Autism Society of Berks County

Carol's 4th episode in Autism in 4 Words is all about HOPE. She shares how hope provides motivation, focus and determination but more importantly it provides strength and belief for her son Peter's future.

This is part 4 of Autism in 4 Words - HOPE.

Fatigue, Burn Out, Teaching and Re-teaching, Therapist vs. Mom, Planning, Strategizing, Plotting - it never ends. These words describe Carol's exhaustion. However, in Part 3 of Autism in 4 Words - if these words describe HER exhaustion, she can only imagine how exhausting these same words and their meanings are for her son Peter.

Carol is continuing the challenge of coming up with four words to describe her life as Pete's Mom and autism. The second word is Surprise. Carol talks about the pleasant surprises that being Pete's mom has brought to her life. An uplifting message from Carol.

What does Autism mean to me, our family and Pete himself, in four words? First word - Saturation. The tidal wave of all things autism. Carol Spencer talks about how their lives are saturated with autism for better and worse and with lot's of love.

An update. It's not perfect but it's so much better. Control, purpose and normalcy all rely on consistency. How do you implement consistency in the middle of this crisis when everything has changed? Carol gives you an update on how her son Pete and their family are coping while still in self-isolation amid this pandemic. She provides tips and strategies that she has put in place for her son with hopes that they might help you as well.

It has been rough. All routines have been cut off. All fun places to visit have been closed. Carol's son Peter does not understand why life is like this now. In this episode Carol describes what life has been like for their son and their family during the "stay at home" COVID-19 crisis. This is such a personal description of Carol going from stress and defeat to hope and knowing that regardless of this situation things will get better. Enjoy this special episode.

In part two of this two part interview Carol is joined by Frank Antoine, Owner of Fading Autism Barber Shop and Samantha Mierzejewski, mother of six year old James, who has autism. James has had many challenges with haircuts, all sensory issues, until he went to Fading Autism Barber Shop. Frank Antoine gives free haircuts to individuals with autism. Carol speaks to Samantha about her experience with Fading Autism and Frank about why he decided to start Fading Autism. It is about making something better - they are reducing the stigma of autism one haircut at at time.

Carol is joined by Frank Antoine, Owner of Fading Autism Barber Shop and Samantha Mierzejewski, mother of six year old James, who has autism. James has had many challenges with haircuts, all sensory issues, until he went to Fading Autism Barber Shop. Frank Antoine gives free haircuts to individuals with autism. Carol speaks to Samantha about her experience with Fading Autism and Frank about why he decided to start Fading Autism. This is part one of a two part series and it is all about making something better - they are reducing the stigma of autism one haircut at at time.

Kayla Rhein, BCBA, LBS, speaks to Carol about providing free parent training on Applied Behavior Analysis through Easter Seals of Eastern Pennsylvania.

This is a very personal and powerful episode. Carol Spencer the host of this podcast series shares with her listeners her "love letter" to her son and what his autism has taught her.

Carol Spencer speaks to Nicholas Johnson, President and CEO of TEM Care Behavioral Health, about resources that are available for adults on the autism spectrum. This is Part Two

Carol Spencer speaks to Nicholas Johnson, President and CEO of TEM Care Behavioral Health, about resources that are available for adults on the autism spectrum. This is Part One of a two part series.

Meggan Landis, Melissa Gomm and Carol continue their conversation about holidays and how they may impact autism families. In Part Two of this conversation they share strategies to help make the season enjoyable for all!

Meggan Landis, Melissa Gomm and Carol talk about the additional stressors that may affect our autism families during the holidays! This is Part One of a two part series!

Carol speaks to Dore Blanchet MS., OTR/L about the differences between being a picky eater and sensory eating.

In Part Three of this very powerful three part series - Carol interviews a mother, Marina Ermold and grandmother, Diane Schaeffer about autism and the church through the eyes of family.

In Part Two of this series Following Our Faith, Carol speaks to Melissa Gomm, Kids Small Group Coordinator at Glad Tidings Church, about how her church supports special needs at Sunday School. These conversations are very impactful and not to be missed.

This is part one of a three part series. In part one Carol speaks to Pastor Robert Ziehmer (St. John's Reformed Church) about specialized services for special needs.

This is a very important series.

Carol talks to Maureen Klahr, President of the Autism Society of Berks about the 17th Annual Help Solve the Puzzle: Walk for Autism Awareness! This walk is so much more than a fundraiser, it is a family celebration. There is no judgement, it is a safe place and the goal is for all to have a good time raising money for a great cause!

Service Access and Management, Inc.'s mission is to help people throughout our service area enhance the quality of their lives by effectively and efficiently managing and/or providing needed, accessible and individually satisfying human services. Melissa Shingle, Director of Targeted Case Management and Forensic Services, joins Carol to provide information about support services for those in need of Mental Health Services.

Service Access and Management, Inc.'s mission is to help people throughout our service area enhance the quality of their lives by effectively and efficiently managing and/or providing needed, accessible and individually satisfying human services. In this episode Carol interviews Jen Woods, Developmental Disabilities Eligibility Manager for Berks County. Jen talks about how she provides a support coordinator to help families and links them to resources and the support they need.

Carol speaks to Kryn McClain, President of Paragon Behavioral Health Services about Applied Behaviorial Analysis (ABA). Kryn breaks it down and helps explain the definition of and what's involved with ABA.

