Chelsea's Vocation

Many of us take for granted our body’s ability to receive and understand in real time the signals our physical body is sending. However, for neurodivergent individuals, particularly those on the autism spectrum, this process can be much more complex. In this episode, we explore the concept of interoception, what Kelly Mahler has referred to as the eighth sense, and its profound impact on the lives of neurodivergent individuals.While James Williams, an autistic self-advocate, didn’t struggle receiving these internal messages, the struggle to address his physical needs as a student was real. James has spoken publicly about autism and related disabilities since age 11. He is the author of eight autism-related books, and serves on the Steering Committee for the Wisconsin Community of Practice on Autism Spectrum Disorders and Developmental Disabilities (ASD/DD). He is on staff for multiple anime conventions throughout the United States, where he also hosts panels on autism awareness designed for anime conventions. Finally, he is an active member of Glenbrook North High School’s Booster Club, his alma mater. He lives in Northbrook, Ill., and travels frequently to promote autism awareness.Want more? These previous episodes may provide additional context on this topic:Episode 1: Introducing Chelsea's Vocation, the podcast, and Chelsea's familyEpisode 29: Applying the Medical Home ModelHere are topics, terms, and resources, in order of their appearance in the podcast, might evoke some curiosity:Kelly Mahler OTD, OTR/L https://www.kelly-mahler.com/ OT = occupational therapist https://youtu.be/jhhdEQ4Z_d8 interoception: awareness of your body’s internal senses or signals https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/interoceptionFarb, Norman et al. “Interoception, contemplative practice, and health.” Frontiers in psychology vol. 6 763. 9 Jun. 2015, doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2015.00763 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4460802/ dysregulation: In autistic individuals, stemming from neurological differences and sensory overload, appearing as a fight, flight, freeze, or fawn response to overwhelming environmental input.The DSM-5 (The American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th ed., 2013) lists the diagnostic criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder.McDonough, Molly. “Making Sense of Interoception: How we perceive what’s happening inside our bodies and what that means for our health.“ Harvard Medicine. Spring 2024. https://magazine.hms.harvard.edu/articles/making-sense-interoceptionMedical Academy of Pediatric Special Needs (MAPS) program-trained doctors treat children with autism, neuro-developmental disorders, and complex chronic conditions using an individualized, functional medicine approach. They focus on treating underlying biomedical issues such as gastrointestinal (GI), immune, metabolic, and mitochondrial dysfunctionPodcast includes an introduction for episodes 6 and following at the beginning. Transition music, "Taking a Vocation", by Noey Budde. Closing narration for episodes 6 and following.

Given the high rate of “something else” co-existing alongside autism, Dr. Breya Whitefield joins Chelsea as we dive into the nuances of neurodiversity, the implications of co-occurring conditions, and what families need to know to support their loved ones effectively. If you’ve heard the term "comorbidity" associated with someone with a primary diagnosis of autism, know you’re in good company.Dr. Breya Whitefield is an Assistant Professor at the Medical College of Wisconsin who specializes in working with children, adolescents, and young adults with neurodevelopmental differences. She provides consultation and intervention for challenging behaviors that may not respond to traditional parenting strategies or outpatient mental health services. Her work focuses on helping families manage issues such as tantrums, aggression, noncompliance, sleep problems, toileting difficulties, and disruptive behaviors.These previous episodes might provide more context for this topic:Episode 1: Intro https://www.buzzsprout.com/2437426/episodes/16400459Episode 2: Justus https://www.buzzsprout.com/2437426/episodes/16481603 Episode 3: Noey https://www.buzzsprout.com/2437426/episodes/16561565Episode 10: Mental Health & Autism https://www.buzzsprout.com/2437426/episodes/17193835 Episode 13: Puberty & Autism https://www.buzzsprout.com/2437426/episodes/17457609Here are topics, terms, and resources, in order of their appearance in the podcast, might evoke some curiosity:In a study using a newly-developed diagnostic screener with autistic individuals, 91% of children/adolescents aged 8-17 and 31% of young adults aged 18-25 met criteria for one or more co-occurring diagnoses, including ADHD, depression, and anxiety. (Mosner et al, Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 2020) https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6669096/# neurospicy“Autism and Suicide” from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention  https://afsp.org/autism-and-suicide/ 988 for the Autism Community https://www.datocms-assets.com/12810/1721837899-988-information-for-the-autism-community_final-1.pdf Podcast includes an introduction for episodes 6 and following at the beginning. Transition music, "Taking a Vocation", by Noey Budde. Closing narration for episodes 6 and following.

Trigger warning: This episode includes the topic of sexual abuse.For those caring for and educating neurodivergent children, the concept of bodily autonomy often takes a backseat. This is particularly concerning for autistic children, who, according to alarming statistics, are at much higher risk for sexual victimization than their neurotypical peers.In this episode, Chelsea and her guest, MJ Lamb, explore the critical importance of body autonomy, examining how common practices can inadvertently elevate autistic children's risk of abuse. Learn what caregivers can do instead to foster in children a healthy sense of self and boundaries as protective mechanisms. This is critically important for parents, extended family members, educators, and therapists who support children with autism. It’s important for first responders and healthcare providers, as well.MJ Lamb is a neurodivergent and chronically mentally and physically ill individual who is also a survivor of sexual violence. When the pandemic took over the world in 2020, MJ was suicidal and received inpatient mental health care. It was through that program that they found their love for creating poetry and abstract art. After a divorce and two address changes, MJ got diagnosed with autism at age 30. Today, they live in Milwaukee with their loving partner and two cats and have begun sharing their story of survival with the world.The following terms and resources, in order of their mention in the podcast, might evoke some curiosity:Ryan, J., et al. (2024). “Being able to be myself: Understanding autonomy and autonomy-support from the perspectives of autistic adults with intellectual disabilities”. Autism : the international journal of research and practice, 28(12), 3092–3104.Weiss, Jonathan A, and Michelle A Fardella. (2018). “Victimization and Perpetration Experiences of Adults With Autism.” Frontiers in psychiatry vol. 9 203. 25 May.Presume competence (Stimpunks)double empathy problem: a bi-directional failure of one neurotype (allistic) to have empathy for another's (autistic) experiencesensory input: See this article from the National Autistic Society.stim toys, fidgets (not an endorsement or paid advertisement)These previous episodes might provide more information and/or context for this topic:Episode 8: Neuroaffirming PracticesEpisode 13: Puberty & AutismEpisode 25: Trauma & AutismEpisode 27: Ableism & AutismPodcast includes an introduction for episodes 6 and following at the beginning. Transition music, "Taking a Vocation", by Noey Budde. Closing narration for episodes 6 and following.

