Helping Families Go Beyond

How Magic Helps Neurodiverse Learners Build Confidence and Connection

In this episode of Helping Families Go Beyond, Loryn Carpenter welcomes Dr. Kevin Spencer, a magician, educator, researcher, and arts integration expert, to explore how magic can support learning, connection, and confidence for neurodiverse learners and other special populations. Dr. Spencer shares how magic moved beyond entertainment in his work and became a powerful tool for building fine motor skills, working memory, social interaction, self-concept, and emotional engagement. From classrooms and therapy settings to families at home, this conversation offers a fresh look at how wonder, creativity, and the arts can help children feel capable, connected, and seen. Relevant links: kevinspencerlive.com [https://kevinspencerlive.com/] hocusfocuseducation.com [http://hocusfocuseducation.com] magictherapy.com [http://magictherapy.com] Timestamps: (00:00) School updates and introducing Dr. Kevin Spencer (04:40) When did you realize that magic could be integrated beyond the stage? (08:30) What happens in the brain when people are engaged in a magic trick? (14:00) What are people’s favorite tricks? (17:00) What makes magic universal? (23:00) What trends are you noticing in education? (29:00) The arts are not a reward you give kids, its how kids learn (36:30) How do you respond to naysayers? (41:00) Advice to parents and educators (46:40) Learn more about Dr. Kevin Spencer

Suddenly Brave Together How Jessica Patay Is Supporting Caregiving Moms Everywhere

In this episode, Loryn sits down with Jessica Patay, founder of We Are Brave Together, to talk about what caregiving really looks like behind the scenes. Jessica shares how raising her son with a rare genetic disorder and autism led her to create a community for moms who often feel isolated, overwhelmed, and unseen. They talk about her new book Suddenly Brave Together, the reality of caregiver burnout, and the kind of support families actually need but rarely receive. It is an honest, emotional conversation about grief, resilience, and what it means to find people who truly get it. https://www.wearebravetogether.org/ [https://www.wearebravetogether.org/] Timestamps: (00:00) School updates  (04:10) Introducing Jessica Patay of We Are Brave Together, Author of Suddenly Brave Together (09:55) Hearing other stories (12:35) Grief (15:00) The sibling experience (17:30) Building a community of mothers (19:00) What does it feel like to find a community of mothers? (20:00) Caregiver burnout (22:40) Reframing the need for self care (27:00) What does the world get wrong about this? (29:00) What have you learned from your son Ryan? (33:40) Book release: Suddenly Brave Together (35:45) Special moments with Ryan (40:10) Best ways to connect with Jessica Join us every month for a new episode of Helping Families Go Beyond. Visit beyondthespectrum.org for more information.

Preparing Financially for the Future with a Neurodivergent Child with Michael Pereira

Planning for the future can feel overwhelming for families raising neurodivergent children, but having the right financial foundation can make a meaningful difference. In this special Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month episode, host Loryn Carpenter sits down with Michael Pereira, founder of The Autism Voyage and a financial planner who specializes in helping special needs families prepare for the future. They discuss practical financial planning topics including income protection, special needs trusts, insurance strategies, and the importance of building a strong network of professionals who understand the unique needs of neurodivergent individuals. Michael also shares insights from both his professional work and his personal experience as a parent, offering guidance for families who may feel uncertain about where to start and how to move from anxiety to clarity while building long term financial stability for their child. Michael’s Website: https://theautismvoyage.com/ [https://theautismvoyage.com/] Letter of Intent: https://theautismvoyage.com/letter-of-intent/ [https://theautismvoyage.com/letter-of-intent/]   Timestamps: (00:00) School updates, Happy Autism Acceptance Month! (02:16) Introducing Michael Pereira, Founder of Autism Voyage (05:00) The diagnosis process (08:40) Applying information from others (10:00) What financial conversations should families be having when they have a special needs child? (13:00) 3 primary insurance solutions for families (17:00) What is a Special Needs Trust? (19:00) What forms, records and paperwork should families have ready? (23:00) Create a circle of support (30:15) Common mistakes - “Do it yourself” approach (32:00) Success stories (36:20) Red flags (40:15) Advice to families

How Step Up for Students Scholarships Are Opening Doors for Families

What if paying for tuition, therapy, and educational support did not have to feel overwhelming? In this episode of Helping Families Go Beyond, Loryn Carpenter sits down with Kristin O’Brien from Step Up For Students to break down what Florida families need to know about scholarship opportunities. They talk through eligibility, how the Family Empowerment Scholarship works, what qualifies as a diagnosis, and how funding can be used for tuition, ABA therapy, OT, speech services, tutoring, curriculum, and more. They also cover recent changes that expanded access and removed income barriers. If you are navigating a new diagnosis, feeling unsure about your options, or wondering if your family qualifies, this conversation offers clarity, reassurance, and practical next steps. Timestamps: (00:00) Introducing Kristin O’Brien, Step Up for Students, plus school updates (02:20) About Step Up for Students (04:30) How Step Up for Students got started and the evolution (11:40) What options can families apply for? (14:00) Biggest misconceptions (15:25) What can the scholarships be used for? (17:40) Demand for the scholarships (18:45) Advice for families (21:00) When can you begin to apply for scholarships? (24:35) EMA explanation and advice (27:55) Federal Scholarships Tax Program Updates (32:10) Success stories (36:20) Final message

Dating on the Spectrum: How Neurodivergent Adults Can Navigate Love and Connection

In this Valentine’s Day themed episode of Helping Families Go Beyond, host Loryn Carpenter sits down with vocational coordinator Ariana McDaniels for an honest, compassionate conversation about dating, relationships, and connection for neurodivergent adults. From navigating attraction, consent, and masking to understanding rejection sensitivity, online safety, and the role caregivers play, this episode offers practical insight and reassurance for families. Together, they unpack how love can look different but no less meaningful on the spectrum, and why dignity, safety, and open communication matter most when supporting healthy relationships. Timestamps: 00:01 – Valentine’s episode intro and why dating on the spectrum matters 03:26 – What love, attraction, and connection can look like for neurodivergent adults 05:48 – Infantilization and society’s discomfort with neurodivergent relationships 07:08 – Puberty, body changes, and the importance of open caregiver dialogue 11:05 – Masking, boundaries, and unmasking in romantic relationships 15:31 – Teaching consent clearly and safely for neurodivergent individuals 22:46 – Rejection sensitivity, breakups, and building emotional resilience