THE SJ CHILDS SHOW-Building a Community of Inclusion
🎙️ Welcome to The SJ Childs Show Podcast! 🎉Join Sara Bradford—better known as SJ Childs—as she bridges understanding and advocacy for the neurodivergent community. This podcast shines a light on autism awareness, empowering stories, expert insights, and practical resources for parents, educators, and individuals alike.Brought to you by The SJ Childs Global Network, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting autistic individuals and their families worldwide, this show is your weekly dose of inspiration and actionable ideas. Visit sjchilds.org to learn more about our mission, find resources, and connect with our growing community.Catch us on platforms like Spotify, Apple Podcas...
Episode 327-Finding Your Voice: Siblings, Stories, and Special Needs with Mila Maxwell
Send us a text
Curiosity drives creativity in this heartfelt conversation with author Mila Maxwell, whose debut novel "Finding Lady Baltimore" emerged from a simple yet profound question: "What if something happened to me that allowed me to see her perspective?" This burning desire to understand her sister Sarah's experience with cerebral palsy ultimately became the foundation for a work of fiction that blends real-life experiences with imaginative exploration.
Maxwell's journey from caregiver sibling to storyteller reveals the complex dynamics of growing up alongside someone with different abilities. Just 18 months older than Sarah, she naturally...
Episode 327-Everyone Deserves Connection: Dating with Disabilities with Kathy O'Connell
Send us a text
Kathy O'Connell opens up about her journey navigating dating while living with cerebral palsy, revealing how vulnerability and self-acceptance transformed her personal life and launched her mission to help others. As founder of Radiant Abilities, she's developed a framework that guides people with disabilities through the often challenging world of dating and relationships.
Her story is both touching and inspiring – after years of painful dating experiences, Kathy learned that openly acknowledging her disability while confidently highlighting her strengths as a partner was the breakthrough she needed. This approach led to meeting he...
Episode 326-Beyond Words: Autism's Intuitive Connection with Catherine Crestani
Send us a text
What if your child's seemingly unusual behaviors are actually their way of connecting with a world most of us can't see?Â
Catherine Crestani, leadership coach and intuitive healer with nearly two decades of experience as a speech-language pathologist, shares profound insights about the spiritual dimensions of autism that mainstream approaches often miss. Drawing from her extensive work with hundreds of children on the spectrum, Catherine reveals how many nonverbal children possess remarkable intuitive abilities – sensing energies, communicating with spirits, and processing the world in ways that defy conventional understanding.
Thi...
Episode 325-Your Autism Is Not My Autism: Celebrating Neurological Diversity with Dr. Kristen Williamson
Send us a text
What if autism isn't a modern condition but an ancient, essential thread in human evolution? Dr. Kristen Williamson, a professional counselor diagnosed with autism at 39, takes us on a journey that challenges everything we think we know about neurodiversity.
"I feel like an alien wearing a matching skin suit of a human," Dr. Williamson confesses, describing the exhausting process of studying and mimicking neurotypical behaviors just to fit in. Her late diagnosis mirrors the experience of countless women and girls whose autism goes unrecognized behind masks of anxiety, depression, and learned...
Episode 324-Dyslexia and Dysgraphia Don't Define Your Child's Future-with Daniela Feldhausen
Send us a text
What happens when children struggle to read despite their best efforts? How can parents spot the early warning signs of dyslexia or dysgraphia? And why do millions of children continue falling behind in reading despite classroom interventions?
Daniela Feldhausen, founder of Kids Up Reading Tutors, brings both professional expertise and transformative solutions to these pressing questions. After 25 years practicing law in Washington DC, Daniela discovered her true calling while volunteering with struggling readers at a local elementary school. This passion led her to pursue a master's degree in special education, specialized...
Episode 323-Beyond the Box: Celebrating Neurodiversity and Finding Freedom in Authenticity
Send us a text
Ever felt like your brain works differently than everyone else's? Dr. Albert Bramante invites us to celebrate these differences as superpowers rather than limitations in this enlightening conversation about neurodiversity.
Drawing from his 22 years as a talent agent and his background in psychology, Dr. Bramante shares why he prefers the term "neurodivergent" over "on the spectrum" - it recognizes different processing styles without implying something is wrong. His personal revelation about likely having undiagnosed ADHD illustrates how understanding our unique wiring can be profoundly liberating rather than limiting.
