House Autism Foundation a few years back while attending a conference about “Life After High School.” Holly was so impressed with Desiree's presentation and has used their site … Read More Read More

This week on ISAAC'S Autism in the Wild our host Holly is joined by Sydney. Sydney is a 27 year old self advocate that just relocated to Spokane from Alaska.  We cover it all in this episode: from her diagnosis as a child, to her career in Alaska, and now how she is settling in … Read More Read More

In this episode we discuss bullying, we have talked about this in the past in other episodes but felt that we had enough content to re-visit and dedicate an entire episode.  We have three moms joining our host Holly and all of them have dealt with bullying to some extent when raising their children.  Each … Read More Read More

Join us for a special episode of ISAAC'S Autism in the wild, our 100th episode! To commemorate we held our first group in-person podcast recording since before the pandemic.  It was amazing to see people's faces again and enjoy some of the camaraderie we have been missing out on (including opening up some One Tree … Read More Read More

Welcome back to Part Two of our 100th episode special recording! We have a great group of parents together–in person–for the first time since before the pandemic.  In this section of the recording we discuss our favorite podcast episodes and discuss how podcasting has affected each of them. If you are interested in joining us … Read More Read More

This week we are joined again by Becky Gardner, Executive Function Coach at A Life of My Own. We previously discussed finding and maintaining motivation for your loved ones with autism or other special needs (See Episode 89-Motivation)to help them set and achieve goals.  In this episode we take the conversation a bit deeper and … Read More Read More

Today we are very excited to introduce our listeners to a truly inspirational self advocate, Tracey Cohen.  Tracey reached out to us to share her resources with the intent to educate and inspire individuals, families, professionals, and anyone willing to learn about Asperger syndrome/autism. She wants to share her story to prevent others from the … Read More Read More

In this episode we are joined by two moms that both have young-adult children that are preparing to launch towards independence. Phara has a 23 year year old son and is currently preparing for their second-attempt at launching her son into independent living. Gerriann has an 18 year old son who is just graduating high … Read More Read More

Do you have a child that just hates taking their medication? Then this is the episode for you!  We are joined by Amanda Hansen, a local special needs mom and friend to the ISAAC Foundation, to discuss the creative avenues she has found to administer medication to her son Trevin.  Listen in to learn some … Read More Read More

Did you vaccinate your child along a traditional vaccination schedule? We chat with a few special needs moms in this episode that have varying views regarding vaccination. We discuss how they worked with their doctors to protect their children from disease in a way that was most comfortable for them and their children. We also … Read More Read More

This week on ISAAC’S Autism in the Wild podcast Holly is joined by an amazing mother, entrepreneur, and advocate for the nonverbal community, Dr Stephanie Vavilala.  We were honored to zoom chat with Dr Stephanie about the amazing facility she is opening as well as the services she is currently offering in St. Augustine Florida … Read More Read More

Welcome to another episode of ISAAC’s Autism in the Wild.  This week we are discussing therapy interventions.  While we have discussed many of these interventions at length in the past we have a unique viewpoint we would love to share.  Gillis Williams, aka “GW” is joining Holly again to discuss his view of the therapy … Read More Read More

This week on ISAAC’s Autism in the Wild, Holly is joined by three special needs parents and they are discussing the fights that just aren’t worth fighting. These are the tasks that at one point in their life were worth an argument, but now in hindsight, were not worth the time/energy invested.  We discuss topics … Read More Read More