Inchstones with Sarah Kernion | Profound Autism Mom & Neurodiversity Advocacy

Families raising children with profound autism often face overwhelming challenges in navigating healthcare, education, and daily life. On the Inchstones podcast, Sarah Kernion and Brandy Burch Thompson, CEO & Founder of benefitbay® unpack these realities with honesty and clarity, highlighting why individualized care plans matter and how employers can better support neurodiverse families. Their conversation underscores the power of advocacy, the necessity of informed choice in healthcare, and the resilience it takes for parents of autistic children to be heard. This dialogue shines a light on both the systemic barriers and the inchstones of progress that define the autism journey, offering guidance and hope to families walking a similar path.  In exploring the importance of individualized care plans, the role of employers in providing healthcare options, and the need for families to advocate for their specific needs, Brandy helps Sarah and other parents in similar situation understand the terrain of the healthcare system. The conversation emphasizes the significance of choice in healthcare and the empowerment of families to make informed decisions about their care.   Chapters (00:00:00) - What Real Support Looks Like For Parents of Autistic Children(00:01:01) - Special Needs Healthcare Coverage and Access(00:10:58) - On Autism and Special Needs Coverage(00:15:44) - Choosing the right healthcare plan for your family(00:20:58) - Employers: Taking the Employer Out of Healthcare(00:23:27) - Choosing a healthcare plan for a medically complex family

Kyle Shepard, writer of The Resilient Mental State Substack, joins the Inchstones podcast for a powerful conversation about resilience, caregiving, and communication in the world of autism and neurodiversity. Together, we explore how parenting children with profound autism reshaped my understanding of growth, emotional regulation, and adaptability. Kyle shares deeply personal insights from his own life, highlighting the challenges and breakthroughs of work and parenting, while emphasizing the importance of celebrating inchstones —those small but meaningful steps forward that foster resiliency in all of us, regardless of our journey. This dialogue underscores the strength found in community, the role of curiosity in navigating uncertainty, and the everyday resilience that defines families living with autism. Chapters (00:00:00) - Interview With Kyle Shepherd(00:00:30) - Cognitive Resilience in the Military(00:06:21) - On Autism and the Spectrum(00:12:17) - On the Concept of Typical Parents(00:16:06) - Anger and Control of My Feelings(00:23:16) - How to Manage Your Emotions(00:28:56) - The Importance of Self-Care for Parents(00:36:54) - Your Wife's Mother Intuition(00:42:16) - How Were You Raised?(00:49:05) - The Importance of Interactivity(00:53:00) - How do you become a more flexible person?(00:54:33) - The Power of Consistent Care(00:59:20) - One Autism Child's Speech Breakthrough(01:04:52) - Coming soon: The Byproduct of Writing

On the Inchstones Podcast, host Sarah Kernion sits down with Kate Lynch to unpack the realities of neurodiversity and the often-overlooked struggles of parents raising profoundly autistic children. Their conversation sheds light on the systemic gaps in caregiving, the urgent need for inclusive education, and the power of community in navigating the challenges of autism. Through honest reflection and lived experience, they highlight how every child’s journey --- measured in inchstones, not milestones --- deserves recognition and respect. Together, Sarah and Kate call for a cultural shift toward acceptance, advocacy, and the celebration of differences, offering hope for a future where neurodivergent voices and families are truly supported. You can find and follow Kate's work on her Substack: Atypical Kids, Mindful Parents. Chapters (00:00:00) - Inch Zones: The Neurodiversity Community(00:06:12) - What Would Be the Level of Support for a profoundly autistic Child?(00:13:33) - One parent's story of autism and advocacy(00:18:13) - "They Won't Pay Taxes"(00:19:56) - Steve Ford on His Autism Comments(00:24:31) - Sarah on Being a Parent With a Different Child(00:29:17) - On Autism and the Teacher(00:34:15) - Autism and the support it needs(00:35:03) - Autism and the Struggle

Navy SEAL veteran Sam Alaimo joins Inchstones host Sarah Kernion for a conversation that bridges two worlds: combat and caregiving. Together, they explore how the endurance, intuition, and community forged in military life parallel the realities of raising children with profound autism. Their dialogue dives into the power of choice in the face of adversity, the way grief reshapes identity, and the resilience required in motherhood. With honesty and depth, Sam shares how lessons from the battlefield illuminate the daily challenges of profound nonspeaking autism and neurodiversity, offering a perspective that redefines what strength and meaning look like when measured in inchstones. Chapters (00:00:01) - Sam Alaimo on What Then?(00:02:10) - How Do You Get Back From the SEAL(00:04:26) - In the Elevator With a Marine(00:07:32) - In the Elevator With Motherhood(00:11:51) - The Need for a Team(00:16:55) - On the Importance of Freedom(00:21:49) - The Science of Knowing Your Child(00:23:48) - In the Elevator With Autism on(00:26:28) - How I Learned To Love My SEAL Experience(00:30:36) - What is something now that you can, you know, even the(00:32:52) - In the Land of Loss(00:35:43) - The Caregiver Mother

