The Polaris Connection Navigating Autism & Neurodiversity

Brad Broyles & Nathan Palmer
  • 5.0 (22)
  • Parenting

The Polaris Connection is the ultimate autism parenting podcast for families, caregivers, and professionals navigating the world of autism and special needs. Each episode shares real stories, expert insights, and practical strategies to support children with autism, strengthen family life, and connect with the broader autism community. From special education resources and behavioral tips to advocacy guidance and emotional support, The Polaris Connection provides actionable tools for parents, teachers, and therapists alike. Join us to discover inspiring journeys, learn about autism support networks, and explore ways to celebrate your child’s strengths while overcoming challenges. Whether you’re seeking advice on autism therapies, school programs, social skills development, or community connection, The Polaris Connection offers trusted guidance to help you thrive. Tune in each week for episodes that empower families, build understanding, and create meaningful connections in the world of autism and special needs parenting. Join Brad Broyles and Nathan Palmer on The Polaris Connection where they help parents of autistic and neurodivergent children find power, perspective, and possibility. Through expert insights and real-life stories, we spark hope, share resources, and inspire families to navigate the journey with confidence. It’s not just a podcast, it’s a movement for connection, strength, and unapologetic advocacy. Your voice matters. Do you have a topic, challenge, or question we can bring to the next episode? Reach out and follow us on social media at @PolarisAcademySocial Email us at info@polarisacademy.org  To schedule a tour at Polaris Academy, go to PolarisAcademy.org

  1. 5d ago

    Why Elite Athletes and Autistic Kids Need the Same Nervous System Work: With Jay Schroeder

    Send us Fan Mail What if the biggest breakthroughs in autism support, athletic performance, and nervous system regulation come from the same place? Jay Schroeder makes the case that your body is far more capable than you’ve been led to believe and that the brain can be trained to unlock it. On this episode of The Polaris Connection, hosts Brad Broyles and Nathan Palmer are joined by fitness and movement expert Frank “Jay” Schroeder for a conversation connecting elite sports, special needs support, and the way the brain learns. Jay has worked with Olympians, Hall of Famers, Super Bowl champions, and children with special needs. His philosophy is simple but powerful: stop treating people as deficits, and start helping them understand their own potential.  Brad challenges Jay to explain these ideas in practical language for parents, coaches, and families supporting someone who feels overwhelmed, dysregulated, or stuck. Jay explains why he focuses on communication rather than force and how that shift can influence athletic performance, emotional regulation, learning, and independence.  Jay also shares the personal story behind his approach, including a devastating motorcycle accident, a year and a half of neurological challenges, and the discovery that pain, movement, and awareness could help retrain his brain. That experience became the foundation for the protocols he continues to use with athletes, autistic individuals, and people recovering from injury. If you’re a parent of an autistic child, a coach, a clinician, or anyone interested in the connection between movement and regulation, this episode offers a fresh and empowering perspective. It blends performance training, nervous system education, personal experience, and a message that stays with you long after the conversation ends: You are not broken... and your body may already know how to help itself. We want to hear from you! Follow us and leave a comment on our Instagram at ThePolarisConnection or reach us at Info@PolarisAcademy.com

    Why Elite Athletes and Autistic Kids Need the Same Nervous System Work: With Jay Schroeder

  2. Sep 9

    Practical Ways to Support an Autistic Child Through Food: With Dr. Joel Warsh

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Polaris Connection, hosts Brad Broyles and Nathan Palmer speak with pediatrician Dr. Joel “Gator” Warsh about supporting autistic children through an individualized, whole-child approach. They discuss why there is no single solution that works for every child, the importance of combining evidence-informed medical care with complementary support, and the need for parents to remain curious while evaluating different approaches. A major focus is nutrition and feeding challenges. Dr. Warsh explains how picky eating, sensory sensitivities, and limited diets can contribute to nutritional deficiencies and affect a child’s overall regulation and well-being. Rather than pursuing perfection, he encourages parents to make gradual progress: keep introducing new foods, expand a child’s diet one food at a time, and seek help from professionals such as autism-informed nutritionists, occupational therapists, and feeding specialists when needed. Small, consistent improvements in nutrition, health, and support can make a meaningful difference over time. Parents do not have to navigate these decisions alone, and asking doctors about additional services, including nutrition support, can be an important first step. For more on Dr. Warsh: https://www.instagram.com/drjoelgator/ We want to hear from you! Follow us and leave a comment on our Instagram at ThePolarisConnection or reach us at Info@PolarisAcademy.com

