Let’s Plant Houses

Let’s Plant Houses shares heartfelt stories from families living with autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy and other intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Host Wendy Ernzen brings families together for warm conversations about daily challenges, parenting, inclusive living and special needs parenting. The families who join the show are powerful advocates who build smart and practical solutions for employment, housing, services and long term support for their loved ones with IDD. Their ideas often ripple through the disability community and support many other families along the way. Join us every other week as we celebrate a new family story. Learn more about the show at www.letsplanthouses.com or email Wendy at letsplanthouses@gmail.com.

66 episodes

13d ago latest

fortnightly cadence

English language

▶ Play latestRSS feed Website Kids Family Parenting Health Fitness

https://www.letsplanthouses.com/feed/podcast/

Episodes 67

LPH67: Cassie Enea on Trusting Your Parent Instincts
5d ago · 39:41
Could trusting your instincts change your child’s future? In this episode, Cassie Enea shares her family’s autism journey, from noticing early developmental regression to fighting for the autism services, IEP support, and specialized school placement her daughter needed. Her story is a powerful reminder that parents are often their child’s strongest advocate. Cassie opens up about the emotions of an autism diagnosis, navigating early intervention, speech and occupational therapy, and years of advocating through the special education system. She explains how finding the right behavioral-based s
LPH66: Jessica Patay on Hope for Caregiving Moms
13d ago · 28:15
What if the strongest caregiver is the one who asks for support? In this episode, Jessica Patay shares her family’s journey with Prader-Willi syndrome, caregiving, disability parenting, and caregiver support. She opens up about raising her son Ryan, building food security into everyday life, and creating hope for families through the nonprofit We Are Brave Together. Jessica explains the unique challenges of Prader-Willi syndrome, from constant food insecurity and anxiety to planning for adulthood and independent living. She also shares how her own caregiving journey inspired her to found We Ar
LPH65: Dr. Eric Weiss on Brain Inflammation, Stem Cells, and Autism
20d ago · 38:22
Could autism be more than a behavioral condition? This is what Dr. Eric Weiss is challenging with this work. Dr. Weiss spent decades as a surgeon and is the father to a son diagnosed with autism at age two. After years of trying every therapy he could find, a 2019 Duke University study on umbilical cord blood and stem cells changed everything for him. Today, his son lives independently, drives a car, and holds a job. Dr. Weiss left surgery behind to treat autistic children full time, and he shares what he believes families should know about brain inflammation, gut health and the emerging resea
LPH64: Linda Galarreta on Becoming the Resource She Never Had
27d ago · 24:39
What happens when a mom of two autistic sons becomes the resource she never had? Linda Galarreta is raising three boys, two of whom are on the autism spectrum, and she has learned to navigate a system that rarely hands parents a map. From her son’s early speech regression and diagnosis at age two, to the meltdowns that came later, Linda has lived the daily reality of autism parenting. She talks honestly about the support that was missing when her son was first diagnosed, and how other parents became her greatest source of information, advocacy, and hope. Today, Linda is a Student Integration a
LPH63: Nancy Burrows on Music, Autism, and Connection
1mo ago · 30:40
What if the path to connecting with your child runs through a song instead of a script? Nancy Burrows joins Let’s Plant Houses to share her family’s journey raising her son James, who received an autism diagnosis at two and a half. A former Nickelodeon writer and producer, Nancy discovered that music and early intervention were the keys that unlocked engagement, learning, and joy in their home. She talks openly about advocacy, wait lists, the well-meaning advice that did not sit right, and the slow shift from chasing “normal” to celebrating who James actually is. This conversation moves throug
LPH62: Jennifer VanSkiver on Helping Her Daughter Shine
1mo ago · 36:37
