On this week’s episode, Montoya Rogers is back to share her personal parenting journey raising her autistic son. We talk about her journey to acceptance and the path she followed to help her son. We also discuss her non-profit, Puzzle Mom. Based in Columbus, Ohio, Puzzle Mom is devoted to empowering mothers of minority children diagnosed with autism.

Montoya L. Rogers is a Community Marketing Representative for CareSource of Ohio. Montoya is a licensed Health & Life insurance agent. She has successfully sustained a 10+ year career in the health insurance industry. As an avid leader, Montoya has a passion for serving the community and helping others. She is a trailblazer and a dynamic advocate for the nonprofit industry.

Montoya was born in Columbus, Ohio. She graduated from Reynoldsburg high school. She obtained her Community Health Worker certification from The Ohio State University. Montoya is the proud mother of two children Amya and Tre. Tre was diagnosed with Autism at the age of six. While navigating the diagnosis and advocating accommodations for her son, Montoya founded the non-profit organization Puzzle Mom. The mission of Puzzle Mom is to empower minority mothers of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, to become effective advocates for their children through education, support, and community resources. Montoya is committed to create autism awareness within under-served communities throughout Ohio.

Rob Gorski is a single Dad to three amazing autistic boys and Found and CEO of The Autism Dad, LLC. Multiple award-winning blogger, podcaster, content creator, social media influencer, and respected public figure for well over a decade.

Connect with Rob Gorski: https://theautismdad.com

Aceing Autism

ACEing Autism provides tennis programs for children on the autism spectrum aged 5 to 18, focusing on growth, social skills, and physical fitness. Tailored to individual needs with one-on-one volunteer support, the program includes weekend sessions and offers scholarships for accessibility. It aims to build confidence and social connections, with extended support available beyond age 18. More information can be found at aceingautism.org.

Learn More About Mightier:

Mightier is a biofeedback-based video game platform that teaches kids to self-regulate emotionally. This leads to a significant reduction in meltdowns and parental stress. It's backed by science and has helped over 100,000 kids learn to regulate their emotions. For more information, the latest reviews/updates as well as current discount codes, visit theautismdad.com/mightier.

Read My Mightier Review and the code “theautismdad22” to save 10% off your order.

In this weeks episode, Becca Mitchner is here to talk about Camp Nuhop. Camp Nuhop is located in Perrysville, Ohio. They provide an amazing summer camp experience for neurodivergent youth. While most kids are from Ohio, some travel from across the country to spend time here. This episode will discuss what the camp has to offer. Whether or not it’s a good fit for your family, and how to get it funded.

Becca Mitchner is the Co-Director of Summer & Respite Programs at Camp Nuhop. She graduated from Murray State University in 2013 with a Bachelor of Science in Outdoor Recreation and Nonprofit Leadership Studies. She continued at Murray State to obtain a Masters's Degree in Human Development & Leadership with emphases in Environmental Education and Autism Studies in 2015. Becca found a passion for working with children at a young age and enjoys helping campers create a positive and empowering experience at Camp Nuhop.

Social Media

Facebook.com/CampNuhop

Insta- @Nuhop

https://nuhop.org/

About Rob Gorski and The Autism Dad Ohio podcast:

Rob Gorski is a single Dad to three amazing autistic boys and Found and CEO of The Autism Dad, LLC. Multiple award-winning blogger, podcaster, content creator, social media influencer, and respected public figure for well over a decade.

Connect with Rob Gorski: https://theautismdad.com

Aceing Autism

ACEing Autism provides tennis programs for children on the autism spectrum aged 5 to 18, focusing on growth, social skills, and physical fitness. Tailored to individual needs with one-on-one volunteer support, the program includes weekend sessions and offers scholarships for accessibility. It aims to build confidence and social connections, with extended support available beyond age 18. More information can be found at aceingautism.org.

Meerkat Village

Being a special needs parent often requires a superhuman ability to manage a ton of different things all at once. Between work, school, doctor appointments, therapies, our own self-care, and everything else life can throw at us, it can be tough to manage all these things. Don’t even get me started on trying to keep everyone communicating with each other. That’s where Meerkat Village can help.

They say it takes a village and this is especially true for special needs families. Meerkat Village is a platform for android and iOS that helps to keep everyone in your village communicating and coordinating their efforts to support your child. Whether you’re tracking your child’s progress at school or brainstorming new strategies to help with behavioral concerns, Meerkat Village keeps everyone connected, and on the same page. It's all done inside one, easy-to-use, HIPAA and FERPA-compliant app.

