Let’s Plant Houses

What happens when a father and son build their own path when the system has few options? In this episode, Mark Cronin and his son, John, share their journey of Down syndrome, disability, entrepreneurship, and employment. Together, they started John’s Crazy Socks, a business that employs people with different abilities and has shipped over 500,000 packages to 94 countries. John’s Crazy Socks has also donated more than $800,000 to charity, including the Special Olympics. Their story shows what families can do when they believe in their child and refuse to accept limits placed on them by others. Now that is growing into a movement. Through their nonprofit, Abilities Rising, Mark and John are helping other families start businesses, build job skills, and create real employment pathways for adults with different abilities. Their journey reminds us that when support does not exist, families build it, and when families share their stories, more people begin to understand what true support really means.   More about the show… Find more about Mark and John Cronin’s business, John’s Crazy Socks, here. Find more information about LPH host, Wendy Ernzen here. Real stories. Real insights. Real life. Join the LPH newsletter here. Follow LPH on Instagram and Facebook. Feel free to contact Wendy Ernzen via email: letsplanthouses.com. Thank you for leaving a review and rating for the show today!

What happens when you know something is wrong, but the system keeps telling you to wait? In this episode, author Randi-Lee Bowlaugh shares her journey through autism, parenting, and mental health as she searched for answers for her daughter. From early concerns to years of missed support, her story shows how families often live in the gap between what they know and what systems are ready to provide. Randi-Lee speaks honestly about trusting her instincts, changing doctors, and continuing to ask questions until someone finally listened. She reminds us that parents and caregivers are not just participants in the system. They are problem solvers and leaders who keep going, even when the path is long.

What happens when a parent discovers their child—and themselves—share the same diagnosis? J.M. Shaw’s diagnosis changed everything, and helped her see her family’s story in a whole new light. In this episode, fantasy author J.M. Shaw shares her journey raising children with autism and ADHD while discovering her own diagnosis, offering real-life insight into parenting, neurodiversity, family life, and autism support. You’ll hear how lived experience shaped the way she supports her children and how her family found new ways forward when help was hard to find. J.M. also shares how writing fantasy stories and novels became a creative outlet and a powerful way to explore autism, identity, and belonging. Her story offers insight into how families can discover strengths they never knew they had.

What happens when a father turns his family’s biggest daily struggle into a solution that helps other kids learn? In this autism parenting podcast episode of Let’s Find Houses, host Wendy Ernzen sits down with Ron van Til, a dad raising a daughter with profound autism and a son on the autism spectrum. Ron shares his family’s journey through early diagnosis, ABA therapy, speech and OT, sleep deprivation, home safety modifications, and the constant worry about the future that so many autism families quietly carry. That lived experience led Ron and his wife to create the Wiggle Seat, a sensory chair designed to help children with autism sit at the table while still getting the movement their bodies need. Born out of mealtime challenges at home, the Wiggle Seat is now used in ABA clinics, therapy centers, and special education classrooms to help kids stay seated, regulated, and included during learning and connection. This episode blends real-life autism parenting, fear, hope, and innovation, showing how one family’s story is helping children sit, learn, and belong at school and at home.

What if the biggest fight your family ever faced was simply proving that your sister with Down syndrome should have the life she wants? In this episode of Let’s Plant Houses, host Wendy Ernzen talks with Franke James about Down syndrome, disability advocacy, and how real disability rights can start at home. Frankie shares the powerful story of her sister Teresa, a joyful artist and author with Down syndrome, and how their family learned early to include her fully, build her strengths, and expect more from the world around her. You’ll hear what went wrong when her siblings tried to place Teresa in long-term care, even though Franke was willing to give her the life she wanted and deserved. Hear about how Franke and her husband fought back using a capacity assessment, power of attorney, and supported decision making so Teresa could choose where and how she lives, the foundation of Franke’s award-winning book Freeing Teresa. Franke also gives us a sneak peek of the sequel Escape to Lotus Land, the next chapter in Teresa’s beautiful life. This conversation is for parents, siblings, and professionals in the IDD community who want hope, practical insight, and a reminder to presume competence.

How might growing up with a sister with autism shape your life? In this episode, you’ll hear a powerful look at profound autism, caregiving, and family as Dr. DeShanna Reed shares her experience as the youngest sibling to Adrian. She explains how finding the right care and community shaped their journey and what it felt like when Adrian moved into a group home. Dr. Reed also talks about the caregivers who became “found family” and the tender moment her family had to explain that their dad was gone. She shares how stepping into the caregiver role as an adult changed her life and why she is creating a book for siblings to help them navigate the legal, financial, and emotional parts of caregiving. If you support a loved one with IDD, this conversation will help you feel seen and supported.

What if curiosity mattered more than judgment in parenting? In this episode, you’ll hear a real look at parenting, autism, and family life as Julie Kratz shares her journey raising her youngest daughter, Dylan, who is on the autism spectrum. Julie talks honestly about the early developmental differences they noticed and how they worked to find the right school and support. She also shares the everyday challenges, the surprising joys, and the lessons she has learned about patience, empathy, and celebrating small wins. Julie also talks about her new book, We Want You: An Allyship Guide for People with Power. She explains how anyone can become a better ally at work, in the community, and with friends and family. Her message is simple: small actions and real curiosity can create meaningful change. Listen now!

