The Other Side Of Autism

Leann Tristan
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Parenting
  • Updated Weekly

The Other Side of Autism: Life Without Words is a podcast dedicated to families raising nonverbal autistic children. Hosted by Leann, a mom on a mission, this show gives voice to the unheard—sharing powerful stories from parents, professionals, and non-speaking autistic adults who live this reality every day. Each episode is a blend of raw honesty, lived experience, and practical insight. Whether you're looking for understanding, community, or just need to know you're not alone, this podcast offers hope, empathy, and real-life tools to help navigate the journey. Because every child deserves to be seen—and every story deserves to be heard.

Episodes

  1. 09/02/2025

    Two Sides of the Spectrum: A Mother's Journey with Autism

    Make a difference and sponsor us: https://www.bridgesofhopefarm.com/sponsors What does life look like when you're raising two children on completely different ends of the autism spectrum?  In this episode, I sit down with Nemesia, a devoted mom of two, who shares her journey navigating autism with both a non-verbal son and a verbal daughter. Nemesia opens up about the early signs, speech delays, regressions, and the long road to diagnosis. She shares what parenting with purpose looks like while managing daily challenges like sensory triggers, seizures, scripting, and adapting routines again and again. If you're a parent, caregiver, or simply want to understand autism more deeply, this heartfelt conversation offers support, honesty, and hope from a mom who truly gets it. 👉 Don't forget to subscribe for more real stories, resources, and conversations around autism, parenting, and family life in the episode of The Other Side of Autism: Two Sides of the Spectrum: A Mother's Journey with Autism.   Enjoy this episode? Don't forget to leave a five-star review. Nemesia Chouinard is a caring mom, loving fiancée, and determined entrepreneur, providing love and support to two extraordinary children at home with autism spectrum disorder, one of whom also heroically manages epilepsy, while efficiently managing our successful home-based small businesses.  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nemesia541    Leann Tristan is a devoted mother of two boys and a passionate advocate for personal growth and family-centered living. After relocating from Oregon to Arizona, she embraced a new chapter focused on health, mindset, and entrepreneurship. Her journey has been shaped by a desire for more time, freedom, and presence with her children. Leann brings a heartfelt perspective on parenting and the daily realities of raising kids, including navigating life on the autism spectrum.  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leanntristan/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tristanleann/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leann.dunlap1/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@leanntristan

    31 min

  2. 08/26/2025

    Growing Up Beside Autism: A Brother's Loving Perspective

    Make a difference and sponsor us: https://www.bridgesofhopefarm.com/sponsors   What's it really like to grow up alongside a nonverbal autistic sibling? In this deeply personal episode, my son Ash opens up about his childhood with his brother, Brennan who lives with severe, nonverbal autism. From moments of joy and connection to the fears no one talks about, Ash shares the honest, beautiful, and sometimes heartbreaking truth of being a sibling in an autism household. If you're parenting multiple kids or wondering how autism impacts the whole family this conversation will speak directly to your heart. Watch this episode of The Other Side of Autism: Growing Up Beside Autism: A Brother's Loving Perspective. Enjoy this episode? Don't forget to leave a five-star review.   Ashton Dunlap has always played a loving and supportive role in his family, especially as a big brother. From a young age, he was the one helping, teaching, and reading to his brother, always showing up with patience and care. His heart for others shines brightest in the way he's been there through every moment—quietly guiding, encouraging, and standing by his brother's side. Ashton's presence in his family is a steady reminder of what it means to love deeply and unconditionally.   Leann Tristan is a devoted mother of two boys and a passionate advocate for personal growth and family-centered living. After relocating from Oregon to Arizona, she embraced a new chapter focused on health, mindset, and entrepreneurship. Her journey has been shaped by a desire for more time, freedom, and presence with her children. Leann brings a heartfelt perspective on parenting and the daily realities of raising kids, including navigating life on the autism spectrum.    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leanntristan/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tristanleann/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leann.dunlap1/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@leanntristan

    32 min

  3. 08/19/2025

    Listen to Your Gut: A Story of Autism and Advocacy

    Make a difference and sponsor us: https://www.bridgesofhopefarm.com/sponsors   You know your child best. Don't let anyone make you second-guess that. When Brennan skipped crawling and went straight to walking, I thought we were just celebrating an early win. But five months later, his words were gone. His eye contact faded. And something in him shifted. Everyone including the doctor said it was fine. That boys just take longer. But my gut told me differently, and I refused to wait. In this raw and deeply personal episode, I share the full story of my son Brennan's journey to an autism diagnosis.  If you've ever felt dismissed by a doctor, confused by the sudden shift in your child, or afraid to trust your instincts, this episode is for you. Watch this episode of The Other Side of Autism: Listen to Your Gut: A Story of Autism and Advocacy.   Enjoy this episode? Don't forget to leave a five-star review. Leann Tristan is a devoted mother of two boys and a passionate advocate for personal growth and family-centered living. After relocating from Oregon to Arizona, she embraced a new chapter focused on health, mindset, and entrepreneurship. Her journey has been shaped by a desire for more time, freedom, and presence with her children. Leann brings a heartfelt perspective on parenting and the daily realities of raising kids, including navigating life on the autism spectrum.    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leanntristan/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tristanleann/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leann.dunlap1/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@leanntristan

