THE SJ CHILDS SHOW

Send us Fan MailThe scariest part of caregiving is not the hard day, it's the day you're not there to explain what only you know. When a loved one is non-speaking, has epilepsy, needs sensory supports, or relies on a specific routine, the difference between “they'll figure it out” and “they'll care for them well” comes down to details. Joel and Debbie Pearlman built DaniPlan after facing that exact reality with their daughter Dani and realizing that the traditional special needs binder is too static to keep up with real life. We talk through what DaniPlan is in plain terms: a secure, web-based, mobile-friendly disability care plan that acts like a centralized hub for everything your caregiving team needs. Think communication preferences, triggers, step-by-step care instructions, medication updates, seizure plans, school and bus permissions, documents, photos, links, and a daily journal and calendar to keep continuity across rotating caregivers, teachers, therapists, and doctors. We also dig into the practical problem most families hit immediately: getting started. Debbie shares why “work backwards” is often the fastest way to build a plan, and how many of the records you need already exist as PDFs. The conversation gets real with stories where speed matters, including a moment when missing paperwork nearly stopped Dani from getting on the school bus until the right document was shared instantly. If you're looking for autism resources, caregiver organization tools, special needs planning ideas, or a better way to coordinate disability care, this one is packed with actionable insight. If this resonates, subscribe, share this with a caregiver or provider who needs it, and leave a review so more families can find these tools and stories.SIGN-UP FOR THE WEBINAR TODAY~daniplan.comSupport the showSJ CHILDS - SOCIALS & WEBSITE MASTER LISTWEBSITES- Stream-Able Live — https://www.streamable.live-COMING SOON- The SJ Childs Global Network — https://www.sjchilds.org- The SJ Childs Show Podcast Page — https://www.sjchildsshow.comYOUTUBE- The SJ Childs Show — https://www.youtube.com/@sjchildsshow- Louie Lou (Cats Channel) — https://www.youtube.com/@2catslouielouFACEBOOK- Personal Profile — https://www.facebook.com/sara.gullihur.bradford- Business Page — https://www.facebook.com/sjchildsllc- The SJ Childs Global Network — https://www.facebook.com/sjchildsglobalnetwork- The SJ Childs Show — https://www.facebook.com/SJChildsShowINSTAGRAM- https://www.instagram.com/sjchildsllc/TIKTOK- https://www.tiktok.com/@sjchildsllcLINKEDIN- https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjchilds/PODCAST PLATFORMS- Spotify — https://open.spotify.com/show/4qgD3ZMOB2unfPxqacu3cC- Apple Podcasts — https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sj-childs-show/id1548143291CONTACT EMAIL- sjchildsllc@gmail.com

Send us Fan MailThe hardest part of “helping” a family after an autism diagnosis can be admitting that your old playbook no longer fits. Jennifer Kaufman knows that tension from both angles: she spent years as a principal at a school for children with autism through age 21, and she's also the grandmother of an autistic eight-year-old. When her grandson was diagnosed, expertise wasn't the missing piece. The missing piece was learning how to shift expectations, step back from the expert role, and show up as the kind of support her daughter actually needed. We dig into what grandparenting on the spectrum looks like in real life: respecting the parent's lead at IEP meetings, avoiding unsolicited advice, and offering support that's specific and proactive. Jennifer shares why “let me know if you need anything” often lands as extra work for exhausted parents, and how practical help like childcare, errands, or simply creating space for parents to reconnect can ease caregiver burnout and strengthen the whole family system. We also talk about vacations, routines, and why the most meaningful moments often happen when you follow the child's lead instead of forcing a plan. Communication is a major thread too, including AAC devices, the idea that behavior is communication, and how autonomy grows when a child has reliable ways to say what they want and don't want. Jennifer closes with a safety message every autism family should hear, especially around water safety and swimming lessons. If you care about autism support, neurodiversity-affirming family relationships, and practical strategies that actually help, listen now and share this with a grandparent or family member who wants to show up better. Subscribe, leave a review, and tell us: what kind of support has mattered most in your life?Support the showSJ CHILDS - SOCIALS & WEBSITE MASTER LISTWEBSITES- Stream-Able Live — https://www.streamable.live-COMING SOON- The SJ Childs Global Network — https://www.sjchilds.org- The SJ Childs Show Podcast Page — https://www.sjchildsshow.comYOUTUBE- The SJ Childs Show — https://www.youtube.com/@sjchildsshow- Louie Lou (Cats Channel) — https://www.youtube.com/@2catslouielouFACEBOOK- Personal Profile — https://www.facebook.com/sara.gullihur.bradford- Business Page — https://www.facebook.com/sjchildsllc- The SJ Childs Global Network — https://www.facebook.com/sjchildsglobalnetwork- The SJ Childs Show — https://www.facebook.com/SJChildsShowINSTAGRAM- https://www.instagram.com/sjchildsllc/TIKTOK- https://www.tiktok.com/@sjchildsllcLINKEDIN- https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjchilds/PODCAST PLATFORMS- Spotify — https://open.spotify.com/show/4qgD3ZMOB2unfPxqacu3cC- Apple Podcasts — https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sj-childs-show/id1548143291CONTACT EMAIL- sjchildsllc@gmail.com

Send us Fan MailYour teen's behavior makes more sense when you stop treating it like a moral failing and start treating it like communication. We sit down with Dr. Carla Cataria, an educator turned family support specialist, to talk about what actually helps teens thrive, especially neurodiverse kids who are too often stereotyped, mislabeled, or underestimated by the adults around them. We dig into the difference between teaching responsibility and teaching conditional worth. If kids only feel valued when they achieve, perform, or keep the peace, they start building an identity around approval and outcomes. Dr. Carla and I talk about shifting toward relationship-first parenting, praising effort, and “meeting them where they're at” while still holding clear expectations. It's a conversation full of practical, real-life moments, like celebrating a 16-year-old's “small” win because it's a big step for them, and why that kind of reinforcement builds confidence over time. We also get concrete about autonomy and independence: the bow-and-arrow idea of parenting, how family values shape boundaries and culture, and why money skills (debit cards, jobs, even cash) can be a powerful teacher for teenagers. We even tackle the hot-button topic of chores, including how to teach life skills without turning your home into a constant power struggle. To close, we talk grace and emotional regulation, including a simple “yelling trick” that can interrupt angry parenting in the moment and help you become the parent you want to be. If this helps you, subscribe, share it with a parent friend, and leave a review so more families can find these tools.Support the showSJ CHILDS - SOCIALS & WEBSITE MASTER LISTWEBSITES- Stream-Able Live — https://www.streamable.live-COMING SOON- The SJ Childs Global Network — https://www.sjchilds.org- The SJ Childs Show Podcast Page — https://www.sjchildsshow.comYOUTUBE- The SJ Childs Show — https://www.youtube.com/@sjchildsshow- Louie Lou (Cats Channel) — https://www.youtube.com/@2catslouielouFACEBOOK- Personal Profile — https://www.facebook.com/sara.gullihur.bradford- Business Page — https://www.facebook.com/sjchildsllc- The SJ Childs Global Network — https://www.facebook.com/sjchildsglobalnetwork- The SJ Childs Show — https://www.facebook.com/SJChildsShowINSTAGRAM- https://www.instagram.com/sjchildsllc/TIKTOK- https://www.tiktok.com/@sjchildsllcLINKEDIN- https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjchilds/PODCAST PLATFORMS- Spotify — https://open.spotify.com/show/4qgD3ZMOB2unfPxqacu3cC- Apple Podcasts — https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sj-childs-show/id1548143291CONTACT EMAIL- sjchildsllc@gmail.com

Send us Fan MailA diagnosis can feel like it writes your child's future in ink, but that story is usually wrong. We sit down with Sean Adelman, an orthopedic trauma surgeon and dad to a daughter with Down syndrome, to talk about what he's learned outside the textbooks: people are not their worst day, and kids are not their labels. The big throughline is raising expectations, not as pressure, but as possibility.We get personal about how exposure changes fear into understanding. I share how my family first connected with Down syndrome, then how my son's autism diagnosis forced me to rethink communication, parenting goals, and what “support” really means. Sean adds the perspective of a clinician who sees hard moments for a living, and how that can warp the way professionals and families imagine disability, neurodiversity, and the full spectrum of the human condition.From there we zoom out to the everyday skills that make inclusion real: being a safe landing for your kids, modeling how to handle failure, and choosing kindness in small moments that tell people, “I see you.” We also break down acceptance vs inclusion, the dignity of risk, and why supported employment and inclusive hiring are not charity but smart business that improves morale and reduces turnover. We end with practical next steps, including ways to volunteer with Special Olympics, Best Buddies, or your local ARC, plus resources at raiseexpectations.com.If this conversation shifts your thinking even a little, please subscribe, share it with another parent or educator, and leave a review so more families can find it. What does “raising expectations” look like in your home or workplace?Support the showSJ CHILDS - SOCIALS & WEBSITE MASTER LISTWEBSITES- Stream-Able Live — https://www.streamable.live-COMING SOON- The SJ Childs Global Network — https://www.sjchilds.org- The SJ Childs Show Podcast Page — https://www.sjchildsshow.comYOUTUBE- The SJ Childs Show — https://www.youtube.com/@sjchildsshow- Louie Lou (Cats Channel) — https://www.youtube.com/@2catslouielouFACEBOOK- Personal Profile — https://www.facebook.com/sara.gullihur.bradford- Business Page — https://www.facebook.com/sjchildsllc- The SJ Childs Global Network — https://www.facebook.com/sjchildsglobalnetwork- The SJ Childs Show — https://www.facebook.com/SJChildsShowINSTAGRAM- https://www.instagram.com/sjchildsllc/TIKTOK- https://www.tiktok.com/@sjchildsllcLINKEDIN- https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjchilds/PODCAST PLATFORMS- Spotify — https://open.spotify.com/show/4qgD3ZMOB2unfPxqacu3cC- Apple Podcasts — https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sj-childs-show/id1548143291CONTACT EMAIL- sjchildsllc@gmail.com

Send us Fan MailOne sentence from a professional can steal your breath for years, and one unexpected win can finally give it back. We sit down with Dr. Norinne Russell, educator, advocate, and founder of Russell Coaching for Students, to talk about the part of parenting neurodiverse kids that rarely gets said out loud: the seasons when you never fully exhale, the loneliness behind the logistics, and the way “normal” expectations can quietly become a trap.We get real about autism, ADHD, anxiety, DMDD, and uneven development in the teen years, especially during the young adult transition. Dr. Russell shares how her family moved from constant worry to tangible growth, and why a child's future cannot be predicted at five years old. We also dig into executive functioning skills that matter in the real world: planning, procrastination, self-advocacy, goal setting, and the messy leap into driving, jobs, college, and adult responsibility.If your teen won't take budgeting advice from you, you're not alone. We talk about financial literacy, why money conversations can turn into conflict, and how a neutral, qualified coach can help protect your relationship while still building skills. Dr. Russell also explains the Life Launch Program for young adults who feel stuck after high school, plus what to look for when vetting any coaching or transition program.To support your next step, Dr. Russell is offering our listeners a discount: use coupon code Sarah and get 20% off three months of coaching. If this conversation helps, subscribe, share it with a parent who needs hope today, and leave a review so more families can find it.Support the showSJ CHILDS - SOCIALS & WEBSITE MASTER LISTWEBSITES- Stream-Able Live — https://www.streamable.live-COMING SOON- The SJ Childs Global Network — https://www.sjchilds.org- The SJ Childs Show Podcast Page — https://www.sjchildsshow.comYOUTUBE- The SJ Childs Show — https://www.youtube.com/@sjchildsshow- Louie Lou (Cats Channel) — https://www.youtube.com/@2catslouielouFACEBOOK- Personal Profile — https://www.facebook.com/sara.gullihur.bradford- Business Page — https://www.facebook.com/sjchildsllc- The SJ Childs Global Network — https://www.facebook.com/sjchildsglobalnetwork- The SJ Childs Show — https://www.facebook.com/SJChildsShowINSTAGRAM- https://www.instagram.com/sjchildsllc/TIKTOK- https://www.tiktok.com/@sjchildsllcLINKEDIN- https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjchilds/PODCAST PLATFORMS- Spotify — https://open.spotify.com/show/4qgD3ZMOB2unfPxqacu3cC- Apple Podcasts — https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sj-childs-show/id1548143291CONTACT EMAIL- sjchildsllc@gmail.com

Send us Fan MailParenting gets loud when you're stuck in the day to day. This conversation gets quiet in the best way and asks the bigger question: what do we want our kids to carry when our titles and paychecks are long forgotten? We're joined by Nathaniel Turner, co-founder of the League of Extraordinary Parents, who opens with a powerful reminder that legacy is measured in character and relationships. That grounding turns “success” into something you can actually practice at home. Nathaniel walks us through the League's core tool: backward design parenting. It's the same planning method educators use to start with the end goal and work back to week one, but applied to family life and long-term child development. He shares the origin story that started it all, including the moment he and his wife requested a Harvard application for their unborn child and discovered what was really being evaluated beyond grades and test scores. From that process, he outlines three practical pillars parents can build toward: intellectual ambition, global and cultural competency, and humanitarian drive. We also get real about the parts that don't fit neatly on a checklist: self-awareness, priorities, and the courage to stop outsourcing the opportunity of parenting. Nathaniel explains why knowing “where you are” matters as much as naming the destination, and why you can have everything but not all at once. We talk about being a zealous advocate for your child, modeling the values you want them to live, and building a relationship strong enough that your kid can be your pal even when hard boundaries are still required. If you're craving a clear parenting framework with heart, this one will stay with you. Subscribe for more conversations like this, share the episode with a parent who needs encouragement, and leave a review with the pillar you want to strengthen first.Support the showSJ CHILDS - SOCIALS & WEBSITE MASTER LISTWEBSITES- Stream-Able Live — https://www.streamable.live-COMING SOON- The SJ Childs Global Network — https://www.sjchilds.org- The SJ Childs Show Podcast Page — https://www.sjchildsshow.comYOUTUBE- The SJ Childs Show — https://www.youtube.com/@sjchildsshow- Louie Lou (Cats Channel) — https://www.youtube.com/@2catslouielouFACEBOOK- Personal Profile — https://www.facebook.com/sara.gullihur.bradford- Business Page — https://www.facebook.com/sjchildsllc- The SJ Childs Global Network — https://www.facebook.com/sjchildsglobalnetwork- The SJ Childs Show — https://www.facebook.com/SJChildsShowINSTAGRAM- https://www.instagram.com/sjchildsllc/TIKTOK- https://www.tiktok.com/@sjchildsllcLINKEDIN- https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjchilds/PODCAST PLATFORMS- Spotify — https://open.spotify.com/show/4qgD3ZMOB2unfPxqacu3cC- Apple Podcasts — https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sj-childs-show/id1548143291CONTACT EMAIL- sjchildsllc@gmail.com

