Helping Families Go Beyond

How Step Up for Students Scholarships Are Opening Doors for Families

What if paying for tuition, therapy, and educational support did not have to feel overwhelming? In this episode of Helping Families Go Beyond, Loryn Carpenter sits down with Kirstin O’Brien from Step Up For Students to break down what Florida families need to know about scholarship opportunities. They talk through eligibility, how the Family Empowerment Scholarship works, what qualifies as a diagnosis, and how funding can be used for tuition, ABA therapy, OT, speech services, tutoring, curriculum, and more. They also cover recent changes that expanded access and removed income barriers. If you are navigating a new diagnosis, feeling unsure about your options, or wondering if your family qualifies, this conversation offers clarity, reassurance, and practical next steps.
Timestamps:
(00:00) Introducing Kristin O’Brian, Step Up for Students, plus school updates
(02:20) About Step Up for Students
(04:30) How Step Up for Students got started and the evolution
(11:40) What options can families apply for?
(14:00) Biggest misconceptions
(15:25) What can the scholarships be used for?
(17:40) Demand for the scholarships
(18:45) Advice for families
(21:00) When can you begin to apply for scholarships?
(24:35) EMA explanation and advice
(27:55) Federal Scholarships Tax Program Updates
(32:10) Success stories
(36:20) Final message

Dating on the Spectrum: How Neurodivergent Adults Can Navigate Love and Connection

In this Valentine’s Day themed episode of Helping Families Go Beyond, host Loryn Carpenter sits down with vocational coordinator Ariana McDaniels for an honest, compassionate conversation about dating, relationships, and connection for neurodivergent adults. From navigating attraction, consent, and masking to understanding rejection sensitivity, online safety, and the role caregivers play, this episode offers practical insight and reassurance for families. Together, they unpack how love can look different but no less meaningful on the spectrum, and why dignity, safety, and open communication matter most when supporting healthy relationships.
Timestamps:
00:01 – Valentine’s episode intro and why dating on the spectrum matters
03:26 – What love, attraction, and connection can look like for neurodivergent adults
05:48 – Infantilization and society’s discomfort with neurodivergent relationships
07:08 – Puberty, body changes, and the importance of open caregiver dialogue
11:05 – Masking, boundaries, and unmasking in romantic relationships
15:31 – Teaching consent clearly and safely for neurodivergent individuals
22:46 – Rejection sensitivity, breakups, and building emotional resilience

Redefining Potential: How Adventure For All Empowers Kids with Disabilities

In this episode of Helping Families Go Beyond, host Loryn Carpenter sits down with Chase Pettey, founder of the nonprofit Adventure For All. Chase shares the inspiring journey of building an organization that empowers individuals with exceptionalities through outdoor challenges like biking, hiking, and nature-based growth. From redefining human potential to sparking transformation in both kids and parents, this episode is full of powerful insights and stories that will resonate with caregivers, educators, and advocates alike. Tune in to hear how Adventure For All is helping families push past limits and discover what’s truly possible.
Adventure for All Website:
https://www.adventureforall.org/
Timestamps:
(00:00) Introducing Chase Pettey, Founder/CEO of Adventure for All, plus school updates
(02:45) The story of Adventure for All
(10:30) The training process and the power of positive reinforcement
(13:00) Celebrating every success
(14:30) Thought process of Adventure for All programs
(22:10) Your child is capable of much more
(28:35) Success stories and what’s coming in 2026
(35:50) Chase’s background
(40:41) Learn more about Adventure for All
Join us every month for a new episode of Helping Families Go Beyond. Visit beyondthespectrum.org for more information.
 

How to Help Your Neurodivergent Child Thrive During the Holidays

In this special holiday edition of Helping Families Go Beyond the Podcast, host Loryn Carpenter sits down with Dr. Valerie Roth and Dawn Wisniewski to share practical, compassionate strategies for families with neurodivergent learners navigating the busy holiday season. From prepping relatives for sensory-friendly gatherings to handling unsolicited comments with grace, this episode is packed with actionable advice on creating inclusive, joyful celebrations. Whether you're traveling, hosting, or just trying to keep things calm, you'll find thoughtful tips on visual schedules, sensory kits, and self-care for caregivers. 
Timestamps:
(00:00) Introducing Dr. Valarie Roth & Dawn Wisniewski, School updates, thank you Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation
(03:25) How can we prepare students for travel and meeting extended family?
(08:30) Software, technology, or strategies that might help
(14:50) Sensory friendly environments for holidays
(20:30) Dealing with uninformed comments
(23:30) Dealing with burnout of the holidays
(29:30) Final tips and toolkit
Join us every month for a new episode of Helping Families Go Beyond. Visit beyondthespectrum.org for more information.

