Piece by Piece Autism Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

In this episode, we chat with Alec's sister, Morning! She is the Msecond born of Alec’s older sisters. She is 34 years old and has called Houston, Texas home for the last decade. Morning is married to Michael, and mom to three of Alec’s favorite nieces and nephews - Jay, Wynn, and Kit. Morning is actively involved in her Church and neighborhood communities. In her free time she loves playing mahjong and tennis, jumping on the trampoline, and drinking Diet Coke.

We talk about her memories, the challenges she navigated, the ways Alec shaped her childhood, and the compassion and resilience that grew from being part of his world. 

Her voice adds another meaningful piece to Alec’s story and reminds us how deeply autism impacts — and enriches — the lives of siblings. 

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This week, we sit down with Meet and Abby Patel to discuss their years of experience working in a special needs dentistry practice and serving individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities.

Dental visits can be a source of stress and anxiety for many families, but Meet and Abby share practical insights into what makes dental care more successful for individuals on the autism spectrum. From building trust and creating positive experiences to understanding sensory sensitivities and communication differences, they offer a unique perspective from inside a practice that specializes in caring for patients with special needs.

We discuss common challenges families face when it comes to oral hygiene, preparing for dental appointments, and finding providers who are willing to meet patients where they are. Meet and Abby also share stories and lessons they've learned over the years working with individuals of all ages and abilities.

Whether you're helping a young child brush their teeth, preparing for an upcoming dental visit, or supporting an adult with autism in maintaining good oral health, this episode is full of practical advice and encouragement.

Join us for an informative conversation about autism, special needs dentistry, and the importance of finding a dental team that understands and supports every patient's unique needs. 🦷✨

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This week’s episode is a very special one for us. For the first time, we sit down with the person who started it all—Alec.

Because Alec is nonverbal, this conversation looks a little different than a traditional interview. Ahead of recording, we sat down with Alec and asked him a series of questions. Using his keyboard, Alec thoughtfully typed out his responses, giving us a rare and meaningful opportunity to hear directly from an adult on the autism spectrum about his experiences, thoughts, and perspective.

To help bring Alec’s words to life on the podcast, we were joined by Michael Owen, who reads Alec’s responses and serves as his voice during the episode.

Michael Owen is a detective by day, but a devoted friend and advocate of Alec by heart. Having shared years of life’s ups and downs with Alec, Michael brings a raw and honest look at what friendship looks like beyond the diagnosis. He isn’t an expert—just someone who has learned that connection doesn’t always need words, and that showing up is the most important part of the journey.

Michael has been a police officer and detective for 20 years. He has been married to his wife Megan for almost 23 years, and together they have four children ranging in age from 21 to 13. When he’s not working, Michael enjoys camping with his family, spending time on the lake, and coaching his boys’ baseball teams.

This episode is a powerful reminder that communication can take many forms, and when individuals on the spectrum are given the right tools and support, their voices can absolutely be heard. We’re honored to share Alec’s thoughts with all of you and grateful to Michael for helping bring them to life.

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Chores may seem simple, but they can be one of the most powerful tools for building independence in children and adults on the autism spectrum.

In this episode, we expand on one of our most popular topics—Alec’s chore system—and dive deeper into how we teach life skills through everyday tasks at home. We talk about the prompt levels we use in ABA, how to gradually fade support, and why learning to contribute around the house builds confidence, responsibility, and independence.

We also discuss how chores can lay the foundation for future vocational opportunities. Skills like cleaning, organizing, carrying items, and completing multi-step tasks can later translate into meaningful work experiences.

For families just getting started, we encourage you to start small. Cooperative activities like walking the dog together, carrying groceries, or moving a cooler from the garage are great ways to begin building instructional cooperation and teamwork.

Whether your learner is young or an adult, chores can help develop essential life skills, independence, and pride in contributing to their home and community.

If you’re looking for practical ways to teach responsibility and real-world skills through ABA principles, this episode is full of ideas to help you get started.

The BEST laser pointer! 

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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 difference when caring for a child with autism.

We share what we always keep packed and ready to go—from sensory supports and snacks to communication tools and cleanup supplies. Our favorite? The Under Armour Hustle 5.0 backpack—but the most important thing is finding a bag that fits your child’s specific needs and routines.

We’ll walk through our must-haves, a "thank goodness we had that” stories, and tips for building your own go-bag to reduce stress and stay one step ahead of the unexpected.