    14 min

  4. 08/12/2025

    From Vision to Purpose: A Mission to Empower Autistic Lives

    Make a difference and sponsor us: https://www.bridgesofhopefarm.com/sponsors   What started as a quiet moment after church quickly turned into something much bigger In this episode, I sat down with Sarah Nolan to share how that moment led to the creation of Bridges of Hope Farm Foundation—a sensory farm built for non-verbal, severely autistic children. We talk about the hard truths, the unexpected helpers, and how starting with one acre and a few animals became a mission to give autistic kids purpose, safety, and joy.  This is a story about showing up, building community, and creating real change with whatever you have. If you're parenting a child with autism or just want to better understand how to support this community, tune in to the episode of The Other Side of Autism:  From Vision to Purpose: A Mission to Empower Autistic Lives. Enjoy the podcast? Subscribe and leave a 5-star review. Sarah Nolan is a regenerative real estate consultant specializing in building sustainable communities through impact-driven investments. With a background in community development, entrepreneurship, and agriculture, she guides visionary leaders and investors toward projects that balance profit with ecological and social value. Through The Four Cups and Seeding Change, Sarah curates global networks dedicated to regenerative innovation. Her work spans urban homesteads, luxury retreats, and intentional developments, all designed to restore the planet while empowering communities.   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/SarahNolanMeditations Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarah_christine_nolan/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sarah.c.nolan/    Leann Tristan is a devoted mother of two boys and a passionate advocate for personal growth and family-centered living. After relocating from Oregon to Arizona, she embraced a new chapter focused on health, mindset, and entrepreneurship. Her journey has been shaped by a desire for more time, freedom, and presence with her children. Leann brings a heartfelt perspective on parenting and the daily realities of raising kids, including navigating life on the autism spectrum. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leanntristan/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tristanleann/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leann.dunlap1/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@leanntristan

    40 min

  5. 07/29/2025

    How to Help Your Autistic Child Sleep Through the Night

    Make a difference and sponsor us: https://www.bridgesofhopefarm.com/sponsors   Sleep struggles are one of the hardest parts of parenting a child with autism.  In this episode, I share my personal experience with my son's insomnia and the moment I realized just how serious it could get, like the night he ended up outside at 2:30 a.m. That moment changed everything for us. I talk about how common sleep disorders are for autistic kids and why they happen, from melatonin irregularities to sensory sensitivities. I also walk you through the strategies that actually helped us over the years: dimming the lights, choosing the right pajamas, calming music, visual timers, and weighted blankets.  These may sound simple, but they made a real difference. If you're feeling overwhelmed, just know you're doing your best, and there are ways to make bedtime easier. Tune in to this episode of The Other Side of Autism: How to Help Your Autistic Child Sleep Through the Night. Enjoy the podcast? Subscribe and leave a 5-star review!   Leann Tristan is a devoted mother of two boys and a passionate advocate for personal growth and family-centered living. After relocating from Oregon to Arizona, she embraced a new chapter focused on health, mindset, and entrepreneurship. Her journey has been shaped by a desire for more time, freedom, and presence with her children. Leann brings a heartfelt perspective on parenting and the daily realities of raising kids, including navigating life on the autism spectrum. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leanntristan/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tristanleann/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leann.dunlap1/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@leanntristan

    12 min

  6. 07/29/2025

    Beyond the Diagnosis: A Sibling's Journey Through Autism, Family, and Acceptance

    Make a difference and sponsor us: https://www.bridgesofhopefarm.com/sponsors   Growing up with a sibling on the autism spectrum can be both beautiful and complicated. In this episode, Master Psychic Leader Carrie Cardozo shares what it was like growing up with her older brother Matt, who is both autistic and mentally disabled. For Carrie, Matt was never "different" — he was just her brother. We explore public meltdowns, people's assumptions, and how appearances can be deceiving. Carrie reflects on the protective role she and her other brother, Jay, naturally stepped into, not just as siblings, but as lifelong guardians.   If you've ever felt the weight and wonder of loving someone with special needs, this episode will stay with you. Watch the episode of The Other Side of Autism: What It's Really Like Growing Up With an Autistic Sibling.   Enjoy the podcast? Subscribe and leave a 5-star review!   Carrie Cardozo is a Master Psychic Leader known for blending intuitive insights with real-world business expertise. Since leaving her corporate role running a multi-million-dollar company in 2014, she has helped entrepreneurs and companies unlock greater success without losing touch with their values. Born with psychic abilities, Carrie uses her gift to channel unseen information and pinpoint both obstacles and opportunities in a business's energy. With 23 years of experience in business growth, she supports clients in creating more impact, profit, and alignment. Her approach empowers leaders to grow with clarity, confidence, and authenticity. Connect withCarrie Cardozo:  Website: https://carriecardozo.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Carriecardozo/   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carrie-cardozo-6abb2989/   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carriecardozo/?hl=en Leann Tristan is a devoted mother of two boys and a passionate advocate for personal growth and family-centered living. After relocating from Oregon to Arizona, she embraced a new chapter focused on health, mindset, and entrepreneurship. Her journey has been shaped by a desire for more time, freedom, and presence with her children. Leann brings a heartfelt perspective on parenting and the daily realities of raising kids, including navigating life on the autism spectrum. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leanntristan/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tristanleann/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leann.dunlap1/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@leanntristan

