Inchstones with Sarah | Autism Advocacy & Caregiver Stories

What happens when a father whose career is built around managing risk is handed something he can’t plan his way out of? In this episode of the INCHSTONES Podcast, Sarah Kernion talks with autism advocate and corporate risk management professional Mike Hanner about raising his eight-year-old son Kingston, who is nonspeaking, autistic, and has apraxia. Mike spends his professional life anticipating what could happen, assessing uncertainty, and building systems designed to protect people from risk. Then came profound autism. Kingston met early developmental milestones, used words, sang and danced. Mike describes the pain of watching his son lose previously used speech and skills and the years it took him to understand that Kingston’s inability to reliably speak did not mean there wasn’t far more happening inside him. That realization changed the questions Mike began asking. Instead of only asking how to manage a symptom or behavior, he became increasingly interested in what might be happening underneath it. His office now contains multiple whiteboards filled with treatments, tests, therapies, diagnoses, and questions - a visual representation of a father determined to keep learning. Sarah and Mike talk candidly about navigating conventional medicine alongside Mike’s interest in biomedical and functional approaches. Mike is equally clear about something important: he is skeptical of anyone claiming to have one solution that works for every autistic child. The conversation instead centers on curiosity, collaboration with qualified practitioners, individualized decision-making, and the difficulty of evaluating emerging or contested approaches when your child cannot reliably tell you what hurts or how they feel.They also explore something discussed far less often: what profound autism can do to the family system.Two parents can love the same child completely and still have dramatically different capacities, coping styles, beliefs, and approaches to helping that child. Mike discusses the friction that can create inside marriages and partnerships - and why caring for the family itself cannot become an afterthought. Underneath the entire conversation is a question with no simple answer: How do you prepare for a future you never planned for? Mike’s answer isn’t certainty. It’s learning to live differently with uncertainty. Find your people. Ask better questions. Avoid the landmines other families have already encountered. Remain hopeful about what may be possible while preparing responsibly for significant lifelong needs.And above all, don’t become so consumed by the answer you’re still searching for that you miss the progress already happening. Because sometimes the progress isn’t a milestone. It’s an inchstone. Mike Hanner is a national employee benefits risk management executive who has spent his career helping employers navigate the complexities of group health insurance and healthcare strategy. More importantly, he is a father to an 8-year-old son with profound regressive autism. Mike and his family have spent years navigating the often-overwhelming world of autism: specialists, therapies, testing, treatments, schools, insurance, and the constant search for answers. He joined Sarah Kernion on Inchstones to share a father’s perspective on raising a child with significant support needs, navigating the many landmines families encounter, and advocating for his son every step of the way. Subscribe to the INCHSTONES Podcast for honest caregiver stories about nonverbal autism, special needs parenting, profound autism, caregiver burnout, disability, communication, family life, and the realities of raising children with significant support needs. Chapters (00:00:00) - Fathers of Autistic Kids(00:01:26) - What I Wish People Knew About Autism Before They Knew(00:05:44) - Dad on His Son's Cancer(00:13:25) - Allopathic Medicine and Your Child's Health(00:14:34) - Never Stop Learning(00:15:55) - The Search for a Good Chiropractic Doctor(00:20:02) - Autism and Family Relationships(00:22:36) - How to AVOID the Autism Landmines(00:26:26) - Being a Dad: The Inch Zones

9/3/26 • 27:47

What if the behavior you’re trying to change is actually telling you something? In this episode of the INCHSTONES Podcast, Sarah Kernion talks with developmental psychologist and learning support specialist Dr. Amy See about nonverbal autism, special needs parenting, behavior, nervous system regulation, and learning to see the whole child before deciding what their behavior means. Parents of autistic children become accustomed to watching closely. Is my child listening? Why aren’t they responding? Why could they do this yesterday but not today? Is this refusal? Inattention? A sensory issue? A developmental delay? A behavior we need to correct? But Dr. See encourages parents and educators to slow down before assigning meaning. Because the same child can look very different in different environments. A child who struggles in a bright, noisy classroom may function very differently at home. A child who appears unable to participate in one environment may demonstrate far more ability when they feel calm, safe, connected, and regulated. For children with nonverbal autism, non-speaking autism, or significant communication and motor challenges, that distinction becomes especially important. What a child can demonstrate in a particular moment isn’t necessarily the same as what that child understands. Sarah shares what she has observed with Milly and Mack: even a response to something they understand can sometimes arrive much later than expected. A glance, movement, transition, or acknowledgment that takes longer to appear doesn’t necessarily mean the original language wasn’t received. Sometimes processing simply doesn’t happen on our timetable. Dr. See introduces a simple framework she uses when looking beneath behavior: capacity, safety, and regulation.What capacity does this child have in this moment? Do they feel safe and secure in this environment? Is their nervous system regulated, or is it overloaded? Rather than beginning with “Why is this child behaving this way?”, those questions allow parents, teachers, and clinicians to become curious about what the behavior may be communicating.Sarah and Amy also explore the pressure many special needs parents feel to turn nearly every moment into an opportunity for progress. When your child is developmentally behind, letting them wander through the backyard, play independently, or engage in an activity without a therapeutic objective can almost feel irresponsible.But play has value precisely because it isn’t always directed toward an outcome. Children need opportunities to rest, explore, consolidate what they’re learning, follow their interests, and experience connection without constantly being asked to perform. And sometimes one of the most powerful ways to connect with a nonverbal child isn’t asking them to enter our world at all. It’s entering theirs. Watch what brings them joy. Sit beside them. Pick up the object they’re fascinated by. Repeat the movement. Listen to the song. Join the play. Because before we decide what a child needs to learn next, we may need to become much better at seeing the child who is already in front of us. In This Episode00:00 – Why INCHSTONES looks at the whole child01:45 – Dr. Amy See's background in developmental psychology and learning support02:45 – Why every child begins to make more sense when we understand what they need03:25 – Observing children before trying to change them03:55 – Nature and nervous system regulation04:55 – Why environment can completely change a child's behavior05:55 – Non-speaking autism, apraxia, and what children can demonstrate06:45 – Why calm environments can reveal different abilities08:05 – Developmental age versus ch...

9/1/26 • 20:20

Special needs parenting can keep a caregiver's nervous system on high alert long after the immediate crisis has passed. In this episode of the INCHSTONES Podcast, Sarah Kernion talks with Stacey Uhrig, founder of Flip Your Mindset, about caregiver burnout, nervous system regulation, chronic stress, and what happens to parents after years of caring for children with significant support needs. Autism families spend enormous amounts of time learning about their children.Communication. Behavior. Sensory needs. Therapies. Education. Regulation. But Sarah and Stacey turn the lens around and ask a different question: What happens to the parent? Stacey explains why parenthood can expose coping strategies and patterns that may have been operating quietly for decades. Perfectionism. People pleasing. Conflict avoidance. Caretaking. Deprioritizing yourself to meet everyone else's needs. Those adaptations may once have served a purpose. But combine them with the demands of special needs parenting, nonverbal autism, intensive caregiving, and chronic uncertainty, and caregivers can eventually feel like a shell of who they once were. Stacey introduces the idea of the “invisible backpack” we each carry: our lived experiences, the meaning we've assigned to them, what we've learned to believe about ourselves and others, and the coping strategies we've developed along the way. Sometimes we're still carrying things that no longer belong in the backpack.Sarah and Stacey explore what happens when those old patterns collide with the extraordinary demands of raising a child with disabilities—and why caregiver wellness isn't another responsibility parents should feel guilty about failing to accomplish. It's part of sustaining yourself for the long haul. They also explore parts work and polyvagal theory, including how Stacey uses these frameworks with clients to understand stress responses, anxiety, overwhelm, shutdown, perfectionism, people pleasing, and the feeling so many adults describe as: “I don't even know who I am anymore.” And then there's co-regulation. Sarah shares how raising children with profound support needs has forced her to recognize something uncomfortable but powerful: her children experience her regulation, too.The morning routine still happens. The pull-up still needs changing. Teeth still need brushing. Transitions still need navigating. A parent's internal state doesn't erase the child's disability, but it can influence the environment in which both parent and child are trying to function. Stacey describes this as an invitation to stop believing the only solution is changing the child. Sometimes the environment changes when we change how we enter it. This is not another conversation telling exhausted special needs parents to meditate, take a bath, or add one more item to their self-care checklist. It's a conversation about understanding what's happening inside you. Because caregiver burnout isn't always evidence that you're incapable of carrying your life. Sometimes it's information about how long your body has been carrying it.Learn more about Stacey Uhrig and Flip Your Mindset, including her work around nervous system regulation, parts work, trauma, and personal transformation. WEBSITE: www.flipyourmindset.com● PODCAST: www.flipyourmindset.com/podcast● INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/staceyuhrig● LINKED IN: www.linkedin.com/in/staceyuhrig● YOUTUBE: www.youtube.com/@flipyourmindset● BRAINZ MAG ARTICLES -www.brainzmagazine.com/executive-contributor/stacey-uhrig Stacey Uhrig is a Certified Trauma Care Practitioner and Rapid Transformational Therapy Practitioner, as well as the host of the Flip Your Mindset podcast. She is the creator of The Calm CodeTM, an 8-week program to help individuals heal anxiety from within, and the HURRTTM Survey, a tool to assess hidden stress and res... Chapters (00:00:00) - What Happens to the Parent's nervous system when their child has(00:01:26) - Why Do You Think You're Not Broken?(00:09:35) - How to Regulate a Special Needs Parent's Life(00:12:29) - How to Help Your Child With Autism(00:16:07) - Polyvagal Theory and Parts Work(00:22:22) - Polyvagal Theory: The Power of Anxiety(00:28:27) - On polyvagal theory

