Helping Families Go Beyond

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 of bec...

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 characters, and ...

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 key. From real-life...

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 resources...

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...