Autism and autism parenting guide this week’s Inchstones Podcast as Autism Mom Sarah Kernion sits down with Brittany Vecero and Jada Watkins, two compassionate therapists in the field of ABA therapy, to discuss the heart of behavioral education, therapy, and care + the importance of trust, and the joy of working with children in special needs education and development. Together, they explore how collaboration and communication between parents and therapists shape meaningful progress for children on the autism spectrum. The conversation dives deep into the emotional realities of therapy—navigating transitions, building consistent teams, and ensuring that every intervention is grounded in empathy and love. Brittany and Jada also share how positive reinforcement, small daily changes, and partnership with parents can strengthen confidence, independence, and growth at home and in therapy sessions. Key Takeaways: Therapeutic AND respite care provide essential relief and support for families. Building trust between parents and therapists enhances outcomes. Effective communication ensures consistency across home and therapy. ABA therapy can be transformative when done ethically and with compassion. Transitions in therapy teams can affect children’s emotional security. Collaboration and feedback loops foster stronger relationships. Positive reinforcement and small steps lead to lasting growth. Parents and therapists thrive when united in purpose and care.

Autism and autism parenting take center stage in this Inchstones Podcast episode, as host Sarah Kernion speaks with Peter Sullivan—a former Silicon Valley innovator turned health advocate—about how environmental factors influence the health and development of children with autism. Peter shares his personal journey from the tech world to health advocacy, uncovering the links between electromagnetic fields (EMFs), chemical exposure, and neurological health. He explains how disruptions in calcium channels may affect brain function and why creating safe home environments can make a meaningful difference for families navigating autism parenting. The conversation blends science, compassion, and hope—showing parents that small, consistent actions can support healing, reduce toxic load, and help their children thrive. Peter is the founder of Clear Light Ventures.

In this episode of the Inchstones Podcast, host Sarah Kernion sits down with Shahriar Afshar, autism parent and founder of the Autism Innovation Lab, to explore how technology, community, and unconditional love are reshaping the future of autism parenting and neurodiversity support. Together, Sarah and Shahriar discuss the emotional layers of parenting a child with autism—from grief and resilience to acceptance and hope. They unpack the gendered differences in how mothers and fathers process their child’s diagnosis, the growing role of AI in autism care, and how innovation can help families better navigate the daily realities of profound autism and caregiving. This conversation blends empathy with forward-thinking solutions, revealing how collaboration between parents, technologists, and advocates can create a more inclusive autism community rooted in understanding, connection, and love. Key Takeaways: The emotional journey of autism parenting is complex yet deeply human. Fathers and mothers often process challenges and grief differently. Community support is essential for parents and caregivers. Innovation and AI can enhance autism education and caregiving. Technology can improve independence and quality of life for autistic individuals. Unconditional love and acceptance remain the most powerful supports. Collaboration between parents and innovators fosters autism advocacy stories worth sharing. Hope and resilience are at the heart of every special needs family story.

Profound Autism Mom Sarah Kernion sits down with Olivia Rojo (@praying_though_autism), an fellow autism mom and advocate, to discuss the unfiltered truth of caregiving and the lived experiences of families navigating profound autism. Olivia shares what it means to be both mother and caregiver—to fight for inclusion, navigate systemic challenges, and still find beauty in small moments of connection. Together, she and Sarah explore how believing mothers is a crucial act of respect within the neurodiversity movement and the broader disability conversation. The discussion highlights the importance of community, the necessity of self-care, and the quiet strength found in honesty. This episode is both a love letter to caregivers and a rallying cry for visibility—because every story of autism deserves to be heard and believed. Key Takeaways: Believing mothers and caregivers is inclusion in action. The truth about profound autism must be told, not softened. Community and autism support networks ease the weight of caregiving. Self-care sustains caregivers and strengthens family bonds. Every act of honesty deepens understanding of autism parenting. Hope and beauty coexist with challenge in daily caregiving life. Advocacy rooted in truth leads to justice in disability care

