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What could help someone with autism feel safer during a police encounter? On Let’s Plant Houses, we talk with Sara Grezlik, a parent of a son with autism, and Curt Lawson, the City of Franklin’s Chief of Police, about improving communication with first responders. Sara shares how her family’s experience and her work with the Autism Alliance of Michigan inspired her to reach out to her local police department. Together, we explore Franklin’s Autism Emergency Response Support Program and the Safety Support Information Form. These tools help people share sensory needs, communication preferences, and emergency contacts so officers can better understand and respond. We also discuss how parents, self-advocates, and police can work together to bring similar programs to their communities. A safer, more understanding community can start with one conversation. More about the show… Learn more about City of Franklin’s Autism Emergency Response Support Program: https://www.franklin.mi.us/departments/police_department/safety_support.php Find more information about LPH host, Wendy Ernzen https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendyernzen. Real stories. Real insights. Real life. Join the LPH newsletter: https://www.letsplanthouses.com/newsletter/ Follow LPH on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letsplanthouses/ Follow LPH on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/letsplanthouses/ Feel free to contact Wendy Ernzen via email: letsplanthouses.com. Thank you!

What helps a person with Down syndrome feel truly included? On Let’s Plant Houses, we talk with mother DeeAnn Uhlarik and her daughter Emily about Ellie, DeeAnn’s youngest daughter and Emily’s younger sister, who has Down syndrome. From childhood leukemia to adult employment, they share how sibling support, a supportive family, and a caring community have helped them through hard times and joyful milestones. We also explore Emily’s research on making communication more accessible for people with intellectual disabilities, starting with everyday family conversations. DeeAnn and Emily also talk about guardianship, future care, and why siblings need their feelings heard, too. Their story reminds us how much is possible when people are understood, respected, and included. More about the show… Real stories. Real insights. Real life. Join the LPH newsletter: https://www.letsplanthouses.com/newsletter/ Follow LPH on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letsplanthouses/ Follow LPH on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/letsplanthouses/ Feel free to contact Wendy Ernzen via email: letsplanthouses.com. Thank you!

How do you plan for your child’s future when you know you won’t always be there? Special needs financial planning, ABLE accounts, special needs trusts, and government benefits can feel overwhelming, but getting started can protect your loved one’s future. I talked with Mary McDirmid, CEO of All Needs Planning, certified special needs consultant, co-author of Care, Protect, Grow, and mom to Ruth, her daughter with the rare disease tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). We talk about how Ruth’s diagnosis changed Mary’s family and her work as a financial planner, and why families need to think beyond today’s caregiving needs. We also covered protecting Medicaid and Social Security benefits, using ABLE accounts and special needs trusts, preparing for adult housing and care, and recognizing everything parents do as caregivers. Her message is a reassuring one: you don’t have to figure out the entire future today. You just have to take the next step. More about the show… Learn more about Mary McDirmid and All Needs Planning: https://allneedsplanning.com/ Find more information about LPH host, Wendy Ernzen https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendyernzen. Real stories. Real insights. Real life. Join the LPH newsletter: https://www.letsplanthouses.com/newsletter/ Follow LPH on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letsplanthouses/ Follow LPH on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/letsplanthouses/ Feel free to contact Wendy Ernzen via email: letsplanthouses.com. Thank you!

What happens when an autism diagnosis finally explains years of behaviors, challenges, and differences? Trauma therapist and mom Danniel Worthen Cullumber shares her family’s experience with late autism diagnosis, neurodivergence, masking, and parenting. Drawing from more than 15 years as a clinician and her own experience raising neurodivergent children, Danniel brings both a professional and personal perspective to understanding brains that work differently. Danniel opens up about her daughter’s autism diagnosis at age 21, the coping skills that helped her navigate life before a diagnosis, and the surprising way that diagnosis sparked realizations across three generations of their family. She also shares practical lessons about emotional regulation, caregiver self-care, communication, boundaries, and celebrating every milestone. This conversation is a reminder to honor your child’s path, recognize their progress, and make room for a future that may look different than you expected. More about the show… Learn more about Danniel Worthen Cullumber and her clinical practice, Willow Medela Wellness: https://www.willowmedelawellness.com/ Find more information about LPH host, Wendy Ernzen https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendyernzen. Real stories. Real insights. Real life. Join the LPH newsletter: https://www.letsplanthouses.com/newsletter/ Follow LPH on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letsplanthouses/ Follow LPH on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/letsplanthouses/ Feel free to contact Wendy Ernzen via email: letsplanthouses.com. Thank you!

