Episode 39 | Creating Security Through Consistency
Episode 39: From Autism Diagnosis to College Freshman Creating Security Through Consistency These archival conversations were recorded while I was writing Raising Superman. As Ricky II approached the end of high school and prepared for college and young adulthood, the interview process gave us space to have candid conversations about his experiences growing up on the autism spectrum and my experiences parenting a child on the autism spectrum. In this conversation, I ask Ricky
Episode 38 | Behavior Is Communication: Seek to Understand Before Assigning Meaning
Episode 38: From Autism Diagnosis to College Freshman Behavior Is Communication: Seek to Understand Before Assigning Meaning These archival conversations were recorded while I was writing Raising Superman. As Ricky II approached the end of high school and prepared for college and young adulthood, the interview process gave us space to have candid conversations about his experiences growing up on the autism spectrum and my experiences parenting a child on the autism spectrum.
When You Finally Get to See the Work You Feel in Franklin, VA
I’m a teacher. It’s what I do. It’s what I was called to do. Teaching is the space in which I feel most comfortable. In this season of life, I teach differently. There are a lot of early morning flights, with my duffel and carry-on in tow, taking me to places where people work every day to touch the lives of children and families. Wherever they are, I will go and teach so that we can increase our capacity as service providers and, in turn, increase the capacity of the childre
Operationalizing Love in Akron, Ohio
Today, I had the pleasure of working with the Community Action Akron Summit Head Start team as they celebrated the beginning of a new program year. But today did not start today. Earlier this year, I delivered a virtual keynote and training to Head Start leaders through the Ohio Head Start Association, Inc. And Ms. Glenda was there. The message spoke to her, and she knew it was exactly what her team needed to start their program year strong. She shared the experience with her
The Power of Recognizing a Child’s Gifts
Episode 34: From Autism Diagnosis to College Freshman The Power of Recognizing a Child’s Gifts These archival conversations were recorded while I was writing Raising Superman. As Ricky II approached the end of high school and prepared for college and young adulthood, the interview process gave us space to have candid conversations about his experiences growing up on the autism spectrum and my experiences parenting a child on the autism spectrum. In fifth grade, Ricky II’s mus
Grown Folk Conversations in Erie, PA
Erie, Pennsylvania showed up today!!!! I had the absolute pleasure of spending the morning with the good people of Child Development Centers, Inc., and they came ready to learn, reflect, collaborate, and do the work! They gathered in their groups, mapped the villages surrounding the children and families they serve, exchanged ideas, asked thoughtful questions, and leaned fully into the experience. The conversations were rich, the laughter was plentiful, and the commitment in
Investing in Your Child’s Gifts | Episode 33
Episode 33: From Autism Diagnosis to College Freshman Investing in Your Child’s Gifts These archival conversations were recorded while I was writing Raising Superman. As Ricky II approached the end of high school and prepared for the transition to college and young adulthood, the interview process gave us an opportunity to have candid conversations about his experiences growing up on the autism spectrum and my experiences parenting a child on the autism spectrum. I use the Vi
When the Work Is Remembered in Arlington, VA
Yesterday, I had the honor of returning to partner with The Campagna Center in Arlington, Virginia. The room was abuzz with the energy of a new program year—colleagues reconnecting, hugs being exchanged, and laughter and conversation filling the room. During our time together, I shared my From Acorn to Mighty, Mighty Oak Tree™ keynote and engaged team members in the Top-Notch Villages™ workshop. Together, they mapped the ecosystems surrounding children and families, identifie
Owning Your Identity | Episode 32
Episode 32: From Autism Diagnosis to College Freshman Owning Your Identity. This episode continues the archival interviews I conducted with my son while writing Raising Superman as he approached the end of his Young Tree stage and prepared for the transition into college and emerging adulthood. In Episode 32, we discuss the evolution of the identity I originally gave him and what happened when he began deciding for himself who he was. But listening to this conversation now th
Becoming Superman | Episode 31
Episode 31: From Autism Diagnosis to College Freshman Becoming Superman. This episode begins another layer of our developmental archive. In 2024, as my son was approaching the end of his Young Tree stage and preparing for the transition into college and emerging adulthood, I was writing Raising Superman. As part of that process, I conducted a series of interviews with him to capture his perspective on his own growth and development before that chapter of childhood closed. In
