Chicago Autism Network

Kimi Matsumura is all about building a Supportive Autism Community. That’s why she founded and is the CEO of the Chicago Autism Network. Kimi discusses the importance of community for autism families, her personal journey with her autistic daughter, and the network's mission (including providing financial grants to families in need, as well as her yearly annual autism expo).

In 2015 I talked to three behavior therapists who all had a brother on the spectrum as well. I check in with them in 2024 and all three have master’s degrees and are autism professionals. Great insights on what it's like having a sibling on the spectrum.

In her book, Speak Kindly, You’re Listening, Dr. Jessica Metcalfe teaches She teaches high-achievers how to understand why and what their inner voice is saying to prevent self-sabotaging behaviors and burnout. Her research to understand the link between imposter syndrome, perfectionism and burnout has empowered her to teach others to empower their inner voice which ultimately affects how they show up in their leadership role. 

Lenard Zohn started Autism Eats because he grew up in a family where going out to a restaurant was a family event and an enjoyable experience. Unfortunately, for those of us who have a child with autism dining out can be anxiety provoking and stressful. Under the philosophy of see a need, fill a need, Lenard created Autism Eats to bring the fun back into eating out.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy or ACT. Steven C. Hayes is a Foundation Professor of Psychology at the University of Nevada, Reno and is the author of 46 books including Get Out of Your Mind and Into Your Life and his new book A Liberated Mind. His TEDx talks have been viewed by over 600,000 people, and he is ranked among the most cited psychologists in the word.

Dr. Kerry Magro is autistic and is a professional speaker, best-selling author, movie consultant, and mentor. His communication style provides a multitude of insights into an autistic child growing to adulthood. In this interview, Kerry addresses, among other things, what he calls a parent’s million-dollar question, “What will happen to my child when I’m gone?”

We count down the Top 5 TV shows we’ve been watching over the past year. The episode’s main topic, three autism therapists (ST, OT, BCBA) discuss a multidisciplinary therapy approach and give best practices for collaboration.  

New segment to the podcast. I’ve added a Top 5 Countdown throughout the conversation. In today’s episode, Best Vintage Video Games on a TV System. As for the main topic, Brett Balduf is currently the principal at Carpenter Elementary School in Park Ridge.  We take both a look back at the 2020 school year and a look forward into the 2021 school year. BY YOUR SIDE Autism Podcast

Brittany, a Speech-Language Pathologist with BY YOUR SIDE, discusses best practices for communication and helping your child. The conversation begins with one of the most asked and complicated questions we get from parents… "When will my child talk?"

Dr. Temple Grandin wants us to understand that there are three different types of thinkers. We need to identify and developed our thinkers; and the business world needs to do a better job putting teams together of all the different type of thinkers. She once again brings her passion and her no-nonsense approach on what we need to do to develop our children.