Welcome to Dylan's House: Navigating Autism Together

In today's episode of "Welcome to Dylan's House", Amy and Kevin Shope get raw and emotional on the many hardships they have navigated as parents of an adult son with autism. For new listeners, Amy and Kevin really give listeners a realistic view on what their everyday life looks like with Dylan. Later on in the episode, they share a medical emergency they had to face on Thanksgiving. This episode is a reminder of the daily challenges faced for people with autism along with their families and caregivers. Amy and Kevin discuss how they strive every single day to ensure Dylan is given a life we all want and deserve. To follow along with our journey, find us on Facebook, Instagram, and Linkedin. For more information on and our website Dylanshouse.org.

On today's episode of "Welcome to Dylan's House", Amy and Kevin Shope had the pleasure to interview Melissa Archer who founded the nonprofit Jasmynn's Voice, named in honor of her daughter. Jasmynn is a 24 years old who is functionally non-verbal. Her parents wanted to ensure from a young age that she would have the tools to communicate. They found that technology was able to bridge the gap of communication between her and her world. The mission of their nonprofit is to not only provide iPads for children with autism in Southern Michigan, but to also provide education on how to communicate and interact with the autism community.Amy, Kevin and Melissa share the blessings and hardships of having adult children with autism while navigating everyday life.To learn more about Jasmynn and how Jasmynn's Voice is making big strides in Southern Michigan, visit www.jasmynnsvoice.org or find them on Facebook and Instagram.

In this episode of "Welcome to Dylan's House," Amy and Kevin Shope interview the Mayor of Struthers, Catherine Cercone Miller. Mayor Cat has an educational background in psychology and autism and her desire for helping all the people in her community shines through this episode.The City of Struthers generously donated a piece of land within the city for the first new build for Dylan's House. Mayor Cat is passionate about making this project a priority and rallying the city of Struthers around the effort. To learn more about this exciting partnership and what the future looks like for Dylan's House, check us out on social media.

In this episode, Amy and Kevin Shope interview Crissi Jenkins, the Chief Growth Officer at Potential Development.Potential Development School, located in Youngstown, Ohio, is a pre-k through 12th grade school for students diagnosed with autism. Their mission is to provide an individualized education for each student in a safe, state-of-the-art environment designed to empower them to reach their fullest potential in life. Crissi shares valuable information on how Potential Development is different than other options available for children with autism and sharing what their students lives can look like post graduation. To learn more about Potential Development, visit their website at potentialdevelopment.org or find them on Facebook and Instagram.

In this episode of "Welcome to Dylan's House", Amy and Kevin Shope interview Rob Gorski, an influential blogger and podcast host, best known as "The Autism Dad". Since 2009, his mission has been to educate, validate, and provide support to parents raising children with disabilities while he has transformed his personal experiences as a father of three autistic children into a resource for parents across the globe. Rob’s work has earned recognition from CNN, ABC News, BBC Worldwide, the Tamron Hall Show, and has received dozens of awards for best autism-related blog. His compelling narrative resonates with his audience, making a significant impact on the global autism community. To learn more about Rob and his family, check him out on instagram at @theautismdad or his website www.theautismdad.com.

In this episode of "Welcome to Dylan's House," we were thrilled to get a better glimpse of what it was like for our daughter Anderson growing up with a sibling with autism. Anderson relives all the trials and tribulations and everything in between she had to manage as she was navigating her childhood and teenage years alongside Dylan. She shares some vulnerable memories about family outings that didn't always go as planned. Anderson is currently 20 years old and a junior at Bowling Green University where she is studying Business Management. When she isn't studying, she is hanging out with friends and active in her sorority. We are beyond proud of her growth over the years and for her constant love for her brother Dylan. If you liked this episode, please subscribe, like, and share. Check us out on social media or at our website, DylansHouse.org.

Three Key Takeaways from this Episode: 1. Community Support and Engagement One of the major highlights from our recent events, including an educational event and a fundraiser, was the overwhelming support and engagement from our community. It was heartwarming to see parents, caregivers, and individuals with autism come together to share their stories, seek support, and connect with resources. The power of community in navigating challenges and celebrating successes cannot be understated. 2. Importance of Self-Care and Recharging As we shared our busy schedule and events, we also highlighted the importance of self-care and taking time to recharge. Whether it's a quick night out or a weekend getaway, finding moments to rejuvenate and reconnect with loved ones is crucial. Our recent birthday celebration and getaway served as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing self-care amidst our busy lives. 3. Challenges and Triumphs in Caregiving We also touched upon the ongoing challenges and triumphs in caregiving for individuals with autism, specifically focusing on grooming routines and personal care. From navigating sensory issues to establishing new routines, caregiving for individuals with autism requires patience, understanding, and adaptability. Our experiences with Dylan's grooming routines shed light on the continuous learning and growth in providing the best care possible. Join the Conversation! I invite you to listen to the full episode for more insights, stories, and reflections on our journey with autism and advocacy. Your support and engagement mean the world to us, and we look forward to continuing to share our story with you all. Thank you for being a part of our community and for your unwavering support. Let's keep the conversation going and continue to learn, grow, and inspire together.