8/26/26 • 33:57

What if one of the most powerful things you can do for your autistic child is stop waiting for someone else to have all the answers? In this episode of INCHSTONES, Sarah Kernion sits down with Len Arcuri, founder and host of the Autism Parenting Secrets podcast, for an honest conversation about special needs parenting, nonverbal autism, caregiver stories, root causes, and learning to trust what you observe in your own child. After his son was diagnosed with moderate-to-severe autism at 18 months, Len didn't want to become an autism expert. He didn't particularly want to be curious, either. He wanted what so many parents want after an autism diagnosis: someone to tell him what to do. Years later, Len sees that differently. He and Sarah explore why curiosity, humility, critical thinking, and open-mindedness can become some of the most important tools in special needs parenting. Parents don't need to know everything about autism. But they can learn to observe their child carefully, ask better questions, evaluate options thoughtfully, and become active participants in decisions about their child's health, communication, regulation, education, and support.The conversation goes deeper into root cause thinking and why Len believes parents should keep asking why. Why is communication difficult? Why is my child dysregulated? Why are certain behaviors occurring? Why isn't something working? For Len, root cause thinking isn't about finding one universal explanation for autism or one treatment that works for every child. It's about remaining curious about the individual child standing in front of you and making thoughtful decisions about where to focus limited time, energy, and resources. Sarah and Len also talk about something especially complicated for families navigating nonverbal autism, profound support needs, and special needs parenting: Can you fully accept your child as they are while still wanting more for them? Len shares candidly that he once confused acceptance with giving up. Looking back, he realized he was deeply attached to the future version of his son he hoped would emerge rather than fully accepting the child in front of him. Eventually, he discovered that the two ideas didn't have to compete. A parent can completely love and accept their child today while continuing to pursue better health, communication, regulation, connection, and quality of life. They also examine the parent's side of the equation.Caregiver stress isn't only about finding the next autism therapy or intervention. Sometimes the most important change begins with how a parent navigates uncertainty—their beliefs, nervous system, decision-making, expectations, and ability to stay grounded when they don't know what happens next.And that may be one of the greatest lessons of caregiver stories like Len's: parents don't need certainty to move forward.They need curiosity, discernment and the humility to change course when new information emerges.And they need to recognize that the years they've spent observing their child have given them knowledge that deserves a place at the table. Len Arcuri is a Private Strategic Advisor to parents navigating autism and other complex developmental challenges. After more than two decades in financial leadership as a CPA, CFO, and Six Sigma Master Black Belt, his son's autism diagnosis redirected his life's work. Drawing on nearly two decades of lived experience and more than 300 conversations with leading experts as host of the top 1% Autism Parenting Secrets podcast, Len helps parents think clearly, make better decisions, and lead with greater confidence. He believes parents are the single greatest force multiplier in a child's life. ResourcesListen to Len Arcuri's Autism Parenting Secrets podcast and learn more about his individualized advisory work with autism parents. Al... Chapters (00:00:00) - Autism Parenting Secrets(00:02:03) - Open-Minded Autism Parenting(00:06:08) - How to Raise a Child With Hope(00:12:16) - Exploring the Root Cause of Autism(00:15:55) - The role of parents in autism research(00:25:35) - The All-In Parent Power Score(00:30:25) - Len Has Autism on Inchstones

8/21/26 • 33:19

Who gets represented when the government decides the future of autism research? In this episode of INCHSTONES, Sarah Kernion is joined by advocates Tyler Hudson and Olivia Rojo for an urgent conversation about profound autism, caregiver stories, special needs parenting, and the families asking federal autism research to better reflect people with the most significant support needs. At the center of the conversation is the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC) and its working draft for the next federal autism strategic plan. Sarah, Tyler, and Olivia discuss why the proposal has generated such intense debate—and why families raising children with profound autism believe this moment could help bring greater attention to a population they say has too often been missing from autism research.But this conversation goes far beyond one government document.What should autism research be trying to understand? Should researchers investigate causes, regression, medical complexity, communication challenges, gastrointestinal problems and other co-occurring conditions? How do we improve quality of life for autistic people today while still investigating the most disabling presentations of autism?And perhaps most importantly: who speaks for autistic people who cannot advocate for themselves? Tyler and Olivia discuss the tension between autism self-advocacy and parent advocacy, including their concern that conversations about autism acceptance can sometimes fail to represent families living with profound disability. They argue that acknowledging severe disability does not diminish an autistic person's dignity—and that accepting an autistic person and wanting to understand the causes of their suffering are not mutually exclusive. Olivia also shares the reality behind her advocacy: she is moving to another state seeking better care for her daughter while leaving her older daughter behind. Her family's experience opens a larger conversation about autism sibling dynamics, caregiver stress, profound care needs, and what happens when today's siblings become tomorrow's next of kin.Tyler shares his own family's experience trying to understand his son's recurring gastrointestinal problems and the exhaustion of parents being told, once again, that they are essentially responsible for experimenting, observing, adjusting, and trying to determine what helps their child.The three also confront a difficult reality of nonverbal autism and special needs parenting: much of the labor and suffering involved is invisible to people who have never lived it. Families may navigate dysregulation, communication barriers, medical issues, hypervigilance, sibling impact, and uncertainty about lifelong care—while simultaneously being criticized for talking publicly about those realities. This isn't a conversation asking for pity.It's a conversation asking for visibility, research, better systems, and the willingness to remain curious about what we still don't understand about autism. As Sarah says near the end of the episode: Severity is not the opposite of dignity. Families can fully love and accept an autistic person while still asking why they are suffering, what medicine may be missing, and what science still needs to understand.In This Episode00:00 — Why Sarah, Tyler and Olivia came together for this conversation01:55 — What families should understand about the IACC working draft03:25 — “Autism is not a reason to stop looking”03:50 — Profound autism and representation in autism research06:35 — Why visibility matters for families with significant support needs07:05 — Olivia's decision to move states seeking better care for her daughter08:45 — Profound autism, terminology and representation09:50 — Who advocates for autistic people who cannot self-advocate?14:05 — What the proposed autism research framewor... Chapters (00:00:00) - In the Elevator With Olivia and Tyler(00:01:42) - Tyler on the Autism Plan(00:06:01) - Tyler Hudson on the Need for More Autism Speakers(00:10:24) - On the DSM 6 Public Comment(00:15:56) - Why are you not voting?(00:16:20) - Mitochondrial Alleviation Comments(00:20:44) - Autism parents speak out for their kids(00:24:40) - On the Caregiving of Autistic People(00:30:20) - Autism: Nothing Changes If Nothing Changes

8/18/26 • 34:49

What can fiction reveal about special needs parenting that facts and statistics sometimes cannot? In this episode of INCHSTONES, Sarah Kernion talks with author Jacqueline Friedland about Breathing Underwater, her new novel exploring autism, caregiving, adolescence, independence, identity, and the extraordinary power of having one person who refuses to stop believing in you.Jacqueline was raised by a professor of special education and began writing fiction in part because she believed stories could create empathy and help people see experiences outside their own. In Breathing Underwater, that mission takes shape through Leo, a 16-year-old autistic boy, and McKenna, a college swimmer whose seemingly successful life is quietly falling apart.Their relationship raises questions that will feel deeply familiar to many special needs parents: How much support is enough? When does helping become holding on too tightly? How do we prepare autistic children for adulthood when so many services disappear after high school? And how do we learn to live without certainty about what comes next? Sarah and Jacqueline also discuss the enormous importance of swimming and water safety for autistic children, including the elevated risk of drowning that helped inspire Jacqueline's novel. Their conversation moves beyond statistics, though, into the sensory and emotional experience of water—and the connection, regulation, and joy that can sometimes exist there. They also explore caregiver stories, maternal identity, invisible labor, the desire to control every variable, and the difficult practice of allowing other people to help. Jacqueline shares one of the central realizations she had while developing Leo: difference does not automatically mean something needs to be fixed. A child's challenges and strengths can coexist, and autism cannot be reduced to one universal experience or one universal solutioAt its heart, this conversation is about support—not saving someone by changing who they are, but becoming the person who remains beside them while they discover what they're capable of.In This Episode01:30 — Why Jacqueline chose fiction to tell stories that matter03:00 — Writing an autistic teenager instead of a young autistic child05:00 — The “services cliff” after high school and preparing for adulthood06:00 — How much support is too much—or not enough?07:45 — Why one person believing in a child can change everything09:45 — Autism, swimming, water safety, and drowning risk11:15 — The sensory experience of being underwater13:00 — Caregiving and the realization that not everyone needs to be “fixed”15:30 — Invisible labor, motherhood, stress, and learning to relinquish control18:30 — McKenna, college-student homelessness, and what happens without a support system20:00 — Why there is no “struggle Olympics” in parenting21:00 — Finding beautifully typical moments inside nonverbal autism22:30 — Why caregiver stories can increase empathy and change how we see one anotherJacqueline Friedland is the USA Today and Amazon bestselling author of historical and contemporary women’s fiction. After earning degrees from the University of Pennsylvania and NYU Law School and practicing as a commercial litigator, she received her MFA in creative writing from Sarah Lawrence College. Her novels have earned multiple honors, including Readers’ Favorite Gold Medals, a Kirkus Reviews Best Indie Book of the Year selection, and a SheReads Best Book Club Pick. Her sixth novel, Breathing Under Water, arrives from Harper Muse in August 2026 following acclaim from Booklist, People, Zibby Owens, and the Jewish Joy Book Club. She lives in Westchester, New York.Read Jacqueline Friedland's Breathing Underwater, a novel exploring autism, caregiving, identity, swimming, sup... Chapters (00:00:00) - Jackie Friedland on Her New Book, The Autistic Mother(00:01:22) - Why Did I Choose Fiction for My Autism Story?(00:06:07) - On Writing 'The Autistic Child'(00:07:18) - In Breathing Underwater With Autism(00:10:41) - Breathing Underwater(00:12:37) - In the Dark: Caregiving With Autism(00:17:12) - How To Raise a Homeless Child

