Autism Family Resource
by Brian Keene
Raising a neurodivergent child can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to figure it out alone.The Autism Family Resource Podcast is designed for parents looking for practical autism resources, real-life parenting strategies, and meaningful support for families navigating autism and neurodiversity.Each episode shares actionable tools, daily routines, and honest insights from parents, therapists, and neurodivergent individuals who understand the journey firsthand.From sensory challenges and communication to behavior, emotional regulation, and everyday routines, this podcast provides clear, realistic autism parenting strategies you can actually use at home.I'm Brian Keene, a licensed pediatric occupational therapist and founder of Pure Hearts Therapy. We provide neurodiversity-affirming, home-based and virtual therapy services for families in the Phoenix metro area.If you're searching for autism resources for parents, family support, and practical guidance, you're in the right plac
Episodes
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65 | Autism Diagnosis, Waitlists & Insurance Denials | Kimberly Sadovich
Receiving an autism diagnosis can bring both answers and a new wave of questions. What should you do while waiting for an evaluation? How do you find the right providers? And what happens if insurance denies the services your child needs? In this episode, Brian talks with Kimberly Sadovich…
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64 | Autism-Friendly Travel Tips for Families | Teresa Roddy
Traveling with a neurodivergent child can feel overwhelming for many families… especially when sensory needs, routines, mobility challenges, or accessibility concerns are involved. In this episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, Brian Keene sits down with Teresa Roddy, an accessible travel...
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63 | Sensory Overload, Social Connection & Autism | Lawrence Harris
What does sensory overload actually feel like for autistic individuals? In this episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, Brian Keene sits down with speaker, author, and content creator Lawrence Harris to discuss autism, sensory overwhelm, social connection, emotional regulation, bullying…
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62 | Neurodivergent Strengths, Progress & Autism | Ozziel Inzunza
What happens when an autistic adult becomes a speech therapy professional supporting neurodivergent children and families? In this episode, Brian sits down with Ozzie Inzunza, a neurodivergent Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant (SLPA) and autistic adult, to discuss his personal journey growing...
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61 | ADHD Medication & Executive Functioning | Dr. Norrine Russell
In this episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, Brian Keene sits down with ADHD coach, educator, and parent advocate Dr. Norrine Russell for an honest and supportive conversation about ADHD medication, executive functioning, and helping children build lifelong skills. For many families,...
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60 | Executive Functioning & Student Coaching in Autism | Dr. Norrine Russell
In this episode, Brian sits down with Dr. Norrine Russell, a developmental psychologist, parent, and founder of one of the largest coaching practices for neurodivergent students in the country. Drawing from both her professional expertise and her lived experience raising children with ADHD…
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59 | Autism Communication & Everyday Learning | Robert J. Bernstein
In this episode, Brian sits down with Robert J. Bernstein, a speech clinician with over 35 years of experience working with autistic children and their families. Together, they explore how communication, learning, and connection can grow through everyday moments—not just structured therapy. This...
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58 | Autism Advocacy, IEPs & Empowering Neurodivergent Voices | Mandy Pinckley
In this final episode of the series with Mandy Pinckley, we explore what advocacy truly looks like beyond awareness posts and hashtags. Mandy shares how lived experience can create meaningful change in schools, communities, organizations, and policy spaces when autistic voices are included in the...
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57 | Autistic Adulthood & Authentic Living | Joseph Shipman
In this episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, Brian Keene speaks with Joseph Shipman, an autistic adult, radio professional, musician, artist, and co-author of A Mother's Guide Through Autism. Joseph shares his experience growing up autistic, including early diagnosis, sensory...
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56 | Sex Education & Body Safety in Autism | Cath Hakanson
Sex education can feel awkward, overwhelming, or even taboo for many parents, especially when they are raising neurodivergent children and already navigating so many daily demands. In this episode, Brian talks with Cath Hakanson, founder of Sex Ed Rescue, about how parents can approach sex...
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55 | Autism Dads, Community & Support | Dr. Jonathan Chism
In this episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, Brian Keene talks with Dr. Jonathan Chism, father, educator, and founder of the Autism Dad Social Club. Dr. Chism shares how his own parenting journey led him to create a space where fathers of autistic children could connect, recharge, share...