Building a comprehensive care team for your child with autism is both a journey and a necessity. By understanding the American Academy of Pediatrics’ medical home approach and actively engaging with various professionals, you can ensure your child receives the coordinated care they deserve. As you navigate this process, remember to also take care of your own needs as a caregiver.Chelsea lays out how she used the medical home model through four phases of her son’s development, from his birth through high school years.These previous episodes might provide more information and/or context for this topic (listed in the order of relevant mention within this episode):Episode 2: Introducing Justus Episode 19: Diagnostic Criteria for AutismEpisode 18: Autism Assistance Service Dogs  Episode 13: Puberty & Autism    Here are more topics, terms, and resources, in order of their appearance in the podcast, that might evoke some curiosity:medical social worker: a professional who plays a vital role in the healthcare system by providing support to patients and their families who are facing medical and emotional challenges (National Association of Social Workers)Wisconsin Medical Home ImplementationShared Plan of Care templateMedical Home Resources for Families and Caregivers Katie Beckett MedicaidCLTS waiver program Extended School Year (ESY) wraparound mental/behavioral health services  ADRC WI Department of Workforce Development  A competency evaluation is conducted by a qualified medical professional (such as a neuropsychologist) to determine whether or not guardianship is appropriate for a disabled adult. See Wisconsin’s GN-3130 for more information.  Transition plan https://dpi.wi.gov/sped/about/state-performance-plan/indicators/13-transitionEpic Systems develops large-scale software systems for electronic health records.Podcast includes an introduction for episodes 6 and following at the beginning. Transition music, "Taking a Vocation", by Noey Budde. Closing narration for episodes 6 and following.

Becoming the adult you want to be takes time, self-awareness, and sometimes hard work. Add the dimensions of disability and neurodivergence to adolescence, and the complexities deepen. Chelsea’s guest, Layne Ledding, is a 20-year-old young woman whose poem “Victoria’s Secret” captures part of her journey of “Becoming While Autistic”.This episode is almost a responsive reading of (most of) the poem, with Chelsea reflecting on parts of Layne’s writing and asking about her lived experience. (Note that the poem’s punctuation and capitalization in the transcript are as the writer intended, but the layout is compromised by the medium.)Layne lives with her mom, dad, brother, sister, two dogs, and a bird in Kenosha, Wis. She's been interested in writing, poetry, art, and stories in general since she was a child, and interested in mental health since she was in sixth grade. Layne was diagnosed with autism at 14, and she's never stopped learning. She’s a curious, big-hearted young woman who has come far over these past few years with her mentors’ guidance. She processed and admitted she's a lesbian via writing extremely personal (and eminently publishable!) poetry. Lately, Layne’s glamorously gay, proud, and happy.Please show Layne some love by commenting!Here’s that whole “Barbie” monologue:It is literally impossible to be a woman. You are so beautiful and so smart, and it kills me that you don't think you're good enough. Like, we have to always be extraordinary, but somehow we're always doing it wrong. You have to be thin, but not too thin. And you can never say you want to be thin. You have to say you want to be healthy, but also you have to be thin. You have to have money, but you can't ask for money because that's crass. You have to be a boss, but you can't be mean. You have to lead, but you can't squash other people's ideas. You're supposed to love being a mother but don't talk about your kids all the damn time. You have to be a career woman, but also always be looking out for other people. You have to answer for men's bad behavior, which is insane, but if you point that out, you're accused of complaining. You're supposed to stay pretty for men, but not so pretty that you tempt them too much or that you threaten other women because you're supposed to be a part of the sisterhood. But always stand out and always be grateful. But never forget that the system is rigged. So find a way to acknowledge that but also always be grateful. You have to never get old, never be rude, never show off, never be selfish, never fall down, never fail, never show fear, never get out of line. It's too hard! It's too contradictory and nobody gives you a medal or says thank you! And it turns out in fact that not only are you doing everything wrong, but also everything is your fault. I'm just so tired of watching myself and every single other woman tie herself into knots so that people will like us. And if all of that is also true for a doll just representing women, then I don't even know.Want more? These previous episodes align well:Episode 13: Puberty & Autism Episode 25: Trauma & AutismPodcast includes an introduction for episodes 6 and following at the beginning. Transition music, "Taking a Vocation", by Noey Budde. Closing narration for episodes 6 and following.

Fed up with exclusion from relevant conversations, disability rights activists popularized a slogan in the 1990s: “Nothing about us without us.” Was this group marginalized because non-disabled people inherently believe people who are disabled need “fixing”? While challenges brought about by autism are worthy of supports, the concept of ableism lurks in corners of parenting, education, and employment.Guest Sxdni Small brings their lived experience as a neurodivergent person to this discussion. Born on the traditional and current land of many Native Peoples, including the Ojibwe, Ho-Chunk, Menominee, Oneida and Potawatomi Nations, Sxdni was raised in a Milwaukee, Wis., household graced by kitchen table lilac blooms. Reading and community organizing were household staples in a home filled with love for words and learning. Sxdni is a dog training geek and honeybush tea fan, as well as a member of the Wisconsin Writer’s Association. They treasure their spouse’s poetry and the growing pile of books atop their own kitchen table.Previous episodes that provide more context: Episode 1 (Intro), 2 (Justus), 3 (Noey), 4 (Chelsea), 20 (Masking)Topics, terms, and resources, in order of their appearance, that might evoke some curiosity:Leah Smith on ableismNicole Ciarlone’s “4 ways ableism still affects people with disabilities”Stella Young on inspiration pornmedical vs. social model of disabilityThe DSM-5 (The American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th ed., 2013) diagnostic criteria for autismDr. Stephen Shore: "If you've met one person with autism, you've met one person with autism."“cis, het” = cisgender, heterosexualspiky profileidentity-first language neurospicyR-wordempathy and autismdyspraxia and autismAuditory Processing DisorderIndividuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)stress levels of mothers of autistic childrenPodcast includes an introduction for episodes 6 and following at the beginning. Transition music, "Taking a Vocation", by Noey Budde. Closing narration for episodes 6 and following.

Creating supportive environments for autistic children involves understanding their unique needs and making intentional adjustments in various settings.In this episode (the longest to date), Chelsea offers suggestions for setting autistic children up for success across three environments: home, school, and short-stay community outings. Remember, every small change can make a significant impact on our kids’ ability to engage and flourish in a world created without their nervous systems in mind.These previous episodes might provide more context for this topic:Episode 1: Introducing Chelsea's Vocation, the podcast, and Chelsea's familyEpisode 2: Introducing JustusEpisode 4: Chelsea's EvolutionHere are more topics, terms, and resources, in order of their appearance in the podcast, that might evoke some curiosity:pre-verbal: a period of time in a child’s life when they don’t use spoken language (yet). Refer to Episode 17: Language Development & Autism. central nervous system and clothing: See this article from Golden Care Therapy.tactile defensiveness: sensory sensitivities connected to touch are heightened, so what might be perceived as a mild annoyance to most nervous systems is perceived instead as painful, which may elicit a fight, flight, or freeze defense.neurospicyco-/self-regulation: See this blog from Autism Awareness Centre.sensory input: See this article from the National Autistic Society.Autism and ARFIDRefer to Katrina’s input on telling your child about their neurology in Episode 24: Bonus Content.stim toys, fidgets (not an endorsement or paid advertisement)functional behavior analysis/assessment (FBA): A systematic approach to identifying specific behaviors, understanding what that behavior is communicating, and either pre-boarding mitigating measures to prevent an undesired behavior, or establishing a set of action steps to manage harmful behavior once it starts.Just Give Him the Whale!: 20 Ways to Use Fascinations, Areas of Expertise, and Strengths to Support Students with Autism, by Paula Kluth & Patrick Schwarz meltdown: not a tantrum, but the physiological response to a state of overwhelmPodcast includes an introduction for episodes 6 and following at the beginning. Transition music, "Taking a Vocation", by Noey Budde. Closing narration for episodes 6 and following.

