The Polaris Connection Navigating Autism & Neurodiversity
The Polaris Connection is the ultimate autism parenting podcast for families, caregivers, and professionals navigating the world of autism and special needs. Each episode shares real stories, expert insights, and practical strategies to support children with autism, strengthen family life, and connect with the broader autism community. From special education resources and behavioral tips to advocacy guidance and emotional support, The Polaris Connection provides actionable tools for parents, teachers, and therapists alike. Join us to discover inspiring journeys, learn about autism support networks, and explore ways to celebrate your child’s strengths while overcoming challenges. Whether you’re seeking advice on autism therapies, school programs, social skills development, or community connection, The Polaris Connection offers trusted guidance to help you thrive. Tune in each week for episodes that empower families, build understanding, and create meaningful connections in the world of autism and special needs parenting. Join Brad Broyles and Nathan Palmer on The Polaris Connection where they help parents of autistic and neurodivergent children find power, perspective, and possibility. Through expert insights and real-life stories, we spark hope, share resources, and inspire families to navigate the journey with confidence. It’s not just a podcast, it’s a movement for connection, strength, and unapologetic advocacy. Your voice matters. Do you have a topic, challenge, or question we can bring to the next episode? Reach out and follow us on social media at @PolarisAcademySocial Email us at info@polarisacademy.org To schedule a tour at Polaris Academy, go to PolarisAcademy.org
Episodes
In this episode, we explore the real challenges and quiet strengths of parenting an autistic child, especially when parents see things differently. Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife shares a practical framework for balancing expectations with responsiveness, showing why effective parenting is neither rigid nor permissive, but both compassionate and clear.
The conversation dives into co-parenting, conflict, frustratio...
In this episode of The Polaris Connection, Brad and Nathan welcome autism experts Tony Attwood and Dr. Michelle Garnett for a deeply compassionate conversation of how autism is not a defect but a different way of perceiving, thinking, learning, and relating. Tony and Michelle explain why so many autistic behaviors are actually coping strategies, and why understanding the autistic perspective can transform the way fa...
Why does one child need to talk everything through while another shuts down? Why do some people crave connection, others need control, and others simply need space?
In this episode of The Polaris Connection, we sit down with Dan Call to explore the Color Code... a powerful tool for understanding what motivates us and the people we love.
We talk about how understanding the different personality colors can help you:
✨ Be...
This episode offers the autism journey hope grounded in lived experience, plus practical guidance you can actually use.
Our guest, Kerry Magro, shares his journey from being non-speaking until age two and a half and speaking in full sentences around age seven to becoming a nationally recognized public speaker, author, consultant, and advocate. His story is a powerful reminder that early challenges do not define a chi...
"Are video games a social lifeline or a mental trap? This might surprise you..." 🎮
Drop a 🔥 if you've wondered about this before and tag a parent who's trying to understand their kid's gaming habits!
Many assume gaming is just mindless fun or even a source of household friction. But did you know it can promote social skills, creativity, and balance?
Andrew Fishman, a licensed therapist and author of Parenting a...
"Ever wondered what really drives demand avoidance in kids? It's not stubbornness... it's anxiety about losing control."
Drop a 💡 if you’ve ever misunderstood PDA as just defiance. There’s so much more behind the behavior. Most parents see demand avoidance as rebellion, but it’s often a child's way of managing overwhelming anxiety about autonomy. When a child feels they’re losing co...
What if your child's refusal isn't about being defiant... but about feeling overwhelmed?
In this powerful conversation, Dr. Nicoll explains why many children with a PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance) profile experience everyday demands as threats to their nervous system—not simple requests. What can look like stubbornness, procrastination, or "noncompliance" is often an anxiety response.
💡 In this episode, we ...
This week’s episode of The Polaris Connection is a little different and incredibly special.
Our hosts, Brad Broyles and Nathan Palmer, were invited to join Norrine Russell on her podcast, Breaking Out of the Box. The conversation was so meaningful, honest, and full of hope that we knew we wanted to share it with our Polaris community as this week's episode.
In this episode, Brad and Nathan open up about the jour...
