Voices Beyond the Spectrum
Voices Beyond the Spectrum is a biweekly podcast hosted by Karla Chinen. It provides a welcoming space for parents and caregivers of autistic or neurodivergent children to share their experiences. Each episode explores different topics related to raising neurodivergent kids. The show offers insights, support, and a sense of community. It aims to create an open, supportive environment for discussing the unique challenges and joys of neurodivergent parenting.
Episodes
Inland Regional Center Series: Building Connections Through Community Engagement
Welcome to a special Inland Regional Center series of Voices Beyond the Spectrum: Resource Hub Edition.
In this episode, host Karla Chinen welcomes Monica Munguía, Program Manager of Inland Regional Center’s Community Engagement Team. Since 2013, Monica has served clients and families within the Regional Center and Special Education systems while promoting community empowerment, collaboration, equ
Part 1 of 3: IEPs & ESY: Beyond the Acronyms with Donald Ghrist CAS Evaluations
Welcome to Part 1 of our special three part series of Voices Beyond the Spectrum: Resource Hub Edition.
In this episode, host Karla Chinen sits down with Donald Ghrist, LEP, Licensed Educational Psychologist, to take a deeper look at Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and Extended School Year (ESY) services.
For many families, receiving an IEP can feel overwhelming. Present levels, goals, se
Who Will Take Care of My Child? Special Needs Trusts and Proxy Parenting Explained: Proxy Parent Foundation
In this Resource Hub Edition of Voices Beyond the Spectrum, host Karla Chinen speaks with Carol Larkin, Director of Client Relations, and Carmen Bowen, Executive Director of Proxy Parent Foundation.
Together, they discuss special needs trusts, personal support services, public benefits, and practical steps families can take to prepare for their loved one’s future. The conversation also addresses e
Leading with Love: A Father's Perspective Beyond the Diagnosis
What does fatherhood look like when every family's journey is different?
In this special episode of Voices Beyond the Spectrum, four fathers come together to share their honest experiences of raising children with disabilities, navigating diagnoses, advocating for their families, and redefining what it means to lead with love.
From the emotions that come with receiving a diagnosis to celebrating m
Finding Community: Autism Society Inland Empire
In this episode of Voices Beyond the Spectrum Resource Hub Edition, host Karla Chinen speaks with Melissa Cardona and Dr. Fanny Cisneros from Autism Society Inland Empire about the organization’s mission, programs, and practical resources for autistic and neurodivergent children, teens, and adults.
They share personal experiences, upcoming events, and tips for finding community and support. Encour
The Motherhood We Never Expected: Four Moms, Four Journeys, One Community
In this episode of Voices Beyond the Spectrum, Karla Chinen sits down with four incredible mothers to discuss the realities of raising children with disabilities and neurodivergence.
Jennifer Fernandez, Carina Guzman, Xochitl Gallegos, and Teiyana Muse share their personal journeys through diagnosis, advocacy, faith, resilience, caregiving, and community building.
From navigating autism and Down s
Legacy Bridges Foundation: Melanee A. Stovall
In this episode of Voices Beyond the Spectrum Resource Hub Edition, host Karla Chinen speaks with Melanee A. Stovall — mother, author of The Life Heist, and founder of Legacy Bridges Foundation — about navigating her daughter's epilepsy, the emotional toll of caregiving, and the faith and resilience that inspired her advocacy work.
Melanie discusses building community through support groups, resou
Blue Envelope Program: Dr. C.J. Cook from Inland Regional Center, Audrey Maqueira from the Autism Society Inland Empire, and Corporal Ermes Maqueira from the Ontario Police Department
In this episode of Voices Beyond the Spectrum, Resource Hub Edition, we bring together powerful voices from systems, community advocacy, and law enforcement to discuss an initiative that is helping bridge a critical gap between individuals with autism and first responders.
Joined by Dr. C.J. Cook from Inland Regional Center, Audrey Maqueira from the Autism Society Inland Empire, and Corporal Ermes
ADR and Due Process: Devon Rios, Special Education and Civil Rights Attorney
In this episode of Voices Beyond the Spectrum Resource Hub Edition, Karla Chinen invites Devon Rios, Special Education and Civil Rights Attorney, into the conversation to break down ADR and due process in special education.
Together, they walk through what happens when disagreements arise between families and schools, what each option looks like, and how families can navigate these moments with cl
Family Resource Network: TeiYana Muse
Host Karla Chinen interviews TeiYana Muse from Family Resource Network about the organizations family-centered services that guide caregivers of autistic and neurodivergent children through early intervention, special education (IEPs), community navigation, and Spanish-language supports.