The...
Episode 322-Empowering Neurodiverse Children Through Meditation and Mindfulness in Schools with Luminara
Send us a text
What if the key to transforming children's mental health wasn't found in medication or traditional therapy, but in teaching them to quiet their minds and connect with their bodies? In this eye-opening conversation with healer and educator Luminara from Manchester, UK, we discover the remarkable impact of bringing meditation, visualization, and energy work into school settings.
Luminara's journey begins with a profound personal experience—her newborn son was pronounced dead multiple times before distance Reiki healing created what doctors called a "miracle." This transformative experience led her to discover her calling in...
Episode 321-AI for Autistics: Empowering Individuals Through Technology with Derek Crager
Send us a text
What happens when artificial intelligence meets neurodivergent thinking? Magic, innovation, and life-changing tools for those who've always felt different.
Meet Derek Crager, a late-diagnosed autistic entrepreneur who spent decades feeling like "an alien here on Earth to observe" before discovering his neurotype at age 50. Now he's channeling his unique perspective into creating AI solutions specifically designed for the neurodivergent community.
Derek's journey from industrial construction worker to the creator of Amazon's highest-rated employee training program reveals how differently-wired brains can excel when given the right opportunities. Through his nonprofit "...
Episode 320-Alien Savant-Remember When Autism Had No Name? A Conversation with Author Janet Elliott
Send us a text
What happens when you uncover a hidden family history that reveals both heartbreak and resilience? Janet's discovery of a banker's box filled with her brother's medical records sparked an unexpected journey into autism's troubling past and ultimately led to her powerful memoir, "The Alien Savant."
Born in the 1950s when autism wasn't recognized as a diagnosis, Janet's brother Michael was simply labeled "mentally retarded" like countless other neurodivergent children of his era. Through intimate family stories and Michael's own remarkable artwork, Janet reconstructs a time when children displaying autistic behaviors were...
Episode 319- My Brain Surgery Revealed My Autistic Son's World with Jacki Edry
Send us a text
What if you suddenly experienced the sensory challenges your autistic child faces every day? Jacki Edry's life took a dramatic turn when doctors discovered a massive tumor on her brainstem. After surgery, she woke to a transformed reality - faces appeared to melt, floors became disorienting patterns, and everyday sounds overwhelmed her completely.
This remarkable conversation explores Jacki's extraordinary journey from being solely a parent and advocate for her autistic son to experiencing neurodistinctness firsthand. As the author of "Moving Forward: Reflections on Autism, Neurodiversity, Brain Surgery and Faith," Jacki shares...
Episode 318-Behind the Scenes: The Real Life of a "Love on the Spectrum" Star with Kaelynn Partlow
Send us a text
What happens when autism representation meets reality? Kaelynn Partlow pulls back the curtain on life before, during, and after Netflix's "Love on the Spectrum" in this candid conversation about authenticity and advocacy in the public eye.
Diagnosed with autism at age 10 after years of medical professionals dismissing her mother's concerns ("In the nineties, girls couldn't catch autism," she jokes), Kaylin's journey from struggling student to lead therapist at Project Hope showcases the power of proper identification and support. Now working with autistic clients while managing...
Episode 317-Movement Matters: An Interview with Autism Advocate Dr. Mark Fleming
Send us a text
Every movement matters. That's the powerful message Dr. Mark Fleming brings to his work with autistic individuals seeking to improve their physical wellness. Diagnosed with autism at age 11 due to motor and speech challenges, Dr. Fleming has transformed his personal experience into a mission that's changing lives across the autism community.
The conversation reveals how seemingly simple movements can dramatically improve quality of life when approached with understanding and expertise. Dr. Fleming shares the story of preventing a young client's knee surgery through dedicated movement therapy – a success that proved even mo...
Episode 316-Finding My Autism at 44: A Late Diagnosis Journey with Professor Jason Ybarra
Send us a text
What does it mean to discover your autism at age 44? Dr. Jason Ybarra takes us on a profound journey of self-discovery that began when he noticed he could understand his autistic students in ways others couldn't. "This feels like a cozy sweater," he recalls thinking, as pieces of his own identity puzzle started falling into place.