Autism parenting is a journey filled with unique challenges and profound growth. In this episode of Inchstones, host Sarah Kernion talks with Jenny Briggs—author, autism mom, and advocate—about how love, neurodiversity, and inclusion can transform the experience of raising a child with autism. Jenny shares her heartfelt story of parenting her daughter Sarah, whose autism diagnosis inspired her to utilize the Son-Rise program, a home-based, relationship-centered approach that honors curiosity and connection over correction. Through this conversation, listeners will gain insight into autism awareness, the emotional evolution parents undergo, and the importance of community support in the disability and neurodiverse parenting journey. Jenny discusses how siblings thrive when empathy and inclusion are prioritized, and how seeking help opens new paths toward healing. Her book, Watching Sarah Rise, offers a poignant testament to the transformative power of love as a cornerstone of therapy and personal growth. Join us as we explore how flexibility, patience, and human connection redefine autism parenting and advocate for a more inclusive and understanding world. Jennifer Celeste Briggs has a BA in English Literature from Swarthmore college. She lives in Pittsburgh, PA with her husband and two daughters. Her daughter Sarah has a genetic anomaly and autism. When Sarah was four, Jenny decided to run a Son-Rise Program for her, calling it Sarah-Rise, and training at the Autism Treatment Center of America. The Son-Rise Program is a loving child-centered approach to helping those with autism and other challenges connect socially, verbally, and through increased eye contact. Organizing hundreds of hours of therapeutic play time for Sarah, Jenny trained and coordinated multiple volunteers who contributed their love and creativity to the venture. Jenny started a blog to share the experience of Sarah-Rise and has heard multiple times that her words were helpful to others dealing with life struggles. Jenny wants to help parents feel understood and to spread the word about The Son-Rise Program. She hopes that her words bring comfort, joy, and inspiration to readers whatever their challenges and journeys may be.

Parenting a child with autism demands deep reserves of energy, empathy, and endurance—and too often, parents forget to include themselves in the circle of care. In this powerful conversation, Sarah Kernion talks with Kat Riojas about what conscious self-care really looks like when you’re raising neurodiverse children. Fellow autism mom and advocate, Kat Riojas, shares how movement, mindful routines, and healthy habits have transformed her ability to stay present and emotionally steady for her family. Together, they explore how modeling wellness teaches children balance, why community matters as much as therapy, and how letting go of comparison opens the door to peace. This is a grounded, hopeful reminder that caring for yourself is caring for your child—and that every act of self-preservation is an act of love. Key Takeaways Conscious self-care sustains long-term autism parenting. Movement and nutrition directly affect emotional regulation. Alcohol and poor habits quietly drain parental capacity. Community is a protective factor against burnout. Modeling health benefits the entire family system. Each parent’s path is unique—comparison steals joy. Growth often comes from hardship and honesty. Find and follow Kat on Instagram here!

Episode 64 of the Inchstones Podcast, host & Autism Mom Sarah Kernion sits down with Erica Witte, mom and founder of Project Playground, to explore how her own advocacy sparked a movement for inclusive play spaces where all children (neurodiverse, disable, neurotypical) can play and connect together. Erica shares how her experience as a special-needs parent inspired her to design accessible playgrounds equipped with communication boards, created in collaboration with local high school students. Together, Sarah and Erica discuss how inclusion is built through community, creativity, and conscious design. This episode is a story of hope, practical innovation, and maternal leadership, showing that when parents model advocacy, they shape a more inclusive world for future generations. Key Takeaways: Project Playground was founded to make play accessible for every child. Inclusive design builds empathy, confidence, and social skills. Community collaboration drives sustainable change. Communication boards improve access for non-speaking children. Advocacy modeled by parents inspires lifelong inclusion values. Empowering youth through design fosters connection and creativity. Awareness of accessibility is growing thanks to grassroots efforts. Emotional purpose often fuels the most impactful local projects.