In Part Two of this episode of Sleep and Autism Carol continues her conversation with Kristin Stockbower. Kristin shares with Carol the strategies that she puts in place to help her son deal with the challenges of sleep and autism.

Kristin Stockbower, Mother of a Teenager with autism, talks to Carol about the challenges she and her family faced due to her son's sleep issues. They talk about how sleep impacts ALL facets of life. Powerful information shared in part one of this two part interview!

Kryn McClain, LPC, President, Co-Owner of Paragon Behavioral Health Services, speaks to Carol about the potential effects from lack of structure and change of routine for families of autistic children. Kryn provides suggestions and strategies to help you and your family have a smooth summer!

Meet Luci Schaeffer, Founder and Director of Unending Promise. Carol talks to Luci about how Unending Promise provides support, unique social activities, lifeskills and community outreach for individuals with autism and their families. Unending promise supports all ages, however, a big focus is on teens and adults. This is a powerful conversation of a two part series!

Meet Luci Schaeffer, Founder and Director of Unending Promise. Carol talks to Luci about how Unending Promise provides support, unique social activities, lifeskills and community outreach for individuals with autism and their families. Unending promise supports all ages, however, a big focus is on teens and adults. This is a powerful conversation and part one of a two part series!

Autism awareness leads to acceptance and inclusion and the month of April spotlights awareness and acceptance. Carol speaks to Autism Society of Berks County Board Member, Diana Batista and the importance of promoting autism acceptance and awareness and also share a month's worth of fun events and activities supporting ASA Berks and all of those affected by autism.

This is Part 2 of a very inspiring and hopeful interview.

The positive impact of hiring an individual with autism benefits all those involved. Danny Moran, his father Eddie, and Craig Poole describe how uplifting Danny's employment has been for all of them.

This is Part One of a two part interview that is one of our most inspiring interviews to date!

Carol speaks to Danny Moran, his father Eddie, and Craig Poole, General Manager of the DoubleTree by Hilton Reading about the joy and benefits of hiring those with autism.

Carol interviews Jon Masters, a young man doing all of the right things to find work. Young adults with autism struggle more than most to find jobs after graduation. Jon Masters shares his challenges and frustrations seeking employment.

This is a must listen to episode! Andrea Merrick, Early Reach Coordinator, explains the variety of services available from the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation to help those with disabilities transition from high school to post-graduate employment.

Mary Mazzoni from the Berks County Transition Coordinating Council discusses how planning for post-graduate success starts as early as possible for those with autism.

Mary Mazzoni from the Berks County Transition Coordinating Council shares valuable resources on post-graduate support for employment and continuing education.

Colebrookdale Railroad is the first railroad to be designated a Certified Autism Center, not only for Berks County, but the entire nation! Frank Buttaro, Jr. (Marketing and Business Development Director) talks to Carol about how the railroad creates a sensory friendly experience for those with Austism.

Coleen Mikucki and Wendy Koller of the Reading Public Museum share how the museum hs earned the distinction of being the State and the County's first Certified Autism Center! Learn how the museum creates a welcoming environment for all of these with autism and sensory needs.

Carol talks with Tara Simmons, Owner of All Abilities Fitness Center about creating a safe and welcoming environment for those with special needs to get fit and healthy!

Join Carol as she talks with Nichole Phiambolis and Kyle Sheidecker of Paragon Behavioral Health Services about easing the stress of the holidays for those with autism and their families!

Nichole Phiambolis and Kyle Scheidecker of Paragon Behavioral Health Services join Carol to provide helpful strategies for families to better handle the hustle and bustle of the holidays!

Carol speaks to Nichole Phiambolis and Kyle Scheidecker of Paragon Behavioral Health Services! In this episode Nichole and Kyle discuss strategies to help your child have a very ghoulishly enjoyable Halloween!

Carol interviews Joe Cooke who brings a Father's perspective in describing the help and support that the Autism Society has brought to his family since his son's diagnosis.

This episode is recorded during the annual Autism Society Walk. This walk not only raises money for the Autism Society so they can give back to the families, but it is a time to share and care for every family who is dealing with someone with Autism. In this episode Carol speaks to Brittany DeSimone, the mother of a 9 year old. Brittany shares what the Autism Society has meant to she and her family over the years.

Autistic Support Teacher, Karyn Algeo, provides advice for a healthy working relationship between parents and school staff, especially those parents whose children are new to public school!

In Part two of this two part series the conversation continues as Nathan, Adam and Kira disuss what it's like having a sibling diagnosed with autism.

This is part one of a two part series that provides the perspective of living with Autism from the siblings point of view. Nathan, Adam and Kira share what it is like living with a sibling who is diagnosed with autism.

In Part Three of this three part series, Carol talks to Tammy Torres. Tammy shares her experiences raising a daughter with high functioning autism.

In part two of this three part series - Carol continues a very special conversation with Alex and Kyle. Alex and Kyle share their personal experiences with Autism. These conversations are not to be missed.

In this very special part one of a three part series - Carol talks to Alex Torres and Kyle Spengler as they share what it was like growing up with an autism diagnosis.

Carol talks with Corey Nelson, V.P. of Community Services, at Easterseals Eastern PA about a very special, special needs camp - Camp Lily!