Piece by Piece Autism Podcast

Christi Jensen & Angie Matheney
  • 5.0 (17)
  • 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. 4D AGO

    What Keeps an Autism Group Home Running: Supporting Adults on the Autism Spectrum

    In this episode, we sit down with Anna Osmond, Alec’s house manager and an essential part of his support team. Anna has known Alec for years and brings a rare, full-circle perspective—having worked with him in Texas before his move to Utah and now supporting him in his group home setting. Anna shares what it truly looks like to support an adult on the autism spectrum behind the scenes. From managing home maintenance and scheduling appointments to making sure everyday essentials like laundry soap, toothpaste, and toilet paper are always stocked, her role allows direct support staff to focus fully on Alec himself. These details may seem small, but they make a huge difference in creating stability, consistency, and independence. We also talk about Anna’s background as a school teacher and how working with Alec and learning from ABA has shaped the way she supports students in her classroom. Most of all, this episode highlights the heart behind the work—how genuine connection, consistency, and teamwork create an environment where individuals on the spectrum can thrive. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to build a strong autism support system—or how ABA principles extend far beyond therapy sessions—this episode is for you. Send a text

    41 min

  2. FEB 17

    Autism Support Done Right: When Team Members Become Family

    In this episode, we sit down with one of Alec’s favorite people — former team member and roommate, Heather. Their relationship is a powerful example of what consistent, compassionate autism support can grow into over time. When Heather was first hired, Alec didn’t make it easy — he tested boundaries, pushed limits, and was a bit of a stinker. But instead of giving up, Heather stayed consistent, patient, and steady. Over time, she earned Alec’s trust, laying the foundation for a bond that has lasted years beyond her role as a caregiver. Heather knows Alec deeply and continues to be an important part of his life. She has also played a key role in helping foster friendships for Alec with other individuals on the spectrum, showing how strong support can expand into meaningful community and connection. From spending holidays together to building trust through consistency, this episode highlights the heart of autism support — the relationships that go beyond job titles. If we had a Hall of Fame for team members, Heather would absolutely be in it. This episode is for parents, caregivers, and professionals who want to understand how trust, consistency, and genuine connection can change everything for individuals on the spectrum. Send a text

    42 min

  3. FEB 10

    Autism Behavior Basics: How ABC Data Guides Support

    In this episode, we kick off an important conversation about behavior in autism by breaking down one of the most foundational tools in ABA: ABC Data — Antecedent, Behavior, and Consequence. We explain what ABC data is, why it matters, and how it helps us move away from guessing or labeling behavior and toward truly understanding why behavior happens. Using real-life examples from Alec, we share how we’ve tracked behavior over the years and how observing what happens before, during, and after a behavior has shaped his supports and programming. This conversation isn’t about judgment or punishment — it’s about clarity. ABC data helps identify patterns, guide interventions, and answer the core ABA question: What is this behavior communicating or getting for the learner? This episode lays the groundwork for future discussions about behavior, functions, and support strategies, and is perfect for parents, caregivers, and educators who want practical, real-world insight into autism, ABA, and behavior support. If behavior has ever felt confusing or overwhelming, this episode is your starting point. Send a text

    26 min

  4. FEB 3

    Autism Caregiver Fatigue: Supporting Your Child Starts With You

    In this episode, we dive into a topic that so many parents of individuals with autism experience — caretaker fatigue. When the needs are constant and the demands feel never-ending, it’s easy for caregivers to put themselves last… until burnout sets in. We talk about the signs and symptoms of caretaker fatigue and why prioritizing yourself is not selfish — it’s essential. Christi shares honestly about her experience raising Alec, including the ways she felt supported by friends, the moments she felt isolated, and the intentional choices she made to care for herself along the way. We discuss why taking breaks — including trips without Alec — allowed Christi to reconnect with her other children, feel renewed, and return as a better, more present caregiver. Because the last thing any parent wants is to feel resentment toward the individual who needs their care. This episode is a reminder that supporting an individual with autism starts with supporting the caregiver. When parents take care of themselves, everyone benefits — especially their child. If you’re a parent or caregiver feeling stretched thin, this conversation is for you. Send a text

    35 min

  5. JAN 27

    Autism, Epilepsy & the Spectrum: What Our 12-Year Epilepsy Journey Taught Us

    In this episode, we talk openly about Alec’s journey with epilepsy over the last 12 years. Alec had his first seizure at 16, and like many individuals on the autism spectrum, epilepsy became an additional and life-changing diagnosis. According to the Epilepsy Foundation, 20–30% of individuals with autism also have epilepsy, making seizures the most common neurologic complication associated with autism.  We share the realities of navigating the medical system, the frustration of not always being heard, and the long, difficult process of finding the right medication — one that not only controlled seizures but also minimized side effects. Those years were some of the hardest Alec has faced, and they shaped how we advocate, ask questions, and push for better care. This episode is for families raising children on the spectrum who are also managing epilepsy or other medical complexities. We hope Alec’s story helps you feel less alone, more informed, and more empowered to advocate for your child.  Send a text

    36 min

  6. JAN 20

    Autism & Achievement: Teaching Goal Setting from Childhood to Adulthood

    In this episode, we talk all about setting goals with Alec and why goal setting matters for everyone — on the autism spectrum or not. Every individual deserves to feel pride, confidence, and a sense of accomplishment, and for some, that journey simply requires additional support and structure. Alec has been setting goals from a young age. We started small with attainable, short-term goals and gradually built toward larger, yearly goals that support independence, confidence, and growth. Along the way, we’ve learned how powerful it is to break goals into manageable steps and celebrate progress at every stage. We share how we’ve adapted goal setting over time, what’s worked, what we’ve adjusted, and why helping individuals on the spectrum experience success is just as important as the goals themselves. Whether you’re supporting a young child, a teen, or an adult with autism, this episode offers encouragement and practical ideas to help make goal setting meaningful and achievable — piece by piece. Send a text

    23 min

  7. JAN 13

    Autism & the Holidays: A Real-Life Spectrum Recap (B+ Edition)

    In this episode, we’re recapping the holidays — autism and all. The holiday season can be especially challenging for individuals on the autism spectrum, with disrupted routines, sensory overload, and nonstop social demands. This year, we’re happy to report that Alec earned a solid B+, and we couldn’t be more thrilled. We break down what worked well for Alec, the strategies that helped support him, and what we might do differently next time. While this holiday season felt like a win, it hasn’t always been this way — and we share openly about the years when the holidays were anything but successful. This honest recap is meant to encourage families who are still in the trenches. Progress isn’t about perfection — it’s about learning, adjusting, and celebrating the small wins along the way. If your holidays felt hard, you’re not alone, and there is hope for smoother seasons ahead. Send a text

    25 min

  8. JAN 6

    Early Autism Spectrum Time-Travel Advice - What I Wish I Knew!

    Join us—Angie Matheney and Christi Jensen—for a candid Q&A-style conversation where Christi opens up about what she wishes she could have told her younger self when Alec was first diagnosed. We talk about the shifting priorities that come with raising a child on the spectrum, the pressure to "do everything right," and the importance of giving yourself grace. Whether you're just starting out or years into your journey, this episode offers encouragement, perspective, and a reminder that you're not alone. Send a text

    19 min
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5
out of 5
17 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
    43
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Piece by Piece Autism Podcast
  • Show Website
    Piece by Piece Autism Podcast