Send us Fan MailYour kid says they want to start a business, become a YouTuber, or make money from gaming and you're left thinking, “Great… but how?” We sit down with Jessie Dennerline, founder of KidPitchBiz, to talk about what kids actually need before they ever “launch” anything: a simple way to think through ideas, practice public speaking, learn how money works, and get comfortable adjusting after mistakes.Jessie shares her own path from childhood mini-hustles to the reality of running a coffee kiosk, then building Storybrooke Play Cafe in Utah as a solution for working parents who needed a safe indoor play space. That same problem-solving mindset becomes the foundation for KidPitch, a Shark Tank style experience for kids (often ages 8 to 13) where a workbook guides them through branding, pricing, and revenue, then a real marketplace lets them test their concept in a low-stakes setting.We also dig into inclusion and accessibility for neurodivergent learners: visual schedules and timers, flexible seating, sensory breaks, and multiple ways to participate whether a child writes, talks, or draws. One of the biggest takeaways is how often adults misread quiet kids, and how powerful it is when we stop making assumptions and give them room to show what they know.If you care about kids entrepreneurship, financial literacy for kids, confidence building, and inclusive summer camps, this conversation will give you practical language and a clear next step. Subscribe, share with a parent who needs this, and leave a review with the business idea your kid would pitch.Support the showSJ CHILDS - SOCIALS & WEBSITE MASTER LISTWEBSITES- Stream-Able Live — https://www.streamable.live-COMING SOON- The SJ Childs Global Network — https://www.sjchilds.org- The SJ Childs Show Podcast Page — https://www.sjchildsshow.comYOUTUBE- The SJ Childs Show — https://www.youtube.com/@sjchildsshow- Louie Lou (Cats Channel) — https://www.youtube.com/@2catslouielouFACEBOOK- Personal Profile — https://www.facebook.com/sara.gullihur.bradford- Business Page — https://www.facebook.com/sjchildsllc- The SJ Childs Global Network — https://www.facebook.com/sjchildsglobalnetwork- The SJ Childs Show — https://www.facebook.com/SJChildsShowINSTAGRAM- https://www.instagram.com/sjchildsllc/TIKTOK- https://www.tiktok.com/@sjchildsllcLINKEDIN- https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjchilds/PODCAST PLATFORMS- Spotify — https://open.spotify.com/show/4qgD3ZMOB2unfPxqacu3cC- Apple Podcasts — https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sj-childs-show/id1548143291CONTACT EMAIL- sjchildsllc@gmail.com

Send us Fan MailThe worst part of an autism diagnosis is not the word itself. It is the silence that can follow when you do not know where to go, what to trust, or who will truly understand your day to day life. We talk with Karen Simmons about that exact moment and the long road after it, from early parenting chaos to building reliable autism resources that help families feel less alone.We get into why “future tellers” can be so damaging, how a strengths based approach changes everything, and what it looks like to create autism education that is actually usable for parents, teachers, and siblings. Karen shares the story behind Autism Today, the need for a safe place to belong, and why real community is built through clear information, lived experience, and generous referrals. We also dig into the Autism Directory concept as a modern hub where parents, professionals, clinics, educators, podcasts, and even autistic creators can be found without the needle in a haystack search.Along the way, we share personal milestones that hit differently, like Special Olympics pride and the kind of joy that comes when a teen proves the experts wrong. You will hear a powerful reminder that progress can show up through alternative communication, early literacy, and passion driven work, including a YouTube channel that becomes a first paycheck.If you care about neurodiversity, autism support, inclusive communities, and practical tools for real life, listen now. Subscribe, share this with a parent or educator who needs it, and leave a review so more families can find the help they have been looking for.Support the showSJ CHILDS - SOCIALS & WEBSITE MASTER LISTWEBSITES- Stream-Able Live — https://www.streamable.live-COMING SOON- The SJ Childs Global Network — https://www.sjchilds.org- The SJ Childs Show Podcast Page — https://www.sjchildsshow.comYOUTUBE- The SJ Childs Show — https://www.youtube.com/@sjchildsshow- Louie Lou (Cats Channel) — https://www.youtube.com/@2catslouielouFACEBOOK- Personal Profile — https://www.facebook.com/sara.gullihur.bradford- Business Page — https://www.facebook.com/sjchildsllc- The SJ Childs Global Network — https://www.facebook.com/sjchildsglobalnetwork- The SJ Childs Show — https://www.facebook.com/SJChildsShowINSTAGRAM- https://www.instagram.com/sjchildsllc/TIKTOK- https://www.tiktok.com/@sjchildsllcLINKEDIN- https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjchilds/PODCAST PLATFORMS- Spotify — https://open.spotify.com/show/4qgD3ZMOB2unfPxqacu3cC- Apple Podcasts — https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sj-childs-show/id1548143291CONTACT EMAIL- sjchildsllc@gmail.com

Send us Fan MailYou can have the right intentions and still feel like your brain will not cooperate and that is exactly where ADHD and executive dysfunction love to hijack school, work, and daily life. We sit down with Zoe Lewis, founder of New Bloom ADHD Coaching, to talk about what actually helps young adults and college students when assignments pile up, deadlines sneak up, and motivation disappears the moment something feels boring or overwhelming. We get concrete about ADHD coaching strategies that respect real life: how to start with the struggle someone is feeling and turn it into a goal you can measure, how to build a task management system that fits your patterns, and when tools like Google Calendar, Google Tasks, or study tech like NotebookLM can reduce friction. We also dig into sensory needs and why giving yourself permission to fidget, move, and exist comfortably can make focus easier, not harder. Then we zoom out to the stuff that keeps people stuck: shame spirals, all-or-nothing routines, and relying on last-minute urgency to get things done. Zoe shares a flexible “three tier” approach to self-care routines like exercise and sleep hygiene, plus a simple truth many of us forget: fun is fuel for ADHD brains. We unpack the INCUP pillars of ADHD motivation (interest, novelty, challenge, urgency, passion) so you can design support instead of waiting for panic to kick in. If you found this helpful, subscribe, share it with a friend who needs better executive functioning support, and leave a review so more people can find the show. What's one routine or task you want to make easier this week?Support the showSJ CHILDS - SOCIALS & WEBSITE MASTER LISTWEBSITES- Stream-Able Live — https://www.streamable.live-COMING SOON- The SJ Childs Global Network — https://www.sjchilds.org- The SJ Childs Show Podcast Page — https://www.sjchildsshow.comYOUTUBE- The SJ Childs Show — https://www.youtube.com/@sjchildsshow- Louie Lou (Cats Channel) — https://www.youtube.com/@2catslouielouFACEBOOK- Personal Profile — https://www.facebook.com/sara.gullihur.bradford- Business Page — https://www.facebook.com/sjchildsllc- The SJ Childs Global Network — https://www.facebook.com/sjchildsglobalnetwork- The SJ Childs Show — https://www.facebook.com/SJChildsShowINSTAGRAM- https://www.instagram.com/sjchildsllc/TIKTOK- https://www.tiktok.com/@sjchildsllcLINKEDIN- https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjchilds/PODCAST PLATFORMS- Spotify — https://open.spotify.com/show/4qgD3ZMOB2unfPxqacu3cC- Apple Podcasts — https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sj-childs-show/id1548143291CONTACT EMAIL- sjchildsllc@gmail.com

Send us Fan MailThe scariest autism parenting moments often start quietly: sleep disappears, words fade, new behaviors show up, and you keep telling yourself it must be a phase. We talk with Paul Voss, a father of eight, about what it felt like to watch those changes unfold in his youngest daughter and then face a profound autism diagnosis that “turned our life upside down.” What follows is a candid, grounded conversation about nonverbal autism, high support needs, and the family-wide impact that nobody can fully prepare you for.We get into the brutal reality of exhaustion and the long wait for evaluations, plus the pressure parents feel to find something that helps right now. Paul shares how his family approached decisions around therapies, health changes, and daily routines without pretending there's a single solution for autism spectrum disorder. Along the way, we talk about why a diagnosis can still be a gift: it gives direction, it opens doors to support, and it helps you name what your child needs.We also slow down for the emotional side that families rarely say out loud. We unpack how “grief” language can land on autistic kids, why dignity matters more than milestones, and how celebrating small wins can keep you steady when the big goals feel far away. Paul also reflects on siblings, community inclusion, and why his book, Autism Sucks, Finding Hope in the Chaos, is meant to help newly diagnosed parents get through the hardest season with more clarity and hope.If this conversation helps, subscribe, share it with a parent who needs support, and leave a review so more families can find it. What is one small win you're going to celebrate this week?Support the showSJ CHILDS - SOCIALS & WEBSITE MASTER LISTWEBSITES- Stream-Able Live — https://www.streamable.live-COMING SOON- The SJ Childs Global Network — https://www.sjchilds.org- The SJ Childs Show Podcast Page — https://www.sjchildsshow.comYOUTUBE- The SJ Childs Show — https://www.youtube.com/@sjchildsshow- Louie Lou (Cats Channel) — https://www.youtube.com/@2catslouielouFACEBOOK- Personal Profile — https://www.facebook.com/sara.gullihur.bradford- Business Page — https://www.facebook.com/sjchildsllc- The SJ Childs Global Network — https://www.facebook.com/sjchildsglobalnetwork- The SJ Childs Show — https://www.facebook.com/SJChildsShowINSTAGRAM- https://www.instagram.com/sjchildsllc/TIKTOK- https://www.tiktok.com/@sjchildsllcLINKEDIN- https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjchilds/PODCAST PLATFORMS- Spotify — https://open.spotify.com/show/4qgD3ZMOB2unfPxqacu3cC- Apple Podcasts — https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sj-childs-show/id1548143291CONTACT EMAIL- sjchildsllc@gmail.com

Send us Fan MailMost people say they support accessibility, but very few can explain what it actually means or why it keeps breaking down in real life. We're joined by Daniel Hodges, a nonprofit leader and advocate with a law degree who was born blind, to get specific about where the barriers really come from and what “equity” looks like when you strip out bias and bad design.We talk about Daniel's childhood in rural America, where the focus stayed on future cures and risky procedures instead of practical skills like Braille, a white cane, and assistive technology. That led to a powerful reframing: disability is not automatically the problem. Daniel breaks down how much of the hardship people associate with blindness is truly intrinsic, and how much comes from societal barriers like inaccessible materials, missing accommodations, stigma, and the constant pressure to prove competence.From there, we dig into what actually works. Daniel shares how small, honest conversations about disability etiquette and tools can transform community connection, and he introduces the Pieces of Me Foundation mission: education, innovative professional training, and resource connections that help dismantle misconceptions. He also explains the Access Opportunity Tour, a practical Zoom-based way for leaders to get real-time guidance on making their workplace, church, nonprofit, or website more accessible. Along the way, Daniel tells a gripping story about blind parenting, facing CPS scrutiny, and supporting a child through eye cancer treatment, plus the everyday tools he relies on, including iOS VoiceOver and mindset practices grounded in grace.If you care about disability inclusion, universal design, and accessibility that's more than a checkbox, hit play. Subscribe, share this with someone building community spaces, and leave a review with one accessibility change you want to see next.Support the showSJ CHILDS - SOCIALS & WEBSITE MASTER LISTWEBSITES- Stream-Able Live — https://www.streamable.live-COMING SOON- The SJ Childs Global Network — https://www.sjchilds.org- The SJ Childs Show Podcast Page — https://www.sjchildsshow.comYOUTUBE- The SJ Childs Show — https://www.youtube.com/@sjchildsshow- Louie Lou (Cats Channel) — https://www.youtube.com/@2catslouielouFACEBOOK- Personal Profile — https://www.facebook.com/sara.gullihur.bradford- Business Page — https://www.facebook.com/sjchildsllc- The SJ Childs Global Network — https://www.facebook.com/sjchildsglobalnetwork- The SJ Childs Show — https://www.facebook.com/SJChildsShowINSTAGRAM- https://www.instagram.com/sjchildsllc/TIKTOK- https://www.tiktok.com/@sjchildsllcLINKEDIN- https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjchilds/PODCAST PLATFORMS- Spotify — https://open.spotify.com/show/4qgD3ZMOB2unfPxqacu3cC- Apple Podcasts — https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sj-childs-show/id1548143291CONTACT EMAIL- sjchildsllc@gmail.com

Send us Fan MailA meltdown in the grocery store. A fight over screens that spirals into yelling. A kid who seems “fine” at school and falls apart at home. When you're parenting a neurodiverse child, a strong-willed child, or a deeply sensitive child, it can feel like the usual advice was written for a different universe. We wanted something more honest and more useful, so we sat down with Melissa Schulz, a parenting coach and BCBA who brings both professional expertise and real-life parenting experience.We get into a simple but powerful reframe: behavior is communication. If we only focus on stopping the behavior, we miss the message and often create new problems like shutdown, masking, or bigger explosions later. Melissa breaks down why kids with big feelings often need explicit emotional regulation skills, not just consequences or pep talks. We also talk about the parent side of the equation: if we're triggered, we can't access the best tools in the moment. Learning to regulate our own nervous system is not “extra,” it's the foundation for co-regulation and connection.We also go practical: how to meet your child inside their interests (yes, Roblox and Minecraft count), how to make “calm down” supports actually work, and why a beautiful calm-down corner can fail without practice during calm moments. You'll hear language to reinforce unconditional love and worth, plus a root-cause approach that stops you from “weed whacking” the same behaviors over and over.If you found this helpful, subscribe, share it with a parent who feels stuck, and leave a review so more families can find these tools. What's the toughest behavior you're trying to decode right now?The Neurodivergent Podcast brought to you by The International Neurodiversity Resource CenterSupport the showSJ CHILDS - SOCIALS & WEBSITE MASTER LISTWEBSITES- Stream-Able Live — https://www.streamable.live-COMING SOON- The SJ Childs Global Network — https://www.sjchilds.org- The SJ Childs Show Podcast Page — https://www.sjchildsshow.comYOUTUBE- The SJ Childs Show — https://www.youtube.com/@sjchildsshow- Louie Lou (Cats Channel) — https://www.youtube.com/@2catslouielouFACEBOOK- Personal Profile — https://www.facebook.com/sara.gullihur.bradford- Business Page — https://www.facebook.com/sjchildsllc- The SJ Childs Global Network — https://www.facebook.com/sjchildsglobalnetwork- The SJ Childs Show — https://www.facebook.com/SJChildsShowINSTAGRAM- https://www.instagram.com/sjchildsllc/TIKTOK- https://www.tiktok.com/@sjchildsllcLINKEDIN- https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjchilds/PODCAST PLATFORMS- Spotify — https://open.spotify.com/show/4qgD3ZMOB2unfPxqacu3cC- Apple Podcasts — https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sj-childs-show/id1548143291CONTACT EMAIL- sjchildsllc@gmail.com