The revelation transformed Dr. Ybarra's understanding of his past. Those childhood hours spent alone with art and Legos, the social exhaustion misdiagnosed as depression, the academic paradox of excelling in math while struggling with writing—su...
Episode 315-Cooking Without Sight: The Blind Kitchen Revolution with Debra Erickson
Send us a text
What happens when you're passionate about cooking but can't see the ingredients? For Debra, founder of The Blind Kitchen, vision loss became the catalyst for culinary innovation rather than limitation.
Debra's story begins unexpectedly – she wasn't a natural cook, growing up as one of twelve children with limited kitchen experience. When retinitis pigmentosa claimed most of her vision in her fifties, she made a remarkable decision: instead of abandoning cooking, she enrolled in culinary school as their first legally blind student. There, she developed adaptive techniques that have since transformed kitchen ac...
Episode 314-Homeschool Hacks and Learning Styles for All Learners with Linsey Knerl
Send us a text
"What if homeschooling didn't have to look like anyone else's version but your own?" This question frames our enlightening conversation with Linsey Knerl, veteran homeschooling mother of six and author of "Homeschool Hacks." With children ranging from 11 to 26 years old, Linsey shares how her family's "one year at a time" approach evolved into a two-decade educational journey that prioritizes flexibility, observation, and meeting each child where they are.
Linsey reveals her pragmatic "education curation" philosophy—connecting children with passionate subject experts through online courses, co-ops, and carefully selected curricula rather than at...
Episode 313-Beyond the Mask: Discovering Your Patterns of Possibility with Coach Lee Hopkins
Send us a text
What if the key to meaningful connections isn't trying harder to fit in, but learning how to authentically stand out? Coach Lee Hopkins transforms this question into life-changing guidance for late-diagnosed autistic adults struggling with social connections.
Growing up watching sitcoms where problems resolved neatly in 30 minutes, Coach Lee assumed real relationships would follow the same pattern. Instead, he spent decades "destroying relationships" without understanding why. Through therapy, he discovered the foundation of connection—acknowledging that both he and others had feelings—but something was still missing. As an undiagnosed autistic pers...
Episode 312-The Twice Exceptional Journey: Understanding Giftedness and Autism with guests Deb Gennarelli and John Truitt
Send us a text
Discovering you're twice exceptional—both gifted and neurodivergent—can be transformative, especially when diagnosed as an adult. In this fascinating conversation, Sara welcomes authors Deb Gennarelli and John Truitt to explore the complex world of twice exceptionality (2E) through their book "Navigating Neurodiversity."
John shares his remarkable journey of being diagnosed at 45 as both gifted and on the autism spectrum with dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia. Unlike many narratives in the neurodiversity space, John describes a childhood where he excelled socially, becoming a class leader who dated "pretty, smart girls" and never expe...
Episode 311- Seeing Beyond Limitations with Sara Freeman Smith
Send us a text
What happens when your entire life changes in an instant? For Sara Freeman Smith, losing 95% of her vision wasn't the end of her story—it was the beginning of something much greater.
In this profound conversation, Sara shares her remarkable journey as a disability advocate, career navigator, and author of "Turning Stones Into Gems: Learn How to Find Purpose in Your Life and Career." With warmth and wisdom, she reveals how her greatest challenge became her greatest gift, teaching her the power of asking for help and the pa...
Episode 310-Empowering Learners: Multi-Sensory Strategies for Academic Success with Dr. Emily Levy
Send us a text
Ever wondered why some brilliant minds struggle with reading, writing, or math? What if the key isn't trying harder, but learning differently?
Dr. Emily Levy, founder of EBL Coaching, takes us into the world of multi-sensory learning strategies that transform education for students with diverse learning needs. Drawing from her twenty-one years of experience and childhood immersed in special education (her mother founded a school for students with learning disabilities), Dr. Levy shares how targeted, research-based approaches help students not just overcome challenges but discover their unique strengths.
"Every...
