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Pieces For My PuzzleAuthor: Nikki
Welcome to the Pieces For My Puzzle Podcast, where I, Nikki Shipp, invite you to join me on a journey through the intricacies of life as a wife to a dedicated police officer and a mother to an incredible autistic son.As a parent navigating the unique challenges and joys of raising a child on the spectrum, I understand firsthand the complexities and uncertainties that come with it. Through this podcast, I share my personal experiences, insights, and lessons learned along the way.Pieces For My Puzzle is more than just a podcast; it's a beacon of hope and inspiration for parents and loved ones of special needs children. Whether seeking practical tips, a fresh perspective, or simply a reminder that you're not alone in this journey, this podcast is for you.Join me as we unravel the pieces of our puzzle together, finding strength, resilience, and, most importantly, a sense of community. Tune in for heartfelt discussions, uplifting stories, and the reassurance that there's always room for growth and joy amidst the challenges.Subscribe now and join our supportive community, where hope shines brightest, and every piece of the puzzle matters. Language: en-us Genres: Arts, Kids & Family, Parenting Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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Navigating the Autism Journey From Diagnosis to College with Carol Waldman
Episode 67
Thursday, 26 March, 2026
When a child receives an autism diagnosis, parents oftenfeel overwhelmed and alone. How do we best support our kids? How do we preparethem for the future? On this episode, we welcome Carol Waldman, a fierce parentadvocate who shares her deeply personal journey of raising her neurodiverseson, Andrew.Carol opens up about the initial confusion of Andrew’sdiagnosis and how she learned to navigate the education system to ensure hereceived the support he needed. Her relentless advocacy paid off, helpingAndrew go away to college and successfully graduate. Now, Carol is on a missionto inspire other families so they know they do not have to walk this pathalone. We also dive into her political advocacy for neurodiversity training inthe workplace and the crucial transition into adulthood for neurodiverse individuals.Key Discussion Points:The Early Days: Carol shares her story of raising Andrew, the emotions surrounding his initial autism diagnosis, and learning to let go of preconceived parenting expectations.Fierce Advocacy: Why advocating for neurodiverse children and adults is absolutely critical, and how Carol navigated the education system to get Andrew the right support.The College Milestone: The steps and support systems that helped Andrew go away to college and achieve his goal of graduating.Life After 18: Exploring the massive need for more guidance and support to help young adults find friends, communities, and like-minded people after high school.Career Transitions: How we can better help young adults transition into meaningful jobs and careers that tie directly to their passions.Changing the Workplace: Carol discusses her political involvement and her passionate advocacy for neurodiversity training in corporate environments.Resources Mentioned:Carol is currently writing a book about her journey raising Andrew—stay tuned for updates on its release!· PhoneNumber: (310) 779-8298· E-mail: cnwaldman@gmail.com Connect with Carol on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carol-waldmanFollow Carol on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carol.n.waldmanConnect on Instagram: https://instagram.com/carol.n.waldmanEnjoying the show?If this conversation inspired you, please subscribe andleave us a review on your favorite podcast platform. Your support helps usbring these important discussions to more listeners and empowers neurodivergentfamilies. Thank you!Connect With Us: § Followus on Instagram: @piecesformypuzzle§ Emailus: Info@piec
