Parenting on the Spectrum

Theresa Alexander Inman

Raising children with autism comes with unique joys, challenges, and learning moments. Join host Theresa as she explores the diverse experiences of parenting kids on the spectrum. Each episode features expert insights, real-life stories, and practical strategies to help you navigate this journey with understanding, compassion, and strength. Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, or ally, this podcast is your go-to resource for fostering connection and celebrating neurodiversity.

  1. 3 Aug

    #305: How to Break Generational Parenting Patterns Without the Guilt I Lisa Watson

    You cannot change the moments you regret. You can change what happens next. Listen now to learn how to release parenting guilt, repair emotional wounds, and create a safer, more connected relationship with your child. What happens when you realize that some of your parenting responses came from patterns you never consciously chose? In this powerful episode of Parenting on the Spectrum, Theresa Alexander Inman speaks with transformational coach and author Lisa Watson about reparenting, emotional safety, self-forgiveness, and breaking generational cycles. Together, they explore how parents can move beyond shame, apologize without losing authority, and respond to their children with greater calm, honesty, and connection. How childhood beliefs can shape the way you parent Why emotional regulation must come before correction How apology, repair, and self-forgiveness can rebuild connection You are not defined by your hardest parenting moment. Growth begins when you choose a different response. About Lisa: Lisa Watson is a transformational life, conscious parenting coach and children's book author dedicated to Empowering a Generations from Within. As a PhD candidate in Integrative Health Medicine and the creator of the (re)Parent Yourself Method, she specializes in personal transformation through subconscious reprogramming and the (re)parenting process. Lisa empowers individuals to heal trauma, enhance relationships, and cultivate self-empowerment skills, all while focusing on the importance of inner child healing.Through her unique approach, she helps adults break free from limiting beliefs and model empowering behaviors for the children in their lives, fostering emotional intelligence and self-awareness. As the founder of Awaken the One and author of engaging children's books, Lisa is committed to transforming family dynamics and collective consciousness. With a bold and straightforward style, she makes complex topics like communication and boundaries accessible and relatable, inspiring others to direct their energy toward positive change.Join Lisa as she shares valuable insights and practical strategies for transforming relationships and empowering future generations. About Theresa: Theresa Alexander Inman is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, autism specialist, author, speaker, and host of Parenting on the Spectrum. Through compassionate, practical guidance, she helps families see behavior as communication, strengthen connection, and support their children with greater confidence. Her message is simple and powerful: your child is not broken, and connection comes before correction. Parenting on the Spectrum App While you wait for services, don’t wait for progress. The Parenting on the Spectrum app helps you support, track, and celebrate your child or student's growth with practical tools and loving guidance. Because every moment matters. No waitlist required Start today at: app.parentingonthespectrum.co Your child isn’t broken. They’re communicating in a language most people haven’t learned yet. Inside my Parenting on the Spectrum personalized program, I teach parents how to understand that language and help their child build communication, regulation, and independence. To learn more email: wecare@parentingonthespectrum.co Pathways to Early Communication When your child struggles to communicate, the worry can feel overwhelming. Written by Board Certified Behavior Analyst and Infant Toddler Developmental Specialist Theresa Alexander Inman, this practical guide uses real stories and simple strategies to help infants and toddlers build the skills that come before words. Because waiting is not a plan. Early connection can change everything. Find it at your favourite book seller by following this link: https://books2read.com/How-can-I-help-my-child-communicate

  2. 31 Jul

    #304: How to Connect With Your Child Through Intentional Parenting | Olaolu Ogunyemi