What happens when a child finds a community that truly believes in them? In this episode of Let’s Plant Houses, Jennifer VanSkiver shares her family’s journey raising her daughter CJ, who has an intellectual disability. Jen talks about early therapy appointments, navigating school systems, building friendships, and learning to trust her instincts as a mom. She also shares how programs like Special Olympics opened doors to confidence, connection, work, and independence. From a packed gym cheering for CJ during her first basketball game to seeing her thrive in a career she loves, this episode is
LPH61: Liz Fiordalisi on Unlocking Her Son’s Hidden Voice
1mo ago · 31:03
What if your child understood far more than the world ever realized? Autism, non-speaking communication, spelling to communicate, apraxia, and caregiving are all part of this powerful conversation with Liz Fiordalisi. Liz shares the story of raising triplets, navigating a high-risk pregnancy, and watching her son Christopher slowly lose spoken language after meeting early developmental milestones. For years, their family searched for ways to better understand him while balancing therapies, school supports, and everyday life. Everything changed when Christopher began using Spelling to Communica
LPH60: Bill Cushing Never Accepted “No” for Gabriel
1mo ago · 31:48
What does it take to raise a child with multiple rare genetic conditions while fighting systems that constantly underestimate what your child needs? In this episode of Let’s Plant Houses, Bill Cushing shares his family’s journey raising his son Gabriel, who was born with rare genetic disorders, developmental disabilities, strokes before birth, and physical challenges that required years of therapy and support. This conversation explores disability parenting, caregiving, medical advocacy, accessibility, and life after aging out of the school system. Bill opens up about adapting their home, navi
LPH59: Rachel Gonyea Learned Caregiving as a Sister
2mo ago · 17:03
What happens when a sibling grows up in a home filled with foster children, routines, and nonstop caregiving, and then realizes those experiences shaped who they were meant to become? In this episode of Let’s Plant Houses, Rachel Gonyea shares what it was like growing up with a brother with autism while her family welcomed nearly 200 foster children into their home over the years. This conversation explores autism, foster care, caregiving, developmental disabilities, inclusion, sibling experiences, and the real-life challenges families navigate every day. Rachel opens up about routines, bullyi
LPH58: Heather Burroughs Fought for Her Daughter’s Voice
2mo ago · 47:02
What if your child had thoughts, opinions, and intelligence far beyond what the world believed, but no reliable way to communicate them? In this episode of Let’s Plant Houses, Heather Burroughs shares her family’s journey through autism, rare genetic disorders, non-speaking communication, service dogs, and disability advocacy. Heather is the Director of Advocacy and Education at AutismUp and co-founder of the Finding Common Ground podcast. She opens up about raising multiple neurodivergent children, fighting for her daughter Devyn’s rights in school, and why families often have to push systems
LPH57: Steve Gonyea Turned Special Needs Foster Parenting Into an Unstoppable Movement
3mo ago · 38:48
How did one foster dad build an autism barn and help nearly 180 children find belonging? In this episode of autism advocacy, foster care, caregiving, and disability support, Steve Gonyea shows what families can build when they lead with love, trust, and lived experience. From welcoming nearly 180 foster children into his home to creating an autism barn and launching the Ability Bus program, Steve shares how his family turned their challenges into real solutions for many families. This episode is a powerful reminder that caregivers are experts too, and that one family’s vision can spark a growi
LPH56: Mark and John Cronin Turned Socks Into Purpose and Possibility
3mo ago · 33:40
What happens when a father and son build their own path when the system has few options? In this episode, Mark Cronin and his son, John, share their journey of Down syndrome, disability, entrepreneurship, and employment. Together, they started John’s Crazy Socks, a business that employs people with different abilities and has shipped over 500,000 packages to 94 countries. John’s Crazy Socks has also donated more than $800,000 to charity, including the Special Olympics. Their story shows what families can do when they believe in their child and refuse to accept limits placed on them by others.
