Autism Family Resource

Parenting an autistic child can bring moments of joy, uncertainty, growth, and deep reflection. In this episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, Brian Keene sits down with Dr. Jonathan Chism, also known as Dr. Chiz, a father, professor, minister, and co-founder of the Autism Dad Social Club.
Dr. Chism shares the honest story of his family's journey raising his non-speaking autistic son. He opens up about the early shock and denial after diagnosis, the hope that therapy might "fix" autism, and the powerful shift that happened when he began listening to autistic voices and embracing a different perspective.
Instead of focusing on changing his son, Dr. Chism learned to focus on connection, acceptance, and supporting his son's communication and independence. In this conversation, he reflects on the lessons autism has taught him about empathy, patience, inclusion, and what it really means to show up as a father.
This episode is especially meaningful for parents who may feel overwhelmed early in their journey. It's a reminder that growth happens not only for children, but for parents too.
Topics Covered
• Processing an autism diagnosis as a parent • Moving from denial toward acceptance in the autism journey • Parenting a non-speaking autistic child • Listening to autistic voices and lived experiences • Supporting communication through AAC devices • Building strong father-child relationships • Encouraging independence and life skills • Finding community as an autism parent
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction to Dr. Jonathan Chism 01:21 Dr. Chism's background and family 03:08 Receiving an autism diagnosis at age two and a half 07:57 Moving from denial toward understanding autism 10:40 Learning from autistic voices and shifting perspective 24:26 Advice for parents feeling overwhelmed
Memorable Quote
"Be patient with yourself. Your child is a gift, and this journey will create a new normal." — Dr. Jonathan Chism
About the Guest
Dr. Jonathan Chism, also known as Dr. Chiz, is an associate professor of history at the University of Houston Downtown, an ordained minister, and the co-founder of the Autism Dad Social Club. As a father raising a non-speaking autistic son, he is passionate about supporting fathers, promoting autism acceptance, and helping families build meaningful connections with their children.
Resources Mentioned
• Autism Dad Social Club • Uniquely Human by Dr. Barry Prizant • AAC communication tools such as TouchChat
About the Host
Brian Keene is a pediatric occupational therapist and founder of Pure Hearts Therapy, a neurodiversity-affirming therapy practice providing in-home pediatric therapy services for families in Arizona.
Through the Autism Family Resource Podcast, Brian shares practical tools, expert conversations, and supportive insights to help parents navigate the journey of raising neurodivergent children.
Learn more at: https://pureheartstherapy.com
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

Have you ever wondered if something deeper might be affecting your child's regulation, behavior, or sleep?
In this episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, Brian sits down with Dr. Jeffrey Knight, chiropractor and founder of the Autism Wellness Center, to explore how factors like inflammation, gut health, environmental toxins, and cellular health may influence a child's nervous system and overall regulation.
Dr. Knight shares his four-phase approach to cellular healing, designed to help support detox pathways, improve mitochondrial function, and restore gut health. The conversation also highlights how addressing these internal systems may help children better engage in therapies, school, and daily life.
This episode is not about quick fixes. It's about gaining a deeper understanding of how the body works and how families can explore additional tools to support their child's development and regulation.
Topics Covered
• How inflammation may influence behavior and regulation • The connection between gut health and neurological function • Dr. Knight's four-phase cellular healing approach • The role toxins and environmental exposures may play in health • Supporting detox pathways safely and thoughtfully • Why mitochondrial health matters for energy and regulation • Real stories of changes families have experienced • Simple lifestyle adjustments families can start today
About the Guest
Dr. Jeffrey Knight is a chiropractor and founder of the Autism Wellness Center in Utah. His work focuses on a whole-body approach to health, supporting neurological function, detoxification pathways, cellular healing, and gut health.
Through his four-phase wellness program, Dr. Knight works with families across the country to help support children's overall health and regulation.
Learn more: https://healthempoweredfamilies.com
Resources Mentioned
Health Empowered Families https://healthempoweredfamilies.com
About the Host
Brian Keene is a pediatric occupational therapist and founder of Pure Hearts Therapy, a neurodiversity-affirming therapy practice providing in-home pediatric therapy services for families in Arizona.
Through the Autism Family Resource Podcast, Brian shares practical strategies, expert conversations, and supportive insights to help parents navigate autism and neurodiversity with confidence.
Learn more: https://pureheartstherapy.com
Subscribe & Connect
If this episode resonated with you, please consider sharing it with another parent who might benefit from the conversation.
You can find more resources and support at: https://pureheartstherapy.com
Follow Pure Hearts Therapy on social media for more tools, strategies, and conversations supporting neurodivergent families.