    What if the connection you want with your child starts with the way you care for yourself first? In this powerful episode of Parenting on the Spectrum, Theresa Alexander Inman speaks with Marine officer, father, and award-winning children’s author Olaolu Ogunyemi about the heart of intentional parenting.Olaolu shares why meaningful connection with our children begins with learning how to connect with ourselves first. From daily rituals and self-leadership to navigating stress, public parenting moments, and the emotional weight families carry, this conversation is filled with wisdom, honesty, and encouragement. Together, Theresa and Olaolu explore how parents can create deeper trust, enter their child’s world with compassion, and build the kind of connection that lasts through the hard moments and the beautiful ones. In this episode, you will hear about: Why self-care is a foundation for stronger parenting How intentional connection creates teachable, memorable moments Why joining your child in their world can strengthen trust and communication If you have ever felt stretched, overwhelmed, or unsure how to respond in the moment, this episode will remind you that growth starts within, and connection is always worth the effort. Listen now and discover how intentional parenting can help you lead your child with greater calm, confidence, and heart. About Olaolu Olaolu Ogunyemi is a U.S. Marine officer, award-winning author, and leadership mentor committed to building stronger leaders from the boardroom to the living room. As the founder of Parent-Child-Connect, he equips parents, educators, and mentors with practical strategies to connect with, guide, and inspire the next generation. His acclaimed children’s book, Crow From the Shadow, has helped families begin meaningful conversations about emotions, choices, courage, and self-worth. His work has also appeared in Forbes, YouVersion, Military Families Magazine, and other national publications. With military discipline, a father’s heart, and the power of unforgettable storytelling, Olaolu does more than speak about leadership. He challenges people to live it where it matters most. Learn more from Ola at:https://parent-child-connect.com/ Parenting on the Spectrum App While you wait for services, don’t wait for progress. The Parenting on the Spectrum app helps you support, track, and celebrate your child or student's growth with practical tools and loving guidance. Because every moment matters. No waitlist required Start today at: app.parentingonthespectrum.co Your child isn’t broken They’re communicating in a language most people haven’t learned yet. Inside my Parenting on the Spectrum personalized program, I teach parents how to understand that language and help their child build communication, regulation, and independence. To learn more email: wecare@parentingonthespectrum.co 'Pathways to Early Communication' book When your child struggles to communicate, the worry can feel overwhelming. Written by Board Certified Behavior Analyst and Infant Toddler Developmental Specialist Theresa Alexander Inman, this practical guide uses real stories and simple strategies to help infants and toddlers build the skills that come before words. Because waiting is not a plan. Early connection can change everything. Find it at your favourite book seller by following this link: https://books2read.com/How-can-I-help-my-child-communicate

  3. 29 Jul

    #303: Help Your Dyslexic Child Read and Write Using Their Strengths I Russell Van Brocklen

    What if your child’s reading struggles are not caused by a lack of ability? What if they are being taught in a way that does not match how their brain works? Listen now to discover a practical, strength-based process that can help your child organize their ideas, improve reading comprehension, and begin writing stronger paragraphs with greater confidence. Share this episode with a parent or educator who needs a new way to see a dyslexic child’s potential. Your child may have brilliant ideas racing through their mind, yet struggle to organize those ideas into words, sentences, and written assignments. In this episode of Parenting on the Spectrum, Theresa Alexander Inman welcomes back Russell Van Brocklen, the Dyslexic Professor, for another practical conversation about helping children with dyslexia strengthen their reading and writing skills. Russell explains why traditional instruction may leave dyslexic students feeling frustrated and unsuccessful, especially when lessons begin with broad concepts that feel disconnected from their interests. Instead, he introduces a specific-to-general teaching approach that begins with the child’s specialty, the subject they love, know deeply, and are highly motivated to explore. Using audiobooks, physical books, word analysis, definitions, synonyms, universal themes, and Russell’s Half-Circle Process, parents can help children transform scattered thoughts into organized sentences and body paragraphs. In this episode, you will learn: How to choose books based on your child’s strongest interests Why audiobooks can support engagement with printed text How writing can be used to strengthen reading How parents can support learning without needing to become professional educators... and so much more! Your child does not need fewer expectations. They may need a pathway that allows their intelligence, interests, and unique way of processing information to lead the learning. Listen now and discover how your child’s greatest interest could become the bridge to stronger reading, writing, and confidence. About Russell Dyslexia touches as many as 15–20 % of all learners, yet most families still hear “wait and see.” I flip that script. As the Dyslexia Professor, I translate structured-literacy methods proven most effective for struggling readers into bite-size actions parents can use tonight. Your audience leaves knowing exactly why multisensory routines beat generic worksheets and how to start seeing progress before the next report card. Learn more from Russell at: https://dyslexiaclasses.com/ Parenting on the Spectrum App While you wait for services, don’t wait for progress. The Parenting on the Spectrum app helps you support, track, and celebrate your child or student's growth with practical tools and loving guidance. Because every moment matters. No waitlist required Start today at: app.parentingonthespectrum.co Your child isn’t broken. They’re communicating in a language most people haven’t learned yet. Inside my Parenting on the Spectrum personalized program, I teach parents how to understand that language and help their child build communication, regulation, and independence. To learn more email: wecare@parentingonthespectrum.co Pathways to Early Communication book If you're like most parents, you want to do everything possible to help your child reach their fullest potential. Communication delays can be very frustrating and worrying for both children and parents. This book is a great tool for anyone working with infants and toddlers to help them develop the skills they need to prevent or reduce the effects of any possible delays. The author, who is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and Infant Toddler Developmental Specialist, uses stories from her own work to bring points home in an interesting and easy-to-read way. This book makes a great shower gift for any new parent! Find it at your favourite book seller by following this link: https://books2read.com/How-can-I-help-my-child-communicate

