In this episode of Helping Families Go Beyond, host Loryn Carpenter sits down with Chase Pettey, founder of the nonprofit Adventure For All. Chase shares the inspiring journey of building an organization that empowers individuals with exceptionalities through outdoor challenges like biking, hiking, and nature-based growth. From redefining human potential to sparking transformation in both kids and parents, this episode is full of powerful insights and stories that will resonate with caregivers, educators, and advocates alike. Tune in to hear how Adventure For All is helping families push past limits and discover what’s truly possible. Adventure for All Website: www.adventureforall.org Timestamps: (00:00) Introducing Chase Pettey, Founder/CEO of Adventure for All, plus school updates (02:45) The story of Adventure for All (10:30) The training process and the power of positive reinforcement (13:00) Celebrating every success (14:30) Thought process of Adventure for All programs (22:10) Your child is capable of much more (28:35) Success stories and what’s coming in 2026 (35:50) Chase’s background (40:41) Learn more about Adventure for All

In this episode of Helping Families Go Beyond, host Loryn Carpenter welcomes Dr. Kerri Duncan, BCBA, with nearly 40 years of experience in special education, ABA therapy, and parent advocacy. Dr. Duncan explains the Comprehensive Diagnostic Evaluation (CDE), the first crucial step in obtaining an autism diagnosis and accessing therapies. She shares what families should expect from the process, key signs to watch for, and how evaluations can guide access to ABA, speech, and occupational therapy. The conversation also highlights recent challenges with insurance and Medicaid, along with practical advice to help families feel informed and empowered. We hope you enjoy this episode, and stay tuned for monthly releases! Hart 4 Autism Website: https://www.hart4autism.com/ Phone: 239-512-0777 Email: info.hart4autism@gmail.com Timestamps: (00:00) School Updates (01:55) Introducing Kerri Duncan, BCBA, CEO of Hart for Autism (03:20) What is a CDE? (06:30) What is the difference between a CDE and a medical diagnosis? (09:10) What therapies are available once a diagnosis has been made? (10:10) Is this limited by age? (13:00) How can a CDE guide the broader support a child might need? (14:15) What should parents look out for in an evaluator? (16:45) Signs that might prompt a parent to request a CDE (20:30) Changes in how the evaluations are being used (25:20) Recent Medicaid changes (30:30) Learn more about Hart 4 Autism (33:50) Requirements states outside of Florida (35:15) Advice for families

Planning for the future can feel overwhelming for families raising neurodivergent children, but having the right financial foundation can make a meaningful difference. In this special Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month episode, host Loryn Carpenter sits down with Michael Pereira, founder of The Autism Voyage and a financial planner who specializes in helping special needs families prepare for the future. They discuss practical financial planning topics including income protection, special needs trusts, insurance strategies, and the importance of building a strong network of professionals who understand the unique needs of neurodivergent individuals. Michael also shares insights from both his professional work and his personal experience as a parent, offering guidance for families who may feel uncertain about where to start and how to move from anxiety to clarity while building long term financial stability for their child. Michael’s Website: https://theautismvoyage.com/ Letter of Intent: https://theautismvoyage.com/letter-of-intent/ Timestamps: (00:00) School updates, Happy Autism Acceptance Month! (02:16) Introducing Michael Pereira, Founder of Autism Voyage (05:00) The diagnosis process (08:40) Applying information from others (10:00) What financial conversations should families be having when they have a special needs child? (13:00) 3 primary insurance solutions for families (17:00) What is a Special Needs Trust? (19:00) What forms, records and paperwork should families have ready? (23:00) Create a circle of support (30:15) Common mistakes - “Do it yourself” approach (32:00) Success stories (36:20) Red flags (40:15) Advice to families We're here to support your family through every step of your special needs journey! Learn more about our mission of providing specialized education, therapies, and advocacy at beyondthespectrum.org.

In this episode of Helping Families Go Beyond, host Loryn Carpenter sits down with Jack Mills, a graduating senior with the Peabody Academy, to share his story, perspectives, and plans for the future. Jack opens up about his experiences growing up with autism, the teachers and friends who’ve supported him, and the unique talents that shape the way he sees the world. From his favorite classes and community trips to his dreams of becoming a NASCAR driver, lawyer, cruise ship captain, or YouTuber, Jack’s journey is full of determination and self-discovery. His message is clear: autism isn’t a disease, it’s a gift. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation that will inspire families, educators, and anyone who believes in the power of understanding and inclusion.

What if paying for tuition, therapy, and educational support did not have to feel overwhelming? In this episode of Helping Families Go Beyond, Loryn Carpenter sits down with Kristin O’Brien from Step Up For Students to break down what Florida families need to know about scholarship opportunities. They talk through eligibility, how the Family Empowerment Scholarship works, what qualifies as a diagnosis, and how funding can be used for tuition, ABA therapy, OT, speech services, tutoring, curriculum, and more. They also cover recent changes that expanded access and removed income barriers. If you are navigating a new diagnosis, feeling unsure about your options, or wondering if your family qualifies, this conversation offers clarity, reassurance, and practical next steps. Timestamps: (00:00) Introducing Kristin O’Brien, Step Up for Students, plus school updates (02:20) About Step Up for Students (04:30) How Step Up for Students got started and the evolution (11:40) What options can families apply for? (14:00) Biggest misconceptions (15:25) What can the scholarships be used for? (17:40) Demand for the scholarships (18:45) Advice for families (21:00) When can you begin to apply for scholarships? (24:35) EMA explanation and advice (27:55) Federal Scholarships Tax Program Updates (32:10) Success stories (36:20) Final message