JC Ellinger brings life stories and experience as an autism mom to publications such as Autism Parenting Magazine and Exceptional Needs Today. She was also recently awarded Top General Advice Writer of 2020 honored by APM.  While currently working on her first children’s book geared at bringing relatability and support to other ASD children just like her amazing son, she has returned to school attending Northwestern State University pursuing a Master’s of Arts in English with the goal of teaching young minds in a discipline she loves. JC, additionally, carries a Master’s Degree in Business Administration and BA in Communication Studies. Connect with JC via IG: @jc.ellinger or FB: @jc.ellinger.writer ***************************************** 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!

Living the Sky Life - Autism Journey

S3: Episode 97 - A mother turns her love of writing into a mission for sharing autism tips & tricks with other parents

Shelly Henley is not unlike other special needs parents who want their children to grow up to be happy, fulfilled people - living the life they want while enjoying their work & feeling validated.  So, with a lot of hope and hustle, Shelly & her husband decided to make their son's dream of becoming a chef a reality while also giving other people's children an opportunity for meaningful work as well.  In 2018, No Label at the Table Food Co. was founded in Carmel, IN and Shelly's autistic adult son, Jacob became Chef J! www.nolabelatthetable.com FB: @No Label at the Table Food Company ***************************************** 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!

S3: Episode 96 - A mother's mission to help her autistic adult son fulfill his dream of becoming a chef - by opening a GF/DF food company staffed by people with autism

Tabitha Cabrera, lives in Arizona, amongst mostly year round sunshine and cactus. She works as an Attorney and enjoys spending her time in a public service role. She shares her life with her husband Nick, five year old son Nixon, and two year old daughter Nora. Both Nixon and Nora were diagnosed with autism in 2020. She had found a passion in advocacy and paired this passion with her bother Mike Barnett to publish two children's books. "Do You Talk the Way I Talk?" and "Me and My AAC." She also speaks about family, mothering, and their autism journey on Table for Five, No Reservations podcast. She believes that each day you have the opportunity to spread a message and extend a hand to those who are needing it the most. Connect with Tabitha & purchase her books via this link: https://linktr.ee/peaceofautism ***************************************** 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!

S3: Episode 95 - Discussing the importance of advocacy and this mother's desire to be a resource for other families raising children on the spectrum

Lia McCabe has a Master’s specialized in Human Factors Psychology and is a User Experience Researcher by trade. Inspired by her autistic children, Lia and her husband founded AutismWish, a charity initiative granting wishes to children on the spectrum. Both neurodiverse themselves, the McCabes also launched the Embracing Autism Podcast to provide parents of autistic children with tips, guidance, resources, and a newfound perspective. Her life’s passion is to destigmatize autism while spreading awareness and compassionate acceptance. ***************************************** 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!

S2: Episode 94 - Dynamic neurodiverse parents, raising 2 little girls on the spectrum, have created ways to both educate & support other special needs families

On today's solo episode, I'm breaking down the outcome of Skyler's trip to Austin and what we've identified as the culprit of the last 6-8 months of increased aggression and weight loss! ***************************************** 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!

S2: Episode 93 - (Solo Episode) Ulcerative Colitis & other autoimmune issues... that aren't "just a part of autism!"

Valerie Gilpeer is an attorney who has been practicing law for forty years. She shifted her civil law practice twenty years ago in favor of representing families of disabled children trying to obtain educational services from local school districts. She has continued to focus on disability rights law through her volunteer work with several nonprofit organizations in the Los Angeles area. Emily Grodin is a college student studying journalism, psychology, and creative writing and has been recognized for her academic achievement. She has been featured in Leaders Around Me and published in Amuse-Bouche. Emily is an advocate for herself and members of her community in an effort to dispel the misconceptions and nonacceptance of those with autism. Valerie and Emily live with Tom Grodin, her husband and Emily’s dad, in Encino, California. You can purchase their memoir "I Have Been Buried Under Years of Dust" on Amazon. ***************************************** 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!

