Living the Sky Life - Our Autism Journey

Episode 41 - Discussing residential homes, support animals and the challenging decisions we as parents face to ensure our children are able to live their best life

Jul 29, 2020

Christina Stearns is an autism mom from Upstate New York. Her son Alec is 15 years old and on the autism spectrum. She is a founding member of the Autism & Mental Health Initiative of Central New York (CNY), and board member of a new non-profit organization, Sanchia A. Callender, Inc. (visit

Episode 40 - (Part 2) Discussing the challenges of aging into adulthood & ensuring you are prepared to advocate for services

Jul 22, 2020

In this part 2 episode with Kelly (@growingupSteven), we discuss the various challenges that face parents when their son/daughter ages out of traditional services & opportunities. At the age of 18, there are steps that need to be taken on your child's behalf - such as filing for Social Security benefits and perhaps...

Episode 39 - Connecting with an optimistic, inspiring autism mom who has big dreams for her son's future

Jul 15, 2020

Amie Schindler leads a full life and appreciates each role she's been blessed with - wife of 22 years to Ed, mom of three teenagers (Bryce, Brayden & Kendall), entrepreneur of her business, Touchstone Crystal for 15 years & autism advocate for Brayden. Amie keeps her family at the forefront of her life and always...

Episode 38 - Catching up with blogger, outstanding autism advocate and devoted dad, Mr. Bacon

Jul 8, 2020

In 2012, Jerry Turning began writing about his experiences as an autism dad and established the successful blog: Bacon and Juiceboxes: Our Life With Autism. He earned a following of over 35,000 supporters who share his family’s challenges and triumphs. Jerry has also served 25 years as a municipal police officer...

Episode 37 - Literally writing the book & navigating the course of a dual diagnosis of Down Syndrome and Autism

Jul 1, 2020

Teresa Unnerstall is a writer, advocate, speaker, and consultant specializing in the dual diagnosis of Down syndrome and autism (DS-ASD). She is the author of “A New Course: A Mother’s Journey Navigating Down Syndrome and Autism.” Teresa has contributed articles to The Mighty along with several Down syndrome...