Send us Fan MailA rare diagnosis can sit quietly in the background for years, until one day a scan makes it real. That's what happened for Will Ruddell, who joins us to share his life with Neurofibromatosis Type 2 (NF2), a rare genetic disorder linked to slow-growing tumors in the brain, spine, and along nerves. Will grew up watching his father deal with serious medical issues, then found out at 26 that he also had NF2 after a migraine led to an MRI and life-changing answers. We talk honestly about what happens after the words “you have tumors” land: the scramble to find the right specialists, the stress of navigating care without insurance at first, and the reality that NF2 is still not fully understood. Will explains symptoms that shaped his everyday life, including vocal cord paralysis from a neck tumor and nerve damage that affects hand and foot movement. We also get into mobility decisions, surgery timing, and why “preparing” is hard when progression looks different for everyone. Beyond the medical side, we focus on what keeps a person steady. Will shares the role of his wife and family support, how passion and motivation help on difficult days, and where to look for NF2 resources, support groups, and research programs like the team at Moffitt Cancer Center. If you want a clearer picture of NF2 symptoms, treatment options like infusions and clinical trials, and how to show up for someone living with a rare disease, this conversation is for you. Subscribe, share this with someone who needs it, and leave a review so more people can find these stories and this information.Support the showSJ CHILDS - SOCIALS & WEBSITE MASTER LISTWEBSITES- Stream-Able Live — https://www.streamable.live-COMING SOON- The SJ Childs Global Network — https://www.sjchilds.org- The SJ Childs Show Podcast Page — https://www.sjchildsshow.comYOUTUBE- The SJ Childs Show — https://www.youtube.com/@sjchildsshow- Louie Lou (Cats Channel) — https://www.youtube.com/@2catslouielouFACEBOOK- Personal Profile — https://www.facebook.com/sara.gullihur.bradford- Business Page — https://www.facebook.com/sjchildsllc- The SJ Childs Global Network — https://www.facebook.com/sjchildsglobalnetwork- The SJ Childs Show — https://www.facebook.com/SJChildsShowINSTAGRAM- https://www.instagram.com/sjchildsllc/TIKTOK- https://www.tiktok.com/@sjchildsllcLINKEDIN- https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjchilds/PODCAST PLATFORMS- Spotify — https://open.spotify.com/show/4qgD3ZMOB2unfPxqacu3cC- Apple Podcasts — https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sj-childs-show/id1548143291CONTACT EMAIL- sjchildsllc@gmail.com

Send us Fan MailThe parenting moves that look “right” on paper can fall apart in real life, especially when you're raising a neurodivergent child with ADHD, autism, learning differences, anxiety, or executive functioning challenges. I sit down with clinical psychologist Dr. Anna Levy Warren to talk about the moment many families hit after testing and diagnoses: you finally have the report, but you still don't have a roadmap for mornings, homework, emotions, and the daily friction that can wear everyone down.We get concrete about collaborative parenting, because collaboration isn't a vague ideal, it's a practical method. We talk through how to put the problem on the table, ask what your child needs, and build strategies with buy-in instead of battles. Dr. Warren shares why “take a breath” often fails, how modeling regulation actually teaches it, and why a simple “restart” can be a powerful repair tool after conflict. Along the way, we unpack respect, boundaries, and how to support independence without sacrificing the relationship you're trying to protect.We also dig into learning support: how to translate neuropsychological insights into strength-based academic coaching that builds a positive academic self-concept and real metacognition. Dr. Warren explains the work of Organizational Tutors, plus a practical ritual you can try immediately: a weekly family calendar meeting that improves communication, planning, and connection.If this conversation helps, subscribe, share it with a parent who needs a reset, and leave a review so more families can find these tools.Support the showSJ CHILDS - SOCIALS & WEBSITE MASTER LISTWEBSITES- Stream-Able Live — https://www.streamable.live-COMING SOON- The SJ Childs Global Network — https://www.sjchilds.org- The SJ Childs Show Podcast Page — https://www.sjchildsshow.comYOUTUBE- The SJ Childs Show — https://www.youtube.com/@sjchildsshow- Louie Lou (Cats Channel) — https://www.youtube.com/@2catslouielouFACEBOOK- Personal Profile — https://www.facebook.com/sara.gullihur.bradford- Business Page — https://www.facebook.com/sjchildsllc- The SJ Childs Global Network — https://www.facebook.com/sjchildsglobalnetwork- The SJ Childs Show — https://www.facebook.com/SJChildsShowINSTAGRAM- https://www.instagram.com/sjchildsllc/TIKTOK- https://www.tiktok.com/@sjchildsllcLINKEDIN- https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjchilds/PODCAST PLATFORMS- Spotify — https://open.spotify.com/show/4qgD3ZMOB2unfPxqacu3cC- Apple Podcasts — https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sj-childs-show/id1548143291CONTACT EMAIL- sjchildsllc@gmail.com

Send us Fan MailIf your child can talk for days but freezes the moment a pencil hits paper, the problem might not be “motivation” or “attention.” It might be handwriting. We sit down with educator and curriculum designer Holly Britton, founder of Squiggle Squad, to unpack why handwriting instruction is a core building block for literacy, written expression, and confident learning, especially in the early elementary years. We get specific about what handwriting really is: a transcription skill that has to become automatic so kids can use their brain power for planning, organizing, and revising. Holly explains how fine motor skills and cognitive language skills develop together, why the brain treats writing-by-hand differently than speaking, and how overlapping literacy systems make handwriting more than a nice-to-have. We also talk directionality and why early motor patterns can lock in for years, plus a practical example that can help prevent b and d reversals by teaching consistent start points. Then we zoom out to what developmentally appropriate learning looks like. Holly shares the Squiggle Squad approach of teaching a small set of pre-writing strokes first through gross motor play and finger tracing, before asking young kids to form letters on paper. We also tackle a real classroom issue: kids rarely see adults handwrite anymore, and screen-based “handwriting” demos often fail to model the actual tool, grip, and movement children need to copy. If you care about early literacy, child development, fine motor skills, and practical handwriting tips for parents and teachers, you'll leave with clear next steps and a simple chalk challenge you can do today. Subscribe, share this with a parent or educator, and leave a review with your biggest handwriting question so we can cover it next.Support the showSJ CHILDS - SOCIALS & WEBSITE MASTER LISTWEBSITES- Stream-Able Live — https://www.streamable.live-COMING SOON- The SJ Childs Global Network — https://www.sjchilds.org- The SJ Childs Show Podcast Page — https://www.sjchildsshow.comYOUTUBE- The SJ Childs Show — https://www.youtube.com/@sjchildsshow- Louie Lou (Cats Channel) — https://www.youtube.com/@2catslouielouFACEBOOK- Personal Profile — https://www.facebook.com/sara.gullihur.bradford- Business Page — https://www.facebook.com/sjchildsllc- The SJ Childs Global Network — https://www.facebook.com/sjchildsglobalnetwork- The SJ Childs Show — https://www.facebook.com/SJChildsShowINSTAGRAM- https://www.instagram.com/sjchildsllc/TIKTOK- https://www.tiktok.com/@sjchildsllcLINKEDIN- https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjchilds/PODCAST PLATFORMS- Spotify — https://open.spotify.com/show/4qgD3ZMOB2unfPxqacu3cC- Apple Podcasts — https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sj-childs-show/id1548143291CONTACT EMAIL- sjchildsllc@gmail.com

Send us Fan MailThe fastest way to lose your kid is to keep talking when what they need is to be understood. That's why I loved this conversation with Dr. Beth Long, a licensed professional counselor and ABA therapist in Montgomery, Alabama, who brings both clinical clarity and real-parent humility to the hardest parts of family life.We get into what children actually want from parents at different ages: younger kids craving you to join them more, and teens repeating the line Dr. Beth hears constantly in her work, “My parents never listen to me.” We talk about listening without rehearsing your response, how that creates safety, and why connection is not a reward kids have to earn. Dr. Beth also shares how her own parenting “failures” shaped the practical guidance in her book Beyond Words: The Art of Effectively Communicating With Your Child, plus a preview of Beyond Emotions: The Art of Raising Resilient Children.If you're parenting a neurodiverse child, we dig into autism communication, gestalt language learners, splintered skills, and the difference between expressive language delays and receptive language delays. We also unpack a game-based approach to emotional regulation, the idea that all feelings are welcome while not all behaviors are, and why a stronger emotion vocabulary can change your whole home. Along the way, we swap tools like Atlas of the Heart and simple feelings-map resources that make “mad” more specific and more manageable.Subscribe for more practical parenting conversations, share this with a friend who needs it, and leave a review so more families can find the support they've been searching for.Support the showSJ CHILDS - SOCIALS & WEBSITE MASTER LISTWEBSITES- Stream-Able Live — https://www.streamable.live-COMING SOON- The SJ Childs Global Network — https://www.sjchilds.org- The SJ Childs Show Podcast Page — https://www.sjchildsshow.comYOUTUBE- The SJ Childs Show — https://www.youtube.com/@sjchildsshow- Louie Lou (Cats Channel) — https://www.youtube.com/@2catslouielouFACEBOOK- Personal Profile — https://www.facebook.com/sara.gullihur.bradford- Business Page — https://www.facebook.com/sjchildsllc- The SJ Childs Global Network — https://www.facebook.com/sjchildsglobalnetwork- The SJ Childs Show — https://www.facebook.com/SJChildsShowINSTAGRAM- https://www.instagram.com/sjchildsllc/TIKTOK- https://www.tiktok.com/@sjchildsllcLINKEDIN- https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjchilds/PODCAST PLATFORMS- Spotify — https://open.spotify.com/show/4qgD3ZMOB2unfPxqacu3cC- Apple Podcasts — https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sj-childs-show/id1548143291CONTACT EMAIL- sjchildsllc@gmail.com

Send us Fan Mail“The struggle is real, the label is not.” That line sets the tone for a deep, candid conversation with Roman Wyden, founder of the ADHD Is Over movement, as we challenge the way modern culture talks about ADHD, behavior, and so-called “disorders.” We don't deny the pain families feel. We zoom in on what helps: naming the real struggle, reducing stress, and building environments where kids can actually function and feel safe.We talk through how ADHD has been rebranded across history, why the symptom “net” keeps widening, and what gets missed when we treat a diagnosis like destiny. Roman shares why he believes many attention and behavior challenges are driven by misfit environments and chronic stress, not broken brains. We get practical about what parents can examine beyond the prescription pad: school fit, household emotional climate, sleep, nutrition, media input, and honesty about what's happening at home. We also dig into genetics versus epigenetics, and why hearing “it's genetic” can quietly turn into “there's nothing I can do.”From there, we move into emotional regulation and conscious parenting. We unpack moments like embarrassment, fear of disappointment, harsh words, and “acting out,” and we reframe them as signals rather than character flaws. We also explore a powerful definition of love: accepting your child for who they are and who they are not in any given moment, especially when things go sideways.If you're navigating an ADHD diagnosis, questioning ADHD medication, or searching for ADHD parenting strategies that actually reduce daily stress, this conversation will give you language, perspective, and next steps. Subscribe, share this with a parent who needs it, and leave a review with the part that resonated most.Support the showSJ CHILDS - SOCIALS & WEBSITE MASTER LISTWEBSITES- Stream-Able Live — https://www.streamable.live-COMING SOON- The SJ Childs Global Network — https://www.sjchilds.org- The SJ Childs Show Podcast Page — https://www.sjchildsshow.comYOUTUBE- The SJ Childs Show — https://www.youtube.com/@sjchildsshow- Louie Lou (Cats Channel) — https://www.youtube.com/@2catslouielouFACEBOOK- Personal Profile — https://www.facebook.com/sara.gullihur.bradford- Business Page — https://www.facebook.com/sjchildsllc- The SJ Childs Global Network — https://www.facebook.com/sjchildsglobalnetwork- The SJ Childs Show — https://www.facebook.com/SJChildsShowINSTAGRAM- https://www.instagram.com/sjchildsllc/TIKTOK- https://www.tiktok.com/@sjchildsllcLINKEDIN- https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjchilds/PODCAST PLATFORMS- Spotify — https://open.spotify.com/show/4qgD3ZMOB2unfPxqacu3cC- Apple Podcasts — https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sj-childs-show/id1548143291CONTACT EMAIL- sjchildsllc@gmail.com

Send us Fan MailA life-changing diagnosis can make even the strongest person feel like they're “too much” for the people they love. That single thought is what pushed Eric Wyatt to create Burden The Bear, a plush bear with a simple purpose: remind patients and families that the illness is the burden, not the person. Eric joins us from Philadelphia to share the real story behind the brand, starting with his mom's lung cancer and the words that stayed with him long after she was gone. Eric's path isn't a tidy entrepreneur origin story. After a near-fatal car accident left him with lasting injuries, chronic pain, and a long recovery, he decided survival had to mean something. We talk through how he used that turning point to bring the bears to life, how feedback from the toy industry shaped the look and feel, and why “cute and cuddly” can be a serious tool for emotional support, caregiver connection, and patient mental health. We also get into the nonprofit side: Lifting The Burden is now an official 501(c)(3), built to partner with hospitals, community organizations, and corporate sponsors so bears can be donated where they're needed most. You'll hear how custom designs and sponsor logos help fund distribution, what Eric learned at events like CHOP's autism programs, and what's coming next, from an autism acceptance bear to “connection bears” for organ donation and transplant families, plus ideas for first responders and anti-violence work. If this conversation hits home, subscribe, share it with someone who needs encouragement, and leave a review so more families can find it.Support the showSJ CHILDS - SOCIALS & WEBSITE MASTER LISTWEBSITES- Stream-Able Live — https://www.streamable.live-COMING SOON- The SJ Childs Global Network — https://www.sjchilds.org- The SJ Childs Show Podcast Page — https://www.sjchildsshow.comYOUTUBE- The SJ Childs Show — https://www.youtube.com/@sjchildsshow- Louie Lou (Cats Channel) — https://www.youtube.com/@2catslouielouFACEBOOK- Personal Profile — https://www.facebook.com/sara.gullihur.bradford- Business Page — https://www.facebook.com/sjchildsllc- The SJ Childs Global Network — https://www.facebook.com/sjchildsglobalnetwork- The SJ Childs Show — https://www.facebook.com/SJChildsShowINSTAGRAM- https://www.instagram.com/sjchildsllc/TIKTOK- https://www.tiktok.com/@sjchildsllcLINKEDIN- https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjchilds/PODCAST PLATFORMS- Spotify — https://open.spotify.com/show/4qgD3ZMOB2unfPxqacu3cC- Apple Podcasts — https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sj-childs-show/id1548143291CONTACT EMAIL- sjchildsllc@gmail.com

