The UNspecial Podcast

UNspecial LLC

Are you a parent raising a child with special needs? Do you sometimes feel overwhelmed, isolated, or unsure where to turn for guidance and encouragement? Welcome to The Unspecial Podcast, dedicated to empowering and inspiring parents like you on your unique journey.

Each week, we bring you heartfelt conversations with a diverse range of guests who offer invaluable insights and personal stories. Hear directly from individuals with special needs who share their triumphs, challenges, and perspectives on living fulfilling lives. We'll also sit down with parents who've walked similar paths, offering practical advice, emotional support, and the wisdom gained from their experiences.

But that's not all. We'll connect with dedicated educators who provide strategies for navigating the school system and fostering your child's learning. Plus, we'll feature leading experts—from therapists and medical professionals to advocates and researchers—who will equip you with evidence-based information, innovative tools, and a deeper understanding of various special needs.

The UNspecial Podcast is more than just a podcast; it's a community. It's a place where you'll find encouragement to face challenges head-on, inspiration to celebrate every milestone, and the practical knowledge you need to advocate effectively for your child. Join us as we explore the rich and diverse world of special needs, fostering a sense of connection, understanding, and unwavering hope.

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24 episodes
weekly
Avg 1 hr 1 min
English

Episodes 24

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Tuesday · 1 hr 19 min
Living in the Moment: Strategies for Health and Happiness
On the Us Special podcast, the host talks with Allie Hobson (Ally Hobson Wellness) about raising holistic kids, parenting through autism, and wellness habits for parents. They discuss the host’s child having whooping cough and his decision not to vaccinate, then broaden into pregnancy vaccines, maternal autoimmunity, and the “perfect storm” factors they believe can contribute to autism. Ally shares that her 7-year-old son Asher is non-speaking, generally happy and adaptable, and that she regrets choosing some delayed vaccines for him while emphasizing not blaming oneself and finding peace through faith. They stress boundaries around triggering content, prioritizing parent mental health, and modeling fitness and nutrition, including avoiding certain foods and educating rather than reprimanding. Ally describes her root-cause, lab-based functional approach, her typical meals, and her view that strength training supports depleted, stressed moms, and she encourages living day-to-day rather than fearing the distant future.
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September 7 · 58 min
Raising Hunter: A Mother’s Determination and Love
On the Unspecial podcast, Christina (“Autism Moms on a Mission”) discusses raising her nearly 4.5-year-old nonverbal son Hunter, including a near-drowning at a lake where he was revived after about three minutes unconscious with no brain damage, reinforcing her emphasis on swim lessons and water regulation. She highlights misconceptions about autism—especially assuming nonverbal children don’t understand—and shares parenting wins like potty training via the “naked method,” hand-leading communication, and Hunter saying “I love you” and “Mommy.” Christina recounts early feeding issues, projectile vomiting, extensive food therapy, and later diagnosis just before age three due to long waitlists. She details Hunter’s apraxia and intensive speech therapy, the challenges of school/IEPs and using advocates/attorneys, balancing therapy-heavy life with her younger daughter, and key resources: Regional Center, TACA, self-determination, respite, camps, and IHSS/Medi-Cal waiver.
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September 1 · 1 hr
Unwavering Faith: Parenting in the World of Autism and Down Syndrome
On the Unofficial Podcast, host interviews Jamie Bisant (“The Bisants” on Instagram) about parenting a “unique” family with a 17-year-old daughter Dakota (autism with intellectual disability), a 15-year-old daughter Capri (no diagnosis), and a 12-year-old son Joey (Down syndrome; Jamie believes he also has autism). Jamie discusses navigating IEPs and the reality that “hard is not bad,” sharing how faith in Jesus, 2 Timothy 1:7, and “supernatural peace” shape her mindset through disability and Joey’s leukemia (diagnosed at 3, treated with chemo until 6, now cancer-free six years). They discuss medical freedom, vaccine pressure (including RSV), trust and mistakes in medicine, and detox/methylation issues in Down syndrome affecting chemo dosing. Jamie emphasizes counseling and intentional time away to protect marriage, and advises others facing diagnoses: congratulate Down syndrome families, find support for autism, and rely on God, plus hugs and ice cream.
