Heather | Episode 10 | Autism Resources Kawartha

Season 1 Wrapped | Autism Resources Kawartha

This marks the end of Season 1 of the Autism Resources Kawartha Podcast - and what a season it’s been. If you or someone you know may be interested in being a guest on the podcast, or you want to sponsor the podcast, let us know, so they can be included in Season 2. 👉 Subscribe and stay with us - Season 2 is coming soon. THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR: Cardinal Home Services [https://cardinalhome.ca/]  CHECK OUT: the Kawartha Gallery [https://www.kawarthagallery.com/] NEW EPISODES: every Tuesday FOLLOW US: Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/5jqqMTYZpr8ZinG8dubJNW?si=6f118767870e4015&fbclid=IwY2xjawMubd1leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFRMkEzVTFkTFFBSjkzbFluAR7aaeD015BGQCRHO8d7BZ7g5uQ01QifixAmqJjRC2315QNueLgqnz675p0ifw_aem_jjzqDVldvFviBUAulc8tLg&nd=1&dlsi=924de99df690440b] or wherever you listen to podcasts  SUBSCRIBE: YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@AutismResourcesKawartha] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2521843/support]

John | Episode 12 | Autism Resources Kawartha

In this episode, Matt sits down with John from Kawartha Conservation [https://www.kawarthaconservation.com/]. John reflects on how awareness of autism has changed over the decades and shares personal stories about parenting, empathy, and supporting loved ones with different needs. We talk about why sensory-friendly spaces matter, especially at busy events, and how we worked with Kawartha Conservation to bring a Sensory Safe Space to this year’s Christmas at Ken Reid. We also explore the healing side of nature: forest therapy, mindful time outdoors, and how conservation areas can offer comfort and calm to autistic people and families. Plus, John gives a full behind-the-scenes look at Christmas at Ken Reid - from horses and wagon rides to vendors, crafts, the Ontario Science Centre, live music, and everything families can enjoy on Saturday, December 6th from 10 AM - 4 PM. Learn more at: www.kawarthaconservation.com/news [https://www.kawarthaconservation.com/news/posts/christmas-at-ken-reid-returns-december-6-with-holiday-magic-and-community-spirit/] THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR: Cardinal Home Services [https://cardinalhome.ca/] CHECK OUT: the Kawartha Gallery [https://www.kawarthagallery.com/] NEW EPISODES: every Tuesday FOLLOW US: Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/5jqqMTYZpr8ZinG8dubJNW?si=6f118767870e4015&fbclid=IwY2xjawMubd1leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFRMkEzVTFkTFFBSjkzbFluAR7aaeD015BGQCRHO8d7BZ7g5uQ01QifixAmqJjRC2315QNueLgqnz675p0ifw_aem_jjzqDVldvFviBUAulc8tLg&nd=1&dlsi=924de99df690440b] or wherever you listen to podcasts  SUBSCRIBE: YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@AutismResourcesKawartha] CHAPTERS 01:16 — John’s Early Experience with Autism 03:17 — Learning from Coworkers & Families 04:40 — When Autism Became Familiar 06:15 — Recognizing Autism in Hindsight 07:46 — The “White Car Syndrome” & Autism Everywhere 09:30 — Advocacy, Trick-or-Treat Bags & Public Reactions 10:11 — Parenting, Emotions & New Challenges 11:12 — John Shares About His Daughter 12:37 — Kindness, Intentions & Supporting Loved Ones 13:25 — Introducing Christmas at Ken Reid 14:15 — Why Sensory Spaces Matter 15:03 — Making Events Truly Inclusive 17:25 — Matt’s Experiences at Events with His Son 18:55 — Parking, Shuttles & Event Layout 19:40 — What to Expect This Year 21:22 — Behind the Scenes: Working with ARK 23:47 — Nature, Mental Health & Forest Therapy 26:08 — Community Partnerships & Mental Health 28:31 — Favourite Conservation Areas 30:48 — Sensory Overload & Heightened Senses 32:20 — Events, Volunteers & Community Togetherness 33:45 — A Stress-Free Holiday Experience 35:42 — John’s One Thing to Know About Autism Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2521843/support]