Send us Fan MailIf school still looks like memorizing, pacing, and compliance, we're preparing kids for a world that no longer exists. Today we sit down with educator, leadership researcher, and neuroscience-informed consultant Lisa Reigel to talk about what's really driving student behavior, teacher burnout, and the rising feeling that the system can't hold the humans inside it.We get specific about how high-stakes testing changed the mission from “teach kids” to “teach content,” and why that shift hits neurodivergent learners and trauma-impacted students the hardest. Then we zoom out to the post-AI world. If generative AI can answer the prompt instantly, we're often asking the wrong question. Lisa makes the case for focusing on durable human skills: executive function, emotional regulation, social skills, critical thinking, and the habits that help students succeed in relationships, work, and life.Lisa also shares an accessible brain science framework you can use immediately, from classrooms to homes: how the vagus nerve and sensory input set the stage, how the thalamus filters and associates, and how the amygdala can hijack the system under stress. When we understand that behavior is biology plus context, discipline changes, support improves, and kids learn to become the “boss of their brain” through routines and practice, not one-off lessons.If you care about neuroscience in education, AI in schools, trauma-informed teaching, or building a truly human-centered learning culture, this conversation is for you. Subscribe for more, share this with a teacher or parent who needs it, and leave a review with the biggest shift you want to see in schools.Support the showSJ CHILDS - SOCIALS & WEBSITE MASTER LISTWEBSITES- Stream-Able Live — https://www.streamable.live-COMING SOON- The SJ Childs Global Network — https://www.sjchilds.org- The SJ Childs Show Podcast Page — https://www.sjchildsshow.comYOUTUBE- The SJ Childs Show — https://www.youtube.com/@sjchildsshow- Louie Lou (Cats Channel) — https://www.youtube.com/@2catslouielouFACEBOOK- Personal Profile — https://www.facebook.com/sara.gullihur.bradford- Business Page — https://www.facebook.com/sjchildsllc- The SJ Childs Global Network — https://www.facebook.com/sjchildsglobalnetwork- The SJ Childs Show — https://www.facebook.com/SJChildsShowINSTAGRAM- https://www.instagram.com/sjchildsllc/TIKTOK- https://www.tiktok.com/@sjchildsllcLINKEDIN- https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjchilds/PODCAST PLATFORMS- Spotify — https://open.spotify.com/show/4qgD3ZMOB2unfPxqacu3cC- Apple Podcasts — https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sj-childs-show/id1548143291CONTACT EMAIL- sjchildsllc@gmail.com

Send us Fan MailYour house can be beautiful and still be safer, easier, and more supportive for real life. I sit down with Erica Sell, owner of Harmony Home Medical in San Diego, to get practical about home accessibility, assistive technology, and universal design for families raising neurodivergent kids and for anyone planning to help aging parents live well at home.We start with how Erica built a high-touch, education-first medical equipment showroom after seeing a gap between what people truly need and what third-party payer criteria tends to prioritize. From there, we dig into bedroom solutions like high-low adjustable beds that look like normal furniture, plus enclosure bed options families often search for when safety and nighttime behaviors become a serious concern. We also talk honestly about how coverage and classifications can change, and what it means to plan ahead instead of waiting for a crisis.Then we go through the home with specific aging-in-place and special needs home modification ideas. In the kitchen: task-height surfaces, safer appliance controls, and layered lighting that improves visibility while respecting sensory needs. In the bathroom: modern grab bars that don't look institutional, smarter layouts, and transfer systems that reduce lifting and protect caregiver backs as kids grow. We close on community resources, the rapid innovation in lightweight mobility devices, and why remodeling is the perfect time to quietly build in universal design.If this helped you, subscribe, share with a caregiver or parent, and leave a quick review with the one home upgrade you're prioritizing next.Support the showSJ CHILDS - SOCIALS & WEBSITE MASTER LISTWEBSITES- Stream-Able Live — https://www.streamable.live-COMING SOON- The SJ Childs Global Network — https://www.sjchilds.org- The SJ Childs Show Podcast Page — https://www.sjchildsshow.comYOUTUBE- The SJ Childs Show — https://www.youtube.com/@sjchildsshow- Louie Lou (Cats Channel) — https://www.youtube.com/@2catslouielouFACEBOOK- Personal Profile — https://www.facebook.com/sara.gullihur.bradford- Business Page — https://www.facebook.com/sjchildsllc- The SJ Childs Global Network — https://www.facebook.com/sjchildsglobalnetwork- The SJ Childs Show — https://www.facebook.com/SJChildsShowINSTAGRAM- https://www.instagram.com/sjchildsllc/TIKTOK- https://www.tiktok.com/@sjchildsllcLINKEDIN- https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjchilds/PODCAST PLATFORMS- Spotify — https://open.spotify.com/show/4qgD3ZMOB2unfPxqacu3cC- Apple Podcasts — https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sj-childs-show/id1548143291CONTACT EMAIL- sjchildsllc@gmail.com

Send a textWhat if the biggest barrier to inclusion isn't awareness, but the way our systems are built? We sit down with Robert Annis, a London-based founder of NEURO, to unpack how the “alignment trap”—cultures that prize sameness over substance—quietly locks out cognitive diversity and throttles innovation. Instead of chasing badges and box-ticking, Robert lays out a practical path where inclusion becomes a strategic engine for better problem solving, collaboration, and growth.We explore why designing “for everyone” often defaults to the median, and how designing “for anybody” opens doors for real people with real differences. Robert shares vivid examples—from misplaced braille signage to performance reviews that reward conformity—showing how small oversights create big barriers. He explains NEURO's accreditation model that ties recognition to verifiable investment in leadership, governance, recruiting, policies, and performance management. We also dig into Resonance, a tool that helps individuals map challenges to supports and gives organizations a shared language to act—with clarity rather than guesswork.Robert's personal journey brings the stakes home. Diagnosed later in life with autism and ADHD, along with face blindness and severely deficient autobiographical memory, he describes the daily friction of misread cues and expectations. The lesson is not “more hardware”; it's deeper understanding. When teams know how different minds perceive, communicate, and process, they build trust and psychological safety—the soil where learning and innovation grow. Along the way, we spotlight curiosity as a cultural superpower, the practical role of labels in granting access, and the ripple effects of unconditional support in families, schools, and workplaces.If you're a leader tired of tokenism, a parent seeking clarity, or a builder who wants real outcomes, this conversation offers a roadmap. Learn how to move beyond awareness into accountable inclusion that attracts talent, lifts performance, and proves it with evidence. Ready to turn difference into your competitive edge? Listen now, subscribe, and leave a review to share what change you're making first.Support the showSJ CHILDS - SOCIALS & WEBSITE MASTER LIST WEBSITES - Stream-Able Live — https://www.streamable.live-COMING SOON - The SJ Childs Global Network — https://www.sjchilds.org - The SJ Childs Show Podcast Page — https://www.sjchildsshow.com YOUTUBE - The SJ Childs Show — https://www.youtube.com/@sjchildsshow - Louie Lou (Cats Channel) — https://www.youtube.com/@2catslouielou FACEBOOK - Personal Profile — https://www.facebook.com/sara.gullihur.bradford - Business Page — https://www.facebook.com/sjchildsllc - The SJ Childs Global Network — https://www.facebook.com/sjchildsglobalnetwork - The SJ Childs Show — https://www.facebook.com/SJChildsShow INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/sjchildsllc/ TIKTOK - https://www.tiktok.com/@sjchildsllc LINKEDIN - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjchilds/ PODCAST PLATFORMS - Spotify — https://open.spotify.com/show/4qgD3ZMOB2unfPxqacu3cC - Apple Podcasts — https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sj-childs-show/id1548143291 CONTACT EMAIL - sjchildsllc@gmail.com

Send a textWhat if the fastest way to change your child's behavior is to change how you show up? We sit down with parent coach and author Sue Donnellan to unpack why yelling fails, how Montessori principles build independence, and what it takes to lead the culture of your home with clarity and calm. From the chaos of going from one child to triplets to discovering behavior psychology, Sue shares the exact reframes and systems that helped her move from reactivity to results.We explore the core shift of treating kids as “adults in training,” which replaces control with collaboration and dignity. Sue walks us through “parenting in advance,” a repeatable approach to solving recurring flashpoints—mornings, chores, screens—during low-emotion moments with short training conversations. You'll hear how to ask questions to learn instead of to lecture, how to listen to receive rather than to reply, and why curiosity is the highest-leverage tool you have for conflict resolution and trust.We also dig into expectation management, neutrality, and the art of intentional detachment as kids approach pre-teen years. Think of yourself as the bow and your child as the arrow: craft well, aim with purpose, then allow space for growth within boundaries. Along the way, we talk mantras, check-ins, and simple self-audits that keep you on track when life is loud. The payoff is a home where independence grows, honesty is safe, and your voice is heard without raising it.If you're ready to swap shouting for structure and power struggles for partnership, press play. Then share your biggest daily sticking point—we'll help you reframe it on a future episode. Subscribe, leave a review, and pass this to a caregiver who needs a hopeful, practical reset.Support the showSJ CHILDS - SOCIALS & WEBSITE MASTER LIST WEBSITES - Stream-Able Live — https://www.streamable.live-COMING SOON - The SJ Childs Global Network — https://www.sjchilds.org - The SJ Childs Show Podcast Page — https://www.sjchildsshow.com YOUTUBE - The SJ Childs Show — https://www.youtube.com/@sjchildsshow - Louie Lou (Cats Channel) — https://www.youtube.com/@2catslouielou FACEBOOK - Personal Profile — https://www.facebook.com/sara.gullihur.bradford - Business Page — https://www.facebook.com/sjchildsllc - The SJ Childs Global Network — https://www.facebook.com/sjchildsglobalnetwork - The SJ Childs Show — https://www.facebook.com/SJChildsShow INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/sjchildsllc/ TIKTOK - https://www.tiktok.com/@sjchildsllc LINKEDIN - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjchilds/ PODCAST PLATFORMS - Spotify — https://open.spotify.com/show/4qgD3ZMOB2unfPxqacu3cC - Apple Podcasts — https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sj-childs-show/id1548143291 CONTACT EMAIL - sjchildsllc@gmail.com

Send a textA lot of bright kids are still stuck on the basics of reading, and too many parents are told to wait—or sold cures that don't work. We sit down with dyslexia therapist Faye Bankler Cressell to unpack what actually helps struggling readers and how families can start real progress at home without losing years to red tape.Faye shares her path from special education to structured literacy, sparked by helping her own child during lockdown. She explains why the science of reading matters, what structured literacy looks like in daily practice, and how to tell evidence-based intervention from high-priced “brain training” that promises big results but delivers little. We get specific about foundational skills—phonemic awareness, sound-symbol mapping, CVC decoding, early syllable work—and how systematic, cumulative lessons rewire reading pathways across phonology, orthography, and morphology.We also talk about the power of telling kids their diagnosis in clear, respectful language. When children know what dyslexia means, shame fades and self-advocacy begins. That confidence scales into high school, college, and the workplace, where naming strengths and supports becomes a strategy for excellence. Faye introduces her Home Reading Coach program, a 13‑week, parent-led course designed to be affordable, practical, and aligned with what research says works. Think printable materials, guided videos, and coaching that help families move from ABC to CVC and into early two-syllable patterns—with measurable wins that build momentum.If you're navigating testing, IEEs, IEP meetings, or just wondering where to begin, you'll find a clear roadmap plus vetted resources and communities like Decoding Dyslexia. You don't need to wait for formal labels to take action; explicit instruction has no downside and a massive upside. Subscribe, share with a caregiver who needs this clarity, and leave a review telling us the one reading question you want answered next.Support the showSJ CHILDS - SOCIALS & WEBSITE MASTER LIST WEBSITES - Stream-Able Live — https://www.streamable.live-COMING SOON - The SJ Childs Global Network — https://www.sjchilds.org - The SJ Childs Show Podcast Page — https://www.sjchildsshow.com YOUTUBE - The SJ Childs Show — https://www.youtube.com/@sjchildsshow - Louie Lou (Cats Channel) — https://www.youtube.com/@2catslouielou FACEBOOK - Personal Profile — https://www.facebook.com/sara.gullihur.bradford - Business Page — https://www.facebook.com/sjchildsllc - The SJ Childs Global Network — https://www.facebook.com/sjchildsglobalnetwork - The SJ Childs Show — https://www.facebook.com/SJChildsShow INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/sjchildsllc/ TIKTOK - https://www.tiktok.com/@sjchildsllc LINKEDIN - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjchilds/ PODCAST PLATFORMS - Spotify — https://open.spotify.com/show/4qgD3ZMOB2unfPxqacu3cC - Apple Podcasts — https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sj-childs-show/id1548143291 CONTACT EMAIL - sjchildsllc@gmail.com

