Piece by Piece Autism Podcast

Christi Jensen & Angie Matheney
  • 5.0 (19)
  • Parenting

Solve the Autism puzzle with us, as we discuss the crucial pieces to a happier, more peaceful life with your child/adult with Autism. Striving to make your life a bit easier,  bringing you tips of the trade that are tried and true.  Angie and Christi use their knowledge & training to share information in all areas of Autism treatment…piece by piece.

  1. Jun 9

    Special Needs Dentistry & Autism: A Conversation with Dr. Meet and Abby Patel

    This week, we sit down with Meet and Abby Patel to discuss their years of experience working in a special needs dentistry practice and serving individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities. Dental visits can be a source of stress and anxiety for many families, but Meet and Abby share practical insights into what makes dental care more successful for individuals on the autism spectrum. From building trust and creating positive experiences to understanding sensory sensitivities and communication differences, they offer a unique perspective from inside a practice that specializes in caring for patients with special needs. We discuss common challenges families face when it comes to oral hygiene, preparing for dental appointments, and finding providers who are willing to meet patients where they are. Meet and Abby also share stories and lessons they've learned over the years working with individuals of all ages and abilities. Whether you're helping a young child brush their teeth, preparing for an upcoming dental visit, or supporting an adult with autism in maintaining good oral health, this episode is full of practical advice and encouragement. Join us for an informative conversation about autism, special needs dentistry, and the importance of finding a dental team that understands and supports every patient's unique needs. 🦷✨ Send us Fan Mail

    39 min

  2. Jun 2

    Andrea’s Take on Growing Up with Alec: Autism Awareness Starts at Home

    In this episode, we continue our Sibling Series with Alec’s sister, Andrea Jensen Semidey. Andrea lives in Allen, TX with her husband and 4 kids. She works in finance as a corporate attorney. She graduated from SMU with a degree in Advertising and History and graduated from law school in New York City at Yeshiva University. She enjoys horseback riding, yoga, running, legos, cooking, baking and reading, and only wishes for more time to do any one of those things. She and her family are huge "soccer" fans and Arsenal supporters.  Andrea shares her perspective on growing up with a brother on the autism spectrum — the challenges, the joy, and the lessons that shaped her along the way. Send us Fan Mail

    40 min

  3. May 12

    Autism in Hollywood: What TV & Movies Get Right (and Wrong)

    This week, we sit down with Mike Greer, Christi’s brother, for a fun and thoughtful conversation all about how autism is portrayed in Hollywood. Together, we review several well-known shows and movies that feature autistic characters and discuss what feels realistic, what feels exaggerated, and which character traits remind us of Alec. From classic films to modern streaming shows, we share our honest perspectives as a family who has lived the reality of autism every day. We discuss iconic titles like Rain Man and Temple Grandin, Love on the Spectrum and The Good Doctor. We talk about the strengths and shortcomings of autism representation in media, the common themes we see repeated in Hollywood, and why representation matters for families, educators, and the broader community. Whether you’re curious about how accurately autism is portrayed on screen or just want to hear a relatable conversation connecting real life to pop culture, this episode is both entertaining and insightful. Send us Fan Mail

    42 min

  4. Apr 28

    From Roommates to Family: Autism, Growth & Lifelong Connections

    In this episode, we sit down with two very special guests—Tyler and Madeleine, Alec’s original roommates when he first moved to Utah seven years ago. These were the early days of Alec’s transition into group home living, and Tyler and Madeleine were right there helping him settle in, build routines, and adjust to a new level of independence. What started as a working relationship quickly grew into something much deeper. Now, years later, it has been so special to reconnect and see how their relationship with Alec has continued to grow and evolve—even after they moved back to California and started a family of their own. We talk about the life lessons they learned during their time with Alec, the challenges they faced, and of course, the funny and unforgettable moments that come with daily life supporting someone on the autism spectrum. This episode offers a unique behind-the-scenes look at what it’s really like to support someone transitioning into a group home setting—highlighting the importance of consistency, connection, and the relationships that make it all meaningful. It’s a reminder that while systems and structure matter, it’s the people who truly make the difference. Send us Fan Mail