A must-listen new episode coming to you with host Sarah Kernion, who sits down with Dr. Delia McCabe, neuroscientist and nutrition expert, to explore how food profoundly shapes emotional regulation, sensory processing, and well-being in neurodiverse children—especially those with autism. Together, they unpack the gut-brain connection, the role of healthy fats, and how probiotics influence behavior and mood. Delia shares simple, science-based steps parents can take to create calm, balanced, and nourishing routines—without overwhelm or guilt. This conversation reframes nutrition as an act of connection: by modeling curiosity, patience, and healthy habits, parents can help their children thrive from the inside out—one inchstone at a time. Key Takeaways: The gut-brain axis plays a key role in emotional and sensory regulation.Healthy fats are crucial for brain growth and focus.Probiotics can support mood stability and digestion.Change works best when modeled with patience and curiosity.Small, consistent shifts in nutrition make lasting impact for children with autism.

n this episode of the Inchstones Podcast, host Sarah Kernion sits down with documentary filmmaker Chelsea Casabona for a powerful conversation about the role of storytelling in shifting how we see autism and neurodiversity.  Chelsea filmed Sarah and her family for a 5-min glimpse into the lives of neurodiverse families for Beacon College's A World of Difference Segment last April for Autism Awareness Month.   Together, they explore how real change happens when we tell stories with honesty, presence, and heart. Chelsea shares how vulnerability behind the camera creates deeper human connection—and how curiosity can uncover the truth within every story. This episode challenges the “fix-it” mindset so often applied to disability and celebrates the beauty, strength, and individuality within the autism community. It’s a moving reminder that storytelling can reshape perception, build empathy, and reveal what truly connects us all. Key Takeaways: Vulnerability is the foundation of powerful storytelling. Presence reveals truth and builds authentic connection. Every person’s story adds depth to our understanding of neurodiversity. Filmmakers and advocates share a mission: to humanize, not to fix. Authentic narratives challenge stereotypes and celebrate autism as part of human diversity. Whether you’re an autism parent, creative storyteller, or advocate for inclusion, this episode will inspire you to see every “inchstone” as a moment of connection and growth.

In this inspiring episode of Inchstones, host Sarah Kernion, profound autism mom of two nonspeaking autistic children and advocate, sits down with director Nicola Rose of Magnetosphere to discuss her groundbreaking film exploring neurodiversity and the lived experiences of children with synesthesia which is a fascinating neurological condition where the brain links two or more senses that are usually separate. Through the story of a 13-year-old girl, the film offers a fresh and authentic lens on autism, adolescence, and representation in media. Sarah and Nicola dive deep into the heart of autism parenting, reflecting on the joys and challenges mothers face while raising neurodiverse children. They highlight the importance of witnessing and honoring each child’s unique perspective, recognizing that all behavior is communication, and celebrating humor as a powerful tool for storytelling and connection. For autism moms, this conversation is both validating and uplifting...a reminder that raising a neurodiverse child is not only about challenges but also about deep transformation, empathy, and unconditional love. Key Takeaways The film explores neurodiversity and synesthesia through the perspective of a teen girl. Personal experiences with autism and neurodiverse identities inspire creative projects. Autism parenting means learning to witness children’s unique perspectives. Adolescence is a transformative stage for both parents and children. Autism moms face unique challenges that foster resilience and advocacy. Representation in media is essential for building empathy and understanding. Humor brings lightness to serious conversations. Every behavior communicates something meaningful.

Motherhood doesn’t come with a manual—but if it did, autism parenting would be filed under “plot twist.”In this candid episode of the Inchstones podcast, host Sarah Kernion welcomes Marie Watkinson, a successful NYC entrepreneur and owner of Spa Chicks on the Go and devoted autism mom, for a raw, unfiltered look at what it means to raise a profoundly autistic child in a world that wasn’t built with him in mind. From the gut instinct that something was different, to the rollercoaster of diagnosis, advocacy, and redefined expectations, Marie’s story captures the emotional landscape of parenting through the lens of neurodiversity. Together, she and Sarah explore how inchstones—not milestones—become the markers of growth, strength, and survival for autism families. This conversation is equal parts real talk, hard truth, and soft place to land—for any parent navigating the beautifully chaotic world of autism. Top Takeaways: Inchstones are the new milestones for autism parents. Mother’s intuition matters—more than any textbook. You will grieve, grow, and get stronger. Support systems make survival possible. Social media can connect isolated autism caregivers. Special needs parenting forces a rewrite of motherhood’s script. There’s no perfect outcome—just powerful love and persistence. About the Guest:Marie Watkinson is the founder of Spa Chicks On The Go, a luxury mobile spa business based in NYC. She’s also the proud mom of Ryan, her 16-year-old son with profound autism. Marie and her husband Chris live in Port Jefferson, NY, where they fiercely advocate for inclusive education, dignity, and a future where every neurodiverse child has a place to thrive.