For more information, visit 

Join me as I chat with Gary Tonks, the President and CEO at The Arc of Ohio - the state's premier organization for disability advocacy. Discover the essence of The Arc, and learn how families in Ohio can tap into their invaluable services at no cost. Dive into the myriad ways The Arc stands as a beacon of support in this episode.

About Gary Tonks:

Gary Tonks is the president/CEO of The Arc of Ohio in Columbus, the state’s oldest and largest grassroots organization representing individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities and their families. 

About the Arc of Ohio:

The Arc of Ohio is the voice of people with developmental disabilities, their families, friends of people with disabilities, and those who work with them. The Arc of Ohio is a grassroots organization which advocates for human rights, personal dignity and community participation of individuals with developmental disabilities through legislative and social action, information and education, local chapter supports, and family involvement.

The Arc of Ohio

Facebook

About Rob Gorski and The Autism Dad podcast:

Rob Gorski is a single Dad to three amazing autistic boys and the Founder and CEO of The Autism Dad, LLC. Multiple award-winning blogger, podcaster, content creator, social media influencer, and respected public figure for well over a decade.

Connect with Rob Gorski: https://theautismdad.com

Aceing Autism

ACEing Autism provides tennis programs for children on the autism spectrum aged 5 to 18, focusing on growth, social skills, and physical fitness. Tailored to individual needs with one-on-one volunteer support, the program includes weekend sessions and offers scholarships for accessibility. It aims to build confidence and social connections, with extended support available beyond age 18. More information can be found at aceingautism.org.

Meerkat Village

Being a special needs parent often requires a superhuman ability to manage a ton of different things all at once. Between work, school, doctor appointments, therapies, our own self-care, and everything else life can throw at us, it can be tough to manage all these things. Don’t even get me started on trying to keep everyone communicating with each other. That’s where Meerkat Village can help.

They say it takes a village and this is especially true for special needs families. Meerkat Village is a platform for android and iOS that helps to keep everyone in your village communicating and coordinating their efforts to support your child. Whether you’re tracking your child’s progress at school or brainstorming new strategies to help with behavioral concerns, Meerkat Village keeps everyone connected, and on the same page. It's all done inside one, easy-to-use, HIPAA and FERPA-compliant app.

For more information, visit meerkatvillage.com 

Kinjo

Kinjo transforms Roblox from mere gaming to a valuable...

I interviewed my friend Rick Miller, owner of Special Needs Living Magazine (Akron & Canton). Special Needs Living Magazine exists to celebrate the amazing special needs families in Stark and Summit counties, in Northeast Ohio. It’s beautifully done, absolutely free, and loved by so many people. This is the story behind this amazing magazine.

About Rick Miller:

Rick is a husband, and father of three amazing kids, as well as the owner of Special Needs Living Akron & Canton.

Free Digital Subscription

Special Needs Living Magazine

About Rob Gorski and The Autism Dad podcast:

Rob Gorski is a single Dad to three amazing autistic boys and Found and CEO of The Autism Dad, LLC. Multiple award-winning blogger, podcaster, content creator, social media influencer, and respected public figure for well over a decade.

Connect with Rob Gorski: https://theautismdad.com

Aceing Autism

ACEing Autism provides tennis programs for children on the autism spectrum aged 5 to 18, focusing on growth, social skills, and physical fitness. Tailored to individual needs with one-on-one volunteer support, the program includes weekend sessions and offers scholarships for accessibility. It aims to build confidence and social connections, with extended support available beyond age 18. More information can be found at aceingautism.org.

Learn More About Mightier:

Mightier is a biofeedback-based video game platform that teaches kids to self-regulate emotionally. This leads to a significant reduction in meltdowns and parental stress. It's backed by science and has helped over 100,000 kids learn to regulate their emotions. For more information, the latest reviews/updates as well as current discount codes, visit theautismdad.com/mightier.

Read My Mightier Review and the code “theautismdad22” to save 10% off your order.

Goally:

Goally is a comprehensive app, serving as a digital scheduler, AAC speaker, and token board system. Designed for unique thinkers like autistic and ADHD kids, it helps them master daily routines and therapy without parental reminders, reducing nagging and promoting self-management. Goally can be used on your child's device or an affordable, dedicated device, which we've found more effective in our home.

For more information, you can visit getgoally.com and use the code “theautismdad” to save 10% off your order.

In this episode, we explore the critical role of health insurance for special needs families in Ohio, focusing on CareSource, a leading Medicaid provider. Our guest, Montoya Rogers, wears two hats: she's both a CareSource representative and an autism mom. Tune in to hear an insider's perspective on how CareSource is equipped to meet the healthcare needs of special needs families.