BONUS EPISODE-Finding Your Voice in Faith and Autism for the Summit-with Ron Sandison
Send us a text
What does authentic autism advocacy look like when powered by faith? Ron Sandison offers a compelling answer in this thought-provoking conversation from the International Autism Summit. As a mental health professional speaking to over 30,000 people annually across 70 events worldwide, Ron brings a unique perspective shaped by his extraordinary gift—15,000 scriptures memorized word-perfect—and his journey as one of only two openly autistic licensed ministers in the Assemblies of God's 114-year history.
Ron takes us behind the pages of his new book, "Adulting on the Spectrum," revealing the critical connection challenges autistic indi...
Episode 309-When Strep Attacks the Brain: Ethan Pompeo's 20-Year Battle with PANDAS
Send us a text
What happens when a simple strep throat infection triggers a devastating autoimmune response that attacks your brain? At age 13, Ethan Pompeo's life changed overnight when mysterious motor tics, compulsive behaviors, and overwhelming anxiety suddenly appeared, beginning a two-decade journey toward answers and healing.
Ethan takes us through the frustrating reality of living with PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neurological Disorders Associated with Strep) – a condition where strep antibodies cross the blood-brain barrier and create inflammation in the basal ganglia. His vivid descriptions of trying to complete simple tasks while battling uncontrollable tics paint a...
Episode 308-Beyond Words: How Music Bridges Neurological Differences with Craig Parks
Send us a text
Craig Parks transforms our understanding of connection with autistic children through the profound language of music. Drawing from his dual expertise as both a professional musician and father to an autistic son, Craig reveals how music became the bridge that helped his non-verbal toddler communicate and eventually thrive as a drummer with perfect pitch.
The conversation takes us through Craig's personal journey of receiving his son's autism diagnosis at just 16 months old, facing the uncertainty of whether he'd ever hear his child say "Daddy," and discovering how melody and rhythm created...
Episode 307-Navigating ADHD in Women: A Conversation with Dr. Gilly Kahn
Send us a text
Dr. Gilly Kahn brings a refreshing perspective to our understanding of ADHD, particularly in women, through her dual expertise as both a clinical psychologist and someone with lived experience. Her powerful reframing of ADHD not as an attention deficit but as an "overabundance of attention" challenges conventional thinking about neurodiversity in ways that will resonate deeply with listeners.
What makes this conversation particularly valuable is how Dr. Kahn bridges the gap between clinical knowledge and authentic human experience. She vividly describes the ADHD mind as having "a 1920s Great Gatsby party...
Episode 306-Making Music Accessible for Everyone with Bryson Tarbet
Send us a text
Bryson Tarbet, founder of That Music Teacher, takes us on a captivating journey through the world of accessible music education. Drawing from his personal experience with ADHD and sensory processing disorder, Bryson reveals how his quest to make the classroom more comfortable for himself evolved into a mission to ensure music is truly accessible for all students.
What begins as a conversation about simple seating arrangements quickly expands into a masterclass on creating fully inclusive music environments. Bryson shares practical approaches like offering flexible seating options, adapting instruments with occupational therapists...
Episode 305-Breaking Down Digital Barriers: A Conversation with Angela Fowler
Send us a text
Angela Fowler, a totally blind accessibility consultant from California, transforms our understanding of digital inclusion in this compelling conversation that challenges common misconceptions while offering practical solutions.
The eye-opening discussion begins with Angela sharing her evolution from passionate disability rights advocate to dedicated educator. This transition occurred when she realized that most designers, developers, and business leaders aren't deliberately creating inaccessible experiences—they simply lack awareness about accessibility needs and benefits. Her realization highlights a critical messaging problem in society: we're not educating people effectively about why accessibility matters and how to...
Bonus Episode from the International Autism Summit 2024-Transcending Expectations: An Autistic Journey to the Center Stage of Love on The Spectrum
Send us a text
Welcome to a sneak peek into The International Autism Summit 2024 with special guest speaker Devin Morrisey
When doctors told three-year-old Devin Morrissey he would never graduate high school, attend college, or live independently, they couldn't have imagined he would one day help transform how the world sees autism. In his powerful presentation "Bringing Autism to the Center Stage," Devin takes us on a journey from his childhood diagnosis to becoming a Netflix personality, podcast host, and fierce advocate who consistently defies expectations.
Growing up in Danville, California in the 1990...
