In this episode, Brian sits down again with autistic advocate Mandy Pinkley to explore one of the most important (and often overlooked) parts of parenting a neurodivergent child: community.

Together they talk about:

• Why parents often feel isolated even when surrounded by people

• How finding the right community can change everything for both parents AND kids

• The role of digital connections and why online spaces can be incredibly supportive

• How families in small or rural towns can create their own support systems

• What it means to raise your hand first — and be the person who helps others feel less alone

Mandy also shares her own journey of embracing her identity, finding acceptance through media and storytelling, and discovering strength by connecting with other autistic peers.

• Community reduces isolation. Many families feel alone simply because no one is speaking up — often everyone is waiting for someone else to say, "Me too."

• Digital spaces matter. Online groups, forums, and social platforms can be powerful places to find belonging and support.

• Parents often see their own traits in their children. Many adults discover their own neurodivergence through their child's diagnosis.

• Support takes many forms. Large groups, small groups, online communities, in-person meetups — all are valid.

• You can create the space you wish existed. If there isn't a group in your area, you can be the person who starts one.

• CARD – Center for Autism & Related Disabilities

• Family Inclusion Networks (e.g., "FIN")

• Local autism organizations

• Facebook and online support groups

• Community events and family-friendly meetups
  
  

If you're looking for support, resources, or therapy services for your child, Pure Hearts Therapy is here for you.
Visit us at www.pureheartstherapy.com or schedule a call with our team today.

Host: Brian Keene, Pure Hearts Therapy
Guest: Mandy — Autistic Advocate, Peer Mentor, Neurodiversity Educator

In today's episode, Brian welcomes back Mandy—an autistic advocate whose insight, honesty, and lived experiences help bridge understanding between neurodivergent individuals and the communities around them.

This conversation explores:

• What true inclusion looks like
  
  

• How peers can become better allies
  
  

• The power of online communities
  
  

• Healthy boundaries and safety for autistic adolescents
  
  

• Why children should be believed, supported, and included intentionally
  
  

• Real-life stories from Penguin Project musical theatre
  
  

• How parents and teachers can advocate with—not for—their children
  
  

• What friendship means through a neurodivergent lens
  
  

• How resources and gentle assistance can reduce stress and build empowerment
  
  

This is an honest, insightful, heartfelt conversation that helps families, educators, and peers understand ways to foster acceptance, belonging, and meaningful relationships.

Mandy explains that inclusion goes beyond the "right thing to do."
It's about recognizing that a person's presence matters and enriches the group.

Digital communities remove physical judgments and bring people together based on interests and strengths—not labels.

• Modeling respectful communication
  
  

• Directing conversation to the neurodivergent individual rather than around them
  
  

• Recognizing and celebrating strengths
  
  

• Meeting people where they are
  
  

Brian and Mandy discuss examples of parents who:

• Observe classrooms firsthand
  
  

• Ask specific questions
  
  

• Identify mismatches between learning environments and student needs
  
  

• Advocate beyond the "check-the-box" approach
  
  

For many autistic individuals:

• The line between acquaintance and friend may feel unclear
  
  

• Empathy is expressed through shared experiences, not always through typical responses
  
  

• Volume, pacing, or intensity may fluctuate with comfort or excitement
  Gentle, respectful cues from friends can be extremely helpful.
  
  

Mandy shares personal experiences illustrating how:

• Autistic youth often aren't taught what harassment or unhealthy dynamics look like
  
  

• Early boundary education (middle school age) can prevent exploitation
  
  

• Families and educators should prioritize these conversations
  
  

Sharing resources is important, but offering help with applications, forms, or steps shows real advocacy.

• "Inclusion isn't just letting someone sit at the table—it's wanting them to be there." – Mandy
  
  

• "Meeting people where they're at is huge." – Brian
  
  

• "Some of us don't even know what a friend is—and that's okay." – Mandy
  
  

• "Teaching healthy boundaries early can change lives." – Mandy
  
  

• Penguin Project – Inclusive musical theatre program pairing neurodivergent actors with peer mentors
  
  

• CARD (Center for Autism & Related Disabilities) – State-supported resources (varies by location)
  
  

• Local/state autism agencies or community groups
  
  

• Online peer support communities for autistic youth and adults
  
  

Pure Hearts Therapy
Website: pureheartstherapy.com

In this episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, Brian sits down with autism advocate Mandy Pinckley, who shares her lived experiences growing up autistic, navigating deep emotions, overcoming isolation, and finding her voice as a speaker and advocate. Mandy opens up about the challenges she faced in childhood, the bullying she endured, and the obstacles that come with being a late-diagnosed autistic girl.

