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 has profound autism. 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?

In this episode of Let’s Plant Houses we talk about autism parenting, co parenting, and family resilience as John Goralski shares his powerful story. When John’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 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 we talk about autism parenting, early signs, and family advocacy as I sit down with Jordan Hendrix to hear 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?

In this episode of Let’s Plant Houses we talk about epilepsy awareness, disability advocacy, and family resilience as Mike Knox shares his powerful story.  Mike 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 in California 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?

In this episode of Let’s Plant Houses we talk about autism parenting, fatherhood, and neurodiversity when 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 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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Ever wonder why getting disability services feels like you need a PhD in bureaucracy? One dad figured out the system and created roadmaps for all 50 states.

This week on Let’s Plant Houses I talk with Eric Jorgensen, a military dad who was suddenly left to navigate his son’s autism journey alone after losing his wife in 2012. From an 18 month battle for housing placement to dangerous behavioral incidents, Eric shares honest stories that reveal just how broken the system can be.

Instead of giving up, Eric turned his frustration into action by building clear roadmaps that help families understand Medicaid waivers, benefits, and the supports they need. His practical tips, including what to say and what not to say to caseworkers, offer real guidance for parents, siblings, and professionals.

This conversation is packed with tools, hope, and advocacy that truly makes a difference.

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Interested in improving educational outcomes for all children of all abilities?

In this episode of Let’s Plant Houses we talk about inclusion, special education, autism advocacy, and early intervention as I sit down with Heather Eckner, an education professional and dedicated mother of two children with disabilities. Heather shares her family’s experiences navigating early intervention, finding the right school settings, and advocating for her children’s needs within the education system.

She also reflects on her own path from classroom teacher to a leader in the autism advocacy space, sharing her work with the Autism Alliance of Michigan and her recent success helping move statewide literacy legislation forward. Tune in for an honest and inspiring look at what it takes to support children with disabilities in school and beyond.

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