THE SJ CHILDS SHOW-Advocating for Autistics, One Story at a Time
🎙️ 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 Podcasts, and Goodpods—or tune in Fridays at 8:30 AM EDT on the Helium Radio Network’s Life Improvement Radio (Channel 1). Together, let’s foster a brighter, more inclusive world! 🌟 Go here to download training materials! https://sjchilds.myshopify.com/
Episodes
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 m...
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...
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 in...
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 stor...
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 behavio...
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...
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 ...
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 ho...
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 inval...
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 of...
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 resilien...
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 joy...
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 ...
Episode 293-Balancing Family Life and Advocacy Efforts with Inclusive Dad Podcast Host Aaron DeVries
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 upbr...
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...
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...
What happens when an occupational therapist and a devoted mother come together to tackle the pressing issues surrounding autistic adult transition support? Join us in a heartfelt exchange with April as we uncover the real challenges faced by autistic individuals and their families as they step into adulthood. With April's personal journey as both a professional and a parent, we navigate the complexities of post-s...
Navigating the emotional waves of an autism diagnosis can feel overwhelming, but it also opens doors to empowerment and understanding. Join us as we share the emotional journey of embracing this new reality, featuring Bridget Hamstead, the visionary behind Vishnu Tree. Bridget offers valuable insights on transforming initial fears into a sense of freedom, where families can tap into resources, e...
Join us as we welcome the remarkable Tamika Lechee Morales, founder of the Autism Hero Project. Born from her personal journey with her son's autism and ADHD diagnosis, Tamika's nonprofit has been a beacon of hope since 2015. Originally focusing on providing essential medical insurance in Illinois, the Autism Hero Project has grown to include educational scholarships, inclusive events, and first responder tr...
What makes Stephen Wright's surreal humor so uniquely captivating? Join us as our friend Andrew, known for his sharp wit and keen intellect, takes us on a journey through Wright's world of deadpan delivery and bizarre punchlines. Discover how Wright’s offbeat humor resonates profoundly with the autistic experience, turning what many see as different into a source of beauty and laughter...
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