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
58 episodes
Autism and Friendship: 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 ...
Todd's Journey as Alec's Brother: A Spectrum of Thoughts
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. Following college, Todd has pursued a career in speciality finance in Texas while maintain...
Mornings Reflections on Growing up with Alec: Autism in the Family
In this episode, we chat with Alec's sister, Morning! She is the Msecond born of Alec’s older sisters. She is 34 years old and has called Houston, Texas home for the last decade. Morning is married to Michael, and mom to three of Alec’s favorit...
Special Needs Dentistry & Autism: A Conversation with Dr. Meet and Abby Patel
This week, we sit down with Meet and Abby Patel to discuss their years of experience working in a special needs dentistry practice and serving individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities.Dental visits can be a source of ...
Andrea’s Take on Growing Up with Alec: Autism Awareness Starts at Home
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...
Autism in Hollywood: What TV & Movies Get Right (and Wrong)
This week, we sit down with Mike Greer, Christi’s brother, for a fun and thoughtful conversation all about how autism is portrayed in Hollywood.Together, we review several well-known shows and movies that feature autistic characters and ...
From Roommates to Family: Autism, Growth & Lifelong Connections
In this episode, we sit down with two very special guests—Tyler and Madeleine, Alec’s original roommates when he first moved to Utah seven years ago.These were the early days of Alec’s transition into group home living, and Tyler and Mad...
Nonverbal Autism: Alec’s Communication Journey & What Worked
In this episode, we share Alec’s journey with communication—one of the most meaningful and challenging parts of his story.We take you back to the early years, starting with speech therapy and the initial stages of communication, and the ...
Autism Parent Journey with Sharisa Lewis - From Early Intervention to Adulthood
In this episode, we sit down with Sharisa Lewis, Dylan’s mom, to hear her perspective on raising a child on the autism spectrum and navigating the journey from early intervention to adulthood.Dylan, a good friend of Alec’s, is a fun, cre...
Autism, IEPs & School Support: In the Classroom and at Home
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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 ...
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...
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...
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 ...
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...
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...
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...
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 ...
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...
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...