S3-Ep 22: Beyond the Label: Christine & Madilyn’s Story of Growth and Determination

In this heartfelt and deeply insightful episode, Jennifer Dantzler sits down with Christine Biddle—a mom, BCBA, and fierce advocate—to explore what it truly means to go beyond the label. Christine shares her daughter Madilyn’s early diagnosis story, the challenges and breakthroughs of navigating ABA therapy, and the small victories that became stepping stones toward independence. From learning tiny receptive instructions to developing self-advocacy skills as a teenager, Christine gives listeners an honest look at the real work, real emotions, and real joys of raising a child on the spectrum. She also discusses how becoming a BCBA transformed not only her professional life, but her parenting, giving her a deeper understanding of behavior and compassion for the families she serves. Christine also introduces The Rise Community, the nonprofit she founded to empower individuals with disabilities through meaningful work, social opportunities, and high-quality artisan products—proving that ability far outweighs any label. This episode is full of encouragement for newly diagnosed families, reminders to celebrate small wins, and powerful insights on autonomy, independence, and holding high expectations with thoughtful accommodations. Whether you are a parent, professional, educator, or ally, this conversation will leave you inspired to keep advocating, keep empowering, and keep shining.