In this episode, Brian sits down with Robert J. Bernstein, a speech clinician with over 35 years of experience working with autistic children and their families. Together, they explore how communication, learning, and connection can grow through everyday moments—not just structured therapy.

This conversation challenges some traditional approaches in both school systems and home environments. Rob shares why many children struggle in classrooms that prioritize compliance over understanding, and how small shifts—like allowing movement, following a child's lead, and staying curious—can make a meaningful difference.

They also dive into practical, real-life strategies for parents, including how to support communication without pressure, how to respond when a child seems distracted, and why persistence (without forcing) matters.

If you're a parent feeling unsure, overwhelmed, or wondering if you're doing enough—this episode offers reassurance and simple ways to connect more deeply with your child.

• Why everyday moments are powerful for building communication

• How school environments can impact self-esteem and regulation

• Supporting kids who need movement to learn

• The difference between compliance and true understanding

• How to respond to echolalia and automatic responses

• Teaching "no" and "I don't know" as meaningful communication

• Why persistence matters (and when to adjust your approach)

• How parents can advocate effectively within school systems

"Don't give up… find a way to make a difference for your child."

Robert J. Bernstein is an educational and cognitive therapist and autism specialist with over 35 years of experience supporting autistic children and their families.

• Uniquely Normal by Robert J. Bernstein

• SpedNet (Special Education Network event)

Brian Keene is an occupational therapist and the founder of Pure Hearts Therapy, a pediatric therapy company based in Arizona. He specializes in neurodiversity-affirming, play-based therapy that supports children and families in building regulation, connection, and meaningful daily life skills.

If this episode resonated with you, please consider sharing it with another parent who might benefit from this conversation.

Listen and subscribe to the Autism Family Resource Podcast:
https://pod.link/1591840956

Explore more resources for families at:
https://pureheartstherapy.com

In this final episode of the series with Mandy Pinckley, we explore what advocacy truly looks like beyond awareness posts and hashtags. Mandy shares how lived experience can create meaningful change in schools, communities, organizations, and policy spaces when autistic voices are included in the conversation.

Together, Brian and Mandy discuss neurodiversity-affirming advocacy, navigating IEP meetings, building confidence in public speaking, collaborating with professionals, and why empowering autistic children starts with giving them autonomy and honoring their interests.

Mandy also shares her work helping improve autism representation and language within organizations like National Alliance on Mental Illness, along with conversations surrounding policy, digital safety, and reducing stigma around autism and neurodivergence.

This conversation is grounded, honest, and deeply encouraging for parents, caregivers, autistic individuals, and professionals who want to create safer and more supportive environments for neurodivergent children and adults.

• Turning autism awareness into meaningful advocacy

• Why lived experience matters in policy conversations

• Navigating IEP meetings with confidence

• Supporting autistic autonomy and self-advocacy

• Collaboration between parents, professionals, and autistic adults

• Neurodiversity-affirming language and reducing stigma

• Public speaking anxiety and building confidence over time

• Digital safety concerns for neurodivergent youth online

00:00 Introduction
01:00 What advocacy and action really look like
04:20 Building neurodivergent support spaces through collaboration
10:50 Overcoming fear and speaking publicly
13:20 Advocacy tips for parents navigating IEPs
17:20 Collaboration between families and professionals
20:40 Digital safety and protecting children online
23:30 Encouraging autonomy and self-expression in autistic children

"Your child's voice, you're their sword and their shield." — Mandy Pinckley

Mandy Pinckley is an autistic advocate focused on neurodiversity-affirming support, policy conversations, community collaboration, and empowering autistic voices in leadership spaces. Through advocacy work, peer-led initiatives, and public speaking, Mandy works to reduce stigma and help create more inclusive environments for neurodivergent individuals and families.

• National Alliance on Mental Illness

• Center for Autism and Related Disabilities

• Discord

• Roblox

Brian Keene is an occupational therapist and founder of Pure Hearts Therapy, a neurodiversity-affirming pediatric therapy company providing home-based OT, PT, ST, and parent support services.

Through the Autism Family Resource Podcast, Brian shares practical conversations and supportive resources to help families navigate autism, sensory needs, regulation, advocacy, and everyday life.

If this episode resonated with you, please consider sharing it with another parent who might benefit from this conversation.

Listen and subscribe to the Autism Family Resource Podcast:
Autism Family Resource Podcast

Explore more resources for families at:
Pure Hearts Therapy

In this episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, Brian Keene speaks with Joseph Shipman, an autistic adult, radio professional, musician, artist, and co-author of A Mother's Guide Through Autism.