Send us a textImagine being told a first-grade reading level will define your future—then deciding to rewrite the script. That's the spark behind our conversation with Russell, a New York State–funded dyslexia researcher who turned personal roadblocks into a practical method that helps students jump from frustration to fluency without elite price tags.We dig into the brain science that actually moves the needle: stop hammering the back of the brain where dyslexic readers show low activity and start training the frontal systems where activity surges. Russell explains a deceptively simple routine that blends word analysis and articulation: build three-word sentences grounded in the learner's real interests, read them aloud to ensure they sound right, then retype each misspelled word until it sticks. It's a 10-minute fix that compounds into stronger grammar, better spelling, and—crucially—confidence. If they can write it, they can read it. And as sentences become body paragraphs and paragraphs become essays, organization emerges from a fast, creative mind.You'll hear vivid case studies. High schoolers in his pilot went from near-zero percentiles to college-ready performance in a single school year. A homeschooled fifth grader climbed from the 11th to the 64th percentile in reading and from the 4th to 65th in writing, with grammar hitting the 97th percentile. The common thread is motivation: specificity beats slog. Start with a student's genuine specialty, then use targeted questions to move from the specific to the general, borrowing the “context, problem, solution” frame from The Craft of Research to teach structure early. We even map how a 10-year-old building a Mars literature review can learn the peer-review process years ahead of schedule.We also talk access. Russell's program pairs weekly expert guidance with a full curriculum—from corrected sentences to publishable work—at a price families can manage. The goal isn't endless accommodation; it's training that respects how neurodiverse brains learn and transfers to real classrooms. If you're a parent, teacher, or curious learner ready for tools that work, tune in, try the sentence routine, and see what shifts for your student this week. If it helps, share the episode, subscribe for more practical strategies, and leave a review to tell us what changed for you.Support the showSJ CHILDS - SOCIALS & WEBSITE MASTER LIST WEBSITES - Stream-Able Live — https://www.streamable.live-COMING SOON - The SJ Childs Global Network — https://www.sjchilds.org - The SJ Childs Show Podcast Page — https://www.sjchildsshow.com YOUTUBE - The SJ Childs Show — https://www.youtube.com/@sjchildsshow - Louie Lou (Cats Channel) — https://www.youtube.com/@2catslouielou FACEBOOK - Personal Profile — https://www.facebook.com/sara.gullihur.bradford - Business Page — https://www.facebook.com/sjchildsllc - The SJ Childs Global Network — https://www.facebook.com/sjchildsglobalnetwork - The SJ Childs Show — https://www.facebook.com/SJChildsShow INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/sjchildsllc/ TIKTOK - https://www.tiktok.com/@sjchildsllc LINKEDIN - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjchilds/ PODCAST PLATFORMS - Spotify — https://open.spotify.com/show/4qgD3ZMOB2unfPxqacu3cC - Apple Podcasts — https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sj-childs-show/id1548143291 CONTACT EMAIL - sjchildsllc@gmail.com

Send us a textWhat if the words you needed were waiting inside the moments you try to rush past? We sit down with Australian poet and radiographer Nadine Ellis to explore late autism diagnosis, the quiet injuries of daily life, and the craft of turning hard feelings into language that heals. Nadine was diagnosed at 58, alongside her daughters and husband, and that clarity reframed decades of masking, missed cues, and misplaced shame. Instead of pathologizing sensitivity, she treats it as guidance—and her poems channel that signal into lines that land with precision.Across our conversation, we map the practical tools that helped her build resilience: journaling as a pressure valve and memory archive, compact poetry that cuts through noise for a dyslexic mind, and the steady discipline of noticing. We talk about creating a home where each person's decompression needs are honored, and how shared understanding replaces friction with ease. Nadine's perspective is generous and grounded: you don't need to be a “writer” to express yourself. If words aren't your medium, paint, stitch, cook, garden, sing, or use voice-to-text. The point is contact, not perfection.You'll also hear two live readings from her collection The Gray Between: Caustic Comments, a searing piece about the long echo of a teacher's cruelty and the alchemy of reclaiming it, and Solitary Confinement, a tender meditation on laundry, motherhood, and the sweetness packed into small domestic rituals. Each poem shows how everyday micro-traumas and quiet joys shape identity—and how art can metabolize both into strength.If you're navigating neurodivergence, seeking healthier boundaries, or just craving a way to make sense of what you feel, this conversation offers language, validation, and tangible next steps. Check out Nadine's work on Amazon, visit nadineellis.com for poems and interviews, and follow @nadineellispoetry on Instagram for new pieces. If this resonated, share it with a friend, subscribe for more thoughtful conversations, and leave a review so others can find the show.Support the showSJ CHILDS - SOCIALS & WEBSITE MASTER LIST WEBSITES - Stream-Able Live — https://www.streamable.live-COMING SOON - The SJ Childs Global Network — https://www.sjchilds.org - The SJ Childs Show Podcast Page — https://www.sjchildsshow.com YOUTUBE - The SJ Childs Show — https://www.youtube.com/@sjchildsshow - Louie Lou (Cats Channel) — https://www.youtube.com/@2catslouielou FACEBOOK - Personal Profile — https://www.facebook.com/sara.gullihur.bradford - Business Page — https://www.facebook.com/sjchildsllc - The SJ Childs Global Network — https://www.facebook.com/sjchildsglobalnetwork - The SJ Childs Show — https://www.facebook.com/SJChildsShow INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/sjchildsllc/ TIKTOK - https://www.tiktok.com/@sjchildsllc LINKEDIN - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjchilds/ PODCAST PLATFORMS - Spotify — https://open.spotify.com/show/4qgD3ZMOB2unfPxqacu3cC - Apple Podcasts — https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sj-childs-show/id1548143291 CONTACT EMAIL - sjchildsllc@gmail.com

Send us a textWhat if the hardest moments with your child weren't proof you're failing, but signals pointing to the support they need? We sit down with autism mom coach and attorney Lisa Candera to explore a practical, compassionate approach to parenting through crisis, burnout, and the daily unknowns. Lisa shares how “regulation starts with us,” why reframing behavior as information changes everything, and the simple steps that turn school chaos into a clearer plan.We dig into real-world tactics without the jargon: how to call an IEP meeting, request a functional behavioral assessment, and build a behavior plan that actually serves your child. Lisa also opens up about letting go of rigid “shoulds,” rethinking inclusion through the lens of fit, and witnessing her son's leap in maturity after years of acute challenges. The result is a roadmap grounded in clarity and grace—less panic, more agency, and a steadier path forward.You'll hear about one-on-one and small-group coaching focused on moms, the power of online access, and the community networks that help families stop navigating alone. Along the way, we talk about self-compassion, checking in with our kids, and zooming out to the five-month and fifteen-year views that keep hope alive. If you've ever dreaded a school call, questioned your instincts, or felt ashamed for being exhausted, this conversation is your permission slip to breathe, regroup, and try again with better tools.Listen now, share with a friend who needs encouragement, and subscribe for more honest, practical conversations. If this episode helped you, leave a review and tell us your biggest school or home challenge—we're listening.Support the showSJ CHILDS - SOCIALS & WEBSITE MASTER LIST WEBSITES - Stream-Able Live — https://www.streamable.live-COMING SOON - The SJ Childs Global Network — https://www.sjchilds.org - The SJ Childs Show Podcast Page — https://www.sjchildsshow.com YOUTUBE - The SJ Childs Show — https://www.youtube.com/@sjchildsshow - Louie Lou (Cats Channel) — https://www.youtube.com/@2catslouielou FACEBOOK - Personal Profile — https://www.facebook.com/sara.gullihur.bradford - Business Page — https://www.facebook.com/sjchildsllc - The SJ Childs Global Network — https://www.facebook.com/sjchildsglobalnetwork - The SJ Childs Show — https://www.facebook.com/SJChildsShow INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/sjchildsllc/ TIKTOK - https://www.tiktok.com/@sjchildsllc LINKEDIN - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjchilds/ PODCAST PLATFORMS - Spotify — https://open.spotify.com/show/4qgD3ZMOB2unfPxqacu3cC - Apple Podcasts — https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sj-childs-show/id1548143291 CONTACT EMAIL - sjchildsllc@gmail.com

Send us a textA box of chocolate peanut butter balls shouldn't change a life—but in our Las Vegas kitchen, it often does. We sit down with Sugar and Spice founder Sherry Long, a former teacher who transformed a classroom skill set into a bustling confectionery that doubles as a paid training ground for neurodivergent and at‑risk young adults. What started as an accidental side hustle became a clear pathway to confidence, wages, and work‑ready skills.Sherry walks us through the full system: 10‑week paid placements, job coaches in the kitchen, and close partnerships with Empower Us and VocEd to match young people to roles that fit their strengths. We talk real operations—food safety, labeling, invoicing, box folding, retail fulfillment—and the multi‑modal training that makes it all click: visual aids over the sink, verbal cues like fold in, fold out, and hands‑on practice until muscle memory takes over. The stories land where it matters most: a trainee crying happy tears at a first paycheck, a quiet teen leading a production line by week three, and families discovering that transportation coaching and consistent routines can turn anxiety into agency.We also make a case to local businesses: stop saying “no one wants to work.” There's a talented, motivated workforce ready to contribute if you offer clear tasks, patient coaching, and inclusive hiring. Whether your setting is back‑of‑house production or a public‑facing role, job carving and steady mentorship can unlock reliability, retention, and pride. Parents will leave with practical ideas to build independence at home—small chores, visual lists, and the space to try, fail, and try again.Craving something sweet with substance? Grab the Valentine promo and taste what this team creates while supporting a model that deserves to spread. Subscribe, share this episode with a business owner or parent who needs to hear it, and leave a review to help more people find these stories and solutions.www.sugarandspicelasvegas.com20%OFF for Valentines with PROMO CODE PODCAST2026Support the showSJ CHILDS - SOCIALS & WEBSITE MASTER LIST WEBSITES - Stream-Able Live — https://www.streamable.live-COMING SOON - The SJ Childs Global Network — https://www.sjchilds.org - The SJ Childs Show Podcast Page — https://www.sjchildsshow.com YOUTUBE - The SJ Childs Show — https://www.youtube.com/@sjchildsshow - Louie Lou (Cats Channel) — https://www.youtube.com/@2catslouielou FACEBOOK - Personal Profile — https://www.facebook.com/sara.gullihur.bradford - Business Page — https://www.facebook.com/sjchildsllc - The SJ Childs Global Network — https://www.facebook.com/sjchildsglobalnetwork - The SJ Childs Show — https://www.facebook.com/SJChildsShow INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/sjchildsllc/ TIKTOK - https://www.tiktok.com/@sjchildsllc LINKEDIN - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjchilds/ PODCAST PLATFORMS - Spotify — https://open.spotify.com/show/4qgD3ZMOB2unfPxqacu3cC - Apple Podcasts — https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sj-childs-show/id1548143291 CONTACT EMAIL - sjchildsllc@gmail.com

Send us a textA quiet moment over coffee can redraw a life. That's where our guest, Matt Ross, realized he wasn't just surviving anymore—he was ready to build a plan for growth. We trace how that spark became Grow or Fold, a candid guide to navigating midlife, protecting your family, and designing a future that feels both possible and personal.Matt shares the arc of his career—from building radio stations to leading School of Rock to launching One River School—alongside his most defining role: father to a nonverbal autistic son. The conversation gets real about crisis points, including a psychiatric breakdown at 16 and the hard decisions that led to residential care. We break down the “autism tsunami,” from long housing waitlists to the urgent need for early, strategic planning. Expect clear, actionable insights on special needs trusts, guardianship pathways, and how to work with the right legal and service teams so your child is supported for the long haul.We also unpack a practical playbook for personal reinvention. Matt's five-part progression—self-awareness, responsibility, the pain of change, the cost of not changing, and disciplined action—pairs with his MVP: My Vision Plan of ten goals for the next ten years. It's a humane system that fits busy lives, helping you align daily habits with a future you actually want. Along the way, we talk playfulness, creativity, and the science-backed power of generativity: giving to others as a path to meaning, resilience, and longer life.If you're juggling caregiving, career, and your own unmet goals, this episode offers clarity, courage, and a framework you can start today. Subscribe, share this with a friend who needs it, and tell us: what's the one change you'll commit to this week?Support the showSJ CHILDS - SOCIALS & WEBSITE MASTER LIST WEBSITES - Stream-Able Live — https://www.streamable.live-COMING SOON - The SJ Childs Global Network — https://www.sjchilds.org - The SJ Childs Show Podcast Page — https://www.sjchildsshow.com YOUTUBE - The SJ Childs Show — https://www.youtube.com/@sjchildsshow - Louie Lou (Cats Channel) — https://www.youtube.com/@2catslouielou FACEBOOK - Personal Profile — https://www.facebook.com/sara.gullihur.bradford - Business Page — https://www.facebook.com/sjchildsllc - The SJ Childs Global Network — https://www.facebook.com/sjchildsglobalnetwork - The SJ Childs Show — https://www.facebook.com/SJChildsShow INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/sjchildsllc/ TIKTOK - https://www.tiktok.com/@sjchildsllc LINKEDIN - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjchilds/ PODCAST PLATFORMS - Spotify — https://open.spotify.com/show/4qgD3ZMOB2unfPxqacu3cC - Apple Podcasts — https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sj-childs-show/id1548143291 CONTACT EMAIL - sjchildsllc@gmail.com

Send us a textWhat if accessibility came first and everything else got better because of it? That's the idea we rally around as Sara Bradford, aka SJ Childs—AuDHD Advocate and creator of Stream-Able Live and the SJ Childs Global Network—lays out a clear, urgent case for building inclusion into the foundation of our products, events, and stories. With one in four people in the United States living with a disability today and more than two billion projected globally by 2050, the numbers alone demand a redesign of how we create and share experiences.We unpack what an access-first world looks like in practice. From live captions that are accurate and customizable to typography choices that improve readability, from seamless screen reader support to predictable navigation patterns, every choice is a lever that opens the door wider. Sara explains how Stream-Able Live hardwires these levers into the platform so creators don't need permission or add-ons to be included. The result is not just better accessibility; it's better usability for everyone and a healthier creative ecosystem where disabled creators can lead and shape culture.Beyond the interface, we talk about accessibility as culture, policy, and strategy. Inclusion first means planning events with access in mind, budgeting for interpretation, writing alt text as standard, and treating transcripts as part of the content, not a footnote. It also means acknowledging the business upside: when we leave people out, we leave innovation on the table. Inclusive design expands audiences, reduces support costs, strengthens brand trust, and surfaces new ideas that only appear when more people can fully participate.If you're ready to move from compliance to creativity, from retrofits to inclusive defaults, this conversation is your nudge. Subscribe for more builder-focused stories, share this episode with someone who can move resources, and leave a review telling us the first accessibility change you'll champion.Support the showSJ CHILDS - SOCIALS & WEBSITE MASTER LIST WEBSITES - Stream-Able Live — https://www.streamable.live-COMING SOON - The SJ Childs Global Network — https://www.sjchilds.org - The SJ Childs Show Podcast Page — https://www.sjchildsshow.com YOUTUBE - The SJ Childs Show — https://www.youtube.com/@sjchildsshow - Louie Lou (Cats Channel) — https://www.youtube.com/@2catslouielou FACEBOOK - Personal Profile — https://www.facebook.com/sara.gullihur.bradford - Business Page — https://www.facebook.com/sjchildsllc - The SJ Childs Global Network — https://www.facebook.com/sjchildsglobalnetwork - The SJ Childs Show — https://www.facebook.com/SJChildsShow INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/sjchildsllc/ TIKTOK - https://www.tiktok.com/@sjchildsllc LINKEDIN - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjchilds/ PODCAST PLATFORMS - Spotify — https://open.spotify.com/show/4qgD3ZMOB2unfPxqacu3cC - Apple Podcasts — https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sj-childs-show/id1548143291 CONTACT EMAIL - sjchildsllc@gmail.com

