Piece by Piece Autism Podcast

Special Needs Dentistry & Autism: A Conversation with Dr. Meet and Abby Patel

This week, we sit down with Meet and Abby Patel to discuss their years of experience working in a special needs dentistry practice and serving individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities. Dental visits can be a source of stress and anxiety for many families, but Meet and Abby share practical insights into what makes dental care more successful for individuals on the autism spectrum. From building trust and creating positive experiences to understanding sensory sensitivities and communication differences, they offer a unique perspective from inside a practice that specializes in caring for patients with special needs. We discuss common challenges families face when it comes to oral hygiene, preparing for dental appointments, and finding providers who are willing to meet patients where they are. Meet and Abby also share stories and lessons they've learned over the years working with individuals of all ages and abilities. Whether you're helping a young child brush their teeth, preparing for an upcoming dental visit, or supporting an adult with autism in maintaining good oral health, this episode is full of practical advice and encouragement. Join us for an informative conversation about autism, special needs dentistry, and the importance of finding a dental team that understands and supports every patient's unique needs. 🦷✨ Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2464561/fan_mail/new]

Andrea’s Take on Growing Up with Alec: Autism Awareness Starts at Home

In this episode, we continue our Sibling Series with Alec’s sister, Andrea Jensen Semidey. Andrea lives in Allen, TX with her husband and 4 kids. She works in finance as a corporate attorney. She graduated from SMU with a degree in Advertising and History and graduated from law school in New York City at Yeshiva University. She enjoys horseback riding, yoga, running, legos, cooking, baking and reading, and only wishes for more time to do any one of those things. She and her family are huge "soccer" fans and Arsenal supporters.  Andrea shares her perspective on growing up with a brother on the autism spectrum — the challenges, the joy, and the lessons that shaped her along the way. Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2464561/fan_mail/new]

Autism in Hollywood: What TV & Movies Get Right (and Wrong)

This week, we sit down with Mike Greer, Christi’s brother, for a fun and thoughtful conversation all about how autism is portrayed in Hollywood. Together, we review several well-known shows and movies that feature autistic characters and discuss what feels realistic, what feels exaggerated, and which character traits remind us of Alec. From classic films to modern streaming shows, we share our honest perspectives as a family who has lived the reality of autism every day. We discuss iconic titles like Rain Man and Temple Grandin, Love on the Spectrum and The Good Doctor. We talk about the strengths and shortcomings of autism representation in media, the common themes we see repeated in Hollywood, and why representation matters for families, educators, and the broader community. Whether you’re curious about how accurately autism is portrayed on screen or just want to hear a relatable conversation connecting real life to pop culture, this episode is both entertaining and insightful. Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2464561/fan_mail/new]

From Roommates to Family: Autism, Growth & Lifelong Connections

In this episode, we sit down with two very special guests—Tyler and Madeleine, Alec’s original roommates when he first moved to Utah seven years ago. These were the early days of Alec’s transition into group home living, and Tyler and Madeleine were right there helping him settle in, build routines, and adjust to a new level of independence. What started as a working relationship quickly grew into something much deeper. Now, years later, it has been so special to reconnect and see how their relationship with Alec has continued to grow and evolve—even after they moved back to California and started a family of their own. We talk about the life lessons they learned during their time with Alec, the challenges they faced, and of course, the funny and unforgettable moments that come with daily life supporting someone on the autism spectrum. This episode offers a unique behind-the-scenes look at what it’s really like to support someone transitioning into a group home setting—highlighting the importance of consistency, connection, and the relationships that make it all meaningful. It’s a reminder that while systems and structure matter, it’s the people who truly make the difference. Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2464561/fan_mail/new]

Nonverbal Autism: Alec’s Communication Journey & What Worked

In this episode, we share Alec’s journey with communication—one of the most meaningful and challenging parts of his story. We take you back to the early years, starting with speech therapy and the initial stages of communication, and the moment Christi realized that Alec may not develop verbal language. From there, we walk through the many paths we explored in helping Alec find a way to communicate. We discuss Alec’s experience working with Soma in Austin, Texas, where he began using a letter board, and how that method evolved into the communication system he uses today. While the journey has not been easy, it has been incredibly meaningful. Through this process, Alec has been able to share his thoughts, feelings, and personality in ways that were once out of reach. We also talk honestly about the challenges along the way, including attempts to transition to typing on an iPad. Despite working with multiple communication specialists, that path has come with roadblocks, reminding us that communication is not one-size-fits-all. This episode is a reflection on persistence, growth, and the importance of continuing to seek out what works for each individual. For families navigating nonverbal autism or exploring communication options, we hope Alec’s story offers both encouragement and insight. Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2464561/fan_mail/new]