S2: Episode 92 - At 25, Emily typed her first words "I have been buried under years of dust." Those words would become the title of her memoir co-written with her mom.

Crystal Jordan is the proud mother of two children.  Her 13-year-old son is on the autism spectrum.  Through her experiences with him, Crystal learned how specific foods and overall nutrition can have a dramatic impact on individuals with autism, ADHD and autoimmune disorders.  She worked tirelessly on getting the information to the masses - first through an eCourse and now into a book she authored entitled "Foods Four Thought Diet," which is available on Amazon.  Crystal is thrilled with the incredible and positive impact the diet has had on her son and hopes it could provide some helpful tips and answers for other families. ***************************************** 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!

S2: Episode 91 - Through personal experience & trial and error with her son, this autism mom literally wrote the book on how diets and nutrition can dramatically impact individuals with autism

Siraya Gloudemans is a mom of three with her oldest, Nolan being diagnosed with autism. Siraya runs a blog 'Stay at home zookeeper' in which she shares the true messiness of being a parent. It includes everything from autism parenting, neurotypical parenting, home updates, favorite products & life/mom hacks. She is a former early childhood teacher & is married to her high school sweetheart who works as a pharmacist. Together, they are navigating the many approaches to raising a child on the spectrum with siblings who are neurotypical. ***************************************** 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!

S2: Episode 90 - As a blogger, wife & mom of 3, this 'zookeeper' shares the ups and downs parenting a unique family dynamic with honesty & laughter

Jose Rodriguez Jr. is the founder and CEO of Tasium. Jose started this business venture in his junior year of high school at the age of 16. Taking all the newly found knowledge in entrepreneurship from the NFTE (Network For Teaching Entrepreneurship) course he took, he was able to win the 2020 NFTE national business plan competition. Becoming the first person from not only Rhode Island but the entire New England region to win this prestigious award. As the big brother to an autistic person, Jose has experienced first hand the difficulties his brother faces.  Joel Rodriguez is the inspiration for Tasium. Being autistic, Joel faces many day to day challenges. Although Joel has some unique barriers, he doesn’t let that define him. Joel appreciates that his older brother has dedicated his life to creating a business in honor of Joel.  Joel works hard everyday and is an aspiring coder, taking advanced computer science classes taught at his high school. In Joel’s spare time he likes to play video games and go to the park with his family, where he and his brother practice their trick shots on the basketball court.  ***************************************** 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!

S2: Episode 89 - An incredible bond between brothers who recognize the 'spectrum of possibilities' for those with autism

Michelle O'Reilly is a native of Toronto, Canada & is a graduate of Oakwood University and Clark Atlanta University.  She enjoys living & basking in the Orlando, FL sunshine with her teenage daughter, Maya.  In addition to her past 24 years as an elementary teacher, Michelle has found herself increasingly involved in all things autism and special needs due to her precious 18-year-old son, Justin.  She loves speaking to others who are also on their journey to acceptance. You can connect with Michelle via IG: @michelleo13 ***************************************** 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!

S2: Episode 88 - A mother's journey to acceptance and navigating the world of residential care

Stephanie Hanrahan was just your seemingly average housewife until she grew tired of pretending and decided to make her private journal public.  Since sharing her story, Stephanie has achieved viral success with her website, Tinkles Her Pants, which chronicles her journey as wife to a husband with chronic illness, mother to special needs children, and a woman who often unravels then finds her footing again. She can be found leaking nothing but the truth on the Today Show, CNN, Yahoo! News, Google, The Daily Mail, and most recently her TEDx Talk: The Problem with Being Perfect. Stephanie is also a founding board member of the 501(c)(3) non-profit, Labeled and Loved, which provides online resources and connective in-person experiences for special needs families, as well as the host of the Labeled and Loved 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!

S2: Episode 87 - Chatting about perspective, believing in yourself and staying positive when experiencing trauma and all of the ups and downs in life

Lisa Candera is a single mother to a teenage son with autism, lawyer, parent advocate, and certified life coach for moms raising kids with autism.   To learn more about Lisa's coaching services and book a free consultation, visit her website at www.theautismmomcoach.com.  Follow Lisa on FB and IG: @theautismmomcoach. ***************************************** 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!

