Piece by Piece Autism Podcast
Solve the Autism puzzle with us, as we discuss the crucial pieces to a happier, more peaceful life with your child/adult with Autism. Striving to make your life a bit easier, bringing you tips of the trade that are tried and true. Angie and Christi use their knowledge & training to share information in all areas of Autism treatment…piece by piece.
Episodes
48 episodes
Autism, Music & Connection: A Punk Rock Approach to Parenting with Mr. Jay
This week, we’re joined by a very unique guest—Mr. J, the creator behind Punk for Kids, a music project bringing upbeat punk and ska sounds to children and families.Mr. J shares how Punk for Kids began with a simple nee...
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46:51
The Autism Toolbox: ABA Tools & Teaching Strategies That Help Alec Thrive
In this episode, we open up Alec’s teaching toolbox and share many of the tools, programs, and systems that have helped him learn, grow, and gain independence over the years.Teaching individuals on the autism spectrum often requires crea...
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35:51
A Conversation with Alec: Autism, Nonverbal Communication & Life on the Spectrum
This week’s episode is a very special one for us. For the first time, we sit down with the person who started it all—Alec.Because Alec is nonverbal, this conversation looks a little different than a traditional interview. Ahead of record...
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46:01
Autism Independence: Teaching Chores to Kids with Autism
Chores may seem simple, but they can be one of the most powerful tools for building independence in children and adults on the autism spectrum.In this episode, we expand on one of our most popular topics—Alec’s chore system—and dive deep...
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36:32
Backpack Strategies for Autism: Preparing for Success
In this episode, we talk about one of our most practical tools for daily life with Alec—the backpack. Whether you’re running errands, heading to a therapy appointment, or spending the day out and about, being prepared can make all the di...
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27:32
What Keeps an Autism Group Home Running: Supporting Adults on the Autism Spectrum
In this episode, we sit down with Anna Osmond, Alec’s house manager and an essential part of his support team. Anna has known Alec for years and brings a rare, full-circle perspective—having worked with him in Texas before his move to Utah and ...
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40:55
Autism Support Done Right: When Team Members Become Family
In this episode, we sit down with one of Alec’s favorite people — former team member and roommate, Heather. Their relationship is a powerful example of what consistent, compassionate autism support can grow into over time.When Heather wa...
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41:54
Autism Behavior Basics: How ABC Data Guides Support
In this episode, we kick off an important conversation about behavior in autism by breaking down one of the most foundational tools in ABA: ABC Data — Antecedent, Behavior, and Consequence.We explain what ABC data is, why it matters, and...
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26:06
Autism Caregiver Fatigue: Supporting Your Child Starts With You
In this episode, we dive into a topic that so many parents of individuals with autism experience — caretaker fatigue. When the needs are constant and the demands feel never-ending, it’s easy for caregivers to put themselves last… until burnout ...
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34:56
Autism, Epilepsy & the Spectrum: What Our 12-Year Epilepsy Journey Taught Us
In this episode, we talk openly about Alec’s journey with epilepsy over the last 12 years. Alec had his first seizure at 16, and like many individuals on the autism spectrum, epilepsy became an additional and life-changing diagnosis.Acco...
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35:50
Autism & Achievement: Teaching Goal Setting from Childhood to Adulthood
In this episode, we talk all about setting goals with Alec and why goal setting matters for everyone — on the autism spectrum or not. Every individual deserves to feel pride, confidence, and a sense of accomplishment, and for some, tha...
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22:39
Autism & the Holidays: A Real-Life Spectrum Recap (B+ Edition)
In this episode, we’re recapping the holidays — autism and all. The holiday season can be especially challenging for individuals on the autism spectrum, with disrupted routines, sensory overload, and nonstop social demands. This year, we’re hap...
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24:49
Early Autism Spectrum Time-Travel Advice - What I Wish I Knew!
Join us—Angie Matheney and Christi Jensen—for a candid Q&A-style conversation where Christi opens up about what she wishes she could have told her younger self when Alec was first diagnosed.We talk about the shifting priorities that ...
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18:53
Chores & Autism - It’s a Hard Knock Life for Al! (Best of '25)
In this episode, we’re talking chores—how we got Alec started, how we create chore chains with just the right level of support, and why these daily tasks are so much more than household responsibilities.Chores have been a huge p...
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23:18
Autism Diagnosis, Therapies, Struggles, Triumphs - Alec's Early Years (Best of '25)
In this episode, we—Angie and Christi—look back on Alec’s early years and the start of our autism journey. We share what it was like when Alec was diagnosed at just 2 years old, some of the behaviors he struggled with, and how we navigated thos...
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17:29
The Autism Holiday Struggle: Routines, Sensory Overload & Holiday Stress
In this episode, we dive into the real challenges families face during the holiday season when raising children on the autism spectrum. What should be a magical, joyful time can quickly turn stressful with disrupted routines, extra peo...
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21:23
Autism, Adventure & Fresh Powder: Blake and Alec’s Story
This week we have the best time talking with Blake Harsh, Alec’s ski instructor turned one of his best buddies. Blake is a mechanical engineer with an undergraduate degree from Brigham Young University and a master’s in Space...
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56:23
Special Education Spotlight: Megan’s Journey as a Parent and Teacher
In this episode, we sit down with our longtime friend Megan, a passionate advocate for children with learning differences — both in the classroom and at home. With years of experience raising her own children and teaching students with a...
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45:26
Kids and the Spectrum: Jackson Shares What Alec Has Taught Him
In this special episode, we sit down with Angie’s son, Jackson, who has known Alec his entire life. At just 12 years old (and already 5’11”!), Jackson brings a fresh and heartfelt perspective on what it’s like to grow up with an autistic bonus ...
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25:38
Autism in the Family: Morning’s Reflections on Growing Up with Alec
In this episode, we wrap up our Sibling Series with Alec’s last sibling — Morning Winterholler. Morning is the second born of Alec’s older sisters. She is 34 years old and has called Houston, Texas home for the last decade. Morn...
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53:40
Autism Awareness Starts at Home: Andrea’s Take on Growing Up with Alec
In this episode, we continue our Sibling Series with Alec’s sister, Andrea Jensen Semidey. Andrea lives in Allen, TX with her husband and 4 kids. She works in finance as a corporate attorney. She graduated from SMU with a degree in Adv...
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39:37
Friendship and Autism: How We Helped Alec Build Lasting Connections
In this heartfelt episode, Christi and Angie open up about the journey of helping Alec build and maintain meaningful friendships over the years.Friendship doesn’t always come naturally — especially for individuals on the autism spectrum ...
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19:53
A Spectrum of Thoughts from Todd's Journey as Alec's Brother
In this episode, we kick off our Sibling Series with a special guest — Todd Jensen. Todd is Alec's senior by three years. He grew up in Japan, Denmark and Texas. Todd holds a B.S. of Accounting from Brigham Young University - Utah. Fol...
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45:40
Guiding Sensory and Stimulatory Behaviors Toward Growth: The ‘Don’t Let Them’ Theory
Mel Robbins may have her “Let Them” theory — but when it comes to sensory and stimulatory behaviors that interfere with learning and growth, we’ve developed our own version: “Don’t Let Them.”In this episode, we unpack t...
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27:31
Learning ABA the Alec Way: A Conversation with Trout, One of Our First Team Members
In this episode, we sit down with one of Alec’s very first team members, Trout — someone who came to us with no formal ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) training but an open heart and a willingness to learn.We share stories from those earl...
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42:30