    47 min

  5. Apr 21

    Nonverbal Autism: Alec’s Communication Journey & What Worked

    In this episode, we share Alec’s journey with communication—one of the most meaningful and challenging parts of his story. We take you back to the early years, starting with speech therapy and the initial stages of communication, and the moment Christi realized that Alec may not develop verbal language. From there, we walk through the many paths we explored in helping Alec find a way to communicate. We discuss Alec’s experience working with Soma in Austin, Texas, where he began using a letter board, and how that method evolved into the communication system he uses today. While the journey has not been easy, it has been incredibly meaningful. Through this process, Alec has been able to share his thoughts, feelings, and personality in ways that were once out of reach. We also talk honestly about the challenges along the way, including attempts to transition to typing on an iPad. Despite working with multiple communication specialists, that path has come with roadblocks, reminding us that communication is not one-size-fits-all. This episode is a reflection on persistence, growth, and the importance of continuing to seek out what works for each individual. For families navigating nonverbal autism or exploring communication options, we hope Alec’s story offers both encouragement and insight. Send us Fan Mail

    36 min

  6. Apr 14

    Autism Parent Journey with Sharisa Lewis - From Early Intervention to Adulthood

    In this episode, we sit down with Sharisa Lewis, Dylan’s mom, to hear her perspective on raising a child on the autism spectrum and navigating the journey from early intervention to adulthood. Dylan, a good friend of Alec’s, is a fun, creative, and project-loving young man, and Sharisa shares what it has looked like to support him every step of the way. From receiving his official autism diagnosis at age five to starting early intervention at just two years old, her story highlights the importance of getting support early and staying the course through each stage of development. In addition, Sharisa brings a wealth of knowledge when it comes to autism services and government waivers, and we touch on how important these supports can be for families planning for the future. We’re already looking forward to having her back for a deeper dive into this topic. Most of all, this episode is a reminder of how valuable it is to hear from other autism parents—sharing experiences, learning from one another, and realizing you’re not alone on this journey. Send us Fan Mail

    46 min

  7. Apr 7

    Autism, IEPs & School Support: In the Classroom and at Home

    In this episode, we sit down with our longtime friend Megan, a passionate advocate for children with learning differences — both in the classroom and at home. With years of experience raising her own children and teaching students with a wide range of needs, Megan brings a valuable dual perspective to the conversation. Married to her husband Michael for 22 years and a proud mom to Anna, Blake, Max, and Spencer, Megan’s life is full of camping trips, baseball games, and soccer fields. She earned her education degree from TWU and has spent the last 12 years advocating fiercely for her children and her students. Special education has become a true calling for her, and she plans to pursue her Master’s degree next fall. Megan also holds a special place in Alec’s story. As a longtime friend of his, she’s seen firsthand how advocacy, support, and individualized education can change a child’s trajectory. This episode is an incredible resource for any parent who feels unsure about how to navigate school systems, special education services, or how to best support a child who learns differently. Megan offers practical advice, real-life examples, and empowering encouragement to help families feel confident and informed as they advocate for their children. Send us Fan Mail

    45 min

  8. Mar 31

    Autism, Music & Connection: A Punk Rock Approach to Parenting with Mr. Jay

    This week, we’re joined by a very unique guest—Mr. J, the creator behind Punk for Kids, a music project bringing upbeat punk and ska sounds to children and families. Mr. J shares how Punk for Kids began with a simple need—wanting something more enjoyable to listen to during daily commutes with his son. What started as a personal solution quickly grew into a creative project that blends high-energy music with kid-friendly themes, making it fun for both parents and children. As a full-time high school TV Production teacher in New Jersey, Mr. J is no stranger to creativity. His students even produce a live show every day for their school. But his most meaningful work came from home—creating music for his autistic son as a way to connect, engage, and bring more joy into their everyday routines. We also talk about his journey as a parent of a child on the autism spectrum and how music has played such an important role in his son’s learning and enjoyment. From weekend trips to amusement parks to sharing a love of music, Mr. J brings a relatable and heartfelt perspective on parenting and connection. In this episode, he shares one of his songs, “Frankie Mac and Cheese.” Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, or just someone looking to bring more fun into your daily routines, this episode is a reminder that sometimes the best ideas come from simply trying to make life a little more enjoyable—for both you and your child. You can find Mr. Jay @punk4kids on instagram, tiktok, and youtube. If you would like to donate to the Shannon Daley Fund, visit the link below: Shannon Daley Memorial Fund Send us Fan Mail

    47 min
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5
out of 5
19 Ratings

About

Solve the Autism puzzle with us, as we discuss the crucial pieces to a happier, more peaceful life with your child/adult with Autism. Striving to make your life a bit easier,  bringing you tips of the trade that are tried and true.  Angie and Christi use their knowledge & training to share information in all areas of Autism treatment…piece by piece.

Information

  • Creator
    Christi Jensen & Angie Matheney
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    55
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Piece by Piece Autism Podcast
  • Show Website
    Piece by Piece Autism Podcast