Send us a textA blog that almost stalled. A book that took shape anyway. And a voice that keeps getting louder. We sit down with Michael, an autistic author from Ontario, to trace how “Michaelism: My POV on Life with Autism” went from idea to self-published reality—and why persistence beat perfection at every turn.Michael opens up about the early days when the word autism felt abstract, while picture-based learning made the world click. That contrast sets the tone for an honest look at communication, school, and the moments that defy low expectations—like a cherished trip to Ottawa and friendships that still carry into his weekly routine. We unpack the power of special interests, from J-pop and K-pop to EDM and dance, and reframe them not as obsessions but as engines for joy, structure, and community. If you're searching for real stories about autism acceptance, sensory choices, and everyday advocacy, this conversation meets you where you are.We also dive into the nuts and bolts of self-publishing with IngramSpark, why Michael chose that path, and how book signings and autism conferences in Toronto helped him connect with readers. He walks through key themes from his book—anxiety, emotions, making friends, money and math, communication, volunteering—and shows how each chapter anchors practical skills in lived experience. Through family support, grief, and growth, Michael models what it looks like to claim identity, wear it proudly, and keep moving forward with compassion.Hit play to meet a writer who leads with heart and clarity. If his mantra—stay strong, never give up—resonates with you, share this episode with someone who needs it. Subscribe for more stories from autistic advocates, leave a review to help others find the show, and tell us: which special interest has shaped your life?Happily Ever After CourseManifest your dreams with Happily Ever After: a cosmic toolkit for real life change.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showSJ CHILDS - SOCIALS & WEBSITE MASTER LIST WEBSITES - Stream-Able Live — https://www.streamable.live-COMING SOON - The SJ Childs Global Network — https://www.sjchilds.org - The SJ Childs Show Podcast Page — https://www.sjchildsshow.com YOUTUBE - The SJ Childs Show — https://www.youtube.com/@sjchildsshow - Louie Lou (Cats Channel) — https://www.youtube.com/@2catslouielou FACEBOOK - Personal Profile — https://www.facebook.com/sara.gullihur.bradford - Business Page — https://www.facebook.com/sjchildsllc - The SJ Childs Global Network — https://www.facebook.com/sjchildsglobalnetwork - The SJ Childs Show — https://www.facebook.com/SJChildsShow INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/sjchildsllc/ TIKTOK - https://www.tiktok.com/@sjchildsllc LINKEDIN - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjchilds/ PODCAST PLATFORMS - Spotify — https://open.spotify.com/show/4qgD3ZMOB2unfPxqacu3cC - Apple Podcasts — https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sj-childs-show/id1548143291 CONTACT EMAIL - sjchildsllc@gmail.com

Send us a textWhat if the very traits that once set your career on fire could be turned into a repeatable system that saves companies and jobs—without burning you out? That's the tension we explore with turnaround executive Todd Hugopian, whose fifteen years of undiagnosed bipolar disorder powered massive wins and painful self-sabotage before a diagnosis forced a new path. The meds worked, the edge seemed to vanish, and then he did something rare: he bottled the useful parts of hypomania into practical tools anyone can learn.We walk through the playbook behind multiple successful turnarounds: set audacious goals people can believe in, build calendars that don't lie, measure profit per minute to protect jobs, and run 52 small projects in 52 weeks so momentum compounds without frying your best people. Todd's favorite lever—orthodoxy smashing—shows how to find hidden money in “boring” industries by challenging one stale rule at a time. It's fast, disciplined, and surprisingly humane.We also get personal about mental health at work. Gen Z is open about neurodivergence; Gen X is still running promotions while staying quiet. That gap breeds fear and missed talent. We offer a different approach: normalize how your brain works before you need accommodations, show the strengths it creates, and design pedal-on, pedal-off rhythms that keep performance high and people whole. At home, we talk sensory overload, communication scaffolding for autistic kids, and the courage it takes to replace secrecy with clarity.If you lead teams, crave a smarter way to execute, or want language to advocate for neurodivergent strengths, this one's for you. Subscribe, share with a manager who needs a better playbook, and leave a review to help more listeners find the show.Happily Ever After CourseManifest your dreams with Happily Ever After: a cosmic toolkit for real life change.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showSJ CHILDS - SOCIALS & WEBSITE MASTER LIST WEBSITES - Stream-Able Live — https://www.streamable.live-COMING SOON - The SJ Childs Global Network — https://www.sjchilds.org - The SJ Childs Show Podcast Page — https://www.sjchildsshow.com YOUTUBE - The SJ Childs Show — https://www.youtube.com/@sjchildsshow - Louie Lou (Cats Channel) — https://www.youtube.com/@2catslouielou FACEBOOK - Personal Profile — https://www.facebook.com/sara.gullihur.bradford - Business Page — https://www.facebook.com/sjchildsllc - The SJ Childs Global Network — https://www.facebook.com/sjchildsglobalnetwork - The SJ Childs Show — https://www.facebook.com/SJChildsShow INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/sjchildsllc/ TIKTOK - https://www.tiktok.com/@sjchildsllc LINKEDIN - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjchilds/ PODCAST PLATFORMS - Spotify — https://open.spotify.com/show/4qgD3ZMOB2unfPxqacu3cC - Apple Podcasts — https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sj-childs-show/id1548143291 CONTACT EMAIL - sjchildsllc@gmail.com

Send us a textWhat if social apps actually met neurodivergent needs? That question drives a warm, candid conversation with educator-turned-founder Brittany Mosa as we dig into Synchrony, a new social and dating app for autistic and otherwise neurodivergent adults. Brittany traces the journey from a rural Queensland classroom to a Manhattan charter school, where practical inclusion strategies showed that supports designed for autistic students often help everyone. Those lessons—visuals, social stories, structured coaching—evolved into a product built to solve a quiet but urgent problem: the moment when a promising connection stalls because the right words or clarity just won't come.Synchrony's heart is Jesse, an AI social coach named for Brittany's cofounder's autistic son. Jesse appears inside a live chat with three clear options: help me express myself, help me understand what's happening, and protect my comfort. Instead of generic advice, Jesse looks at the actual conversation, offers concise interpretations, and suggests language that users can personalize. The goal is not to script people into neurotypical patterns; it's to support authentic expression, reduce masking, and make room for different goals—whether that's platonic friendship, romance, or simply a safe way to practice. Independence matters too: users can explore questions privately without leaning on parents or therapists for every step.Safety and community design are built into the app. Synchrony uses government ID verification plus a vouching step from a trusted person to keep bad actors out and the culture strong. Available soon on iOS and Android, the team is focused on growing the waitlist so early members find real matches and conversations right away. We talk visibility, representation, and why autistic adults are not antisocial; they're often underserved by tools that ignore their communication styles. Brittany also shares hopes for supported in-person events and partnerships to bridge app-based gains into daily life.Want to help build an inclusive, responsive community from day one? Join the waitlist at joinsynchrony.com, share this episode with someone who needs it, and leave a quick review so more listeners can discover these conversations. Your support helps turn better design into better Happily Ever After CourseManifest your dreams with Happily Ever After: a cosmic toolkit for real life change.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showSJ CHILDS - SOCIALS & WEBSITE MASTER LIST WEBSITES - Stream-Able Live — https://www.streamable.live-COMING SOON - The SJ Childs Global Network — https://www.sjchilds.org - The SJ Childs Show Podcast Page — https://www.sjchildsshow.com YOUTUBE - The SJ Childs Show — https://www.youtube.com/@sjchildsshow - Louie Lou (Cats Channel) — https://www.youtube.com/@2catslouielou FACEBOOK - Personal Profile — https://www.facebook.com/sara.gullihur.bradford - Business Page — https://www.facebook.com/sjchildsllc - The SJ Childs Global Network — https://www.facebook.com/sjchildsglobalnetwork - The SJ Childs Show — https://www.facebook.com/SJChildsShow INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/sjchildsllc/ TIKTOK - https://www.tiktok.com/@sjchildsllc LINKEDIN - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjchilds/ PODCAST PLATFORMS - Spotify — https://open.spotify.com/show/4qgD3ZMOB2unfPxqacu3cC - Apple Podcasts — https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sj-childs-show/id1548143291 CONTACT EMAIL - sjchildsllc@gmail.com

Send us a textA teenager sent to rehab without ever touching drugs. A yellow‑Formica childhood stitched with bullying and bravado. A school shooting buried by a bigger headline. Jessica Danel's story doesn't ask for sympathy—it demands your attention and rewards it with candor, humor, and hard‑won wisdom. We sit down with Jessica to unpack the heartbeat behind her memoir, Bucket List from a Redneck Girl, and the Just Saying podcast she launched to give other moms a place to breathe.Jessica walks us through the chapters that shaped her: Park Circle friendships and Catholic school scars, an El Camino first love on her terms, and a wedding day so chaotic she calls it “Jerry Springer.” She shares how she built a 208‑child preschool from her living room—then watched the 2008 crash squeeze the life out of a thriving business while her newborn needed open‑heart surgery. The conversation turns deeply personal as she details her daughter's ongoing medical journey, a later genetic answer—16p11.2 duplication—that reframed years of questions, and the daily realities of autism, speech delays, and sensory‑driven anxiety. We talk inclusion that sometimes works and sometimes doesn't, the steep jump from elementary to high school supports, and the small, stubborn wins that keep families going.Through it all, Jessica's voice stays warm and grounded. She owns her mistakes, explains how reconciling with her mom reshaped old narratives, and offers clear advice on marriage (be friends, share goals, compromise) and advocacy (document, ask, try again tomorrow). If you've ever felt misread by the systems meant to help, this conversation will feel like a hand on your shoulder. Stream the episode, grab the book on Amazon, Apple Books, or Barnes & Noble, and follow Jessica on Instagram, TikTok, and X. If the story moved you, subscribe, share with a friend who needs hope today, and leave a review—your words help others find ours.Happily Ever After CourseManifest your dreams with Happily Ever After: a cosmic toolkit for real life change.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showSJ CHILDS - SOCIALS & WEBSITE MASTER LIST WEBSITES - Stream-Able Live — https://www.streamable.live-COMING SOON - The SJ Childs Global Network — https://www.sjchilds.org - The SJ Childs Show Podcast Page — https://www.sjchildsshow.com YOUTUBE - The SJ Childs Show — https://www.youtube.com/@sjchildsshow - Louie Lou (Cats Channel) — https://www.youtube.com/@2catslouielou FACEBOOK - Personal Profile — https://www.facebook.com/sara.gullihur.bradford - Business Page — https://www.facebook.com/sjchildsllc - The SJ Childs Global Network — https://www.facebook.com/sjchildsglobalnetwork - The SJ Childs Show — https://www.facebook.com/SJChildsShow INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/sjchildsllc/ TIKTOK - https://www.tiktok.com/@sjchildsllc LINKEDIN - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjchilds/ PODCAST PLATFORMS - Spotify — https://open.spotify.com/show/4qgD3ZMOB2unfPxqacu3cC - Apple Podcasts — https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sj-childs-show/id1548143291 CONTACT EMAIL - sjchildsllc@gmail.com

Send us a textA simple song sparks a bigger truth: creative expression can move us through trauma and toward purpose. From that opening, we dive into a frank, compassionate conversation with neurodiversity consultant and advocate Lisa Richer about late diagnosis, parenting autistic and ADHD kids, and the hard-earned art of trusting your gut when the “experts” disagree.Lisa traces her path from anxiety and ADHD to burnout and recovery, revealing how a single label can validate years of lived experience without defining the person behind it. We examine the emotional whiplash of hearing “too early” or “too late” on a child's diagnosis, and how both reactions can fuel action when channeled into building the right team. Pediatricians who listen, psychologists who see the whole child, OTs, behaviorists, and teachers who collaborate—these partners reduce the unknown unknowns that stall progress and drain hope.We also unpack Lisa's years as an elite gymnast, only later learning she navigated visual processing challenges that made beam edges and vault boards feel like they were shifting. What looked like inconsistency was adaptive brilliance. That lens now informs Journey to Bloom, where Lisa helps parents navigate IEPs and emotions, mentors professionals—many neurodivergent—through career pivots, and equips organizations to lead across neurotypes using her RIPE Ideas framework: reflect, implement, practice, evaluate.There's more to explore: Lisa's chapter in Confident You, Raw Conversations, a collaborative book about finding purpose through lived challenges; and By With And For Autistic Adults, where the Launch You program supports ages 18–24 with person-centered planning, small cohorts, and practical goals, from independent living to leadership. Throughout, we return to one principle: your gut is data. Trusting it doesn't silence experts; it helps you pick the right ones, set boundaries that protect energy, and build belonging without shrinking.If this conversation resonates, follow Journey to Bloom, check out the book, and share this episode with someone who needs a reminder that validation is not definition. Subscribe, leave a review, and tell us: what's one piece of support you wish you had sooner?Support the showSJ CHILDS - SOCIALS & WEBSITE MASTER LIST WEBSITES - Stream-Able Live — https://www.streamable.live-COMING SOON - The SJ Childs Global Network — https://www.sjchilds.org - The SJ Childs Show Podcast Page — https://www.sjchildsshow.com YOUTUBE - The SJ Childs Show — https://www.youtube.com/@sjchildsshow - Louie Lou (Cats Channel) — https://www.youtube.com/@2catslouielou FACEBOOK - Personal Profile — https://www.facebook.com/sara.gullihur.bradford - Business Page — https://www.facebook.com/sjchildsllc - The SJ Childs Global Network — https://www.facebook.com/sjchildsglobalnetwork - The SJ Childs Show — https://www.facebook.com/SJChildsShow INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/sjchildsllc/ TIKTOK - https://www.tiktok.com/@sjchildsllc LINKEDIN - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjchilds/ PODCAST PLATFORMS - Spotify — https://open.spotify.com/show/4qgD3ZMOB2unfPxqacu3cC - Apple Podcasts — https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sj-childs-show/id1548143291 CONTACT EMAIL - sjchildsllc@gmail.com

