Autism Family Resource Brian Keene

In this episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, host Brian Keene engages in a heartfelt conversation with Lynn and Jonathan Greenberg, a mother-son duo, about their personal journey with dyslexia. Jonathan, a college student born with dyslexia, shares the challenges he faced and how he discovered a deep love for writing, reading, and drawing with the support of his mother. Together, they turned obstacles into opportunities, creating the children's book "Robby the Dyslexic Taxi." The book celebrates determination, creativity, and the power of collaboration.
Guests:
Joining us today are Jonathan Greenberg, Author, and Illustrator, born with dyslexia, who found a creative outlet through art and storytelling, and Lynn Greenberg, Author, retired attorney, and devoted mother. Together, they collaborated on "Robby the Dyslexic Taxi And The Airport Adventure," addressing dyslexia and advocating for neurodiversity. Their story highlights resilience and creativity in navigating learning challenges.
Bullet Point Recap:
•    Personal journey with dyslexia, challenges faced, and the creation of "Robby the Dyslexic Taxi."
•    Jonathan's positive perspective on dyslexia as a superpower.
•    The importance of parental support and trusting instincts.
•    Description of the book's storyline and characters.
•    The role of the Creative Cab Company in fostering a supportive community.
•    Plans for a series exploring different learning differences.
Creative Cab Company:
www.creativecabcompany.com
Subscribe Now and Leave a Review
Apple Podcasts, Spotify,  Google Podcast, &  Stitcher
Visit our Website:
www.pureheartstherapy.com
Follow Us:
Facebook: Pure Hearts Therapy
Facebook Group: Autism Family Resource
Instagram: Purehearts_Therapy

In this taboo-busting episode, Brian Keene welcomes Cindi Seifert, a devoted mother and the founder of Preventa Wear to share her journey raising her daughter Kyla, a 25-year-old with autism and epilepsy. The taboo topic of diaper digging, a behavior many parents face in silence, takes center stage as Cindi opens up about the challenges she encountered and the innovative solution she crafted to empower families worldwide.
Guest:
Cindi Seifert, a compassionate mother and the visionary founder of Preventa Wear, LLC, unfolds her remarkable journey as a caregiver and entrepreneur. Her commitment to addressing the challenges of incontinence and providing specialized clothing solutions has transformed Preventa Wear into a global phenomenon.
 
Bullet Point Recap:
Origins of Preventa Wear: Cindi shares the genesis of Preventa Wear, born out of the daily struggles with Kyla's diaper digging behavior and the need for a supportive solution.
The Preventa Wear Collection: A diverse range of sensory-friendly, fashionable, and functional outfits, including adult-sized onesies, wheelchair pads, and stylish apparel for individuals with various neurological disorders.
Breaking the Silence: Cindi's openness about the taboo topic of diaper digging aims to shatter societal silence and connect with families facing similar challenges.
Global Impact: The Prevent Aware movement extends beyond autism, reaching families dealing with Alzheimer's, Down syndrome, and other neurological disorders worldwide.
Empowering Families: Cindi's mission goes beyond providing clothing; it's about offering support, understanding, and a sense of community to families navigating the often isolating journey of caregiving.
The Preventa Wear Website: Cindi directs listeners to the Preventa Wear website, where families can explore the range of products, find resources, and connect with a community that understands their unique experiences
 
Prevent Aware Resources: 
https://preventawear.com/
Subscribe Now & Leave a Review
Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, 
Visit our Website:
www.pureheartstherapy.com
Follow Us:
Facebook: Pure Hearts Therapy
 

Synopsis: In this episode, Brian Keene welcomes Manisha Snoyer, a teacher, tech entrepreneur, and host of the "Teach Your Kids" podcast. They discuss alternatives to the traditional education system, focusing on homeschooling as a customizable and flexible solution for families, especially those with special needs.
Guest: Manisha Snoyer is a renowned educator, speaker, and innovator in the field of personalized learning and childhood education. With over a decade of experience, she has worked passionately to bridge the gap between traditional education systems and individualized learning methodologies. Manisha's expertise extends to the intersection of technology and education, as she leverages digital tools to enhance learning experiences. 
Bullet Point Recap:
Manisha Snoyer's 20 years of teaching experience and recognition of issues in the education system.
Cottage Class as a tech platform supporting teachers in starting micro-schools and aiding homeschooling families.
Diverse and modern landscape of homeschooling, addressing challenges faced by families with special needs.
Examples of customized curriculum recommendations based on a child's preferences and needs.
Cottage Class as a marketplace connecting families with tutors and providing training in child-centered communication.
Overview of Arizona's innovative Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) and their impact on homeschooling.
Steps for families interested in homeschooling, including visiting the "Teach Your Kids" website.
Emphasis on affordability and support for all families interested in joining the homeschooling community.
Encouragement for families to explore homeschooling and seek help from available communities and specialists.
Resources:
Teach Your Kids Homeschooling Community Resources: 
https://teachyourkids.substack.com/
Subscribe Now and Leave a Review
Apple Podcasts, Spotify,  Google Podcast, &  Stitcher
Visit our Website:
www.pureheartstherapy.com
Follow Us:
Facebook: Pure Hearts Therapy
Facebook Group: Autism Family Resource
Instagram: Purehearts_Therapy

