Life on The Spectrum

COVID-19 has turned things upside down...A change in routine and a world of uncertainty is confusing and disruptive, especially for people living with autism who thrive on predictability and structure.

Join host Katie Bennison as she checks in with other parents living on the spectrum about how things are going at home during the pandemic.

Hear what other families in the autism community are doing to support their loved ones duri...

We hear so much about the challenges that people living on the spectrum face, it’s easy to lose sight of the remarkable strides that people with Autism have made in all areas of society — In this episode, we are celebrating the success of Dr. Temple Grandin, a leading advocate in the Autism world, and a Professor of Animal Science at Colorado State University. Temple Grandin has appeared on the cover of Time, delivered ...

Adolescence is tough enough as it is -- but what happens when you throw Autism into the mix? In this episode, our teen and parent roundtables share their thoughts on the teenage years, and some of what they have to say may surprise you. Plus -- Katie speaks with Claire-Winson Jones, a psychologist at ABLE Development Clinic in Vancouver who works with teens on the spectrum. She offers some great advice about supporting your teen wi...

Families living with Autism will tell you: there are a lot of great therapies out there to help your child grow, develop, and overcome challenges. They'll also tell you that therapy is expensive and that government funding -- while helpful -- doesn't go far enough in covering the costs. How can families balance their general household finances with their Autism-related expenses in a way that lets everyone eat out at a restaurant oc...

Brightly lit classrooms, crowded cafeterias, constant bells ringing... these are just a few of the particular challenges kids living with Autism face when they enter the school system. Not to mention learning comprehension, organizational and social skills.  Fitting in at school can be daunting. Just ask Dana Lee, whose son, Taylor, is on the spectrum, and is about to start Kindergarten. So what are some of the ways to help yo...

One of the biggest challenges of autism is the social side. So in this episode, we focus on solutions. Meet Vicky Ryan, a mom whose own daughter, Charlotte, is on the spectrum. When Charlotte was struggling with social opportunities, Vicky founded Girls Club - an amazing, accessible club especially for girls with neurological or developmental differences.  We also hear from Carol Gray, an award-winning educator and consultant ...

Obtaining an Autism diagnosis for their child is a daunting prospect for many parents. So on this episode, we talk about what it really means. What is the process like, and what are the benefits? We'll hear from Sarah Benedetti, a mom whose son was recently diagnosed, and Dr. Nicole Ricci-Stiles, a specialist in diagnosing children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. We'll also meet Andrew, a successful computer programmer who will shar...

A brand-new podcast for families living with Autism. Hosted by broadcaster and special education assistant Katie Bennison, who has a teenage daughter on the spectrum. Featuring the voices of parents, educators, doctors, therapists, and most of all -- people with Autism. Through shared stories and expertise, families stay informed, empowered and connected. Autism is so much more than a diagnosis. It's a community. This podcast is a ...