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August 24 · 1 hr 11 min
Redefining Autism Care: Insights from 'The Relentless Advocate'
Cassandra Jimenez (The Relentless Advocate): Biomedical Autism Hope, MAPS Doctors, and Faith Through the Journey On the Unspecial podcast, host interviews Cassandra Jimenez (The Relentless Advocate), a mom of six whose son Mateo was diagnosed with autism in March. She discusses caregiver stress, recommends The Body Keeps the Score, and shares her shift toward biomedical approaches, encouraging families to start with MAPS physicians, diet, and connecting with parents pursuing root-cause healing. Cassandra challenges myths that autism is simply “brain wiring,” critiques overly compliance-based ABA based on her family’s experience, and emphasizes individualized care alongside traditional therapies. She recounts a stressful pregnancy and birth factors she believes contributed to Mateo’s challenges, and describes early biomedical wins—especially improved eating and more meaningful communication after supplements like zinc and fish oil. Faith is central to her perseverance, and she outlines plans to sell products to fundraise for other families’ biomedical care. Visit our website: www.unspecialllc.com #specialneeds #specialeducation #specialed #podcast #unspecial #specialneedsjourney #specialneedskids #interview #truth #emotional
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August 17 · 57 min
The Listening World: Bridging the Gap with The Spellers Method.
Host Zach interviews Dr. Dana Johnston, an occupational therapist and co-founder of the Spellers Method, about why silence in autism is often mistaken for absence and why speech is wrongly equated with intelligence. Johnston distinguishes “non-speaking” from “non-verbal,” arguing many non-speakers have intact language and cognition but face a motor planning “brain-body disconnect” she calls whole body apraxia, plus frequent undiagnosed vision issues. They discuss how dysregulation, sometimes labeled aggression, can stem from nervous system disruption and medical problems, and how communication via spelling can help families understand pain and needs, though it may not eliminate all challenges. Johnston contrasts facilitated communication (physical touch) with RPM, S2C, and Spellers (no touch), emphasizing training and parent involvement. She shares outcomes, including a former client now pursuing neuroscience, mentions interest in spiritual experiences reported by spellers, and promotes Spellers trainings, websites, and an October 16–17 Spellers conference in San Diego. Visit our website: www.unspecialllc.com #specialneeds #specialeducation #specialed #podcast #unspecial #specialneedsjourney #specialneedskids #interview #truth #emotional
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August 10 · 59 min
Faith, Family, and New Beginnings with Shante Gold
Pregnant With a Down Syndrome Baby Boy: Faith, Family Leadership, and Holistic Health with Shante Gold On the Unspecial podcast, the host interviews Shante Gold (wild.boys.with.extra.love), a former BCBA and former online nutrition/fitness coach, now co-host of the Rebuild podcast, who is 23 weeks pregnant with a baby boy diagnosed with Down syndrome. Shante shares how business struggles and motherhood led her back to faith before receiving a 98% NIPT result and confirming the diagnosis via CVS testing, describing grief, the negativity from medical counseling, and the high rate of Down syndrome abortions highlighted by a viral YouTuber case. She emphasizes her husband’s steady leadership, the importance of strong family roles, and finding hope through support from Down syndrome families. The conversation also covers fatherlessness and men’s challenges, homeschooling, and practical wellness priorities: sleep, high-protein breakfast, walking, strength training, and a strong partner relationship. Visit our website: www.unspecialllc.com #specialneeds #specialeducation #specialed #podcast #unspecial #specialneedsjourney #specialneedskids #interview #truth #emotional
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August 4 · 49 min
Warrior for Change: Martin Slingstad's Story.
