Living the Sky Life - Our Autism Journey

Epizódy

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  S6: Ep. 188 - Chatting with Karen Kelly (mom of The Big Dude) about transitioning her adult son to assisted living 23.07.2026 59min

  Karen is the mother and guardian of Eric, the Big Dude. He is a 52 year old gentleman who is nonverbal, profoundly autistic, and 6 feet, 5 inches tall. He was diagnosed as autistic in 1977. Karen has been a registered nurse for over 50 years. She has worked in many areas of nursing, including hospital administration, clinical practice, and higher education. Her undergraduate and graduate programs in nursing emphasized the role of the nurse as a patient advocate. Her doctoral program included an emphasis on leadership in organizations. Those skills have helped her advocate for Eric, related to his diagnosis and education as a child and a teen and, in his adult years, for his quality residential care. Since 1990, Karen also used her advocacy skills and nursing knowledge as a volunteer panel member for the Human Rights Authority of the Illinois Guardianship and Advocacy Commission. Panel members investigate potential violations of the rights of elderly, disabled, and mentally ill persons by schools, health care organizations, other service organizations, and jails/prisons. She has provided expert testimony on the needs of developmentally disabled persons and the financial implications of quality care in Illinois to committees of the Illinois General Assembly, hearings by legislators and state agencies, and in federal court as a member of a class action lawsuit against the Illinois Department of Human Services. *********************************************************** To purchase my books "Welcome to My Life – A Personal Parenting Journey Through Autism" or "Selling Vegetables to Drunks" click HERE or visit Amazon.com! You can easily stay connected to the Living the Sky Life podcast and me in various ways.  Please visit my website lauriehellmann.com for all the links. I'd love to hear what you think, so if listening on the Apple platform, please leave a written review and rating of the podcast!  If you are interested in being a guest on an episode of Living the Sky Life, please contact me!
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  S6: Episode 187 - Jerry & Jo-Ann Turning (Part 2) 04.06.2026 49min

  I was so thrilled to sit down for another discussion with my friends the Turnings - who many of you know as the hearts and voices of the social media account 'Bacon & Juiceboxes.' It's been a few years since they were on my show so we had plenty to catch up on regarding all things parenting autism ... navigating adulthood with our sons, Spelling to Communicate (S2C), bridging the gap between first responders and special needs families, financial planning and more! Although we could've talked & laughed for many more hours, I know most listeners prefer short episodes, so I've broken our almost 2 hour recording into 2 parts.  ***************************************** To purchase my books "Welcome to My Life – A Personal Parenting Journey Through Autism" or "Selling Vegetables to Drunks" click HERE or visit Amazon.com! You can easily stay connected to the Living the Sky Life podcast and me in various ways.  Please visit my website lauriehellmann.com for all the links. I'd love to hear what you think, so if listening on the Apple platform, please leave a written review and rating of the podcast!  If you are interested in being a guest on an episode of Living the Sky Life, please contact me!
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  S6: Episode 186 - Jerry & Jo-Ann Turning (aka Bacon & Juiceboxes) 28.05.2026 52min

  I was so thrilled to sit down for another discussion with my friends the Turnings - who many of you know as the hearts and voices of the social media account 'Bacon & Juiceboxes.' It's been a few years since they were on my show so we had plenty to catch up on regarding all things parenting autism ... navigating adulthood with our sons, Spelling to Communicate (S2C), bridging the gap between first responders and special needs families, financial planning and more! Although we could've talked & laughed for many more hours, I know most listeners prefer short episodes, so I've broken our almost 2 hour recording into 2 parts.   ***************************************** To purchase my books "Welcome to My Life – A Personal Parenting Journey Through Autism" or "Selling Vegetables to Drunks" click HERE or visit Amazon.com! You can easily stay connected to the Living the Sky Life podcast and me in various ways.  Please visit my website lauriehellmann.com for all the links. I'd love to hear what you think, so if listening on the Apple platform, please leave a written review and rating of the podcast!  If you are interested in being a guest on an episode of Living the Sky Life, please contact me!
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  S6: Episode 185 - Mother's Day and Keeping the Faith 07.05.2026 31min