8/14/26 • 22:53

What happens when families know a treatment could help their child—but can't access it? In this episode of Inchstones, Sarah Kernion sits down with pediatric neurologist Dr. John Gaitanis to discuss autism advocacy, autism therapy options, and why Meadow was created to help families access individualized care beyond a diagnosis.For many families, an autism diagnosis is only the beginning. The harder question often comes next: Where do we go from here? In this follow-up conversation, Sarah Kernion and pediatric neurologist Dr. John Gaitanis explore why so many parents struggle to access testing, treatments, and physicians willing to investigate the underlying biology affecting their child's health and development. Together, they discuss the vision behind Meadow, a telehealth platform designed to expand access to physician-guided care for autistic children and families. Dr. Gaitanis explains why treatments such as leucovorin, gut microbiome testing, mitochondrial support, and other evidence-informed interventions are often difficult for families to obtain—even when research demonstrates safety and potential benefit. Rather than promoting a single solution, he describes a whole-child approach that asks a different question:What is preventing this child from feeling and functioning at their best? Sarah and Dr. G also discuss communication, pain, nervous system regulation, caregiver advocacy, and why behavior should never be viewed in isolation. For many non-speaking autistic individuals, behaviors such as aggression or self-injury may be expressions of untreated pain, inflammation, sensory challenges, or an inability to communicate effectively. Looking beyond behaviors and searching for root causes has the potential to improve quality of life for both children and their families.  Whether you're beginning your autism diagnosis journey or looking for additional autism support resources, this episode encourages families to ask better questions, seek individualized care, and remain open to evidence-based approaches that prioritize the whole child.Resources Learn more about Meadow Health and Dr. John Gaitanis' work in individualized autism care. Subscribe to the Inchstones Podcast for conversations about autism advocacy, caregiver stories, and neurodivergent parenting, featuring physicians, researchers, caregivers, and advocates working to improve the lives of autistic individuals and their families. Chapters (00:00:00) - Meeting the Parents of Autism with telehealth(00:04:58) - The Healing Approach to Abdominal Pain

8/6/26 • 08:46

Castos DescriptionEpisode SummaryWhat happens when a special education teacher spends years working with profoundly disabled students—and then realizes the biggest lesson wasn't about teaching at all? In this episode of Inchstones, Sarah Kernion sits down with former special education teacher and Unspecial Podcast host Zack Ponder to explore caregiver stories, autism advocacy, neurodivergent parenting, and why presuming competence changes everything.Full Episode DescriptionBefore launching the Unspecial Podcast, Zack Ponder spent years teaching students with profound autism, complex communication needs, and significant disabilities. Those experiences fundamentally changed the way he understands intelligence, behavior, caregiving, and human connection.In this thoughtful conversation, Sarah and Zack discuss what it means to presume competence, why outward behavior rarely tells the full story, and how educators, parents, and clinicians can better support children by seeing their strengths before their limitations. Zack shares stories from the classroom that forever shaped his understanding of autism communication, emotional regulation, and the incredible capabilities that often remain hidden beneath motor planning challenges. zack-sarah.txtTXTThe conversation also explores fatherhood, caregiver resilience, nervous system regulation, homeschooling, balancing family life during a spouse's cancer journey, and why caring for yourself is essential if you hope to co-regulate with the children who depend on you.Together, Sarah and Zack examine why parents should trust what they observe, why difficult conversations strengthen advocacy, and how small moments of connection often become the most meaningful inchstones.In this episode, we discuss:autism advocacy through presuming competencecaregiver stories from both the classroom and homeneurodivergent parenting and emotional regulationprofound autism care and communicationautism education strategiescaregiver mental health and nervous system regulationfatherhood and disability caregivingspecial education advocacywhy connection matters more than compliancefinding hope through everyday inchstonesWhether you're raising an autistic child, working in special education, supporting neurodivergent families, or simply trying to become a calmer parent, this episode offers a hopeful reminder that every child deserves to be seen beyond what the world immediately notices.In This Episode02:30 — Why Zack left special education but never left the mission05:00 — What profound autism taught him about seeing the unseen08:00 — Caregiver burnout and protecting your nervous system11:00 — Co-regulation begins with the parent14:00 — Presuming competence in non-speaking children17:00 — The classroom story that changed everything20:00 — Fathers, strength, and disability parenting24:00 — Why advocacy should create collaboration—not conflict27:00 — Finding hope in the smallest everyday momentsResourcesLearn more about Zack Ponder and listen to the Unspecial Podcast, where he shares conversations with parents, educators, and disability advocates. Subscribe to the Inchstones Podcast for more conversations about autism advocacy, caregiver stories, and neurodivergent parenting that help families feel seen, supported, and understood. Read more essays on the Inchstones Substack. Chapters (00:00:00) - What They Don't Tell You About Special Needs Parents(00:03:48) - The Empty Seat(00:05:02) - How I Learned to Love My Wife's Autism Diagnosis(00:12:33) - Zach on his autism(00:17:34) - What Do Fathers Have to Offer to Their Autism Child?(00:23:01) - What are some things that are still missing from the Unspecial Podcast(00:27:08) - One Small Stone

8/4/26 • 28:29

Can you tell the truth about disability parenting without losing hope? In this episode of Inchstones, Sarah Kernion sits down with caregiver advocate Elyse Davis to explore caregiver stories, neurodivergent parenting, grief, resilience, and why honest conversations help families feel less alone. After years of feeling like she didn't quite fit anywhere, Elyse Davis decided to stop softening her family's story.Instead of repeating comforting platitudes, she began speaking honestly about the emotional complexity of raising a child with significant developmental disabilities—the grief, the love, the frustration, the joy, and the deep transformation that can all exist at the same time. Her words resonated with thousands of caregivers who quietly thought, Finally, someone said it. In this conversation, Sarah and Elyse explore what happens when families give themselves permission to hold contradictory emotions without guilt. They discuss disability parenting, caregiver mental health, sibling dynamics, communication challenges, navigating educational systems, and why parents should never have to minimize their reality to make others comfortable.They also explore the often-overlooked complexity of children whose diagnoses don't fit neatly into one category, the importance of individualized communication supports, and how parents become their child's most effective advocate by learning to trust what they observe every day.This episode explores:caregiver stories and honest conversationsautism advocacy beyond labelsneurodivergent parenting and complex diagnosescaregiver emotional supportnavigating IEPs and educational advocacysibling relationships in disability familiesgrief, resilience, and acceptancewhy hope grows stronger when it's built on truthWhether you're newly navigating a diagnosis or years into your caregiving journey, this conversation offers something rare: permission to tell the truth about your life while still believing in your child's future.In This Episode02:00 — Why Elyse stopped sugarcoating disability parenting06:30 — Holding grief and joy at the same time10:45 — Raising neurotypical and disabled siblings under one roof15:30 — Living between diagnoses and not fitting into one community20:00 — Sign language, communication, and trusting your child's strengths25:00 — Navigating IEPs and advocating within broken systems30:00 — Why caregivers must trust what they see34:00 — The evolving meaning of "Welcome to Holland"Resources Connect with Elyse Davis on Instagram for honest reflections on disability parenting, advocacy, and caregiver life.Subscribe to the Inchstones Podcast for conversations about autism advocacy, caregiver stories, and neurodivergent parenting, featuring parents, clinicians, researchers, and advocates working to help families feel seen and supported. Elyse Davis is a disability mom, content creator, and advocate who shares the honest realities of raising a child with complex needs. Through storytelling, faith, and humor, she explores disability parenting, advocacy, grief, guilt, motherhood, and the everyday moments that connect us. Known for saying the things many parents are thinking but rarely say out loud, Elyse has built a community where families feel seen, understood, and a little less alone as they navigate the unexpected journey of disability parenting. Chapters (00:00:00) - Elise Davis on The Inchstones Podcast(00:03:26) - How To Hold Multiple Emotions With a Disability Child(00:10:11) - How To Raise An Autistic Daughter With a Typical Mother(00:15:57) - Autism and Dyspraxia: Inclusion(00:24:22) - How to Fight for Your Disability IEP(00:30:34) - A message for parents of disabilities kids

7/24/26 • 32:29

What happens when the life you planned disappears overnight? In this episode of Inchstones, Sarah Kernion sits down with former TMZ executive producer Evan Rosenblum to explore caregiver stories, disability parenting, neurodivergent families, and how raising a child with profound disabilities transformed his understanding of purpose, fatherhood, and joy.When Evan Rosenblum's daughter Sydney arrived at just 25 weeks gestation, everything changed in an instant. After 143 days in the NICU, multiple surgeries, a traumatic brain injury, and a long list of medical diagnoses, Evan found himself navigating a reality he never imagined while desperately trying to hold onto the life he thought he was supposed to have.  In this deeply honest conversation, Sarah and Evan explore what happens when identity, career, expectations, and parenthood collide. Together they discuss the emotional journey of becoming a special needs father, processing grief, balancing work and caregiving, and learning to see disability not as the end of a story—but the beginning of a completely different one. Evan shares how leaving his career at TMZ allowed him to embrace a new definition of success, why his daughter Sydney became one of his greatest teachers, and how his son is growing into a compassionate sibling whose understanding of disability is quietly changing the world around him.This episode is about more than disability. It's about what happens when life forces you to become someone new. Whether you're navigating an autism diagnosis, raising a child with profound disabilities, supporting neurodivergent families, or simply searching for hope inside an unexpected life, this conversation is a reminder that joy can exist alongside grief—and that sometimes the life you never planned becomes the one you were always meant to live.In This Episode02:00 — Sydney's birth at 25 weeks and surviving 143 days in the NICU06:15 — Identity, work, and trying to hold onto a "normal" life09:30 — Processing grief after a life-changing diagnosis13:00 — Why fathers experience caregiving differently17:15 — Anger, healing, and emotional recovery21:00 — Raising siblings alongside children with disabilities25:00 — Inclusion, friendship, and changing the next generation29:00 — Adventure, surfing, Disney, and giving children full lives33:00 — Living in the present instead of fearing the future ResourcesLearn more from Evan Rosenblum by reading his Substack, where he writes about fatherhood, disability, caregiving, and finding meaning through unexpected life experiences. Subscribe to the Inchstones Podcast for more conversations about autism advocacy, caregiver stories, and neurodivergent parenting featuring parents, clinicians, researchers, and advocates helping families thrive. Chapters (00:00:00) - Special Needs Dad on Inchstones Podcast(00:00:30) - One Dad's Fight for His severely disabled Daughter's Life(00:05:08) - Jay Leno on His Daughter's NICU Battle(00:08:46) - A Mother's Aha Moment About Her Daughter's Cancer(00:14:02) - Deep Anger After My Daughter's Cerebral palsy diagnosis(00:18:37) - Autism Dad's Experience Raising a Daughter With Severe disabilities(00:22:25) - Bennett the Disabled Child at Rad Camp(00:26:53) - The Secret to Sydney's Independence(00:28:12) - An 11-Year-Old Autistic Girl Hits the Surf(00:32:05) - Evan's Family Story

