Autism Family Resource

What happens when an autistic adult becomes a speech therapy professional supporting neurodivergent children and families?
In this episode, Brian sits down with Ozzie Inzunza, a neurodivergent Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant (SLPA) and autistic adult, to discuss his personal journey growing up neurodivergent, navigating communication and social differences, and how those experiences now shape his work with children and families.
Ozzie shares what it was like growing up with intense interests, feeling different from peers, and eventually discovering a passion for helping others through speech therapy. Together, they explore why differences are not deficits, the importance of recognizing strengths, and how small, often overlooked wins can add up to meaningful progress over time.
This conversation offers encouragement for parents who may be wondering if their child is making progress, feeling uncertain about the future, or searching for a more empowering perspective on neurodiversity.
Topics Covered
Growing up neurodivergent in a traditional Hispanic household

Special interests, scripting, and early signs of autism

Social challenges and finding connection with others

Ozzie's path from sports medicine to speech therapy

Why strengths-based approaches matter

Supporting autistic children without underestimating their abilities

Helping parents recognize small but meaningful progress

Hope, growth, and lifelong learning for neurodivergent individuals

Timestamps
00:00 Introduction to Ozzie's story
01:30 Early childhood interests and autism traits
05:11 Special interests through childhood and adulthood
08:20 Social experiences and growing up neurodivergent
10:42 Discovering speech therapy as a career
12:34 How lived experience shapes therapy
15:06 Encouraging and supporting parents
Memorable Quote
"Every single client is capable and knows more than I even suspect they might."
About the Guest
Ozzie is a neurodivergent Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant (SLPA) who works with pediatric families and is currently completing his studies at Arizona State University to become a Speech-Language Pathologist. Drawing from both professional training and lived experience as an autistic adult, Ozzie brings a strengths-based, neurodiversity-affirming perspective to supporting children and families.
Resources Mentioned
Ozzie's Instagram: @illmindofozzie

About the Host
Brian Keene, OTD, OTR/L, is the founder of Pure Hearts Therapy and host of the Autism Family Resource Podcast. Through neurodiversity-affirming conversations, Brian helps families better understand, support, and advocate for their children while providing practical strategies they can use in everyday life.
Subscribe & Connect
If this episode resonated with you, please consider sharing it with another parent who might benefit from this conversation.
Listen and subscribe to the Autism Family Resource Podcast:
https://pod.link/1591840956
Explore more resources for families at:
 https://pureheartstherapy.com

In this episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, Brian Keene sits down with ADHD coach, educator, and parent advocate Dr. Norrine Russell for an honest and supportive conversation about ADHD medication, executive functioning, and helping children build lifelong skills.
For many families, medication can feel overwhelming, emotional, and filled with conflicting opinions. Dr. Russell shares her perspective as both a parent and advocate, helping families better understand how ADHD medication conversations often unfold, what "first-line treatment" means, and why parents don't have to navigate these decisions alone.
The conversation also explores the important idea that medication does not teach skills by itself. Brian and Dr. Russell discuss practical ways parents can support routines, organization, emotional regulation, time management, and executive functioning at home using simple tools and supportive environments.
This episode is not about telling parents what decisions to make. It's about helping families feel more informed, supported, and empowered to advocate for their child in thoughtful and compassionate ways.
 
 
Topics Covered
Why ADHD medication conversations feel emotional for families

What "first-line treatment" means for ADHD

Common medication concerns and side effects parents notice

Why symptom tracking can help families advocate effectively

Executive functioning explained in parent-friendly language

Practical ways to support routines, organization, and planning

Why medication does not replace skill-building

Helping neurodivergent children advocate for themselves

Navigating social media advice and extreme medication stories

 
 
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction
01:40 Why medication conversations feel overwhelming
05:00 What "first-line treatment" means
10:30 Understanding medication duration and side effects
19:50 What parents should track during medication trials
22:45 "Pills and skills" and executive functioning support
29:10 Helping children understand and advocate for themselves
 
 
Memorable Quote
"Your child is still your child. Don't be afraid to ask questions. Don't be afraid to seek support. And don't be afraid to advocate for your child."
 
