CARD's Parent Podcast
A meaningful hour of empowerment and support for parents and caregivers.
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CARD PARENT PODCAST EPISODE 2: Getting the Most Progress During Summer
05/06/2026
CARD PARENT PODCAST EPISODE 2: Getting the Most Progress During Summer
On this the episode of the CARD Family Service Podcast, Vince Redmond and Shannon Penrod share updates, tips and secrets for getting the most progress during the summer months. Also do you have someone on your team who is doing an amazing job? You can now nominate them for a Lotus Award. Write a letter to Shannon and Vince and tell them what this person has done for your child and your family. All of the letters will be read allowed during staff meetings to celebrate this person and their work, but also it will make them eligible for a Lotus Award. Later this year a few stellar nominees will be chosen to receive an award and be transported to Los Angeles to be honored guests at the star studded All Ghouls Gala charity event. Send your nominations to . The Lotus Awards is only open to current employees of the Center for Autism and Related Disorders. Only nominations submitted by family members of current employees will be considered. 00:00 – Welcome to the CARD Parent Podcast Hosts introduction and overview of the show’s purpose and audience 01:26 – Meet the Hosts & Parent Perspective Shannon and Vince introduce their roles and personal connection to CARD 03:05 – Episode Topic: Setting Kids Up for Summer Success Why summer planning matters and what parents can expect from this episode 04:27 – Introducing the Lotus Awards Celebrating staff who make a difference and how families can nominate them 07:00 – Why Appreciation Matters for Staff & Families Impact of recognition on morale, motivation, and community 10:07 – Transition to Summer Planning Tips Shifting focus from announcements to actionable parent guidance 11:12 – Plan Early: Why Summer Needs a Strategy The importance of early coordination with your clinical team 15:06 – Extended School Year (ESY): What Parents Should Know Pros, cons, and how ESY really functions for most kids 18:53 – Using Summer to Apply Skills, Not Just Review Why real-life skill application beats repetition and drills 23:54 – Summer Vacations & Therapy Continuity How time away affects progress and what parents should plan for 27:02 – Vacation Policies: Staffing, Reassignment, & Re‑Enrollment Clear explanation of 2‑week and 30‑day vacation rules 32:09 – Using Missed Therapy Hours Strategically How summer can help families make up unused treatment hours 36:29 – Making Summer Fun and Therapeutic Balancing progress with joy and family connection 38:07 – Summer Camps & Center-Based Programs What CARD centers offer and why families should talk to Operations Managers 41:01 – Understanding the “Summer Slide” Why skill loss happens and how summer can become a growth advantage 45:08 – Maximize Helpful Services (ABA, OT, Speech) How to approach providers about unused or expiring hours 49:01 – Create a Flexible Visual Schedule Why structure reduces anxiety for kids and parents 55:10 – One Fun Thing Every Day A simple rule for building positive summer memories 1:41:01 – Pick 3 Skills to Strengthen from Last Year Turning weak academic or functional skills into fun learning opportunities 1:46:16 – Pick 3 Skills to Get Ahead for Next Year Front‑loading skills to reduce stress and increase confidence 1:50:21 – Daily Physical Activity Matters Movement, sensory regulation, and why consistency counts 1:51:57 – Try One New Place Each Week Building flexibility, resilience, and confidence through new experiences 1:55:08 – Creative Outlets: Sing, Dance, Paint & Draw Why creativity is essential for regulation and emotional health 1:57:06 – Read With or To Your Child Every Night Building literacy, connection, and long‑term independence 2:01:02 – Capture Summer with Photos & Video Helping kids process experiences and express themselves 2:04:08 – Feed Your Child’s Passions Turning interests into skill‑building, confidence, and joy 2:07:35 – Final Thoughts: Make Summer Meaningful Encouragement, wrap‑up, and looking ahead to future episodes
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CARD's Parent Podcast Episode 1
04/02/2026
CARD's Parent Podcast Episode 1
The CARD Family Services Department has a new podcast! It is an hour of empowerment for parents and caregivers. In this first episode: 17:25 Shannon Penrod and Vince Redmond, LMFT walk parents through all the support and resources available to them as CARD parents. 38:38 During a segment of Ask Dr. Doreen, autism expert Dr. Doreen Granpeesheh answers a question about what to do if your child isn’t making progress. 54:42 Bryan Dluski talks about his journey and finding his destiny working at CARD during a segment of Neurodivergent Voices. 58:58 Evelyn Kung shares incite into potty training and getting your child to poop in the potty.
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