Parenting autistic kids isn’t a straight line—it’s a zigzag through school meetings, medication trials, sleepless nights, and unexpected joy. In this episode of Inchstones, host Sarah Kernion joins Gena Mann for a no-holds-barred conversation about what it truly feels like to raise neurodivergent kids in a world built around milestones. They cover everything from early intervention to IEPs, puberty panic to post-high school plans—with brutal honesty, well-earned wisdom, and a few laughs along the way. This isn’t just about autism. It’s about parenting in the unknown—and learning to celebrate the inchstones that quietly change everything. Key Takeaways for Parents of Autistic Children: Early intervention helps—but the journey doesn't end with a diagnosis.Adulthood transitions in autism parenting can be emotional and unpredictable.Anticipatory anxiety is common—especially when imagining the future.Curiosity about your child's needs often leads to deeper connection.Community support is not optional—it's essential.Celebrating inchstones can sustain parents through burnout and uncertainty.Communication breakthroughs—verbal or nonverbal—are major emotional wins.There is no one-size-fits-all approach to parenting in the world of neurodiversity.You deserve to feel peace and joy, even in the hard seasons.Autism parenting is a marathon—find joy in the pace that fits your child.

Forget the clichés, this is where autism, neurodiversity, and inchstones collide to challenge every assumption about what parenting a profoundly autistic, nonspeaking child actually means. Sarah Kernion and The OG Autism Dad, Rob Gorski go far beyond surface-level conversations, exposing the unseen emotional labor, systemic failures, and community blind spots families face every day. This discussion reframes profound autism as not just a diagnosis but a catalyst for resilience, courage, and radical community-building. Together, they explore how embracing nonspeaking autism as part of a broader neurodiversity movement transforms stigma into solidarity while underscoring the urgent need for inclusive policies, authentic dialogue, and parent-led support networks that actually work. Takeaways: Raw Truth Drives Change: Rob Gorski underscores that unfiltered storytelling is the engine of real autism advocacy. Hidden Emotional Labor: Parents of profoundly autistic, nonspeaking children shoulder unique emotional and logistical challenges rarely acknowledged by society. Neurodiversity ≠ One Size Fits All: The autism community spans from low to high support needs, demanding nuanced understanding and tailored support. Systemic Barriers Require Disruption: Families face institutional red tape and fragmented systems, calling for parent-led reform and policy influence. Self-Care as Strategic Survival: Caring for yourself is not indulgence—it’s the foundation of sustainable advocacy and family stability. Normalize Asking for Help: Courage in seeking support should be celebrated, not stigmatized, to reduce isolation and burnout. Bridge the Divide: Open dialogue between families, professionals, and policymakers can dismantle harmful stereotypes and improve outcomes. Respect the Inchstones: Progress in profound or nonspeaking autism isn’t always linear—inchstones matter more than milestones. Compassion as a Competitive Advantage: Building a culture of empathy within the autism community strengthens resilience and collective impact.

Families raising children with profound autism often face overwhelming challenges in navigating healthcare, education, and daily life. On the Inchstones podcast, Sarah Kernion and Brandy Burch Thompson, CEO & Founder of benefitbay® unpack these realities with honesty and clarity, highlighting why individualized care plans matter and how employers can better support neurodiverse families. Their conversation underscores the power of advocacy, the necessity of informed choice in healthcare, and the resilience it takes for parents of autistic children to be heard. This dialogue shines a light on both the systemic barriers and the inchstones of progress that define the autism journey, offering guidance and hope to families walking a similar path.  In exploring the importance of individualized care plans, the role of employers in providing healthcare options, and the need for families to advocate for their specific needs, Brandy helps Sarah and other parents in similar situation understand the terrain of the healthcare system. The conversation emphasizes the significance of choice in healthcare and the empowerment of families to make informed decisions about their care.  

