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. 2D AGO

    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 us a text

    23 min

  2. 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 us a text

    25 min

  3. 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 us a text

    19 min

  4. 12/30/2025

    Chores & Autism - It’s a Hard Knock Life for Al! (Best of '25)

    In this episode, we’re talking chores—how we got Alec started, how we create chore chains with just the right level of support, and why these daily tasks are so much more than household responsibilities. Chores have been a huge part of Alec’s journey toward independence. We share how we taught him to complete tasks step by step, how we adjusted support as his skills grew, and why we believe every child—regardless of ability—can take pride in contributing at home. Chores also lay a solid foundation for real-world job skills. These early routines can turn into resume-worthy experience, and we’ve seen firsthand how powerful that can be. Send us a text

    23 min

  5. 12/23/2025

    Autism Diagnosis, Therapies, Struggles, Triumphs - Alec's Early Years (Best of '25)

    In this episode, we—Angie and Christi—look back on Alec’s early years and the start of our autism journey. We share what it was like when Alec was diagnosed at just 2 years old, some of the behaviors he struggled with, and how we navigated those early, uncertain days as parents and caregivers. We talk about the professionals who came into our lives and played a huge role in shaping Alec’s progress, as well as the lessons we learned along the way. It’s a personal, emotional, and sometimes funny reflection on those formative years. If you're just beginning this path or have already walked it, we hope our stories bring comfort, hope, and maybe even a few laughs. Send us a text

    17 min

  6. 12/16/2025

    The Autism Holiday Struggle: Routines, Sensory Overload & Holiday Stress

    In this episode, we dive into the real challenges families face during the holiday season when raising children on the autism spectrum. What should be a magical, joyful time can quickly turn stressful with disrupted routines, extra people in the house, sensory overload, travel, noise, and unpredictable schedules. We talk about why the holidays can feel “not so merry and bright,” share our own experiences, and offer practical tips for reducing stress—for kids and parents. From preparing for transitions to managing big feelings, creating safe spaces, and setting realistic expectations, we explore ways to make the season more manageable and meaningful. If your holidays don’t look like a Hallmark movie, you’re not alone—and this conversation is for you. Send us a text

    21 min

  7. 12/09/2025

    Autism, Adventure & Fresh Powder: Blake and Alec’s Story

    This week we have the best time talking with Blake Harsh, Alec’s ski instructor turned one of his best buddies.  Blake is a mechanical engineer with an undergraduate degree from Brigham Young University and a master’s in Space Systems Engineering from Johns Hopkins University, where he specialized in orbital mechanics and spacecraft subsystems. He works at Northrop Grumman as a solid rocket propulsion engineer, contributing to large-scale nuclear defense programs and space-launch systems for NASA and commercial customers. He has also built a growing real estate investment portfolio. Blake is tri-lingual in English, Spanish, and Papiamento, and does translation work in Papiamento, including scripture translation and simultaneous interpretation for international conferences. Blake lives in Utah, where he’s happiest outside—offroading in his truck, rock climbing, wakeboarding, surfing (boat and ocean), and, most importantly, skiing. When Blake first met Alec, he had zero experience working with anyone on the autism spectrum — but that changed fast. Blake jumped in with an open mind, a lot of patience, and a love for the mountains… and the friendship that followed is something special. Blake shares hilarious and heartwarming stories from their time on the slopes, the moments where Alec’s confidence really took off, and why he sees absolutely no limit to Alec’s potential. Their adventures prove that the right support, the right person, and the right environment can unlock incredible growth. He’s already counting down to the first snowfall — and after this episode, you will be too. Send us a text

    56 min

  8. 12/02/2025

    Special Education Spotlight: Megan’s Journey as a Parent and Teacher

    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 a text

    45 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
    38
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Piece by Piece Autism Podcast
  • Show Website
    Piece by Piece Autism Podcast