7/22/26 • 32:56

An autism diagnosis changes everything—but it should never become the only thing you see. In this episode of Inchstones, Sarah Kernion sits down with longtime friend and autism mom Nora Canzoneri for an honest conversation about autism advocacy, caregiver stories, and learning to parent the child before the diagnosis. ⸻ Full Episode Description When Nora Canzoneri’s son Cam received his autism diagnosis in 2018, she walked out of a developmental pediatrician’s office with a diagnosis, a list of books, and instructions to find ABA therapy. Like so many parents beginning an autism diagnosis journey, she was left with more questions than answers. Years later, Nora reflects on what she wishes she had known from the beginning: while autism is an important part of her son’s life, it is not the whole story. Together, Sarah and Nora explore neurodivergent parenting, caregiver experiences, the pressure to act quickly after an autism diagnosis, and the cultural expectations that quietly shape how parents measure progress. They discuss the urgency many families feel to “do everything right,” the grief of letting go of imagined timelines, and the freedom that comes from recognizing inchstones instead of milestones. The conversation also explores family travel, adapting expectations, sensory regulation, anxiety, and raising an autistic child who continues to surprise everyone—including his mother—with his humor, memory, resilience, and personality. This episode explores: * autism advocacy through everyday parenting* caregiver stories and shared experiences* autism diagnosis journeys* parenting autistic children beyond the diagnosis* autism family dynamics* caregiver emotional support* autism parenting advice* understanding neurodiversity through acceptance rather than comparison* finding peace in the unexpected Whether you’re newly navigating an autism diagnosis or years into your family’s journey, this conversation is a reminder that your child is far more than a checklist of behaviors or developmental milestones. They are becoming who they are—and you are becoming the parent they need. ⸻ In This Episode 00:00 – Remembering diagnosis day and the emotions that followed 04:00 – Walking out with an autism diagnosis and more questions than answers 07:00 – The urgency parents feel after diagnosis 10:00 – Letting go of developmental timelines 13:30 – Expectations, acceptance, and finding inchstones 16:30 – Why autism parenting changes as children grow older 19:00 – Traveling with an autistic child and embracing adventure 23:00 – Understanding behavior through connection instead of fear 26:00 – Parenting the child—not the diagnosis 30:00 – Advice for parents beginning their autism diagnosis journey ⸻ Listen to more episodes of the Inchstones Podcast, where Sarah Kernion shares caregiver stories, champions autism advocacy, and explores neurodivergent parenting through honest conversations with parents, clinicians, researchers, and advocates helping families feel seen, supported, and understood. Chapters (00:00:00) - Nora Canzoneri on Inchstones(00:01:03) - The Autism Diagnosis I Had For My Son(00:03:26) - On Getting Cam's Autism Diagnosis(00:06:03) - ABA for Kids: Regionally Coordinated the Process(00:10:04) - Letting Go of Autism Motherhood(00:14:44) - Sarah on Being a Mother(00:18:00) - How to Travel With a Disability(00:22:16) - Autistic Dad on Travel With His Daughter(00:27:43) - One Mother's Autistic Child's Story(00:28:43) - Autism Moms: What to Expect(00:31:42) - Laura On The Instance

7/10/26 • 32:09

Every mother begins with expectations. Few of us imagine how deeply motherhood will transform our identity. In this episode of Inchstones, Sarah Kernion sits down with author and nurse practitioner Valerie Probstfeld, creator of To Mom Is to Love, for a heartfelt conversation about caregiver stories, neurodivergent parenting, grief, identity, and learning to choose love when life unfolds differently than expected. Valerie shares the experience of becoming a mother in the NICU, where losing control forced her to rethink what motherhood truly means. Together, she and Sarah explore how unexpected diagnoses, profound autism, medical trauma, and unmet expectations reshape caregivers—and why healing often begins by releasing the illusion of control. From autism parenting advice and caregiver emotional support to the role of nature, community, and nervous system regulation, this conversation reminds every parent that growth is rarely linear. Whether you’re raising a child with autism, navigating a difficult diagnosis, or simply learning to trust yourself again, this episode offers encouragement to recognize the sacredness hidden inside ordinary moments. In this episode: 02:10 — Becoming “Mom” and the unexpected identity shift of motherhood 06:10 — Why unmet expectations can feel more painful than reality itself 10:20 — Medical trauma, grief, and feeling unseen as a caregiver 13:10 — Releasing the illusion of control through motherhood 15:00 — Nature, resilience, and why growth is never linear 18:00 — Water, nervous system regulation, and profound autism 21:15 — Why caregivers need community more than ever 24:00 — Choosing love over fear in everyday parenting 27:00 — Finding meaning through the smallest inchstones of motherhood Resources Learn more here about Valerie Probstfeld and her book To Mom Is to Love. Subscribe to the Inchstones Podcast for more conversations about autism advocacy, caregiver stories, neurodivergent parenting, and practical encouragement for families raising autistic children. Read Sarah’s caregiver essays on the Inchstones Substack. Chapters (00:00:00) - To Mom Is To Love(00:00:54) - To Mom Is To Love(00:05:08) - In the Elevator With Motherhood(00:05:55) - Why Did I Give Birth With an Autism Child?(00:12:04) - The Illusion of Control(00:15:25) - Autism moms on the dangers of water(00:19:14) - Mental health: Trust the Process(00:25:11) - Valerie Jones on her Inchstones Book

7/7/26 • 27:32

What if autism isn’t one condition to treat, but many different biological stories waiting to be understood? In this episode of Inchstones, Sarah Kernion sits down with pediatric neurologist Dr. John Gaitanis to explore why autism care should begin with understanding the individual child—not simply the diagnosis. Together they discuss autism advocacy, root cause medicine, caregiver experiences, neurodevelopment, inflammation, motor planning, and why families often recognize important patterns long before medicine does. Dr. Gaitanis challenges the idea that autism is a single biological condition, explaining why many children share a diagnosis while presenting with remarkably different medical histories, developmental pathways, and support needs. He shares why physicians should focus on understanding each child’s unique biology, why systemic inflammation and developmental regression deserve closer attention, and how artificial intelligence may help uncover patterns that families have recognized for years. The conversation also explores the emotional side of neurodivergent parenting. Sarah and Dr. G discuss maternal pattern recognition, caregiver stress, nervous system regulation, sleep deprivation, and why supporting parents is inseparable from supporting autistic children. Whether you’re navigating a recent autism diagnosis, raising a child with profound autism, searching for autism therapy options, or simply looking for thoughtful autism advocacy grounded in curiosity rather than certainty, this episode offers a hopeful framework for asking better questions. In this episode: 03:10 — Why “autism” may describe many different biological conditions07:30 — Maternal pattern recognition and why caregivers often notice problems first10:05 — Systems thinking versus siloed medicine in autism care14:00 — Why two autistic children can have completely different biological profiles18:15 — Artificial intelligence and the future of autism diagnosis and personalized medicine21:05 — Whole-body dyspraxia, motor planning, and autism communication27:20 — How physicians can move beyond diagnostic labels to see the whole child35:45 — Caregiver burnout, chronic stress, and protecting parent health41:05 — Why trusting maternal intuition matters throughout the autism diagnosis journey Resources Learn more about Dr. John Gaitanis and Meadow BioSciences. Subscribe to the Inchstones Podcast for more conversations about autism advocacy, caregiver stories, neurodivergent parenting, profound autism care, and practical support for families raising autistic children. Read more caregiver essays on the Inchstones Substack. Chapters (00:00:00) - Autism and its Comorbidities(00:04:58) - Gut Feelings about Your Child's Health(00:11:31) - Honey Renicelli on Criticizing Her Field(00:11:52) - On the DSM 5 criteria of autism(00:16:18) - How AI might help you with motor impairment(00:23:22) - On the stigma of mental illness(00:23:41) - Confirmatory neuropsychology: The history, diagnosis and treatment(00:30:12) - On Advancing Through Adolescence(00:34:51) - How to Heal Yourself and Heal Your Child(00:39:28) - Inchstones

6/30/26 • 39:54

What does autism teach a father about strength? In this episode of Inchstones, Sarah Kernion sits down with Tommy of Spectrum in Camouflage for an honest conversation about autism fatherhood, faith, mental health, and how raising a nonspeaking autistic son completely transformed his understanding of success, purpose, and what truly matters. When Tommy’s son Wyatt began losing language around age two and a half, everything he thought he knew about fatherhood changed. As a construction business owner, husband, and father, he spent years believing strength meant fixing problems. Autism forced him to discover a different kind of strength: presence, surrender, and learning to live one inchstone at a time. Together, Sarah and Tommy explore autism parenting, profound autism, fatherhood, caregiver mental health, marriage, faith, and the quiet transformation that often happens inside parents long before anyone else notices it. This conversation explores: * autism fatherhood* nonspeaking autism* profound autism* caregiver mental health* autism parenting and marriage* faith during difficult seasons* living in the present moment* autism advocacy* parenting beyond societal expectations* finding joy in inchstones instead of milestones Tommy also shares his experience navigating anxiety, depression, and the realization that while he could not fix autism, he could become a different father because of it. His story offers encouragement for autism dads, caregivers, and families searching for hope grounded in reality rather than false promises. ⸻ In This Episode 00:00 – Introducing Tommy and Spectrum in Camouflage02:00 – Becoming a father after years of waiting04:00 – Wyatt’s autism regression and losing language06:00 – Anxiety, mental health, and feeling powerless08:00 – The mountain where everything changed10:00 – Why autism brought Tommy to his knees12:00 – Faith, surrender, and finding purpose through autism15:00 – Success versus significance in fatherhood17:00 – The hidden expectations parents carry19:00 – Why inchstones matter more than milestones21:00 – Learning to see growth differently23:00 – Autism, communication, and presence beyond words25:00 – Living where your boots are: staying present today28:00 – Parenting typical and autistic children differently31:00 – Mental health, nervous system regulation, and resilience33:00 – Speaking openly so other autism dads feel less alone Listen to more episodes of the Inchstones Podcast, where Sarah Kernion shares caregiver stories, autism advocacy, profound autism experiences, neurodivergent parenting, and honest conversations that help families feel seen, understood, and less alone. Chapters (00:00:00) - Inch Jones: June 1, Autism Dad(00:00:44) - What Fatherhood Really Means For Me(00:05:28) - Autism and Motherhood: Reorientation(00:09:58) - Complaints about the World(00:15:44) - The Search for Love in Modern Parenting(00:20:58) - Autism and the Disability Wars(00:21:25) - No One's Thinking About Me(00:27:57) - The Importance of Parenthood(00:28:50) - Mental Health