What does life really look like when you’re raising a child with severe autism and lifelong support needs? Author and full-time caregiver Tracy Envernizzi shares her family’s journey with profound autism, caregiver burnout, respite care, and planning for the future. After more than 15 years of caring for her daughter, Tracy knows the challenges, fears, breakthroughs, and deep love that can come with autism parenting. Tracy also shares the turning point that changed everything: moving from what she calls “camp cure” to acceptance. She opens up about finding support before burnout took over, rediscovering herself through writing, and creating her book, Walking Through Autism Inspirations. If you’re an autism parent, a professional who supports families, or someone who wants to better understand severe autism and complex support needs, this episode offers a powerful glimpse into this everyday reality. More about the show… Learn more about author Tracy Envernizzi and her book, Walking through Autism Inspirations: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DHHCMGX6?lv=shuf&channelId=500&plpRedirect=mhFallback Find more information about LPH host, Wendy Ernzen https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendyernzen. Real stories. Real insights. Real life. Join the LPH newsletter: https://www.letsplanthouses.com/newsletter/ Follow LPH on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letsplanthouses/ Follow LPH on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/letsplanthouses/ Feel free to contact Wendy Ernzen via email: letsplanthouses.com. Thank you!

How can storytelling help families feel less alone? In this episode, Cari Noga shares her family’s autism journey, from her son Owen’s diagnosis to navigating special education, caregiving, respite care, and advocacy while finding purpose through storytelling. She explains how parenting a child with autism changed the way she sees the world and inspired her to write. Cari opens up about raising a young adult with autism, the importance of respite and community support, and her family’s current journey as Owen receives treatment for catatonia. She also shares how her novel, Sparrow Migrations, grew into the short film Pacific Pilgrimage, helping others better understand the autism experience through storytelling. This heartfelt conversation reminds families that even when the road is uncertain, hope, creativity, and perseverance can lead to unexpected opportunities.   More about the show… Learn more about author Cari Noga, her book Sparrow Migrations, her movie Pacific Pilgrimage, and her other powerful work: https://www.carinoga.com/ Find more information about LPH host, Wendy Ernzen https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendyernzen. Real stories. Real insights. Real life. Join the LPH newsletter: https://www.letsplanthouses.com/newsletter/ Follow LPH on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letsplanthouses/ Follow LPH on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/letsplanthouses/ Feel free to contact Wendy Ernzen via email: letsplanthouses.com. Thank you!

Could embracing your child’s strengths change everything? In this episode, Kari Baker shares her family’s autism journey, from the early days of searching for answers to embracing autism parenting, ADHD, and faith with hope and purpose. She explains how letting go of the need to “fix” her son opened the door to seeing the incredible gifts he already had. Kari talks about raising her son, navigating school changes, supporting his love of writing and filmmaking, and learning to parent the child she has instead of the child she imagined. She also shares how her faith inspired her book, Finding Kind, and the Kind Families community, offering encouragement to parents who may feel alone. This conversation is a reminder that every child has purpose and every family has a unique journey. More about the show… Learn more about Kari Baker, her book, and the Kind Families community: https://kindfamilies.com/ Find more information about LPH host, Wendy Ernzen https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendyernzen. Real stories. Real insights. Real life. Join the LPH newsletter: https://www.letsplanthouses.com/newsletter/ Follow LPH on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letsplanthouses/ Follow LPH on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/letsplanthouses/ Feel free to contact Wendy Ernzen via email: letsplanthouses.com. Thank you!