From Pro Athlete to Advocate: Cade Hagan’s Mission for Sarasota Unified Sports

In this heartwarming episode of Helping Families Go Beyond, host Loryn Carpenter sits down with professional soccer player and community leader Cade Hagan to explore his latest initiative, Sarasota Unified Sports, an adaptive sports clinic designed for individuals with exceptionalities. Cade shares the story behind his passion project, the challenges of launching it, and the incredible response from the local community. Tune in to learn how inclusive sports build confidence, connection, and resilience, not just for participants, but for families too. If you're seeking ways to help your child thrive through movement and socialization, this episode is for you.
Timestamps:
(00:00) Introducing Cade Hagan, Founder, Sarasota Unified Sports and Professional Soccer Player + School Updates
(03:45) What inspired you to start Sarasota Unified Sports?
(05:00) Benefits of adaptive sports clinics
(06:15) Adapting activities to make them more accessible
(07:45) What sports do you focus on in the clinics?
(08:45) Using sports to teach “real world” skills
(10:10) Challenges during the creation phase
(11:40) Success moments that stick out
(14:30) How this benefits the rest of the family
(16:00) Collaborating
(17:45) Who are your clinics open to?
(20:10) How can people get involved?
(20:50) Advice for families
Join us every month for a new episode of Helping Families Go Beyond. Visit beyondthespectrum.org for more information.
 

Understanding Comprehensive Diagnostic Evaluations for Autism with Dr. Kerri Duncan

In this episode of Helping Families Go Beyond, host Loryn Carpenter welcomes Dr. Kerri Duncan, BCBA, with nearly 40 years of experience in special education, ABA therapy, and parent advocacy. Dr. Duncan explains the Comprehensive Diagnostic Evaluation (CDE), the first crucial step in obtaining an autism diagnosis and accessing therapies. She shares what families should expect from the process, key signs to watch for, and how evaluations can guide access to ABA, speech, and occupational therapy. The conversation also highlights recent challenges with insurance and Medicaid, along with practical advice to help families feel informed and empowered.
 
Hart 4 Autism Website: https://www.hart4autism.com/
Phone: 239-512-0777
Email: info.hart4autism@gmail.com
Timestamps:
(00:00) School Updates
(01:55) Introducing Kerri Duncan, BCBA, CEO of Hart for Autism
(03:20) What is a CDE?
(06:30) What is the difference between a CDE and a medical diagnosis?
(09:10) What therapies are available once a diagnosis has been made?
(10:10) Is this limited by age?
(13:00) How can a CDE guide the broader support a child might need?
(14:15) What should parents look out for in an evaluator?
(16:45) Signs that might prompt a parent to request a CDE
(20:30) Changes in how the evaluations are being used
(25:20) Recent Medicaid changes
(30:30) Learn more about Hart 4 Autism
(33:50) Requirements states outside of Florida
(35:15) Advice for families
Join us every month for a new episode of Helping Families Go Beyond. Visit beyondthespectrum.org for more information.

Autism Is a Gift: Jack Mills’ Journey with Beyond the Spectrum

In this episode of Helping Families Go Beyond, host Loryn Carpenter sits down with Jack Mills, a graduating senior with the Peabody Academy, to share his story, perspectives, and plans for the future. Jack opens up about his experiences growing up with autism, the teachers and friends who’ve supported him, and the unique talents that shape the way he sees the world. From his favorite classes and community trips to his dreams of becoming a NASCAR driver, lawyer, cruise ship captain, or YouTuber, Jack’s journey is full of determination and self-discovery. His message is clear: autism isn’t a disease, it’s a gift. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation that will inspire families, educators, and anyone who believes in the power of understanding and inclusion.
Timestamps:
(00:00) School Updates and introducing Jack Mills, Peabody Academy Senior
(03:30) Favorite activities with Peabody School and what he’s learned
(04:40) Jack’s unique talents and difficulties
(06:19) Who has helped Jack feel understood and confident in the classroom
(08:10) What do you wish people knew about Autism?
(12:00) What does “working hard” mean to Jack?
(13:00) What Jack is looking forward this school year
(13:50) Graduating and career plans
(15:15) Advice for students starting the school year
(16:10) Jack’s history of schooling
(18:20) Favorite community outings
(20:00) How Jack feels when a schedule changes
(20:45) Traveling
(23:00) Jack’s last thoughts about Beyond the Spectrum
Join us every month for a new episode of Helping Families Go Beyond. Visit beyondthespectrum.org for more information.