LPH55: Founder Kirby Rabalais Built Got4titude Through Fatherhood
3mo ago · 31:34
What happens when fatherhood asks you to put your career on hold and trust that your family will find a way forward? In this episode about caregiving, disability, and fatherhood, Kirby Rabalais shares how raising a child with a rare genetic condition reshaped his priorities and his purpose. Families living with neurodivergence often carry invisible work every single day. Kirby reminds us that real life is more complex than most systems recognize, and that support must be practical, flexible, and human. Kirby opens up about stepping back from his career to become his son’s primary caregiver, an
LPH54: Author Randi-Lee Bowlaugh’s Relentless Search Finally Led to Answers
4mo ago · 29:05
What happens when you know something is wrong, but the system keeps telling you to wait? In this episode, author Randi-Lee Bowlaugh shares her journey through autism, parenting, and mental health as she searched for answers for her daughter. From early concerns to years of missed support, her story shows how families often live in the gap between what they know and what systems are ready to provide. Randi-Lee speaks honestly about trusting her instincts, changing doctors, and continuing to ask questions until someone finally listened. She reminds us that parents and caregivers are not just par
LPH53: Jillian Simpson-Eisloeffel Never Stops Fighting For Her Son
4mo ago · 34:56
How do you hold on to hope when your child seems lost? Autism, profound autism, parenting, and support are at the heart of this honest conversation with Jillian Simpson-Eisloeffel, Founder of Bobby’s World and Regional Lead for the New York Alliance for Developmental Disabilities. She shares what life looks like when a child has complex needs and when families must step in to create safety and stability at home. Her story helps us see the daily work that often goes unseen. In this episode, Jillian talks about sleepless nights, constant vigilance, and the courage to keep searching for answers w
LPH52: Fantasy Author J.M. Shaw on Autism, Parenting, and Possibility
4mo ago · 29:27
What happens when a parent discovers their child—and themselves—share the same diagnosis? J.M. Shaw’s diagnosis changed everything, and helped her see her family’s story in a whole new light. In this episode, fantasy author J.M. Shaw shares her journey raising children with autism and ADHD while discovering her own diagnosis, offering real-life insight into parenting, neurodiversity, family life, and autism support. You’ll hear how lived experience shaped the way she supports her children and how her family found new ways forward when help was hard to find. J.M. also shares how writing fantasy
LPH51: Becoming an Autism Bonus Mom With Dr. Rita Renee
4mo ago · 24:29
What does it really look like to become a “bonus mom” to a child with autism and learn a whole new way to parent? In this episode of Let’s Plant Houses, Wendy Ernzen talks with Dr. Rita Renee about autism parenting, blended family life, and caregiver support. They share an honest conversation about stepping into a parenting role later in life and learning how to support a child with different needs. Rita opens up about meeting her husband, being introduced to his two sons, and learning about autism when her stepson was just seven years old. She shares the tools that made the biggest difference
LPH50: Ron van Til on Turning Autism Parenting Challenges Into Wiggle Seat Innovation
5mo ago · 35:19
What happens when a father turns his family’s biggest daily struggle into a solution that helps other kids learn? In this autism parenting podcast episode of Let’s Find Houses, host Wendy Ernzen sits down with Ron van Til, a dad raising a daughter with profound autism and a son on the autism spectrum. Ron shares his family’s journey through early diagnosis, ABA therapy, speech and OT, sleep deprivation, home safety modifications, and the constant worry about the future that so many autism families quietly carry. That lived experience led Ron and his wife to create the Wiggle Seat, a sensory ch
LPH49: Clay Boatright talks autism parenting, faith and why happiness is a choice
5mo ago · 38:27
