Claim OwnershipThe Polaris Connection Autism Parenting, Expert Insights & Proven Resources
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© 2026 The Polaris Connection Autism Parenting, Expert Insights & Proven Resources
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The Polaris Connection is the ultimate autism parenting podcast for families, caregivers, and professionals navigating the world of autism and special needs. Each episode shares real stories, expert insights, and practical strategies to support children with autism, strengthen family life, and connect with the broader autism community. From special education resources and behavioral tips to advocacy guidance and emotional support, The Polaris Connection provides actionable tools for parents, teachers, and therapists alike. Join us to discover inspiring journeys, learn about autism support networks, and explore ways to celebrate your child’s strengths while overcoming challenges. Whether you’re seeking advice on autism therapies, school programs, social skills development, or community connection, The Polaris Connection offers trusted guidance to help you thrive. Tune in each week for episodes that empower families, build understanding, and create meaningful connections in the world of autism and special needs parenting.
Join Brad Broyles and Nathan Palmer on The Polaris Connection where they help parents of autistic and neurodivergent children find power, perspective, and possibility. Through expert insights and real-life stories, we spark hope, share resources, and inspire families to navigate the journey with confidence. It’s not just a podcast, it’s a movement for connection, strength, and unapologetic advocacy.
Your voice matters. Do you have a topic, challenge, or question we can bring to the next episode? Reach out and follow us on social media at @PolarisAcademySocial
Email us at info@polarisacademy.org
To schedule a tour at Polaris Academy, go to PolarisAcademy.org
37 Episodes
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Send a text Are we really giving our kids the best shot at a full life? Here's what Carrie Cariello has learned from the stories and struggles of parents navigating autism. Drop a 💙 if you're doing your best and needed to hear this today. As a parent of a child with autism, we’ve seen how small moments of connection, like petting a dog or sharing a cookie are real victories. Our guest, Carrie shares how understanding meltdowns, building safety, and loving on purpose can transform our appro...
Send a text This episode features Dr. Gabrielle Ficchi and Michele Thorne discussing Care for the Caregivers, an Arizona-based nonprofit, with hosts Brad Broyles and Nathan Palmer. They cover the organization’s founding story, mission to support caregivers of children with disabilities, and efforts to combat caregiver isolation through therapy, parent training, and community events. The conversation emphasizes disability pride, the social model of disability, and the principle of presum...
Send a text Listen as our guest, Eileen Devine discusses Brain First Parenting, focusing on supporting neurodivergent children by understanding their unique brain functions and nervous systems rather than just their behaviors. Key themes include: Brain-First Approach: Emphasizes the importance of recognizing neurodiversity as a difference, not a defect, and the need for tailored accommodations.Behavior as a Symptom: Behaviors are seen as signals of underlying skills gaps and environment...
Send a text At Starlight Behavior Academy, every decision is intentional. Every routine has purpose. Every moment matters. In this episode of Polaris Connection, Director Haley Palmer shares the powerful impact of early identification and early intervention for autistic children. From predictable morning routines to thoughtfully structured learning environments, Starlight Academy focuses on helping young learners feel safe, confident, and ready to engage each day. Because when children under...
Send a text Unlock the transformative power of educational freedom for children with autism and neurodiversity. In this episode, George Khalaf, an expert in public policy and founder of innovative school models, reveals how parents can champion their kids’ unique needs and unlock opportunities previously out of reach. Discover why the conventional system often falls short and how advocacy, storytelling, and strategic programs like ESA can create real change. This episode matters because long-...
Send a text In this episode of The Polaris Connection, Brad and Nathan sit down with Ann Monahan, Board President of the Arizona Autism Coalition and longtime healthcare and policy advocate, to talk about how autism and IDD services are changing and what families can do right now to stay informed and prepared. Ann shares how the Arizona Autism Coalition brings together families, providers, educators, insurers, and legislators to collaborate, share resources, and solve problems together — with...
Send a text Discover innovative home and school environment strategies to support children on the autism spectrum. Host Brad and Nathan explore practical design tips, sensory regulation tools, and neurological insights that can transform daily living spaces into calming, engaging environments for autistic children. Key Points: Tailor environment modifications to individual needs, avoiding one-size-fits-all solutions.Use adaptive lighting, like Kelvin-range bulbs, to influence focus and regula...
Send a text In this episode of "The Polaris Connection," the hosts Brad Broyles and Nathan Palmer engage with Nicole Kuck, a certified legal document planner, to discuss the intricacies of planning for children with special needs as they transition into adulthood. The conversation highlights the importance of proactive planning for legal guardianship, financial support, and decision-making authority once a child turns 18. Nicole emphasizes the need for parents to understand the available gove...
