The Autism Exchange

Janis & Michael have a VERY quick check-in with news, reviews, and things to come. Get your Autism Exchange quick fix in this short. Ideas? Questions? Feedback? Let us know! [email protected]

Michael and Janis welcome back a special guest, one who generously works behind the microphone and behind the scenes- AND is a mom of two boys, one of whom has autism.  Who can it be?  Welcome back, Kirsten Coldiron!  In her usual candor, Kirsten talks about finding the right fit with doctors, caregivers, and everyday people who interact with families,  including hair stylists, grocery store passersby and everyone in between.  Kirsten shares what is been like on her trips to Holland with PJ, with occasional detours to Spain.  She also talks about how her whole family celebrates the everyday wins, and the big milestones.  And the people outside of her family who make it possible.  For parents and professionals- we see you.  And you don't want to miss this episode!

Farha, a solo mom of Vincent, a young boy with autism, shows us how to find the beauty in everything - even the hard stuff (like poo in a pool). Her perspective on "get to" instead of "have to" is life changing. Please don't miss this! Feedback? Questions? Comments? Suggestions? Let us know! [email protected]

Well, this happened...Join Janis and Michael as they try their best to keep the wheels on the bus during this continuation of the recap series. Try not to laugh - we dare you. Find great conversation and great levity in this episode that recounts recent happenings in the Autism Exchange world!

Catherine Weiner Part 2! The follow-up we have been promising definitely delivers. Catherine gives us more details and insights to drive home exactly how to bring self-advocacy to your next IEP meeting. This should be required listening for parents and professionals alike - to learn more about your child/student and where they want to go.Questions? Feedback? Ideas? We want to hear from [email protected]

In this episode of the Autism Exchange, we talk about reading and speaking new languages with parents, how we attempt to define autism for ourselves and others, and of course, Michael shares his notorious penchant for southern sayin’s. This episode has a few surprises and more great conversations that bring new insights into the Autism Exchange, you won’t want to miss this one!

In today's episode of the Autism Exchange, Janis & Michael meet Stacey Ferrell, a preschool teacher (and a whole lot more), who shares lots of laughs and lots of insight into what it takes to push children to be the best they can be. It's not easy, and sometimes you get a black eye, but it's possible. Equally informative, emotional, and hilarious, you don't want to miss this one!Feedback? Questions? Suggestions? Let us [email protected]

In this brief sneak peek episode, get to know Catherine Weiner! What does it look like in Catherine's Home and Country? Come see why you DO NOT want to miss Part 2 of Catherine Weiner - coming soon!!

Join Michael and Janis as they recap the last three episodes. If you weren't able to listen individually, this is a great opportunity to hear a summary of the GREAT things that came from unplanned and unprompted conversation with three AMAZING guests. "My Home. My Country." continues to shine! Questions? Feedback? Ideas? Let us know! [email protected]

In this special episode, things get personal as we hear from an amazing teenager who chats with Michael and Janis about what it's like to have ADHD.  What it like to have ADHD at home?  At school? With friends?  With peers?  And most importantly, how do see yourself with ADHD?   This special episode is not an insight into just ADHD,  Caroline's voice speaks for kids and adults everywhere who feel a little different and a little vulnerable.  Her words just might be words across many learning and diagnostic profiles.  Caroline offers her perspective with humor, grace, honesty, and what she would like everyone to know about having a "brain that works a little differently." Also: a special surprise in this episode- see if you catch it! Idea? Suggestions? Let us [email protected]

The podcast today is like NOTHING you have heard before in the world of education & autism (and other special needs IEP planning). Catherine Weiner joins us today to talk about her commitment to her students and her own sons, to make sure they have a voice in their own education and their own future. In Part 1 of 2, Catherine discusses the overlooked part of all IEP meetings - the student. Catherine shares her perspective and "how-to's" to really get to know your child or your student as they become centerpieces in their own plans for the future. The Autism Exchange opens up the possibilities when we listen to the kids - in whatever way they communicate - life-long lessons in agency for the kids, and moments remembered for a lifetime when people listen and hear kids speak for themselves - including kids who don't have verbal skills. Teachers and parents - this is a special episode for you - get ready to re-think everything you thought you knew about education! Grace takes a seat at IEP meetings, too!Have ideas? Suggestions? Let us [email protected]

Join Janis and Michael as they have GREAT fun with Dr. Kara Burton, a Doctor of Occupational Therapy but, more importantly, a kind and inquisitive person! Kara brings humor, energy, and raw truth-telling to the conversation. You don't want to miss this one! Buckle up!

To suggest a guest, provide priceless feedback, or to offer suggestions for topics that are important to YOU, send us an email at: [email protected]!In this episode of the Autism Exchange, join Michael and Janis as they dig into the best parts of the first two episodes! You will laugh, you will learn, but most importantly, you WILL HAVE FUN! As always, we promise not to preach self-help skills. Come see for yourself! Please like, subscribe, and leave reviews!

In this episode, we have a terrific conversation Dr. DeAnna Grubbs. She shows us how her everyday interactions and commitment to thoughtful communication make her the best of the best. So, luckily for her patients, Dr. Grubbs answered the calling to be a physician. Dr. Grubbs is a Pediatrician and mom of two. Her medical training combined with her insights and compassion as a mom, including being the mom of a child with a developmental disability, speaks volumes to how she communicates and gets to know her patients and their families. This is an episode you won’t want to miss- Dr. Grubbs inspires parents, patients and physicians across all practices to bring their best.  *Technical snafus occur. It happened to us. But we recovered. Forgive us if our audio during this episode is less than our normal quality - but this conversation was too good to redo. Enjoy!

Welcome to the Autism Exchange Podcast! In this first episode, we jump right into great conversation with Kirsten Coldiron. Kirsten, a previous marketing director for an international company, became a stay at home mom to a 6 year old with autism, along with his 3 year old brother. Learn what it means to say "My Home, My Country". Join us as we talk candidly, laugh (a lot), share some surprises and find out what we all have in common. Our first episode and one you wan't want to miss!