Montoya L. Rogers is a Community Marketing Representative for CareSource of Ohio. Montoya is a licensed Health & Life insurance agent. She has successfully sustained a 10+ year career in the health insurance industry. As an avid leader, Montoya has a passion for serving the community and helping others. She is a trailblazer and a dynamic advocate for the nonprofit industry.

Montoya was born in Columbus, Ohio. She graduated from Reynoldsburg high school. She obtained her Community Health Worker certification from The Ohio State University. Montoya is the proud mother of two children Amya and Tre. Tre was diagnosed with Autism at the age of six. While navigating the diagnosis and advocating accommodations for her son, Montoya founded the non-profit organization Puzzle Mom. The mission of Puzzle Mom is to empower minority mothers of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, to become effective advocates for their children through education, support, and community resources. Montoya is committed to create autism awareness within under-served communities throughout Ohio.

Learn more about CareSource by clicking here.

Rob Gorski is a single Dad to three amazing autistic boys and Found and CEO of The Autism Dad, LLC. Multiple award-winning blogger, podcaster, content creator, social media influencer, and respected public figure for well over a decade.

Connect with Rob Gorski: https://theautismdad.com

Kaboose:

Are you or someone you know autistic or neurodiverse? Then you've got to check out Kaboose. It's not just an app; it's a safe community where you can find and interact with friends who really get you. When you se up your profile, you can list your special interests—whether that's gaming, Dr. Who, animals, or even crocheting. Kaboose uses these interests to match you with like-minded people.

Worried about cyberbullying? Kaboose is building out a sophisticated AI tool designed to monitor for it because safety is a top priority. And their vision doesn't stop there; they're planning features for skill-building, mentoring, and job matching too.

For our younger friends under 13, just talk to your parents first. If you’re concerned about screen time? Remember, this is more than just an app; it's a safe space where your neurodivergent kiddos can genuinely be themselves, connect with others and feel accepted.  That’s so important because everyone deserves to feel accepted.. And hey parents, that goes for you too. Kaboose is a great way for you to connect with other parents and find support as well.

So why wait? Download the at kaboose.app and start building your tribe today.

Quiet Mind:

Introducing The Original Weighted Pillow by Quiet Mind, an innovative tool for easing anxiety, stress, ADHD, and sensory processing disorder symptoms. This compact alternative to weighted blankets is created by Mikey Goldman, who himself deals with ADHD and...

In this episode, I’m joined by Kathryn Bryan, a Special Needs Financial Planner based in Northeast Ohio. Kathryn dives into the essential topic of planning for the future when you have a child with a disability. From utilizing government benefits to specialized trust funds, Kathryn provides invaluable insights to help secure a strong financial future for your family, regardless of your situation. If the idea of financial planning is overwhelming or you think it’s impossible, this episode is for you.

About Kathryn Bryan:

Kathryn Bryan, Ph.D., originally from Medina, Ohio, is a behavioral neuroscience graduate with a diverse career trajectory. After completing her B.S. in psychology at Baldwin Wallace University and later her M.A. and Ph.D. from Kent State University, she worked as a postdoctoral research fellow at various esteemed institutions. Eventually, she shifted gears to financial planning and joined Skylight Financial Group. Specializing in various planning groups, she works with physicians, scientists, families with special needs, businesses in transition, and the LGBTQ community.

Katy has received multiple accolades including Skylight's Rising Leader Award and has been actively involved in community service. She serves on several boards and is particularly involved with organizations focused on aging and special needs. She was recognized by Crain’s Cleveland Business as a "Forty Under 40" honoree in 2016 and was a contestant in the Cleveland Leadership Accelerate in 2021. She is married to Mark and they have two children.

Contact Kathryn Bryan: Click Here

About Rob Gorski and The Autism Dad podcast:

Rob Gorski is a single Dad to three amazing autistic boys and Found and CEO of The Autism Dad, LLC. Multiple award-winning blogger, podcaster, content creator, social media influencer, and respected public figure for well over a decade.

Connect with Rob Gorski: https://theautismdad.com

Kaboose:

Are you or someone you know autistic or neurodiverse? Then you've got to check out Kaboose. It's not just an app; it's a safe community where you can find and interact with friends who really get you. When you se up your profile, you can list your special interests—whether that's gaming, Dr. Who, animals, or even crocheting. Kaboose uses these interests to match you with like-minded people.

Worried about cyberbullying? Kaboose is building out a sophisticated AI tool designed to monitor for it because safety is a top priority. And their vision doesn't stop there; they're planning features for skill-building, mentoring, and job matching too.

For our younger friends under 13, just talk to your parents first. If you’re concerned about screen time? Remember, this is more than just an app; it's a safe space where your neurodivergent kiddos can genuinely be themselves, connect with others and feel accepted.  That’s so important because everyone deserves to feel accepted.. And hey parents, that goes for you too. Kaboose is a great way for you to connect with other parents and find support as well.

