In this episode of Helping Families Go Beyond, Loryn Carpenter welcomes Dr. Kevin Spencer, a magician, educator, researcher, and arts integration expert, to explore how magic can support learning, connection, and confidence for neurodiverse learners and other special populations. Dr. Spencer shares how magic moved beyond entertainment in his work and became a powerful tool for building fine motor skills, working memory, social interaction, self-concept, and emotional engagement. From classrooms and therapy settings to families at home, this conversation offers a fresh look at how wonder, creativity, and the arts can help children feel capable, connected, and seen.

Relevant links:

kevinspencerlive.com

hocusfocuseducation.com

magictherapy.com

Timestamps:

(00:00) School updates and introducing Dr. Kevin Spencer

(04:40) When did you realize that magic could be integrated beyond the stage?

(08:30) What happens in the brain when people are engaged in a magic trick?

(14:00) What are people’s favorite tricks?

(17:00) What makes magic universal?

(23:00) What trends are you noticing in education?

(29:00) The arts are not a reward you give kids, its how kids learn

(36:30) How do you respond to naysayers?

(41:00) Advice to parents and educators

(46:40) Learn more about Dr. Kevin Spencer

In this episode, Loryn sits down with Jessica Patay, founder of We Are Brave Together, to talk about what caregiving really looks like behind the scenes. Jessica shares how raising her son with a rare genetic disorder and autism led her to create a community for moms who often feel isolated, overwhelmed, and unseen. They talk about her new book Suddenly Brave Together, the reality of caregiver burnout, and the kind of support families actually need but rarely receive. It is an honest, emotional conversation about grief, resilience, and what it means to find people who truly get it.

https://www.wearebravetogether.org/

Timestamps:

(00:00) School updates

(04:10) Introducing Jessica Patay of We Are Brave Together, Author of Suddenly Brave Together

(09:55) Hearing other stories

(12:35) Grief

(15:00) The sibling experience

(17:30) Building a community of mothers

(19:00) What does it feel like to find a community of mothers?

(20:00) Caregiver burnout

(22:40) Reframing the need for self care

(27:00) What does the world get wrong about this?

(29:00) What have you learned from your son Ryan?

(33:40) Book release: Suddenly Brave Together

(35:45) Special moments with Ryan

(40:10) Best ways to connect with Jessica

Join us every month for a new episode of Helping Families Go Beyond. Visit beyondthespectrum.org for more information.

Planning for the future can feel overwhelming for families raising neurodivergent children, but having the right financial foundation can make a meaningful difference. In this special Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month episode, host Loryn Carpenter sits down with Michael Pereira, founder of The Autism Voyage and a financial planner who specializes in helping special needs families prepare for the future. They discuss practical financial planning topics including income protection, special needs trusts, insurance strategies, and the importance of building a strong network of professionals who understand the unique needs of neurodivergent individuals. Michael also shares insights from both his professional work and his personal experience as a parent, offering guidance for families who may feel uncertain about where to start and how to move from anxiety to clarity while building long term financial stability for their child.

Michael’s Website:

https://theautismvoyage.com/

Letter of Intent:

https://theautismvoyage.com/letter-of-intent/

Timestamps:

(00:00) School updates, Happy Autism Acceptance Month!

(02:16) Introducing Michael Pereira, Founder of Autism Voyage

(05:00) The diagnosis process

(08:40) Applying information from others

(10:00) What financial conversations should families be having when they have a special needs child?

(13:00) 3 primary insurance solutions for families

(17:00) What is a Special Needs Trust?

(19:00) What forms, records and paperwork should families have ready?

(23:00) Create a circle of support

(30:15) Common mistakes - “Do it yourself” approach

(32:00) Success stories

(36:20) Red flags

(40:15) Advice to families