In this episode of "Welcome to Dylan's House," we had the pleasure of interviewing Bill Whitaker, the superintendent of the Mahoning County Board of Developmental Disabilities. Bill shared valuable insights into the services provided by the board for individuals with developmental disabilities in Mahoning County. He highlighted the importance of building relationships with schools to support individuals transitioning into adulthood.Bill also discussed the collaborative efforts within the Mahoning Valley community, emphasizing the willingness of different organizations and agencies to work together for the betterment of families and individuals with disabilities. The episode touched on the complexities of accessing waivers and Medicaid services, emphasizing the need for individualized support tailored to each person's unique needs.The hosts, Kevin and Amy, also mentioned upcoming events, including an educational event on transitioning to adulthood and a Sunday Funday event at Penguin City Brewery. They encouraged listeners to engage with their organization, Dylan's House, and participate in these community events to support individuals with autism and developmental disabilities. Overall, the episode highlighted the importance of collaboration, individualized support, and community involvement in providing services for individuals with disabilities.

I am thrilled to announce the latest episode of "Welcome to Dylan's House" podcast, where we had the honor of hosting Mahoning County Prosecutor, Gina DiGenova. In this insightful episode, we delved into navigating autism, community outreach, and the impactful programs initiated by Gina. Here are three key takeaways from our conversation: Special Needs Registry: Gina introduced the Mahoning County Special Needs Registry, a vital mode of communication between individuals with special needs and law enforcement. The registry provides crucial information to 911 dispatchers, ensuring first responders are equipped to handle situations involving vulnerable individuals effectively. Community Outreach and Education: Gina's passion for helping vulnerable members of society shines through in her commitment to prevention, education, and community outreach. Through programs like the Special Victims Unit and the upcoming Blue Envelope program, Gina and her team are making a tangible difference in the community by prioritizing safety and support for those in need. Continuous Learning and Improvement: Gina emphasized the importance of ongoing training and education for law enforcement to better interact with individuals with disabilities. While progress has been made, Gina believes there is always room for improvement and is dedicated to ensuring that resources and support are readily available for those who need it. If you want to learn more about Gina's inspiring work and the impactful programs she has spearheaded, be sure to listen to the full episode on our podcast. Remember to subscribe, like, and share to stay updated on our real-life stories and initiatives at Dylan's House. Join us, meet us, and give back at Dylan's House. Let's continue to support and uplift our community together!

In this episode of "Welcome to Dylan's House," my wife Amy and I discuss our experiences with professional caregivers in the context of raising our son, Dylan, who has severe autism. We share stories of recruiting caregivers, balancing trust and control, and the impact caregivers have had on our lives. We highlight the challenges and rewards of the caregiver role, emphasizing the importance of their work in supporting individuals with autism. We also touch on our nonprofit's mission to support caregivers through grants and encourage others to consider this rewarding career path. Overall, we express gratitude for the dedication and commitment of professional caregivers and invite listeners to join us in our journey at Dylan's House.

Join us as we explore the unique joys and challenges of traveling with an autistic child. In this episode, we'll share personal stories and practical tips for creating memorable and stress-free vacations for families on the autism spectrum. Discover strategies for planning, communication, sensory-friendly experiences, and creating a supportive environment that enhances the travel experience for everyone.

In this episode, we sit down with Jimmy Suttman, the visionary founder of Purple Cat, an organization dedicated to providing phenomenal services to the autistic community. Join us as we delve into Jimmy's inspiring journey, share stories, and his passion for empowering individuals on the autism spectrum. The innovative programs offered by Purple Cat are making a difference in the lives of many. Discover the impact of their work and gain insights into the importance of inclusivity and support for individuals with autism.

Having a child with severe Autism takes you on a trip you never planned for, but you end up at the destination you were meant to be at.

In this emotional and inspiring episode, Autism mom Tammy talks about her son Artie, her family, and the special bond our families share. Welcome to Dylan's House is our families real and raw story of navigating Autism and how it inspired us to pay it forward. Learn more at dylanshouse.org.

Welcome to Dylan's House is our family's real and raw story of navigating Autism and how it inspired us to pay it forward. In this episode we respond to a followers request, and discuss our history of dealing with our school district, IEP meetings, attorneys, worry and stress, all to ensure the best school placement for our Autistic son.

In this episode, our friend and fellow Autism parent Lisa Robinson shares more heartwarming and hilarious stories of navigating Autism.

Dylan's House is our family's real and raw story of navigating Autism and how it inspired us to pay it forward.

Welcome to Dylan's House is our family's real and raw story of navigating Autism and how it inspired us to pay it forward.

Welcome To Dylan's House is our family's real and raw story of navigating Autism and how it inspired us to pay it forward. Dylan's House is a non profit organization providing housing and promoting caregiver support for Autistic individuals. Follow Dylan's House on Facebook, TikTok, and LinkedIn, ThisIsDylansHouse on Instagram, and learn more at dylanshouse.org.

Kevin and Amy discuss their decision to transition their Autistic son Dylan out of their family home and into supported living at the age of 17. Welcome To Dylan's House is our families real and raw story of navigating Autism and how it inspired us to pay it forward.

Welcome To Dylan's House is our families real and raw story of navigating Autism and how it inspired us to pay it forward.

Welcome To Dylan's House is our families real story of navigating Autism and how it inspired us to pay it forward.

A couple's first attempt at podcasting to tell the real and raw story of raising a child with severe Autism. Hear how it transformed their family and inspired them to pay it forward. Join Us. Meet us. Give back.