In this episode, we are speaking with Lora Carpenter, Executive Director of Beyond the Spectrum. Lora provides her perspective on being a parent of a special needs child, information she wishes she knew before, and how she uses her experience as a parent to inform her work as the Executive Director.

Takeaways:

10:12 - Don't panic, development does not stop at a young age.

11:53 - Celebrate the small things, Success looks different for every student

12:59 - Everything won’t always be perfect, and that’s okay

23:46 - No two individuals with Autism are the same

Timestamps:

00:00 - Lora Carpenter, Executive Director and Parent

03:30 - How have resources and interventions changed over time?

08:05 - What would you tell your past self with the information you have now?

12:45 - What misconceptions should families be aware of?

16:16 - What should someone consider when deciding a school for their student?

18:20 - What has been the most fulfilling project for you?

22:35 - What advice would you give to parents and caregivers?

25:00 - What advice would you give to families with neurotypical siblings?

29:50 - Closing advice

Join us every month for a new episode of Helping Families Go Beyond. Visit beyondthespectrum.org for more information.