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
27 episodes
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 ...
•
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...
•
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...
•
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...
•
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...
•
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...
•
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...
•
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...
•
25:26
From Potential to Paycheck - Part 2 - Employment Opportunities for Individuals with Autism
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...
•
25:20
From Potential to Paycheck - Part 1 - Employment Opportunities for Individuals with Autism
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...
•
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 <...
•
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...
•
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...
•
29:59
All About ABA - Applied Behavior Analysis
In this episode, we’re talking all about ABA—Applied Behavior Analysis—what it is, why it works, and how it’s shaped Alec’s progress over the years.We dive into what makes ABA such a powerful approach: it’s data-driven, evidenc...
•
22:50
We are PRO - Proactive Measures
In this episode, we’re talking about one of our favorite strategies for supporting individuals with autism: being proactive. We dive into how setting up thoughtful systems, routines, and supports ahead of time can make a huge difference ...
•
35:16
Let's Build an ABA Team - Part 1
At some point in your child’s—or adult child’s—journey, you’ll likely find yourself assembling what we call a “team.” These are the people who support, care for, and help your loved one thrive—and you're the one managing it all.In this e...
•
41:02
How Alec Landed in Utah - Beginnings of a Group Home
In this episode, we open up about one of the biggest—and hardest—decisions we’ve made for Alec: moving him to Utah.We share what led up to that choice, what we learned during his time in Colorado, and how those experiences helped shape t...
•
26:30
The "D" Word...Data & ABA
In this episode, we’re diving into the sometimes overwhelming—but incredibly important—world of data collection. We talk about why we take data, how it helps us support Alec, and how we use it not just for his progress, but also to guide...
•
35:59
It’s a Hard Knock Life for Al! Chores & Autism
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...
•
23:18
How's your body? How's your mind? How Check-ins Help Individuals with Autism
In this episode, we dive into one of the most important routines in Alec’s daily life: sitting down at the start of each shift with his team member to plan out their time together. This isn’t just a schedule—it’s a thoughtful, intentional way t...
•
23:08
Backpack, Backpack!
In this episode, we talk about one of our most practical tools for daily life with Alec—the backpack. Whether you’re running errands, heading to a therapy appointment, or spending the day out and about, being prepared can make all the di...
•
27:32
Alec's Current Set Up
In this episode, we share what Alec’s life looks like today—from the home he lives in to the systems we’ve put in place to support his independence and well-being. Over the years, we’ve worked hard to tailor his living environment to meet his u...
•
37:49
Alec's Early Years - Autism Diagnosis, Therapies, Struggles, Triumphs
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...
•
17:29