The Pause That Connects
“The Pause That Connects” is a podcast that explores the power of slowing down to truly listen, reflect, and build meaningful connections—especially when supporting neurodivergent individuals. It’s a space where empathy leads, voices are honored, and advocacy begins with presence.
Episodes
22 episodes
Fostering Friendship One Game at a Time
In this episode, I sit down with Clay and Rachel from G3 Games to explore how they foster connections and strengthen community through the shared experience of playing board games and hosting gatherings. We dive into the origins of G3 Gam...
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Episode 22
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31:08
Building Belonging: A Father’s Story of Advocacy and Inclusion
In this conversation, Mike shares his journey as a parent supporting his autistic son, reflecting on the barriers families often face in accessing meaningful services and inclusive supports. He emphasizes the importance of advocacy, understandi...
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Episode 21
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48:19
Understanding Pediatric Brain Injury: Hope and Help for Families
In this episode, we talk with Hannah from Team Luke Hope for Minds, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting children and families after a brain injury. Hannah shares insights about what a traumatic brain injury (TBI) is, the chal...
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Episode 20
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37:34
Cruising for Inclusion: Where Accessibility Meets Adventure
This episode features Amanda, a physical therapist assistant with Autism on the Seas, an organization dedicated to making cruise travel accessible and enjoyable for families with special needs. Amanda shares her personal journey,...
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Episode 19
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37:46
Elliott's Voice: A Journey of Advocacy
This conversation explores Kendra's journey in founding Elliot's Voice, an organization born from personal grief and the need for effective communication tools for children with speech delays. Kendra shares her experiences with AAC (Augmentativ...
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Episode 16
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44:37
Sensory-Friendly Travel: Creating Accessible Adventures for Neurodiverse Families
In this engaging podcast episode, Farrin shares her journey from being an educator to founding her travel consulting company, Vacations Worth Melting For. She focuses on creating personalized travel experiences for neurodiverse families, emphas...
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51:22
Connection Over Perfection: Neurodivergent Relationships and Therapy with Mim Kempson
In this episode, we sit down with therapist Mim Kempson to explore the beauty and complexity of neurodivergent relationships and therapy. Mim shares her journey into the field, her own experiences with ADHD and Autism, and how narrative therapy...
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Episode 15
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59:00
Navigating Special Needs Planning: Insights From a Mother and Attorney
In this conversation, Melissia from Austin Special Needs Planning shares her personal journey as a mother of a special needs child and how it shaped her career in special needs planning. She discusses the importance of understanding long-term p...
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Episode 14
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46:29
Williams Syndrome Through a Mother’s Eyes
In this heartfelt episode, we sit down with Gabby Cornelio to explore her journey as a mother, author, and advocate. Gabby begins by sharing her family’s story and the moment she first received her son’s Williams syndrome diagnosis. She reflect...
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Episode 14
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50:04
Pausing for Strength, Connection, and Care Through Equine Therapy
In this episode, Dr. Nancy Krenek from ROCK shares her journey into physical and equine therapy and the powerful impact these programs have on individuals with special needs. She highlights the healing role of horses, the importance of communit...
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Episode 13
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50:13
Building Confidence and Connection Through Recreation Therapy
In this uplifting conversation, Kaci and Amanda from Rising Tide Specialized Therapies share their inspiring journey into the world of recreation therapy. With passion and purpose, they talk about what drew them to the field, th...
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1:12:49
Special Needs Trusts, ABLE Accounts & What Families Need to Know
In this episode of The Pause That Connects podcast, Crystal Herrington opens up about her meaningful journey into financial planning, with a special focus on supporting families who have loved ones with special needs. She shares...
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Episode 11
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43:08
Support Starts at Home: Designing Spaces That Make a Difference
In this inspiring conversation, LeeAnna shares the heartfelt journey behind starting Sensory Style, a company dedicated to creating supportive and empowering environments for families. With a deep understanding of family dynamics and the challe...
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Episode 10
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43:28
Navigating Emotions: The Chinese Elements Approach
In this inspiring conversation, Neta shares her incredible journey to becoming a devoted practitioner, working alongside her business partner Hagit to support children and families through emotional regulation and the wisdom of the Chinese five...
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Episode 9
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43:15
From the First Sign to the First Step Forward
In this heartfelt and powerful episode of The Pause That Connects, Cindy invites us into her deeply personal journey as a parent raising a neurodivergent child. From the earliest signs to the diagnosis, she shares the emotional highs a...
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Episode 8
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59:46
When a Pause Says More Than Words
In this gentle and reflective mini episode, we explore the quiet power of simply being present. Instead of reaching for questions or solutions, what happens when we choose stillness—especially when supporting someone who’s overwhelmed, neurodiv...
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Episode 7
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11:56
Pausing for What Happens to Autistic Adults
What really happens when autistic individuals become adults? In this episode of The Pause That Connects, Amber discusses the often invisible journey of autistic people after they age out of school-based support systems. Many families d...
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Episode 6
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27:30
The Pause for Movement: Connecting Through Physical Therapy
In this episode of The Pause That Connects, we’re joined by physical therapist Dr. Jenny Johnson and Rebekah Dilks, PTA for a powerful conversation about the unique role physical therapy can play in supporting neurodivergent individual...
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Episode 5
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45:31
Listening to the Whole Story: A GLP Perspective
In this episode of The Pause That Connects, we explore the world of Gestalt Language Processing (GLP)—a way some individuals naturally acquire language through meaningful chunks, scripts, and echolalia. We walk through the stage...
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Episode 4
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33:54
The Pause for Mental Health We All Need – with Candice Fraser
In this powerful and heart-centered conversation, therapist Candice Fraser LPC joins us to discuss the evolving landscape of mental health and how we can make it more accessible, inclusive, and supportive—especially for families.W...
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Episode 3
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51:15
Pausing for Advocacy: Navigating Special Education with Nicole Santiago
In this episode, we sit down to pause and listen to Nicole Santiago, M.Ed., educator and founder of Family Addventures (@familyaddventures), as she shares her insight and lived experience navigating the world of special education....
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Episode 2
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38:47