Uncategorized – Let's Plant Houses

LPH49: Clay Boatright talks autism parenting, faith and why happiness is a choice

By Wendy Ernzen | March 16, 2026

What happens when life hands you a diagnosis you never expected, and you still choose hope?

In this profound autism parenting conversation, host Wendy Ernzen sits down with Clay Boatright to talk about raising twin daughters with intellectual and developmental disabilities and profound autism. Clay shares how early developmental delays led to an Easterseals assessment, why diagnoses mainly matter for getting services, and what it feels like as the gap grows between traditional development and a more unique path.

The episode also explores disability advocacy, group home placement, and why respite care and community support matter so much for families. Clay talks openly about how faith helped him manage stress, why he believes happiness is a choice, and how life changed when his daughters found a supportive home and day program so he could focus on being their dad. He also shares insights from his book, God’s Plan, Our Circus, and and the mindset he hopes encourages other parents and caregivers on the disability journey.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | RSS | More

LPH48: Franke James on Presuming Competence, Disability Rights, and Freeing Teresa

By Wendy Ernzen | March 4, 2026

What if the biggest fight your family ever faced was simply proving that your sister with Down syndrome should have the life she wants?

In this episode of Let’s Plant Houses, host Wendy Ernzen talks with Franke James about Down syndrome, disability advocacy, and how real disability rights can start at home. Frankie shares the powerful story of her sister Teresa, a joyful artist and author with Down syndrome, and how their family learned early to include her fully, build her strengths, and expect more from the world around her.

You’ll hear what went wrong when her siblings tried to place Teresa in long-term care, even though Franke was willing to give her the life she wanted and deserved. Hear about how Franke and her husband fought back using a capacity assessment, power of attorney, and supported decision making so Teresa could choose where and how she lives, the foundation of Franke’s award-winning book Freeing Teresa. Franke also gives us a sneak peek of the sequel Escape to Lotus Land, the next chapter in Teresa’s beautiful life. This conversation is for parents, siblings, and professionals in the IDD community who want hope, practical insight, and a reminder to presume competence.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | RSS | More

LPH47: Finding a Voice with Lori Rogers on Autism and Spelling to Communicate

By Wendy Ernzen | February 17, 2026

What if your non-speaking child with autism understood everything and was just waiting for a way to share it?

In this episode of Let’s Plant Houses we talk about autism, communication, and Spelling to Communicate, or SC2, as Lori Rogers shares the journey of helping her son Craig, a non-speaker on the autism spectrum, find his voice. Lori tells how everything changed the day Craig spelled “black holes” on a letter board. She also shares the early years of losing words, fighting for services, raising funds, and believing deeply in her son’s potential.

Lori explains how S2C opened the door to friendships, college classes, creative writing, and Craig planning his own future. She also talks about her business, Positive Activity, where she and her husband Neil share science based activities to increase happiness, boost positivity, and attract abundance in both personal and professional life.

Lori’s story offers real hope for families and professionals who love or work with non-speaking children everywhere. Listen now!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | RSS | More

LPH46: A Sibling Perspective on Autism and Caregiving With Dr. DeShanna Reed

By Wendy Ernzen | February 1, 2026

How might growing up with a sister with autism shape your life?

In this episode, you’ll hear a powerful look at profound autism, caregiving, and family as Dr. DeShanna Reed shares her experience as the youngest sibling to Adrian. She explains how finding the right care and community shaped their journey and what it felt like when Adrian moved into a group home. Dr. Reed also talks about the caregivers who became “found family” and the tender moment her family had to explain that their dad was gone.

She shares how stepping into the caregiver role as an adult changed her life and why she is creating a book for siblings to help them navigate the legal, financial, and emotional parts of caregiving. If you support a loved one with IDD, this conversation will help you feel seen and supported.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | RSS | More

LPH45: The Vision for Flawless Farms with Kristina Cope, Future Support for Adults with Autism

By Wendy Ernzen | January 19, 2026

What happens to my child when I’m gone?

That question pushed Kristina Cope to imagine a new future for her son Blake, who has profound autism and catatonia. In this episode, Kristina shares how she rebuilt her life in Michigan after her children’s father passed away and how that journey inspired her to create Flawless Farms, a community for adults with high support needs.

Kristina talks about early morning routines, her long fight to access ABA in the early days, and the preschool teacher who reminded her that her son was first a little boy who needed love. She also explains the hard reality families face when planning for adulthood and why there are so few real options.