Could trusting your instincts change your child’s future? In this episode, Cassie Enea shares her family’s autism journey, from noticing early developmental regression to fighting for the autism services, IEP support, and specialized school placement her daughter needed. Her story is a powerful reminder that parents are often their child’s strongest advocate. Cassie opens up about the emotions of an autism diagnosis, navigating early intervention, speech and occupational therapy, and years of advocating through the special education system. She explains how finding the right behavioral-based school transformed her daughter Haley’s confidence, independence, and daily life. This heartfelt conversation offers hope, practical advice, and encouragement for families learning to trust their instincts, build their support network, and never stop advocating for their child. More about the show… Real stories. Real insights. Real life. Join the LPH newsletter: https://www.letsplanthouses.com/newsletter/ Follow LPH on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letsplanthouses/ Follow LPH on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/letsplanthouses/ Feel free to contact Wendy Ernzen via email: letsplanthouses.com. Thank you!

What if the strongest caregiver is the one who asks for support? In this episode, Jessica Patay shares her family’s journey with Prader-Willi syndrome, caregiving, disability parenting, and caregiver support. She opens up about raising her son Ryan, building food security into everyday life, and creating hope for families through the nonprofit We Are Brave Together. Jessica explains the unique challenges of Prader-Willi syndrome, from constant food insecurity and anxiety to planning for adulthood and independent living. She also shares how her own caregiving journey inspired her to found We Are Brave Together, a nonprofit that connects moms through support groups, retreats, books, and community. Whether you’re raising a child with a disability, supporting a caregiver, or looking for encouragement on your own journey, this heartfelt conversation reminds us that no family should have to walk this road alone. Learn more about Jessica Patay and the We Are Brave Together Community: https://www.wearebravetogether.org/ Find more information about LPH host, Wendy Ernzen https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendyernzen. Real stories. Real insights. Real life. Join the LPH newsletter: https://www.letsplanthouses.com/newsletter/ Follow LPH on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letsplanthouses/ Follow LPH on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/letsplanthouses/ Feel free to contact Wendy Ernzen via email: letsplanthouses.com. Thank you f

Could autism be more than a behavioral condition? This is what Dr. Eric Weiss is challenging with this work. Dr. Weiss spent decades as a surgeon and is the father to a son diagnosed with autism at age two. After years of trying every therapy he could find, a 2019 Duke University study on umbilical cord blood and stem cells changed everything for him. Today, his son lives independently, drives a car, and holds a job. Dr. Weiss left surgery behind to treat autistic children full time, and he shares what he believes families should know about brain inflammation, gut health and the emerging research shaping his work. His story is a powerful reminder that caregiving sparks ingenuity, and that parents are often the first to push medicine into new territory. If you are raising a child with autism, supporting a family who is, or simply want to understand the science shaping the future of care, this episode will give you a lot to think about. More about the show… Learn more about Dr. Weiss’ work and research: https://northfloridastemcells.com/ Find more information about LPH host, Wendy Ernzen https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendyernzen. Real stories. Real insights. Real life. Join the LPH newsletter: https://www.letsplanthouses.com/newsletter/ Follow LPH on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letsplanthouses/ Follow LPH on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/letsplanthouses/ Feel free to contact Wendy Ernzen via email: letsplanthouses.com. Thank you for leaving a review and rating for LPH today!

What happens when a mom of two autistic sons becomes the resource she never had? Linda Galarreta is raising three boys, two of whom are on the autism spectrum, and she has learned to navigate a system that rarely hands parents a map. From her son’s early speech regression and diagnosis at age two, to the meltdowns that came later, Linda has lived the daily reality of autism parenting. She talks honestly about the support that was missing when her son was first diagnosed, and how other parents became her greatest source of information, advocacy, and hope. Today, Linda is a Student Integration and Community Engagement Strategist at Inroads to Opportunities and serves as President of the Special Education Parent Advocacy Group of the Roselle Board of Education. Linda has become the very resource she once needed, and her story shows what is possible when lived experience is turned into leadership for other families finding their way.   More about the show… Learn more about Inroads to Opportunities: https://www.inroadsto.org/ Find more information about LPH host, Wendy Ernzen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendyernzen. Real stories. Real insights. Real life. Join the LPH newsletter: https://www.letsplanthouses.com/newsletter/ Follow LPH on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letsplanthouses/ Follow LPH on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/letsplanthouses/ Feel free to contact Wendy Ernzen via email: letsplanthouses.com. Thank you for leaving a review and rating for LPH today!