    24 min

  7. 07/29/2025

    Caring for Yourself While Raising a Child With Autism

    Make a difference and sponsor us: https://www.bridgesofhopefarm.com/sponsors Being a parent to a child with autism can be deeply rewarding and profoundly exhausting. In this episode, I open up about my own journey as a mom to a non-verbal autistic son and the emotional rollercoaster that came with it. I talk about the guilt I carried, the denial I sat in, and the moment I realized I couldn't pour from an empty cup. More than anything, I want you to know you're not alone. You deserve support just as much as your child does. Whether it's a five-minute breather, a gratitude journal, or simply asking your partner to step in, every small act of self-care matters.   Tune in now to hear my story and gather simple, meaningful ways to care for your heart while raising your child with love. The Other Side of Autism: Caring for Yourself While Raising a Child With Autism Enjoy the podcast? Subscribe and leave a 5-star review!   Leann Tristan is a devoted mother of two boys and a passionate advocate for personal growth and family-centered living. After relocating from Oregon to Arizona, she embraced a new chapter focused on health, mindset, and entrepreneurship. Her journey has been shaped by a desire for more time, freedom, and presence with her children. Leann brings a heartfelt perspective on parenting and the daily realities of raising kids, including navigating life on the autism spectrum. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leanntristan/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tristanleann/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leann.dunlap1/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@leanntristan

    16 min

  8. 07/24/2025

    Navigating Autism: How Parents Cope, Adjust, and Move Forward

    Make a difference and sponsor us: https://www.bridgesofhopefarm.com/sponsors Autism doesn't always look the way you think. It's not a checklist. It's a lived experience shaped by everyday moments, quiet adaptations, and unexpected wisdom. In this episode, I sit down with Ron Tilley, CEO of Fenix Group and proud dad to a 17-year-old on the spectrum. He shares what most people don't see: the quiet victories, the unspoken frustrations, and the beauty in building a life that doesn't follow the "normal" blueprint. We talk honestly about letting go of expectations, finding strength in adaptability, and creating space for kids to thrive in their way—not ours. Ron also opens up about his work at Fenix Group, where adults with disabilities are not only seen, but supported to live, work, and lead with purpose. Watch the pilot episode of The Other Side of Autism: Beyond the Spectrum: What Autism Looks Like in Daily Life. Enjoy this episode? Don't forget to leave a five-star review.   Ron Tilley is the Chief Executive Officer of Fenix Group, a pioneering organization dedicated to supporting individuals with special needs. With a passion for inclusive care, Ron leads initiatives that empower people on the autism spectrum to thrive in everyday life. His leadership is rooted in creating programs that foster growth, belonging, and opportunity. Under his guidance, Fenix Group has become a safe haven where clients and families feel seen, supported, and celebrated. Ron's mission is clear: to redefine what's possible beyond the spectrum. Connect with Ron Tilley:  Website: https://fenixgroup.co/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ron-tilley-704b6460/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scorpion85395/ Leann Tristan is a devoted mother of two boys and a passionate advocate for personal growth and family-centered living. After relocating from Oregon to Arizona, she embraced a new chapter focused on health, mindset, and entrepreneurship. Her journey has been shaped by a desire for more time, freedom, and presence with her children. Leann brings a heartfelt perspective on parenting and the daily realities of raising kids, including navigating life on the autism spectrum. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leanntristan/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tristanleann/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leann.dunlap1/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@leanntristan

    22 min
  • 8 Episodes

About

The Other Side of Autism: Life Without Words is a podcast dedicated to families raising nonverbal autistic children. Hosted by Leann, a mom on a mission, this show gives voice to the unheard—sharing powerful stories from parents, professionals, and non-speaking autistic adults who live this reality every day. Each episode is a blend of raw honesty, lived experience, and practical insight. Whether you're looking for understanding, community, or just need to know you're not alone, this podcast offers hope, empathy, and real-life tools to help navigate the journey. Because every child deserves to be seen—and every story deserves to be heard.

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