Caregiver Stories and Autism Advocacy: How Invictus Bakery Is Changing Autism Employment with Molly Sebastian

Horses, Autism, and the Healing Power of Nature | Dana Spett of Pony Power Therapies

What happens when autism support moves beyond four walls and into nature? In this episode of Inchstones, Sarah Kernion sits down with Dr. Dana Spett, founder of Pony Power Therapies, to explore autism, sensory regulation, equine-assisted services, and why connection, movement, and nature can create powerful opportunities for growth. Dana’s journey began as a mother searching for support for her own daughter. What started with one horse and four riders has grown into Pony Power Therapies, a community-centered organization helping children and adults with disabilities connect with horses, farming, nature, and themselves. Together, Sarah and Dana discuss autism parenting, sensory regulation, maternal intuition, nature-based learning, disability inclusion, and the importance of creating environments where autistic individuals can thrive without pressure to conform. Dana shares why traditional approaches are not always enough and how horses offer a unique opportunity for regulation, confidence, connection, and belonging. The conversation explores: * autism and sensory regulation * equine-assisted services * nature-based support for autistic children * maternal intuition and advocacy * disability inclusion and community belonging * farming, purpose, and meaningful work * autism and nervous system regulation * creating supportive environments for neurodivergent individuals Dana also shares how Pony Power supports families across the lifespan, from young children with autism to adults navigating life after age 21, when many formal support systems begin to disappear. This episode is for autism moms, caregivers, educators, therapists, and anyone interested in nature-based approaches to autism support, sensory regulation, disability advocacy, and helping neurodivergent individuals build meaningful lives and connections. In This Episode 00:00 – The mission behind Pony Power Therapies 01:00 – Dana’s journey as a social worker and autism mom 02:30 – Following maternal intuition instead of rushing to medication 04:00 – Why trusting your gut matters in autism parenting 05:30 – Equine-assisted services and empowering families 06:30 – How autistic children respond to horses and nature 08:00 – Sensory regulation through movement and rhythm 09:30 – Why horses provide unique nervous system support 11:00 – Nature, regulation, and the family system 13:00 – Beyond traditional talk therapy approaches 14:30 – The role of nature in mental health and autism support 16:00 – Nonverbal communication and connection beyond words 17:30 – Why leaving the house feels impossible for some families 19:00 – Supporting dysregulated autistic children without judgment 21:00 – Creating safe spaces for neurodivergent families 23:30 – The autism service cliff after age 21 25:00 – Farming, employment, and meaningful purpose for autistic adults 27:00 – Disability inclusion and reimagining community support Listen to more episodes of the Inchstones Podcast, where Sarah Kernion shares caregiver stories, autism advocacy, profound autism perspectives, neurodivergent parenting, and conversations that challenge us to build more inclusive communities. Click here to discover more about Pony Power Therapies  [https://www.ponypowernj.org/]

What If It’s Not Behavior? Understanding Whole Body Apraxia in Autism with Dr. Dana Johnson