If all behavior is communication for an autistic person, could some of that behavior actually be a response to trauma? Chelsea welcomes guest Becky Aten, who identifies as neurodivergent and neuroqueer, is late-diagnosed ADHD and autistic, and also lives with diagnoses of Complex PTSD, anxiety, and depression. They walk listeners through what trauma is (and isn’t), how we as parents and caregivers might be contributing to trauma, and what we can do to support our autistic loved ones going forward.Becky wears many hats in their work as a human resources professional, neurodivergent yoga facilitator, community-builder, and neurodiversity advocate. With over two decades of experience working for mental health recovery programs serving the neurodivergent community, Becky is passionate about cultivating welcoming, mindful, trauma-aware, and affirming spaces for community care that honor each individual’s experiences and intersecting identities. In their free time, Becky also enjoys hiking in the forest, petting moss, reading science and sci-fi books, and tabletop gaming. Check out the chapter markers / video version to appreciate some of Becky and Chelsea’s moss photo swaps!The following terms and resources, in order of their mention in the podcast, might evoke some curiosity:Wellpoint Care Network Nityda Gessel, The Trauma-Conscious Yoga Institute Haruvi-Lamdan, Nirit et al. “Autism Spectrum Disorder and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: An unexplored co-occurrence of conditions.” Autism: the international journal of research and practice vol. 24,4 (2020): 884-898. doi:10.1177/1362361320912143Rumball, Freya et al. “Experience of Trauma and PTSD Symptoms in Autistic Adults: Risk of PTSD Development Following DSM-5 and Non-DSM-5 Traumatic Life Events.” Autism Research: official journal of the International Society for Autism Research vol. 13,12 (2020): 2122-2132. doi:10.1002/aur.2306co-/self-regulation: See this blog from Autism Awareness Centre.Related episode, Masking & Autism  Individualized Education Plan (IEP)meltdown: not a tantrum, but the physiological response to a state of overwhelmCheck out these other content creators: Kelly Mahler, NeuroWild Podcast includes an introduction for episodes 6 and following at the beginning. Transition music, "Taking a Vocation", by Noey Budde. Closing narration for episodes 6 and following.

Even if you listened to all 23 episodes of this inaugural season of the Chelsea’s Vocation podcast, this will be all new to you! Chelsea realized her humility makes room for God’s power. She refers to these Bible verses, found in 2 Corinthians 12:5-10 (ESV)"On behalf of this man I will boast, but on my own behalf I will not boast, except of my weaknesses — though if I should wish to boast, I would not be a fool, for I would be speaking the truth; but I refrain from it, so that no one may think more of me than he sees in me or hears from me. So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong."Dani Jo shares advice for moms of newly-diagnosed children. Katrina explains how it might be difficult for autistic students in middle school to make friends.Chelsea and Katrina implore parents to share what they know about their child’s brain wiring with them.Katrina reminds parents of neurospicy children to give themselves grace.Emily and Chelsea admit that their 5-year plans changed during college, and it’s okay for autistic students to change their plans, too.Emily reframes the role of parents of autistic learners as their adolescents become college students.The bonus content in this episode are from the recordings of these previously published episodes, so here are those links:Episode 6: Faith & Autism Episode 9: Momming Autistic Humans Episode 13: Puberty & Autism Episode 14: College Considerations Be sure to share your topic suggestions with us for Season 2!Podcast includes an introduction for episodes 6 and following at the beginning. Transition music, "Taking a Vocation", by Noey Budde. Closing narration for episodes 6 and following.

When Chelsea didn't receive any feedback from families about how they were "winning" the holidays, she deduced that maybe it was hard to get those "W"s. That made her think of five ways extended family members can help neurodiverse families navigate this season better together.While this is a great episode to share, there might be some terminology that's unfamiliar to those not living the neurodivergent experience. Chelsea recommends going back and listening to Episode 1 for baseline definitions. Here are more topics and terms, in order of their appearance in the podcast, might evoke some curiosity:SpIns (special interests): focused fascinations or passions that occupy much time and attention. Check out Episode 21.celiac diseaseco-/self-regulation: See this blog from Autism Awareness Centre.sensory input: See this article from the National Autistic Society.stim toys, fidgets (not an endorsement or paid advertisement)neurospicymeltdown: not a tantrum, but the physiological response to a state of overwhelmcentral nervous system and clothing: See this article from Golden Care Therapy.And just when you think Chelsea might have gotten through the entire first season of the podcast without crying during an episode, it happens right near the end. Shout out to Amy Grant and her song "Breath Of Heaven (Mary's Song)" that both permitted Chelsea to fall apart and have a good cry during the holiday season and gave her a prayer to get her through. Podcast includes an introduction for episodes 6 and following at the beginning. Transition music, "Taking a Vocation", by Noey Budde. Closing narration for episodes 6 and following.

If there are couples who consider the possibility that they might raise children with developmental disabilities, Chelsea and Pete were not one of them. In fact, Chelsea admits they had all sorts of ideas about how they would parent both before they were pregnant and after their first child was in their arms. There was an expectation that they’d spend some married time together before they had children, and spend many more years together after they’d raised their children. Those “how” details are so elusive!Chelsea’s husband of 30 years, Pete, joins the conversation in this episode, not to provide any “how to” template for raising neurospicy children while staying married, but to offer a birds-eye view of their partnership journey in the hope families might find some encouragement as they’re going through it.In case you want to read the articles Chelsea refers to (in order of reference):Epstein, Sarah. (2019). “If My Parents Are Divorced, Is My Marriage Doomed to Fail?”. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/between-the-generations/201902/if-my-parents-are-divorced-is-my-marriage-doomed-fail#Gaille, Brandon. (2017). “21 High School Sweethearts Marriage Statistics”. https://brandongaille.com/20-high-school-sweethearts-marriage-statistics/ Hartley, S. L., Barker, E. T., Seltzer, M. M., Floyd, F., Greenberg, J., Orsmond, G., & Bolt, D. (2010). “The Relative Risk and Timing of Divorce in Families of Children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder”. Journal of Family Psychology, 24(4), 449–457. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0019847 Sarris, Marina. (2017). “Under a Looking Glass: What's The Truth About Autism and Marriage?". Interactive Autism Network. https://www.kennedykrieger.org/stories/interactive-autism-network-ian/whats-truth-about-autism-and-marriage# In case you want to make an episode-related playlist:“You’re Still the One” by Shania Twain https://youtu.be/KNZH-emehxA?si=8D8PYBjPOOwWK7Qr “Never Would Have Made It” by Marvin Sapp https://youtu.be/TWrGjzBheno?si=SvgoTMn0IoQM6A7_ (Consider changing the “I” to “we” as you listen.)“I Will Be Here” by Steven Curtis Chapman https://youtu.be/vU2hPIwqbTk?si=O4Q83cpw0-HU_-Op (Originally released in 1989, this was a wedding song for us.)“Dancing in the Minefields” by Andrew Peterson https://youtu.be/_Gs3fg_WsEg?si=FBMQbiv_WxZO8l8GPodcast includes an introduction for episodes 6 and following at the beginning. Transition music, "Taking a Vocation", by Noey Budde. Closing narration for episodes 6 and following.

