Episode 4 brings a powerful and personal perspective as Toni and Kate are joined by Kate’s husband, Derek — a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, a father of two children on the autism spectrum, and someone who was diagnosed with autism later in life.

Derek shares his journey into the field of ABA, what it’s like balancing life as both a clinician and a parent, and the reality that even professionals don’t have it all figured out at home. Together, they talk about the challenges of navigating “professional vs. personal,” managing stress and burnout, and why compassion, patience, and flexibility matter just as much as any clinical strategy.

The conversation also explores Derek’s late diagnosis, how it changed his understanding of himself, and how it shapes the way he connects with both his children and the families he supports. From caregiver involvement and early intervention to acceptance, mindfulness, and reducing stigma, this episode offers an honest look at what it really means to live and work in the world of autism.

At its core, this episode is a reminder that there is no perfect parent, no perfect clinician — just people learning, adapting, and doing the best they can for the ones they love.

Episode 3 explores one of the biggest questions families face: should you tell your child they have autism, and if so, how?

Toni and Kate have an honest conversation about what it looked like to talk with Kate’s daughter Roz about her diagnosis, why transparency mattered, and how autism became a normal part of their family’s everyday life.

For the first time, Roz joins the podcast to share her own perspective as a child with autism and as the sibling of a brother with more significant support needs. She talks about school, friendships, sensory challenges, accommodations, and what it feels like to grow up alongside a sibling with profound autism.

Together, they discuss why every child’s experience with autism is different, how parents can navigate difficult conversations, and why knowing about a diagnosis can help children better understand themselves. This episode is filled with honesty, humor, and an important reminder that autism does not define a person’s worth — it is simply one part of who they are.

Episode 2 focuses on one of the biggest questions families face after hearing words like autism, developmental delay, or ABA therapy for the first time: where do I even begin?

Toni and Kate walk through the early stages of the journey, from recognizing concerns and talking with your pediatrician to understanding evaluations, diagnoses, insurance, and therapy options.

They discuss how overwhelming it can feel when you are suddenly handed a long list of acronyms, providers, waitlists, and opinions, and they break down what parents actually need to know in a simple, approachable way.

Toni shares insight from her experience supporting families through the process, while Kate reflects on what it was like navigating it all as a mom who did not have a roadmap.

Together, they talk about common mistakes, what questions to ask, how to trust your instincts, and why you do not have to have everything figured out right away. This episode is designed to help parents feel less overwhelmed, more informed, and more confident about taking that first next step.

Episode 1 introduces your hosts, Toni and Kate, and the heart behind Sip & Stim.

Toni shares her journey from Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) to Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and the experiences that shaped how she supports children and families.

Kate opens up about her son Greyson’s story, the lessons she has learned as a mom, and the moments that changed her perspective forever.

Together, they talk about the gap they saw in the autism community, why they created this podcast, and what they hope every parent walks away feeling: seen, supported, and less alone. They also share what makes Sip and Stim different from other autism and parenting resources, what listeners can expect from future episodes, and why taking things day by day matters so much for families navigating autism, parenting, ABA therapy, and everyday life.