Many parents of non-speaking autistic children carry a quiet certainty: my child understands more than they can show. In this episode of Inchstones, Sarah Kernion sits down with occupational therapist, researcher, and Spellers Method co-creator Dr. Dana Johnson to explore whole body apraxia, motor planning, communication, and why behavior may not tell the whole story. For years, families have been told to trust observable behaviors as the primary measure of understanding. Dr. Johnson challenges that assumption by explaining how motor planning differences can prevent autistic individuals from reliably demonstrating what they know, understand, or intend to communicate. Together, Sarah and Dr. Johnson discuss whole body apraxia, non-speaking autism, presuming competence, sensory regulation, motor coaching, and the ways parents are often dismissed when their observations don’t align with traditional clinical models. The conversation explores: * whole body apraxia and autism * non-speaking autism and communication * motor planning challenges * presuming competence * autism and regulation * maternal intuition and clinical observation * supporting autistic children beyond behavior-based assumptions * co-regulation and caregiver support Dr. Johnson also shares how her work evolved after listening to parents whose experiences challenged what she had been taught professionally. Her message is both practical and hopeful: understanding motor differences can fundamentally change how families, therapists, and educators support autistic children. This episode is for parents, caregivers, educators, therapists, and anyone interested in communication, autism advocacy, profound autism, and understanding what may exist beneath observable behavior. In This Episode 00:00 – Maternal intuition, autism, and the limits of observation 02:00 – Why parents are often dismissed by professionals 04:15 – The story that led Dr. Johnson to rethink autism therapy 05:45 – What whole body apraxia actually means 07:15 – Understanding motor planning and communication barriers 08:00 – Why behavior does not always reflect understanding 09:30 – The backpack example: motor planning in daily life 11:00 – Typical childhood behavior versus apraxia 12:30 – Why presuming competence matters 14:00 – How professionals unintentionally limit autistic children 16:00 – Reading ability, communication, and hidden competence 17:00 – Regulation, sensory overwhelm, and motor control 19:00 – Why parents must regulate themselves first 21:00 – The invisible pressure placed on mothers 23:00 – Co-regulation and caregiver support 25:00 – Building confidence through small wins and inchstones 28:00 – Supporting parents, not just children 30:00 – The fear every autism parent carries about the future Listen to more episodes of the Inchstones Podcast, where Sarah Kernion explores autism advocacy, caregiver stories, profound autism, communication, neurodivergent parenting, and the small inchstones that shape meaningful lives. About Dr. Dana Johnson: For more than 20 years, Dr. Johnson has worked alongside incredible families who have taught her what true resilience, patience, and hope look like. Through this work, she has learned that two things can be true at once: your child can struggle and make incredible progress at the same time. Recognizing that too many professionals didn't know how to truly help these families, Dr. Johnson created her YouTube channel, “The Autism + Apraxia Doctor,” and expanded her reach across multiple platforms to educate professionals in the autism field. She specializes in helping individuals with complex autism, whole-body apraxia, and other neurodevelopmental disabilities develop intentional motor skills and improve their overall health. Her mission is to empower families and professionals to see autism through a new lens, one that recognizes the body-brain connection, promotes health, and opens doors to possibilities many once thought were out of reach. Her work is rooted in a deep belief that her clients are capable, intelligent, and deserving of the support needed to unlock their full potential. Dr. Johnson is the Founder of Spellers Center Tampa and Atlanta and the co-creator of the Spellers Method™. She holds a Master's degree in Occupational Therapy and a Ph.D. in Child Mental Health and Development. Find her work here: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrDanaJohnson Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drdanajohnson/ Website: www.drdanajohnson.com

Autistic Adulthood, Independence, and Living Your Best Life | Zach Ennis’ Story

What does autistic adulthood actually look like? In this episode of Inchstones, Sarah Kernion sits down with autistic young adult Zach Ennis and his mother, Stacy Ennis, for a powerful conversation about independence, self-advocacy, friendship, community, and building a meaningful life with autism. Too often, conversations about autism stop in childhood. Zach’s story offers something many families are searching for: a glimpse into adulthood, possibility, and the supports that help autistic adults thrive. Zach shares what he enjoys most about his life, from community dinners, theater classes, movies, friendships, and independent living skills to advocating for adults with disabilities. He speaks candidly about communication, relationships, self-confidence, and his hopes for the future. His message is simple but powerful: work hard, be kind, support others, and believe in your potential. Sarah and Stacy also explore the evolution of motherhood, autism advocacy, acceptance, and the unexpected gifts that come from raising and supporting a neurodivergent child into adulthood. Together they discuss communication beyond speech, independence, dignity, self-determination, and why autistic adults deserve opportunities to build full and meaningful lives. This episode explores: * autistic adulthood and independence * autism advocacy and self-advocacy * neurodivergent parenting across the lifespan * community living and social connection * autism and communication differences * supporting autistic adults * friendship, purpose, and belonging * motherhood and lifelong caregiving This conversation is a reminder that autism is not the end of a story. For many families, it is the beginning of a different story filled with growth, connection, community, and possibility. In This Episode 00:00 – Introducing Zach and Stacey Ennis 01:15 – Zach shares what he enjoys most about life 02:10 – Building independence through community and daily living skills 03:00 – Friendship, communication, and social connection 03:45 – What Zach wishes people understood about him 05:00 – Accomplishments and learning independent living skills 06:10 – Feeling seen through autism self-advocacy 07:20 – Challenges that people may not notice 08:15 – Living your best life and future goals 09:00 – Zach’s message about autism and kindness 10:15 – What Zach has taught his mother about life 12:30 – Friendship, family, and growing into adulthood 15:15 – Daily connection between mother and son 16:20 – Acceptance, advocacy, and finding joy 18:00 – Communication beyond speech and traditional expectations 20:00 – Seeing the person beyond the diagnosis Listen to more episodes of the Inchstones Podcast, where Sarah Kernion shares caregiver stories, autism advocacy, neurodivergent parenting, profound autism experiences, and conversations that illuminate the humanity behind every diagnosis.