What happens when life hands you a diagnosis you never expected, and you still choose hope? In this profound autism parenting conversation, host Wendy Ernzen sits down with Clay Boatright to talk about raising twin daughters with intellectual and developmental disabilities and profound autism. Clay shares how early developmental delays led to an Easterseals assessment, why diagnoses mainly matter for getting services, and what it feels like as the gap grows between traditional development and a more unique path. The episode also explores disability advocacy, group home placement, and why respi
LPH48: Franke James on Presuming Competence, Disability Rights, and Freeing Teresa
5mo ago · 28:03
What if the biggest fight your family ever faced was simply proving that your sister with Down syndrome should have the life she wants? In this episode of Let’s Plant Houses, host Wendy Ernzen talks with Franke James about Down syndrome, disability advocacy, and how real disability rights can start at home. Frankie shares the powerful story of her sister Teresa, a joyful artist and author with Down syndrome, and how their family learned early to include her fully, build her strengths, and expect more from the world around her. You’ll hear what went wrong when her siblings tried to place Teresa
LPH47: Finding a Voice with Lori Rogers on Autism and Spelling to Communicate
6mo ago · 40:08
What if your non-speaking child with autism understood everything and was just waiting for a way to share it? In this episode of Let’s Plant Houses we talk about autism, communication, and Spelling to Communicate, or SC2, as Lori Rogers shares the journey of helping her son Craig, a non-speaker on the autism spectrum, find his voice. Lori tells how everything changed the day Craig spelled “black holes” on a letter board. She also shares the early years of losing words, fighting for services, raising funds, and believing deeply in her son’s potential. Lori explains how S2C opened the door to fr
LPH46: A Sibling Perspective on Autism and Caregiving With Dr. DeShanna Reed
6mo ago · 47:06
How might growing up with a sister with autism shape your life? In this episode, you’ll hear a powerful look at profound autism, caregiving, and family as Dr. DeShanna Reed shares her experience as the youngest sibling to Adrian. She explains how finding the right care and community shaped their journey and what it felt like when Adrian moved into a group home. Dr. Reed also talks about the caregivers who became “found family” and the tender moment her family had to explain that their dad was gone. She shares how stepping into the caregiver role as an adult changed her life and why she is crea
LPH45: The Vision for Flawless Farms with Kristina Cope, Future Support for Adults with Autism
7mo ago · 33:21
What happens to my child when I’m gone? That question pushed Kristina Cope to imagine a new future for her son Blake, who has profound autism and catatonia. In this episode, Kristina shares how she rebuilt her life in Michigan after her children’s father passed away and how that journey inspired her to create Flawless Farms, a community for adults with high support needs. Kristina talks about early morning routines, her long fight to access ABA in the early days, and the preschool teacher who reminded her that her son was first a little boy who needed love. She also explains the hard reality f
LPH44: Julie Kratz on Allyship, Parenting, and Autism
7mo ago · 37:27
What if curiosity mattered more than judgment in parenting? In this episode, you’ll hear a real look at parenting, autism, and family life as Julie Kratz shares her journey raising her youngest daughter, Dylan, who is on the autism spectrum. Julie talks honestly about the early developmental differences they noticed and how they worked to find the right school and support. She also shares the everyday challenges, the surprising joys, and the lessons she has learned about patience, empathy, and celebrating small wins. Julie also talks about her new book, We Want You: An Allyship Guide for Peopl
LPH43: Ben Duff on Life and Parenting With Profound Autism
8mo ago · 31:31
What is it really like to raise a child with profound autism who needs 24/7 support? This episode explores profound autism, caregiving, and the real challenges families face every day. Guest Ben Duff shares his family’s honest and powerful story. Ben talks about the early signs they noticed, the emotional process of getting a diagnosis, and the daily work of managing medications, therapy, and changing behaviors through different stages of life. He also opens up about moments of crisis, hard care decisions, residential program options, and the ongoing need to advocate within a complex system. B