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54 | Race, Autism & Advocacy in Parenting | Jonathan Chism
Have you ever wondered if the world will truly understand your child for who they are? In this powerful and deeply reflective conversation, Brian sits down with father, educator, and Autism Dads Social Club founder Jonathan Chism to explore the intersection of race and disability. Together, they...
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53 | Autism Parenting, Acceptance & Fatherhood | Dr. Jonathan Chism
Parenting an autistic child can bring moments of joy, uncertainty, growth, and deep reflection. In this episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, Brian Keene sits down with Dr. Jonathan Chism, also known as Dr. Chiz, a father, professor, minister, and co-founder of the Autism Dad Social…
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52 | Inflammation, Toxins & Gut Health in Autism | Dr. Jeffrey Knight
Have you ever wondered if something deeper might be affecting your child's regulation, behavior, or sleep? In this episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, Brian sits down with Dr. Jeffrey Knight, chiropractor and founder of the Autism Wellness Center, to explore how factors like...
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51 | Finding Your Community in the Autism Journey | Mandy Pinckley
Many parents of neurodivergent children share a common feeling: isolation. Even when surrounded by people, it can feel like no one truly understands the unique challenges your family is navigating. In this episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, Brian Keene sits down with autism advocate...
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50 | What True Inclusion Looks Like for Autistic Kids | Mandy Pinckley
Many parents know the feeling. Your child comes home and says, "Nobody plays with me," or you watch them standing alone on the playground while other kids easily connect. Every parent wants their child to feel included and accepted, but sometimes it feels like the world doesn't quite know how to...
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49 | Growing Up Autistic & Finding Your Voice | Mandy Pinckley
What is it really like to grow up autistic? And what do autistic youth wish the adults in their lives understood better? In this episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, Brian Keene sits down with autism advocate Mandy Pinckley to talk about her lived experience growing up autistic and the...
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48 | Understanding Autistic Behavior with Compassion | Megan Ashley
What if parents could feel less afraid, less confused, and more connected to their autistic children? In this episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, Brian Keene sits down with Megan Ashley: an autistic Black woman, licensed therapist, parent advocate, speaker, and author. Megan shares her...
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47 | Meltdowns, Co-Regulation & Autism Parenting | Lisa Chan
If your child's meltdowns leave you feeling frustrated, stuck, or unsure what to do next, this episode is for you. In this episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, Brian Keene sits down with Lisa Chan, parent coach, behavior specialist, and former pediatric occupational therapist, to talk...
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46 | Autism Advocacy, Culture & Support for Families | Dr. Martine LaVenture
Navigating autism can feel especially isolating when families are also carrying the weight of cultural barriers, medical mistrust, or systems that were not built with them in mind. In this episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, Brian Keene sits down with Dr. Martine LaVenture, a licensed...
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45 | Mouthing & Chewing Behaviors in Autism | Dipali Devani
Many autistic children chew on shirts, toys, or even their own hands. For parents, these behaviors can feel confusing or concerning. But often, mouthing and chewing behaviors are a child's way of meeting an important sensory need. In this episode of the Common Chaos Sensory Series, host Brian…
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44 | Autism Parenting, Financial Planning & Building Freedom for Families | Michael Pereira
Parenting a neurodivergent child can bring many unexpected challenges—emotionally, logistically, and financially. In this episode, Brian sits down with autism advocate and father Michael Pereira, founder of My Autism Voyage, to talk about the real-life journey that led him to support other…
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43 | Divorce, Co-Parenting & Special Needs Planning | Anna P. Krolikowska
Divorce is never easy, and when a child has additional support needs, the process can feel even more overwhelming. In this episode, Brian Keene sits down with family law attorney Anna Kay to talk through some of the biggest questions parents may face when navigating divorce while caring for a...
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42 | Smell Sensitivity & Sensory Processing in Autism | Dipali Devani
Some children seem overwhelmed by everyday smells, while others seek out strong scents or react in ways that can leave parents feeling confused and unsure how to help. In this episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, Brian Keene is joined by occupational therapist Dipali Devani to talk…
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41 | Inclusion, Friendship & School Support in Autism | Gail Ewell
Friendship, belonging, and inclusion matter deeply for neurodivergent children, but many families still struggle to find environments where their child feels truly welcomed and supported. In this episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, Brian Keene talks with Gail Ewell, Executive Director…
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40 | Late Autism Diagnosis, Writing & Strengths | J.D. Barker
What happens when someone grows up autistic without knowing why the world feels different? In this episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, Brian Keene talks with New York Times bestselling author J.D. Barker about his experience growing up autistic without a diagnosis, how that shaped his...
