In this deeply honest and much-needed conversation, we sit down with Dr. Cheri Timko, a couples and sex therapist with over 20 years of experience helping neurodiverse couples strengthen their communication, rebuild connection, and rediscover intimacy. Together, they open up about the often-unspoken challenges that come with parenting a child with a disability — the strain it can place on relationships, the emotional distance that can form over time, and the quiet grief and guilt that so many couples carry but rarely discuss. This episode sheds light on the realities behind closed doors: love, loss, burnout, and the ongoing effort to stay connected when life feels overwhelming. Dr. Timko offers both compassion and practical insight for couples navigating the balance between caregiving and connection — reminding listeners that healing and closeness are still possible, even in the most challenging seasons. 💙 Because sometimes, the hardest conversations are the ones that bring us closer. To hear more about our mission and the work we are doing at UnPuzzled Parents Connect, you can follow us at www.unpuzzledparentsconnect.com or find us on Facebook at Facebook Page Connect with Dr. Cheri Timko: https://www.facebook.com/TimkoCounseling Her Newest Book : The Neurodiverse Couples Sex Therapy Workbook  https://www.amazon.com/Neurodiverse-Couples-Sex-Therapy-Workbook/dp/B0DR3SQDRS/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2PMN0FBQE0NU&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.dixA3tdeSrQb07FO-peXGr_QffplWr7Lik887hptsHszbqd9cv6VZraDIUYHKHX4dgOz5_SX3af90SezQBqLQQ.Byi374_FRkQLShG2uPi9YuTMPeD5_AOuHUm9Bc4HDKM&dib_tag=se&keywords=cheri+timko&qid=1761423189&sprefix=cheri+timko%2Caps%2C131&sr=8-1 Her website : https://couplescounselingcenter.online

In this episode of Get UnPuzzled, we sit down with Harry Psaros, father, advocate, and author of From Struggle to Strength: Living Life with Autism. Harry shares his family’s journey raising a child with autism and how it has shaped his mission to advocate, spread awareness, and inspire hope. Together, we talk about the realities of navigating a diagnosis, the perseverance it takes to keep pushing forward, and the power of community support. Harry’s story is a reminder that while the challenges are real, so too are the victories, the growth, and the connections that sustain us. If you or someone you know is struggling to accept their child’s diagnosis, this episode is for you. It’s a conversation filled with encouragement, honesty, and the message that no family walks this path alone. For more information about our mission, visit our website at www.unpuzzledparentsconnect.com  

In this deeply moving episode of Get UnPuzzled, we welcome Dr. Kerry Magro, a once nonspeaking child diagnosed with autism who has become a nationally recognized speaker, bestselling author, and leading disability advocate. Dr. Magro opens up about his personal journey — from the early days of struggling to communicate, to facing intense bullying and isolation, to discovering his voice and purpose. Through resilience and the support of his community, he turned his challenges into a mission to help others feel seen, heard, and empowered. Today, Dr. Magro is not only an inspiration to the autism community but also a beacon of hope for families navigating similar paths. He shares powerful insight on inclusion, advocacy, and what helped him thrive — including his journey to becoming a best-selling author and a speaker who has reached audiences around the world. This is more than a story — it’s a reminder of what’s possible. 💛 Check out Dr. Magro's Facebook Kerrys Autism Journey For more information about our mission to help families in the disability community thrive, you can visit our website 

We’re joined by two of everyone’s favorite moms from the hit Netflix docuseries Love on the Spectrum—Lise Smith and Nicci Smith. These two incredible women aren’t just TV moms—they’re real-life rockstars who have navigated the ups and downs of parenting four children each, including one on the autism spectrum. From laughter to heartbreak, routines to resilience, Lise and Nicci are sharing the good, the bad, and the beautifully realstories behind the cameras. You won’t want to miss this honest and heartfelt conversation about motherhood, neurodiversity, and the power of connection. For more information about our Nonprofit and our mission, visit our website : www.unpuzzledparentsconnect.com  Facebook : Facebook Page

In this episode of Get UnPuzzled, we sit down with two of West Virginia’s leading advocates, Christina Smith of Astrive Advocacy and Christy Black of Disability Rights of West Virginia. These powerhouse advocates have dedicated their lives to fighting for their children and the disability community, leading four IDD Waiver rallies in their ongoing battle for change. We discuss the challenges families face, the importance of advocacy, and what steps need to be taken to ensure better support and services for individuals with disabilities. If you’re a parent, caregiver, or advocate looking to make a difference, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in and join the movement for change! For more information about our Nonprofit and our mission, visit our website at www.unpuzzledparentsconnect.com  

Want to make a real impact in your community? In this episode of Get UnPuzzled, we sit down with Delegate Kayla Young to break down the steps to effective communication in the legislature. She was a strong voice when the WV IDD Waiver was threatened with cuts last year, and she continues to fight for the disability community. Learn how to advocate for change and ensure your voice is heard! Check out our website at www.unpuzzledparentsconnect.com to follow our mission and sign up for the latest trainings and events. 

This was a special clip we couldn't let slip by our listeners. This bonus clip featuring Brittney Rutledge will help you understand the root causes of abandonment trauma and how it relates to caregiving and the development of our own deep rooted emotional impacts it causes. 

Join me as I sit down with Theresa Evanoff, the psychologist who diagnosed our son with autism. Together, we reflect on the pivotal moments that reshaped our family's life and explore the profound impact of understanding and acceptance. We talk about the emotional roller coaster that families go through upon receiving a diagnosis and what anxiety overcomes a provider who is giving the news. I hope you enjoy this inspiring conversation about hope, growth, and the power of a strong support group. 

Eileen Lamb, one of the leading voices in the autism community, shares her journey of raising two children on the spectrum, including one with profound autism who needs constant care. She discusses the challenges of facing death threats from social media trolls, advocacy work, and her third published book. She discusses what gave her the push to keep writing and her dedication to be a voice for her children and hundreds of thousands of followers.  Follow her Journey at Instagram @theautismcafe Facebook Eileen Lamb The Autism Cafe  

In this heartfelt episode, we sit down with Trinity Keenan, a therapist and mother who had to make the difficult decision of placing her son in a residential home where he would have constant care and support. As she navigated the complex emotions and challenges that came with this choice, she discovered her own path to healing through therapy and other techniques she shares. Join us as she takes us through a journey of transformation, discussing her own diagnosis, struggles, insights, and resilience that led to her becoming a source of support and dedicating her life to other special-needs parents. We are constantly reminded throughout this conversation, that we are never completely alone in this journey. 

In this episode we discuss what defines trauma and how our bodies respond to fight or flight responses.