  4. 13 Jul

    #302: Reading Confidence Starts Here with Daniela Feldhausen

    Have you ever watched a child try so hard to read… and still feel defeated? Daniela Feldhausen is here to change that. Reading success isn’t magic, it’s method. Daniela breaks down her evidence-based reading program, showing how explicit, systematic instruction plus multisensory practice, decodable texts, and clear progress checks build confident readers. We cover skill sequencing, what to look for in effective interventions, and small home and classroom routines that create big gains, especially for learners with dyslexia or those who’ve stalled with traditional methods. Loved this conversation? Tap Follow and leave a review, it helps more families discover evidence-based support. Learn more from Daniela at:  https://KidsUpReadingTutors.com Parenting on the Spectrum AppWhile you wait for services, don’t wait for progress. The Parenting on the Spectrum app helps you support, track, and celebrate your child or student's growth with practical tools and loving guidance. Because every moment matters. No waitlist requiredStart today at: app.parentingonthespectrum.coYour child isn’t broken.They’re communicating in a language most people haven’t learned yet.Inside my Parenting on the Spectrum personalized program, I teach parents how to understand that language and help their child build communication, regulation, and independence.To learn more email: wecare@parentingonthespectrum.coPathways to Early Communication bookIf you're like most parents, you want to do everything possible to help your child reach their fullest potential. Communication delays can be very frustrating and worrying for both children and parents. This book is a great tool for anyone working with infants and toddlers to help them develop the skills they need to prevent or reduce the effects of any possible delays. The author, who is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and Infant Toddler Developmental Specialist, uses stories from her own work to bring points home in an interesting and easy-to-read way. This book makes a great shower gift for any new parent!Find it at your favourite book seller by following this link: https://books2read.com/How-can-I-help-my-child-communicateClose your eyes, take a deep belly breath! You don't have to do this alone

  5. 10 Jul

    301: Don't Throw Your Dreams Away with Dean Taylor

    Have you ever “cleaned house” on your goals, only to realize you threw the good stuff out with the clutter? In this uplifting conversation, Dean Taylor and Theresa explore what really makes us abandon our dreams: fear of judgment, perfectionism, old stories, and life’s very real constraints. You’ll learn gentle but powerful ways to pick your dream back up, even if it’s been years: micro-commitments, accountability that feels kind (not punishing), and a simple check-in that moves you from wishful thinking to doable steps. If you’ve been waiting for a sign, this is it. Learn more from Dean at: https://deantaylorofficial.com/communityresourcesaccess Parenting on the Spectrum AppWhile you wait for services, don’t wait for progress. The Parenting on the Spectrum app helps you support, track, and celebrate your child or student's growth with practical tools and loving guidance. Because every moment matters. No waitlist requiredStart today at: app.parentingonthespectrum.coYour child isn’t broken.They’re communicating in a language most people haven’t learned yet.Inside my Parenting on the Spectrum personalized program, I teach parents how to understand that language and help their child build communication, regulation, and independence.To learn more email: wecare@parentingonthespectrum.coPathways to Early Communication bookIf you're like most parents, you want to do everything possible to help your child reach their fullest potential. Communication delays can be very frustrating and worrying for both children and parents. This book is a great tool for anyone working with infants and toddlers to help them develop the skills they need to prevent or reduce the effects of any possible delays. The author, who is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and Infant Toddler Developmental Specialist, uses stories from her own work to bring points home in an interesting and easy-to-read way. This book makes a great shower gift for any new parent!Find it at your favourite book seller by following this link: https://books2read.com/How-can-I-help-my-child-communicateClose your eyes, take a deep belly breath! You don't have to do this alone

  6. 8 Jul

    #300: The Power of Play with Heather Billiot

    In this heart-centered episode of Parenting on the Spectrum, Theresa Alexander Inman is joined by Heather Billiot, an occupational therapist who believes that play is the language of childhood. Together, they explore how play shapes development, builds emotional regulation, and strengthens the bond between parent and child.Heather explains how playful engagement supports sensory processing, motor planning, and communication, especially for children on the autism spectrum. She also shares practical ideas for parents to bring more connection, joy, and learning into everyday routines.Whether you’re a therapist, educator, or parent, this episode will remind you that play isn’t just fun, it’s foundational to growth, confidence, and relationships.Tune in and rediscover the healing power of play! Parenting on the Spectrum AppWhile you wait for services, don’t wait for progress. The Parenting on the Spectrum app helps you support, track, and celebrate your child or student's growth with practical tools and loving guidance. Because every moment matters. No waitlist requiredStart today at: app.parentingonthespectrum.coYour child isn’t broken.They’re communicating in a language most people haven’t learned yet.Inside my Parenting on the Spectrum personalized program, I teach parents how to understand that language and help their child build communication, regulation, and independence.To learn more email: wecare@parentingonthespectrum.coPathways to Early Communication bookIf you're like most parents, you want to do everything possible to help your child reach their fullest potential. Communication delays can be very frustrating and worrying for both children and parents. This book is a great tool for anyone working with infants and toddlers to help them develop the skills they need to prevent or reduce the effects of any possible delays. The author, who is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and Infant Toddler Developmental Specialist, uses stories from her own work to bring points home in an interesting and easy-to-read way. This book makes a great shower gift for any new parent!Find it at your favourite book seller by following this link: https://books2read.com/How-can-I-help-my-child-communicateClose your eyes, take a deep belly breath! You don't have to do this alone

