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

Judi Uttal faced that challenge when her son Josh was diagnosed with high-functioning 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 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!

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What’s it really like raising two kids on totally different parts of the autism spectrum, especially when you’re on the spectrum yourself?

In this episode of Let’s Plant Houses, Wendy Ernzen chats with Eileen Lamb, a mom, author, photographer, and all-around autism advocate who knows the ups and downs firsthand. Eileen shares stories about her oldest, Charlie, who has profound autism, and her younger son Jude, who has level 1 autism. From the early diagnosis days to battling for the right school and figuring out what actually works, she’s got plenty of honest, real talk about what parenting looks like in her world.

Eileen is the founder of The Autism Cafe blog, author of All Across The Spectrum and Be The One, and the Senior Director of Social Media and Marketing at Autism Speaks. She’s also a podcast host and photographer based in Austin, Texas, where she juggles life with children. Whether you’re a parent, a teacher, or just curious, this episode is packed with practical insights and relatable moments.

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What would you do if the medicine that saved your child’s life was still considered illegal by the federal government?

In this episode of Let’s Plant Houses, I talk with Michelle Wright, a mother and advocate whose adult son Ian is profoundly autistic. Michelle shares how medical cannabis changed everything for her family, easing Ian’s symptoms and improving his quality of life after decades of struggle.

But while some states allow its use, federal law still stands in the way of research, access, and Ian’s ability to live more independently. Michelle shares why she’s speaking out and how she’s working to legalize medical cannabis for everyone who needs it.

Listen to her powerful story of hope, advocacy, and change.

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How do you co-parent your special needs child after divorce?

John Goralski’s son Jack was diagnosed with autism, it didn’t just change their understanding of Jack—it changed everything. The stress of navigating specialists, therapies, and an uncertain future contributed to John and Jack’s mom divorcing when Jack was young. But instead of letting that fracture destroy their family, John discovered something powerful: the difference between calling someone “my ex” and calling them “Jack’s mom.” This simple shift in perspective became the foundation for one of the most beautiful co-parenting stories you’ll ever hear.

In this episode, John shares how he learned to help his nonverbal son process complex emotions, the moment he realized his child was trying to protect his sick mother, and how they became true partners in navigating life together. Now, with Jack at 22 and transitioning out of school, John has written “Parenting in Crisis: Finding Peace and Purpose in a Special Needs Home” to help other families find their way through the darkness. This conversation will give you hope, practical strategies, and remind you that sometimes our biggest challenges become our greatest growth opportunities.

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What would you do if your child was being sent out of the classroom every single day in kindergarten?

On this episode of Let’s Plant Houses, I talk with Jordan Hendrix about her family’s transformative autism journey—what began with daily classroom removals and judgment from others evolved into a powerful story of discovery, advocacy, and hope. From the early signs they missed as new parents to eventually finding the perfect micro school where her 8-year-old son Asher can thrive, Jordan shares it all. She also opens up about her own experience as a neurodivergent adult with ADHD and the sense of relief that came with Asher’s Level 1 autism diagnosis, which opened the door to life-changing resources and therapies.

This episode is packed with practical tips—from ABA and equestrian therapy to surprising tools like chiropractic care. Jordan’s insights on self-advocacy, sensory-friendly spaces, and building community offer real hope and guidance for families navigating autism.

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What would you do if doctors told you your 7-year-old would “never progress past second grade” and belong in a group home?

Mike Knox thought his world was ending when his 2-year-old daughter Vivian had her first seizure and flatlined at the hospital. What followed were years of failed medications, schools that refused to help, bullying from classmates making fake seizure videos, and doctors who said she’d never progress beyond second grade. But Mike refused to accept that future for his daughter. After five grueling years and a leap of faith with a vagus nerve stimulator—a device the size of a silver dollar—everything changed.

Today, Vivian is 18, seizure-free for eight years, and preparing for college with dreams of film set design. But Mike’s fight isn’t over. He’s working to change state laws because epilepsy affects 3 million Americans yet has virtually no legal protections. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or advocate, this episode will open your eyes to a community that desperately needs support.

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How might having a child on the autism spectrum change a marriage?

On this episode of Let’s Plant Houses, I sit down with Paul Carroll, founder of Autism Dadvocate, a podcast and community he’s built for autism dads. Paul opens up about parenting his 18-year-old son Vaughn, who’s on the autism spectrum.

He walks us through those early “micro moments” like playground movements, Vaughn’s fascination with Arabic alphabets, tough sensory moments with hand dryers. It’s these smaller observations that eventually helped him understand his son’s beautiful neurodivergent mind.

Paul and I also get talk about how special needs parenting reshapes marriages. How roles can become entrenched, why communication becomes absolutely critical, and how parents find themselves juggling being both partners and co-therapists. We also dig into the overlooked perspective of fathers in the autism community and how Paul’s own feelings of isolation drove him to create this supportive online space for dads.

Come hear Paul’s story!

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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, mu guest is Jennifer Kaufman, author of “Grandparenting on the Spectrum: A Journey from Both Sides of the Desk.” Jennifer brings a unique perspective – she’s both a school principal who has worked with autistic students AND a grandmother to a 7-year-old with autism.

What struck me most was Jennifer’s honesty about how her professional knowledge didn’t prepare her for the emotional journey of being a grandparent. She shares practical strategies for creating welcoming spaces, the importance of following the parents’ lead, and how to shift from trying to “fix” autism to celebrating neurodivergent minds. This episode is a must-listen for grandparents, parents, and those who want to better support special needs families.

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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, Katie Bullock shares the beautiful complexity of growing up as the middle child and only girl, with a younger brother who has profound autism.

She recalls everything from the terrifying Father’s Day when 3-year-old Michael disappeared, to crashing his therapy sessions because they looked like “amazing play dates,” to watching him become the beloved “mayor” of her elementary school, adored by all her friends.

Michael’s clever way of navigating the world and his straightforward honesty brought laughter and light to their family—even as they faced challenges like missing soccer games and installing extra locks on the doors.

Katie’s journey beautifully illustrates how love and difficulty can coexist, ultimately leading her to a career in early intervention and speech-language pathology where she now helps other families find their own path. She shares invaluable insights about the importance of therapy for siblings, the reality that not every sibling will want to be a caregiver, and why finding joy in your child’s interests—even if it’s lining up blocks—can transform your relationship.

Whether you’re a parent, sibling, or professional working with special needs families, Katie’s perspective offers both validation and hope, showing that the autism journey, while complex, can be filled with unexpected moments of connection and joy.

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