Synopsis:
In this episode of the Autism Family Resource podcast, host Brian Keene interviews Justin Behnke, father of a nonspeaking child on the autism spectrum, who created the innovative safety product ScanMeHome.com. Justin shares his personal journey, the inspiration behind his product, and practical tips for enhancing child safety in the community.
Guest:
Meet Justin Behnke, father of a nonspeaking child on the autism spectrum and founder, director, and CEO of ScanMeHome.com, a QR code solution for child safety.
Main Topics Discussed:
ScanMeHome.com: A Lifeline for Parents: ScanMeHome.com offers an extra layer of security and peace of mind. Iron-on QR code tags are discreet, washable, and highly effective. Designed for children with disabilities, like nonverbal kids, but applicable to many
other diagnoses, like dementia. Exclusive Listener Discount: Justin offers a 50% lifetime discount with the code "VIPMEMBER." His mission is to make child safety accessible to all families. Community Safety and Awareness: Justin emphasizes the importance of community involvement and education. Making people aware of your child’s safety technology, be it QR code or Apple Air Tag, can create a safer environment for everyone. Recap:
 Justin, a father of a nonspeaking child on the autism spectrum, discusses ScanMeHome.com, a safety product for children. He shares his personal journey and the inspiration behind creating the product. ScanMeHome.com offers an added layer of security for children with disabilities. QR codes are highly effective in child safety and include vital information. Practical tips for parents include staying close to children in public and parking near entrances. Promote awareness and education in the community for child safety. A discount code "VIPMEMBER" offers a 50% discount on ScanMeHome.com memberships for listeners. Resources:
https://scanmehome.com/
https://www.facebook.com/scanmehomenow
VIPMEMBER is your discount code. This gives people half off for life, including their sign-up and monthly.
Subscribe Now & Leave a Review
Apple Podcasts, Spotify,  Google Podcast, &  Stitcher
Visit our Website:
www.pureheartstherapy.com
Follow Us:
Facebook: Pure Hearts Therapy
Facebook Group: Autism Family Resource
Instagram: Purehearts_Therapy

Communication Devises Part 3: AAC Device Best Practices
Synopsis:
On today’s episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, host Brian Keene continues his discussion with Lydia Mackay and Stacey Dover, Phenix area speech-language pathologists. Lydia and Stacey delve into the significance of communication, the joy of language development, and the transformative power of AAC in the lives of individuals with communication difficulties. This episode, part three of the three-part series, focuses on AAC devices.
Guests:
Lydia Mackay and Stacey Dover are speech-language pathologists based in the Phenix area. They specialize in working with individuals who use AAC in various settings, such as schools and homes. They have experience providing evaluations and training for augmentative communication devices and have worked extensively with non-speaking individuals and those with special needs. They are passionate about supporting communication development and empowering individuals to express themselves effectively.
Main Topics Discussed:
Introduction to AAC and Its Impact Defining AAC and its role in communication Transforming lives through effective communication Building Language through Play and Interaction Understanding the joy of language development The importance of social interactions in language acquisition Creating a communication-rich environment Implementing AAC in Daily Routines Making AAC a seamless part of routines Strategies for incorporating AAC devices into daily activities Balancing fun and learning through modeling The Role of Modeling in AAC Exploring the concept of modeling How modeling enhances receptive language skills Letting the child lead and nurturing expressive language growth Creating Meaningful Connections with AAC Recognizing the importance of social connection Empowering families to navigate AAC challenges Personal stories that demonstrate the impact of AAC Bullet Point Recap:
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) empowers individuals with communication challenges. Language development is a joyful process influenced by social interactions. Incorporating AAC into routines enhances communication success. Modeling is a powerful strategy for nurturing receptive and expressive language. AAC strengthens meaningful connections and improves overall quality of life.  
For AAC resources, FAQ, and flowcharts:
https://www.pureheartstherapy.com/resources/speechandcommunication
Subscribe Now & Leave a Review
Apple Podcasts, Spotify,  Google Podcast, &  Stitcher
Visit our Website:
www.pureheartstherapy.com
Follow Us:
Facebook: Pure Hearts Therapy
Facebook Group: Autism Family Resource
Instagram: Purehearts_Therapy

Communication Devises Part 2: Obtaining an AAC Device Synopsis: On today’s episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, host Brian Keene continues his discussion with Lydia Mackay and Stacey Dover, Phenix area speech-language pathologists, about the process of obtaining Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices in Arizona. This episode, part two of the three-part series, focuses on AAC devices.
Guests:
Lydia Mackay and Stacey Dover are speech-language pathologists based in the Phenix area. They specialize in working with individuals who use AAC in various settings, such as schools and homes. They have experience providing evaluations and training for augmentative communication devices and have worked extensively with non-speaking individuals and those with special needs. They are passionate about supporting communication development and empowering individuals to express themselves effectively.
Main Topics Discussed:
How to initiate the process of obtaining an AAC device for a child in Arizona. The importance of working with a contracted AAC agency for specialized services. The role of a multidisciplinary team in the evaluation process, including speech therapists and occupational/physical therapists. Conducting a thorough evaluation to find the right AAC device that suits the child's needs and abilities. The significance of considering the family's input and the child's physical abilities during the evaluation. The possibility of using loaner devices during the evaluation phase. Recap:
In Arizona, families should initiate the process of obtaining an AAC device for their child to support their communication needs, as early intervention is crucial. To get an AAC device, families can work with their therapists or directly contact an AAC provider agency for assistance. The evaluation process involves a multidisciplinary team, including speech therapists and occupational/physical therapists, to find the best match for the child's communication requirements. The evaluation considers various factors, including the child's physical abilities, communication needs, and family input. Loaner devices may be available to use during the evaluation period. Part three of the series will focus on implementing the AAC device in daily life and discussing the pros and cons of different devices and features. For AAC resources, FAQ, and flowcharts:
https://www.pureheartstherapy.com/resources/speechandcommunication
Subscribe Now & Leave a Review
Apple Podcasts, Spotify,  Google Podcast, &  Stitcher
Visit our Website:
www.pureheartstherapy.com
Follow Us:
Facebook: Pure Hearts Therapy
Facebook Group: Autism Family Resource
Instagram: Purehearts_Therapy