In this Valentine’s Day themed episode of Helping Families Go Beyond, host Loryn Carpenter sits down with vocational coordinator Ariana McDaniels for an honest, compassionate conversation about dating, relationships, and connection for neurodivergent adults. From navigating attraction, consent, and masking to understanding rejection sensitivity, online safety, and the role caregivers play, this episode offers practical insight and reassurance for families. Together, they unpack how love can look different but no less meaningful on the spectrum, and why dignity, safety, and open communication matter most when supporting healthy relationships.

Timestamps:

00:01 – Valentine’s episode intro and why dating on the spectrum matters

03:26 – What love, attraction, and connection can look like for neurodivergent adults

05:48 – Infantilization and society’s discomfort with neurodivergent relationships

07:08 – Puberty, body changes, and the importance of open caregiver dialogue

11:05 – Masking, boundaries, and unmasking in romantic relationships

15:31 – Teaching consent clearly and safely for neurodivergent individuals

22:46 – Rejection sensitivity, breakups, and building emotional resilience

In this episode of Helping Families Go Beyond, host Loryn Carpenter sits down with Chase Pettey, founder of the nonprofit Adventure For All. Chase shares the inspiring journey of building an organization that empowers individuals with exceptionalities through outdoor challenges like biking, hiking, and nature-based growth. From redefining human potential to sparking transformation in both kids and parents, this episode is full of powerful insights and stories that will resonate with caregivers, educators, and advocates alike. Tune in to hear how Adventure For All is helping families push past limits and discover what’s truly possible.

Adventure for All Website:

https://www.adventureforall.org/

Timestamps:

(00:00) Introducing Chase Pettey, Founder/CEO of Adventure for All, plus school updates

(02:45) The story of Adventure for All

(10:30) The training process and the power of positive reinforcement

(13:00) Celebrating every success

(14:30) Thought process of Adventure for All programs

(22:10) Your child is capable of much more

(28:35) Success stories and what’s coming in 2026

(35:50) Chase’s background

(40:41) Learn more about Adventure for All

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

In this special holiday edition of Helping Families Go Beyond the Podcast, host Loryn Carpenter sits down with Dr. Valerie Roth and Dawn Wisniewski to share practical, compassionate strategies for families with neurodivergent learners navigating the busy holiday season. From prepping relatives for sensory-friendly gatherings to handling unsolicited comments with grace, this episode is packed with actionable advice on creating inclusive, joyful celebrations. Whether you're traveling, hosting, or just trying to keep things calm, you'll find thoughtful tips on visual schedules, sensory kits, and self-care for caregivers.

Timestamps:

(00:00) Introducing Dr. Valarie Roth & Dawn Wisniewski, School updates, thank you Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation

(03:25) How can we prepare students for travel and meeting extended family?

(08:30) Software, technology, or strategies that might help

(14:50) Sensory friendly environments for holidays

(20:30) Dealing with uninformed comments

(23:30) Dealing with burnout of the holidays

(29:30) Final tips and toolkit

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