What if the path to connecting with your child runs through a song instead of a script? Nancy Burrows joins Let’s Plant Houses to share her family’s journey raising her son James, who received an autism diagnosis at two and a half. A former Nickelodeon writer and producer, Nancy discovered that music and early intervention were the keys that unlocked engagement, learning, and joy in their home. She talks openly about advocacy, wait lists, the well-meaning advice that did not sit right, and the slow shift from chasing “normal” to celebrating who James actually is. This conversation moves through grief, ingenuity, and the quiet victories that come from leading with a child’s strengths. Nancy also shares what life looks like now that James is a young adult living independently, and offers honest advice for parents and caregivers just starting this path. More about the show… Real stories. Real insights. Real life. Join the LPH newsletter: https://www.letsplanthouses.com/newsletter/ Follow LPH on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letsplanthouses/ Follow LPH on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/letsplanthouses/ Feel free to contact Wendy Ernzen via email: letsplanthouses.com. Thank you for leaving a review and rating for the show today!

What happens when a child finds a community that truly believes in them? In this episode of Let’s Plant Houses, Jennifer VanSkiver shares her family’s journey raising her daughter CJ, who has an intellectual disability. Jen talks about early therapy appointments, navigating school systems, building friendships, and learning to trust her instincts as a mom. She also shares how programs like Special Olympics opened doors to confidence, connection, work, and independence. From a packed gym cheering for CJ during her first basketball game to seeing her thrive in a career she loves, this episode is about trusting the journey, building support that truly works, and never underestimating what is possible. More about the show… Learn more about the Special Olympics: https://www.specialolympics.org/ Find more information about LPH host, Wendy Ernzen https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendyernzen. Real stories. Real insights. Real life. Join the LPH newsletter: https://www.letsplanthouses.com/newsletter/ Follow LPH on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letsplanthouses/ Follow LPH on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/letsplanthouses/ Feel free to contact Wendy Ernzen via email: letsplanthouses.com. Thank you for leaving a review and rating for LPH today!

What if your child understood far more than the world ever realized? Autism, non-speaking communication, spelling to communicate, apraxia, and caregiving are all part of this powerful conversation with Liz Fiordalisi. Liz shares the story of raising triplets, navigating a high-risk pregnancy, and watching her son Christopher slowly lose spoken language after meeting early developmental milestones. For years, their family searched for ways to better understand him while balancing therapies, school supports, and everyday life. Everything changed when Christopher began using Spelling to Communicate recently. Through letter boards, he started sharing thoughts, memories, humor, and insight that had been hidden beneath the challenges of autism and apraxia. Liz’s story is a powerful reminder to never give up, to always presume competence, and that every person deserves the chance to be understood. More about the show… Real stories. Real insights. Real life. Join the LPH newsletter: https://www.letsplanthouses.com/newsletter/ Follow LPH on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letsplanthouses/ Follow LPH on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/letsplanthouses/ Feel free to contact Wendy Ernzen via email: letsplanthouses.com. Thank you for leaving a review and rating for the show today!

What does it take to raise a child with multiple rare genetic conditions while fighting systems that constantly underestimate what your child needs? In this episode of Let’s Plant Houses, Bill Cushing shares his family’s journey raising his son Gabriel, who was born with rare genetic disorders, developmental disabilities, strokes before birth, and physical challenges that required years of therapy and support. This conversation explores disability parenting, caregiving, medical advocacy, accessibility, and life after aging out of the school system. Bill opens up about adapting their home, navigating insurance battles, planning for Gabriel’s future, and learning how to push back when systems say no. But this story is also about joy, resilience, and seeing the whole person beyond a diagnosis. Bill shares Gabriel’s love of music, art museums, the symphony, and volunteering in the community. It’s a powerful reminder that caregiving requires creativity, persistence, and a willingness to keep showing up, even when the path forward is uncertain. More about the show… Find Bill Cushing’s book of poems, A Former Life: https://finishinglinepress.com/product/a-former-life-by-bill-cushing/ Find more information about LPH host, Wendy Ernzen https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendyernzen. Real stories. Real insights. Real life. Join the LPH newsletter: https://www.letsplanthouses.com/newsletter/ Follow LPH on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letsplanthouses/ Follow LPH on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/letsplanthouses/ Feel free to contact Wendy Ernzen via email: letsplanthouses.com. Thank you for leaving a review and rating for the show today!