Many parents of neurodivergent children share a common feeling: isolation. Even when surrounded by people, it can feel like no one truly understands the unique challenges your family is navigating.
In this episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, Brian Keene sits down with autism advocate Mandy Pinckley to talk about the power of community and connection. Mandy shares her personal journey of discovering supportive spaces where she could be authentic about being autistic, and how finding the right community helped her build confidence and self-acceptance.
Together, they explore why so many parents feel alone, how community support can transform the experience of raising a neurodivergent child, and practical ways families can begin building their own support networks. From online communities to local support groups, Mandy highlights how even one meaningful connection can help families move from isolation to hope.
If you've ever wondered whether other families truly understand what you're going through, this conversation is a reminder that you are not alone—and your community may be closer than you think.
Topics Covered
• Why many parents of neurodivergent children feel isolated • Mandy Pinkley's journey embracing her autistic identity • The power of finding community with people who understand your experience • How support groups can reduce isolation and build confidence • Online communities vs. in-person support networks • How parents can help their children find supportive social environments • Why advocacy and authenticity matter in the autism community • How families can start building their own support networks
About the Guest
Mandy Pinckley is an autism advocate who speaks openly about identity, community, and the importance of creating spaces where neurodivergent individuals feel accepted and understood. Through advocacy and community engagement, Mandy works to promote inclusion, awareness, and authentic representation of autistic experiences.
About the Host
Brian Keene is a pediatric occupational therapist and founder of Pure Hearts Therapy, a neurodiversity-affirming therapy practice providing in-home pediatric therapy services for families in Arizona.
Through the Autism Family Resource Podcast, Brian shares practical insights, expert conversations, and supportive strategies to help parents navigate the journey of raising neurodivergent children.
Learn more at: https://pureheartstherapy.com
Subscribe & Connect
If this episode resonated with you, please consider sharing it with another parent who might benefit from this conversation.
You can find more resources and support at: https://pureheartstherapy.com
Follow Pure Hearts Therapy on social media for more conversations, guidance, and resources supporting neurodivergent families.
Recommended Resources Mentioned
CARD – Center for Autism & Related Disabilities

Family Inclusion Networks (e.g., "FIN")

Local autism organizations

Facebook and online support groups

Community events and family-friendly meetups

Many parents know the feeling. Your child comes home and says, "Nobody plays with me," or you watch them standing alone on the playground while other kids easily connect. Every parent wants their child to feel included and accepted, but sometimes it feels like the world doesn't quite know how to make room for differences.
In this episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, Brian Keene sits down again with autism advocate Mandy Pinckley to talk about what real inclusion looks like for autistic children. Together they explore how friendships form, how peers can become allies, and what parents and educators can do to create environments where neurodivergent kids feel genuinely welcomed.
Mandy shares personal insights from her advocacy work and her own experiences as an autistic adult. The conversation also explores practical ways parents can advocate for their children, teach healthy boundaries, and help kids build confidence and connection with others.
This episode is a reminder that inclusion isn't just about allowing someone to participate — it's about creating spaces where every child truly belongs.
Topics Covered
• What true inclusion means for autistic children • Why some neurodivergent kids struggle with friendships • How peer mentorship programs create inclusive environments • The importance of listening to a child's lived experience • Teaching healthy boundaries and self-advocacy skills • How parents can advocate effectively in school settings • Ways peers can become allies for neurodivergent classmates
Memorable Quote
"Inclusion isn't just letting someone sit at the table — it's wanting them there." — Mandy Pinckley
About the Guest
Mandy Pinckley is an autism advocate dedicated to promoting understanding, inclusion, and empowerment for neurodivergent individuals. Through advocacy, community engagement, and educational conversations, she helps families and schools create environments where autistic individuals feel accepted and supported.
Resources Mentioned
• Penguin Project (inclusive theatre program for children with disabilities) • CARD — Center for Autism and Related Disabilities
About the Host
Brian Keene is a pediatric occupational therapist and the founder of Pure Hearts Therapy, a neurodiversity-affirming therapy practice providing in-home pediatric therapy services for families in Arizona.
Through the Autism Family Resource Podcast, Brian shares practical tools, meaningful conversations, and expert perspectives to help parents support the development and wellbeing of their neurodivergent children.
Learn more at: https://pureheartstherapy.com
Subscribe & Connect
If this episode resonated with you, please consider sharing it with another parent who might benefit from this conversation.
You can explore more resources and support at: https://pureheartstherapy.com
Follow Pure Hearts Therapy on social media for more conversations, strategies, and encouragement for families navigating autism and neurodiversity.

What is it really like to grow up autistic? And what do autistic youth wish the adults in their lives understood better?
In this episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, Brian Keene sits down with autism advocate Mandy Pinckley to talk about her lived experience growing up autistic and the journey that led her into advocacy work today. Mandy shares what it was like navigating childhood, friendships, bullying, and the search for belonging while growing up undiagnosed.
Together they explore how early understanding, supportive relationships, and open communication can make a meaningful difference for autistic youth. Mandy also shares insights on digital safety, emotional experiences, identity development, and why it's so important for parents to meet their children where they are.
This conversation is the beginning of a multi-episode series with Mandy, where Brian and Mandy will explore topics like digital safety, inclusion, peer advocacy, and building supportive communities for neurodivergent youth.
If you've ever wondered how to better understand your child's perspective or create a stronger connection with them, this episode offers thoughtful insights and encouragement.
Topics Covered
• Mandy's experience growing up autistic and being diagnosed later • Why many autistic girls go undiagnosed longer than boys • The emotional experiences many autistic youth navigate • Bullying, isolation, and searching for belonging • The role of digital environments and online safety • How open communication helps protect and support kids • Supporting identity development and self-expression • Helping neurodivergent youth find community
Memorable Quote
"Meet them where they're at — not where you want them to be." — Mandy Pinkley
About the Guest
Mandy Pinckley is an autism advocate focused on promoting digital safety, inclusion, and support for neurodivergent youth. Through speaking, advocacy work, and community engagement, she helps families and educators better understand the experiences of autistic individuals and create safer, more supportive environments.
Resources Mentioned
• CARD — Center for Autism and Related Disabilities
About the Host
Brian Keene is a pediatric occupational therapist and founder of Pure Hearts Therapy, a neurodiversity-affirming therapy practice providing in-home pediatric therapy services for families in Arizona.
Through the Autism Family Resource Podcast, Brian shares expert conversations, practical strategies, and supportive insights to help parents navigate the journey of raising neurodivergent children.
Learn more at: https://pureheartstherapy.com
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