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PODCAST

Piece by Piece Autism Podcast

Christi Jensen & Angie Matheney

Solve the Autism puzzle with us, as we discuss the crucial pieces to a happier, more peaceful life with your child/adult with Autism. Striving to make your life a bit easier, bringing you tips of the trade that are tried and true. Angie and Christi use their knowledge & training to share information in all areas of Autism treatment…piece by piece.

kids & family parenting

All Episodes

35:59

Nonverbal Autism: Alec’s Communication Journey & What...

Piece by Piece Autism Podcast ·

2026/04/21

In this episode, we share Alec’s journey with communication—one of the most meaningful and challenging parts of his story. We take you back to the early years, starting with speech therapy and the initial stages of communication, and the moment Christi realized that Alec may not develop verbal language. From there, we walk through the many paths we explored in helping Alec find a way to communicate. We discuss Alec’s experience working with Soma in Austin, Texas, where he began using a letter...

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46:02

Autism Parent Journey with Sharisa Lewis - From Early...

Piece by Piece Autism Podcast ·

2026/04/14

In this episode, we sit down with Sharisa Lewis, Dylan’s mom, to hear her perspective on raising a child on the autism spectrum and navigating the journey from early intervention to adulthood. Dylan, a good friend of Alec’s, is a fun, creative, and project-loving young man, and Sharisa shares what it has looked like to support him every step of the way. From receiving his official autism diagnosis at age five to starting early intervention at just two years old, her story highlights the impor...

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45:26

Autism, IEPs & School Support: In the Classroom and...

Piece by Piece Autism Podcast ·

2026/04/07

In this episode, we sit down with our longtime friend Megan, a passionate advocate for children with learning differences — both in the classroom and at home. With years of experience raising her own children and teaching students with a wide range of needs, Megan brings a valuable dual perspective to the conversation. Married to her husband Michael for 22 years and a proud mom to Anna, Blake, Max, and Spencer, Megan’s life is full of camping trips, baseball games, and soccer fields. She earn...

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46:51

Autism, Music & Connection: A Punk Rock Approach to...

Piece by Piece Autism Podcast ·

2026/03/31

This week, we’re joined by a very unique guest—Mr. J, the creator behind Punk for Kids, a music project bringing upbeat punk and ska sounds to children and families. Mr. J shares how Punk for Kids began with a simple need—wanting something more enjoyable to listen to during daily commutes with his son. What started as a personal solution quickly grew into a creative project that blends high-energy music with kid-friendly themes, making it fun for both parents and children. As a full-time high...

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35:51

The Autism Toolbox: ABA Tools & Teaching Strategies...

Piece by Piece Autism Podcast ·

2026/03/24

In this episode, we open up Alec’s teaching toolbox and share many of the tools, programs, and systems that have helped him learn, grow, and gain independence over the years. Teaching individuals on the autism spectrum often requires creativity, structure, and the right supports. We talk about some of the programs and skill-building activities we’ve implemented with Alec over the years, including things like Travel Match, practicing waiting, and other structured learning opportunities that he...

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46:01

A Conversation with Alec: Autism, Nonverbal...

Piece by Piece Autism Podcast ·

2026/03/17

This week’s episode is a very special one for us. For the first time, we sit down with the person who started it all—Alec. Because Alec is nonverbal, this conversation looks a little different than a traditional interview. Ahead of recording, we sat down with Alec and asked him a series of questions. Using his keyboard, Alec thoughtfully typed out his responses, giving us a rare and meaningful opportunity to hear directly from an adult on the autism spectrum about his experiences, thoughts, a...

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36:32

Autism Independence: Teaching Chores to Kids with Autism

Piece by Piece Autism Podcast ·

2026/03/10

Chores may seem simple, but they can be one of the most powerful tools for building independence in children and adults on the autism spectrum. In this episode, we expand on one of our most popular topics—Alec’s chore system—and dive deeper into how we teach life skills through everyday tasks at home. We talk about the prompt levels we use in ABA, how to gradually fade support, and why learning to contribute around the house builds confidence, responsibility, and independence. We also discuss...

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27:32

Backpack Strategies for Autism: Preparing for Success

Piece by Piece Autism Podcast ·

2026/03/03

In this episode, we talk about one of our most practical tools for daily life with Alec—the backpack. Whether you’re running errands, heading to a therapy appointment, or spending the day out and about, being prepared can make all the difference when caring for a child with autism. We share what we always keep packed and ready to go—from sensory supports and snacks to communication tools and cleanup supplies. Our favorite? The Under Armour Hustle 5.0 backpack—but the most important thing is f...

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40:55

What Keeps an Autism Group Home Running: Supporting...

Piece by Piece Autism Podcast ·

2026/02/24

In this episode, we sit down with Anna Osmond, Alec’s house manager and an essential part of his support team. Anna has known Alec for years and brings a rare, full-circle perspective—having worked with him in Texas before his move to Utah and now supporting him in his group home setting. Anna shares what it truly looks like to support an adult on the autism spectrum behind the scenes. From managing home maintenance and scheduling appointments to making sure everyday essentials like laundry s...

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41:54

Autism Support Done Right: When Team Members Become...

Piece by Piece Autism Podcast ·

2026/02/17

In this episode, we sit down with one of Alec’s favorite people — former team member and roommate, Heather. Their relationship is a powerful example of what consistent, compassionate autism support can grow into over time. When Heather was first hired, Alec didn’t make it easy — he tested boundaries, pushed limits, and was a bit of a stinker. But instead of giving up, Heather stayed consistent, patient, and steady. Over time, she earned Alec’s trust, laying the foundation for a bond that has ...