In this special Father's Day episode, hosts Brad Broyles, Nathan Palmer, and guest Aaron Kaczmarek reflect on fatherhood, autism, family life, and the lessons they've learned as dads, educators, and advocates.
The episode begins with exciting updates from Polaris Academy, then shifts to the heart of the episode: fatherhood.
Nathan shares the importance of recognizing and addressing our own dysregulation as parents, re...
This episode features Dr. Tara Williams, who shares invaluable insights into supporting autistic children through educational transitions. The discussion covers innovative approaches to integrating therapy into academics, the importance of visual learning, and strategies for fostering independence and self-advocacy in children.
Dr. Williams also highlights the significance of body doubling and executive functio...
How do you keep moving forward when life hands you challenges that seem impossible to carry?
In this heartfelt episode of The Polaris Connection, Brad and Nathan sit down with Amber Jackson, Instagrams @EnjoyingHolland, a mother of four whose journey has been marked by profound loss, unexpected turns, and extraordinary resilience. Amber is raising children with diverse needs, including autism, Down syndrome...
"Ever thought, ‘What do butterflies and autism have in common?’ 💭
Turns out, a lot more than you’d think. It’s all about transformation and small changes making a big impact.
Drop a 🦋 if you believe in the power of tiny shifts to create big results in neurodiversity support!
In our chat with Laura, she shared how her butterfly branding isn’t just pretty, it symb...
Join us on "The Polaris Connection" as we explore the unique challenges and joys of parenting autistic children during the summer months.
Hosts Brad Broyles and Nathan Palmer share insightful tips and personal stories to help you navigate family vacations, manage sensory overload, and embrace the unpredictability of summer.
Discover how to create meaningful experiences, find micro wins, and ensure a fulfil...
Dr. Norrine Russell, a leading expert in neurodiversity and founder of Russell Coaching for Students shares her personal journey as a mother of a neurodivergent child, Ethan, who has been diagnosed with ADHD, autism, and anxiety. She discusses the challenges and triumphs of raising Ethan, emphasizing the importance of finding a supportive community and understanding each child's unique profile.
Listeners will gain va...
How does a simple tax redirect help kids get the education they deserve?
It’s not just about taxes... it’s about giving every child the chance to thrive in the right environment. 💡Drop a 🔑 if you believe in giving kids more options.
✨Here's the scoop: in Arizona, you can redirect your tax dollars to support private school scholarships and it costs you nothing extra. Yes, ZERO.
Whether...
In this episode of "The Polaris Connection," hosts Brad Broyles and Nathan Palmer welcome Emily Moffat, a talented singer known for her work as a Disney princess voice. The discussion centers around Emily's journey with her son Jasper, who was diagnosed with autism. Emily shares how music became a powerful tool in helping Jasper navigate daily challenges, such as getting dressed and haircuts, by creating songs tailo...
This episode offers valuable insights for parents of neurodivergent children by reframing autism as a unique language rather than a set of behaviors to be corrected. Dr. Barry Prizant emphasizes understanding the "deep why" behind behaviors, encouraging parents to see these actions as meaningful communication. By shifting focus from changing the child to adapting the environment, parents can foster a more supportive...
In this uplifting episode of "The Polaris Connection," learn Why Understanding Your Sensory System Can Transform Parenting Outcomes with hosts Brad Broyles and Nathan Palmer. Guest Lindsey Biel, an experienced occupational therapist, discusses practical strategies for supporting autistic children. Lindsey shares insights from her 27 years of experience, emphasizing the importance of co-regulation and sensory aw...
Discover practical insights on maintaining healthy relationships and effective parenting strategies for families with autistic or special needs children. Join us as Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife shares her personal journey, professional expertise, and compassionate advice for couples and parents navigating these unique challenges.
In this episode you will find:
- Dr. Jennifer’s background in relationship a...
Unlock the transformative power of music as a tool for connection, confidence, and healing... especially for children with unique needs. This episode dives into how inclusive choral programs like Phoenix Children’s Chorus are breaking barriers, fostering growth, and revealing the incredible potential within every child, regardless of their abilities.
Anne Coryell, a dedicated music educator and advocate, ...
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