So why wait? Download the at kaboose.app and start building your tribe today.

Quiet Mind:

Introducing The Original Weighted Pillow by Quiet Mind, an innovative tool for easing anxiety, stress, ADHD, and sensory processing disorder symptoms. This compact alternative to weighted blankets is created by Mikey...

Nicole White from Instagram's Raising Raymie returns to share her insights on helping autistic kids make transitions and adjust to new routines. Using real-life examples from preparing her son for the new school year, Nicole offers practical tips and strategies for parents. Tune in to arm yourself with the tools you need to make your child's transitions smoother.

About Nikki White:

Nikki is a wife and mother of 3. She created the Raising Raymie pages to help further autism acceptance in honor of her 5 year old son Raymie, who was diagnosed with severe non-speaking autism and all those just like him. She was recently published in The Gratitude Journal created by Amanda Owen, for Mom's of children with disabilities trying to find joy in the tough days.

Facebook

Instagram

About Rob Gorski and The Autism Dad podcast:

Rob Gorski is a single Dad to three amazing autistic boys and Found and CEO of The Autism Dad, LLC. Multiple award-winning blogger, podcaster, content creator, social media influencer, and respected public figure for well over a decade.

Connect with Rob Gorski: https://theautismdad.com.

Learn More About Mightier:

Mightier is a biofeedback-based video game platform that teaches kids to self-regulate emotionally. This leads to a significant reduction in meltdowns and parental stress. It's backed by science and has helped over 100,000 kids learn to regulate their emotions. For more information, the latest reviews/updates as well as current discount codes, visit theautismdad.com/mightier.

Read My Mightier Review and the code “theautismdad22” to save 10% off your order.

Goally:

Goally is a comprehensive app, serving as a digital scheduler, AAC speaker, and token board system. Designed for unique thinkers like autistic and ADHD kids, it helps them master daily routines and therapy without parental reminders, reducing nagging and promoting self-management. Goally can be used on your child's device or an affordable, dedicated device, which we've found more effective in our home.

For more information, you can visit getgoally.com and use the code “theautismdad” to save 10% off your order.

In this week's episode, I speak with Lisa Morrison. Lisa is a mother to 3 autistic kids, as well as Co-Founder and President of Integrated Community Solutions, Inc. ICS is a nonprofit based in Medina Ohio. She’s here to talk about her journey as a parent, as well as all the free resources, and social enrichment programs ICS provides for people with developmental disabilities in Northeast Ohio. We also talk about an exciting housing development she building for people with developmental disabilities.

About Lisa Morrison:

Lisa is the Co-Founder, President, and Treasurer of Integrated Community Solutions, Inc. Being the parent of three young adults with autism, she recognized the need for community-based housing options for individuals with developmental disabilities that provide permanence and security, and foster individual growth and independence. 

She is committed to developing a safe and enduring community that will offer a broad range of social engagements, training and educational opportunities, and peace of mind for individuals living with developmental disabilities and their families. 

In 2016, Lisa was appointed as a board member of the Medina County Board of Developmental Disabilities. She was drawn to serve the agency that is such a vital source of support in her children’s lives. Lisa also is an adjunct faculty member of the Psychology Department for Cuyahoga Community College, the University of Akron, and Lorain County Community College. Lisa has volunteered with the Special Olympics and other social engagement groups in the surrounding area.

Integrated Community Solutions

About Rob Gorski and The Autism Dad and Special Needs Ohio podcasts:

Rob Gorski is a single Dad to three amazing autistic boys and Found and CEO of The Autism Dad, LLC. Multiple award-winning blogger, podcaster, content creator, social media influencer, and respected public figure for well over a decade.

https://theautismdad.com.

Learn More About Mightier:

Mightier is a biofeedback-based video game platform that teaches kids to self-regulate emotionally. This leads to a significant reduction in meltdowns and parental stress. It's backed by science and has helped over 100,000 kids learn to regulate their emotions. For more information, the latest reviews/updates as well as current discount codes, visit theautismdad.com/mightier.

Read My Mightier Review and the code “theautismdad22” to save 10% off your order.

Goally:

Goally is a comprehensive app, serving as a digital scheduler, AAC speaker, and token board system. Designed for unique thinkers like autistic and ADHD kids, it helps them master daily routines and therapy without parental reminders, reducing nagging and promoting self-management. Goally can be used on your child's device or an affordable, dedicated device, which we've found more effective in our home.

For more information, you can visit getgoally.com and use the code “theautismdad” to save 10% off your order.