  7. 6 Jul

    #299: But You Don't Look Autistic with Shea Belsky

    In this inspiring conversation, Theresa sits down with Shea Belsky, an autistic self-advocate, public speaker, and tech professional who’s helping redefine what inclusion really means. Shea shares his lived experience of navigating the world as an autistic adult, embracing authenticity, building supportive communities, and challenging stereotypes that limit neurodivergent potential.Together, they explore what it means to thrive as an autistic person, how organizations can create truly inclusive spaces, and why embracing neurodiversity benefits everyone. This episode is a reminder that being autistic isn’t about fitting in, it’s about living fully and unapologetically as yourself. Tune in to gain insight, empathy, and real-world strategies for celebrating neurodiversity. Learn more from Shea at:https://www.sheabelsky.com/ Parenting on the Spectrum AppWhile you wait for services, don’t wait for progress. The Parenting on the Spectrum app helps you support, track, and celebrate your child or student's growth with practical tools and loving guidance. Because every moment matters. No waitlist requiredStart today at: app.parentingonthespectrum.coYour child isn’t broken.They’re communicating in a language most people haven’t learned yet.Inside my Parenting on the Spectrum personalized program, I teach parents how to understand that language and help their child build communication, regulation, and independence.To learn more email: wecare@parentingonthespectrum.coPathways to Early Communication bookIf you're like most parents, you want to do everything possible to help your child reach their fullest potential. Communication delays can be very frustrating and worrying for both children and parents. This book is a great tool for anyone working with infants and toddlers to help them develop the skills they need to prevent or reduce the effects of any possible delays. The author, who is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and Infant Toddler Developmental Specialist, uses stories from her own work to bring points home in an interesting and easy-to-read way. This book makes a great shower gift for any new parent!Find it at your favourite book seller by following this link: https://books2read.com/How-can-I-help-my-child-communicateClose your eyes, take a deep belly breath! You don't have to do this alone

  8. 5 Jul

    #298: The Secret to Paying Off Your Mortgage Early and Building a $10K/Month Business with Ann Pells

    What if financial freedom was closer than you think? In this empowering episode of Parenting on the Spectrum, Theresa sits down with entrepreneur and financial strategist Ann Pells, who reveals the powerful system she used to pay down her mortgage early, and then leverage that freedom to build a thriving $10K/month business.Ann shares practical steps anyone can take to eliminate debt, create new income streams, and design a life that feels both secure and abundant. Whether you’re a parent dreaming of stability or an aspiring business owner ready to take action, this conversation will inspire you to take charge of your money and your mindset.Tune in to learn how to shift from surviving to thriving, one intentional step at a time. Learn more from Ann at: https://lifegiverlegacy.com/3-steps-to-financial-freedom Parenting on the Spectrum AppWhile you wait for services, don’t wait for progress. The Parenting on the Spectrum app helps you support, track, and celebrate your child or student's growth with practical tools and loving guidance. Because every moment matters. No waitlist requiredStart today at: app.parentingonthespectrum.coYour child isn’t broken.They’re communicating in a language most people haven’t learned yet.Inside my Parenting on the Spectrum personalized program, I teach parents how to understand that language and help their child build communication, regulation, and independence.To learn more email: wecare@parentingonthespectrum.coPathways to Early Communication bookIf you're like most parents, you want to do everything possible to help your child reach their fullest potential. Communication delays can be very frustrating and worrying for both children and parents. This book is a great tool for anyone working with infants and toddlers to help them develop the skills they need to prevent or reduce the effects of any possible delays. The author, who is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and Infant Toddler Developmental Specialist, uses stories from her own work to bring points home in an interesting and easy-to-read way. This book makes a great shower gift for any new parent!Find it at your favourite book seller by following this link: https://books2read.com/How-can-I-help-my-child-communicateClose your eyes, take a deep belly breath! You don't have to do this alone

About

Raising children with autism comes with unique joys, challenges, and learning moments. Join host Theresa as she explores the diverse experiences of parenting kids on the spectrum. Each episode features expert insights, real-life stories, and practical strategies to help you navigate this journey with understanding, compassion, and strength. Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, or ally, this podcast is your go-to resource for fostering connection and celebrating neurodiversity.