In this episode of Let’s Plant Houses, you meet Michael Pereira, a husband, father, and advocate who helps families with autism and parenting support. Michael shares how his family first noticed signs with his son Christian and gives parents real hope so they feel less alone in their own autism journey. Michael talks about the early days when home life changed fast, from skipping restaurants to unplugging blenders, and how friends and family had to learn and grow with them. He also explains why he created The Autism Voyage, a helpful platform built to give parents clear and trustworthy information. Today it includes more than 90 practical blog posts, a national directory of services, and a newsletter that reaches over 2,000 families. The Autism Voyage blends education, guidance, and real stories that help parents feel supported and understood. If you want honesty, hope, and simple tools that make this journey easier, this is the episode to press play on.

What happens when the services your child needs don’t exist yet? Judi Uttal faced that challenge when her son Josh was diagnosed with autism at age four. She reflects on the early challenges, including the lack of autism awareness and resources in the 1990s, and how her early advocacy, community support—including a pilot program in Irvine and later the Orange County Asperger Support Group—and determination helped Josh thrive in film production. Judi now runs the Orange County Asperger Support Group, helping teens and adults with level one autism improve their quality of life. She also founded the Autism in Entertainment (AIE) Workgroup, a California-based initiative that increases employment opportunities for individuals on the autism spectrum in animation, film, and gaming. Through conferences, creator community meetings, and career resources, AIE connects autistic individuals with opportunities in the entertainment industry. Listen to her fascinating story!

What would you do if the medicine that saved your child’s life was still considered illegal by the federal government? In this episode of Let’s Plant Houses, I talk with Michelle Wright, a mother and advocate whose adult son Ian has profound autism. Michelle shares how medical cannabis changed everything for her family, easing Ian’s symptoms and improving his quality of life after decades of struggle. But while some states allow its use, federal law still stands in the way of research, access, and Ian’s ability to live more independently. Michelle shares why she’s speaking out and how she’s working to legalize medical cannabis for everyone who needs it. Listen to her powerful story of hope, advocacy, and change.

How do you co-parent your special needs child after divorce? In this episode of Let’s Plant Houses we talk about autism parenting, co parenting, and family resilience as John Goralski shares his powerful story. When John’s son Jack was diagnosed with autism, it didn’t just change their understanding of Jack—it changed everything. The stress of navigating specialists, therapies, and an uncertain future contributed to John and Jack’s mom divorcing when Jack was young. But instead of letting that destroy their family, John discovered something powerful: the difference between calling someone “my ex” and calling them “Jack’s mom.” This simple shift in perspective became the foundation for one of the most beautiful co-parenting stories you’ll ever hear. In this episode, John shares how he learned to help his nonverbal son process complex emotions, the moment he realized his child was trying to protect his sick mother, and how they became true partners in navigating life together. Now, with Jack at 22 and transitioning out of school, John has written “Parenting in Crisis: Finding Peace and Purpose in a Special Needs Home” to help other families find their way through the darkness. This conversation will give you hope, practical strategies, and remind you that sometimes our biggest challenges become our greatest growth opportunities.

What would you do if doctors told you your 7-year-old would “never progress past second grade” and belong in a group home? In this episode of Let’s Plant Houses we talk about epilepsy awareness, disability advocacy, and family resilience as Mike Knox shares his powerful story. Mike thought his world was ending when his 2-year-old daughter Vivian had her first seizure and flatlined at the hospital. What followed were years of failed medications, schools that refused to help, bullying from classmates making fake seizure videos, and doctors who said she’d never progress beyond second grade. But Mike refused to accept that future for his daughter. After five grueling years and a leap of faith with a vagus nerve stimulator, a device the size of a silver dollar, everything changed. Today, Vivian is 18, seizure-free for eight years, and preparing for college with dreams of film set design. But Mike’s fight isn’t over. He’s working to change state laws in California because epilepsy affects 3 million Americans yet has virtually no legal protections. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or advocate, this episode will open your eyes to a community that desperately needs support.

What happens when a school principal who’s worked with autistic students for years becomes a grandparent to a child on the spectrum? This week on Let’s Plant Houses my guest is Jennifer Kaufman, author of “Grandparenting on the Spectrum: A Journey from Both Sides of the Desk.” Jennifer brings a unique view to autism support, special education, family advocacy, and neurodiversity because she has lived this journey both as an educator and as a grandmother to a seven year old with autism. What stands out most is Jennifer’s honesty about how her professional experience could not prepare her for the emotional side of being a grandparent. She shares practical ways to create welcoming spaces, the value of following the parents’ lead, and how she learned to shift from trying to fix autism to celebrating neurodivergent minds. This episode is full of guidance and heart. It is a must listen for grandparents, parents, and anyone who wants to better support families raising autistic children.