Kyle Shepard, writer of The Resilient Mental State Substack, joins Inchstones for a powerful conversation about resilience, caregiving, and communication in the world of autism and neurodiversity. Together, we explore how parenting children with profound autism reshapes our understanding of growth, emotional regulation, and adaptability. Kyle shares deeply personal insights on the challenges and breakthroughs of caregiving, while highlighting the importance of celebrating inchstones—those small but meaningful steps forward. This dialogue underscores the strength found in community, the role of curiosity in navigating uncertainty, and the everyday resilience that defines families living with autism.

On the Inchstones Podcast, host Sarah Kernion sits down with Kate Lynch to unpack the realities of neurodiversity and the often-overlooked struggles of parents raising profoundly autistic children. Their conversation sheds light on the systemic gaps in caregiving, the urgent need for inclusive education, and the power of community in navigating the challenges of autism. Through honest reflection and lived experience, they highlight how every child’s journey --- measured in inchstones, not milestones --- deserves recognition and respect. Together, Sarah and Kate call for a cultural shift toward acceptance, advocacy, and the celebration of differences, offering hope for a future where neurodivergent voices and families are truly supported. You can find and follow Kate's work on her Substack: Atypical Kids, Mindful Parents.

Navy SEAL veteran Sam Alaimo joins Inchstones host Sarah Kernion for a conversation that bridges two worlds: combat and caregiving. Together, they explore how the endurance, intuition, and community forged in military life parallel the realities of raising children with profound autism. Their dialogue dives into the power of choice in the face of adversity, the way grief reshapes identity, and the resilience required in motherhood. With honesty and depth, Sam shares how lessons from the battlefield illuminate the daily challenges of profound nonspeaking autism and neurodiversity, offering a perspective that redefines what strength and meaning look like when measured in inchstones.

Autism Mom Sarah Kernion sits down with mother-son duo Valerie Buccino and her son Philip for a conversation within the broader neurodiversity spectrum (while also addressing autism, apraxia, and the journey of profound autism.)  Together, they explore the power of self-advocacy for individuals with learning differences, the importance of building true collaboration with educators, and the everyday strategies that have helped Philip thrive. Valerie, both an attorney and a mother, shares her perspective on why respect and understanding are essential in educational settings. Their story underscores the role of self-perception, the cultural barriers around asking for help, and the resilience required to pursue goals despite challenges—reminding us that every child’s progress deserves to be celebrated, one inchstone at a time.

What if your child’s first dental visit was about more than teeth? In this episode of Inchstones, Sarah Kernion sits down with Special Needs Dentist, Dr. Sydnee Chavis, for a raw and real conversation about raising children with profound autism and apraxia. Together, they explore how personal experience with neurodiversity has shaped their work—one through dentistry, the other through financial strategy—and how every inchstone, from brushing teeth to building a care team, is a major milestone. They unpack what it means to advocate for children who are non-speaking, the emotional labor of showing up daily for kids with complex needs, and why accessible care—especially dental care—is often out of reach for families like ours. This episode also dives into the power of choice for disabled patients, the overlooked value of trauma-informed dentistry, and how to approach long-term financial planning without getting overwhelmed. Whether you're deep in the world of profound autism or just beginning to understand what apraxia looks like day-to-day, this conversation holds space for the mess, the magic, and the meaning behind the inchstones that define our families.

When parenting meets profound autism, support needs to evolve—fast. On this episode of Inchstones, Sarah Kernion sits down with Jordan Arogeti, founder of Support Now, for a raw and honest conversation about what modern families actually need. From the realities of raising neurodivergent children—including those with apraxia or profound autism—to the deep loneliness many parents face, this discussion breaks through surface-level solutions and gets into the truth of caregiving in today’s world. They talk about how asking for help isn’t weakness—it’s survival. And how platforms like Support Now are reshaping how we view community support, especially in the autism and neurodiversity spaces. Whether you're raising a child with complex needs or trying to show up for someone who is, this episode offers a new framework for what real, meaningful support can look like—inch by inch.