What My Son's Autism Diagnosis Taught Me About Myself | Bari Shore's Story

An autism diagnosis changes more than a child’s future. It changes the people who love that child too. In this episode of Inchstones, Sarah Kernion sits down with Bari Shore for an honest conversation about autism parenting, childhood apraxia, community, motherhood, and the unexpected personal growth that emerges from raising a neurodivergent child. When Bari’s son Dean received his autism and apraxia diagnosis during the pandemic, she found herself searching for answers, support, and connection. Like many autism moms, she experienced relief, grief, uncertainty, and determination all at the same time. But perhaps the biggest surprise was not how much her son would grow. It was how much she would grow too. Together, Sarah and Bari discuss autism parenting, caregiver stories, autism diagnosis journeys, motherhood identity shifts, advocacy, sibling relationships, and the importance of finding people who truly understand your family’s reality. They also explore why support does not always come from large groups, how community can be built one conversation at a time, and what happens when parents learn to celebrate inchstones instead of milestones. This episode explores: * autism parenting after diagnosis * childhood apraxia and autism * caregiver stories and community * motherhood identity and personal growth * sibling relationships and autism * advocacy and communication * autism diagnosis grief and acceptance * parenting autistic children in the present moment For parents navigating autism, apraxia, developmental delays, or the uncertainty that follows diagnosis, this conversation offers honesty, perspective, and hope. In This Episode 00:00 – Finding friendship and community after diagnosis 02:00 – The long road to an autism and apraxia diagnosis 03:30 – Pandemic parenting and noticing developmental differences 04:30 – Relief, grief, and finally having answers 05:15 – Becoming “the autism mom” and identity shifts 06:00 – Why community became essential 06:45 – Cycles of research, burnout, and recovery 07:50 – Is autism parenting unfair? 08:45 – Celebrating inchstones instead of milestones 09:20 – Why the world should adapt to autistic children 10:30 – Learning to advocate for yourself as a parent 11:45 – Autism parenting and perspective 12:30 – Advice for parents receiving a new diagnosis 13:45 – Staying present instead of spiraling into the future 15:15 – Raising autistic boys and trusting your instincts 17:00 – Seeing the child beyond the diagnosis 18:20 – Becoming stronger through autism parenting 19:45 – Relationships, community, and what matters most Listen to more episodes of the Inchstones Podcast, where Sarah Kernion shares caregiver stories, autism advocacy, neurodivergent parenting, profound autism experiences, and the lessons hidden inside the smallest inchstones.

Why Autism Moms Never Fully Relax | Kerry Stevens' Story

Why do so many autism moms feel like they can never fully relax? In this episode of Inchstones, Sarah Kernion sits down with Kerry Stevens for an honest conversation about caregiver burnout, autism motherhood, hypervigilance, and the invisible emotional load that comes with parenting autistic children. Kerry shares the reality of raising her son Connor while balancing work, therapies, school meetings, financial pressure, and the constant responsibility that many special needs caregivers quietly carry every day. Together, Sarah and Kerry explore autism parenting, developmental delays, caregiver exhaustion, IEP advocacy, and the emotional experience of living in a near-constant state of fight-or-flight. Their conversation touches on the grief that can follow an autism diagnosis, the pressure to help your child “catch up,” and the difficult process of accepting a path that looks different than the one you imagined. Kerry speaks candidly about leaving a job that could no longer accommodate the realities of caregiving and the emotional impact of being told her son’s needs were “too much.” This episode explores: * caregiver burnout and autism motherhood * parenting autistic children while working * hypervigilance and nervous system exhaustion * autism diagnosis grief and acceptance * developmental delays and communication challenges * IEP advocacy and trusting parental intuition * balancing therapies, finances, and family life * learning to understand non-speaking communication This episode is for autism moms, caregivers, and families navigating autism parenting, caregiver burnout, developmental delays, and the relentless emotional labor that often comes with raising autistic children. In this episode: 00:00 – The invisible workload of autism motherhood 01:30 – Leaving a job because caregiving demands became too great 03:00 – Grieving the motherhood journey you imagined 05:15 – Living in constant fight-or-flight as an autism parent 07:00 – Why autism caregiving never truly shuts off 08:30 – Acceptance, therapy, and processing diagnosis grief 10:45 – Wanting your child to “catch up” after diagnosis 12:00 – Early intervention, ABA, and moving quickly after diagnosis 13:30 – Learning your child’s body language and communication patterns 15:00 – The daily realities of autism caregiving 16:45 – School routines, therapies, and medical support 18:00 – Home safety, elopement fears, and constant vigilance 19:45 – Reading emotional cues from non-speaking children 21:15 – Financial stress and caregiver burden 22:45 – IEP advocacy and the power of parental intuition 24:30 – Why autism moms deserve more support and understanding Listen to more episodes of the Inchstones Podcast, where Sarah Kernion shares caregiver stories, autism advocacy, profound autism experiences, and the realities of neurodivergent parenting.