Send a text In this episode of The Polaris Connection, we sit down with Kevin Humphrey, the executive director of Sunshine Acres, to explore the unique approach of this children's home in supporting autistic children. Kevin shares personal stories and insights into the challenges and triumphs of raising a child on the autism spectrum, as well as the broader mission of Sunshine Acres to provide a nurturing environment for neurodivergent children. The conversation highlights the importance of c...
Send a text In this episode of The Polaris Connection, we sit down with Beth Garcia, STEM Teacher at Polaris Academy, to explore how STEM education helps autistic children discover their strengths, build confidence, and thrive through hands-on learning. Many parents of autistic children search for ways to support learning beyond traditional classrooms. This conversation dives into why STEM—science, technology, engineering, and math—naturally aligns with autistic ways of thinking, offering str...
Send a text In this episode of The Polaris Connection, hosts Brad Broyles and Nathan Palmer sit down with Dallas and Mackenzie Klenke, founders of Kenzie’s Kids Mobile Gym, to explore the powerful connection between movement, behavior regulation, and confidence for autistic and neurodivergent children. Dallas and Mackenzie share how Kenzie’s Kids began as a passion project rooted in special education, fitness, and a deep desire to serve underserved communities. What started as simple movement...
Send a text As a new year begins, many families feel pressure to set big goals—but for families of autistic and neurodivergent children, progress often looks different. In this episode of The Polaris Connection, we explore how to approach goal setting for neurodivergent kids in 2026 with clarity, compassion, and confidence. This conversation focuses on how parents, caregivers, and educators can talk with autistic children about goals in ways that are developmentally appropriate, empowering, a...
Send a text In this special Christmas episode, we reflect on the first Christmas through faith, family, and hope, as the Nativity story comes to life in a truly meaningful way. A special group of children joins us to share the story of the birth of Jesus in their own heartfelt voices, reminding us of the innocence, wonder, and truth at the center of Christmas. Brad Broyles and Nathan Palmer then offer a powerful parent-focused faith reflection, walking listeners through what Joseph and Mary e...
Send a text Navigating Arizona’s Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) can feel overwhelming for parents of autistic children—but you don’t have to do it alone. In this episode of The Polaris Connection, we sit down with Rebecca Waters from Watch Me Grow Pediatric Therapy , a trusted expert who works closely with families to help them understand, access, and maximize Arizona DDD services for autism. Rebecca shares insider knowledge and practical, step-by-step guidance on how parents ca...
Send a text In this insightful and heart-centered episode, we sit down with Kelly Willis to explore what the holiday season looks like for autistic children and families who don’t always experience a “traditional” celebration. Kelly opens up about her own journey navigating holiday expectations, sensory challenges, and the pressure to participate in events that may feel overwhelming for children on the spectrum. With warmth and honesty, Kelly shares real-life examples, including how her famil...
Send a text Discover how animals unlock unexpected breakthroughs for autistic children in this inspiring episode of The Polaris Connection. Founder Tosha Tharp-Gaitanis shares the remarkable journey behind Pawsitive Friendship, an innovative program using therapy animals to support communication, sensory regulation, emotional connection, and confidence building for neurodivergent kids. Learn how playful, structured interactions with certified dogs and other therapy animals help children devel...
Send a text On this special Thanksgiving episode, join Brad Broyles, Nathan Palmer and Mr.K in a special addition about gratitude, in addition listen to a select number of parents share their gratitude this Thanksgiving season. This special Thanksgiving edition of Gratitude Through the Spectrum, Mr. K brings together parents from Polaris Academy and Starlight Behavior Academy for an open, heartfelt conversation about gratitude, autism, and family life during the holiday season. This epi...
Send a text In this episode of The Polaris Connection, we sit down with Amber Arrington, founder of Autism Savvy, to talk about practical, real-world strategies for supporting autistic children at home, in school, and in the community. Amber shares expert insights on behavior tools, communication skills, sensory needs, and how families can confidently navigate their autism journey. If you’re looking for autism support, positive behavior strategies, parenting tips, or guidance on building a st...
Send a text In this episode of The Polaris Connection, in collaboration with RPsych Radio, host Garrett Smith interviews Nathan Palmer, the passionate leader behind Polaris Academy. Nathan shares how Polaris was created as a place where neurodivergent and autistic children can truly connect, learn, and thrive. Together, they explore what it takes to build a school physically designed for focused learning and academically structured to promote creativity, flexibility, and real-world growth. Th...
Send a text Join Rachel Crupi, BCBA and Director of Behavior Services at Polaris Academy and Starlight Behavior Academy, as she shares essential strategies and insights for families navigating autism. In this episode of Parenting Autism With Purpose, Rachel breaks down the ABCs—Antecedent, Behavior, Consequence—and explains how understanding these core principles can transform daily routines, support skill-building, and strengthen family connections. Drawing from over a decade of experience i...
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