6/25/26 • 32:09

What happens when years of caregiving, hypervigilance, grief, and responsibility finally catch up with a mother? In this episode of Inchstones, Sarah Kernion sits down with Libby Hudson for an unfiltered conversation about profound autism, marriage, caregiver burnout, grief, and what it takes to survive when your family’s needs seem bigger than your capacity to carry them. Libby and her husband Tyler Hudson have become respected voices in the profound autism community, but behind advocacy and awareness lies a deeply personal story. As their son Lyric entered adolescence, a devastating family loss triggered profound behavioral changes, escalating aggression, and years of living in a near-constant state of vigilance and fear. Libby shares what it felt like to lose her father, watch her son struggle to process grief he could not communicate, and navigate the impossible reality of loving a child while simultaneously fearing what dysregulation might bring next. Together, Sarah and Libby discuss: * profound autism and adolescence* caregiver burnout and nervous system exhaustion* grief and autism* marriage under chronic stress* maternal hypervigilance* supporting autistic adults* emotional collapse and resilience* the importance of asking for help* finding purpose after survival mode The conversation also explores something rarely discussed openly in autism spaces: the cost caregiving can have on a mother’s body, identity, relationships, and health. Libby shares how years of accumulated stress ultimately contributed to a stroke and the difficult changes her family had to make to survive. This episode is for autism moms, caregivers, and families navigating profound autism, aggression, caregiver burnout, marriage stress, grief, and the emotional realities that often remain hidden behind advocacy. In This Episode 00:00 – Living with constant hypervigilance and caregiving stress02:00 – Reading nonverbal communication through behavior and body language04:00 – The death of Lyric’s grandfather and profound grief05:30 – When autism, adolescence, and loss collide07:00 – Aggression, dysregulation, and fear inside the home08:30 – The emotional toll of surviving crisis mode10:00 – Why caregiving changed Libby’s health forever11:30 – A stroke, burnout, and the body keeping score13:00 – Marriage under pressure and redefining family roles15:00 – Learning to ask for what you need17:00 – Why flexibility matters in autism families19:00 – Autism, relationships, and nervous system regulation21:00 – The hidden emotional labor of autism motherhood23:00 – Why support systems matter more than services alone25:00 – Receiving an autism diagnosis 18 years ago27:00 – Grief, acceptance, and adapting to reality29:00 – The lessons profound autism has taught about life and love31:00 – What makes Libby most proud as Lyric’s mother Listen to more episodes of the Inchstones Podcast, where Sarah Kernion shares caregiver stories, profound autism experiences, autism advocacy, and honest conversations about neurodivergent parenting. Chapters (00:00:00) - Libby Hudson on The Inchstones Podcast(00:01:18) - What Does Your Day-to-Day With Lyric?(00:07:10) - On Working With an ASD Dad's Death(00:13:24) - "What I Need" From My Love Letter(00:15:06) - How to Get What You Need From Your Partner(00:23:18) - On the Importance of Relationships for Autism Mothers(00:25:37) - Autism Diagnosis: The Early Days

6/16/26 • 28:22

What happens when autism support moves beyond four walls and into nature? In this episode of Inchstones, Sarah Kernion sits down with Dr. Dana Spett, founder of Pony Power Therapies, to explore autism, sensory regulation, equine-assisted services, and why connection, movement, and nature can create powerful opportunities for growth. Dana’s journey began as a mother searching for support for her own daughter. What started with one horse and four riders has grown into Pony Power Therapies, a community-centered organization helping children and adults with disabilities connect with horses, farming, nature, and themselves. Together, Sarah and Dana discuss autism parenting, sensory regulation, maternal intuition, nature-based learning, disability inclusion, and the importance of creating environments where autistic individuals can thrive without pressure to conform. Dana shares why traditional approaches are not always enough and how horses offer a unique opportunity for regulation, confidence, connection, and belonging. The conversation explores: * autism and sensory regulation* equine-assisted services* nature-based support for autistic children* maternal intuition and advocacy* disability inclusion and community belonging* farming, purpose, and meaningful work* autism and nervous system regulation* creating supportive environments for neurodivergent individuals Dana also shares how Pony Power supports families across the lifespan, from young children with autism to adults navigating life after age 21, when many formal support systems begin to disappear. This episode is for autism moms, caregivers, educators, therapists, and anyone interested in nature-based approaches to autism support, sensory regulation, disability advocacy, and helping neurodivergent individuals build meaningful lives and connections. In This Episode 00:00 – The mission behind Pony Power Therapies01:00 – Dana’s journey as a social worker and autism mom02:30 – Following maternal intuition instead of rushing to medication04:00 – Why trusting your gut matters in autism parenting05:30 – Equine-assisted services and empowering families06:30 – How autistic children respond to horses and nature08:00 – Sensory regulation through movement and rhythm09:30 – Why horses provide unique nervous system support11:00 – Nature, regulation, and the family system13:00 – Beyond traditional talk therapy approaches14:30 – The role of nature in mental health and autism support16:00 – Nonverbal communication and connection beyond words17:30 – Why leaving the house feels impossible for some families19:00 – Supporting dysregulated autistic children without judgment21:00 – Creating safe spaces for neurodivergent families23:30 – The autism service cliff after age 2125:00 – Farming, employment, and meaningful purpose for autistic adults27:00 – Disability inclusion and reimagining community support Listen to more episodes of the Inchstones Podcast, where Sarah Kernion shares caregiver stories, autism advocacy, profound autism perspectives, neurodivergent parenting, and conversations that challenge us to build more inclusive communities. More about Dr. Dana Spett, DSW  Dr. Dana Spett, DSW, an accomplished professional with a deep commitment to equine-assisted services, nature, and social work is the Founder and Executive Director of Pony Power Therapies, a nonprofit community-based center in New Jersey that connects children and adultswith disabilities or life challenges to the wonders of horses, farming and nature. Dana hasdedicated herself to creating an inclusive and transformative environment guided by nature.Recognizing the power of nature to promote resilience and personal growth, Dana ensures thatPony Power Therapies embodies... Chapters (00:00:00) - Inch Sentence Podcast: Dana Spett(00:00:55) - Pony Power Therapies: The Origins Story(00:05:18) - Pony Power: Autism and the Horse(00:11:46) - The Future of Social Work: Nature and Communication(00:18:37) - Autistic People on the Farm(00:20:30) - Pony Power on Autism and Farming

6/11/26 • 26:27

Many parents of non-speaking autistic children carry a quiet certainty: my child understands more than they can show. In this episode of Inchstones, Sarah Kernion sits down with occupational therapist, researcher, and Spellers Method co-creator Dr. Dana Johnson to explore whole body apraxia, motor planning, communication, and why behavior may not tell the whole story. For years, families have been told to trust observable behaviors as the primary measure of understanding. Dr. Johnson challenges that assumption by explaining how motor planning differences can prevent autistic individuals from reliably demonstrating what they know, understand, or intend to communicate. Together, Sarah and Dr. Johnson discuss whole body apraxia, non-speaking autism, presuming competence, sensory regulation, motor coaching, and the ways parents are often dismissed when their observations don’t align with traditional clinical models. The conversation explores: * whole body apraxia and autism* non-speaking autism and communication* motor planning challenges* presuming competence* autism and regulation* maternal intuition and clinical observation* supporting autistic children beyond behavior-based assumptions* co-regulation and caregiver support Dr. Johnson also shares how her work evolved after listening to parents whose experiences challenged what she had been taught professionally. Her message is both practical and hopeful: understanding motor differences can fundamentally change how families, therapists, and educators support autistic children. This episode is for parents, caregivers, educators, therapists, and anyone interested in communication, autism advocacy, profound autism, and understanding what may exist beneath observable behavior. In This Episode 00:00 – Maternal intuition, autism, and the limits of observation02:00 – Why parents are often dismissed by professionals04:15 – The story that led Dr. Johnson to rethink autism therapy05:45 – What whole body apraxia actually means07:15 – Understanding motor planning and communication barriers08:00 – Why behavior does not always reflect understanding09:30 – The backpack example: motor planning in daily life11:00 – Typical childhood behavior versus apraxia12:30 – Why presuming competence matters14:00 – How professionals unintentionally limit autistic children16:00 – Reading ability, communication, and hidden competence17:00 – Regulation, sensory overwhelm, and motor control19:00 – Why parents must regulate themselves first21:00 – The invisible pressure placed on mothers23:00 – Co-regulation and caregiver support25:00 – Building confidence through small wins and inchstones28:00 – Supporting parents, not just children30:00 – The fear every autism parent carries about the future Listen to more episodes of the Inchstones Podcast, where Sarah Kernion explores autism advocacy, caregiver stories, profound autism, communication, neurodivergent parenting, and the small inchstones that shape meaningful lives. About Dr. Dana Johnson:For more than 20 years, Dr. Johnson has worked alongside incredible families who have taught her what true resilience, patience, and hope look like. Through this work, she has learned that two things can be true at once: your child can struggle and make incredible progress at the same time. Recognizing that too many professionals didn't know how to truly help these families, Dr. Johnson created her YouTube channel, “The Autism + Apraxia Doctor,” and expanded her reach across multiple platforms to educate professionals in the autism field. She specializes in helping individuals with complex autism, whole-body apraxia, and other neurodevelopmental disabilities develop intentional motor skills and improve their overall health. Her mission is... Chapters (00:00:01) - Maternal intuition about autism on The Inchstones Podcast(00:01:41) - Speech therapists on autism(00:06:59) - What does that whole body apraxia actually look like?(00:14:28) - Caution about presuming competence in children with disabilities(00:15:36) - Motor and regulation in children's brains(00:16:55) - What It's Like to Be Maxed Out in Motherhood(00:25:38) - Dr. Johnson: Reflection is a life luxury