Autism Mom Sarah Kernion sits down with mother-son duo Valerie Buccino and her son Philip for a conversation within the broader neurodiversity spectrum (while also addressing autism, apraxia, and the journey of profound autism.)  Together, they explore the power of self-advocacy for individuals with learning differences, the importance of building true collaboration with educators, and the everyday strategies that have helped Philip thrive. Valerie, both an attorney and a mother, shares her perspective on why respect and understanding are essential in educational settings. Their story underscores the role of self-perception, the cultural barriers around asking for help, and the resilience required to pursue goals despite challenges—reminding us that every child’s progress deserves to be celebrated, one inchstone at a time. Chapters (00:00:00) - A Mother and Her Special Needs Advocate(00:01:12) - Phil's Self-Advocacy at School(00:09:53) - One mother's experience with working memory impairment(00:16:28) - Taking notes in the workplace(00:21:57) - Why We Have Such Anxiety About Asking for Help(00:28:16) - Philip's battle to become an engineer(00:34:50) - A Mother's Advice For Her Child

What if your child’s first dental visit was about more than teeth? In this episode of Inchstones, Sarah Kernion sits down with Special Needs Dentist, Dr. Sydnee Chavis, for a raw and real conversation about raising children with profound autism and apraxia. Together, they explore how personal experience with neurodiversity has shaped their work—one through dentistry, the other through financial strategy—and how every inchstone, from brushing teeth to building a care team, is a major milestone. They unpack what it means to advocate for children who are non-speaking, the emotional labor of showing up daily for kids with complex needs, and why accessible care—especially dental care—is often out of reach for families like ours. This episode also dives into the power of choice for disabled patients, the overlooked value of trauma-informed dentistry, and how to approach long-term financial planning without getting overwhelmed. Whether you're deep in the world of profound autism or just beginning to understand what apraxia looks like day-to-day, this conversation holds space for the mess, the magic, and the meaning behind the inchstones that define our families. Chapters (00:00:00) - Dental Care for Special Needs People(00:07:19) - How to keep a healthy mouth after a dental surgery?(00:10:35) - What would be the best directive as a parent to share with an(00:17:47) - Autistic Dentist: Counting in the Mouth(00:22:32) - Dental Care for Special Needs Families

When parenting meets profound autism, support needs to evolve—fast. On this episode of Inchstones, Sarah Kernion sits down with Jordan Arogeti, founder of Support Now, for a raw and honest conversation about what modern families actually need. From the realities of raising neurodivergent children—including those with apraxia or profound autism—to the deep loneliness many parents face, this discussion breaks through surface-level solutions and gets into the truth of caregiving in today’s world. They talk about how asking for help isn’t weakness—it’s survival. And how platforms like Support Now are reshaping how we view community support, especially in the autism and neurodiversity spaces. Whether you're raising a child with complex needs or trying to show up for someone who is, this episode offers a new framework for what real, meaningful support can look like—inch by inch. Chapters (00:00:00) - Coming Soon: Jordan Arighetti on Inch Stones(00:00:54) - How SupportNow Is Changing the Way Families Get Support(00:03:35) - Moms Are More Burnout Than Ever(00:09:45) - How to Support Yourself After Having a Child(00:14:23) - What Moms Need Most Postpartum(00:17:26) - A Special Needs Child's Joy List(00:23:01) - Millie Chipped Her Tooth at Camp(00:24:18) - On The Creation of a Support Now(00:27:09) - "Lend a Hand" to the World(00:28:32) - Lend a Hand: A Community of Support(00:30:29) - The End of Community Support

When your child is autistic—especially when they have profound autism or neurodiversity, routine medical visits can feel anything but routine. On this episode of Inchstones, Dr. Chelsea Willie, a pediatric anesthesiologist and mom to a neurodivergent child, joins Sarah to break down how hospitals and clinics can better serve kids with autism. From sensory overwhelm to communication challenges, Dr. Willie shares what truly helps when it comes to medical care for neurodivergent kids—and how parents can advocate for what their child needs without burning out. Together, they talk about the small wins (INCHSTONES) that make a huge difference, the importance of trust between families and providers, and why it’s time to shift how medicine shows up for the autism community. Whether you're parenting a child with profound autism, navigating apraxia, or just starting your neurodiversity journey, this episode is packed with wisdom, validation, and practical strategies you can use today. Dr. Chelsea Willie is a Pediatric Anesthesiologist and Pediatric Intensivist at the Medical College of Wisconsin. Chapters (00:00:00) - Pediatric Anesthesiologist on Neurodivergent Procedures(00:05:44) - Dental Surgeon on Neurodivergent Surgery(00:11:09) - Pediatrics: The Care of Neurodivergers(00:13:44) - Autistic Dr. Phil on Safety and Care

A reminder that even in our hardest seasons, we still have the power to choose how we show up, Sarah Kernion sits down with Traci Kovacic for a conversation about what happens when life throws you into the unimaginable—and how you keep going anyway. Traci opens up about the back-to-back tragedies that changed everything for her: losing her husband and nearly losing her daughter. She talks honestly about the messy, painful, and ultimately transformative process of grief, and how those experiences pushed her toward becoming not just a financial advisor, but an advocate for families navigating life after loss. Together, Sarah and Traci explore the intersection of motherhood, mental health, and the way we rebuild ourselves when the life we imagined disappears. This isn’t just a story of loss—it’s a story about finding love, purpose, and strength in the wreckage. And it’s a reminder that even in our hardest seasons, we still have the power to choose how we show up.

