Autism Family Resource

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

In this episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, Brian Keene speaks with Joseph Shipman, an autistic adult, radio professional, musician, artist, and co-author of A Mother's Guide Through Autism.
Joseph shares his experience growing up autistic, including early diagnosis, sensory sensitivities, speech therapy, social learning, friendships, bullying, grief, music, and the transition into adulthood. He also reflects on the role his parents played as fierce advocates, especially his mother, Brigitte Shipman, and how their shared story became a book told from both parent and autistic adult perspectives.
This conversation offers parents a grounded and hopeful reminder: autistic children do not need to follow one narrow path to live meaningful lives. Joseph's story highlights the importance of advocacy, authentic support, creative expression, and believing in each child's capacity for growth, connection, independence, and fulfillment.
Topics Covered
• Joseph's early autism diagnosis and childhood experiences
• Sensory sensitivities and social learning
• How therapy and school support shaped Joseph's development
• Friendship, small talk, and reading social cues
• Mental health, grief, bullying, and resilience
• Music and art as outlets for expression
• Autistic adulthood, work, and independence
• The story behind A Mother's Guide Through Autism
Memorable Quote
"There's always going to be some level of capable, independent, authentic, happy living."
About the Guest
Joseph Shipman is an autistic adult, radio professional, musician, artist, and co-author of A Mother's Guide Through Autism. In the book, Joseph shares his perspective in Through the Eyes of the Guided, offering insight into growing up autistic and navigating adulthood with authenticity.
Resources Mentioned
A Mother's Guide Through Autism
https://www.amazon.com/Mothers-Guide-Through-Autism-Guided/dp/1737563959
Mother's Guide Through Autism
https://www.mothersguidethroughautism.com/
About the Host
Brian Keene is the founder of Pure Hearts Therapy, a neurodiversity-affirming pediatric therapy practice in Arizona. Pure Hearts Therapy provides home-based occupational therapy, speech therapy, physical therapy, and virtual parent coaching to help children grow through connection, play, and real-life experiences.
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

Sex education can feel awkward, overwhelming, or even taboo for many parents, especially when they are raising neurodivergent children and already navigating so many daily demands.
In this episode, Brian talks with Cath Hakanson, founder of Sex Ed Rescue, about how parents can approach sex education in practical, shame-free, and neurodiversity-affirming ways. Cath explains why sex education is not one big "talk," but a series of everyday conversations about bodies, safety, relationships, consent, privacy, values, and trust.
Cath shares how parents can become more "askable," why honest answers help build safety, and how conversations about body boundaries and consent can support autistic and neurodivergent children as they grow. This conversation is warm, direct, and grounded in real life, helping parents understand that they are probably already teaching sex ed in small ways, even if they do not realize it yet.
Topics Covered
• Why sex education starts earlier than many parents think
• How to become an "askable parent"
• Why honest, age-appropriate answers build trust
• Teaching consent, body boundaries, and privacy
• Supporting autistic and neurodivergent children with explicit teaching
• Why information is not permission
• Helping children feel safe, informed, and respected
Memorable Quote
"Information isn't permission. It actually empowers kids."
About the Guest
Cath Hakanson is an autistic ADHDer, parent of neurodivergent children, and founder of Sex Ed Rescue. She helps parents approach sex education in practical, shame-free ways that support safety, trust, consent, and healthy relationships.
Resources Mentioned
Sex Ed Rescue:
https://sexedrescue.com/
Sex Ed Shop:
https://sexedshop.com/
Sex Ed Membership for Parents:
https://sexedshop.com/products/sex-ed-membership
SECCA:
https://www.secca.org.au/
Cath Hakanson on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/cathhakanson
Cath Hakanson on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/sexedrescue/
Cath Hakanson on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathhakanson/
About the Host
Brian Keene is an occupational therapist and founder of Pure Hearts Therapy, a neurodiversity-affirming pediatric therapy practice supporting children and families through home-based occupational therapy, speech therapy, physical therapy, and parent support in Arizona.
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