Piece by Piece

In this episode, we’re talking about one of our favorite strategies for supporting individuals with autism: being proactive. We dive into how setting up thoughtful systems, routines, and supports ahead of time can make a huge difference in helping someone thrive—not just survive.

We share the proactive measures we’ve seen work time and time again with Alec, including packing a well-stocked backpack, using social stories, setting cle...

At some point in your child’s—or adult child’s—journey, you’ll likely find yourself assembling what we call a “team.” These are the people who support, care for, and help your loved one thrive—and you're the one managing it all.

In this episode, we (Angie Matheney and Christi Jensen) share what we’ve learned from 25 years of building teams for Alec across three states and two countries. From in-home programming during early chi...

In this episode, we open up about one of the biggest—and hardest—decisions we’ve made for Alec: moving him to Utah.

We share what led up to that choice, what we learned during his time in Colorado, and how those experiences helped shape the path forward. This wasn’t a decision made lightly. It came with a lot of reflection, careful planning, and most importantly, Alec’s own input.

Now that he’s settled in, we can honestly say—it was ...

In this episode, we’re diving into the sometimes overwhelming—but incredibly important—world of data collection. We talk about why we take data, how it helps us support Alec, and how we use it not just for his progress, but also to guide and support our team.

We share how we decide what to track, when too much is too much, and how we’ve learned to strike a balance between meaningful data and practical, sustainable routines. We also ...

In this episode, we’re talking chores—how we got Alec started, how we create chore chains with just the right level of support, and why these daily tasks are so much more than household responsibilities.

Chores have been a huge part of Alec’s journey toward independence. We share how we taught him to complete tasks step by step, how we adjusted support as his skills grew, and why we believe every child—regardless of ability—can take...

In this episode, we dive into one of the most important routines in Alec’s daily life: sitting down at the start of each shift with his team member to plan out their time together. This isn’t just a schedule—it’s a thoughtful, intentional way to make sure Alec is engaging both his body and his mind in meaningful ways.

We talk about the parameters we’ve set to help guide those daily plans and create a well-rounded routine. From going...

In this episode, we talk about one of our most practical tools for daily life with Alec—the backpack. Whether you’re running errands, heading to a therapy appointment, or spending the day out and about, being prepared can make all the difference when caring for a child with autism.

We share what we always keep packed and ready to go—from sensory supports and snacks to communication tools and cleanup supplies. Our favorite? The Under...

In this episode, we share what Alec’s life looks like today—from the home he lives in to the systems we’ve put in place to support his independence and well-being. Over the years, we’ve worked hard to tailor his living environment to meet his unique needs, and we’re excited to give you a glimpse into the thoughtful setup that helps him thrive.

We walk through the amenities in Alec’s home, how we designed the space to reduce stress a...

In this episode, we—Angie and Christi—look back on Alec’s early years and the start of our autism journey. We share what it was like when Alec was diagnosed at just 2 years old, some of the behaviors he struggled with, and how we navigated those early, uncertain days as parents and caregivers.

We talk about the professionals who came into our lives and played a huge role in shaping Alec’s progress, as well as the lessons we learned ...

Join us—Angie Matheney and Christi Jensen—for a candid Q&A-style conversation where Christi opens up about what she wishes she could have told her younger self when Alec was first diagnosed.

We talk about the shifting priorities that come with raising a child on the spectrum, the pressure to "do everything right," and the importance of giving yourself grace. Whether you're just starting out or years into your jour...

In our very first episode of Piece by Piece: An Autism Podcast, we—Angie Matheney and Christi Jensen—introduce ourselves and share the heart behind this podcast. We're two women with a shared passion for helping others navigate the world of autism, and we’re here to build a supportive, honest, and empowering community.

We’ll talk about our experiences working with Alec and how we use Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) to help him ...