Humans are built for joy and community. Somewhere along the line, neurotypical people decided autistic joy inspired by special interests was “perseveration” and required “extinction”. Neuroaffirming perspectives recognize the universality of passions, fascinations, and collections, even if their expansiveness and topic are beyond the neuromajority bell curve.Chelsea welcomes guest Margaret Fairbanks, co-founder of and Director of Education at Islands of Brilliance, to talk about leaning into special interests or “SpIns” for this episode.In her own voice, Margaret explains: “I am a parent of an autistic son, special educator and CLTS/IRIS service provider in this world called autism. Our son has taught me pretty much all I need to know about patience and empathy and that has driven all of my choices since his diagnosis. I love this community and do all I can to love and support them.”Check out Justus' digital art in the last three chapter markers!Podcast includes an introduction for episodes 6 and following at the beginning. Transition music, "Taking a Vocation", by Noey Budde. Closing narration for episodes 6 and following.

The component of Halloween that’s all about pretending lends itself to talking about autistic masking. What is it? Is it inherently bad? Why is it such a pervasive part of being autistic? Guest Donna Brendel joins Chelsea to give fresh insight in this episode.Donna is a late-diagnosed woman on the autism spectrum, but she’s arriving on the scene just in time. She is the host of the podcast, “I Should Say That Out Loud,” and the author of two memoirs, Autistic Revelations: Body Edition and Career Edition. She’s turned her decades of personal autism research, for the sake of her children and herself, into a pursuit of study at university now, for the sake of humanity. She has more memoirs planned and would love to engage with you about your own curiosities in the autism realm for both her podcast and her research.The following topics and terms, in order of their appearance in the podcast, might evoke some curiosity:Maya Angelou’s “The Mask”J.D. Barker episode of Donna’s podcastAutistic Advocate Kieran Rose on Autistic Masking“The Martian” (2015)Dissociation (WebMD)Podcast includes an introduction for episodes 6 and following at the beginning. Transition music, "Taking a Vocation", by Noey Budde. Closing narration for episodes 6 and following.

How is autism diagnosed, and what is the value of seeking a medical diagnosis? Chelsea turns to local experts Amy Heffelfinger, who diagnosed Chelsea’s own children two decades ago, and her colleague Lauren Miller for answers in this episode.Dr. Amy Heffelfinger is a mom of two 20-something daughters, a proud professor and chief, a child neuropsychologist, a wife of 28 years, a lover of nature, and a grateful child of God. She loves to work with young children and their families. While basic cognitive abilities are very important, and at the core of a neuropsychological evaluation, she wants to help children function best at home, in school, socially, and in their community, helping to remove racial, socioeconomic or cultural barriers to their success through maintaining quality education and early intervention. Dr. Lauren Miller is a pediatric clinical neuropsychologist specializing in the care of children with medical, neurological, and neurodevelopmental conditions, with particular focus and expertise in working with children under age 6. Dr. Miller's background includes significant experience in the early identification of autism through screening and early diagnostic evaluation. She trained under Dr. Deborah Fein, a renowned expert in the field of autism and pediatric neuropsychology, and co-author of the M-CHAT-R, the most widely used screening tool for autism in toddlers. Dr. Miller's clinical and research interests are aligned and include a focus on developing and refining efficient screening and diagnostic processes for autism in the context of medical conditions, as well as understanding and predicting neurodevelopmental outcomes as children get older. Chelsea refers to the following previously published episodes of this show, so here are those links:Episode 1: IntroEpisode 2: JustusEpisode 4: ChelseaEpisode 5: PeteThe following topics and terms, in order of their appearance in the podcast, might evoke some curiosity:pediatric neuropsychologist: "A pediatric neuropsychologist is a licensed psychologist specializing in the relationship between a child's brain and their learning, behavior, and emotional functioning, often assessing individuals with conditions like epilepsy, traumatic brain injury, or developmental differences through formal testing and clinical observation. They conduct comprehensive evaluations to identify a child's strengths and weaknesses in cognitive areas such as attention, memory, and problem-solving, and provide detailed recommendations for creating effective treatment plans and educational supports." (Google AI Overview, 2025)Global Developmental Delay (Cleveland Clinic)Pervasive Developmental Disorder (Cleveland Clinic)DSM-IV: The American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th ed. (1994, TR 2000) diagnostic criteriaThe DSM-5 (The American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th ed.Podcast includes an introduction for episodes 6 and following at the beginning. Transition music, "Taking a Vocation", by Noey Budde. Closing narration for episodes 6 and following.

Once upon a time, there was a mother of two young children with autism whose husband traveled a lot for work. She was exhausted all the time. She often wondered how she could take her two children out of the house by herself and keep them safe. One day while she was folding laundry and the TV was tuned in to Animal Planet, she landed upon coverage of the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. Commentator Ron Reagan made frequent references to specific breeds of dogs that made great therapy dogs … worked well with children … and she wondered … Is there such a thing as service dogs for children with autism?Her internet search landed her at 4 Paws for Ability. And while, sadly enough, even the best dogs don’t live forever, so therefore there was no "happily ever after", it’s still a good service dog story. Chelsea is delighted that Kait is willing to facilitate more good stories, since her family’s began two decades ago. In this episode, Kait explains the three primary tasks 4 Paws autism assistance service dogs are trained to do for their children, including search and rescue tracks. Chelsea provides real-life examples of those tasks from Justus and Noey's childhood.Kaitlyn Jones is a Client Services Coordinator at 4 Paws for Ability, a nonprofit in Xenia, OH, that places service dogs with children and veterans with disabilities. She began her journey with 4 Paws over 8 years ago, initially as a volunteer in college. Kaitlyn earned her B.A. in Psychology and now supports families through onboarding and post-placement support. Passionate about the impact dogs can have, she is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of others. Outside of work, Kaitlyn enjoys outings with her registered therapy dog, Jude, exploring the community and spreading joy wherever they go.Resources:Differentiating between emotional support, therapy, and service dogs (ADA National Network)Americans with Disabilities Act (1990) and service animalsAssistance Dogs InternationalPodcast includes an introduction for episodes 6 and following at the beginning. Transition music, "Taking a Vocation", by Noey Budde. Closing narration for episodes 6 and following.

