S5: Episode 167 - My daughter shares her honest feelings about growing up with an autistic brother who has profound needs
Living the Sky Life - Our Autism Journey
Release Date: 12/07/2023
S6: Episode 184 - Ashley Gillespie owner/director of Bloom Developmental Center
Living the Sky Life - Our Autism Journey
Ashley Gillespie, M.A., is a child development specialist and the owner and clinical director of Bloom Developmental Center in League City, Texas. She specializes in working exclusively with autistic children, using a relational, play-based approach that integrates emotional development, sensory regulation, and movement. Her work is deeply personal. Growing up alongside her profoundly autistic cousin, Hailey, shaped how Ashley understands connection, communication, and the importance of truly seeing each child. That experience continues to guide and motivate her work today. Ashley partners...
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S6: Ep. 183 - I'm BACK!!
Living the Sky Life - Our Autism Journey
After a longer than expected hiatus, Living the Sky Life podcast is BACK!! I'm looking forward to an impactful Season 6 filled with phenomenal guests, more solo episodes and frequent 'couples' episodes with my husband, Josh!
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S5: Episode 182 - Through his new book, this autism dad shares practical advice & hopes to be a voice for other fathers who may be struggling.
Living the Sky Life - Our Autism Journey
A devoted family man, Harry Psaros has been happily married to his wife Michelle for 24 years and is a proud father of two sons, Costa “Gus” and Maximos “Max.” With a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from the University of Pittsburgh, as well as minors in physics and philosophy, Harry has a strong educational foundation. Further expanding his expertise, he obtained a certification as a health coach from the Institute of Integrated Nutrition. Professionally, Harry serves as an Executive Neuroscience Account Specialist for AbbVie. Known affectionately by fans as the...
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S5: Episode 181 - Preparing but not stressing for adulthood & never losing hope that our kids will determine their own incredible future
Living the Sky Life - Our Autism Journey
Jo-Ann Turning also known as “Mrs. Bacon” is one half of the married, blogging couple from Bacon and Juice Boxes: Our Life with Autism. She's mom to Eric (age 19 on the autism spectrum) and Anna Kate (age 22, recent college graduate who is now working in NYC.) When her son, Eric, was first diagnosed with autism 18 years ago, she couldn’t say the word “autism” without crying. After many years, and many experiences parenting in both the neuro-typical and special needs world, Jo-ann has become passionate about building bridges of hope for her family and other families...
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S5: Episode 180 - Uncovering GI issues with a nonverbal teen and beginning to plan for adulthood
Living the Sky Life - Our Autism Journey
Kentucky mom & former ICU nurse, Rachel Moldoveanu shares her experience navigating through the world of Autism with her almost 15-year-old son Frankie while also parenting her two neurotypical daughters, Livi age 16 and Ellie age 6. Rachel's love of Diet Coke, Jesus and Kentucky basketball get her through the tough days! You can reach out to Rachel on FB: @Rachel Moldoveanu Rachel's first appearance on my show was January 2020 (Episode 12) if you want to listen to more of her family story!
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S5: Episode 179 - Keeping hope alive... and the power of 'yet'
Living the Sky Life - Our Autism Journey
On this solo episode, I outline our 20 year journey to uncovering and resolving Skyler's GI issues. It finally feels like we are making significant progress! Through his smiles, laughter and decreased frustration (and subsequent hitting), it appears Skyler is becoming less uncomfortable in his own body! I provide a more detailed account of our experiences in my book 'Welcome to My Life - A Personal Parenting Journey Through Autism' which is available on Amazon. Want to be a guest on Living the Sky Life? Connect with me via my website lauriehellmann.com to learn how!
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S5: Episode 178 - Turning those labeled as "low functioning" into higher functioning individuals through a successful life & job skills training program
Living the Sky Life - Our Autism Journey
Mike Stuart is a 74 year old retired educator who lives in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He and his wife Harriet and their 32 year old autistic son, Aaron, moved from Florida 16 months ago to be closer to their daughter and her family. In 2015, Mike created a life and job skills program for the more significantly-challenged autistic and other developmentally-disabled individuals called Operation Meaningful Life. It has been incredibly successful in turning Aaron into a skilled higher-functioning individual from his formerly designated "low-functioning" label. Through the FB group...
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S5: Episode 177 - The importance of improving GI health to eliminate additional neurological effects caused by IBD/Crohn's/ Colitis
Living the Sky Life - Our Autism Journey
Josh Dech is an ex-paramedic and Holistic Nutritionist, specializing in Crohn’s and Colitis, and other related gut issues. It was the successes his clients have had with complex digestive diseases, previously thought to be impossible to fix, that got him connected to some of the world’s most renowned doctors. Since then, he’s been recruited to the Priority Health Academy as a medical lecturer, helping educate doctors on the holistic approach to gut health, and inflammatory bowel disease. You can connect with Josh on FB & IG @Josh Dech and find his podcast ReversABLE on all platforms....
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S5: Episode 176 - Diving deep into the methods of toilet training
Living the Sky Life - Our Autism Journey
Dr. Mary Barbera “fell” into the autism world in 1999 when her first-born son, Lucas was diagnosed with autism. Since then, Mary transformed from a confused and overwhelmed parent to a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst and best-selling author. After earning a PhD, Mary launched her first online course in early 2015 and later built additional courses and a membership program to help both parents and autism professionals. In her vlogs, podcasts, books, webinars, and online courses, Mary teaches her unique step-by-step system and method to help children with autism (or signs of...
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S5: Episode 175 - Chatting with an OG of the Spelling Method for Communication and why it's important to always presume competence
Living the Sky Life - Our Autism Journey
Dawnmarie Gaivin is the Founder & Executive Director at Spellers Center San Diego, located in Oceanside, CA. Before her career moved into the world of nonspeaking autism, Dawnmarie worked for over 11 years as a trauma & transplant RN. In 2005 her first son regressed and was diagnosed with autism. A year later, her second son followed the same path. Today her eldest, Evan (20) is a nonspeaker and fluent letterboard communicator. Her younger son, Trey (18) is a minimal speaker who uses multiple modalities for effective communication. Dawnmarie is a former...
info_outlineKendall is an 18-year-old college freshman majoring in BioChemistry with her career goal set on being either a veterinarian or pathologist.
Kendall has always assumed the role of 'little, big sister' to her brother Skyler who is 20-years-old. Due to Skyler being nonverbal and his profound need for support in all other areas of life, Kendall has navigated childhood inside our home on her own.
She's very honest and candid during our discussion and it was evident that there are still aspects and feelings regarding her relationship with Skyler that will take time to sort out and better understand.