The episode highlights Early Start (03), the Family Empowerment Center (ages 322), trainings, and practical res
Family Resource Network: Vicky Murillo
Host Karla Chinen speaks with Vicky Murillo of Family Resource Network about the programs that support families of children and adults with disabilities, including Early Start, the Family Empowerment Center, community navigation, and IEP workshops.
The episode highlights bilingual, culturally sensitive services, practical guidance for accessing resources like IHSS and Social Security, and the impo
Odyssey Inclusive: Dr. Lynn R. Larsen
In this episode Karla Chinen interviews Dr. Lynn R. Larson about Odyssey Inclusive, a program that adapts Odyssey of the Mind for students and adults with significant disabilities. They discuss how adapted scripts, multi-level spontaneous problems, and flexible delivery create opportunities for creativity, teamwork, social skills, and confidence.
Dr. Larson explains how to form teams, access coach
CalABLE: Promoting Independence and long-term planning—Thomas Martin Executive Director
Welcome to Voices Beyond the Spectrum Resource Hub Edition. In this episode, host Karla Chinen speaks with Thomas Martin, Executive Director of CalABLE, about how CalABLE helps individuals with disabilities save and invest without jeopardizing public benefits like SSI. They cover eligibility, contribution limits, qualified disability expenses, multilingual access, practical uses for families, and
Care Partners: Alicia Prieto (Spanish)
En este episodio de Voices Beyond the Spectrum Resource Hub, edición en español, la anfitriona Karla Chinen entrevista a Alicia Prieto de Care Partners para conversar sobre los servicios de cuidado en el hogar y relevo (respite) que la agencia ofrece a familias de niños y adultos con discapacidades.
Alicia comparte su trayectoria, el enfoque de la organización en la empatía, la sensibilidad cultur
Care Partners: Monique Arrendondo Executive Director
On this Resource Hub edition of Voices Beyond the Spectrum, host Karla speaks with Monique Arredondo, Program Director at Care Partners, about their person-centered respite and disability services across Southern California.
Monique explains how Care Partners matches trained caregivers to diverse family needs, prioritizes continuity and empathy, partners with regional centers and community organiz
Options for All: Empowering Adults to Live, Work, Thrive: Leo Zuno
Host Karla Chinen speaks with Leonel Zuno of Options for All about adult services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities — from supported employment and community engagement to tailored day services, independent living supports, and an innovative film & media program.
The episode explains who qualifies, how families can access services, examples of life-changing outcomes,
Options for All: Leo Zuno Spanish Edition
In this Spanish-language resource hub episode, host Karla Chinen talks with Leonel “Leo” Zuno of Options for All about services that help autistic and neurodivergent adults live with dignity—supported employment, individualized day services, behavioral supports, community integration, and a unique film and media program.
They explain who qualifies, how families can access services (including regio
From Overwhelm to Connection: RDI Secrets with Brooke Wagner
In this episode of Voices Beyond the Spectrum Research Hub Edition, host Karla Chinen interviews Brooke Wagner, RDI Program Certified Consultant and founder of Therapeutic Approach to Growth. Brooke shares her 22+ years working with autistic individuals and explains how Relationship Development Intervention (RDI) helps families build emotional connection, dynamic intelligence, and everyday compete
Bilingual Voices: Communication Tips from SLP Beth Abinya
Episode one of the Resource Hub introduces Beth Abinya, a bilingual speech-language pathologist, who discusses myths about bilingualism and AAC, and explains why all forms of communication matter.
Listen for practical tips families and schools can use to encourage communication, track progress, and build collaborative, respectful partnerships that empower neurodivergent children.
How AAC Gives Voice to Neurodivergent Children: Ashley Ray, CCC-SLP
Host Karla Chinen interviews speech-language pathologist Ashley Ray about her personal and professional journey supporting neurodivergent children, inspired by her nephew Hudson who uses AAC.
They discuss the power of augmentative and alternative communication, presuming competence, working with families and schools, and practical, everyday strategies to make communication functional and meaningfu
Showing Up Online, Showing Up at Home: Tanasha Jackson
Host Karla Chinen speaks with Tanasha Jackson, a mother of a young autistic daughter, about diagnosis, grief, cultural barriers, and the emotional work of caregiving. Tanisha shares how she found relief, the challenges of navigating schools and services, and the importance of intuition and advocacy.