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39 | Autism, ADHD & Finding Kind as a Parent | Kari Baker
Receiving an autism or ADHD diagnosis for your child can bring a wave of emotions, questions, and uncertainty. In this episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, Brian Keene sits down with author, speaker, podcaster, and Arizona mom Kari Baker to talk about her journey parenting her son with...
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38 | ESDM, ABA & Neurodiversity-Affirming Autism Care | Will Martin
What does autism therapy look like when it is truly play-based, family-centered, and grounded in a child's individual strengths? In this episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, Brian Keene talks with Will Martin from SOAR Autism Center about the Early Start Denver Model, often called ESDM,...
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37 | Divorce, Co-Parenting & Special Needs Planning | Mary Ann Hughes
Divorce is never easy, and when a child has autism, disabilities, or other support needs, the process can feel even more overwhelming. In this episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, Brian Keene talks with certified divorce coach, mediator, and special needs parent Mary Ann Hughes about…
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36 | Autism, Mental Health & the Calm Compass | Mitch Leppicello
Mental health is an important part of supporting neurodivergent children, yet it is often overlooked in the larger autism conversation. In this episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, Brian Keene talks with social worker and certified autism specialist Mitch Leppicello about the emotional...
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35 | Lockdown, Social Skills & Communication Delays | Lenora Edwards
The lockdown may feel far behind us, but for many children, its impact is still showing up in everyday life, especially in social communication and emotional regulation. In this episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, Brian Keene welcomes back Lenora Edwards to talk about how the pandemic...
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34 | Dyslexia, Creativity & Building Confidence | Lynn and Jonathan Greenberg
What happens when a child who is labeled as "slow" or "lazy" is actually a bright, creative learner who simply needs the right support? In this episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, Brian Keene talks with Lynn and Jonathan Greenberg about their family's journey with dyslexia, the...
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33 | Diaper Digging, Incontinence & Supportive Solutions | Cindy Seifert
Diaper digging is one of those topics many families experience but few people openly talk about. In this episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, Brian Keene talks with Cindy Seifert, founder of Prevent-A-Wear and mother to an autistic daughter with high support needs, about a behavior that...
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32 | Homeschooling, School Choice & Personalized Learning | Manisha Snoyer
What if your child's current school setting just is not working? For many families, that question brings frustration, worry, and a lot of uncertainty about what to do next. In this episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, Brian Keene talks with teacher, tech entrepreneur, and Teach Your…
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31 | ScanMeHome QR Safety & Peace of Mind | Justin Behnke
What would happen if your child got lost in the community and could not communicate who they are or how to get home? For many parents of non-speaking or high-support-needs children, that question can keep them up at night. In this episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, Brian Keene talks...
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30 | Getting Your Child Started With AAC | Lydia McKay & Staci Dover
Parents and caregivers often feel excited when their child finally receives an AAC device. But what happens when the device arrives and your child shows little interest in using it? In this episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, Brian Keene is joined by speech-language pathologists Lydia...
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29 | Getting an AAC Device & Evaluation Process | Lydia McKay & Staci Dover
If your child is non-speaking or experiencing speech delays, you may have heard about AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) but wondered how families actually obtain a communication device. In part two of this three-part AAC series, host Brian Keene is joined by Phoenix-area...
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28 | Communication, Language Development & AAC Basics | Lydia McKay & Staci Dover
If your child is non-speaking or experiencing speech delays, you may be wondering what communication options are available to support them. In this first episode of a three-part AAC series, host Brian Keene sits down with Phoenix-based speech-language pathologists Lydia McKay and Staci Dover to...
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27 | Autism Recovery, Detox & Holistic Health Approaches | Karen Thomas
Many parents want to understand why their child may be experiencing certain symptoms rather than simply being told which therapies to pursue. In this episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, host Brian Keene speaks with Karen Thomas, founder of Naturally Recovering Autism and author who...
