28 | Communication, Language Development & AAC Basics | Lydia McKay & Staci Dover
Release Date: 07/19/2023
54 | Race, Autism & Advocacy in Parenting | Jonathan Chism
Autism Family Resource
Have you ever wondered if the world will truly understand your child for who they are? In this powerful and deeply reflective conversation, Brian sits down with father, educator, and Autism Dads Social Club founder Jonathan Chism to explore the intersection of race and disability. Together, they unpack what it means to raise an autistic child while navigating cultural expectations, systemic challenges, and the pressure of being seen and understood in public spaces. Jonathan shares how his perspective as a Black father has shaped his parenting journey, including unlearning traditional...
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53 | Autism Parenting, Acceptance & Fatherhood | Dr. Jonathan Chism
Autism Family Resource
Parenting an autistic child can bring moments of joy, uncertainty, growth, and deep reflection. In this episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, Brian Keene sits down with Dr. Jonathan Chism, also known as Dr. Chiz, a father, professor, minister, and co-founder of the Autism Dad Social Club. Dr. Chism shares the honest story of his family’s journey raising his non-speaking autistic son. He opens up about the early shock and denial after diagnosis, the hope that therapy might “fix” autism, and the powerful shift that happened when he began listening to autistic voices and embracing...
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52 | Inflammation, Toxins & Gut Health in Autism | Dr. Jeffrey Knight
Autism Family Resource
Have you ever wondered if something deeper might be affecting your child’s regulation, behavior, or sleep? In this episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, Brian sits down with Dr. Jeffrey Knight, chiropractor and founder of the Autism Wellness Center, to explore how factors like inflammation, gut health, environmental toxins, and cellular health may influence a child’s nervous system and overall regulation. Dr. Knight shares his four-phase approach to cellular healing, designed to help support detox pathways, improve mitochondrial function, and restore gut health. The conversation...
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51 | Finding Your Community in the Autism Journey | Mandy Pinckley
Autism Family Resource
Many parents of neurodivergent children share a common feeling: isolation. Even when surrounded by people, it can feel like no one truly understands the unique challenges your family is navigating. In this episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, Brian Keene sits down with autism advocate Mandy Pinckley to talk about the power of community and connection. Mandy shares her personal journey of discovering supportive spaces where she could be authentic about being autistic, and how finding the right community helped her build confidence and self-acceptance. Together, they explore why so...
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50 | What True Inclusion Looks Like for Autistic Kids | Mandy Pinckley
Autism Family Resource
Many parents know the feeling. Your child comes home and says, “Nobody plays with me,” or you watch them standing alone on the playground while other kids easily connect. Every parent wants their child to feel included and accepted, but sometimes it feels like the world doesn’t quite know how to make room for differences. In this episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, Brian Keene sits down again with autism advocate Mandy Pinckley to talk about what real inclusion looks like for autistic children. Together they explore how friendships form, how peers can become allies, and what...
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49 | Growing Up Autistic & Finding Your Voice | Mandy Pinckley
Autism Family Resource
What is it really like to grow up autistic? And what do autistic youth wish the adults in their lives understood better? In this episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, Brian Keene sits down with autism advocate Mandy Pinckley to talk about her lived experience growing up autistic and the journey that led her into advocacy work today. Mandy shares what it was like navigating childhood, friendships, bullying, and the search for belonging while growing up undiagnosed. Together they explore how early understanding, supportive relationships, and open communication can make a meaningful...
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48 | Understanding Autistic Behavior with Compassion | Megan Ashley
Autism Family Resource
What if parents could feel less afraid, less confused, and more connected to their autistic children? In this episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, Brian Keene sits down with Megan Ashley: an autistic Black woman, licensed therapist, parent advocate, speaker, and author. Megan shares her own late autism diagnosis, what helped her recognize autism in herself, and how her lived experience now shapes the work she does with families. Together, they talk about sensory differences, masking, culture, behavior, and why so many autistic children are misunderstood when adults only look at the...
