Helping Families Go Beyond

The Experience of Growing Up With a Neurodivergent Sibling

In this episode of Helping Families Go Beyond, host Loryn Carpenter sits down with Sean Peabody to talk about the experience of growing up with a neurodivergent sibling. Sean shares how his relationship with his brother Kevin has changed over the years, from childhood memories built around creativity and shared interests to a recent trip to Japan that showed just how much Kevin has grown in confidence, flexibility, and independence. Loryn also reflects on life with her brother Scottie and the humor, patience, discernment, and love that shape the sibling experience. Together, they explore what siblings learn, what they worry about, and why it matters to keep seeing the person beyond the diagnosis.
Timestamps:
(00:00) Summer camp updates and school updates
(03:30) Introducing Sean Peabody, Kevin’s brother
(05:50) Watching your sibling grow and develop
(08:00) Earliest memories with Kevin and Scottie
(12:15) Kevin and Sean’s trip to Japan
(18:05) Getting past what other people think
(20:30) Challenges growing up
(26:45) How has your relationship changed?
(31:45) What will the future look like with your sibling?
(38:00) What is your advice to other siblings?

How Magic Helps Neurodiverse Learners Build Confidence and Connection

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

Suddenly Brave Together How Jessica Patay Is Supporting Caregiving Moms Everywhere

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.

Preparing Financially for the Future with a Neurodivergent Child with Michael Pereira

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

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 Kristin 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’Brien, 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.