When a social communication deficit (by medical standards - see DSM-5 below) is the primary indicator of autism, a lot of people take notice. Chelsea certainly did when her now-grown children were young, particularly her son Justus. Having met and interacted with many autistic people over the last two decades, her fascination with autistic language development has deepened. But her first meaningful professional connection in the field was with Trisha Sacharski. Trisha is a dedicated Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) with over 23 years of experience. Specializing in autism and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), she is deeply committed to helping individuals find and use meaningful ways to communicate. Trisha combines her extensive clinical training with a passion for empowering others, making it her mission to ensure that every voice is heard. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys reading, gardening, baseball, and supporting her three children in all of their interests and endeavors.Chelsea asks Trisha about three main topics in this episode:gestalt language processing (GLP)apraxiaAACThe first two items relate directly to Chelsea's own children as their language developed. Find out why the third does not, and how much it's changed since Trisha was Justus and Noey's elementary school SLP! The following topics and terms, in order of their appearance in the podcast, might evoke some curiosity:The DSM-5 (The American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th ed., 2013) lists the diagnostic criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder.receptive-expressive language delay includes difficulties both understanding and using language. It encompasses issues with both understanding what others say (receptive language) and expressing oneself through language (expressive language).functionally nonverbal: Inconsistent use of spoken words to communicate needs, thoughts, or feelings. Focuses on the lack of consistent functional verbal communication rather than a complete inability to communicate. (Google Gemini, 2025)communicative intent: The purpose or goal behind a person's communication, encompassing the message they are trying to convey through words, gestures, or other behaviors to achieve a desired effect on the listener. Involves a speaker acting with a specific motive to inform, request, express emotions, or influence others, which the listener then interprets in context. (Google Gemini, 2025)“allistic”: someone who is not autisticneurospicynonverbal vs. nonspeakingPresume competence (Stimpunks)Podcast includes an introduction for episodes 6 and following at the beginning. Transition music, "Taking a Vocation", by Noey Budde. Closing narration for episodes 6 and following.

Since Chelsea’s youngest Noey disclosed nonchalantly that they see music in color, Chelsea has been intrigued by synesthesia. Learning about “Magnetosphere”, a recently-released feature film depicting protagonist Maggie’s inner and outward experiences with synesthesia, prompted her to zoom in on the topic for this episode.Guest Nicola Rose is the writer and director of “Magnetosphere”, a movie about a neurodivergent 13-year-old girl (Shayelin Martin) realizing she has synesthesia. You can watch the movie on multiple platforms at http://freestyledigitalmedia.tv/film/magnetosphere. Previously, Nicola wrote and directed another film, “Goodbye, Petrushka”, which was interpreted by many as being about a girl with autism.While Chelsea loved Colin Mochrie as quirky Vietnam veteran Gil, the representation Maggie’s friend Wendy (Mikayla Kong) brings to the story is important. Noey was surprised to see Steven He portraying Maggie’s love interest, as they’re familiar with him in other media contexts.Check out these articles for more on autism and synesthesia:“Is synaesthesia more common in autism?” Baron-Cohen, S., Johnson, D., Asher, J., Wheelwright, S., Fisher, S. E., Gregersen, P. K., & Allison, C. (2013). Molecular Autism, 4(1), 40. https://doi.org/10.1186/2040-2392-4-40“The Interesting Connection Between Autism and Synesthesia” (Amber Wu, Western University, 2021)The following topics and terms, in order of their appearance in the podcast, might evoke some curiosity:Judy SingerneurodiversityNext episode: Language DevelopmentPodcast includes an introduction for episodes 6 and following at the beginning. Transition music, "Taking a Vocation", by Noey Budde. Closing narration for episodes 6 and following.

For students with “Special Education needs” as determined by criteria put forth in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the IEP (Individualized Education Program) is a critical contract. With back-to-school season upon us, Chelsea revisits her own children’s IEP meetings with Brittany Freund. Brittany is a dedicated Special Education Teacher, beginning her 11th year supporting students in kindergarten through third grade. She works in a cross-categorical setting, meeting the diverse needs of her learners with patience, creativity, and compassion. Outside the classroom, Brittany is a devoted wife to her husband, Tanner, and a loving mother to two children, Wren (4) and Rori (1). Their family also includes a beloved dog, Angus. Brittany enjoys spending time outdoors, especially going on bike rides, and she loves gathering with friends and family for board games. Her passion for teaching and family shines through in everything she does. In this episode, Brittany and Chelsea discuss what makes a “good” IEP, how to create a supportive home-school partnership, and what Chelsea thinks Minnie Driver has to do with it.The following topics and terms, in order of their appearance in the podcast, might evoke some curiosity:“Speechless”An Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) and an Individualized Education Program (IEP) are both plans designed to support children with disabilities, but they differ in their focus and the age groups they serve. An IFSP focuses on infants and toddlers from birth to age three, emphasizing the family's role and needs in supporting the child's development. An IEP, on the other hand, is for children ages 3 to 21 and focuses on the child's educational needs and goals within a school setting.Early Childhood Special Education (Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction)Transition planning under IDEA is a process that helps students with disabilities prepare for life after high school. The process begins at age 14 per Wisconsin DPI guidelines and by age 16 per IDEA.Episode 13: Puberty & AutismEpisode 14: College ConsiderationsEducational designations on an IEP refer to the disability categories outlined by IDEA, which include autism, emotional disturbance, intellectual disability, multiple disabilities, other health impairment, specific learning disability, and speech or language impairment, among others. Receptive-expressive language delay includes difficulties both understanding and using language. It encompasses issues with both understanding what others say (receptive language) and expressing oneself through language (expressive language).See this article on executive function. (Psychology Today)Social StoriesPodcast includes an introduction for episodes 6 and following at the beginning. Transition music, "Taking a Vocation", by Noey Budde. Closing narration for episodes 6 and following.

As a prospective parent, Chelsea presumed her children would go to college. When they were diagnosed with autism, post-secondary education was definitely not part of the conversation among educators and allied health professionals on their teams. While both Justus and Noey went to college, the learning curve was steep for everyone involved.Cue this episode’s guest:Emily Raclaw is Director of On Your Marq, a college success program for neurodivergent students at Marquette University (Milwaukee, WI). With nearly 20 years of experience, she specializes in disability services, executive functioning, and inclusive design. A disabled and neurodivergent professional herself, Emily reframes disability as a valued identity and leads a team providing mental health, academic, and independent living support. A nationally recognized speaker, she presents on neuroinclusive education, disability identity, and sustainable support systems that foster belonging and empowerment. Her work centers on creating spaces where disabled individuals can thrive in both academic and professional settings.The following topics and terms, in order of their appearance in the podcast, might evoke some curiosity:Temple Grandin, Temple filmPaula KluthneurospicyEpisode 2: Introducing JustusPost-secondary Transition Plan: “A postsecondary transition plan must include measurable postsecondary goals for students based on age-appropriate transition assessments related to training or education, employment, and independent living skills (if appropriate) and a description of transition services including courses of study needed to assist the students in reaching their goals.”  https://dpi.wi.gov/sped/about/state-performance-plan/indicators/13-transitionEpisode 3: Noey’s JourneyIndividualized Education Plan (IEP)Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)Podcast includes an introduction for episodes 6 and following at the beginning. Transition music, "Taking a Vocation", by Noey Budde. Closing narration for episodes 6 and following.

