This marks the end of Season 1 of the Autism Resources Kawartha Podcast - and what a season it’s been.

If you or someone you know may be interested in being a guest on the podcast, or you want to sponsor the podcast, let us know, so they can be included in Season 2.

👉 Subscribe and stay with us - Season 2 is coming soon.

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR: Cardinal Home Services

CHECK OUT: the Kawartha Gallery

NEW EPISODES: every Tuesday

FOLLOW US: Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts

SUBSCRIBE: YouTube

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In this episode, Matt sits down with John from Kawartha Conservation.

John reflects on how awareness of autism has changed over the decades and shares personal stories about parenting, empathy, and supporting loved ones with different needs. We talk about why sensory-friendly spaces matter, especially at busy events, and how we worked with Kawartha Conservation to bring a Sensory Safe Space to this year’s Christmas at Ken Reid.

We also explore the healing side of nature: forest therapy, mindful time outdoors, and how conservation areas can offer comfort and calm to autistic people and families.

Plus, John gives a full behind-the-scenes look at Christmas at Ken Reid - from horses and wagon rides to vendors, crafts, the Ontario Science Centre, live music, and everything families can enjoy on Saturday, December 6th from 10 AM - 4 PM. Learn more at: www.kawarthaconservation.com/news

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR: Cardinal Home Services

CHECK OUT: the Kawartha Gallery

NEW EPISODES: every Tuesday

FOLLOW US: Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts

SUBSCRIBE: YouTube

CHAPTERS

01:16 — John’s Early Experience with Autism
03:17 — Learning from Coworkers & Families
04:40 — When Autism Became Familiar
06:15 — Recognizing Autism in Hindsight
07:46 — The “White Car Syndrome” & Autism Everywhere
09:30 — Advocacy, Trick-or-Treat Bags & Public Reactions
10:11 — Parenting, Emotions & New Challenges
11:12 — John Shares About His Daughter
12:37 — Kindness, Intentions & Supporting Loved Ones
13:25 — Introducing Christmas at Ken Reid
14:15 — Why Sensory Spaces Matter
15:03 — Making Events Truly Inclusive
17:25 — Matt’s Experiences at Events with His Son
18:55 — Parking, Shuttles & Event Layout
19:40 — What to Expect This Year
21:22 — Behind the Scenes: Working with ARK
23:47 — Nature, Mental Health & Forest Therapy
26:08 — Community Partnerships & Mental Health
28:31 — Favourite Conservation Areas
30:48 — Sensory Overload & Heightened Senses
32:20 — Events, Volunteers & Community Togetherness
33:45 — A Stress-Free Holiday Experience
35:42 — John’s One Thing to Know About Autism

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In this episode, Matt sits down with Ashley, a parent and advocate whose life has been deeply shaped by autism - from growing up with her aunt Sarah Jane, to parenting her recently diagnosed son.

Ashley opens up about her early experiences living with a family member with autism, how her mother’s compassion taught her patience and advocacy, and how those lessons came full circle as she navigated her own son’s diagnosis. The conversation dives into the emotional journey of parenting a neurodivergent child - from recognizing early signs and advocating through the healthcare system, to balancing school struggles, meltdowns, and the power of understanding over judgment.

Ashley also shares her own experiences with ADHD and dyslexia, offering an honest look at how neurodiversity runs through generations and shapes the way she connects with her kids. Now parenting in a blended family with her partner, whose daughter is also autistic, Ashley reflects on the beauty and chaos of raising four children in a household that celebrates differences while learning every day what support truly means.

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR: Cardinal Home Services
CHECK OUT: the Kawartha Gallery
NEW EPISODES: every Tuesday
FOLLOW US: Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts
SUBSCRIBE: YouTube

CHAPTERS

02:37 Personal Experiences with Autism
05:48 Understanding Autism Diagnoses
08:34 The Impact of Diagnosis on Family Dynamics
11:54 Parenting Neurodiverse Children
14:35 Emotional Challenges and Growth
17:46 The Journey to Diagnosis
20:22 Reflections on Parenting and Self-Discovery
28:42 Navigating School Transitions for Children with Autism
32:45 Understanding Dyslexia and Its Impact
38:44 Coping Mechanisms for ADHD and Dyslexia
48:20 Building Community and Understanding in Autism
54:59 The Spectrum of Autism: Embracing Individual Differences

Support the show