6/9/26 • 31:07

What does autistic adulthood actually look like? In this episode of Inchstones, Sarah Kernion sits down with autistic young adult Zach Ennis and his mother, Stacy Ennis, for a powerful conversation about independence, self-advocacy, friendship, community, and building a meaningful life with autism. Too often, conversations about autism stop in childhood. Zach’s story offers something many families are searching for: a glimpse into adulthood, possibility, and the supports that help autistic adults thrive. Zach shares what he enjoys most about his life, from community dinners, theater classes, movies, friendships, and independent living skills to advocating for adults with disabilities. He speaks candidly about communication, relationships, self-confidence, and his hopes for the future. His message is simple but powerful: work hard, be kind, support others, and believe in your potential. Sarah and Stacy also explore the evolution of motherhood, autism advocacy, acceptance, and the unexpected gifts that come from raising and supporting a neurodivergent child into adulthood. Together they discuss communication beyond speech, independence, dignity, self-determination, and why autistic adults deserve opportunities to build full and meaningful lives. This episode explores: * autistic adulthood and independence* autism advocacy and self-advocacy* neurodivergent parenting across the lifespan* community living and social connection* autism and communication differences* supporting autistic adults* friendship, purpose, and belonging* motherhood and lifelong caregiving This conversation is a reminder that autism is not the end of a story. For many families, it is the beginning of a different story filled with growth, connection, community, and possibility. In This Episode 00:00 – Introducing Zach and Stacey Ennis01:15 – Zach shares what he enjoys most about life02:10 – Building independence through community and daily living skills03:00 – Friendship, communication, and social connection03:45 – What Zach wishes people understood about him05:00 – Accomplishments and learning independent living skills06:10 – Feeling seen through autism self-advocacy07:20 – Challenges that people may not notice08:15 – Living your best life and future goals09:00 – Zach’s message about autism and kindness10:15 – What Zach has taught his mother about life12:30 – Friendship, family, and growing into adulthood15:15 – Daily connection between mother and son16:20 – Acceptance, advocacy, and finding joy18:00 – Communication beyond speech and traditional expectations20:00 – Seeing the person beyond the diagnosis Listen to more episodes of the Inchstones Podcast, where Sarah Kernion shares caregiver stories, autism advocacy, neurodivergent parenting, profound autism experiences, and conversations that illuminate the humanity behind every diagnosis. Chapters (00:00:01) - Autism on Inchstones: Zach Ennis(00:00:54) - Living On An Independent Plan(00:03:03) - Zach's Life Story(00:04:51) - DustB House Community Member Zachary's Special Needs Moments(00:06:16) - Zachary on the Future(00:06:47) - Zachary Ennis on Autism(00:07:40) - What Has Zach Learned From His Life?(00:08:46) - The Reorientation of Having a Neurodiverse Child(00:09:51) - One Mother's Friendship With Her Autistic Son(00:12:31) - One Parent's Love Letter For His Mother(00:13:48) - Stacy's story of autism and the support of the community

5/30/26 • 19:12

An autism diagnosis changes more than a child’s future. It changes the people who love that child too. In this episode of Inchstones, Sarah Kernion sits down with Bari Shore for an honest conversation about autism parenting, childhood apraxia, community, motherhood, and the unexpected personal growth that emerges from raising a neurodivergent child. When Bari’s son Dean received his autism and apraxia diagnosis during the pandemic, she found herself searching for answers, support, and connection. Like many autism moms, she experienced relief, grief, uncertainty, and determination all at the same time. But perhaps the biggest surprise was not how much her son would grow. It was how much she would grow too. Together, Sarah and Bari discuss autism parenting, caregiver stories, autism diagnosis journeys, motherhood identity shifts, advocacy, sibling relationships, and the importance of finding people who truly understand your family’s reality. They also explore why support does not always come from large groups, how community can be built one conversation at a time, and what happens when parents learn to celebrate inchstones instead of milestones. This episode explores: * autism parenting after diagnosis* childhood apraxia and autism* caregiver stories and community* motherhood identity and personal growth* sibling relationships and autism* advocacy and communication* autism diagnosis grief and acceptance* parenting autistic children in the present moment For parents navigating autism, apraxia, developmental delays, or the uncertainty that follows diagnosis, this conversation offers honesty, perspective, and hope. In This Episode 00:00 – Finding friendship and community after diagnosis02:00 – The long road to an autism and apraxia diagnosis03:30 – Pandemic parenting and noticing developmental differences04:30 – Relief, grief, and finally having answers05:15 – Becoming “the autism mom” and identity shifts06:00 – Why community became essential06:45 – Cycles of research, burnout, and recovery07:50 – Is autism parenting unfair?08:45 – Celebrating inchstones instead of milestones09:20 – Why the world should adapt to autistic children10:30 – Learning to advocate for yourself as a parent11:45 – Autism parenting and perspective12:30 – Advice for parents receiving a new diagnosis13:45 – Staying present instead of spiraling into the future15:15 – Raising autistic boys and trusting your instincts17:00 – Seeing the child beyond the diagnosis18:20 – Becoming stronger through autism parenting19:45 – Relationships, community, and what matters most Listen to more episodes of the Inchstones Podcast, where Sarah Kernion shares caregiver stories, autism advocacy, neurodivergent parenting, profound autism experiences, and the lessons hidden inside the smallest inchstones. Chapters (00:00:00) - Autism Mom on The Inch Jones Podcast(00:02:06) - Dean was diagnosed with autism at 3 years old(00:07:02) - Grief After A Loss: Is It Unfair?(00:08:40) - What Do You Tell An Autism Mom About Their Journey?(00:14:01) - Dean Has Autism, and He's a Boy Mom(00:16:54) - Barry on Love on the Spectrum

5/30/26 • 19:36

Why do so many autism moms feel like they can never fully relax? In this episode of Inchstones, Sarah Kernion sits down with Kerry Stevens for an honest conversation about caregiver burnout, autism motherhood, hypervigilance, and the invisible emotional load that comes with parenting autistic children. Kerry shares the reality of raising her son Connor while balancing work, therapies, school meetings, financial pressure, and the constant responsibility that many special needs caregivers quietly carry every day. Together, Sarah and Kerry explore autism parenting, developmental delays, caregiver exhaustion, IEP advocacy, and the emotional experience of living in a near-constant state of fight-or-flight. Their conversation touches on the grief that can follow an autism diagnosis, the pressure to help your child “catch up,” and the difficult process of accepting a path that looks different than the one you imagined. Kerry speaks candidly about leaving a job that could no longer accommodate the realities of caregiving and the emotional impact of being told her son’s needs were “too much.” This episode explores: * caregiver burnout and autism motherhood* parenting autistic children while working* hypervigilance and nervous system exhaustion* autism diagnosis grief and acceptance* developmental delays and communication challenges* IEP advocacy and trusting parental intuition* balancing therapies, finances, and family life* learning to understand non-speaking communication This episode is for autism moms, caregivers, and families navigating autism parenting, caregiver burnout, developmental delays, and the relentless emotional labor that often comes with raising autistic children. In this episode: 00:00 – The invisible workload of autism motherhood01:30 – Leaving a job because caregiving demands became too great03:00 – Grieving the motherhood journey you imagined05:15 – Living in constant fight-or-flight as an autism parent07:00 – Why autism caregiving never truly shuts off08:30 – Acceptance, therapy, and processing diagnosis grief10:45 – Wanting your child to “catch up” after diagnosis12:00 – Early intervention, ABA, and moving quickly after diagnosis13:30 – Learning your child’s body language and communication patterns15:00 – The daily realities of autism caregiving16:45 – School routines, therapies, and medical support18:00 – Home safety, elopement fears, and constant vigilance19:45 – Reading emotional cues from non-speaking children21:15 – Financial stress and caregiver burden22:45 – IEP advocacy and the power of parental intuition24:30 – Why autism moms deserve more support and understanding Listen to more episodes of the Inchstones Podcast, where Sarah Kernion shares caregiver stories, autism advocacy, profound autism experiences, and the realities of neurodivergent parenting. Chapters (00:00:01) - Autism Mamas of the Inchstones(00:05:09) - On Being a Mother of a Special Needs Child(00:08:01) - Mac's Cerebral palsy diagnosis(00:12:47) - How I Help My Child Get Ready For School(00:17:40) - Connor's caregiver and his school(00:22:33) - Sarah's story about her son on the Autism spectrum

5/29/26 • 26:10

What happens when autism parenting becomes physically, emotionally, and mentally consuming? In this episode of Inchstones, Sarah Kernion sits down with Alyssa Sierra for a raw conversation about profound autism, aggressive behaviors, caregiver exhaustion, sibling dynamics, and the emotional process of letting go of expectations. Alyssa shares the story of her son Gabriel’s autism diagnosis during the pandemic and the moment motherhood shifted from “typical” parenting into a completely different reality. Together, Sarah and Alyssa discuss profound autism, parenting autistic children with severe behaviors, autism family support, caregiver burnout, and the invisible emotional labor autism moms carry every single day. The conversation explores: the grief of realizing your parenting path looks differentnavigating aggressive and self-injurious autism behaviorsraising neurotypical siblings alongside autistic childrenthe emotional complexity of discipline in neurodivergent homeswhy profound autism parenting feels different even within autism communitiesfinding joy and beauty inside developmental differences Sarah and Alyssa also talk openly about survival mode, motherhood identity, sensory overwhelm, and why releasing rigid expectations can create more peace for both parents and children. This episode is for autism moms, caregivers, and families navigating profound autism, developmental delays, severe behaviors, and the emotional complexity of raising neurodivergent children while trying to stay emotionally grounded themselves. Alyssa is a special needs mom to her beautiful 7-year-old son and also a mom to a neurotypical 2-year-old. Navigating both sides of parenting has its unique challenges, but it has also made her stronger, more compassionate, and deeply committed to advocacy. She is passionate about supporting families raising children with disabilities and believes every special needs family deserves the highest level of support from their state and government. Parenting a child with special needs comes with enough challenges; families should not have to fight to have their voices heard. Alyssa believes that every family's story matters and that sharing those stories is one of the most powerful ways to create understanding, change, and a better future for children with disabilities. In this episode: 00:00 – Profound autism and the reality of caregiving02:05 – Receiving an autism diagnosis during the pandemic03:10 – Tunnel vision after diagnosis and needing a plan05:00 – The grief of leaving “typical motherhood” behind06:45 – Explaining autism to friends and family07:30 – Aggressive behaviors and profound autism realities09:20 – Parenting autistic children and neurotypical siblings differently11:00 – The emotional complexity of discipline in autism parenting13:00 – Why autism parenting expands emotional perspective14:15 – Building community and finding supportive people16:00 – What autism moms say privately versus publicly17:10 – Finding joy inside neurodivergent parenting18:00 – Why autistic children experience wonder differently19:10 – Letting go of expectations in autism parenting21:00 – Learning to survive difficult behavioral seasons22:00 – Why positivity matters in caregiver burnout recovery Listen to more episodes of the Inchstones Podcast, an autism podcast sharing caregiver stories, profound autism realities, autism advocacy, and neurodivergent parenting. Chapters (00:00:00) - May Is Autism Month(00:01:46) - Gabriel Was Diagnosed With Autism at 2(00:06:55) - One autism mom's experience with her typical daughter(00:12:10) - Gabriel's support system has been so open(00:15:44) - Letting go of expectations for your child(00:20:59) - Alyssa's Powerful Story