In this inspiring conversation, Sarah Kernion is joined by Julie Kratz—an acclaimed inclusive leadership trainer, TEDx speaker, and author of The Allyship Advantage: A Guide to Championing Inclusion in the Workplace. Together, they unpack what true allyship looks like, especially in the context of autism, neurodiversity, and workplace inclusion. Julie brings both professional expertise and personal insight to the table as she and Sarah discuss the myth of meritocracy, the real challenges marginalized communities face in traditional work environments, and how generational shifts are reshaping our understanding of diversity. She shares practical steps leaders can take right now to foster more inclusive cultures—beyond just policies or performative gestures. This episode is for anyone who wants to do better, be better, and make space for everyone—whether at work, at home, or in the world at large. It’s a powerful reminder that inclusion begins with curiosity, empathy, and the courage to lead differently. Her new book We Want You: An Allyship Guide for People with Power is out this Friday, Aug 8th: Order Here! Julie's work can all be found online on her website Next Pivot Point

Sarah Kernion is thrilled to welcome Jill Escher, President of the National Council on Severe Autism, to the Inchstones Podcast.  Sarah & Jill open up about the rarely spoken realities of raising children with profound autism. They reflect on their parallel journeys—their grief, grit, and the relentless love that comes with raising children who may never speak or live independently. Together, they explore the complex reality of autism that often goes unspoken: the emotional toll of caregiving, the urgency for better research, and the importance of holding space for both science and lived experience. Jill shares her powerful advocacy work and calls for a more curious, compassionate, and courageous conversation in the autism community—one that welcomes uncomfortable truths and asks better questions. This episode is for anyone ready to look at autism with clear eyes and an open heart. Jill's work can be found on her website : https://www.jillescher.com/

In this moving conversation, Donna Ross-Jones joins Inchstones host Sarah Kernion to talk about the deep, often unspoken realities of parenting children with disabilities—especially autism. Together, they open up about the long arc of grief that can come with a diagnosis, the resilience required to keep going, and the unexpected ways siblings are shaped by these experiences. They talk candidly about letting go of the life you imagined, and learning to embrace the one unfolding in front of you—with love, humor, and hard-won wisdom. This episode is a heartfelt reminder that acceptance isn’t a moment—it’s a process. It’s about holding both the sorrow and the beauty, and choosing connection through it all. If you’ve ever felt the weight of unmet expectations or the ache of wanting to do it all, this conversation will meet you right where you are. Donna's work and writing can be found on her Substack  

This week’s conversation takes us deep into the heart of caregiving and the layered beauty of loving someone with autism. Dr. Kerry Burnight—gerontologist and author of JOYSPAN: The Art and Science of Thriving in Life's Second Half(coming out August 5!)—joins Inchstones host Sarah Kernion for an open, honest, and uplifting dialogue about what it really means to care. Together, they unpack the raw and often complicated emotions that come with being a caregiver—especially when you're navigating both autism and aging. They explore how to support someone while honoring their independence and dignity, reflect on the power of spiritual freedom, and share the kind of hard-earned wisdom that only comes from lived experience. There’s vulnerability, laughter, and a whole lot of truth. This episode is a beautiful reminder that caregiving isn’t just a role—it’s a relationship. It’s challenging, transformative, and full of meaning. Whether you’re knee-deep in it or just stepping in, this conversation offers insight, companionship, and maybe even a little (a LOT) of joy.

Grab your drink - coffee or something that packs a bigger punch! In this heartfelt episode, Sarah Kernion sits down with fellow autism Mom and friend, KC Artemenko to talk honestly about what it's really like to raise children with autism. Together, they open up about the deep emotional shifts that happen inside families, how hard (and beautiful) sibling relationships can be, and the power of following your gut as a parent. They don’t shy away from the hard stuff—like how isolating it can feel or how much pressure parents carry—but they also show how connection, vulnerability, and community support can be life-changing. It’s a raw, real, and ultimately hopeful conversation that every parent navigating neurodiversity will feel seen by.  

In this heart-to-heart episode of Inchstones, Sarah Kernion sits down with writer and fellow mom Jenna Jonaitis to talk about something we all need more of—but rarely give ourselves permission to embrace: realistic self-care. Together, they unpack the messy beauty of motherhood, laugh at the myth of bubble baths fixing everything, and explore how tiny moments of joy can ripple out to create calmer homes and happier hearts. Jenna shares the soul behind her Substack, Mama Well, and gets candid about overstimulation, the magic of mindfulness, and why modeling self-care for our kids might just be one of the most powerful parenting moves we can make. This conversation is equal parts cozy, candid, and quietly revolutionary for every mom who’s ever put herself dead last—and is ready to change that, one inchstone at a time. You can find Jenna's Substack and all of her work here: https://themamawell.substack.com/