Katrina Tarke-Karge is a Clinical Child and Adolescent therapist at Evidence Based Counseling Solutions in New Berlin, Wisconsin. She has worked with autistic individuals in a variety of capacities from young children to adults for almost 20 years. She has recently taken on a new role as the Director of Child and Adolescent Services and hopes to expand access to mental health treatment for neurodivergent kids, teens, young adults and their families.While puberty is a biological process, the neurochemistry component is especially influential in autistic adolescents’ behavior. In this episode, Chelsea shares how her family’s lived experience has prompted her to instruct parents of tween autistic children to “buckle up”. Katrina prepares us to do just that.The following topics and terms, in order of their appearance in the podcast, might evoke some curiosity:Explaining the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist (YouTube)Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (The OCD & Anxiety Center)comorbid diagnoses: simultaneous presence of two or more medical conditions in a patient. See “What Disorders Are Related to Autism?” (PsychCentral)Resources: BooksTaking Care of Myself: A Hygiene, Puberty and Personal Curriculum for Young People with Autism, by Mary Wrobel (Future Horizons, 2003).Taking Care of Myself2: for Teenagers and Young Adults with ASD, by Mary Wrobel (Future Horizons, 2017)."Tom" book series, by Kate E. Reynolds with illustrations by Jonathon Powell (Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2014)What's Happening to Tom?: A book about puberty for boys and young men with autism and related conditionsThings Tom Likes: A book about sexuality and masturbation for boys and young men with autism and related conditionsTom Needs to Go: A book about how to use public toilets safely for boys and young men with autism and related conditionsAmerican Girl® Wellbeing books (American Girl Publishing, 2024)The Care and Keeping of You 1: The Body Book for Younger Girls, by Valorie SchaeferThe Care and Keeping of You 2, by Dr. Cara NattersonResources: SupportsLOCALWaukesha County Crisis Intervention: daytime hours, 262-548-7666 / nights, weekends, holidays, 262-547-3388NAMI Family Support Group near youNATIONAL988 Suicide & Crisis LifelineNational Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)211 for referral to community-based servicesPodcast includes an introduction for episodes 6 and following at the beginning. Transition music, "Taking a Vocation", by Noey Budde. Closing narration for episodes 6 and following.

A 2023 graduate from Columbia College Chicago, Noey Budde is still very much trying to find their place in the world, but has a great start with an illustrious background in both the humanitarian and creative fields. Noey is an educated composer creating pieces for various forms of media, primarily podcasts (including this one!) and film. When not in their studio, they’re found working alongside the bright students of Chicago as a substitute teacher. One of their biggest dreams is to create media that comforts and reassures others on the spectrum and living with neurodiversity that they’re seen and heard.Noey was diagnosed with autism and ADHD (Embrace Autism), which makes them an "AuDHDer," two decades ago as a three-year-old girl. Noey now identifies as nonbinary, preferring they/them pronouns. Check out episode 3 of the show for more on their story.The combination of Pride Month (June) and Autistic Pride Day (June 18) inspired today’s episode.These are the citations of the articles Chelsea refers to in the intro:Kallitsounaki, A., & Williams, D. M. (2023). Autism Spectrum Disorder and Gender Dysphoria/Incongruence. A systematic Literature Review and Meta-Analysis. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 53(8), 3103–3117. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-022-05517-y Van Der Miesen, A. I. R., et al. (2016). Gender Dysphoria and Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Narrative Review. International Review of Psychiatry, 28(1), 70–80. https://doi.org/10.3109/09540261.2015.1111199 Hisle-Gorman, E., et al. (2019). Gender Dysphoria in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. LGBT Health, 6(3). https://doi.org/10.1089/lgbt.2018.0252Noey explains…gender nonconforming: see Oxford Languages' definitiongender dysphoria: see Oxford Languages' definitionpreferred pronouns (from Reimagine Gender)dead name: see Oxford Languages' definitionChelsea refers to …neuroqueer: Used as a verb, “to subvert, defy, disrupt, and liberate oneself from both neuronormative and heteronormative expectations.” As an adjective, “gender performance, and/or neurocognitive style have … been shaped by … neuroqueering”autigender: When an autistic person perceives, expresses their gender identity in light of their autism. Gender identity and autistic neurology are inextricably connected.Next episode: Puberty & AutismPodcast includes an introduction for episodes 6 and following at the beginning. Transition music, "Taking a Vocation", by Noey Budde. Closing narration for episodes 6 and following.

Chelsea is delighted to welcome “autism dads” Nick Backes and Justin Sneesby to this Father’s Day episode of the podcast.Nick is husband and father of three children. Born and raised in southeastern Wisconsin, he is an autism advocate and a stay-at-home dad.Justin has been a husband to his wife for over 15 years, and they have two children. Their oldest son, Ronnie, is 9, while their other son, Chandler, is 5. They all live in Greenfield, Wis. Currently, Justin is a full-time student pursuing a career as a special education teacher and is also a stay-at-home father, while his wife is a K-4 teacher. He has worked in various aspects of special education and has decided to make this his career and passion.After Nick and Justin introduce themselves and their families, we dive into autism interventions including ABA, what’s different between the “autism dad” and “autism mom” experience, and how parenting has changed them as humans.The following topics and terms, in order of their appearance in the podcast, might evoke some curiosity:Autism United of Wisconsin (f/k/a Autism Society of Southeastern Wisconsin)SHAW Pirates Special Hockey (Milwaukee, WI)Little to no eye contact was a key benchmark in screenings for autism in the early 2000s. See this 2013 NIH article.ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis)“allistic”: someone who is not autisticIvar Lovaas, aversives (Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 2021)Stanley Greenspan, DIRFloortime modelapraxia of speech (Mayo Clinic)occupational therapy (OT): with emphasis on sensory integration, including vestibular and proprioceptive systems (Autism Research Institute)learned helplessness (Jaime Hoerricks, The AutSide)One of Chelsea's favorite "autism dads" on social media is Rob Gorski, The Autism Dad. Check him out on Instagram or Facebook.dyslexia (Cleveland Clinic)Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and how it’s fundedAutistics’ difficulty with figurative language, metaphors - as explained by Stephen McHugh (Stephen’s Evolution)Next episode: Gender Identity & AutismPodcast includes an introduction for episodes 6 and following at the beginning. Transition music, "Taking a Vocation", by Noey Budde. Closing narration for episodes 6 and following.

Betsy Spalla is a finance professional by day, and a perpetual student of humans’ emotions. Mom of two now-adult babies, one of whom is on the spectrum, she was diagnosed with ADHD after the birth of her second child. Her journey as a mom of a neurodivergent human, in light of her own neurospiciness, has given her a keen insight into human behavior. She is adept at helping her people identify their feelings and triggers to make positive change.After Chelsea frames the episode with her three key takeaways about mental health and autism, Betsy brings both her lived experience and neurology to the discussion. She provides another perspective of a neurodiverse family as well as actionable tools for managing a balanced household with mixed neurotypes.Research articles Chelsea refers to in the opening narrative:Ma, S. L., Chen, L. H., Lee, C. C., Lai, K. Y. C., Hung, S. F., Tang, C. P., Ho, T. P., Shea, C., Mo, F., Mak, T. S. H., Sham, P. C., & Leung, P. W. L. (2021). ”Genetic Overlap Between Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Autism Spectrum Disorder in SHANK2 Gene”. Frontiers in Neuroscience, 15, 649588. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8111170/#B12 Pettersson, E., Lichtenstein, P., Larsson, H., Song, J., Agrawal, A., Børglum, A. D., Bulik, C. M., Daly, M. J., Davis, L. K., Demontis, D., Edenberg, H. J., Grove, J., Gelernter, J., Neale, B. M., Pardiñas, A. F., Stahl, E., Walters, J. T. R., Walters, R., Sullivan, P. F., … Polderman, T. J. C. (2019). “Genetic influences on eight psychiatric disorders based on family data of 4 408 646 full and half-siblings, and genetic data of 333 748 cases and controls”. Psychological Medicine, 49(7), 1166–1173. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6421104/ The following topics and terms, in order of their appearance in the podcast, might evoke some curiosity:phenotypic: The observable characteristics or traits in an individual based on the expression of their genes.apraxia (MedlinePlus)The DSM-5 establishes three levels of autism spectrum disorder per support needs, with level 3 being the most significant need.DSM-5: The American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed., 2013)Autism Wheel“Impact of Child Disability on the Family” Reichman, N. E., Corman, H., & Noonan, K. (2008). Maternal and Child Health Journal, 12(6), 679–683.box breathingFeelings are not facts.Disappointments are inevitable, but misery is optional.Next episode: Dadding Autistic HumansPodcast includes an introduction for episodes 6 and following at the beginning. Transition music, "Taking a Vocation", by Noey Budde. Closing narration for episodes 6 and following.