Click here for Under Armour Hustle 6.0 backpack

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In this episode, we sit down with Anna Osmond, Alec’s house manager and an essential part of his support team. Anna has known Alec for years and brings a rare, full-circle perspective—having worked with him in Texas before his move to Utah and now supporting him in his group home setting.

Anna shares what it truly looks like to support an adult on the autism spectrum behind the scenes. From managing home maintenance and scheduling appointments to making sure everyday essentials like laundry soap, toothpaste, and toilet paper are always stocked, her role allows direct support staff to focus fully on Alec himself. These details may seem small, but they make a huge difference in creating stability, consistency, and independence.

We also talk about Anna’s background as a school teacher and how working with Alec and learning from ABA has shaped the way she supports students in her classroom. Most of all, this episode highlights the heart behind the work—how genuine connection, consistency, and teamwork create an environment where individuals on the spectrum can thrive.

If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to build a strong autism support system—or how ABA principles extend far beyond therapy sessions—this episode is for you.

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In this episode, we sit down with one of Alec’s favorite people — former team member and roommate, Heather. Their relationship is a powerful example of what consistent, compassionate autism support can grow into over time.

When Heather was first hired, Alec didn’t make it easy — he tested boundaries, pushed limits, and was a bit of a stinker. But instead of giving up, Heather stayed consistent, patient, and steady. Over time, she earned Alec’s trust, laying the foundation for a bond that has lasted years beyond her role as a caregiver.

Heather knows Alec deeply and continues to be an important part of his life. She has also played a key role in helping foster friendships for Alec with other individuals on the spectrum, showing how strong support can expand into meaningful community and connection.

From spending holidays together to building trust through consistency, this episode highlights the heart of autism support — the relationships that go beyond job titles. If we had a Hall of Fame for team members, Heather would absolutely be in it.

This episode is for parents, caregivers, and professionals who want to understand how trust, consistency, and genuine connection can change everything for individuals on the spectrum.

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In this episode, we kick off an important conversation about behavior in autism by breaking down one of the most foundational tools in ABA: ABC Data — Antecedent, Behavior, and Consequence.

We explain what ABC data is, why it matters, and how it helps us move away from guessing or labeling behavior and toward truly understanding why behavior happens. Using real-life examples from Alec, we share how we’ve tracked behavior over the years and how observing what happens before, during, and after a behavior has shaped his supports and programming.

This conversation isn’t about judgment or punishment — it’s about clarity. ABC data helps identify patterns, guide interventions, and answer the core ABA question: What is this behavior communicating or getting for the learner?

This episode lays the groundwork for future discussions about behavior, functions, and support strategies, and is perfect for parents, caregivers, and educators who want practical, real-world insight into autism, ABA, and behavior support.

If behavior has ever felt confusing or overwhelming, this episode is your starting point.

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In this episode, we dive into a topic that so many parents of individuals with autism experience — caretaker fatigue. When the needs are constant and the demands feel never-ending, it’s easy for caregivers to put themselves last… until burnout sets in.

We talk about the signs and symptoms of caretaker fatigue and why prioritizing yourself is not selfish — it’s essential. Christi shares honestly about her experience raising Alec, including the ways she felt supported by friends, the moments she felt isolated, and the intentional choices she made to care for herself along the way.

We discuss why taking breaks — including trips without Alec — allowed Christi to reconnect with her other children, feel renewed, and return as a better, more present caregiver. Because the last thing any parent wants is to feel resentment toward the individual who needs their care.

This episode is a reminder that supporting an individual with autism starts with supporting the caregiver. When parents take care of themselves, everyone benefits — especially their child.

If you’re a parent or caregiver feeling stretched thin, this conversation is for you.

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In this episode, we talk openly about Alec’s journey with epilepsy over the last 12 years. Alec had his first seizure at 16, and like many individuals on the autism spectrum, epilepsy became an additional and life-changing diagnosis.

According to the Epilepsy Foundation, 20–30% of individuals with autism also have epilepsy, making seizures the most common neurologic complication associated with autism. 

We share the realities of navigating the medical system, the frustration of not always being heard, and the long, difficult process of finding the right medication — one that not only controlled seizures but also minimized side effects. Those years were some of the hardest Alec has faced, and they shaped how we advocate, ask questions, and push for better care.

This episode is for families raising children on the spectrum who are also managing epilepsy or other medical complexities. We hope Alec’s story helps you feel less alone, more informed, and more empowered to advocate for your child. 

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