She also discusses digital safety, online vulnerabilities for autistic teens, and how her painful experiences led her to advocacy work—including speaking at the CARD Conference about protecting autistic adolescents online.

Parents and caregivers will learn how to:
• Better understand the emotional depth many autistic children experience
• Foster open, judgment-free communication
• Support their child's self-identity and autonomy
• Build safety, connection, and community

Key Topics:

• Mandy's late diagnosis and how it changed her life
  
  

• Emotional intensity & misunderstood behavior
  
  

• Bullying, isolation & digital-age vulnerability
  
  

• How parents can create safer online environments
  
  

• Supporting identity development in a neurodiversity-affirming way
  
  

• Why community and connection reduce shame and fear
  
  

Resources Mentioned:
• CARD – Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (Florida)
• PureHearts Therapy resources & parent support services

Connect / Work With Us:
👉 Learn more or book a consultation: www.pureheartstherapy.com
👉 Follow us on social media for daily support & tips

Thank you for listening — and remember, you are not alone on this journey.

🔍 Episode Overview:
In this episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, host Brian Keene sits down with licensed therapist and autism advocate Megan Ashley to explore how empathy and cultural context shape our understanding of autism. From decoding sensory experiences to the challenges of masking and gender disparities in diagnosis, this conversation is packed with insight and practical tools for parents. Learn how to redefine what "okay" really means for your autistic child—and why listening without bias is one of the most powerful things you can do.

🧠 In This Episode, You'll Learn:

• What autism culture is—and why it matters

• How to spot sensory signs early

• What masking looks like in kids and adults

• Why girls are often underdiagnosed

• How to shift from fear to understanding as a parent

📌 Key Takeaways:

• Understanding autism requires empathy and cultural awareness

• Sensory experiences are crucial indicators of autism

• Masking is exhausting and often misunderstood

• Gender differences affect diagnosis rates

• Parents must tune into their child's unique sensory needs

• Redefining 'okay' is critical to truly supporting autistic children

• Accommodations aren't optional—they're necessary

• Listening to your child's needs builds stronger connections

🕒 Episode Chapters:
00:00 – Understanding Autism Through Empathy
03:02 – Cultural Context in Autism
05:46 – Sensory Experiences and Accommodations
09:00 – The Concept of Masking
12:04 – Gender Differences in Autism Diagnosis
15:09 – Recognizing Autism in Children
17:50 – Parenting Autistic Children
21:14 – Redefining 'Okay' for Autistic Kids
23:32 – Listening to Your Child's Needs

🎤 Guest: Megan Ashley, LCSW – Therapist, Author, Parent Advocate
🎙️ Host: Brian Keene, Pure Hearts Therapy

🛠️ Resources Mentioned:

• Website: perfectandconsulting.com

• Instagram: @imperfectconsulting

• Book: Blueprints of Behavior – available at Amazon, Target, Walmart, Barnes & Noble

📲 Stay Connected:

• 🌐 Website: pureheartstherapy.com

• 📷 Instagram: @purehearts_therapy

• 📘 Facebook: Pure Hearts Therapy

• 👥 Join the Community: Autism Family Resource Facebook Group

⭐ Subscribe & Review:
Don't miss an episode! Subscribe, rate, and leave a review to help more families find support.

🎧 Listen now: https://pod.link/1591840956
Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, and more.

In this powerful episode, host Brian Keene welcomes Dr. Martine Laventure, a licensed
social worker, mother, and passionate advocate for autism and inclusion. Together, they
explore the complexities of navigating an autism diagnosis as a parent, the importance of
building a village, and how cultural understanding shapes access to care.
Dr. Martine shares her personal journey as a mother to an autistic child, how she uses her
lens as a clinician and parent, and offers encouraging, real-world advice for families trying
to find their footing. They also discuss disparities in autism care within Black and Brown
communities, the importance of culturally competent services, and how to avoid therapy
burnout.

Key Topics Discussed:
- Building your support system and treatment team
- Talking to your child and family about autism
- Understanding and honoring cultural differences
- Self-advocacy and caregiver empowerment
- When therapy becomes too much – recognizing the signs of burnout
- The need for culturally informed care and inclusive assessments
- Encouragement for teens, young adults, and parents to seek support

Guest Info:
Dr. Martine Laventure is a licensed social worker, school clinician, per diem therapist, and
founder of LaVenture Consulting. She offers training and consulting on autism, cultural
competence, and family empowerment. She's also releasing a children's book on autism!
Connect with Dr. Martine Laventure:
- Website: http://laventureconsultant.com
- Instagram: @laventure.csllc

Resources Mentioned:
- ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences)
- Philadelphia Expanded ACEs Study
- Autism education and caregiver advocacy

Love this episode? Share it with another parent or therapist who needs to hear it. Don't
forget to subscribe and leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform!
Connect with Us:
- Website: https://www.pureheartstherapy.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pureheartstherapy
- Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/autismfamilyresource
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/purehearts_therapy

Autism Family Resource Podcast Episode 45 (Sensory integration series Part 2)

Welcome Back!

