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Autism Resources Kawartha
Autism Resources Kawartha is a series of unscripted conversations with local autistic people - and the people who love them - right here in Kawartha Lakes. Hosted by ARK co-founder, Matt Geraghty, this podcast is all about sharing real-life experiences and normalizing the autistic experience. Tune in and listen to real, honest, judgment-free conversations between the father of an autistic kid and his guests about what life with autism is really like: the joys, the challenges, the funny moments, the hard days, and everything in between. Whether you're autistic yourself, or a parent, caregiver, sibling, or friend to someone who is, this podcast is for you.
Autism Resources Kawartha
Jennifer | Episode 9 | Autism Resources Kawartha
In this episode, Matt sits down with Jennifer - a devoted aunt to an autistic niece - to explore what it means to love, support, and understand from the outside looking in.
Jenn shares the story of her niece’s autism, ADHD, and Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) diagnoses, and how those discoveries reshaped not just her niece’s world, but the whole family’s approach to connection and care. She opens up about learning to let go of “shoulds,” embracing radical acceptance, and finding patience in moments that challenge every instinct to “fix.”
From rethinking school and routines to redefining what affection looks like, Jenn reminds us that supporting an autistic loved one often means slowing down, listening, and letting them lead the way. Her honesty, humour, and deep empathy make this episode a powerful reminder that love doesn’t always mean doing more - sometimes it means doing less, and simply being there.
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CHAPTERS
00:00 Introduction to Autism and Personal Experiences
03:02 Understanding Autism Diagnoses and Profiles
05:50 Parenting Challenges with Neurodivergent Children
08:52 Navigating Expectations and Accommodations
12:03 Building Relationships with Neurodivergent Children
15:02 The Role of Patience and Understanding
17:54 Radical Acceptance in Parenting
20:55 The Impact of Schooling on Neurodivergent Children
24:01 Creating Opportunities for Engagement
26:51 The Importance of Communication and Debriefing
30:00 Final Thoughts on Autism Awareness and Support