Send us a textA rainy Saturday, a canceled playground trip, and a child named Logan turn into an unforgettable lesson on resilience. We welcome Dr. Ambrose Pass Turner—counseling psychologist, professor, and longtime clinician—to share how a personal health crisis became the spark for a children's book that helps families navigate disappointment with calm, creativity, and connection. You'll hear how simple moments can coach big skills: critical thinking, problem-solving, and emotion regulation that kids can practice at home and carry into the classroom.We dig into early childhood development and why “connection beats attention” when behavior goes sideways. Dr. Turner walks us through “I Will Play With Me,” showing how a story can model executive function without lectures, and how parents can use questions—What is Logan feeling? What would you try next?—to build empathy and flexible thinking. We then turn to “The ADHD Warrior” and its companion activity book, which help kids see their experiences clearly, strengthen focus through short structured practice, and partner with teachers on small classroom shifts that make a big difference. Whether a family chooses medication or not, practical tools like diet review, focus plans, and predictable routines create a path forward.Rounding things out, Dr. Turner announces “Parents Talk,” an educational podcast where parents are the featured experts on their children. Bring the hard questions about ADHD, autism, IEPs, and 504 plans; leave with clear next steps, real success stories, and confidence to advocate. If you're ready to turn tough days into teachable ones—and teach skills that last beyond a single storm—this conversation is your guide. Subscribe, share with a fellow parent, and leave a review with one resilience tip that's worked for your family.Support the showSJ CHILDS - SOCIALS & WEBSITE MASTER LIST WEBSITES - Stream-Able Live — https://www.streamable.live-COMING SOON - The SJ Childs Global Network — https://www.sjchilds.org - The SJ Childs Show Podcast Page — https://www.sjchildsshow.com YOUTUBE - The SJ Childs Show — https://www.youtube.com/@sjchildsshow - Louie Lou (Cats Channel) — https://www.youtube.com/@2catslouielou FACEBOOK - Personal Profile — https://www.facebook.com/sara.gullihur.bradford - Business Page — https://www.facebook.com/sjchildsllc - The SJ Childs Global Network — https://www.facebook.com/sjchildsglobalnetwork - The SJ Childs Show — https://www.facebook.com/SJChildsShow INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/sjchildsllc/ TIKTOK - https://www.tiktok.com/@sjchildsllc LINKEDIN - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjchilds/ PODCAST PLATFORMS - Spotify — https://open.spotify.com/show/4qgD3ZMOB2unfPxqacu3cC - Apple Podcasts — https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sj-childs-show/id1548143291 CONTACT EMAIL - sjchildsllc@gmail.com

Send us a textA candid, joyful talk with author Bria Rose about flipping Beauty and the Beast on its head, managing perfectionism as autistic creatives, and building momentum as an indie author through outreach, edits, and community. We share practical steps for starting, finishing, and promoting a book while keeping your voice intact.• season focus on autism summits and storytelling magic• Bria Rose's path from Disneyland to dark romance author• practical advice to start writing without an outline• using layers of edits to beat perfectionism• Her Dark Promise premise and Easter eggs• indie publishing wins: book boxes, special editions, local media• reviews, word count choices, pacing lessons• audiobook launch and narrator highlights• upcoming projects and consistent author branding• where to buy, how to request in stores, direct support optionsPlease help support me, go on my website and pre-order the audiobookIf you want to see my book in shops, you need to call the stores and you need to request itGet it from my website, get it from me, support me as for direct direct sales right here because you get a bonus chapter, a bonus scenehttps://authorbriarose.com/Support the showSJ CHILDS - SOCIALS & WEBSITE MASTER LIST WEBSITES - Stream-Able Live — https://www.streamable.live-COMING SOON - The SJ Childs Global Network — https://www.sjchilds.org - The SJ Childs Show Podcast Page — https://www.sjchildsshow.com YOUTUBE - The SJ Childs Show — https://www.youtube.com/@sjchildsshow - Louie Lou (Cats Channel) — https://www.youtube.com/@2catslouielou FACEBOOK - Personal Profile — https://www.facebook.com/sara.gullihur.bradford - Business Page — https://www.facebook.com/sjchildsllc - The SJ Childs Global Network — https://www.facebook.com/sjchildsglobalnetwork - The SJ Childs Show — https://www.facebook.com/SJChildsShow INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/sjchildsllc/ TIKTOK - https://www.tiktok.com/@sjchildsllc LINKEDIN - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjchilds/ PODCAST PLATFORMS - Spotify — https://open.spotify.com/show/4qgD3ZMOB2unfPxqacu3cC - Apple Podcasts — https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sj-childs-show/id1548143291 CONTACT EMAIL - sjchildsllc@gmail.com

Send us a textA dream, a diagnosis, and a blueprint for calmer families—this conversation with Constance Lewis traces how a sudden medical crisis turned into a playful, powerful tool for emotional regulation. When her son Miles began having grand mal seizures at four, Constance and her husband Andre (a pediatric dentist) entered a maze of tests, medications, and second opinions. After a brain lesion finally came to light and surgery followed, they channeled the experience into a children's book that helps kids name, normalize, and navigate their feelings using colors and capes.We walk through the heart of the method: letting children choose colors for emotions, using capes or simple tokens to “wear” a feeling safely, and modeling regulation in real time. Constance shares how the framework helped when Miles lost language under stress, how it supported his siblings (including a tutu-loving sister who's inspiring the next book), and how teachers can adapt it for the classroom with discreet color check-ins. Along the way, we dig into the tightrope every caregiver knows—sorting intuition from anxiety—so you can advocate clearly with clinicians while keeping your nervous system steady.If you're a parent, teacher, therapist, or healthcare professional seeking simple SEL tools, trauma‑informed practices, and kid‑friendly coping strategies, you'll find pragmatic steps, hopeful stories, and a reminder that feelings are signals, not verdicts. Explore resources and blog guides at colorfulcapesoffeelings.com, find the book on Amazon (paperback) and at Walmart, Barnes & Noble, and Books‑A‑Million (hardcover), and follow along on Instagram at colorful_underscore_feelings.books. If this conversation helps, subscribe, share with a friend, and leave a review to help more families find it.Support the showSJ CHILDS - SOCIALS & WEBSITE MASTER LIST WEBSITES - Stream-Able Live — https://www.streamable.live-COMING SOON - The SJ Childs Global Network — https://www.sjchilds.org - The SJ Childs Show Podcast Page — https://www.sjchildsshow.com YOUTUBE - The SJ Childs Show — https://www.youtube.com/@sjchildsshow - Louie Lou (Cats Channel) — https://www.youtube.com/@2catslouielou FACEBOOK - Personal Profile — https://www.facebook.com/sara.gullihur.bradford - Business Page — https://www.facebook.com/sjchildsllc - The SJ Childs Global Network — https://www.facebook.com/sjchildsglobalnetwork - The SJ Childs Show — https://www.facebook.com/SJChildsShow INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/sjchildsllc/ TIKTOK - https://www.tiktok.com/@sjchildsllc LINKEDIN - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjchilds/ PODCAST PLATFORMS - Spotify — https://open.spotify.com/show/4qgD3ZMOB2unfPxqacu3cC - Apple Podcasts — https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sj-childs-show/id1548143291 CONTACT EMAIL - sjchildsllc@gmail.com

Send us a textThe conversation starts with a memory many families know too well: an early checkup, a handful of red flags, and years of whispered support plans. From there, we move into motion—Carol Waldman shares how a lonely path through therapies and IEPs grew into public advocacy, culminating in a unanimous San Diego measure to expand training and hiring for neurodiverse adults. Along the way, we unpack what real inclusion looks like: a high school three-pointer that turned tokenism into belonging, a faith community that gave meaningful roles instead of sidelined programs, and a DC internship that paired mentorship with responsibility.We talk plainly about autism's spotlight: awareness is up, but understanding often lags behind. Carol challenges the “cause vs. cure” narrative and makes a case for funding supports that change daily life—teacher training, sensory-aware classrooms, transition programs, and workplaces designed for different minds. She walks us through Andrew's journey—pushing past lowered expectations, building confidence, navigating a pandemic quarantine alone, joining a new city's social fabric, and learning the gritty skills of networking and persistence. These are not headline moments; they're the scaffolds of independence.If you're an educator, you'll hear concrete ways to reframe goals without shrinking expectations. If you're an employer or HR leader, you'll get a blueprint for inclusive job design, mentorship, and transparent communication. And if you're a policymaker or advocate, you'll see why data-backed programs and accountability in public hiring matter more than press releases. Most of all, you'll feel the throughline: do not underestimate neurodiverse potential. Expect growth, provide tools, and watch confidence turn opportunity into outcome.Subscribe, share this conversation with someone who needs it, and leave a review with one change you want to see in schools or workplaces. Your ideas help us push this movement from visibility to real access.Support the show

Send us a textWhat if the most powerful support is simply letting people try? That's the thread we follow with guest Shea Belsky—autistic self-advocate, software engineering tech lead, and host of Autistic Techie—through a candid tour of early supports, hard-won boundaries, and the everyday tactics that make work and life more humane.We start with the shift from “I'm uncomfortable” to “I'm uncomfortable because… and here's what might help.” Shea breaks down how that language unlocks practical choices: time-limited social plans, exit strategies, and shared expectations with partners, friends, and managers. The Cornell party story says it all: one environment was a no, the next was a maybe—data that later shaped decisions about events, capacity, and recovery. We talk about the danger of comparisons, why safe-to-fail experiences matter, and how growth comes from calibrated challenges rather than blanket protection.On the career front, Shea lays out a model for transparent communication at work: explain autism traits that might be misread, define the few accommodations that matter, and tie it all to outcomes. We unpack resume strategy for neurodivergent candidates (impact-first bullet points, clean formats, controlled info-dumping) and how managers can turn inclusion into shared agreements, not slogans. Then we dive into AI as a practical tool—drafting emails, structuring thoughts, practicing interviews—paired with guardrails around privacy, fact-checking, and critical thinking. Used wisely, AI reduces cognitive load; used blindly, it creates new risks.We close with Autistic Techie's mission: the overlooked overlap of neurodiversity and the workplace. If you care about autistic expression, accessible leadership, and the everyday systems that either amplify or silence people, you'll find tools you can use today. If this resonated, subscribe, share with a friend, and leave a quick review—what boundary are you going to set this week?Support the show

Send us a textWhat if “treatment-resistant” isn't about you—it's about the tools? We sit down with Dr. Theodore Henderson, a neurobiologist and psychiatrist, to rethink brain care for autism, TBI, depression, anxiety, and long COVID through neuroplasticity, functional imaging, and smarter energy-based therapies. Instead of labels and guesswork, we dig into how infrared light can reach mitochondria, raise BDNF, and trigger repair; why power and dosing make or break results; and how SPECT scans help clinicians ask better questions before prescribing. Dr. Henderson shares a striking case where a bipolar diagnosis crumbled under imaging—and Lyme disease treatment resolved years of symptoms. We also unpack the politics around SPECT access and the fresh shift in nuclear medicine guidelines that put TBI, dementia, and infectious disease back on the map. From there, we head into the future: ExoMind's next-gen TMS with shorter, quieter, higher-impact sessions; the safety essentials that keep interventions comfortable; and the real-world outcomes families care about most—less anxiety, fewer spirals, clearer thinking, more daily ease. The theme is synergy: infrared plus ketamine, infrared plus TMS, layered with sleep, sunlight, and sensory-friendly routines to create lasting change. Along the way, we honor neurodiversity and practical wins for autistic individuals: reducing rigidity, softening anxiety, and supporting unique strengths without forcing sameness. If your current plan isn't working, this conversation offers a hopeful pivot—more data, fewer assumptions, and a toolkit that actually matches the brain's biology. Subscribe, share with someone who needs a new path, and tell us: what question do you want your brain to answer next?Support the show

Send us a textDive deep into the fascinating world where regenerative agriculture meets human health with landscape architect and author Matthew Mehuys. From his roots on a Belgian family farm to his current mission transforming farmland in the Azores, Matthew shares how his personal journey through crisis became the catalyst for his life's purpose.The conversation reveals startling truths about our modern food system. After World War II, military chemicals found new homes in agriculture, dramatically increasing yields while unknowingly setting the stage for soil degradation and nutritional decline. Matthew explains how this "Green Revolution" prioritized quantity over quality, transforming even our wheat into heavier, gluten-loaded varieties designed for profit rather than nutrition.Most compelling is the revelation about regenerative farming's climate potential: converting just half of global farms to regenerative methods could return atmospheric carbon to pre-industrial levels within seven years. This isn't just environmentalism—it's a practical solution to our most pressing planetary challenge while producing more nutritious food.Host Sarah Bradford shares her powerful personal experience removing casein and gluten from her autistic son's diet, witnessing him speak 50 words within a week after being non-verbal. Their discussion bridges the gap between food production methods and human health outcomes, suggesting that how we grow our food profoundly impacts our wellbeing.Whether you're concerned about climate change, interested in health optimization, or simply curious about where your food comes from, this episode offers transformative insights into how supporting regenerative agriculture through everyday purchasing decisions can create meaningful change. As Matthew says, "The way you buy your products is what really changes the world."Check out Matthew's book "12 Universal Laws of Nature" and connect with him on social media for practical guidance on regenerative gardening and sustainable living.Support the show

Send us a textCuriosity drives creativity in this heartfelt conversation with author Mila Maxwell, whose debut novel "Finding Lady Baltimore" emerged from a simple yet profound question: "What if something happened to me that allowed me to see her perspective?" This burning desire to understand her sister Sarah's experience with cerebral palsy ultimately became the foundation for a work of fiction that blends real-life experiences with imaginative exploration.Maxwell's journey from caregiver sibling to storyteller reveals the complex dynamics of growing up alongside someone with different abilities. Just 18 months older than Sarah, she naturally fell into a protective role that shaped her identity well into adulthood. Home videos captured young Mila directing her sister during bath time—early evidence of the responsibility she carried throughout her life. This pattern became so ingrained that when Maxwell became a mother herself, she had to consciously adapt her approach for her neurotypical son.What makes this conversation particularly valuable is Maxwell's candid acknowledgment of the complicated emotions that accompany being a sibling caregiver. Rather than presenting an idealized version of her experience, she addresses the resentments and unspoken feelings that accumulated over years. Through writing, Maxwell found healing not just for herself but for her entire family. "It's changed the whole family dynamic with my sister and my parents," she shares, highlighting how bringing these feelings into the light created opportunities for greater understanding.Beyond her writing, Maxwell embodies versatility as a self-described "multifaceted serial entrepreneur" whose career has spanned marketing, nutrition, personal training, and even volunteer firefighting. Her approach to life mirrors her creative process—organic, intuitive, and guided by what feels right in the moment rather than rigid planning.The most powerful takeaway from our discussion lies in Maxwell's emphasis on individuality: "Everyone that has a disability, they're still an individual," she notes, explaining that even people with the same diagnosis can have vastly different needs and personalities. This understanding extends to her philosophy that "we all have special needs"—a perspective that shifts the conversation from categorization to celebrating universal human diversity.Have you read "Finding Lady Baltimore" or connected with the sibling caregiver experience? Share your thoughts and join the conversation about how stories like these help normalize what it means to be part of a special needs family.Support the show