Ashley | Episode 11 | Autism Resources Kawartha

In this episode, Matt sits down with Ashley, a parent and advocate whose life has been deeply shaped by autism - from growing up with her aunt Sarah Jane, to parenting her recently diagnosed son. Ashley opens up about her early experiences living with a family member with autism, how her mother’s compassion taught her patience and advocacy, and how those lessons came full circle as she navigated her own son’s diagnosis. The conversation dives into the emotional journey of parenting a neurodivergent child - from recognizing early signs and advocating through the healthcare system, to balancing school struggles, meltdowns, and the power of understanding over judgment. Ashley also shares her own experiences with ADHD and dyslexia, offering an honest look at how neurodiversity runs through generations and shapes the way she connects with her kids. Now parenting in a blended family with her partner, whose daughter is also autistic, Ashley reflects on the beauty and chaos of raising four children in a household that celebrates differences while learning every day what support truly means. THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR: Cardinal Home Services [https://cardinalhome.ca/] CHECK OUT: the Kawartha Gallery [https://www.kawarthagallery.com/] NEW EPISODES: every Tuesday FOLLOW US: Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/5jqqMTYZpr8ZinG8dubJNW?si=6f118767870e4015&fbclid=IwY2xjawMubd1leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFRMkEzVTFkTFFBSjkzbFluAR7aaeD015BGQCRHO8d7BZ7g5uQ01QifixAmqJjRC2315QNueLgqnz675p0ifw_aem_jjzqDVldvFviBUAulc8tLg&nd=1&dlsi=924de99df690440b] or wherever you listen to podcasts SUBSCRIBE: YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@AutismResourcesKawartha] CHAPTERS 02:37 Personal Experiences with Autism 05:48 Understanding Autism Diagnoses 08:34 The Impact of Diagnosis on Family Dynamics 11:54 Parenting Neurodiverse Children 14:35 Emotional Challenges and Growth 17:46 The Journey to Diagnosis 20:22 Reflections on Parenting and Self-Discovery 28:42 Navigating School Transitions for Children with Autism 32:45 Understanding Dyslexia and Its Impact 38:44 Coping Mechanisms for ADHD and Dyslexia 48:20 Building Community and Understanding in Autism 54:59 The Spectrum of Autism: Embracing Individual Differences Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2521843/support]

Heather | Episode 10 | Autism Resources Kawartha

In this episode, Matt sits down with Heather, a retired teacher and owner of R&J Stables [https://randjstables.com/]. Heather shares her incredible journey from education to equine-assisted therapy, exploring how her lifelong love of horses has evolved into a deeply meaningful program that supports individuals with autism. Heather discusses how her background in special education and her personal connection to disability through her late aunt shaped her approach to inclusion and understanding. She explains the unique bond between people and horses - how these intuitive animals help riders self-regulate, build confidence, and experience calm. She also speaks about the story behind Sammy’s Place, the therapeutic riding program named in honour of a young rider who inspired Heather’s mission. Together, they reflect on the healing power of animals, the importance of individualized learning, and the role of compassion and autonomy in both teaching and parenting. THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR: Cardinal Home Services [https://cardinalhome.ca/] CHECK OUT: the Kawartha Gallery [https://www.kawarthagallery.com/] NEW EPISODES: every Tuesday FOLLOW US: Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/5jqqMTYZpr8ZinG8dubJNW?si=6f118767870e4015&fbclid=IwY2xjawMubd1leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFRMkEzVTFkTFFBSjkzbFluAR7aaeD015BGQCRHO8d7BZ7g5uQ01QifixAmqJjRC2315QNueLgqnz675p0ifw_aem_jjzqDVldvFviBUAulc8tLg&nd=1&dlsi=924de99df690440b] or wherever you listen to podcasts SUBSCRIBE: YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@AutismResourcesKawartha] CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction to Therapeutic Riding and Autism 00:42 Therapeutic Riding Programs: A New Approach Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2521843/support]

Jennifer | Episode 9 | Autism Resources Kawartha

In this episode, Matt sits down with Jennifer - a devoted aunt to an autistic niece - to explore what it means to love, support, and understand from the outside looking in. Jenn shares the story of her niece’s autism, ADHD, and Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) diagnoses, and how those discoveries reshaped not just her niece’s world, but the whole family’s approach to connection and care. She opens up about learning to let go of “shoulds,” embracing radical acceptance, and finding patience in moments that challenge every instinct to “fix.” From rethinking school and routines to redefining what affection looks like, Jenn reminds us that supporting an autistic loved one often means slowing down, listening, and letting them lead the way. Her honesty, humour, and deep empathy make this episode a powerful reminder that love doesn’t always mean doing more - sometimes it means doing less, and simply being there. THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR: Cardinal Home Services [https://cardinalhome.ca/] CHECK OUT: the Kawartha Gallery [https://www.kawarthagallery.com/] NEW EPISODES: every Tuesday FOLLOW US: Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/5jqqMTYZpr8ZinG8dubJNW?si=6f118767870e4015&fbclid=IwY2xjawMubd1leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFRMkEzVTFkTFFBSjkzbFluAR7aaeD015BGQCRHO8d7BZ7g5uQ01QifixAmqJjRC2315QNueLgqnz675p0ifw_aem_jjzqDVldvFviBUAulc8tLg&nd=1&dlsi=924de99df690440b] or wherever you listen to podcasts SUBSCRIBE: YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@AutismResourcesKawartha] CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction to Autism and Personal Experiences 03:02 Understanding Autism Diagnoses and Profiles 05:50 Parenting Challenges with Neurodivergent Children 08:52 Navigating Expectations and Accommodations 12:03 Building Relationships with Neurodivergent Children 15:02 The Role of Patience and Understanding 17:54 Radical Acceptance in Parenting 20:55 The Impact of Schooling on Neurodivergent Children 24:01 Creating Opportunities for Engagement 26:51 The Importance of Communication and Debriefing 30:00 Final Thoughts on Autism Awareness and Support Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2521843/support]