Joseph shares his experience growing up autistic, including early diagnosis, sensory sensitivities, speech therapy, social learning, friendships, bullying, grief, music, and the transition into adulthood. He also reflects on the role his parents played as fierce advocates, especially his mother, Brigitte Shipman, and how their shared story became a book told from both parent and autistic adult perspectives.

This conversation offers parents a grounded and hopeful reminder: autistic children do not need to follow one narrow path to live meaningful lives. Joseph's story highlights the importance of advocacy, authentic support, creative expression, and believing in each child's capacity for growth, connection, independence, and fulfillment.

Topics Covered

• Joseph's early autism diagnosis and childhood experiences
• Sensory sensitivities and social learning
• How therapy and school support shaped Joseph's development
• Friendship, small talk, and reading social cues
• Mental health, grief, bullying, and resilience
• Music and art as outlets for expression
• Autistic adulthood, work, and independence
• The story behind A Mother's Guide Through Autism

Memorable Quote

"There's always going to be some level of capable, independent, authentic, happy living."

About the Guest
Joseph Shipman is an autistic adult, radio professional, musician, artist, and co-author of A Mother's Guide Through Autism. In the book, Joseph shares his perspective in Through the Eyes of the Guided, offering insight into growing up autistic and navigating adulthood with authenticity.

Resources Mentioned

A Mother's Guide Through Autism
https://www.amazon.com/Mothers-Guide-Through-Autism-Guided/dp/1737563959

Mother's Guide Through Autism
https://www.mothersguidethroughautism.com/

About the Host
Brian Keene is the founder of Pure Hearts Therapy, a neurodiversity-affirming pediatric therapy practice in Arizona. Pure Hearts Therapy provides home-based occupational therapy, speech therapy, physical therapy, and virtual parent coaching to help children grow through connection, play, and real-life experiences.

Subscribe & Connect

If this episode resonated with you, please consider sharing it with another parent who might benefit from this conversation.

Listen and subscribe to the Autism Family Resource Podcast:
https://pod.link/1591840956

Explore more resources for families at:
https://pureheartstherapy.com

Sex education can feel awkward, overwhelming, or even taboo for many parents, especially when they are raising neurodivergent children and already navigating so many daily demands.

In this episode, Brian talks with Cath Hakanson, founder of Sex Ed Rescue, about how parents can approach sex education in practical, shame-free, and neurodiversity-affirming ways. Cath explains why sex education is not one big "talk," but a series of everyday conversations about bodies, safety, relationships, consent, privacy, values, and trust.

Cath shares how parents can become more "askable," why honest answers help build safety, and how conversations about body boundaries and consent can support autistic and neurodivergent children as they grow. This conversation is warm, direct, and grounded in real life, helping parents understand that they are probably already teaching sex ed in small ways, even if they do not realize it yet.

Topics Covered

• Why sex education starts earlier than many parents think
• How to become an "askable parent"
• Why honest, age-appropriate answers build trust
• Teaching consent, body boundaries, and privacy
• Supporting autistic and neurodivergent children with explicit teaching
• Why information is not permission
• Helping children feel safe, informed, and respected

Memorable Quote

"Information isn't permission. It actually empowers kids."

About the Guest

Cath Hakanson is an autistic ADHDer, parent of neurodivergent children, and founder of Sex Ed Rescue. She helps parents approach sex education in practical, shame-free ways that support safety, trust, consent, and healthy relationships.

Resources Mentioned

Sex Ed Rescue:
https://sexedrescue.com/

Sex Ed Shop:
https://sexedshop.com/

Sex Ed Membership for Parents:
https://sexedshop.com/products/sex-ed-membership

SECCA:
https://www.secca.org.au/

Cath Hakanson on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/cathhakanson

Cath Hakanson on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/sexedrescue/

Cath Hakanson on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathhakanson/

About the Host

Brian Keene is an occupational therapist and founder of Pure Hearts Therapy, a neurodiversity-affirming pediatric therapy practice supporting children and families through home-based occupational therapy, speech therapy, physical therapy, and parent support in Arizona.

Subscribe & Connect

If this episode resonated with you, please consider sharing it with another parent who might benefit from this conversation.

Listen and subscribe to the Autism Family Resource Podcast:
https://pod.link/1591840956

Explore more resources for families at:
https://pureheartstherapy.com

In this episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, Brian Keene talks with Dr. Jonathan Chism, father, educator, and founder of the Autism Dad Social Club. Dr. Chism shares how his own parenting journey led him to create a space where fathers of autistic children could connect, recharge, share resources, and build real community.

