Piece by Piece Autism Podcast
Solve the Autism puzzle with us, as we discuss the crucial pieces to a happier, more peaceful life with your child/adult with Autism. Striving to make your life a bit easier, bringing you tips of the trade that are tried and true. Angie and Christi use their knowledge & training to share information in all areas of Autism treatment…piece by piece.
Episodes
38 episodes
Autism & Achievement: Teaching Goal Setting from Childhood to Adulthood
In this episode, we talk all about setting goals with Alec and why goal setting matters for everyone — on the autism spectrum or not. Every individual deserves to feel pride, confidence, and a sense of accomplishment, and for some, tha...
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22:39
Autism & the Holidays: A Real-Life Spectrum Recap (B+ Edition)
In this episode, we’re recapping the holidays — autism and all. The holiday season can be especially challenging for individuals on the autism spectrum, with disrupted routines, sensory overload, and nonstop social demands. This year, we’re hap...
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24:49
Early Autism Spectrum Time-Travel Advice - What I Wish I Knew!
Join us—Angie Matheney and Christi Jensen—for a candid Q&A-style conversation where Christi opens up about what she wishes she could have told her younger self when Alec was first diagnosed.We talk about the shifting priorities that ...
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18:53
Chores & Autism - It’s a Hard Knock Life for Al! (Best of '25)
In this episode, we’re talking chores—how we got Alec started, how we create chore chains with just the right level of support, and why these daily tasks are so much more than household responsibilities.Chores have been a huge p...
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23:18
Autism Diagnosis, Therapies, Struggles, Triumphs - Alec's Early Years (Best of '25)
In this episode, we—Angie and Christi—look back on Alec’s early years and the start of our autism journey. We share what it was like when Alec was diagnosed at just 2 years old, some of the behaviors he struggled with, and how we navigated thos...
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17:29
The Autism Holiday Struggle: Routines, Sensory Overload & Holiday Stress
In this episode, we dive into the real challenges families face during the holiday season when raising children on the autism spectrum. What should be a magical, joyful time can quickly turn stressful with disrupted routines, extra peo...
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21:23
Autism, Adventure & Fresh Powder: Blake and Alec’s Story
This week we have the best time talking with Blake Harsh, Alec’s ski instructor turned one of his best buddies. Blake is a mechanical engineer with an undergraduate degree from Brigham Young University and a master’s in Space...
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56:23
Special Education Spotlight: Megan’s Journey as a Parent and Teacher
In this episode, we sit down with our longtime friend Megan, a passionate advocate for children with learning differences — both in the classroom and at home. With years of experience raising her own children and teaching students with a...
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45:26
Kids and the Spectrum: Jackson Shares What Alec Has Taught Him
In this special episode, we sit down with Angie’s son, Jackson, who has known Alec his entire life. At just 12 years old (and already 5’11”!), Jackson brings a fresh and heartfelt perspective on what it’s like to grow up with an autistic bonus ...
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25:38
Autism in the Family: Morning’s Reflections on Growing Up with Alec
In this episode, we wrap up our Sibling Series with Alec’s last sibling — Morning Winterholler. Morning is the second born of Alec’s older sisters. She is 34 years old and has called Houston, Texas home for the last decade. Morn...
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53:40
Autism Awareness Starts at Home: Andrea’s Take on Growing Up with Alec
In this episode, we continue our Sibling Series with Alec’s sister, Andrea Jensen Semidey. Andrea lives in Allen, TX with her husband and 4 kids. She works in finance as a corporate attorney. She graduated from SMU with a degree in Adv...
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39:37
Friendship and Autism: How We Helped Alec Build Lasting Connections
In this heartfelt episode, Christi and Angie open up about the journey of helping Alec build and maintain meaningful friendships over the years.Friendship doesn’t always come naturally — especially for individuals on the autism spectrum ...
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19:53
A Spectrum of Thoughts from Todd's Journey as Alec's Brother
In this episode, we kick off our Sibling Series with a special guest — Todd Jensen. Todd is Alec's senior by three years. He grew up in Japan, Denmark and Texas. Todd holds a B.S. of Accounting from Brigham Young University - Utah. Fol...
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45:40
Guiding Sensory and Stimulatory Behaviors Toward Growth: The ‘Don’t Let Them’ Theory
Mel Robbins may have her “Let Them” theory — but when it comes to sensory and stimulatory behaviors that interfere with learning and growth, we’ve developed our own version: “Don’t Let Them.”In this episode, we unpack t...
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27:31
Learning ABA the Alec Way: A Conversation with Trout, One of Our First Team Members
In this episode, we sit down with one of Alec’s very first team members, Trout — someone who came to us with no formal ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) training but an open heart and a willingness to learn.We share stories from those earl...
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42:30
ABA, OT, Speech and MORE! - What we are all about
Alec is now 28 years old and living in what we lovingly call his golden years. It’s been a long road filled with lessons, challenges, and so much growth, and we’re here to share the journey — every piece of it. We take a chance to shar...
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23:36
When Did Life Get So Serious? Finding Joy While Parenting a Child with Autism
Life with autism often comes with serious moments—hard days, big emotions, and challenges that can feel overwhelming. In this episode, we open up about some of the most difficult times we’ve faced with Alec and the weight that comes with parent...
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28:23
"Big Deal Jill" - ABA, Advocacy, and Autism Awareness
In this special episode, we sit down with Alec’s very first therapist, Jill Scarbro—affectionately known as “Big Deal Jill!” Jill has provided Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services to individuals with autism since 1997. She earned a b...
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39:06
Imposter Syndrome in Autism Parenting: A Marathon, Not a Sprint
Doing the Most (and Still Feeling Like It’s Not Enough) In this episode, Christi opens up about what it was like to pour her heart and soul into Alec’s therapies and programming—doing everything she could to give him the best start p...
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25:26
Employment Opportunities for Individuals with Autism- From Potential to Paycheck - Part 2
In this follow-up conversation, Angie Matheney and Christi Jensen talk about what it takes to not just land a job, but to keep it and succeed in the workplace. We share strategies that have helped Alec, from setting up routines and sys...
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25:20
Employment Opportunities for Individuals with Autism - Potential to Paycheck - Part 1 -
In this episode, we dive into the important topic of employment opportunities for individuals with autism. Finding meaningful work is about more than just a paycheck—it’s about building confidence, independence, and a sense of purpose.Pa...
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33:32
Pull Up a Chair: Let’s Talk ABA Table Work
In this episode, we’re talking all about something we’ve come to call “table work”—a key part of Alec’s day where structured learning happens in a supportive, engaging way.We share what kinds of programs we run at the table—like <...
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25:58
Hobbies on the Spectrum
In this episode, we’re diving into the world of hobbies—why they matter, how to introduce them, and how to support autistic children and adults in developing interests that bring joy and purpose.We share how we’ve helped Alec expl...
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29:34
Mindfulness on the ASD Spectrum - "Magical" Presence Activities -
In this episode, we’re talking about something we use every single day with Alec: presence activities. These are closed-ended, hands-on tasks that help Alec focus his body and mind while giving him a sense of independence and accomplishm...
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29:59