Martin’s Autism Life: Self-Acceptance, Special Olympics, and Training First Responders | Unspecial Podcast In this episode of the Unspecial Podcast, the host interviews Martin Slingstad (Martin’s Autism Life), an autistic author, public speaker, Special Olympics athlete, and founder of Spire Autism. Martin shares early memories of being non-speaking until age three or four, his diagnosis at five, and the challenges of bullying and lack of support in school, which delayed his self-acceptance until writing his book, Chatterbox, co-authored with his mom and written from both perspectives. He discusses difficulties making friends, the importance of asking autistic people what they like to talk about, and how speaking engagements and solo travel have become major gifts in his life. Martin explains Spire Autism’s mission to train teachers and first responders, promote autism acceptance, and create sensory supports, emphasizing calm approaches to meltdowns and sharing a poem, “I Am,” about being a “warrior for change.” Visit our website: www.unspecialllc.com #specialneeds #specialeducation #specialed #podcast #unspecial #specialneedsjourney #specialneedskids #interview #truth #emotional
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July 27 · 53 min
From Special Needs to Community Needs.
On the Us Special podcast, host interviews Claire DePaulis about motherhood, community-building, and self-care while raising three children under five, including her oldest daughter Valentina, who shows signs of autism (minimal speech, low adaptive skills) and is in a specialized autism preschool classroom while awaiting a formal diagnosis due to system delays. Claire discusses shifting mindset from control to surrender, practicing gratitude, managing safety challenges like elopement, and navigating the IEP process through documentation and advocacy. She explains founding SD Mom Walks during COVID via grassroots Facebook and later Instagram and Peanut, growing to weekly events in San Diego and Orange County. Noting the gap in spaces where special needs moms truly relate, she created “Self-Care for the Selfless,” monthly events like yoga, sound healing, and beach walks to reset and connect.
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July 20 · 51 min
Navigating PDA: A Mother's Insight into Autism Challenges.
On “The Unspecial Podcast,” host Zach interviews Amber Aarons, an Arizona mom of six (four autistic children) and advocate for PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance/Persistent Drive for Autonomy). Amber shares her family’s diagnostic journey, including a son diagnosed medically at 12, two younger IVF children diagnosed as toddlers (one a “PDA girl”), and a late autism level-one diagnosis for a daughter after mental-health struggles. She discusses adult outcomes and state supports in Arizona, including group homes, vocational rehabilitation, and Medicaid waivers, emphasizing the need for a medical diagnosis and extensive paperwork. Amber explains PDA as an elevated nervous-system threat response to everyday demands that can look like defiance, outlining co-regulation, reducing demands during meltdowns, and focusing on connection over compliance, plus common PDA signs and parental judgment. She describes her PDA-focused coaching offerings and social accounts (@autismsavvy).
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July 13 · 44 min
Fierce and Unconditional: A Conversation on Autism and Advocacy
Zach interviews Sarah of Inch Stones by Sarah, a mom, advocate, and educator supporting families navigating autism, IEPs, and celebrating “inches” of progress. In rapid-fire questions, Sarah shares self-care practices, challenges the myth that a diagnosis defines a child’s humanity, and offers hope that things will be “more than okay.” She describes shifting from trying to “fix” her daughter Millie to embracing unconditional, expectation-free hope, and explains how grief is non-linear and intensifies with the permanence of long-term support needs, including impacts on siblings and future caregiving fears. Sarah emphasizes action over rumination, faith over fear, and “find a way.” She discusses presuming competence, citing her children’s progress with spell-to-communicate and AAC. Sarah explains Inchstones as rejecting deficit-focused milestones and outlines her IEP Power Plan, which helps parents prepare strong parent statements to change the dynamics of IEP meetings, and notes her Substack, podcast, and upcoming National Council of Severe Autism speaking engagement. website: www.unspecialllc.com #specialed #podcast #unspecial #specialneedsjourney #specialneedskids 👉 For more personal content, check us our on Instagram: / unspecialllc 👉 If you haven't yet, make sure you read Special Dayz, a book about Zack's special education journey: https://www.amazon.com/Special-Dayz-F...