    Practical Ways to Support an Autistic Child Through Food: With Dr. Joel Warsh

  3. Sep 2

    The Parenting Mistake That Makes Special Needs Kids Needier: Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we explore the real challenges and quiet strengths of parenting an autistic child, especially when parents see things differently. Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife shares a practical framework for balancing expectations with responsiveness, showing why effective parenting is neither rigid nor permissive, but both compassionate and clear.  The conversation dives into co-parenting, conflict, frustration, and how to stay connected when stress is high. For parents of autistic children, the biggest takeaway is this: your child benefits when you and your co-parent stay in conversation, self-correct, and lead with honesty instead of ego. The episode offers hope, clarity, and a reminder that asking hard questions is not a sign of failure... it is a sign of love. Learn more from our guest at https://www.finlayson-fife.com/ We want to hear from you! Follow us and leave a comment on our Instagram at ThePolarisConnection or reach us at Info@PolarisAcademy.com

    The Parenting Mistake That Makes Special Needs Kids Needier: Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife

  4. Aug 26

    Why Understanding Adult Autism Diagnosis and Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD) Changes Everything - With Tony and Michelle

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Polaris Connection, Brad and Nathan welcome autism experts Tony Attwood and Dr. Michelle Garnett for a deeply compassionate conversation of how autism is not a defect but a different way of perceiving, thinking, learning, and relating. Tony and Michelle explain why so many autistic behaviors are actually coping strategies, and why understanding the autistic perspective can transform the way families, teachers, and professionals respond. A major focus of the conversation is rejection sensitivity dysphoria (RSD)... a powerful emotional response to perceived rejection or criticism that can lead to anxiety, shutdowns, rumination, and trauma-like reactions. Tony and Michelle break down how RSD shows up, why it matters, and how parents can support children through it with reassurance, validation, calm presence, and connection. The episode also covers meltdown, shutdown, freeze, flight, and fawn responses, along with practical guidance for co-regulation and trauma-informed support. Parents will hear why reduced pressure, fewer words, emotional safety, and one-on-one connection can make a huge difference for an autistic child in distress. Most importantly, this episode offers a powerful mindset shift: autistic children are not broken, they are communicating, adapting, and doing their best in a world that often misunderstands them. By leading with empathy, curiosity, and compassion, families can create environments where autistic children feel safe, seen, and able to thrive. If you’re a parent, educator, or caregiver looking for a clearer, kinder way to understand autism, this conversation is a must-listen. For more on our guests, go to: https://www.attwoodandgarnettevents.com/ We want to hear from you! Follow us and leave a comment on our Instagram at ThePolarisConnection or reach us at Info@PolarisAcademy.com

    Why Understanding Adult Autism Diagnosis and Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD) Changes Everything - With Tony and Michelle

  5. Aug 19

    Understanding the People You Love: The Power of the Color Code With Dan Call

    Send us Fan Mail Why does one child need to talk everything through while another shuts down? Why do some people crave connection, others need control, and others simply need space? In this episode of The Polaris Connection, we sit down with Dan Call to explore the Color Code... a powerful tool for understanding what motivates us and the people we love. We talk about how understanding the different personality colors can help you: ✨ Better understand your child’s behavior and motivation ✨ Recognize what you need and why you respond the way you do ✨ Communicate more effectively with your spouse, children, friends, and coworkers ✨ Navigate conflict with more understanding ✨ Stop expecting everyone to think, feel, or respond the way you do ✨ Build stronger, more meaningful relationships Because sometimes the biggest shift in a relationship isn’t getting someone else to change... it’s finally understanding why they are the way they are. This conversation is insightful, practical, and one you’ll probably find yourself thinking about long after it ends. We want to hear from you! Follow us and leave a comment on our Instagram at ThePolarisConnection or reach us at Info@PolarisAcademy.com

    Understanding the People You Love: The Power of the Color Code With Dan Call

  6. Aug 12

    Kerry Magro on Hope, Autism, and Love on the Spectrum

    Send us Fan Mail This episode offers the autism journey hope grounded in lived experience, plus practical guidance you can actually use. Our guest, Kerry Magro, shares his journey from being non-speaking until age two and a half and speaking in full sentences around age seven to becoming a nationally recognized public speaker, author, consultant, and advocate. His story is a powerful reminder that early challenges do not define a child’s future. Together, we explore how to support autistic kids by focusing on strengths, self-awareness, and self-advocacy rather than fear or limitations. Kerry explains why understanding a diagnosis can be empowering, how sensory supports and clear communication help in everyday life, and why parents should meet their children where they are while still nurturing their goals and interests. The conversation also goes beyond childhood and into the future many parents worry about: relationships, adulthood, employment, and independence. Kerry shares thoughtful insight on dating, friendship, and the importance of giving autistic teens and adults space to define success on their own terms. Most of all, this episode reassures parents that their child’s story is still being written and that with support, curiosity, and belief, there is real possibility ahead. Learn more from our guest at https://kerrymagro.com/ We want to hear from you! Follow us and leave a comment on our Instagram at ThePolarisConnection or reach us at Info@PolarisAcademy.com