S2: Episode 86 - Raising an autistic teenage son solo while providing encouragement & support to other autism moms through coaching

Tania van Bree is mom to Elli and Willem, ages 11 and 7 & wife to Marc. They live Buda, Texas. Her career background is in Music Administration & Education and she owns an Early Childhood Music Education business while pursuing a degree to become a certified Music Therapist. Willem was diagnosed with Autism at only 16 months of age. He is now considered a Level 3 Autistic with pre-verbal Apraxia. Big sister Elli has been around therapists in the home all of her life. In previous years, for Autism Awareness Month, Elli & Tania visited classrooms at Elli's school to spread understanding about Willem's diagnosis. Since this was not possible in 2020 due to the pandemic, they decided to make a short video to share with her school. It was especially important in 2021, because Willem was in his very first year at a regular public elementary school along with Elli who will move on to middle school next year. The video was shared on Tania's Facebook profile (viewed over 10k times) & shared by radio stations & news outlets. Since Elli is very shy & struggles with anxiety, this was a huge accomplishment. When she is in high school, Elli plans to devote her Girl Scout Gold award toward Autism Acceptance.   Connect with Tania on FB or IG: @taniavanbree ***************************************** 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! 

S2: Episode 85 - A mother & daughter team up and spread awareness & education about autism throughout elementary school & beyond

Kourtney Bryan is a proud wife, stay-at-home mom, former accountant and science nerd. After 12 years in corporate accounting and finance, Kourtney began her new career as a stay-at-home mom with her four children. Shortly after, her then three-year-old son, began to struggle with a multitude of health issues. At the age of five, he was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder yet his physical and mental health continued to decline. With the help of her husband Glen, Kourtney sought out opinions from the country's top geneticists, metabolic specialists, neurologists and immunologists who over the past six years have been able to piece together treatments to help her son's health improve.   Kourtney lives in Lake Elmo, Minnesota with her husband and four children, Katherine, Sydney, David and Madelyn. ***************************************** 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!

S2: Episode 84 - Listening to your gut & following your instincts to uncover your child's complex medical needs that aren't "just a part of autism."

Peggy Earnest is a pediatric speech/language pathologist.  She received her PhD from the University of Connecticut and has over 18 years of experience working in her own private practice called ‘Columbia Motor Speech Therapy’. Peggy especially enjoys working with children with complex speech disorders, such as apraxia and dysarthria. Over the years, she has been inspired by many aspects of her job, but especially by the determination, strength and creativity of the kids she is fortunate enough to work with. Peggy is also the author of an eclectic mix of books, ranging from professional books and poetry to books that raise awareness of food allergies. Her most recent venture is a novel, entitled ‘Nonverbal’. Peggy took all of the inspiring characteristics that she observes in the many children she has worked with over the years in order to create a fun and inspirational character named Jake Prescott, who changes attitudes using his own unique form of communication. Nonverbal is written for young adult readers and touches on current topics including cyber bullying, kindness, inclusion and the value of true friendship. Above all, the book is about the life-altering lessons Jake is able to teach to those in his world, even without words. It is the winner of the 2020 preteen and teen Human Relations Indie award, the 2020 winner of the special needs Human Relations Indie Award and a 2020 Finalist in the Inspirational Fiction category of the Next Generation Indie Book Awards. Connect with Peggy on IG: @nonverbal_the_novel or on FB: @Nonverbal the novel and @Pieces of ME ***************************************** 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!  

S2: Episode 83 - Delving into the connection between motor function and speech delay with an experienced speech therapist and author

This podcast comes to you from a very tired, slightly slap happy and eternally hopefully autism warrior mom of a teenage son on the severe end of the spectrum.  My hope is to bring together parents of special needs children and professionals so we may share stories and experience to build a worldwide village of support for one another.  Living the Sky Life offers a personal connection and understanding from those who have likely walked in your shoes.  

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Living the Sky Life - Autism Journey

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