They also discuss Tanisha's move into social media to uplift families, building supportive communit
The Glass Sibling: Breese Maldonado-Mejia
In this episode, host Karla Chinen talks with Breese Maldonado Mejia about growing up as a sibling to a brother with autism—navigating caregiving responsibilities, missed experiences, and the feeling of being a "glass child." Breese shares candid memories, challenges with guilt, and the ways the role shaped her identity.
She also discusses how her experiences inspired her career as an occupational
From Diagnosis to Hope: Carol Larkin
Host Karla Chinen talks with Carol Larkin, a parent and Proxy Parent Foundation Director of Client Relations, about recognizing autism, the emotional impact of diagnosis, and the early therapy journey during the pandemic.
They discuss practical support—community connections, juggling work and appointments, sibling dynamics—and explain long‑term planning tools like special needs trusts and proxy ca
Journey of Creativity and Resilience: Uver and Mari's Empowering Story
Welcome to this special bilingual episode of Voices Beyond the Spectrum. In this episode, we delve into the inspiring journey of Uver Maldonado, a young autistic artist who has turned his passion for art into a thriving business. With the unwavering support of his family, Uver has embraced his creative journey, using his art to express his emotions and inspire those around him.
In the second half
Unmasking Identity: Ruth Cassell
Welcome back to Voices Beyond the Spectrum, where real stories illuminate the path for parents and caregivers of autistic and neurodivergent children. Today, our host Karla Chinen welcomes Ruth Cassell, an incredible mother, wife, and autism strategist, who shares her inspiring journey of unmasking and embracing identity after her son's autism diagnosis. Listen as Ruth opens up about the challengi
Navigating Autism and Self-Care with Angela Taber
In this insightful episode of "Voices Beyond the Spectrum," host Karla Chinen sits down with Angela Taber, a devoted mother and family support specialist. Angela courageously opens up about her journey following her daughter's autism diagnosis, sharing both challenges and triumphs along the way. From early signs to navigating family dynamics, and the impact of self-care on mental health, Angela pr
Navigating Neurodiversity: KJ Johnson
Join us on this heartfelt episode of "Voices Beyond the Spectrum," where host Karla Chinen converses with special guest KJ Johnson. KJ shares his inspiring journey as a father navigating inclusion and advocacy for his son who is soon turning 16 and has Down syndrome. Discover the challenges they faced in school settings and learn about the importance of community involvement for neurodivergent chi
Navigating Teenage Years: Stephanie Inclan
In this episode of Voices Beyond the Spectrum, host Karla Chinen dives into a candid conversation with Stephanie Inclan, a passionate and resilient mother of a 15-year-old autistic daughter, Lyla. Stephanie shares her heartfelt journey from the challenges of an unexpected diagnosis to the hard-won victories and everyday struggles of raising a teenager on the autism spectrum.
Together, they discuss
Navigating Special Education: TeiYana Muse
In this episode of Voices Beyond the Spectrum, host Karla Chinen leads a meaningful conversation with TeiYana Muse, a dedicated mother of a child with Down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities. The discussion reveals the emotional journey from diagnosis to thriving and the challenges faced when advocating for her child's education.
TeiYana shares her experience of navigating the special ed
Building a Support Group: Maria Torres
Welcome to Voices Beyond the Spectrum, hosted by Karla Chinen. In this episode, we dive into a heartfelt conversation with Maria Torres, a fellow autism mom, who shares her journey from an initial autism diagnosis to building a strong support system. Maria discusses the emotional challenges, the power of advocacy, and the importance of community in raising a neurodivergent child. She provides inva
Navigating Neurodivergent Travel: Cherlene Alfaro
Join host Karla Chinen in this heartfelt episode of Voices Beyond the Spectrum as she welcomes special guest Cherlene Alfaro. Together, they delve into the challenges and triumphs experienced by parents of neurodivergent children. Cherlene shares invaluable insights and practical tips on how to navigate vacations with autistic kids, underscoring the importance of embracing both the joyous and diff
Embracing the Diagnosis: Anthony Chinen
Welcome to the first episode of "Voices Beyond the Spectrum," a podcast dedicated to parents and caregivers of autistic and neurodivergent children and teens. Join the host Karla and her husband Anthony as they share their personal journey, discussing the ups and downs of raising two autistic children, and how it has affected their marriage, family dynamics, and personal growth. In this candid con
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