In this heartfelt episode of the Know and Follow podcast, Pastor Addison Roberts sits down with his wife, Alyssa Roberts, a licensed professional counselor, to talk about the joys and challenges of parenting a child with autism. Drawing from their own family’s journey with their daughter Ella, they open up about the emotional process surrounding diagnosis, the lifelong role of caregiving, and the spiritual perspective that sustains them along the way. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or friend of a family affected by disability, this conversation offers empathy, understanding, and hope.

• What parents often experience during the pre-diagnosis and diagnosis stages of autism
• How feelings of grief and relief can coexist when receiving a diagnosis
• Why shame and stigma can affect parents of children with disabilities—and how to overcome them
• How puberty, social development, and jobs present unique challenges for children on the spectrum
• Ways churches and communities can better support families affected by disability
• The importance of viewing disability through a gospel-centered lens of dignity and eternal hope
• Practical encouragement for parents to find community and remember that they’re not alone

• Parenting Autism Support Group: A weekly online gathering for parents of children with autism led by Alyssa Roberts (Wednesdays at 8 PM).
• CHOP Autism Research: Learn more about ongoing research and family participation opportunities at chop.edu.
• Philadelphia Eagles Autism Challenge: Supporting autism awareness and inclusion through community events — eaglesautismfoundation.org.
• Grace Community Church of Willow Street: Find support groups, counseling resources, and community events at gccws.net.

The Know and Follow podcast is a production of Grace Community Church of Willow Street, located at 212 Peach Bottom Road in Willow Street, Pennsylvania. Join us for weekend services on Saturdays at 6 PM, Sundays at 8 AM, 9:15 AM, and 11 AM. Learn more at gccws.net.