  Mother's Day can amplify comparison. Let's try to release the idea of what motherhood 'should' look like and embrace our version of motherhood as valid, meaningful and enough! Similarly, caregiving often forces us into a place where control is an illusion. Faith becomes less about having answers and more about trusting without them. Remember... faith isn't always loud- it's often just choosing to keep going! ***************************************** To purchase my books "Welcome to My Life – A Personal Parenting Journey Through Autism" or "Selling Vegetables to Drunks" click HERE or visit Amazon.com! You can easily stay connected to the Living the Sky Life podcast and me in various ways.  Please visit my website lauriehellmann.com for all the links. I'd love to hear what you think, so if listening on the Apple platform, please leave a written review and rating of the podcast!  If you are interested in being a guest on an episode of Living the Sky Life, please contact me!
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  S6: Episode 184 - Ashley Gillespie owner/director of Bloom Developmental Center 23.04.2026 37min

  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 closely with parents and caregivers, helping them better understand their child and build connections through everyday moments. Her approach focuses on developing the whole child through relationships, supporting the nervous system, and creating meaningful, lasting growth.  To connect with Ashley visit her IG page: @bloomdevelopmentalcenter or her website: https://www.bloomdevelopmentalcenter.com ***************************************** To purchase my books "Welcome to My Life – A Personal Parenting Journey Through Autism" or "Selling Vegetables to Drunks" click HERE or visit Amazon.com! You can easily stay connected to the Living the Sky Life podcast and me in various ways.  Please visit my website lauriehellmann.com for all the links. I'd love to hear what you think, so if listening on the Apple platform, please leave a written review and rating of the podcast!  If you are interested in being a guest on an episode of Living the Sky Life, please contact me!
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  S6: Ep. 183 - I'm BACK!! 09.04.2026 12min

  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. 09.05.2024 41min

  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 "Pitt Guru," he is a top social media influencer for University of Pittsburgh athletics and the senior writer for Pittsburgh Sports Now. Harry is on the Board of Directors for the Autism Caring Center, President of North Fayette Township's Parks and Recreation Board, Vice President of All Saints Greek Orthodox Church in Weirton, WV and one of the founders of North Fayette P.A.L.S. (an organization for special needs children). Harry is an avid reader, enjoys strength training, running, martial arts and lives to serve others.
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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 04.04.2024 1h 9min

  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 like theirs. She's been honored to be invited to give several lectures at conferences and schools, works full-time outside the home, and is President of Special Wants, Inc. a 501c3 organization. If she's lucky enough to get a few hours to herself, Jo-ann loves to bake, cook, read and make watercolor greeting cards. https://www.facebook.com/BaconandJuiceBoxes/ https://www.facebook.com/SpecialWantsInc/ www.specialwants.org  
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  S5: Episode 180 - Uncovering GI issues with a nonverbal teen and beginning to plan for adulthood 21.03.2024 1h 28min

  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' 14.03.2024 27min

  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 07.03.2024 1h 13min

  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 for Operation Meaningful Life, Mike shares programming and behavioral insights with his 12,000 followers. Mike and Harriet are now formulating the next major phase of Aaron's life: a permanent, secure, life-fulfilling, and compassionate residential model for Aaron and others who are considered more-heavily or severely challenged.    You can connect with Mike via his FB page: @Operation Meaningful Life or his website: operationmeaningfullife.com
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  S5: Episode 177 - The importance of improving GI health to eliminate additional neurological effects caused by IBD/Crohn's/ Colitis 22.02.2024 1h 5min

  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 08.02.2024 59min

  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 autism) talk more while reducing tantrums and other problem behaviors.  Mary's latest book Turn Autism Around was published in 2021 by Hay House and is helping parents and professionals start turning things around for young children with early signs of autism and older children with an autism diagnosis who are still struggling with talking, tantrums, eating, sleeping and potty training.    For more information go to marybarbera.com to access her FB, IG & YouTube pages.  
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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 01.02.2024 1h 11min