5/29/26 • 22:04

Autism parenting, caregiver stories, and neurodivergent parenting are at the heart of this episode of Inchstones as Sarah Kernion talks with Shannon Korza of Moms Talk Autism about grief, timelines, motherhood expectations, and parenting autistic children. In this deeply honest episode of Inchstones, Sarah sits down with Shannon Korza for a raw conversation about autism diagnosis grief, the pressure mothers place on themselves after diagnosis, and what it means to let go of the timelines society teaches us to chase. Shannon shares the emotional reality of receiving her daughter Gracie’s autism diagnosis after initially living in denial and fear that she would never be “enough” as a mother. Together, Sarah and Shannon explore autism parenting, caregiver burnout, sibling relationships, sensory differences, IEP goals, autism advocacy, and the deep grief that can surface when life no longer looks the way you imagined it would. The conversation also dives into the hidden emotional labor autism moms carry, the pain of watching autistic children struggle socially, and the shift that happens when parents stop forcing neurotypical expectations onto neurodivergent children. This episode is for autism moms, caregivers, and families navigating autism diagnosis journeys, parenting autistic children, disability advocacy, and the challenge of balancing hope with acceptance. In this episode: 00:00 – Autism parenting and motherhood expectations01:00 – Shannon’s reaction to her daughter’s autism diagnosis02:30 – Grieving the fear of not being “enough” as a parent03:45 – Parenting autistic children versus neurotypical siblings05:00 – Why grief and brokenness carry so much shame for mothers06:30 – Learning to sit with autism grief instead of avoiding it07:00 – The Christmas moment that changed Shannon’s perspective forever09:10 – Why autism parenting can still feel unfair years later10:00 – Autism is not a “superpower” conversation11:15 – Watching autistic children struggle socially13:40 – Sibling relationships and protecting autistic sisters16:00 – The emotional growth autism parenting can create18:00 – Sensory meltdowns and judgment from strangers19:00 – Celebrating tiny wins in autism parenting21:00 – Advice for parents receiving a new autism diagnosis22:00 – Letting go of developmental timelines and comparison24:00 – Creating IEP goals that actually fit your child and family Listen to more episodes of the Moms Talk Autism Podcast and follow Inchstones with Sarah Kernion, an autism podcast sharing caregiver stories, autism advocacy, profound autism, and neurodivergent parenting. Chapters (00:00:00) - Inchtons: Momstalk Autism Podcast(00:00:38) - Shannon on Her Autistic Daughter's Diagnosis(00:05:21) - How I Learned To Love My Daughter's Autism(00:09:55) - How Autism Affects Sister-Sibling Relationships(00:14:53) - How to Help Your Daughter With Her College Entrance Essays(00:15:56) - What Has Been the Greatest Skill of Raising an Autism Child?(00:21:21) - Julie on the Catch Up Race(00:23:11) - Shannon Corza on Autism and the IEP

5/28/26 • 25:36

Autism parenting, caregiver burnout, and caregiver stories are at the heart of this episode of Inchstones as Sarah Kernion talks with Tash Dillmon of Moms Talk Autism about grief, marriage, mental health, and parenting autistic children after profound loss. In this raw and deeply personal episode of Inchstones, Sarah sits down with Tash Dillmon for an honest conversation about autism parenting, surviving the loss of a child, navigating marriage through trauma, and the emotional realities many special needs caregivers silently carry. Tash shares the story of losing Jack’s twin brother, Jameson, during pregnancy and how grief shaped her experience as an autism mom from the very beginning. Together, Sarah and Tash discuss autism diagnosis journeys, caregiver burnout, maternal mental health, suicidal ideation, neurodivergent parenting, identity loss, and the pressure many mothers feel to keep moving no matter how much they are carrying internally. They also explore the power of partnership in marriage, the emotional depth autistic children often possess, and how parenting autistic children can radically transform the way families experience empathy, love, resilience, and presence. This episode is for autism moms, caregivers, and parents navigating profound grief, emotional exhaustion, disability advocacy, and the complexity of raising neurodivergent children while trying to hold themselves together. In this episode: 00:00 – Autism parenting and finding humor inside hard seasons01:20 – Receiving an autism diagnosis after the loss of a twin03:12 – Grief, therapies, and becoming a full-time autism caregiver05:00 – Losing your identity while parenting autistic children08:30 – Caregiver burnout and hitting emotional rock bottom09:00 – Suicidal ideation and maternal mental health in autism parenting11:45 – Childhood trauma, expectations, and emotional survival14:15 – Marriage, grief, and surviving profound loss together18:00 – How autism parenting transformed their relationship20:00 – Faith, healing, and rebuilding identity through motherhood21:30 – Why autism parenting can feel deeply unfair24:10 – The emotional depth and empathy of autistic children27:00 – How parenting autistic children changes the way you see humanity Listen to more episodes of the Moms Talk Autism Podcast and follow Inchstones with Sarah Kernion, an autism podcast sharing caregiver stories, autism advocacy, profound autism, and neurodivergent parenting.Tash Dillmon lives in the Portland, Oregon area with her husband, her two children, Jack, her neurospicy one, and Sloan, her typical one, and her rambunctious dog, Kiki. She is a solo parent most of the time while her husband is putting out fires in the next city over, #firewifelife! Everyone in the family loves being outside, hiking, kayaking, and enjoying nature. Tash loves to exercise, be in her yard, and volunteer in Children's Ministries at her local church. While she’s not being her kids' Uber driver, she loves a good murder documentary and is happiest watching her kids play sports. Chapters (00:00:00) - Moms Talk Autism on Inch Zones(00:01:10) - What You're Feeling As An Autism Mom(00:03:07) - Autism moms on the road to recovery(00:08:26) - One parent's story of contemplating suicide(00:09:12) - The One Thing You Can't Outrun Is Yourself(00:13:46) - In the Elevator With My Love(00:14:19) - "No More Tears For My Marriage"(00:14:51) - Jack's twin brother on his relationship(00:17:40) - The Healing Process of Losing a Child(00:21:14) - Jack's disability isn't unfair(00:22:14) - What is the Best Thing About Being Jack's Mom?(00:26:07) - The Great Things of People(00:26:36) - Tasha on Being a Mother(00:27:43) - Autism on Momstalk

5/27/26 • 27:57

Autism parenting, caregiver stories, and neurodivergent parenting are at the heart of this episode of Inchstones. Sarah Kernion and Jean Mayer of Moms Talk Autism share a raw conversation about parenting autistic children, grief, identity, disability advocacy, and finding yourself again after diagnosis. In this deeply honest episode of Inchstones, Sarah sits down with Jean Mayer of Moms Talk Autism for a conversation about the hidden grief many autism parents carry, the loss of expectations, and the slow rebuilding that happens after your child’s diagnosis changes the life you imagined. Jean shares what it felt like to move through Rory’s autism diagnosis, give up the career and identity she once expected, and become the manager, advocate, and steady presence her child needed. Together, Sarah and Jean explore caregiver burnout, autism family support, emotional regulation, ableism, disability inclusion, and the reality of living in what Jean calls “the forever trench.” This episode is for every autism mom, special needs caregiver, and parent navigating neurodivergent parenting who has ever felt unseen, overwhelmed, or changed by the journey. It is a conversation about grief, yes, but also clarity, growth, advocacy, sisterhood, and the truth that joy and grief can coexist. In this episode: 00:00 – Why autism mom stories matter01:37 – Jean Mayer shares Rory’s autism diagnosis journey02:32 – The grief and identity shift after an autism diagnosis04:50 – How family systems shape disability expectations07:49 – The emotional energy of autism parenting10:53 – Giving up a career to become your child’s advocate11:28 – What feels unfair about raising an autistic child13:28 – Why autism parenting can feel like “a forever trench”18:05 – Talking honestly about autism grief without shame20:35 – Ableism, motherhood, and learning to see differently24:58 – Why disability belongs in every equity conversation30:11 – What Jean would tell a mom with a newly diagnosed child Listen to more episodes of the Moms Talk Autism Podcast and follow Inchstones with Sarah Kernion, an autism podcast sharing caregiver stories, autism advocacy, profound autism, and neurodivergent parenting. Jean Mayer is a dedicated school board trustee in Pflugerville ISD in Texas, where she serves as Chair of the Government Relations Committee, a role she has held for consecutive years. With a strong commitment to governance integrity, transparency, and student-centered policy, she works to ensure that district decisions reflect both fiscal responsibility and the diverse needs of the community. Jean also serves on the Board of the Autism Society of Texas and actively collaborates with disability advocacy organizations across the state to advance equitable and inclusive policies. In addition to her governance work, Jean is deeply engaged in family and systems-level advocacy. Through her work with Texas Parent to Parent, she provides medical training to first- and second-year medical residents, helping future physicians understand what it means to parent a child with complex needs through a trauma-informed lens. She is also a co-host of the Moms Talk Autism podcast, where she brings together professional insight and lived experience as the parent of a child with profound support needs. Across all of her work, Jean is committed to moving beyond awareness toward true inclusion, belonging, and meaningful systems change for individuals with disabilities and their families. Chapters (00:00:00) - May is about the moms of autism(00:03:47) - After a child's disability diagnosis, how do you cope?(00:10:13) - When You Have A Child, Does It Hurt?(00:14:16) - Autism and the Real World(00:16:31) - Special Needs Parents Talk About Their Grief(00:22:34) - In the Elevator With Grandpa(00:23:04) - "The World Gets Wrong" by Amy Poehler(00:23:39) - Disability in Equity Conversations(00:28:05) - What is one thing that you would tell a newly diagnosed child?(00:30:23) - Moms Talk Autism on Inchstones