If you want to understand what this road feels like for families, this conversation is for you.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | RSS | More

LPH44: Julie Kratz on Allyship, Parenting, and Autism

By Wendy Ernzen | January 5, 2026

What if curiosity mattered more than judgment in parenting?

In this episode, you’ll hear a real look at parenting, autism, and family life as Julie Kratz shares her journey raising her youngest daughter, Dylan, who is on the autism spectrum. Julie talks honestly about the early developmental differences they noticed and how they worked to find the right school and support. She also shares the everyday challenges, the surprising joys, and the lessons she has learned about patience, empathy, and celebrating small wins.

Julie also talks about her new book, We Want You: An Allyship Guide for People with Power. She explains how anyone can become a better ally at work, in the community, and with friends and family. Her message is simple: small actions and real curiosity can create meaningful change. Listen now!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | RSS | More

LPH43: Ben Duff on Life and Parenting With Profound Autism

By Wendy Ernzen | December 15, 2025

What is it really like to raise a child with profound autism who needs 24/7 support?

This episode explores profound autism, caregiving, and the real challenges families face every day. Guest Ben Duff shares his family’s honest and powerful story.

Ben talks about the early signs they noticed, the emotional process of getting a diagnosis, and the daily work of managing medications, therapy, and changing behaviors through different stages of life. He also opens up about moments of crisis, hard care decisions, residential program options, and the ongoing need to advocate within a complex system.

Ben offers simple and practical guidance for families just starting this journey. He shares how to build a strong support network, find resources that fit your child, and define what “success” means for your own family. This episode gives parents, caregivers, and anyone curious a clear and heartfelt look at the resilience involved in raising a child with profound autism.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | RSS | More

LPH42: Michael Pereira on Parenting, Purpose, and the Autism Voyage

By Wendy Ernzen | December 1, 2025

In this episode of Let’s Plant Houses, you meet Michael Pereira, a husband, father, and advocate who helps families with autism and parenting support. Michael shares how his family first noticed signs with his son Christian and gives parents real hope so they feel less alone in their own autism journey.

Michael talks about the early days when home life changed fast, from skipping restaurants to unplugging blenders, and how friends and family had to learn and grow with them. He also explains why he created The Autism Voyage, a helpful platform built to give parents clear and trustworthy information. Today it includes more than 90 practical blog posts, a national directory of services, and a newsletter that reaches over 2,000 families.

The Autism Voyage blends education, guidance, and real stories that help parents feel supported and understood. If you want honesty, hope, and simple tools that make this journey easier, this is the episode to press play on.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | RSS | More

LPH41: Sarah Boes, A Heart Mom’s Journey of Courage and Calling

By Wendy Ernzen | November 17, 2025

In this episode of Let’s Plant Houses we talk about congenital heart defects, medical parenting, and family resilience as Sarah Boes shares the moment that changed everything. Sarah Boes is a nurse practitioner, entrepreneur, author, and “heart mom”. Late in her pregnancy, a routine scan revealed that her unborn daughter had several complex heart defects. That single appointment pulled her family into a world of specialists, emergency planning, and love stretched to its very edges. Sarah opens up about the shock, the fear, and the quiet moments in the hospital that reshaped her understanding of what it means to hope.

As Sarah tells her story, you will hear how she and her husband learned to navigate surgeries, uncertainty, and the emotional weight of becoming parents inside a medical crisis. She speaks with honesty about grief, grit, and the unexpected ways community rises around you when life falls apart. This conversation holds moments that will make you hold your breath and others that will lift your spirit. It is a story about the heart in every sense of the word.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | RSS | More

LPH40: Judi Uttal Talks About Autism, Advocacy, and Jobs in Entertainment

By Wendy Ernzen | November 5, 2025

What happens when the services your child needs don’t exist yet?

Judi Uttal faced that challenge when her son Josh was diagnosed with autism at age four. She reflects on the early challenges, including the lack of autism awareness and resources in the 1990s, and how her early advocacy, community support—including a pilot program in Irvine and later the Orange County Asperger Support Group—and determination helped Josh thrive in film production.

Judi now runs the Orange County Asperger Support Group, helping teens and adults with level one autism improve their quality of life. She also founded the Autism in Entertainment (AIE) Workgroup, a California-based initiative that increases employment opportunities for individuals on the autism spectrum in animation, film, and gaming. Through conferences, creator community meetings, and career resources, AIE connects autistic individuals with opportunities in the entertainment industry.

Listen to her fascinating story!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | RSS | More