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July 6 · 54 min
Perspective Shift: Embracing the Journey with Down Syndrome
On the Us Special podcast, the host interviews Erica Daverio, a mom to Gabriella (6), who has Down syndrome and autism, amid social-media controversy over an influencer who aborted a baby after a Down syndrome diagnosis and shared what Erica calls false, harmful claims about suffering and quality of life. Erica describes learning her daughter’s diagnosis at 12 weeks, the fear and medical framing she received, choosing testing, and ultimately accepting the pregnancy, saying termination was not an option. She pushes back on common myths (life is over, inevitable severe illness, lack of capability), shares Gabriella’s health and milestones, and explains how community on social media helped her during COVID. Erica discusses challenges like elopement, extra medical appointments, and sensory-related dental care, her decision to homeschool to focus on life skills, and her message that Down syndrome is not a tragedy and parents should seek real support beyond Google. website: www.unspecialllc.com #specialed #podcast #unspecial #specialneedsjourney #specialneedskids 👉 For more personal content, check us our on Instagram: / unspecialllc 👉 If you haven't yet, make sure you read Special Dayz, a book about Zack's special education journey: https://www.amazon.com/Special-Dayz-F...
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June 29 · 55 min
Hidden Battles: Understanding Profound Autism
The host and Olivia Rojo (“Praying Through Autism”) discuss the unseen burdens of profound autism—seizures, sleeplessness, isolation, grief, and constant medical battles—arguing autism is often deeply medical and worsened by untreated co-occurring conditions. They share takeaways from the Autism Health Inc. conference, including claims that 88% of autism is regressive and concerns about how pediatric screening questions obscure regression, plus a neurologist’s view that autism follows a developmental interruption. Olivia describes her daughter Leah’s regression after an immune trigger, mainstream doctors focusing on medication, and her shift to MAPS/biomedical care, including findings like cerebral folate deficiency and high MMR antibodies. She’s moving to Arizona for a synergistic team (MAPS doctor, PX neurologically focused chiropractic, and NeuroActive laser/primitive reflex therapy), reporting improvements in calmness, sleep, and gut motility, while emphasizing faith, sibling impact, and urging newly diagnosed families to seek TACA, MAPS, and deeper medical investigation. Visit our website: www.unspecialllc.com #specialneeds #specialeducation #specialed #podcast #unspecial #specialneedsjourney #specialneedskids #interview #truth #emotional
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June 22 · 1 hr 4 min
Faith, Inclusion, and Community: A Conversation on Disabilities in the Church
On the Unspecial Podcast, the host interviews Jessi Mansfield about disabilities and the church, focusing on whether inclusion is a slogan or a lifestyle and how faith, autism, and families collide. Jessi shares her background (Marine Corps, primary care, nonprofit work with adults with developmental/intellectual disabilities) and how her stepson’s autism diagnosis brought uncertainty, mourning, and overwhelm, eased by supportive friends and later strengthened by returning to church. She describes finding Rhythm Church, the community care they received, and launching Rhythm’s special needs ministry, The Haven, after researching local needs and the lack of visible disability ministries. Jessi explains doing inclusion well through individualized supports, volunteer training, sensory-friendly options, and discipling kids in accessible ways, while also prioritizing parents’ spiritual support and community, and she offers encouragement to families and volunteers. website: www.unspecialllc.com #specialed #podcast #unspecial #specialneedsjourney #specialneedskids 👉 For more personal content, check us our on Instagram: / unspecialllc 👉 If you haven't yet, make sure you read Special Dayz, a book about Zack's special education journey: https://www.amazon.com/Special-Dayz-F...
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June 15 · 1 hr 12 min
Mindset and Miracles: Navigating Autism and Life's Challenges
The host interviews Tommy Rhyne of Spectrum and Camouflage about the unseen mental battle parents—especially dads—face in the autism journey, emphasizing real mindset over “toxic positivity.” They discuss exhaustion, grief, and staying grounded when life doesn’t match expectations, with both men sharing personal contexts: Tommy’s non-speaking autistic son and the host’s wife’s two-year cancer fight. Their faith frames key ideas about praying for healing while surrendering to God’s will, and viewing God’s presence as “always on time.” They warn that negativity and isolation can overtake families and affect siblings, urging parents to stay curious, drop shame, run to their children, and be present. Practical tools include breathing, brief rest, walking, action to interrupt anxiety, guarding inputs, daily gratitude, and accepting that hard times won’t stop—there’s no “normal life,” just life, and a daily choice to be grateful.website: www.unspecialllc.com #specialed #podcast #unspecial #specialneedsjourney #specialneedskids 👉 For more personal content, check us our on Instagram: / unspecialllc 👉 If you haven't yet, make sure you read Special Dayz, a book about Zack's special education journey: https://www.amazon.com/Special-Dayz-F...
