Not An Island Podcast

Send us a textEver wondered how a child's unique interests could shape their personal and educational growth? Join us as we share the heartwarming and often hilarious journey of our son Ezra and his various obsessions, from eggs and pressure cookers to "The Very Hungry Caterpillar." Through relatable stories and memorable moments, we'll take you inside Ezra's world, where his fixat

Send us a textJoin us on this episode of the Not an Island podcast where we unpack the intricate world of stimming behaviors, shedding light on why these actions are essential for individuals with autism. In this episode, we share the vital role stimming plays in self-regulation and emotional well-being, and why it’s crucial to approach these behaviors with understanding and acce

Send us a textHave you ever wondered what it takes to champion the needs of children with special needs in your community? Join us on the latest episode of Not an Island podcast as Amanda and Todd share their rollercoaster journey of advocacy, from Todd's spirited campaign for the local school board to the inspiring stories of parents making a difference. Despite not winning the se

Send us a textConnect with Jeff and Jessica on Instagram @theautismsuperheroEmpower the mission of inclusion and advocacy by supporting them and buying their merchandise at:https://theautismsuperhero.com/When Jeff and Jessica first learned their son was nonverbal and autistic, they never imagined they’d become superheroes in their own right. Yet, here they are: the duo behind the

Send us a textWhen life presented us with the gift of our son Ezra and his autism diagnosis, the complex tapestry of our family deepened with vibrant new colors. It's a story not unlike a spiritual awakening, one that found us celebrating the arrival of his younger brother Justice, whose name came to us in a moment of profound clarity. Our journey is laden with laughter, tears, and

Send us a textWhen life's passions and our faith intertwine, the journey can lead us to extraordinary places. Christina Flores' story is a testament to this very idea. Our latest episode welcomes our good friend and Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst, Christina, as she shares the powerful moments that directed her towards supporting children on the autism spectrum. Christin

Send us a textWhen we first realized that our beloved Ezra was navigating the world uniquely as an autistic child, our hearts were flooded with a mix of concern, confusion, and a fierce desire to connect. Embrace this raw and genuine account of our family's journey, as we recount the trials, triumphs, and treasures discovered while raising Ezra. From battling misconceptions to cele

Send us a textWhen the diagnosis of autism enters a family's life, it often brings with it a tempest of emotions. We've been there too—wading through the denial, wrestling with the fear, and ultimately, seeking solace in acceptance. Today's episode takes you through the heart of that storm, sharing our personal journey and the universal path many families tread upon learning thei

Send us a textIn today's episode we take an intimate turn as we share the practicalities and heartwarming stories of integrating worship into your child's life. We offer an encouraging look at the hurdles we've personally overcome, such as our son's sensitivity to overstimulation at church, and celebrate the milestones reached, all while embedding lessons of sacrificial love into o

Send us a text Join your hosts, Todd and Amanda Johnson, as they peel back the layers of their elopement experience. In today's episode, they don't just share their personal story, but also offer insights into the reasons why autistic children elope, and discuss proactive steps you can take to manage your fear of elopement. It's not about blame, but about understanding, as they dis