Send us a textKathy O'Connell opens up about her journey navigating dating while living with cerebral palsy, revealing how vulnerability and self-acceptance transformed her personal life and launched her mission to help others. As founder of Radiant Abilities, she's developed a framework that guides people with disabilities through the often challenging world of dating and relationships.Her story is both touching and inspiring – after years of painful dating experiences, Kathy learned that openly acknowledging her disability while confidently highlighting her strengths as a partner was the breakthrough she needed. This approach led to meeting her husband of 16 years, who initially struggled with his own discomfort but was drawn to her authentic confidence.Through her virtual program "Dating Made Easier," Kathy coaches individuals to identify where they are in their dating journey and provides targeted support through workshops and community connections. Unlike traditional matchmaking services, she empowers participants to become their own best matchmakers, developing the self-awareness and confidence to attract compatible partners.The conversation explores how self-acceptance is the foundation for successful relationships, not just for people with disabilities but for everyone seeking meaningful connection. As Kathy beautifully explains, "When you are living to be your happiest self, people are drawn to the light." This radiance becomes the natural magnet that attracts the right people into your life.Looking to transform your dating experience through greater self-acceptance and confidence? Visit radiantabilities.com to download free resources on building self-esteem and discover how Kathy's coaching program can help you navigate relationships with authenticity and purpose.Support the show

Send us a textWhat if your child's seemingly unusual behaviors are actually their way of connecting with a world most of us can't see? Catherine Crestani, leadership coach and intuitive healer with nearly two decades of experience as a speech-language pathologist, shares profound insights about the spiritual dimensions of autism that mainstream approaches often miss. Drawing from her extensive work with hundreds of children on the spectrum, Catherine reveals how many nonverbal children possess remarkable intuitive abilities – sensing energies, communicating with spirits, and processing the world in ways that defy conventional understanding.This conversation takes a deep dive into the power of parental intuition when raising a child with special needs. Sara and Catherine discuss the critical importance of trusting your gut feelings about schools, therapies, and medical advice, even when professionals dismiss your concerns. Through personal stories, including Catherine's experiences with "guardian angels" guiding her nonverbal clients and Sara's discovery that her son's sleep patterns follow lunar cycles, they demonstrate how honoring your child's unique rhythms can lead to profound healing.Perhaps most powerfully, Catherine shares her perspective on healing generational patterns through self-work. "When you heal something in you, it heals seven generations after and seven generations before," she explains, highlighting how addressing our own wounds creates space for our children to thrive. This shift from trying to "fix" the child to healing the family system offers a revolutionary approach to autism support.Whether you're parenting a child with autism or supporting families on this journey, this episode will transform how you understand neurodivergence and intuitive connection. Listen now to discover how breaking free from societal expectations and embracing your family's unique path can create unexpected harmony and joy.Support the show

Send us a textWhat if autism isn't a modern condition but an ancient, essential thread in human evolution? Dr. Kristen Williamson, a professional counselor diagnosed with autism at 39, takes us on a journey that challenges everything we think we know about neurodiversity."I feel like an alien wearing a matching skin suit of a human," Dr. Williamson confesses, describing the exhausting process of studying and mimicking neurotypical behaviors just to fit in. Her late diagnosis mirrors the experience of countless women and girls whose autism goes unrecognized behind masks of anxiety, depression, and learned social behaviors.We explore how limited media representations—from Rain Man to The Big Bang Theory's Sheldon Cooper—have shaped public perception, while recent research suggesting autistic traits in Neanderthals offers a revolutionary perspective: autism isn't a disorder but a natural variation that has contributed to human advancement throughout our evolutionary history. "We do not have to prove to you who we are. We are undeniable."For parents raising neurodivergent children, Dr. Williamson offers a liberating approach: "Don't try to change the child you have. Try to know and accept the child for who they are." Drawing from her experience parenting two neurodivergent children while navigating her own diagnoses, she shares practical wisdom about honoring sensory needs, setting boundaries, and replacing shame-inducing "shoulds" with self-compassion.Whether you're autistic, love someone who is, or simply curious about different ways of experiencing the world, this conversation invites you to embrace neurodiversity as the spice of life. Connect with Dr. Williamson on social media or explore her workbooks and resources on Amazon to continue your journey toward understanding and celebrating all kinds of minds.Support the show

Send us a textWhat happens when children struggle to read despite their best efforts? How can parents spot the early warning signs of dyslexia or dysgraphia? And why do millions of children continue falling behind in reading despite classroom interventions?Daniela Feldhausen, founder of Kids Up Reading Tutors, brings both professional expertise and transformative solutions to these pressing questions. After 25 years practicing law in Washington DC, Daniela discovered her true calling while volunteering with struggling readers at a local elementary school. This passion led her to pursue a master's degree in special education, specialized training in teaching children with dyslexia and dysgraphia, and eventually building a tutoring practice that now helps 70 children nationwide.The conversation reveals startling insights about how early reading difficulties can be detected—even before formal reading instruction begins. Brain scans can identify dyslexia markers in four-year-olds, and simple games like rhyming activities can help parents spot potential challenges. Daniela explains the science behind phonological awareness, the critical skill that many struggling readers lack: understanding that words consist of individual sounds that can be manipulated.Parents will find practical strategies they can implement immediately, from car games that build sound awareness to the proper use of audiobooks as a bridge to independent reading. The discussion also clarifies the often-misunderstood relationship between dyslexia (reading difficulties) and dysgraphia (writing difficulties), explaining how they frequently stem from the same underlying processing challenges.Perhaps most importantly, Daniela emphasizes that effective reading intervention requires frequency—tutoring once or twice weekly simply isn't enough for most struggling readers to catch up. Her innovative online tutoring model allows for the intensive, consistent support these children need, regardless of geographic location.Whether you're concerned about your own child's reading development or simply interested in understanding how to better support literacy in our communities, this episode provides enlightening insights and actionable solutions for helping every child discover the joy and power of reading.Support the show

Send us a textEver felt like your brain works differently than everyone else's? Dr. Albert Bramante invites us to celebrate these differences as superpowers rather than limitations in this enlightening conversation about neurodiversity.Drawing from his 22 years as a talent agent and his background in psychology, Dr. Bramante shares why he prefers the term "neurodivergent" over "on the spectrum" - it recognizes different processing styles without implying something is wrong. His personal revelation about likely having undiagnosed ADHD illustrates how understanding our unique wiring can be profoundly liberating rather than limiting.The discussion ventures into territory many of us struggle with - the desire to be liked by everyone. Dr. Bramante offers the refreshing perspective that "we're not meant to be everybody's cup of tea" and encourages focusing on those who celebrate rather than merely tolerate us. This shift in thinking frees us from the exhausting pursuit of universal approval and allows us to embrace our authentic selves.Perhaps most powerfully, Dr. Bramante challenges us to consider that history's greatest thinkers likely possessed neurodivergent traits that contributed to their exceptional perspectives. This reframing invites us to see conditions like ADHD and autism not as disorders but as different operating systems with unique capabilities that can lead to extraordinary innovation.The conversation also explores accountability in our responses to life's challenges. While we can't control others' actions, we have complete control over our reactions - a perspective particularly empowering for those navigating a world designed for neurotypical minds. By taking responsibility without self-blame, we reclaim our power to shape our experiences.Ready to embrace your unique wiring and discover how your differences might actually be your greatest strengths? Listen now and join the conversation about celebrating neurodiversity in all its forms.Support the show

Send us a textWhat if the key to transforming children's mental health wasn't found in medication or traditional therapy, but in teaching them to quiet their minds and connect with their bodies? In this eye-opening conversation with healer and educator Luminara from Manchester, UK, we discover the remarkable impact of bringing meditation, visualization, and energy work into school settings.Luminara's journey begins with a profound personal experience—her newborn son was pronounced dead multiple times before distance Reiki healing created what doctors called a "miracle." This transformative experience led her to discover her calling in helping neurodivergent children navigate educational systems that weren't designed for their evolving brains."Every child I ask what's bothering them most says the same thing: school," Luminara reveals, highlighting the fundamental disconnect between traditional education and children's actual needs. Through her work in schools, she teaches students practical techniques for body awareness, emotional regulation, and harnessing their inner power. The results are nothing short of remarkable—anxiety levels dropping, bullying behaviors transforming, and children discovering their innate capacity for self-healing.Most fascinating is Luminara's perspective on neurodivergence: "Maybe it's not a problem of the few, but a fact of the whole. Our brains are changing, transforming, evolving according to our environment." This challenges us to reconsider whether we're pathologizing normal brain evolution rather than adapting our educational approaches.For parents and educators alike, this conversation offers practical wisdom on supporting children's emotional wellbeing. Learn how simple grounding exercises, the power of words, and energy awareness can transform children's experience of themselves and the world. As Luminara reminds us, these special children "are here for a reason"—perhaps to teach us all how to evolve our understanding of education, power, and human potential.Curious about bringing these transformative practices into your home or classroom? Visit tcoinfinity.com to learn more about Luminara's approach and resources.Support the show

Send us a textWhat happens when artificial intelligence meets neurodivergent thinking? Magic, innovation, and life-changing tools for those who've always felt different.Meet Derek Crager, a late-diagnosed autistic entrepreneur who spent decades feeling like "an alien here on Earth to observe" before discovering his neurotype at age 50. Now he's channeling his unique perspective into creating AI solutions specifically designed for the neurodivergent community.Derek's journey from industrial construction worker to the creator of Amazon's highest-rated employee training program reveals how differently-wired brains can excel when given the right opportunities. Through his nonprofit "AI for Autistics," he's teaching non-programmers how to harness artificial intelligence to build websites, apps, and even launch their own businesses – all without writing a single line of code.The conversation explores Derek's groundbreaking "Pocket Mentor" system, which transforms complex knowledge bases into accessible phone conversations. Imagine having 24/7 access to specialized autism support or workplace guidance through a simple phone call – no apps, internet connection, or technical skills required. For neurodivergent individuals who struggle with traditional employment, these tools create judgment-free spaces to ask questions that might otherwise lead to misunderstandings.What makes Derek's approach revolutionary is his focus on knowledge accessibility as the key to true empowerment. "I'm looking at filling the knowledge gap," he explains, revealing how AI can transform lives when designed through a neurodivergent lens.Whether you're autistic, support someone on the spectrum, or simply interested in how technology can create more inclusive spaces, this episode offers fresh perspectives on harnessing AI to amplify human potential. As Derek puts it: "Don't be scared of AI... it's about empowering the individual to make them irreplaceable."Visit practicalai.app to connect with Derek's community and discover resources for neurodivergent individuals interested in exploring AI.Support the show

Send us a textWhat happens when you uncover a hidden family history that reveals both heartbreak and resilience? Janet's discovery of a banker's box filled with her brother's medical records sparked an unexpected journey into autism's troubling past and ultimately led to her powerful memoir, "The Alien Savant."Born in the 1950s when autism wasn't recognized as a diagnosis, Janet's brother Michael was simply labeled "mentally retarded" like countless other neurodivergent children of his era. Through intimate family stories and Michael's own remarkable artwork, Janet reconstructs a time when children displaying autistic behaviors were routinely institutionalized rather than supported. Her narrative takes us inside the walls of these facilities, where children with vastly different conditions received generic care rather than tailored education or development opportunities.What makes this story uniquely powerful is how Janet contrasts Michael's experience with that of her twin grandchildren, both on the autism spectrum but receiving vastly different support in today's world. The evolution from institutional care to individualized education plans represents decades of progress, yet Janet reminds us how recent these changes truly are. Michael's primary mode of communication—detailed drawings that expressed his thoughts when words couldn't—feature throughout the book, offering readers a direct window into his perspective and creativity.The Alien Savant serves multiple purposes: historical documentation of autism treatment, a loving family tribute, and a call for continued acceptance and understanding. Whether you're personally connected to autism or simply interested in how society's approach to neurodiversity has evolved, this memoir offers valuable insights through one family's deeply personal journey. Find Janet's book on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Indigo Chapters, or through her website at myguidedpen.com, and join the conversation about how far we've come and where we still need to go in supporting neurodivergent individuals.Support the show

Send us a textWhat if you suddenly experienced the sensory challenges your autistic child faces every day? Jacki Edry's life took a dramatic turn when doctors discovered a massive tumor on her brainstem. After surgery, she woke to a transformed reality - faces appeared to melt, floors became disorienting patterns, and everyday sounds overwhelmed her completely.This remarkable conversation explores Jacki's extraordinary journey from being solely a parent and advocate for her autistic son to experiencing neurodistinctness firsthand. As the author of "Moving Forward: Reflections on Autism, Neurodiversity, Brain Surgery and Faith," Jacki shares how this dual perspective revealed insights that transformed her understanding of neurodiversity.The most eye-opening aspect of Jacki's story involves the four years she spent virtually homebound with severe visual processing issues that numerous medical professionals couldn't identify or treat. The solution, when finally discovered, was shockingly simple: custom-colored spectral filters that immediately corrected her visual disturbances. This paralleled her children's experiences, who struggled with reading for years until colored lenses revealed they had been seeing words move across the page all along.Jacki passionately discusses why parents must trust their instincts and continue searching for answers when conventional approaches fail. "Don't ever accept when a professional says there's nothing you can do," she advises, highlighting how solutions like Irlen Syndrome testing remain largely unknown despite their life-changing potential for many.For anyone parenting, teaching, or supporting neurodistinct individuals, this episode offers rare insights into sensory experiences that are often difficult to understand from the outside. Jacki's story reminds us that sometimes the most powerful solutions aren't found in traditional medical settings but through persistent advocacy and openness to unconventional approaches.Discover more about Jacki's work and upcoming projects at jackisbooks.com, and consider how her experiences might illuminate challenges faced by the neurodistinct people in your life.Support the show