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47 | Meltdowns, Co-Regulation & Autism Parenting | Lisa Chan
Autism Family Resource
If your child’s meltdowns leave you feeling frustrated, stuck, or unsure what to do next, this episode is for you. In this episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, Brian Keene sits down with Lisa Chan, parent coach, behavior specialist, and former pediatric occupational therapist, to talk about what’s really going on during hard moments at home. Lisa explains why emotional regulation is a learned skill, how executive functioning plays a role in everyday struggles, and why parents have more influence than they often realize. Together, they unpack co-regulation, loving boundaries,...
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46 | Autism Advocacy, Culture & Support for Families | Dr. Martine LaVenture
Autism Family Resource
Navigating autism can feel especially isolating when families are also carrying the weight of cultural barriers, medical mistrust, or systems that were not built with them in mind. In this episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, Brian Keene sits down with Dr. Martine LaVenture, a licensed social worker, school social worker, therapist, and proud mom of a teen on the autism spectrum. Dr. LaVenture shares how her personal and professional journey shaped her passion for supporting autistic children and their families, especially within historically marginalized communities. Together, they...
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45 | Mouthing & Chewing Behaviors in Autism | Dipali Devani
Autism Family Resource
Many autistic children chew on shirts, toys, or even their own hands. For parents, these behaviors can feel confusing or concerning. But often, mouthing and chewing behaviors are a child’s way of meeting an important sensory need. In this episode of the Common Chaos Sensory Series, host Brian Keene is joined by occupational therapist Dipali Devani to explore why these behaviors happen and how families can support their children in safe and supportive ways. Dipali explains how oral sensory needs, regulation challenges, anxiety, and sensory seeking can all play a role in mouthing behaviors....
info_outlineIf your child is non-speaking or experiencing speech delays, you may be wondering what communication options are available to support them.
In this first episode of a three-part AAC series, host Brian Keene sits down with Phoenix-based speech-language pathologists Lydia McKay and Staci Dover to explore the foundations of communication and language development.
Together they unpack what communication really means, beyond just spoken words. Communication includes gestures, facial expressions, writing, texting, and visual supports like AAC devices. Understanding this broader view of communication can help parents better support children who communicate differently.
Lydia and Staci also explain how language develops in early childhood, why interaction between caregivers and children is essential for language learning, and how tools like AAC can support communication without replacing speech.
One of the most important takeaways from this episode is that AAC is not a last resort. There are no prerequisites for using communication supports, and children can benefit from them at any stage of development.
This episode provides parents with a clear, encouraging introduction to AAC and practical ways to support language development at home.
Topics Covered
• What communication really means beyond verbal speech
• The difference between receptive and expressive communication
• How language develops during early childhood
• Why interaction between parents and children supports language learning
• Common myths about AAC and speech development
• Why AAC can support communication at any stage
• How AAC can help children express their thoughts, needs, and ideas
Memorable Quote
“If you're breathing, you're ready for AAC.”
About the Guest
Lydia McKay and Staci Dover are speech-language pathologists in the Phoenix area who specialize in Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). They work with individuals across home and school settings and provide AAC evaluations and training through Northern Arizona University's AAC Evaluation and Training Program. Their work focuses on helping individuals access communication systems that support meaningful participation in everyday life.
Resources Mentioned
• Northern Arizona University AAC Evaluation & Training Program
• Arizona Speech-Language Hearing Association
About the Host
Brian Keene, OTD, OTR/L, is the host of the Autism Family Resource Podcast and founder of Pure Hearts Therapy in Phoenix, Arizona. Pure Hearts Therapy provides neurodiversity-affirming pediatric therapy services that support children and families through compassionate, individualized care.
Subscribe & Connect
If this episode resonated with you, please consider sharing it with another parent who might benefit from this conversation.
Listen and subscribe to the Autism Family Resource Podcast:
https://pod.link/1591840956
Explore more resources for families at:
https://pureheartstherapy.com