What happens when a school principal who’s worked with autistic students for years becomes a grandparent to a child on the spectrum?

This week on Let’s Plant Houses my guest is Jennifer Kaufman, author of “Grandparenting on the Spectrum: A Journey from Both Sides of the Desk.” Jennifer brings a unique view to autism support, special education, family advocacy, and neurodiversity because she has lived this journey both as an educator and as a grandmother to a seven year old with autism.

What stands out most is Jennifer’s honesty about how her professional experience could not prepare her for the emotional side of being a grandparent. She shares practical ways to create welcoming spaces, the value of following the parents’ lead, and how she learned to shift from trying to fix autism to celebrating neurodivergent minds.

This episode is full of guidance and heart. It is a must listen for grandparents, parents, and anyone who wants to better support families raising autistic children.

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How can growing up alongside autism shape not just your childhood, but your entire life’s calling?

In this episode of Let’s Plant Houses we talk about autism sibling experiences, early intervention, and family support as Katie Bullock shares the beautiful complexity of growing up as the middle child and only girl, with a younger brother who has profound autism. Katie remembers everything from the frightening Father’s Day when three year old Michael disappeared, to crashing his therapy sessions because they looked like fun play dates, to watching him become the beloved “mayor” of her school.

She reflects on Michael’s honest way of moving through the world, the laughter he brought to their family, and the challenges they faced, like missing soccer games and adding extra locks to keep him safe. These moments shaped Katie’s heart and eventually led her to a career in early intervention and speech language pathology, where she now helps other families find their own path.

Katie shares helpful insights about supporting siblings, understanding that not every sibling will become a caregiver, and finding joy in a child’s interests, even something as simple as lining up blocks. Her story offers validation, hope, and a reminder that the autism journey can be full of connection, growth, and unexpected joy.

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