In this episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, we delve into the world of sensory needs and explore the often-misunderstood behaviors of mouthing and chewing in children. Join us as we welcome back occupational therapist Dipali Devani for the second episode of our Calming the Chaos Sensory series.

Dipali sheds light on the reasons behind these behaviors, how sensory needs influence these actions, and practical strategies to support your child.

Guest: Dipali Devani

Dipali Devani is a licensed occupational therapist specializing in sensory integration and a certified Ayurveda practitioner. She works with individuals of all ages to help them process sensory input, develop emotional regulation skills, and build independence in daily life. Her holistic approach blends modern therapy techniques with ancient wellness practices to promote overall well-being.

Key Takeaways:

• Mouthing & Chewing: Children may put non-food objects like clothing, toys, or even their own hands or arms in their mouths excessively. This can disrupt daily activities and may be accompanied by chewing or sucking on these objects.

• Sensory & Regulation: Mouthing and chewing often stem from a need for oral sensory stimulation and regulation, especially in children with autism or sensory processing disorder. These behaviors can be triggered by anxiety, boredom, or a lack of deep pressure input.

• Red Flags: Mouthing and chewing are typical in children under three. If these behaviors persist beyond age five, it's crucial to seek an evaluation from an occupational therapist (OT).

• Potential Impacts: Excessive mouthing and chewing can lead to difficulties with eating, social interaction, and overall health. This can include nutritional deficiencies, increased risk of infections, and social isolation.

• Strategies & Interventions: OTs can help identify triggers, develop sensory diets, and provide interventions such as chewable jewelry, weighted activities, and sensory breaks.

• Home Strategies: Parents can incorporate strategies like blowing bubbles, using an electric toothbrush, engaging in animal walks, and creating a safe corner with sensory toys.

Subscribe Now & Leave a Review

Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcast, & Stitcher

Visit our Website

www.pureheartstherapy.com

Follow Us:

Facebook: Pure Hearts Therapy

Facebook Group: Autism Family Toolkit

Instagram: Purehearts_Therapy

Autism Family Resource Podcast Episode 44

Episode Title: Embracing the Autism Voyage: Parenting, Life Planning, and Entrepreneurship with Michael Pereira

Welcome Back!

Parenting a neurodivergent child is a journey filled with unique challenges, unexpected turns, and moments of profound growth. In this episode, we embark on an insightful conversation with Michael Pereira, founder of The Autism Voyage, as he shares his personal parenting experiences, practical daily living strategies, and financial planning insights for families with special needs.

We'll also explore how entrepreneurship can offer parents greater flexibility, allowing them to create a lifestyle that supports both their family's well-being and their professional aspirations.

Guest: Michael Pereira

Michael Pereira is a father, autism advocate, and founder of The Autism Voyage, a blog and newsletter dedicated to supporting families on their autism journey. With expertise in financial and insurance planning, he provides guidance on life insurance, disability income insurance, and long-term financial security for families raising children with autism.

Key Takeaways:

• The Autism Voyage Blog and Newsletter: In both the The Autism Voyage blog and the newsletter, Michael offers practical guidance tailored for special needs families with topics in three key areas—Daily Living, Life Planning, and Entrepreneurship.

• Daily Living Strategies: Learn effective approaches for managing everyday challenges, from sensory-friendly haircuts to preparing for new experiences like swimming lessons.

• Financial & Life Planning: Understand why life insurance, disability income insurance, and long-term care planning are crucial for securing your child's future.

• Entrepreneurship & Flexibility: Discover ways Entrepreneurship can provide the freedom and flexibility to balance work and family life while being present for your child.

• Building a Supportive Community: Learn how The Autism Voyage is creating a network of support for families navigating similar challenges.

Resources:

• My Autism Voyage Website

• The Autism Voyage Blog

• Michael Pereira on LinkedIn

Subscribe Now & Leave a Review

Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts,

Visit our Website:

www.pureheartstherapy.com

Follow Us:

Facebook: Pure Hearts Therapy