Together, Brian and Dr. Chism discuss why dads can sometimes feel isolated, why support matters for fathers as much as it does for children, and how community can help families feel less alone. Dr. Chism also explains how the Autism Dad Social Club creates social opportunities for dads, children, and families through meetups, family events, resource sharing, and virtual connection.

This conversation is a warm reminder that parenting does not have to happen in isolation. When fathers find community, they can support one another, share wisdom, and help create a wider circle of care for their children.

Topics Covered

• Why Dr. Chism started the Autism Dad Social Club

• The importance of community for fathers of autistic children

• How dads can support each other through shared experiences

• Creating social opportunities for autistic children and families

• Why respite and connection matter for parents

• How dads outside of Houston can begin finding or building community

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction
00:41 What is the Autism Dad Social Club?
02:12 Why Dr. Chism started the club
05:43 Challenges that led him to seek community
13:12 What dads can expect at a meetup
20:11 Advice for dads who do not have community yet
24:20 Why support for fathers matters

Memorable Quote

"Once you bond with other fathers, you feel a sense of pride. Like, man, I parent an autistic child, and we're out here doing it."

About the Guest

Dr. Jonathan Chism is a father, educator, and founder of the Autism Dad Social Club, a community created to support dads of autistic children through connection, social events, resource sharing, and family-centered gatherings. Based in the Houston area, the club helps fathers build brotherhood, reduce isolation, and create supportive spaces for their children and families.

Resources Mentioned

• Autism Dad Social Club

• Fatherhood Huddle

• Autism Society of Texas

• Autism Society

• Autism Speaks Walk

• WhatsApp

About the Host

Brian Keene is the host of the Autism Family Resource Podcast and founder of Pure Hearts Therapy. Pure Hearts Therapy provides home-based occupational therapy, speech therapy, physical therapy, and parent coaching services with a neurodiversity-affirming approach.

Subscribe & Connect

If this episode resonated with you, please consider sharing it with another parent who might benefit from this conversation.

Listen and subscribe to the Autism Family Resource Podcast:
https://pod.link/1591840956

Explore more resources for families at:
https://pureheartstherapy.com

Have you ever wondered if the world will truly understand your child for who they are?

In this powerful and deeply reflective conversation, Brian sits down with father, educator, and Autism Dads Social Club founder Jonathan Chism to explore the intersection of race and disability. Together, they unpack what it means to raise an autistic child while navigating cultural expectations, systemic challenges, and the pressure of being seen and understood in public spaces.

Jonathan shares how his perspective as a Black father has shaped his parenting journey, including unlearning traditional expectations, embracing patience, and learning to truly meet his child where he is. This episode dives into advocacy, acceptance, and the importance of seeing your child as a whole human being, not just a diagnosis.

If you've ever felt the weight of judgment in public or questioned your approach as a parent, this conversation will remind you that connection, not correction, is where growth begins.

Topics Covered

• The intersection of race and disability in parenting
• How cultural expectations can shape parenting approaches
• Understanding processing time and routines in autism
• Letting go of societal judgment in public settings
• The importance of joining your child's world
• Seeing your child as "different, not less"

Memorable Quote

"Your child is not a problem to fix. They are a person to know, connect with, and celebrate."

About the Guest
Jonathan Chism is a father, educator, and historian specializing in African-American religious history. He is also the founder of the Autism Dads Social Club, a community focused on supporting fathers raising autistic children through connection, advocacy, and shared experience.

Resources Mentioned

• Uniquely Human by Barry Prizant
• Autism Dads Social Club

About the Host
Brian Keene is an occupational therapist and founder of Pure Hearts Therapy, a pediatric therapy practice based in Arizona that provides neurodiversity-affirming, play-based services for children and families. He is passionate about helping parents feel confident, supported, and empowered in their journey.

Subscribe & Connect

If this episode resonated with you, please consider sharing it with another parent who might benefit from this conversation.

Listen and subscribe to the Autism Family Resource Podcast:
https://pod.link/1591840956

Explore more resources for families at:
https://pureheartstherapy.com

Parenting an autistic child can bring moments of joy, uncertainty, growth, and deep reflection. In this episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, Brian Keene sits down with Dr. Jonathan Chism, also known as Dr. Chiz, a father, professor, minister, and co-founder of the Autism Dad Social Club.