5/26/26 • 30:45

Autism motherhood often begins with a moment that shatters the future you thought you were building. Sarah Kernion and Brittney Crabtree of Moms Talk Autism reflect on the early shock of diagnosis, the grief of watching expectations collapse, and the pressure many autism moms feel to sprint into every possible intervention. This is Part 1 of 2 with Brittney sharing what it was like to hear the word “autism” nearly 18 years ago, how she immediately moved into research and action mode, and why she now realizes she needed more balance and grace during those early years. The conversation explores the emotional intensity of autism diagnosis, the pressure surrounding early intervention, and the evolving grief that can come as the developmental gap between autistic and neurotypical peers becomes more visible over time. Sarah and Brittney also discuss what happens when autism parenting forces mothers to let go of rigid future planning and instead learn how to live more fully in the present. Through honest reflections on isolation, support systems, burnout, and acceptance, this episode captures the emotional complexity of rebuilding motherhood after diagnosis—one inchstone at a time. Chapters (00:00:00) - Moms Talk Autism(00:01:03) - What Do You Remember About Your Child's Autism Diagnosis?(00:04:11) - The Art of Accepting a Diagnosis With Autism(00:06:20) - Brittney Spears on Her Child's Autism Diagnosis(00:11:40) - How to Get the Best Out of an Autism Mom(00:14:17) - Does It Feel Like This Autism Diagnosis Is Fair?(00:16:04) - How Brittany's Autism Has Changed Her Life

5/21/26 • 19:20

caregiver stories, autism advocacy, inchstones, autism parenting, nonspeaking autism, inclusive employment autism, autism adulthood, disability employment, social enterprise autism, autism community support, autism motherhood, spelling to communicate, neurodiversity, meaningful work disabilities, autism employment opportunities Find out more about Invictus Bakery here: https://invictusbakery.org/ Chapters (00:00:01) - Autistic Baker on The Inchstones Podcast(00:00:44) - Milly's Daughter's Autism-Inspired Bakery(00:05:58) - Punishment for Overthinking Parents(00:09:03) - Autistic Baker at Invictus Bakery(00:13:38) - Baker's Kitchen: Bringing the World to Brooklyn(00:16:16) - How Many Employees Does the Bakery Have?(00:18:45) - Spell to Communication: The Brooklyn Bakery(00:23:41) - "Sometimes it has to settle..."(00:24:03) - What's sustained you the most?(00:26:33) - Autism and the Cookie Community

5/14/26 • 31:33

Autism motherhood often carries an unspoken fear about the future: what happens when childhood services end and adulthood begins? In this conversation, Sarah Kernion speaks with Kelly Castro about how that fear became the foundation for something larger than survival—a social enterprise creating meaningful employment and community for young adults with disabilities. Kelly shares her journey as a mother, caregiver, and entrepreneur after realizing her son Carson deserved more than limited options and lowered expectations. What began as worry evolved into Carson’s Cookie Dough, a business rooted in inclusion, dignity, and purpose. This episode centers caregiver stories and the reality many autism parenting families quietly hold: adulthood can feel uncertain, especially for individuals with higher support needs and nonspeaking autism. Through inchstones—small but meaningful steps—Kelly built opportunities not only for her son, but for an entire community of young adults too often excluded from traditional employment spaces. The conversation explores autism motherhood, caregiving, entrepreneurship, and the power of community support in creating sustainable paths toward belonging and independence. At its core, this is a story about refusing to let fear define the future.Kelly Castro is a mom and the founder of Carson’s Cookie Dough and Just a Taste of NJ, mission-driven businesses challenging how the workforce includes individuals with disabilities. Inspired by her 9-year-old son Carson, who is on the autism spectrum, and the reality that nearly 80% of autistic adults are unemployed, she set out to build a business where intellectually and developmentally disabled individuals are essential, not an afterthought. What started as a small bakery has grown into a multi-channel operation. Kelly is now building  scalable model to bridge the gap between education and employment, proving inclusion is not charity, but smart business. Chapters (00:00:01) - Inch Zones: Kelly Castro on the Autism Journey(00:01:05) - The Journey of Motherhood with Autism(00:03:30) - Carson's Cookie Dough(00:09:15) - One woman's touching message about autism(00:10:00) - Cookie Dough: Bringing a Special Needs Kitchen to Life(00:16:06) - The ripple of inclusion(00:16:43) - How Having a Son With Autism Changed My Identity(00:22:25) - Carson's Cookie Dough: A Mother's Journey

5/12/26 • 25:46

Autism parenting often places caregivers in prolonged states of stress, isolation, and emotional exhaustion. In this conversation, Sarah Kernion speaks with Jessica Patay, founder of We Are Brave Together, about the power of community support, emotional resilience, and advocacy for families raising children with disabilities and complex needs. Jessica shares how parenting her son Ryan, who has Prader-Willi syndrome, transformed her understanding of caregiving and led her to create spaces where mothers and caregivers could feel seen, supported, and connected. The discussion explores the emotional realities of autism parenting, including the importance of vulnerability, shared stories, and acknowledging the invisible labor caregivers carry. The episode also highlights Jessica’s expanding work through retreats, support networks, and her books Becoming Brave Together and the newly released Suddenly Brave Together. While Becoming Brave Together focused on heroic caregiving stories from mothers navigating disability and rare conditions, Suddenly Brave Together expands the conversation through deeply personal letters and reflections that offer validation, hope, and solidarity to caregivers in the thick of altered parenting journeys. At its core, this conversation reframes autism parenting and caregiving as experiences that require more than endurance—they require sustainable community, emotional honesty, and systems designed to support the entire family. Find all of Jessica's work at WE ARE BRAVE TOGETHER. Chapters (00:00:01) - Inch Jones: We Are Brave(00:00:54) - The Special Needs Autism Support Group(00:06:30) - In the Elevator With Amy(00:07:01) - Suddenly Brave: Caregiving with a Cancer Diagnosis(00:12:11) - How to Parent a Special Needs Child(00:14:28) - Bookmark: The Power of Community(00:19:08) - Wonders of the World:(00:24:07) - Wonders of the World: Respite Care

5/7/26 • 29:40

Autism parenting often brings families face-to-face with emotional intensity—both in their children and within themselves. In this conversation, Sarah Kernion speaks with Laurie Dove about regulation, resilience, and the lived reality of raising children with autism, including those with nonspeaking autism. Laurie shares her personal journey navigating early concerns, intervention, and the evolving emotional landscape of motherhood. At the center of the discussion is a core principle: regulation is not optional—it is biological. Both parent and child operate within nervous systems that respond to stress, environment, and connection. The conversation explores practical strategies for managing dysregulation, including naming emotions, building awareness, and creating space for calm responses. It also addresses the often unspoken experiences of resentment, overwhelm, and isolation that can accompany autism parenting—and the importance of community in mitigating those pressures. Through caregiver stories and grounded insight, this episode reframes regulation as a foundational skill in autism parenting. Not perfection, but awareness and practice—what Inchstones calls small, consistent shifts—create lasting change. Find Laurie, the Queen of Autism Mom Regulation, on Instagram:  @everyday_autism_essentials_ Chapters (00:00:01) - May 1st: The Mothers of Autism(00:02:16) - What Was the Moment That You Realized Your Child(00:04:22) - The Journey of Early Intervention(00:06:38) - Sarah's Story of Autism and the Season(00:10:50) - Regulation of the Child's Body(00:18:00) - What Made Me Perfect for My Daughter's Autism(00:24:17) - Two tips for coping with a child's grief(00:26:25) - Lori Dove on Autism Essentials

5/5/26 • 27:05

Autism parenting often begins with uncertainty but evolves through relationship, exposure, and lived experience. In this conversation, Sarah Kernion speaks with Chloe Barnes about her path from caregiver to advocate and how that journey reshaped her understanding of autism, including nonspeaking autism. Chloe’s work emphasizes the difference between transactional support and relational connection. Through direct caregiving experience, she highlights how communication extends beyond speech and how meaningful engagement requires presence, curiosity, and a willingness to challenge assumptions. The conversation explores how societal perceptions of autism are often shaped by distance rather than understanding. For families engaged in autism parenting, especially those supporting nonspeaking individuals, this gap can lead to isolation and misinterpretation. By centering caregiver stories and real-world interaction, this episode reframes autism advocacy as something built through relationship—not just policy or language. It calls for deeper community engagement, more exposure, and a commitment to seeing individuals with autism as whole people within their environments. Chloe Barnes is the host of the Aletheia Project, a podcast designed to educate on the realities of autism, platform parent advocates, and create a more understanding and inclusive world for children and adults living with profound autism. Chloe brings a unique perspective shaped by her experience working as a caregiver. Through thoughtful conversation, she strives to create space for understanding, connection, and meaningful change. The Aletheia Project can be found: Instagram: @the_aletheiaproject  Youtube: https://youtube.com/@the_aletheia_project?si=2rxrzPptF4ppkcK7 Chapters (00:00:01) - The Alethea Project(00:04:55) - On the Need for a Community for Autism(00:08:48) - Beyond the Camp: Being Present in the Current(00:16:12) - The Secret to a Good Parenting(00:18:10) - Understanding the world of special needs families(00:22:11) - The Alethea Project(00:25:30) - Topics on Autism and the Discourse(00:26:32) - The Identity of Autism Gen Z(00:28:40) - On Identity Politics and the Autism Community(00:32:36) - What Does profound non-speaking autism Reveal to us?(00:37:58) - Thank You Chloe Barnes for Your Work

5/1/26 • 41:23