    Kerry Magro on Hope, Autism, and Love on the Spectrum

  7. Aug 5

    How Gaming Can Boost Social Skills for Kids with Autism: With Andrew Fishman

    Send us Fan Mail "Are video games a social lifeline or a mental trap? This might surprise you..." 🎮  Drop a 🔥 if you've wondered about this before and tag a parent who's trying to understand their kid's gaming habits! Many assume gaming is just mindless fun or even a source of household friction. But did you know it can promote social skills, creativity, and balance? Andrew Fishman, a licensed therapist and author of Parenting a Gamer, explains how gaming often serves as a safe space for kids, especially those with autism, to build genuine connections without the pressure of eye contact or body language. The key is to be involved, curious, and model healthy habits. Instead of banning, set boundaries, sit with them, ask questions, choose appropriate games for their age. Ask: What do you love about this game? and How can we make it healthy? What’s one game your child loves that you’ve tried to understand? Drop your stories below! Check out more from Andrew Fishman and his book, Parenting a Gamer: Help Your Child Build Healthy Habits, Make Positive Choices, and Find Balance in Virtual Worlds https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/parenting-a-gamer-andrew-fishman/1147552437 https://www.videogamehealth.com/   We want to hear from you! Follow us and leave a comment on our Instagram at ThePolarisConnection or reach us at Info@PolarisAcademy.com

    How Gaming Can Boost Social Skills for Kids with Autism: With Andrew Fishman

  8. Jul 29

    Why Traditional Parenting Fails with PDA and What to Do Instead: With Laura Kerbey

    Send us Fan Mail "Ever wondered what really drives demand avoidance in kids? It's not stubbornness... it's anxiety about losing control."  Drop a 💡 if you’ve ever misunderstood PDA as just defiance. There’s so much more behind the behavior. Most parents see demand avoidance as rebellion, but it’s often a child's way of managing overwhelming anxiety about autonomy. When a child feels they’re losing control, their nervous system reacts. It’s a protective response, not stubbornness. Recognizing this shifts how we support them: instead of fighting, we partner and create a safe space where they can feel in charge. Imagine driving a car with a passenger constantly giving commands... that’s how PDA feels to the child. To support them, we need to offer choices, respect their autonomy, and build trust without demanding compliance. It’s about connection, not control. What’s one way you could make your child feel more in control today? #Neurodiversity #PathologicalDemandAvoidance #ParentingTips #AutonomyAndTrust #SpecialEducation We want to hear from you! Follow us and leave a comment on our Instagram at ThePolarisConnection or reach us at Info@PolarisAcademy.com

    Why Traditional Parenting Fails with PDA and What to Do Instead: With Laura Kerbey
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5
out of 5
22 Ratings

About

The Polaris Connection is the ultimate autism parenting podcast for families, caregivers, and professionals navigating the world of autism and special needs. Each episode shares real stories, expert insights, and practical strategies to support children with autism, strengthen family life, and connect with the broader autism community. From special education resources and behavioral tips to advocacy guidance and emotional support, The Polaris Connection provides actionable tools for parents, teachers, and therapists alike. Join us to discover inspiring journeys, learn about autism support networks, and explore ways to celebrate your child’s strengths while overcoming challenges. Whether you’re seeking advice on autism therapies, school programs, social skills development, or community connection, The Polaris Connection offers trusted guidance to help you thrive. Tune in each week for episodes that empower families, build understanding, and create meaningful connections in the world of autism and special needs parenting. Join Brad Broyles and Nathan Palmer on The Polaris Connection where they help parents of autistic and neurodivergent children find power, perspective, and possibility. Through expert insights and real-life stories, we spark hope, share resources, and inspire families to navigate the journey with confidence. It’s not just a podcast, it’s a movement for connection, strength, and unapologetic advocacy. Your voice matters. Do you have a topic, challenge, or question we can bring to the next episode? Reach out and follow us on social media at @PolarisAcademySocial Email us at info@polarisacademy.org  To schedule a tour at Polaris Academy, go to PolarisAcademy.org

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