 
About the Guest
Dr. Norrine Russell is an ADHD coach, educator, parent advocate, and founder of Russell Coaching. She supports neurodivergent students and families while also bringing personal experience as a parent of children with ADHD and autism.
 
 
Resources Mentioned
Russell Coaching

ADHD Medication: Does It Work and Is It Safe? by Walt Karnisky

Symptom tracker tools for medication observations

Family whiteboards, timers, and visual schedules for executive functioning support

 
 
About the Host
Hosted by Brian Keene, occupational therapist and founder of Pure Hearts Therapy, a neurodiversity-affirming pediatric therapy practice providing home-based occupational, speech, and physical therapy services across Arizona, including aquatic therapy and virtual parent coaching.
 
 
Subscribe & Connect
If this episode resonated with you, please consider sharing it with another parent who might benefit from this conversation.
Listen and subscribe to the Autism Family Resource Podcast:
https://pod.link/1591840956
Explore more resources for families at:
https://pureheartstherapy.com

In this episode, Brian sits down with Dr. Norrine Russell, a developmental psychologist, parent, and founder of one of the largest coaching practices for neurodivergent students in the country. Drawing from both her professional expertise and her lived experience raising children with ADHD, autism, and anxiety, Dr. Russell shares a powerful and practical approach to supporting kids in school and in life.
The conversation breaks down executive functioning in a way that actually makes sense for parents and caregivers, reframing it as everyday life skills like planning, time management, and follow-through. You'll also hear about "Connected Coaching," a model that supports students through executive functioning, social-emotional growth, and study skills.
From task initiation struggles to test preparation challenges, this episode is filled with real-life examples and strategies families can begin using right away. Dr. Russell also shares key insights on IEP and 504 advocacy, helping parents better navigate school systems and ensure their child gets the support they need.
This episode is a reminder that there is no one-size-fits-all approach—and that your child's strengths matter just as much as their challenges.
Topics Covered
What executive functioning really means in everyday life

Why task initiation and follow-through are common challenges

How to support kids with planning and organization

The biggest study skill most students are missing

Why self-testing is critical for learning and retention

How to advocate effectively in IEPs and 504 plans

Understanding autism as multiple spectrums, not just one

Why strengths-based support changes everything

Memorable Quote
"You have permission to create your parenting style in a way that works for your child and your family."
About the Guest
Dr. Norrine Russell is a developmental psychologist, parent, and founder of Russell Coaching for Students, one of the largest coaching practices for neurodivergent students in the U.S. She developed the "Connected Coaching" model, which integrates executive functioning, social-emotional development, and academic skills to support students in a holistic and personalized way.
Resources Mentioned
Russell Coaching for Students (20% off 3 months with code: podcast26)

Quizlet (study and self-testing tool)

About the Host
Brian Keene is an occupational therapist and founder of Pure Hearts Therapy, a neurodiversity-affirming pediatric therapy practice based in Arizona. Through the Autism Family Resource Podcast, Brian provides practical tools, support, and real conversations to help families feel more confident navigating their child's journey.
Subscribe & Connect
If this episode resonated with you, please consider sharing it with another parent who might benefit from this conversation.
Listen and subscribe to the Autism Family Resource Podcast:
https://pod.link/1591840956
Explore more resources for families at:
https://pureheartstherapy.com

In this episode, Brian sits down with Robert J. Bernstein, a speech clinician with over 35 years of experience working with autistic children and their families. Together, they explore how communication, learning, and connection can grow through everyday moments—not just structured therapy.
This conversation challenges some traditional approaches in both school systems and home environments. Rob shares why many children struggle in classrooms that prioritize compliance over understanding, and how small shifts—like allowing movement, following a child's lead, and staying curious—can make a meaningful difference.
They also dive into practical, real-life strategies for parents, including how to support communication without pressure, how to respond when a child seems distracted, and why persistence (without forcing) matters.
If you're a parent feeling unsure, overwhelmed, or wondering if you're doing enough—this episode offers reassurance and simple ways to connect more deeply with your child.
 