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June 8 · 49 min
Breaking the Silence: Chase's Journey to Communication.
The speaker describes apraxia as a major misconception in autism, noting that during five years teaching profound autism it was never discussed, and says recent experiences have exceeded what they thought possible. They express faith that God can do more than expected, including the possibility of verbal speech even though he currently communicates by spelling on a letterboard. He shares that when he nearly died from mono, Jesus was with him, carried him through, and told him his purpose was to overcome it and share His story and love. He has repeatedly spelled that he wants to present to Congress to help them understand that autism is actually apraxia. website: www.unspecialllc.com #specialed #podcast #unspecial #specialneedsjourney #specialneedskids 👉 For more personal content, check us our on Instagram: / unspecialllc 👉 If you haven't yet, make sure you read Special Dayz, a book about Zack's special education journey: https://www.amazon.com/Special-Dayz-F...
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June 1 · 1 hr 11 min
Embracing Vulnerability: Uniting Moms Through Shared Experiences.
Zach interviews Megan Vondrak, founder of the Unlonely Moms Club, about motherhood, loneliness, and caring for her son Miller, diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at age three after symptoms on a Costa Rica trip led to a pediatrician visit and a week at Rady’s. Megan describes the relentless management of Dexcom and Omnipod data, alarm fatigue, fear of highs and dangerous lows, and how diabetes can distort a mom’s sense of worth. They discuss how loneliness differs from shame-based “bad mom” narratives, the danger of isolation, grieving a former life, and learning to accept imperfect support. Megan shares how community—especially tough-love friends—helped her rebuild, and how the Unlonely Moms Club hosts free monthly movement and creative events to remove barriers and help moms feel known and included. website: www.unspecialllc.com #specialed #podcast #unspecial #specialneedsjourney #specialneedskids 👉 For more personal content, check us our on Instagram: / unspecialllc 👉 If you haven't yet, make sure you read Special Dayz, a book about Zack's special education journey: https://www.amazon.com/Special-Dayz-F...
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May 25 · 1 hr 5 min
Beyond the Spectrum: A Dad's Journey Through Autism Advocacy
Two dads, Zach and Tyler, troubleshoot audio on an Instagram Live, swap dad jokes, then discuss autism: what it is, misconceptions from the DSM-5, and how the broadened label can dilute understanding of profound autism and lifelong care needs. Tyler shares his son Lyric’s “acquired/regressive” autism experience, challenges the idea that autism is solely genetic, and describes grief, acceptance, and how dads often withdraw into work. They react to RFK remarks and media backlash, argue for researching causation and modifiable factors, and discuss “total load” theory, vaccines as a factor, and informed consent, referencing Del Bigtree, Aaron Siri’s book, and McCullough/Toby Rogers. They mention spelling/communication for non-speakers, biomedical approaches, committees like IACC/ACIP, identity-first language, and Tyler’s book The Missing Lyrics.Visit our website: www.unspecialllc.com #specialed #podcast #unspecial #specialneedsjourney #specialneedskids 👉 For more personal content, check us our on Instagram: / unspecialllc 👉 If you haven't yet, make sure you read Special Dayz, a book about Zack's special education journey: https://www.amazon.com/Special-Dayz-F...