How Chris Angilella found his calling and created Chris and the Able Universe

In this episode of Helping Families Go Beyond, we talk with Chris Angilella from Chris and the Able Universe. Chris has autism and Asperger's and has developed his skills to write books, create illustrations, and characters. Chris is the proud author of seven books with several more in the making.  
Throughout this episode, we discuss Chris’ journey to this point, his interests growing up and how they influence his characters, and what Chris is working on now. Chris shares his interests in animals, specifically from South America, his participation in comic cons, and his continued pursuit of advancing his illustration skills. We also discuss his superpowers, including creating characters and being able to tell you what day of the week you were born on if you give him your birthday. This is an inspiring story for any family member who has somebody with a special ability.
Timestamps:
(00:00) Introducing Chris Angilella of Chris and the Able Universe & School Updates
(03:50) About Chris’ characters from the Able Universe
(07:00) Chris’ character inspiration and illustrations
(10:10) Working at Winn Dixie and how he found the job through Hope Services
(11:15) Chris’ Strengths and superpowers
(12:45) What do you wish people understood about Aspergers?
(17:00) Artists who inspire you
(19:10) Advice for people who have Autism and their family
(23:50) What can schools or communities understand about working with people with Autism?
(29:00) Learning about animals and South American Culture and how it inspires his books
(31:30) Writing new books and going to Comic Cons
(33:30) Touch a Truck Event
(34:45) Journey to get to where Chris is now
(38:10) How can people get in contact with you?
(43:45) Bear and the Big Blue House and having things “click”
(47:00) Sponsorship Opportunities for Chris and the Able Universe
(50:45) Wanting to visit the Nashville Zoo
Join us every month for a new episode of Helping Families Go Beyond. Visit beyondthespectrum.org for more information.

Emergency Preparedness for Neurodivergent Children: Tips for Families and Schools

In this episode of Helping Families Go Beyond, host Lauren Carpenter speaks with Joshua Yirkovsky, 21-year Navy veteran and founder of Angel Force Foundation, about how families and schools can better prepare for emergencies involving neurodivergent children. From practical safety tools like wearable GPS devices and visual cues to individualized safety plans (ISPs) and modified emergency drills, Joshua shares expert strategies for reducing elopement risks and building collaborative, trauma-informed communities. Whether you're a parent, educator, or caregiver, this conversation is packed with actionable tips to help you create a safer, more responsive environment for children with developmental or sensory needs. Tune in to learn how you can take proactive steps to protect the ones you love.
Angel Force Foundation Website: https://angelforcefoundation.org/
Streetlight Angels Podcast: https://www.angelfp.com/streetlight-angels-podcast
Timestamps:
(00:00) School updates and introducing our guest, Joshua Yirkovsky Angel Force Foundation
(04:20) What is Angel Force Foundation?
(06:30) How has your experience in the military influenced the programs at Angel Force Foundation?
(08:00) What accommodations can schools make for students with additional needs?
(12:05) Emergencies at home and developing an emergency plan
(14:30) ISP - Individual safety plan
(15:40) Technology and tools
(19:25) Advice for students prone to elopement
(22:40) How can you design your environment to prevent elopement
(26:10) Creating a village of shared safety
(28:00) Success stories
(29:45) Learn more about Angel Force Foundation
Join us every month for a new episode of Helping Families Go Beyond. Visit beyondthespectrum.org for more information.

Preparing for Takeoff: Autism-Friendly Travel Tips for Families

Planning a family trip with a neurodivergent child can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be. In this episode of Helping Families Go Beyond, we talk with Alan Day, co-founder of Autism Double Checked, about how families can prepare for travel with autistic children, what service providers need to understand about sensory processing and individual needs, and why patience and problem-solving are key. From real-life travel tips to compassionate advice for parents and professionals, this conversation offers practical tools and hope for making travel more accessible and enjoyable. Tune in to feel more confident and supported on your next adventure.
TSA Cares Number: 855-787-2227, Option 2
Autism Double Checked Website 
Timestamps:
(00:00) School Updates
(02:30) Introducing Alan Day, Co-Founder and CEO of Autism Double Checked
(03:45) The start of Autism Double Checked
(05:45) How did your special needs parent experience influence this decision?
(07:50) The power of the Autism Flies Program
(12:30) TSA Cares
(16:20) Where to sit on the plane - Tips
(18:45) Advice for working through the airport
(21:50) Autism Stays Program - How to stay at a hotel
(27:30) Autism Passport Program 
(31:30) Trends towards neurodivergent children travel
(38:45) How can families advocate in the meantime?
(40:15) Messages for parents preparing for travel
Join us every month for a new episode of Helping Families Go Beyond. Visit beyondthespectrum.org for more information.