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26 | Lyme, Bartonella & Overlooked Health Clues in Autism | Debbie Kimberg
What do you do when your questions keep getting redirected and you still feel like something important is being missed? In this episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, host Brian Keene sits down with Debbie Kimberg and her son, Sammy, to share their family's experience searching for…
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25 | Picky Eating, Gut Health & Autism Nutrition Support | Brittyn Coleman
Mealtimes can feel exhausting when your child only accepts a small handful of foods and every attempt to introduce something new turns into stress. In this episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, host Brian Keene talks with registered dietitian Brittyn Coleman about picky eating…
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24 | Relationships & Parenting Neurodivergent Children | Rach Wilson
Raising a neurodivergent child can place enormous stress on a relationship, especially when families are navigating sleep deprivation, emotional overload, communication struggles, and survival mode. In this episode, Brian sits down with relationship coach Rach Wilson to discuss the realities many...
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23 | Sibling Relationships & Autism | Crestina Yaiva
Parenting multiple children while supporting different needs within the family can bring up a wide range of emotions for everyone involved. In this episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, Brian Keene sits down with parent guest Crestina Yaiva to talk about sibling relationships, autism,...
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22 | DMI Therapy for Developmental Delays | Becca Stoddard
Description In this episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, Brian Keene talks with Becca Stoddard, pediatric occupational therapist and owner of Breakthrough Therapy, about Dynamic Movement Intervention, also known as DMI Therapy. Becca explains how DMI uses hands-on support, gravity,...
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21 | Echolalia & Gestalt Language Processing in Autism | Jodi Thomas
Many autistic children communicate in ways that may look confusing at first, especially when they repeat phrases, echo questions, or use lines from shows, songs, or familiar people. In this episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, Brian Keene speaks with Jodi Thomas, speech-language...
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20 | Delayed Speech & Early Communication Signs | Lenora Edwards
Many parents wonder if their child's speech delay is something they will "grow out of" or if it may be time to seek professional support. In this episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, Brian Keene speaks with Lenora Edwards, speech-language pathologist with Better Speech, about delayed...
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19 | Sensory Regulation in Autism | Leinfuss, Newchok & O'Hara
Understanding sensory regulation can feel overwhelming for many parents and caregivers, especially when children experience big emotions, sensory-seeking behaviors, shutdowns, or difficulty participating in everyday routines. In this episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, Brian Keene…
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18 | Caregiver Support for Autism Families | Michele Thorne
Parenting a neurodivergent child can feel overwhelming, especially in the early years when families are navigating diagnoses, therapies, school systems, and daily life changes. In this episode of the Autism Family Toolkit Podcast, Brian Keene speaks with Michele Thorne, founder and executive...
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17 | Non-Speaking Autism & Communication Support | Crestina Yaiva
When a child is non-speaking, many parents wonder how to better understand their child's needs, emotions, and perspective. In this episode of the Autism Family Toolkit Podcast, Brian Keene speaks with Crestina Yaiva, mother of twin boys, including one child who is non-speaking and autistic....
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16 | Traveling with Autism & Sensory-Friendly Vacations | Dawn Barclay
Traveling with a neurodivergent child can feel overwhelming for many families. Changes in routine, unfamiliar environments, sensory overload, airports, hotels, and long days away from home can create anxiety for both children and parents. In this episode of the Autism Family Toolkit Podcast…
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About this show
Raising a neurodivergent child can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to figure it out alone.The Autism Family Resource Podcast is designed for parents looking for practical autism resources, real-life parenting strategies, and meaningful support for families navigating autism and neurodiversity.Each episode shares actionable tools, daily routines, and honest insights from parents, therapists, and neurodivergent individuals who understand the journey firsthand.From sensory challenges and communication to behavior, emotional regulation, and everyday routines, this podcast provides clear, realistic autism parenting strategies you can actually use at home.I'm Brian Keene, a licensed pediatric occupational therapist and founder of Pure Hearts Therapy. We provide neurodiversity-affirming, home-based and virtual therapy services for families in the Phoenix metro area.If you're searching for autism resources for parents, family support, and practical guidance, you're in the right plac
Hosted by
Brian Keene