Helping Families Go Beyond

Discover how Autism Fitness is transforming adaptive fitness training with expert Eric Chessen. In this episode, we explore the importance of scalable exercise modifications, self-regulation strategies, and creating sensory-friendly environments for neurodivergent athletes. Eric shares insights on overcoming coaching challenges, building consistency in home-based fitness, and fostering inclusivity in gyms. Plus, hear an inspiring s...

In this episode, we sit down with Valerie Herskowitz, founder of The Chocolate Spectrum—a unique business and training program providing meaningful work opportunities for individuals on the autism spectrum. Valerie shares her journey as a therapist and mother, the inspiration behind the program, and how it’s transforming lives through chocolate-making. Listen as we explore topics like:

• The importance of honoring a child’s auth...

In this insightful episode, we explore how caregivers, educators, and guardians can recognize signs of exploitation and create safe environments for vulnerable individuals. From sudden behavioral changes to online red flags, we discuss the subtle indicators that something may be amiss.

Our guest shares expert advice on fostering open communication, teaching the difference between safe and unsafe interactio...

In this episode, Dawn Wisniewski, a board-certified behavior analyst, shares practical strategies for helping children with sensory sensitivities thrive during the holidays. From navigating bright lights and loud music to managing disruptions in routine, Don provides insights on:

• Preparing children for new sensory experiences with proactive planning.
• Handling travel challenges and creat...

This week, we’re joined by Sharon Newhardt, Director of Inclusion and Culture at Morgan’s, the groundbreaking organization behind an ultra-inclusive amusement park, water park, sports center, camps, and clinical facility in San Antonio, Texas. Morgan’s is dedicated to creating spaces that cater to individuals with disabilities and neurodivergent communities. Sharon takes us through Morgan’s inspiring journey, from the ...

This week, we speak with Executive Director of Spectrum Sailing, Scott Herman. Scott is a lifelong sailor who wanted to sign his neurodivergent son, Daniel, up for sailing camp. None of the camps in his area would take Daniel, so Scott created his own program. Now, Spectrum Sailing travels the country to provide a weekend camp for children who otherwise would not have the ability to learn to sail. In the camp, students...

In this episode, we talk with Sarah Bass, Beyond the Spectrum’s Advanced Learning Center Program Director, about what families can do to prepare their children for the new school.

These include strategies for warming your student up for school and preparing them for all the new inputs they will be experiencing. Sarah also provides examples of sensory items students can bring to help their first week anxiet...

This week, we speak with Beyond the Spectrum’s Program Director, Laura Ryan-Leverett. Laura walks us through how she creates summer activities for students, variables to consider when planning an activity, and ideas for engaging and educational activities.

Timestamps:

(00:00) Summer Updates

(01:00) Introducing Laura Ryan-Leverett

(03:45) Creating meaningful summer act...

This week, we speak with Elena Cassella, Executive Director of Foundation for Dreams. Foundation for Dreams, through their signature program Dream Oaks Camp, provides year-round weekend and summer residential camp sessions for all children with varying ability levels and chronic and/or terminal medical conditions.

Dream Oaks Camp is a place where children can go to be "normal" and parents can get a respite from their daily lives. T...

This week, we speak with Beyond the Spectrum’s BCBA, Dawn Wisniewski. Dawn walks us through the basics of ABA therapy, strategies that are and are not used, and difficulties in providing therapy. Later in the episode, Dawn busts ABA therapy myths, discusses what families should know when selecting an ABA provider, and shares how ABA techniques are applied in real-world settings.

Dawn also co-hosts a monthly meeting called the Commu...

This week, we speak with Sarah Bass and Anna Storbeck. Sarah is the Mariposa Program Director, and Anna is the H.I.V.E. Program Director here at Beyond the Spectrum.

Together, we discuss how each of these programs addresses their individual students’ needs, what parents should be aware of as their children grow older, and their collaboration with local organizations, including DD’s Miracle Minis.

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