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Are you wondering if your child may be on the autism spectrum or what an autism assessment actually involves? In this episode of The Polaris Connection, we break down the entire autism evaluation process — from the first signs and screenings to formal diagnosis and next steps. You’ll learn what professionals look for, how assessments are conducted, and what parents can do to prepare.

Join us as we talk with specialists who explain testing tools, timelines, and common myths about autism diagnosis. Whether you’re beginning the journey or supporting someone through it, this episode offers clarity, guidance, and hope for families navigating autism assessments.

Meet Dr. Maylin Griffiths, Ph.D., a licensed clinical psychologist and founder of the Arizona Pediatric Assessment Center (AZPAC). With a dedicated focus on children and families, Dr. Griffiths specializes in comprehensive psychological and developmental evaluations, including assessments for autism, intellectual disabilities, learning differences, ADHD, mood disorders, and more.

Drawing from years of hands-on experience across clinical, educational, and academic settings, she also supports Independent Educational Evaluations (IEEs), coordinates treatment among multiple professionals, and has served in academic leadership, including chairing assessment committees.

Dr. Griffiths is deeply committed to a strength-based, child-centered approach, guided by the belief that “there is no such thing as a bad kid.”

Her work at AZPAC aims to bring clarity, hope, and actionable guidance to families navigating the complexities of developmental and mental health assessments.

info@azassessment.com

https://azassessment.com/autism-evaluations

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Do you know how ESA works in Arizona? In this episode, the discussion centers around the importance of educational freedom and the resources available to families, particularly those with children on the autism spectrum. The guests, Lucy Willing and Lindsey White, share insights into how Love Your School helps families navigate educational options, emphasizing the value of personalized education plans. They highlight the benefits of Arizona's open enrollment policies and the Education Savings Account (ESA) program, which provides families with the flexibility to choose the best educational path for their children.

Parents of autistic children can learn about the application process for ESA, the importance of having a qualified diagnosis, and the various resources available to support their child's unique needs. The episode underscores the mission of Love Your School to empower families with the knowledge and tools to make informed decisions about their children's education.

lindsey@loveyourschool.org

lucy@loveyourschool.org

Find Love Your School resources at https://loveyourschool.org/arizona/

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This episode of "The Polaris Connection" podcast offers a heartfelt and insightful discussion aimed at supporting and guiding parents of autistic children. The hosts, Brad Broyles and Nathan Palmer, delve into the complexities of autism, emphasizing the importance of understanding and embracing the unique ways autistic children process information. They highlight the beauty in these differences, likening autism to a "beautiful kind of different" and a "superpower." The conversation encourages parents to stay present, enjoy the moment, and find joy in the unique qualities of their children. The podcast serves as a resourceful guide, offering reassurance and practical advice to help parents navigate the challenges and celebrate the joys of raising a child on the autism spectrum.

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Let's take the conversation deeper with Sarah Miller, an Occupational Therapist. Throughout the episode, you’ll hear practical insights into the techniques OTs use and ideas you can use at home with your children. You’ll also hear inspiring stories of resilience and growth that highlight just how life-changing occupational therapy can be.

Whether you’re a parent navigating therapies for your child, a healthcare professional curious about the OT perspective, or simply someone who wants to understand how humans can thrive through life’s challenges, this episode offers both education and encouragement. By the end, you’ll gain a new appreciation for the creativity, problem-solving, and compassion that define occupational therapy—and why OTs are often the unsung heroes of health and human development.

Questions please email us at info@polarisacademy.org .. we want to hear from you!

Reach out to Sarah Miller at: sarah.miller@polarisacademy.org

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Follow us on Instagram at PolarisAcademySocial and reach us at Info@PolarisAcademy.com

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What exactly does an Occupational Therapist do, and why is their role so important in healthcare, education, and everyday life? In this episode, we dive deep into the world of occupational therapy with a seasoned OT who brings both passion and experience to the conversation.

We explore how occupational therapy goes far beyond the name. It’s not just about jobs or work—it’s about living. OTs help children develop motor skills, regulate their emotions, and succeed in school and play. They support individuals recovering from injury or surgery by rebuilding strength, mobility, and confidence. They guide people with disabilities in adapting their environment, routines, and tools so that daily life feels possible, not overwhelming. And for older adults, OTs often provide the key to staying independent, safe, and engaged in the activities that bring joy and purpose.

Throughout the episode, you’ll hear practical insights into the techniques OTs use—like sensory integration, adaptive equipment, and personalized intervention plans. You’ll also hear inspiring stories of resilience and growth that highlight just how life-changing occupational therapy can be.

Whether you’re a parent navigating therapies for your child, a healthcare professional curious about the OT perspective, or simply someone who wants to understand how humans can thrive through life’s challenges, this episode offers both education and encouragement. By the end, you’ll gain a new appreciation for the creativity, problem-solving, and compassion that define occupational therapy—and why OTs are often the unsung heroes of health and human development.

Questions please email us at info@polarisacademy.org .. we want to hear from you!

Reach out to Sarah Miller at: sarah.miller@polarisacademy.org

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In Part 2, Brad sits back down with Nathan, CEO of Polaris Academy, to unpack how Polaris went from a blank slate to a living model for a blended environment where therapy and academics work together. They talk about hiring for heart and skill, bringing on people who believed in the vision before it was popular, and why no other school was doing what Polaris set out to do. Nathan shares how the team built new frameworks for autistic learners when the old playbooks came up short, and how the right people made the difference between a concept and a school that changes lives.

What you’ll hear:

• The early startup phase and what it took to get Polaris off the ground
• Finding the right people who had faith in a blended approach
• How therapy and academics were integrated from day one
• Operating with a blank slate and creating systems that did not exist yet
• Why Polaris is pushing education for autism into a new framework

Perfect for parents, educators, and clinicians who want a behind-the-scenes look at building a school that serves autistic learners in the way they deserve.

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Starting a school isn’t easy. Starting a school for autistic and neurodivergent children takes vision, grit, and a whole lot of faith. In this episode, we sit down with Nathan Palmer, CEO of Polaris Academy, to dive into the behind-the-scenes story of launching a one-of-a-kind educational haven designed for children who learn and experience the world differently.

Nathan opens up about the challenges he faced—navigating regulations, earning community trust, and building a program that truly meets the needs of students who are often overlooked in traditional classrooms. But woven into those struggles are powerful moments of hope: the “small miracles” of students taking their first steps toward independence, families finding belonging, and teachers discovering new joy in their work.

This candid conversation is about more than education—it’s about perseverance, innovation, and the belief that every child deserves a place where they can thrive. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to build something meaningful from the ground up, Nathan’s story will inspire you to see obstacles not as roadblocks, but as stepping stones to transformation.

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In this episode, we sit down with Heidi Lee, an inspiring educator and advocate with over 28 years of experience in special education. Heidi shares her journey from a small town in Pennsylvania to leading roles in education, including her current position at Polaris Academy. As a mother of two autistic children, Heidi offers invaluable insights into navigating the education system both as a parent and a professional. Join us as we explore her passion for inclusive education, the challenges and triumphs of raising children on the autism spectrum, and her vision for the future of special education. Don't miss this heartfelt and informative conversation!

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