SPARC Out

Talking With A Supportive HomeSafe: Preventing, Protecting, and Preparing

It can be tough to find organizations that are able to support families from pregnancy through adulthood, but HomeSafe is one of those organizations. Today, we talk with Fernanda Martinez Gonzalez, an Outreach Educator with HomeSafe. We went over the various programs the nonprofit offers, the outreach it does (through staff like Fernanda) in all areas of Palm Beach County, and how collaboration between agencies leads to positive outcomes for families and organizations alike.  If you are in Palm Beach County and need assistance (or know a family that needs assistance) regarding situations such as: pregnancy to early intervention; recently turned 18 and aged out of foster care; you're looking for a safe place from DV, or are simply looking for family resources, HomeSafe can be reached at this number: 561-383-9871.

Water Safety & Autism: Lifesaving Lessons with Anna Stewart

Drowning is one of the leading causes of death for autistic children—but it doesn’t have to be. In this episode, I sit down with Anna Stewart from the Drowning Prevention Coalition of Palm Beach County to talk about water safety strategies that save lives. We discuss how families can access swimming lesson vouchers, the importance of teaching both children and adults how to swim, and what caregivers need to know about safety at pools, beaches, lakes, and canals. Whether you're a parent, teacher, or community member, this episode offers practical, potentially life-saving tips to keep autistic children safe around water.

The United States of Autism: An Epidemic of Fear

In light of recent events that have shaken the autism and autistic communities, along with an onslaught of false information regarding autism, I decided to record this episode. I had no outline, no real plan, only real emotions, thoughts, and data. There is no music, and the only editing I did was to cut out pauses and redundant words (stutters, repeats, etc.). I wanted this episode to be raw and honest.  The past two weeks have been a brutal wake up call for anyone thinking that maybe, just maybe, progress was being made in autism awareness and acceptance. I myself am included in this. We do not have time to rant and rage, however. We must work to counter the one emotion that is at the heart of not just this enhanced campaign against neurodivergence and autism, but in every campaign against everyone seen as the "other." Fear.

Talking Medicaid, Part 2: Meichico Aldridge Huggins

As we kick off World Autism Acceptance Month, we have Part 2 of my mini series covering the Medicaid updates that have affected countless families in Florida this year. In this episode, I speak with Meichico, a mom of autistic twins who has become something of an expert at navigating disability-related systems in Florida. We will get a family view of the impact of the Medicaid changes, along with advice for families and caregivers on how to weather changes like these and the state and local systems related to disability services.

Talking Medicaid, Part 1: Christian Sanon, Look Up Therapy

In light of the recent restructuring of Florida Medicaid that has left hundreds of families and providers scrambling to acquire or provide autism-related services, I sat down and chatted with BCBA and Owner of Look Up Therapy, Christian Sanon. We discuss the widespread impact of the restructuring on providers in particular, including how these changes could shutter some providers for good. We also talk about what providers can do to protect themselves from sudden upheavals in the autism field going forward. This is the first of a two part series. Next month's episode will take a closer look at the impact this restructuring has had on Medicaid families, along with advice on how families can prepare for similar changes in the future.