Episode 304-The Heart of Independence: Nurturing Growth and Freedom to Empower Young Adults with Dr. Jack Stoltzfus
Send us a text
How do you navigate the complex landscape of parenting adult children while fostering their independence? In this enlightening episode, we delve into the essential principles of navigating this transition with love, support, and a focus on boundaries. Our expert guest, a seasoned psychologist, offers invaluable strategies that help parents understand the dual roles of love and discipline when guiding their children into adulthood.Â
From discussing the varying challenges young adults face, especially those with developmental disabilities, to practical tips on creating a five-year plan together, each segment is designed to empower p...
Episode 303-Faith and Inclusion in Action-A Father's Journey to Build Community with John Fela
Send us a text
What does it mean to truly support special needs families, and how can we as a community come together to offer that support? In our latest episode, we bring you a heartfelt conversation with John Fela, a dedicated advocate who has turned his personal journey as a parent of a nonverbal autistic son into a powerful mission working with Joni and Friends, a global Christian disability ministry. John's inspiring story of creating a support group for special needs dads not only highlights the importance of community but also reveals the transformative power of...
Episode 302-The Future of Learning Embracing Emotion and Transforming Schools with Author Leroy Slanzi
Send us a text
Join us for an enlightening conversation with Leroy Slanzi, an educator whose journey ranges from principal roles worldwide to his fulfilling work at an Indigenous school in British Columbia. This episode sheds light on the nuances of global educational systems, highlighting Canada’s impressive standing in education. Leroy offers insights into how the digital age and environmental factors are reshaping student behavior, and why emotional intelligence and holistic learning are critical in today's classrooms.
We dive deep into the urgent need for emotional education in schools, where traditional subjects often overshadow so...
Episode 301- Celebrating Self-Love and Neurodivergent Identity with Anneke Elmhirst
Send us a text
Anneke Elmhirst, a coach with a unique focus on neurodivergence, shares her transformative journey from behavior analysis to coaching. We explore the complexities of ADHD and autism, challenging the conventional one-size-fits-all approach and advocating for a personalized understanding of mental health. Anneke 's shift was driven by a need for values alignment, and she provides insight into how late diagnoses can manifest differently across individuals. Together, we question the efficacy of standard medical testing for atypical brains and highlight how identifying with neurodivergent labels can foster community building and support.
<...Episode 300-AUTISM IN ENTERTAINMENT: Journey Through Entertainment and Employment-with Judi Uttal and Marlene Sharp
Send us a text
Discover the inspiring journeys of Marlene and Judi, two extraordinary advocates reshaping the autism community. Judi, the mastermind behind Autism and Entertainment and leader of the Orange County Asperger Support Group, reflects on her dual role as a mother and high-tech marketing professional. Marlene, with her rich experience in animation as a producer and writer, shares her vision for bridging education with the entertainment industry through her work with the Center for Learning Unlimited. Together, they reveal the story behind their innovative autism and entertainment conference that has become a cornerstone for community...
Episode 299-Inspiring Community Action and Service: Tamika Lecheé Morales and the Autism Hero Project
Send us a text
Ever wondered how a personal journey can ignite a movement that changes lives? Meet Tamika Lecheé Morales, the dedicated founder of the Autism Hero Project, who turned her son Legend's autism diagnosis into a mission to transform the landscape for autistic individuals and their families. From offering crucial medical insurance to pioneering educational scholarships and hosting inclusive community events, learn how the Autism Hero Project is making a real difference. Tamika's story is not just about overcoming challenges; it's about creating opportunities and bridging gaps for those who need it most.
J...
Episode 298-Navigating Divorce: Special Needs, Self-Care, and Support for Families with Mary Ann Hughes
Send us a text
Facing the complexities of divorce is challenging enough, but when special needs are involved, the journey can feel even more daunting. Join us as we explore this sensitive topic with Mary Ann, a special needs divorce coach who has not only lived through the experience but has dedicated her career to helping others navigate these turbulent waters. Through her work with Special Family Transitions, Mary Ann offers invaluable insights into managing the emotional and logistical hurdles of divorce, especially for families with children on the autism spectrum. We discuss the high divorce...
