In this episode, DJ chats with Jennifer Celeste Briggs, author of Watching Sarah Rise, about her heartfelt journey raising her daughter Sarah, diagnosed with autism at four and a half. Jennifer, a Pittsburgh mom with a BA from Swarthmore College, shares how she turned challenges into triumphs using the Son-Rise Program—a loving, child-centered approach she dubbed "Sarah-Rise." Trained at the Autism Treatment Center of America, she built a volunteer network to spark Sarah’s social skills, speech, and eye contact through therapeutic play. Jennifer dives into the power of embracing your child’s interests, training volunteers like a pro, and leaning on community support. Her tips? Stay present and open-minded! Check out her book and resources on her website or at bookstores for inspiration. Perfect for parents of young kids navigating autism or other neurodiversities,, this episode is packed with hope, practical advice, and a reminder you’re not alone on this journey!
Don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe to Imperfect Heroes so you never miss an episode!
Time Stamps
3:36 – Jennifer shares why she trained at the Autism Treatment Center for a Son-Rise Program—hope for autism parents!
5:32 – Jennifer talks tapping community volunteers—a must for your kiddo’s village!
8:53 – Jennifer explains training volunteers to join Sarah’s play, boosting her interests—pure gold for connection!
25:53 – DJ says journal your kid’s triggers and wins—key for understanding your little one!
Connect with Us!
DJ Stutz -
Podcast: https://www.imperfectheroespodcast.com/
Coaching and Resources Website:https://www.imperfectheroes.net/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheImperfectHeroes
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imperfect_heroes/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOpphCRklDJiFXdS76U0LSQ
Rumble: https://rumble.com/v449rko
DJ Stutz Calendar Link: https://bookme.name/Imperfectheroespodcast
ONE ON ONE COACHING Link: https://www.littleheartsacademyusa.com/courses/one-on-one-coaching-bundle
Find DJ’s Books “Roman is Bigger,” “Roman is a Bigger Brother,” and “Oscar’s True Friends” on Amazon, Kindle, Barnes&Noble, Bookshop.org, and Walmart.
Contact Jennifer Celeste Briggs
Website: https://www.watchingsarahrise.com/bio/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennifercelestebriggsauthor/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jenniferbriggsauthor
Support the show.
If you like what you hear, we would appreciate your support. Every little bit helps.
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1779847/support
Popular Podcasts
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.
Ridiculous History
History is beautiful, brutal and, often, ridiculous. Join Ben Bowlin and Noel Brown as they dive into some of the weirdest stories from across the span of human civilization in Ridiculous History, a podcast by iHeartRadio.