Dani Jo is a married mama of two autistic girls (well, now women). She definitely never expected to have the “Autism Mama" title but is thankful for the journey and the fierce women she has met along the way. She “bucked the system" as her children were leaving elementary school, as her home school was not implementing their IEPs. She spent a few years advocating for choices for special needs children and played a critical role in getting the "Special Needs Scholarship Program" passed in the state of Wisconsin.She's a firm believer in choosing her battles and considers herself a retired Mama Bear.She joins Chelsea for this special Mother’s Day episode of the podcast as part of Chelsea’s “tribe”, takes us through her family’s autism journey, and exposes her own breaking and reframing of what her daughters’ autism means to herself and the greater community.The following topics and terms, in order of their appearance in the podcast, might evoke some curiosity:torticollis (Cleveland Clinic)Birth to 3: This Wisconsin program for early intervention services for infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families, which is similar to programs in other states, is federally mandated through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Part C.occupational therapy (OT)Pervasive Developmental Disorder: In the DSM-IV, which was published by the APA in 1994, Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD) was an umbrella for diagnoses including Autism, Asperger's, Rett's Disorder, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder, and PDD-NOS (Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified).Little to no eye contact was a key benchmark in screenings for autism in the early 2000s. See this 2013 NIH article.joint control: An ABA technique that aims to help children with autism develop more complex language and cognitive skills by enabling them to respond to multiple stimuli simultaneously.Easterseals’ child development screening toolapraxia of speech (Mayo Clinic)BCBA: Board Certified Behavior Analyst providing ABA as an intervention for autistic children, as certified by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board.Jennie Wright's 7 Stages of Grief (2011)Episode 4: Chelsea’s Evolution Podcast includes an introduction for episodes 6 and following at the beginning. Transition music, "Taking a Vocation", by Noey Budde. Closing narration for episodes 6 and following.

Jess Sciborski has been a dedicated special educator for over 20 years, working with students in grades K-12 with a wide range of disabilities, especially emotional/behavioral disabilities and autism. Currently a 1:1 Special Education teacher for an area educational agency, she is a fierce advocate for student needs, dignity for all, and celebrating neurodiversity. She believes in presuming competence and meeting students where they are. Outside of teaching, she’s a proud hockey mom to an amazing 8-year-old son with autism.We spent a little time in this episode backing up to Autism Awareness and the vibe that accompanied that movement, which was really focused on what “allistics” (non-autistic people) wanted neurotypical people to know about autism. We then covered how Jess has seen the movement shift to Acceptance, and the progression to Affirmation.The following topics and terms, in order of their appearance in the podcast, might evoke some curiosity:neuroaffirming approaches (Sunfield Center)Autism Acceptance Month (ASAN)autistic meltdown (Autism Parenting Magazine)autism and eye contact (Embrace Autism)No puzzle pieces, thank you (Drexel University Autism Institute)IDEA and Transition (PACER)Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) (Autism Little Learners)echolalia (Autism Parenting Magazine)student-led IEP meetings (Edutopia)Universal Design for Learning (UDL) (CAST)person- vs. identity-first language (Autism)functioning labels (Healthline)Podcast includes an introduction for episodes 6 and following at the beginning. Transition music, "Taking a Vocation", by Noey Budde. Closing narration for episodes 6 and following.

Chris Krasovich wears many hats, as a wife, elected official, board member, butterfly raiser, rabid volunteer, stress baker, world traveler, and appointed representative on the Wisconsin Governor's Autism Council, but her favorite hat is her mom hat. Chris has two spectacular children, one of whom is neurospicy, who she laughs with and learns from every day.In this episode, Chelsea chats with Chris about what acceptance means for her, especially since her son Jacob was diagnosed autistic as a young child. The following topics and terms, in order of their appearance in the podcast, might evoke some curiosity:World Autism Awareness Day: April 2 was designated as such by the United Nations in 2007.ableist/ableism: a belief that being able-bodied or neurotypical is somehow better than being disabled or neurodivergent. (Full episode on this topic scheduled for October.)expressive language: the ability to use words, sentences, gestures, and writing to express oneself, often through spoken languageperfect pitch: the ability to recognize and produce a specific pitch without relying on a reference note or interval“allistic”: someone who is not autisticdouble empathy problem: a bi-directional failure of one neurotype (allistic) to have empathy for another's (autistic) experienceNext episode: Practicing NeuroaffirmationPodcast includes an introduction for episodes 6 and following at the beginning. Transition music, "Taking a Vocation", by Noey Budde. Closing narration for episodes 6 and following.

Sue Vock is a Christ follower, wife, and mom to three, who has worked for nonprofits her entire career. Her daughter Molly is 30 years old, and was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder at age 17 after years of evaluations. Sue ministered at a church for over 18 years, worked at an autism nonprofit, and is currently the Director of Development & Marketing at Habitat for Humanity of Waukesha & Jefferson Counties. She is currently leading a support group at her church for parents of children with autism, and serving as an advocate and resource for those families and others she has connected with on her journey. Sue believes God has a plan for every child, adult, and family living with autism as we all reflect the image of God in our own circles of influence.It's easy after reading Sue's bio to know why Chelsea wanted her to be the guest for this episode.There's a lot of "noise" in the space between noticing something is different about your child and getting a diagnosis. Quieting that noise allowed Chelsea to hear God's heartbeat again, and it sounded a lot like the peace she remembered before it seemed her parenting journey was flipped upside down.Chelsea and Sue talk about what practicing their Christian faith looked like before children, verses from the Bible that carried them through those years of raising children, and how the faith community might support its neurodiverse members.Content that may be unfamiliar in the order it comes up in the episode:"What to Expect When …" books: "What to Expect When You're Expecting" (Heidi Murkoff, Arlene Eisenberg, and Sandee Hathaway; rev. 1996), "What to Expect the First Year" (Heidi Murkoff, 1994), "What to Expect the Toddler Years" (Heidi Murkoff, Arlene Eisenberg, and Sandee Hathaway; 1994)Waisman Centerneuropsychologist: For the purpose of this episode, a specialist serving as a clinical evaluator and diagnostician. "Clinical Neuropsychology is a specialty field ... dedicated to understanding the relationships between brain and behavior, particularly as these relationships can be applied to the diagnosis of brain disorder, assessment of cognitive and behavioral functioning and the design of effective treatment." (American Psychological Association)Podcast includes an introduction for episodes 6 and following at the beginning. Transition music, "Taking a Vocation", by Noey Budde. Closing narration for episodes 6 and following.

