In this episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, Brian Keene speaks with Joseph Shipman, an autistic adult, radio professional, musician, artist, and co-author of A Mother's Guide Through Autism.

Joseph shares his experience growing up autistic, including early diagnosis, sensory sensitivities, speech therapy, social learning, friendships, bullying, grief, music, and the transition into adulthood. He also reflects on the role his parents played as fierce advocates, especially his mother, Brigitte Shipman, and how their shared story became a book told from both parent and autistic adult perspectives.

This conversation offers parents a grounded and hopeful reminder: autistic children do not need to follow one narrow path to live meaningful lives. Joseph's story highlights the importance of advocacy, authentic support, creative expression, and believing in each child's capacity for growth, connection, independence, and fulfillment.

Topics Covered

• Joseph's early autism diagnosis and childhood experiences
• Sensory sensitivities and social learning
• How therapy and school support shaped Joseph's development
• Friendship, small talk, and reading social cues
• Mental health, grief, bullying, and resilience
• Music and art as outlets for expression
• Autistic adulthood, work, and independence
• The story behind A Mother's Guide Through Autism

Memorable Quote

"There's always going to be some level of capable, independent, authentic, happy living."

About the Guest
Joseph Shipman is an autistic adult, radio professional, musician, artist, and co-author of A Mother's Guide Through Autism. In the book, Joseph shares his perspective in Through the Eyes of the Guided, offering insight into growing up autistic and navigating adulthood with authenticity.

Resources Mentioned

A Mother's Guide Through Autism
https://www.amazon.com/Mothers-Guide-Through-Autism-Guided/dp/1737563959

Mother's Guide Through Autism
https://www.mothersguidethroughautism.com/

About the Host
Brian Keene is the founder of Pure Hearts Therapy, a neurodiversity-affirming pediatric therapy practice in Arizona. Pure Hearts Therapy provides home-based occupational therapy, speech therapy, physical therapy, and virtual parent coaching to help children grow through connection, play, and real-life experiences.

Subscribe & Connect

If this episode resonated with you, please consider sharing it with another parent who might benefit from this conversation.

Listen and subscribe to the Autism Family Resource Podcast:
https://pod.link/1591840956

Explore more resources for families at:
https://pureheartstherapy.com

Sex education can feel awkward, overwhelming, or even taboo for many parents, especially when they are raising neurodivergent children and already navigating so many daily demands.

In this episode, Brian talks with Cath Hakanson, founder of Sex Ed Rescue, about how parents can approach sex education in practical, shame-free, and neurodiversity-affirming ways. Cath explains why sex education is not one big "talk," but a series of everyday conversations about bodies, safety, relationships, consent, privacy, values, and trust.

Cath shares how parents can become more "askable," why honest answers help build safety, and how conversations about body boundaries and consent can support autistic and neurodivergent children as they grow. This conversation is warm, direct, and grounded in real life, helping parents understand that they are probably already teaching sex ed in small ways, even if they do not realize it yet.

Topics Covered

• Why sex education starts earlier than many parents think
• How to become an "askable parent"
• Why honest, age-appropriate answers build trust
• Teaching consent, body boundaries, and privacy
• Supporting autistic and neurodivergent children with explicit teaching
• Why information is not permission
• Helping children feel safe, informed, and respected

Memorable Quote

"Information isn't permission. It actually empowers kids."

About the Guest

Cath Hakanson is an autistic ADHDer, parent of neurodivergent children, and founder of Sex Ed Rescue. She helps parents approach sex education in practical, shame-free ways that support safety, trust, consent, and healthy relationships.

Resources Mentioned

Sex Ed Rescue:
https://sexedrescue.com/

Sex Ed Shop:
https://sexedshop.com/

Sex Ed Membership for Parents:
https://sexedshop.com/products/sex-ed-membership

SECCA:
https://www.secca.org.au/

Cath Hakanson on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/cathhakanson

Cath Hakanson on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/sexedrescue/

Cath Hakanson on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathhakanson/

About the Host

Brian Keene is an occupational therapist and founder of Pure Hearts Therapy, a neurodiversity-affirming pediatric therapy practice supporting children and families through home-based occupational therapy, speech therapy, physical therapy, and parent support in Arizona.

Subscribe & Connect

If this episode resonated with you, please consider sharing it with another parent who might benefit from this conversation.

Listen and subscribe to the Autism Family Resource Podcast:
https://pod.link/1591840956

Explore more resources for families at:
https://pureheartstherapy.com

In this episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, Brian Keene talks with Dr. Jonathan Chism, father, educator, and founder of the Autism Dad Social Club. Dr. Chism shares how his own parenting journey led him to create a space where fathers of autistic children could connect, recharge, share resources, and build real community.

Together, Brian and Dr. Chism discuss why dads can sometimes feel isolated, why support matters for fathers as much as it does for children, and how community can help families feel less alone. Dr. Chism also explains how the Autism Dad Social Club creates social opportunities for dads, children, and families through meetups, family events, resource sharing, and virtual connection.

This conversation is a warm reminder that parenting does not have to happen in isolation. When fathers find community, they can support one another, share wisdom, and help create a wider circle of care for their children.

Topics Covered

• Why Dr. Chism started the Autism Dad Social Club

• The importance of community for fathers of autistic children

• How dads can support each other through shared experiences

• Creating social opportunities for autistic children and families

• Why respite and connection matter for parents

• How dads outside of Houston can begin finding or building community

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction
00:41 What is the Autism Dad Social Club?
02:12 Why Dr. Chism started the club
05:43 Challenges that led him to seek community
13:12 What dads can expect at a meetup
20:11 Advice for dads who do not have community yet
24:20 Why support for fathers matters

Memorable Quote

"Once you bond with other fathers, you feel a sense of pride. Like, man, I parent an autistic child, and we're out here doing it."

About the Guest

Dr. Jonathan Chism is a father, educator, and founder of the Autism Dad Social Club, a community created to support dads of autistic children through connection, social events, resource sharing, and family-centered gatherings. Based in the Houston area, the club helps fathers build brotherhood, reduce isolation, and create supportive spaces for their children and families.

Resources Mentioned

• Autism Dad Social Club

• Fatherhood Huddle

• Autism Society of Texas

• Autism Society

• Autism Speaks Walk

• WhatsApp

About the Host

Brian Keene is the host of the Autism Family Resource Podcast and founder of Pure Hearts Therapy. Pure Hearts Therapy provides home-based occupational therapy, speech therapy, physical therapy, and parent coaching services with a neurodiversity-affirming approach.

Subscribe & Connect

If this episode resonated with you, please consider sharing it with another parent who might benefit from this conversation.

Listen and subscribe to the Autism Family Resource Podcast:
https://pod.link/1591840956

Explore more resources for families at:
https://pureheartstherapy.com