Dr. Chism shares the honest story of his family's journey raising his non-speaking autistic son. He opens up about the early shock and denial after diagnosis, the hope that therapy might "fix" autism, and the powerful shift that happened when he began listening to autistic voices and embracing a different perspective.

Instead of focusing on changing his son, Dr. Chism learned to focus on connection, acceptance, and supporting his son's communication and independence. In this conversation, he reflects on the lessons autism has taught him about empathy, patience, inclusion, and what it really means to show up as a father.

This episode is especially meaningful for parents who may feel overwhelmed early in their journey. It's a reminder that growth happens not only for children, but for parents too.

Topics Covered

• Processing an autism diagnosis as a parent
• Moving from denial toward acceptance in the autism journey
• Parenting a non-speaking autistic child
• Listening to autistic voices and lived experiences
• Supporting communication through AAC devices
• Building strong father-child relationships
• Encouraging independence and life skills
• Finding community as an autism parent

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Jonathan Chism
01:21 Dr. Chism's background and family
03:08 Receiving an autism diagnosis at age two and a half
07:57 Moving from denial toward understanding autism
10:40 Learning from autistic voices and shifting perspective
24:26 Advice for parents feeling overwhelmed

Memorable Quote

"Be patient with yourself. Your child is a gift, and this journey will create a new normal."
— Dr. Jonathan Chism

About the Guest

Dr. Jonathan Chism, also known as Dr. Chiz, is an associate professor of history at the University of Houston Downtown, an ordained minister, and the co-founder of the Autism Dad Social Club. As a father raising a non-speaking autistic son, he is passionate about supporting fathers, promoting autism acceptance, and helping families build meaningful connections with their children.

Resources Mentioned

• Autism Dad Social Club
• Uniquely Human by Dr. Barry Prizant
• AAC communication tools such as TouchChat

About the Host

Brian Keene is a pediatric occupational therapist and founder of Pure Hearts Therapy, a neurodiversity-affirming therapy practice providing in-home pediatric therapy services for families in Arizona.

Through the Autism Family Resource Podcast, Brian shares practical tools, expert conversations, and supportive insights to help parents navigate the journey of raising neurodivergent children.

Learn more at:
https://pureheartstherapy.com

Subscribe & Connect

If this episode resonated with you, please consider sharing it with another parent who might benefit from this conversation.

Listen and subscribe to the Autism Family Resource Podcast:
https://pod.link/1591840956

Explore more resources for families at:
https://pureheartstherapy.com

Have you ever wondered if something deeper might be affecting your child's regulation, behavior, or sleep?

In this episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, Brian sits down with Dr. Jeffrey Knight, chiropractor and founder of the Autism Wellness Center, to explore how factors like inflammation, gut health, environmental toxins, and cellular health may influence a child's nervous system and overall regulation.

Dr. Knight shares his four-phase approach to cellular healing, designed to help support detox pathways, improve mitochondrial function, and restore gut health. The conversation also highlights how addressing these internal systems may help children better engage in therapies, school, and daily life.

This episode is not about quick fixes. It's about gaining a deeper understanding of how the body works and how families can explore additional tools to support their child's development and regulation.

Topics Covered

• How inflammation may influence behavior and regulation
• The connection between gut health and neurological function
• Dr. Knight's four-phase cellular healing approach
• The role toxins and environmental exposures may play in health
• Supporting detox pathways safely and thoughtfully
• Why mitochondrial health matters for energy and regulation
• Real stories of changes families have experienced
• Simple lifestyle adjustments families can start today

About the Guest

Dr. Jeffrey Knight is a chiropractor and founder of the Autism Wellness Center in Utah. His work focuses on a whole-body approach to health, supporting neurological function, detoxification pathways, cellular healing, and gut health.

Through his four-phase wellness program, Dr. Knight works with families across the country to help support children's overall health and regulation.

Learn more:
https://healthempoweredfamilies.com

Resources Mentioned

Health Empowered Families
https://healthempoweredfamilies.com

About the Host

Brian Keene is a pediatric occupational therapist and founder of Pure Hearts Therapy, a neurodiversity-affirming therapy practice providing in-home pediatric therapy services for families in Arizona.

Through the Autism Family Resource Podcast, Brian shares practical strategies, expert conversations, and supportive insights to help parents navigate autism and neurodiversity with confidence.

Learn more:
https://pureheartstherapy.com

Subscribe & Connect

If this episode resonated with you, please consider sharing it with another parent who might benefit from the conversation.

You can find more resources and support at:
https://pureheartstherapy.com

Follow Pure Hearts Therapy on social media for more tools, strategies, and conversations supporting neurodivergent families.