Pete Budde is a devoted husband to his high school sweetheart, Chelsea, and a proud father to two incredible adults, Justus and Noey. A lifelong learner, he finds joy in reading, music, and competition. With nearly 30 years of professional experience, Pete has been fortunate to work alongside exceptional teammates and colleagues, forming lasting friendships along the way. His passion for growth and connection defines both his personal and professional life, making him a valued friend, mentor, and competitor.Pete came to parenting with the preconceptions that the world was tough, and he would have to raise his kids to be ready to take it on. But when his firstborn (Justus) was diagnosed with autism back in 2003, it was his interaction with the neuropsychologist that upended his perspective and set the Budde family on a different track.Chelsea poses questions to her husband that get right to the heart of the transformative power of parental love. That transformation lead to the marital alignment necessary to ride the stressors that come with parenting neurospicy children. While studies suggest that the divorce rate is higher among couples parenting autistic children than neurotypical children (see article), the Buddes doubled-down on collaboration and acceptance -- a strategy that paid off across their family's quarter-century journey in neurodiverse territory.Podcast includes an introduction for episodes 6 and following at the beginning. Transition music, "Taking a Vocation", by Noey Budde. Closing narration for episodes 6 and following.

It seemed to Chelsea that just as she was learning to adult, she had to learn to parent. And then had to learn to be the parent of children with developmental disabilities. She frames her experiences of navigating this journey to nurse Jennie Wright's 7 Stages of Grief (2011).Chelsea explains her initially ableist feelings around autism and her own feelings of overwhelm kept her in the first four stages longer than she would have liked. But once she hit that Upward Turn, with the belief that God was ahead of and beside her, she was able to evolve into the mama bear her neurospicy children needed and deserved for her to be.You'll hear Chelsea refer to Emily Perl Kingsley’s poem “Welcome To Holland”. Terminology that may be unfamiliar in the order it comes up in the episode:rhabdomyolysis (Cleveland Clinic)Guillian-Barré syndrome: a rare autoimmune disorder where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the peripheral nerves in response to an infection, which can result in a muscle paralysis that begins in the extremities and, in serious cases, moves toward the body's core organs. (Mayo Clinic)neuroaffirmingApplied Behavior AnalysisIndividuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)Individualized Education Plan (IEP)Medical Home model: an approach to providing comprehensive primary care that facilitates partnerships between patients, clinicians, medical staff, and families (American Academy of Pediatrics)Podcast includes an introduction for episodes 6 and following at the beginning. Transition music, "Taking a Vocation", by Noey Budde. Closing narration for episodes 6 and following.

Chelsea's second-born, Noey, contributes so much valuable insight in this episode introducing them. A recent graduate from Columbia College Chicago, Noey Budde is still very much trying to find their place in the world, but has a great start with an illustrious background in both the humanitarian and creative fields. Noey is an educated composer creating pieces for various forms of media, primarily podcasts (including this one!) and film. When not in their studio, they’re found working alongside the bright students of Chicago as a substitute teacher. One of their biggest dreams is to create media that comforts and reassures others on the spectrum and living with neurodiversity that they’re seen and heard.Noey was diagnosed with autism and ADHD (Embrace Autism), which makes them an "AuDHDer," two decades ago as a three-year-old girl. Noey now identifies as nonbinary, prefers they/them pronouns, and is using their lived experience as a substitute teacher.From Noey's perspective, learn why an early diagnosis and self-awareness are advantageous.how stigmatism around neurodivergence and Special Education impacted identity.why educators might "ask why" of a student.the purpose behind "stims" (blog from Prosper Health).Chelsea uses these terms that might need explanation: autistic masking (full episode on this topic scheduled for October)ableism/ableist thinking (full episode on this topic scheduled for October)neurospicymitochondrial myopathy (Muscular Dystrophy Association)rhabdomyolysis (Cleveland Clinic)perfect pitch: the ability to identify or produce a musical note without a reference tonegross motor coordination: coordinating large muscle movements for activities like walking, jumping, dancing, or balancing, which may appear as clumsiness or difficulty with motor planningocarinaIf it seems like Chelsea had a difficult time honing the content of this episode to keep it around 20 minutes, it's because she did! Luckily, Noey will be back for a June episode on Autism and Gender Identity. Want to see Noey and Chelsea in person? Check out their breakout session at the 36th Annual Wisconsin Autism Conference on Friday, April 4!Podcast includes an introduction for episodes 6 and following at the beginning. Transition music, "Taking a Vocation", by Noey Budde. Closing narration for episodes 6 and following.

Chelsea introduces her son Justus, who made her a mama, and taught her so very much about neurodivergence (different brain wiring).From the precious story about Mr. Muffin the cat, which illustrates why Justus is often called an "animal whisperer", to the neurotypes Justus rocks in addition to autism (including bipolar disorder, an intellectual disability, and obsessive compulsive disorder), this insight into who Justus is helps inform listeners about the topics that will follow after the next three episodes.There's some discussion, too, about comorbidities, or co-existing conditions Justus has, including a mitochondrial myopathy and celiac disease.From special interests to dysregulated meltdowns, Chelsea explains the fabric of Justus' being, which has helped tens of thousands of students and educators know better and do better in their interactions with autistic people.A glossary of terms, in order of appearance ...PUPPP rash: an itchy rash that sometimes appears during pregnancy. The letters PUPPP stand for pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy. (Cleveland Clinic)uterine inertia: failure of the uterus to contract with normal strength, duration, and intervals during childbirth (National Library of Medicine)sensory perception: processing information perceived through senses of taste, smell, touch, sight, hearing, and others (More on being over- or under-sensitive to sensory input from the National Autistic Society.)gestalt language processing: According to ASHA (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association), gestalt language processing (GLP) is a style of language development where children memorize phrases before learning individual words. Children with GLP start by learning "gestalts", which are chunks of language. (More from Progressive Pediatric Therapy.)special interests: focused fascinations or passions that occupy much time and attentiondysregulation: a central nervous system reaction to emotional and sensory overloadmeltdown: not a tantrum, but the physiological response to a state of overwhelmmedical social worker: a professional who plays a vital role in the healthcare system by providing support to patients and their families who are facing medical and emotional challenges (National Association of Social Workers)medical home: an approach to providing comprehensive primary care that facilitates partnerships between patients, clinicians, medical staff, and families (American Academy of Pediatrics)Podcast includes an introduction for episodes 6 and following at the beginning. Transition music, "Taking a Vocation", by Noey Budde. Closing narration for episodes 6 and following.

Chelsea describes her family as "neurodiverse". What does that mean?Understand the neurodiversity within Chelsea's family through introductions to herself and husband Pete, and their two now grown children, Justus and Noey. Words like "neuromajority" or "neuro-normative" are differentiated from "neurodivergent" as she reveals Justus and Noey's neurotypes as they were discovered during the preschool years.Chelsea explains her goals for the podcast in general, and specifically the first five episodes. Do you know what the neurodiversity paradigm is? Are your approaches neuroaffirming? This podcast episode might be a good place to get your feet wet or dive headfirst!Podcast includes an introduction for episodes 6 and following at the beginning. Transition music, "Taking a Vocation", by Noey Budde. Closing narration for episodes 6 and following.