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

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!

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!

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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!

Aaron Long is a 15-year-old sophomore who enjoys soccer, lacrosse, and ice skating. He also loves Christmas! According to his family, he consumes copious amounts of Kit Kats; would have a house full of cats and dogs if he could and when he's not in school or at a sport practice or game, like hanging out at the arcade.  Justin Long is an 18-year-old senior who is looking forward to graduation in May. Currently, hockey is life! Justin would like to become a marine biologist and travel the world and help others. He lovingly cares for many goldfish and enjoys celebrating his Italian heritage! Apparently, Justin never refuses beef stroganoff or an opportunity to taste unusual soda pop!   Their older brother, Jared, who is 20 years old has autism and a unique & special relationship with each of his siblings.

Kendall 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.

Kylie and her husband Ray live in rural west central Minnesota close to Hutchinson, MN. Together they are the parents of their 12-year- old son Griffin and 5-year-old identical twin girls Greta and Ganessa.  Kylie's younger brother Dwayne is on the autism spectrum so her perspective and understanding as an autism sibling came in handy when her twin girls were both diagnosed with autism at the age of 3.

Shelby Jones is 31 years old and lives in Kentucky. She has been a special educator in moderate to severe disabilities for the last three years and was an ECE assistant for 4 years prior. She also has experience as a mental health professional. Shelby was diagnosed with autism as an adult and recently wrote a children’s book on autism.  Her journey with sharing her life on the spectrum and advocating for those with disabilities is just getting started.    FB link:  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100095622754314&mibextid=LQQJ4d   Book link:  https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/call-me-mosely-shelby-jones/1143717318?ean=9798218958817   ***************************************** To purchase my book “Welcome to My Life – A Personal Parenting Journey Through Autism” 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 www.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!

Shannon is the proud mom of two children, now young adults. Her son Jordan is 27 and her daughter Madison is 25 years old.  Jordan was diagnosed with autism when he was 5 years old. She is his primary caregiver and guardian.    Shannon founded Not Your Average Autism Mom out of a desire to create what she wished she would have had available earlier in her journey raising Jordan.  There are many therapies and services available for children on the spectrum but having traveled this parenting journey for over two decades, she continues to see the need to support their caregivers along the way.    Shannon is a Master Certified Life and Parent Coach working exclusively with moms raising autistic children.  She provides families and educators with resources and information via her Not Your Average Autism Mom Weekly Podcast, Let’s TALK AUTISM Monthly Newsletter, their Signature FREE COURSE, Unburdened; Finding Balance Living Alongside Autism, and a PRIVATE MEMBERSHIP exclusively for female caregivers.  Shannon shares her lived experiences in hopes of creating a more accepting and inclusive world for our children on the spectrum.  You can connect with Not Your Average Autism Mom on social media (FB, IG) or via her website  www.notyouraverageautismmom.com   ***************************************** To purchase my book “Welcome to My Life – A Personal Parenting Journey Through Autism” 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 www.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!

Rachel Flanagan lives in Minnesota with her daughter Seeley. Rachel is creative, motivated and is more than willing to learn – she is sleepless, funny and is always found with a cup of coffee. Rachel explores her own strengths and struggles as well as Seeley’s complexities and magic in a blog and page called FlanaVille. She writes as she speaks, real, raw and from the heart. Rachel is also a co-host on the Table for Five, No Reservations Podcast. ***************************************** To purchase my book “Welcome to My Life – A Personal Parenting Journey Through Autism” 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 www.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!

Kate Swenson, founder of Finding Cooper's Voice and the nonprofit, The More Than Project, is a mother to four kids, a wife, and a proud Minnesotan. She writes and creates videos about her life as a mother and an autism advocate for Facebook, Instagram, and her website, Finding Cooper's Voice. Kate became a published author in 2022 with her book, Forever Boy, A Mother's Memoir of Autism and Finding Joy, which highlights the transformation that she went through after her son's diagnosis.  ***************************************** To purchase my book “Welcome to My Life – A Personal Parenting Journey Through Autism” 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 www.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!