Episodes

Reading the feed…

More Kids shows

Let’s Plant Houses

Episodes 67

LPH67: Cassie Enea on Trusting Your Parent Instincts

LPH66: Jessica Patay on Hope for Caregiving Moms

LPH65: Dr. Eric Weiss on Brain Inflammation, Stem Cells, and Autism

LPH64: Linda Galarreta on Becoming the Resource She Never Had

LPH63: Nancy Burrows on Music, Autism, and Connection

LPH62: Jennifer VanSkiver on Helping Her Daughter Shine

LPH61: Liz Fiordalisi on Unlocking Her Son’s Hidden Voice

LPH60: Bill Cushing Never Accepted “No” for Gabriel

LPH59: Rachel Gonyea Learned Caregiving as a Sister

LPH58: Heather Burroughs Fought for Her Daughter’s Voice

LPH57: Steve Gonyea Turned Special Needs Foster Parenting Into an Unstoppable Movement

LPH56: Mark and John Cronin Turned Socks Into Purpose and Possibility

LPH55: Founder Kirby Rabalais Built Got4titude Through Fatherhood

LPH54: Author Randi-Lee Bowlaugh’s Relentless Search Finally Led to Answers

LPH53: Jillian Simpson-Eisloeffel Never Stops Fighting For Her Son

LPH52: Fantasy Author J.M. Shaw on Autism, Parenting, and Possibility

LPH51: Becoming an Autism Bonus Mom With Dr. Rita Renee

LPH50: Ron van Til on Turning Autism Parenting Challenges Into Wiggle Seat Innovation

LPH49: Clay Boatright talks autism parenting, faith and why happiness is a choice

LPH48: Franke James on Presuming Competence, Disability Rights, and Freeing Teresa

LPH47: Finding a Voice with Lori Rogers on Autism and Spelling to Communicate

LPH46: A Sibling Perspective on Autism and Caregiving With Dr. DeShanna Reed

LPH45: The Vision for Flawless Farms with Kristina Cope, Future Support for Adults with Autism

LPH44: Julie Kratz on Allyship, Parenting, and Autism

LPH43: Ben Duff on Life and Parenting With Profound Autism

Episodes

More Kids shows

podKst (Der geocaching Pod(ca)st)

Bedtime Stories for Kids|Good Night Tales|Stories of New Beginnings

Passport Mommy

Sheriff Labrador: Forestville Case Files丨Detective Stories丨Safety Rules

Ohrenbär Podcast

Pet Chat

Episodes 67

LPH67: Cassie Enea on Trusting Your Parent Instincts

LPH66: Jessica Patay on Hope for Caregiving Moms

LPH65: Dr. Eric Weiss on Brain Inflammation, Stem Cells, and Autism

LPH64: Linda Galarreta on Becoming the Resource She Never Had

LPH63: Nancy Burrows on Music, Autism, and Connection

LPH62: Jennifer VanSkiver on Helping Her Daughter Shine

LPH61: Liz Fiordalisi on Unlocking Her Son’s Hidden Voice

LPH60: Bill Cushing Never Accepted “No” for Gabriel

LPH59: Rachel Gonyea Learned Caregiving as a Sister

LPH58: Heather Burroughs Fought for Her Daughter’s Voice

LPH57: Steve Gonyea Turned Special Needs Foster Parenting Into an Unstoppable Movement

LPH56: Mark and John Cronin Turned Socks Into Purpose and Possibility

LPH55: Founder Kirby Rabalais Built Got4titude Through Fatherhood

LPH54: Author Randi-Lee Bowlaugh’s Relentless Search Finally Led to Answers

LPH53: Jillian Simpson-Eisloeffel Never Stops Fighting For Her Son

LPH52: Fantasy Author J.M. Shaw on Autism, Parenting, and Possibility

LPH51: Becoming an Autism Bonus Mom With Dr. Rita Renee

LPH50: Ron van Til on Turning Autism Parenting Challenges Into Wiggle Seat Innovation

LPH49: Clay Boatright talks autism parenting, faith and why happiness is a choice

LPH48: Franke James on Presuming Competence, Disability Rights, and Freeing Teresa

LPH47: Finding a Voice with Lori Rogers on Autism and Spelling to Communicate

LPH46: A Sibling Perspective on Autism and Caregiving With Dr. DeShanna Reed

LPH45: The Vision for Flawless Farms with Kristina Cope, Future Support for Adults with Autism

LPH44: Julie Kratz on Allyship, Parenting, and Autism

LPH43: Ben Duff on Life and Parenting With Profound Autism