  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 DIR/Floortime® provider, cofounder of the Spellers Method, and an Assistive Technology Specialist (AT-ACP).  In March 2021, Jamison Handley, a fluent speller, and his dad JB wrote a book entitled "Underestimated" about their journey learning how to spell for communication with her.  In 2023 their award-winning documentary SPELLERS was released, showcasing how spelling and typing as a method of communication has liberated many nonspeakers from a lifetime of silence.  Dawnmarie also currently serves as the interim co-director of Spellers Freedom Foundation, a nonprofit run by a board made up mostly of nonspeakers, who give scholarships and help create community for other spellers. Dawnmarie's children inspired her specific passion to support all nonspeakers in the development of purposeful motor skills and a reliable form of communication.  You can learn more about her and the programs offered through her team at www.spellers.com. You can connect with her via various social media accounts: IG = spellers__ IG = spellers center_sandiego FB = www.facebook.com/spellersrev FB Group = Spellers Community
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  S5: Episode 174 - Sharing a love of the outdoors & spending quality time with each other has created an unbreakable bond between these sisters 25.01.2024 34min

  Claire Thomas is 15-years-old and has a 12-year-old sister named Leah, who was diagnosed with autism as a toddler.  Claire enjoys spending time outside whether it's hunting with her dad or fulfilling her passion for photography by capturing the beauty around her. When she's not doing either of those hobbies, Claire is quite busy in high school as a member of the swim team. According to her mom, Claire is a great helper and wonderful sister, often taking Leah on walks to explore the woods and nature together. 
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  S5: Episode 173 - Appreciating her brother for his authenticity, ability to find enjoyment in the little things and naivety to negativity in the world 18.01.2024 35min

  Chelsea Waxler lives in Columbus, Indiana with her fiancé, Chris. She is the older sister to brother, Braxton who is 20-years-old and on the autism spectrum. After being able to witness firsthand the success her brother has had with his therapies, she found herself being drawn to autism therapy and wanted to provide high quality services to families in her own community. As a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and the Owner/Founder of Kindred Ties Therapy in Columbus, she has proudly supported some truly amazing kiddos and their families. Personally, Chelsea is an avid IU Hoosiers basketball fan, proud cat mama, and lover of all things fall.  You can learn more about Braxton's story, her sibling support group, and more about the services her company offers at www.kindredtiestherapy.com or through their Facebook page! Facebook: Kindred Ties Therapy  Facebook: Chelsea Waxler  LinkedIn: Chelsea Waxler 
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  S5: Episode 172 - Declaring that her brother is amazing, this little sister loves that he constantly tries to make everyone laugh 11.01.2024 33min

  Lee is 13 years old and in the 7th grade. She lives at home with her mom, dad, brother, grandmother and two beloved cats, Leo and Max. Her older brother Jack (age 16) has autism, cerebral palsy and developmental delay. Lee enjoys creating video animation, writing, gaming and playing Dungeons and Dragons with her friends. She wants to be a videographer when she grows up. You can follow their family on FB: @Loving Jack or on their blog: loving-jack.com
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  S5: Episode 171 - A tremendous bond between brothers within a loving and supportive large family 04.01.2024 35min

  Charlie Cariello is a senior at Bedford High School in New Hampshire. He resides with his parents, three brothers, one sister, and a dog named Wolfie. An avid sports aficionado, Charlie is captain of the varsity baseball team, as well as the Christian Youth Organization's basketball team. He performs leadership duties for Student Council and works part-time in an Italian restaurant. In his spare time, Charlie enjoys rooting for his beloved Buffalo Bills, visiting his grandfather, and fishing with his friends. He plans to attend Bates College in the fall of 2024 with a major of Economics and Psychology.
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  S5: Episode 170 - Now an adult, this younger sister reflects on the many ways her relationship with her autistic brother has grown and become stronger 28.12.2023 48min

  Madison Urquiola is 25-years-old and currently works as the assistant athletics director for external operations/ sports communications at her alma matter Young Harris College. Her brother, Jordan Urquiola is 27-year-old brother and has autism.   Madison loves spending time with her family, boyfriend, and dog. She enjoys the peace of the North Georgia Mountains and every year looks forward to the fall season.    You can connect with Maddie via Twitter @maddieUrq or FB: @Madison Urquiola
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  S5: Episode 169 - Today's guest takes her role as big sister & protector seriously as she shares with me all the ways she appreciates her autistic brother 21.12.2023 33min

  Natalie is in the 8th grade and loves the theater. She has been in several performances at her school and in local community theater. She loves animals, especially her cat, Willie and dog, Yogi. Natalie attends numerous Special Olympics events to support her little brother, Quinn, who has autism. Natalie is kind, loving and loyal. She is a fierce protector of her brother!