Helping Families Go Beyond

In this episode of Helping Families Go Beyond, host Loryn Carpenter sits down with Sean Peabody to talk about the experience of growing up with a neurodivergent sibling. Sean shares how his relationship with his brother Kevin has changed over the years, from childhood memories built around creativity and shared interests to a recent trip to Japan that showed just how much Kevin has grown in confidence, flexibility, and independence...

In this episode of Helping Families Go Beyond, Loryn Carpenter welcomes Dr. Kevin Spencer, a magician, educator, researcher, and arts integration expert, to explore how magic can support learning, connection, and confidence for neurodiverse learners and other special populations. Dr. Spencer shares how magic moved beyond entertainment in his work and became a powerful tool for building fine motor skills, working memory, social inte...

In this episode, Loryn sits down with Jessica Patay, founder of We Are Brave Together, to talk about what caregiving really looks like behind the scenes. Jessica shares how raising her son with a rare genetic disorder and autism led her to create a community for moms who often feel isolated, overwhelmed, and unseen. They talk about her new book Suddenly Brave Together, the reality of caregiver burnout, and the kind of support famil...

Planning for the future can feel overwhelming for families raising neurodivergent children, but having the right financial foundation can make a meaningful difference. In this special Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month episode, host Loryn Carpenter sits down with Michael Pereira, founder of The Autism Voyage and a financial planner who specializes in helping special needs families prepare for the future. They discuss practical f...

What if paying for tuition, therapy, and educational support did not have to feel overwhelming? In this episode of Helping Families Go Beyond, Loryn Carpenter sits down with Kristin O’Brien from Step Up For Students to break down what Florida families need to know about scholarship opportunities. They talk through eligibility, how the Family Empowerment Scholarship works, what qualifies as a diagnosis, and how funding can be ...

In this Valentine’s Day themed episode of Helping Families Go Beyond, host Loryn Carpenter sits down with vocational coordinator Ariana McDaniels for an honest, compassionate conversation about dating, relationships, and connection for neurodivergent adults. From navigating attraction, consent, and masking to understanding rejection sensitivity, online safety, and the role caregivers play, this episode offers practical insigh...

In this episode of Helping Families Go Beyond, host Loryn Carpenter sits down with Chase Pettey, founder of the nonprofit Adventure For All. Chase shares the inspiring journey of building an organization that empowers individuals with exceptionalities through outdoor challenges like biking, hiking, and nature-based growth. From redefining human potential to sparking transformation in both kids and parents, this episode is full of p...

In this special holiday edition of Helping Families Go Beyond the Podcast, host Loryn Carpenter sits down with Dr. Valerie Roth and Dawn Wisniewski to share practical, compassionate strategies for families with neurodivergent learners navigating the busy holiday season. From prepping relatives for sensory-friendly gatherings to handling unsolicited comments with grace, this episode is packed with actionable advice on creating inclu...

In this heartwarming episode of Helping Families Go Beyond, host Loryn Carpenter sits down with professional soccer player and community leader Cade Hagan to explore his latest initiative, Sarasota Unified Sports, an adaptive sports clinic designed for individuals with exceptionalities. Cade shares the story behind his passion project, the challenges of launching it, and the incredible response from the local community. Tune in to ...

In this episode of Helping Families Go Beyond, host Loryn Carpenter welcomes Dr. Kerri Duncan, BCBA, with nearly 40 years of experience in special education, ABA therapy, and parent advocacy. Dr. Duncan explains the Comprehensive Diagnostic Evaluation (CDE), the first crucial step in obtaining an autism diagnosis and accessing therapies. She shares what families should expect from the process, key signs to watch for, and how evalua...

In this episode of Helping Families Go Beyond, host Loryn Carpenter sits down with Jack Mills, a graduating senior with the Peabody Academy, to share his story, perspectives, and plans for the future. Jack opens up about his experiences growing up with autism, the teachers and friends who’ve supported him, and the unique talents that shape the way he sees the world. From his favorite classes and community trips to his dreams ...

In this episode of Helping Families Go Beyond, we talk with Chris Angilella from Chris and the Able Universe. Chris has autism and Asperger's and has developed his skills to write books, create illustrations, and characters. Chris is the proud author of seven books with several more in the making.  

Throughout this episode, we discuss Chris’ journey to this point, his interests growing up and how they influence his ...

In this episode of Helping Families Go Beyond, host Lauren Carpenter speaks with Joshua Yirkovsky, 21-year Navy veteran and founder of Angel Force Foundation, about how families and schools can better prepare for emergencies involving neurodivergent children. From practical safety tools like wearable GPS devices and visual cues to individualized safety plans (ISPs) and modified emergency drills, Joshua shares expert strategies for ...

Planning a family trip with a neurodivergent child can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be. In this episode of Helping Families Go Beyond, we talk with Alan Day, co-founder of Autism Double Checked, about how families can prepare for travel with autistic children, what service providers need to understand about sensory processing and individual needs, and why patience and problem-solving are ke...

Discover how gamification, emotional literacy, and AI are transforming education for neurodiverse learners in this insightful episode of Helping Families Go Beyond. Educator Ariana McDaniels shares real-life classroom experiences and expert tips on using technology safely and effectively to support students with autism and other neurodiverse needs.

Learn how tools like AI can boost engagement, build community, and empower students ...

Discover how Hart 4 Autism is making a difference in the lives of families seeking autism assessments and support. In this insightful episode of Helping Families Go Beyond, we sit down with Dr. Kerri Duncan, who has conducted hundreds of evaluations, helping parents navigate the journey with clarity and confidence. 

Learn about the ADOS assessment process, why early diagnosis matters, and how families can access the right reso...

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 ...

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...