Episode 297-Transformative Journeys: Autism Advocacy, Home Spa Creation, and the Power of Mindset with Philip Blackett
Send us a text
The SJ Childs Show
What if your life experiences could transform the lives of those you love most? Join us as Philip Blackett shares his compelling journey of personal growth and autism advocacy. Approaching his 40s, Philip reflects on how his grandmother's unwavering love shaped his understanding of autism and how his twin daughters' diagnoses became a turning point. Through heartfelt storytelling, Philip offers valuable insights into the importance of empathy, understanding, and shared experiences in supporting individuals on the autism spectrum.
<...
Episode 296-Finding Purpose and Peace: Gage's Journey from Autism Challenges to Advocacy
Send us a text
What if you could find peace and purpose after facing life's toughest challenges? Join us in this episode as we uncover the inspiring journey of Gage, a passionate advocate for autism awareness who transformed his early struggles into a powerful voice for change. Diagnosed with autism at age five, Gage didn't speak until then and found solace in building snack-box towers. His story is a testament to resilience and personal growth, taking us from a young boy in Pennsylvania to a determined advocate in Florida.
Gage opens up about confronting trauma...
Episode 295-Finding Identity: Daniel Durany's Journey as an Autistic Advocate and Entrepreneur
Send us a text
Daniel Durany's journey from job losses to discovering his place on the autism spectrum offers a raw and inspiring narrative. His experiences growing up in a socially reserved family, juxtaposed with his outgoing nature, shed light on the complexities of forming friendships and finding one's identity. As we catch up with Daniel, he shares his insights from navigating the world as a sports referee and the joys and challenges of fatherhood, all while advocating for greater understanding and acceptance within the autism community.
The path for an autistic entrepreneur can be...
Episode 294-From Speechwriting to Storytelling: A Journey into Adolescent Fiction with Author Steph Katzovi
Send us a text
What happens when a childhood dream takes an unexpected detour through the world of speechwriting only to emerge as a vibrant career in adolescent fiction? That's what our guest reveals as she recounts her unique journey towards becoming an author, inspired by personal experiences and a flair for capturing diverse voices. Discover how her life as a mom, wife, and writer intertwines, offering a refreshing take on managing a bustling household while nurturing a passion for storytelling. Her books, "Hurricamp" and "Miscommunicamp," embody this lively blend of humor and heart, connecting with readers...
Episode 293-Balancing Family Life and Advocacy Efforts with Inclusive Dad Podcast Host Aaron DeVries
Send us a text
Aaron DeVries, a devoted advocate for disability inclusion, brings his heartfelt journey to our conversation, inspired by his daughter's battles with epilepsy and cerebral palsy. As a father navigating a predominantly female advocacy space, Aaron shares the importance of belonging over merely fitting in, urging more fathers to lend their voices to the cause. We explore how personal experiences, including his upbringing, have shaped Aaron's advocacy approach, encouraging others to question societal norms and embrace emotional sensitivity.
Facing the daunting transition from pediatric to adult care, Aaron offers invaluable insights for...
Episode 292-Transforming Lives: Insights on Mental Health, Therapy, and Anxiety Management with Healey Ikerd
Send us a text
Join us for an enlightening conversation with Healey Ikerd, a seasoned licensed counselor from Arkansas who brings 17 years of expertise in mental health to our discussion. Healey passionately shares her journey from working with children to focusing on adults in her private practice, and the significance of modeling good mental health practices. Her insights are not just professional but deeply personal, as she draws from her experiences. Discover how believing in one's potential can transform lives, and why teaching children coping skills is more crucial now than ever.
Our chat takes...
đź”’ International Autism Summit-Breaking Barriers: Christian's Journey of Overcoming Autism Stigma and Embracing Inclusion
Subscriber-only episode
Send us a text
What happens when you challenge societal norms and prove the naysayers wrong? Join us as Christian takes us through his inspiring journey from overcoming the stigma of autism to becoming a beacon of hope and inclusion. Diagnosed in 2001, when understanding was limited, Christian defied discouraging predictions of his future by breaking stereotypes. From obtaining his driver’s license to becoming a passionate public speaker, he embodies resilience and determination. Discover how celebrating small wins, embracing unique learning styles, and leveraging social media can promote understanding and inclusion, as shared by...