 
Topics Covered
Why everyday moments are powerful for building communication

How school environments can impact self-esteem and regulation

Supporting kids who need movement to learn

The difference between compliance and true understanding

How to respond to echolalia and automatic responses

Teaching "no" and "I don't know" as meaningful communication

Why persistence matters (and when to adjust your approach)

How parents can advocate effectively within school systems

 
 
Memorable Quote
"Don't give up… find a way to make a difference for your child."
 
 
About the Guest
Robert J. Bernstein is an educational and cognitive therapist and autism specialist with over 35 years of experience supporting autistic children and their families.
 
 
Resources Mentioned
Uniquely Normal by Robert J. Bernstein

SpedNet (Special Education Network event)

 
 
About the Host
Brian Keene is an occupational therapist and the founder of Pure Hearts Therapy, a pediatric therapy company based in Arizona. He specializes in neurodiversity-affirming, play-based therapy that supports children and families in building regulation, connection, and meaningful daily life skills.
 
 
Subscribe & Connect
If this episode resonated with you, please consider sharing it with another parent who might benefit from this conversation.
Listen and subscribe to the Autism Family Resource Podcast:
https://pod.link/1591840956
Explore more resources for families at:
https://pureheartstherapy.com

In this final episode of the series with Mandy Pinckley, we explore what advocacy truly looks like beyond awareness posts and hashtags. Mandy shares how lived experience can create meaningful change in schools, communities, organizations, and policy spaces when autistic voices are included in the conversation.
Together, Brian and Mandy discuss neurodiversity-affirming advocacy, navigating IEP meetings, building confidence in public speaking, collaborating with professionals, and why empowering autistic children starts with giving them autonomy and honoring their interests.
Mandy also shares her work helping improve autism representation and language within organizations like National Alliance on Mental Illness, along with conversations surrounding policy, digital safety, and reducing stigma around autism and neurodivergence.
This conversation is grounded, honest, and deeply encouraging for parents, caregivers, autistic individuals, and professionals who want to create safer and more supportive environments for neurodivergent children and adults.
Topics Covered
Turning autism awareness into meaningful advocacy

Why lived experience matters in policy conversations

Navigating IEP meetings with confidence

Supporting autistic autonomy and self-advocacy

Collaboration between parents, professionals, and autistic adults

Neurodiversity-affirming language and reducing stigma

Public speaking anxiety and building confidence over time

Digital safety concerns for neurodivergent youth online

Timestamps
00:00 Introduction
01:00 What advocacy and action really look like
04:20 Building neurodivergent support spaces through collaboration
10:50 Overcoming fear and speaking publicly
13:20 Advocacy tips for parents navigating IEPs
17:20 Collaboration between families and professionals
20:40 Digital safety and protecting children online
23:30 Encouraging autonomy and self-expression in autistic children
Memorable Quote
"Your child's voice, you're their sword and their shield." — Mandy Pinckley
About the Guest
Mandy Pinckley is an autistic advocate focused on neurodiversity-affirming support, policy conversations, community collaboration, and empowering autistic voices in leadership spaces. Through advocacy work, peer-led initiatives, and public speaking, Mandy works to reduce stigma and help create more inclusive environments for neurodivergent individuals and families.
Resources Mentioned
National Alliance on Mental Illness

Center for Autism and Related Disabilities

Discord

Roblox

About the Host
Brian Keene is an occupational therapist and founder of Pure Hearts Therapy, a neurodiversity-affirming pediatric therapy company providing home-based OT, PT, ST, and parent support services.
Through the Autism Family Resource Podcast, Brian shares practical conversations and supportive resources to help families navigate autism, sensory needs, regulation, advocacy, and everyday life.
Subscribe & Connect
If this episode resonated with you, please consider sharing it with another parent who might benefit from this conversation.
Listen and subscribe to the Autism Family Resource Podcast:
Autism Family Resource Podcast
Explore more resources for families at:
Pure Hearts Therapy