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26:06

Autism Behavior Basics: How ABC Data Guides Support

Piece by Piece Autism Podcast ·

2026/02/10

In this episode, we kick off an important conversation about behavior in autism by breaking down one of the most foundational tools in ABA: ABC Data — Antecedent, Behavior, and Consequence. We explain what ABC data is, why it matters, and how it helps us move away from guessing or labeling behavior and toward truly understanding why behavior happens. Using real-life examples from Alec, we share how we’ve tracked behavior over the years and how observing what happens before, during, and after ...

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34:56

Autism Caregiver Fatigue: Supporting Your Child...

Piece by Piece Autism Podcast ·

2026/02/03

In this episode, we dive into a topic that so many parents of individuals with autism experience — caretaker fatigue. When the needs are constant and the demands feel never-ending, it’s easy for caregivers to put themselves last… until burnout sets in. We talk about the signs and symptoms of caretaker fatigue and why prioritizing yourself is not selfish — it’s essential. Christi shares honestly about her experience raising Alec, including the ways she felt supported by friends, the moments sh...

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35:50

Autism, Epilepsy & the Spectrum: What Our 12-Year...

Piece by Piece Autism Podcast ·

2026/01/27

In this episode, we talk openly about Alec’s journey with epilepsy over the last 12 years. Alec had his first seizure at 16, and like many individuals on the autism spectrum, epilepsy became an additional and life-changing diagnosis. According to the Epilepsy Foundation, 20–30% of individuals with autism also have epilepsy, making seizures the most common neurologic complication associated with autism. We share the realities of navigating the medical system, the frustration of not alway...

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22:39

Autism & Achievement: Teaching Goal Setting from...

Piece by Piece Autism Podcast ·

2026/01/20

In this episode, we talk all about setting goals with Alec and why goal setting matters for everyone — on the autism spectrum or not. Every individual deserves to feel pride, confidence, and a sense of accomplishment, and for some, that journey simply requires additional support and structure. Alec has been setting goals from a young age. We started small with attainable, short-term goals and gradually built toward larger, yearly goals that support independence, confidence, and growth. Along ...

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24:49

Autism & the Holidays: A Real-Life Spectrum Recap (B+...

Piece by Piece Autism Podcast ·

2026/01/13

In this episode, we’re recapping the holidays — autism and all. The holiday season can be especially challenging for individuals on the autism spectrum, with disrupted routines, sensory overload, and nonstop social demands. This year, we’re happy to report that Alec earned a solid B+, and we couldn’t be more thrilled. We break down what worked well for Alec, the strategies that helped support him, and what we might do differently next time. While this holiday season felt like a win, it hasn’t...

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18:53

Early Autism Spectrum Time-Travel Advice - What I...

Piece by Piece Autism Podcast ·

2026/01/06

Join us—Angie Matheney and Christi Jensen—for a candid Q&A-style conversation where Christi opens up about what she wishes she could have told her younger self when Alec was first diagnosed. We talk about the shifting priorities that come with raising a child on the spectrum, the pressure to "do everything right," and the importance of giving yourself grace. Whether you're just starting out or years into your journey, this episode offers encouragement, perspective, and a reminder that you...

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23:18

Chores & Autism - It’s a Hard Knock Life for Al!...

Piece by Piece Autism Podcast ·

2025/12/30

In this episode, we’re talking chores—how we got Alec started, how we create chore chains with just the right level of support, and why these daily tasks are so much more than household responsibilities. Chores have been a huge part of Alec’s journey toward independence. We share how we taught him to complete tasks step by step, how we adjusted support as his skills grew, and why we believe every child—regardless of ability—can take pride in contributing at home. Chores also lay a solid found...

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17:29

Autism Diagnosis, Therapies, Struggles, Triumphs -...

Piece by Piece Autism Podcast ·

2025/12/23

In this episode, we—Angie and Christi—look back on Alec’s early years and the start of our autism journey. We share what it was like when Alec was diagnosed at just 2 years old, some of the behaviors he struggled with, and how we navigated those early, uncertain days as parents and caregivers. We talk about the professionals who came into our lives and played a huge role in shaping Alec’s progress, as well as the lessons we learned along the way. It’s a personal, emotional, and sometimes funn...

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21:23

The Autism Holiday Struggle: Routines, Sensory...

Piece by Piece Autism Podcast ·

2025/12/16

In this episode, we dive into the real challenges families face during the holiday season when raising children on the autism spectrum. What should be a magical, joyful time can quickly turn stressful with disrupted routines, extra people in the house, sensory overload, travel, noise, and unpredictable schedules. We talk about why the holidays can feel “not so merry and bright,” share our own experiences, and offer practical tips for reducing stress—for kids and parents. From preparing for tr...

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56:23

Autism, Adventure & Fresh Powder: Blake and Alec’s Story

Piece by Piece Autism Podcast ·

2025/12/09

This week we have the best time talking with Blake Harsh, Alec’s ski instructor turned one of his best buddies. Blake is a mechanical engineer with an undergraduate degree from Brigham Young University and a master’s in Space Systems Engineering from Johns Hopkins University, where he specialized in orbital mechanics and spacecraft subsystems. He works at Northrop Grumman as a solid rocket propulsion engineer, contributing to large-scale nuclear defense programs and space-launch systems...

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51 results

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