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May 18 · 51 min
Navigating Neurodiversity: The Lemonade Family
On the Unspecial Podcast, Zach interviews Brittany Brooks of “The Lemonade Family,” who describes raising five children (12 and under) all diagnosed with autism and reframing daily challenges—meltdowns, elopement, heavy therapy schedules, and poop smearing—as “making lemonade.” A former special education teacher with a master’s degree and 15 years’ experience, Brittany contrasts school masking and compliance with home where kids can unmask, and explains her flexible, child-led homeschooling approach, integrating OT through play, outdoor time, and routines that support regulation. She discusses apraxia misconceptions, grief after a level two/borderline level three diagnosis for her youngest, the value of breaks from interventions, and being “underserved” rather than “overdiagnosed,” urging parents to seek early intervention directly. Brittany shares family dynamics, support from her husband, sibling closeness, advocacy goals, social challenges, and five practical parenting hacks. Visit our website: www.unspecialllc.com #specialed #podcast #unspecial #specialneedsjourney #specialneedskids 👉 For more personal content, check us our on Instagram: / unspecialllc 👉 If you haven't yet, make sure you read Special Dayz, a book about Zack's special education journey: https://www.amazon.com/Special-Dayz-F...
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May 12 · 1 hr 10 min
Changed by Faith: The Journey from Certainty to Openness
On the Unspecial podcast, the host interviews J. Brad Britton about his book Real Words with Sam and themes of potential, autism, and daily life with his nonspeaking son Sam (turning 25). Britton describes a “Day in the Life” section written backward from Sam’s bedtime prayer, and heavier chapters about his wife Paulette’s caregiving. They discuss dad support in marriage, with Britton saying he would give more hugs, listen more, and avoid staying busy to escape; he shares a lesson from Paulette about wanting to be held. In rapid-fire, Sam is described as “loud,” and Britton says people should stop assuming autism is a learning disorder, emphasizing dyspraxia/apraxia and “presume competence,” including spelling as communication and masking. Faith, purpose, and full-body listening are highlighted, along with how Sam’s spelling changed Britton’s perspective, memories, and sense of calling. Visit our website: www.unspecialllc.com #specialed #podcast #unspecial #specialneedsjourney #specialneedskids 👉 For more personal content, check us our on Instagram: / unspecialllc 👉 If you haven't yet, make sure you read Special Dayz, a book about Zack's special education journey: https://www.amazon.com/Special-Dayz-F...
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May 4 · 1 hr 3 min
Breaking the Silence: Untold Parenting Challenges
On the Unspecial Podcast, Zach interviews Joe and Kaylee (Parents Unheard) about their five-year-old son Ronnie and their recent five-day PX Docs intensive, which they say immediately improved his sleep, reduced aggression, and helped him stay calmer at night, alongside changes to how they dose melatonin after researching UK prescribing guidelines. They describe the intensive’s light spinal touch, scans showing a neck “block,” and a shift from “permanent fight or flight,” and discuss how these changes improved their family life. They share Ronnie’s history of chronic gut issues, developmental regression after MMR around 13 months, and their focus on improving health, comfort, learning, and communication rather than speech alone. They criticize UK resistance to alternative therapies, explain why they started Parents Unheard after reactions to RFK Jr.’s autism comments, and emphasize underground community support via podcasts and Instagram. Visit our website: www.unspecialllc.com #specialeducation #specialed #podcast #unspecial #specialneedsjourney #specialneedskids #interview #truth #emotional 👉 For more personal content, check us our on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unspecialllc/ 👉 If you haven't yet, make sure you read Special Dayz, a book about Zack's special education journey: https://www.amazon.com/Special-Dayz-Finding-God-Education/dp/B0FB2MXLGG/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?crid=3FXJ0P30N2DSA&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.XD98iO1ekOJzKB8AjmbMFT5SvQFaevPs3HnMM5a3sRuQA01jFDzyydaDbLlghmOjd66qy3Kyoanyq4Mrlx8dRoYT8BxFDVDqvjTeeh3Ok7I4yNgCX9b6hqfC0ck8nkszhVxwj7KWnIe2uhbCFL-k4LpHDv2DB36pjedqblmGD4s_olQEymMD_6OJ-6-ZAMoAA4P5uhrsmwLiuQtw3BLWQQ.2Kj7exdzRcLqdAPom-W4FlvFJYd4rmKLl39yIWSe7Ls&dib_tag=se&keywords=special+dayz&qid=1751127945&sprefix=special+dayz%2Caps%2C214&sr=8-1
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