Not An Island Podcast cover art

Not An Island Podcast

Written by: Todd and Amanda Johnson
  • Summary

  • Not An Island Podcast is that little place where autism, family, and faith meet. Created by an autism family, for autism families, your hosts Todd and Amanda Johnson bring conversation, advice, and resources to help you through the unique journey of raising a child with autism in a Christian home.
    © 2024 Not An Island Podcast
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Episodes
  • Ep 12. The Superhero Within | Interview with Jeff and Jessica Carbajal
    Mar 23 2024

    Connect with Jeff and Jessica on Instagram @theautismsuperhero

    Empower the mission of inclusion and advocacy by supporting them and buying their merchandise at:
    https://theautismsuperhero.com/


    When Jeff and Jessica first learned their son was nonverbal and autistic, they never imagined they’d become superheroes in their own right. Yet, here they are: the duo behind the brand “The Autism Superhero”, turning their parenting journey into a celebration of diversity and resilience. Their story, rich with personal insights, unfolds in our latest episode, where they join us to talk about transforming struggle into empowerment, not just for themselves, but for families everywhere facing the challenge of raising a child on the autism spectrum.

    The rollercoaster of emotions that accompanies a child’s autism diagnosis can be overwhelming; however, acceptance and advocacy carve a path to hope. Our conversation traverses the landscape of early intervention, educational planning, and harnessing the power of community. Jeff annd Jessica offer a unique glimpse into the balancing act of parenthood, discussing how normalizing experiences for children with special needs can foster a sense of inclusion. The candid sharing of these personal narratives promises to strike a chord with listeners, whether they're knee-deep in their own parenting odysseys or simply seeking understanding.

    In the heart of this episode lies the core message: the unexpected strength found through conquering challenges. We reflect on the growth, the connections made, and the profound resilience parents unearth within themselves. Jeff and Jessica's journey, punctuated by moments of vulnerability and triumph, illuminates a path for other parents. Their tales of advocacy, hope, and acceptance remind us that while the road may be fraught with obstacles, it can also lead to a world of possibilities and support, highlighting the superhero within each of us.

    Support the show

    Be sure to FOLLOW, SHARE, RATE and SUBSCRIBE!
    Video Content: https://youtube.com/@notanislandpodcast
    Support our podcast: https://www.patreon.com/NotAnIslandPodcast
    Contact us at notanislandpodcast@gmail.com


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    45 mins
  • Ep 11. Life As An Autism Sibling
    Mar 16 2024
    When life presented us with the gift of our son Ezra and his autism diagnosis, the complex tapestry of our family deepened with vibrant new colors. It's a story not unlike a spiritual awakening, one that found us celebrating the arrival of his younger brother Justice, whose name came to us in a moment of profound clarity. Our journey is laden with laughter, tears, and the rich, rewarding challenge of embracing the individuality of our children. This episode is an open invitation to feel the warmth of our family embrace as we navigate the highs and lows of raising two uniquely marvelous boys.

    Join us as we paint a vivid picture of the beautiful chaos that is our daily life, from the heart-melting sweetness of Ezra's innocence to the hilarious escapades of Justice's "terrible twos." We peel back the layers of sibling relationships in a household where autism is a part of the family narrative, sharing insights on how we tailor our connections to meet each child where they are. The stories we share not only shed light on the lesser-discussed experiences of siblings in similar situations but also serve as a beacon of joy and a testament to the unspoken strength that comes from facing life's unplanned adventures head-on.

    Support the show

    Be sure to FOLLOW, SHARE, RATE and SUBSCRIBE!
    Video Content: https://youtube.com/@notanislandpodcast
    Support our podcast: https://www.patreon.com/NotAnIslandPodcast
    Contact us at notanislandpodcast@gmail.com


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    20 mins
  • Ep 10. Faith and ABA therapy | Interview with Christina Flores, BCaBA
    Mar 10 2024
    When life's passions and our faith intertwine, the journey can lead us to extraordinary places. Christina Flores' story is a testament to this very idea. Our latest episode welcomes our good friend and Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst, Christina, as she shares the powerful moments that directed her towards supporting children on the autism spectrum. Christina's powerful narrative is not just about a career; it's a story where divine guidance and personal calling find a harmonious symphony.

    Our conversation dives deep into the essence of divine encounters and their role in shaping our destinies. The narrative of how a chance meeting at a conference and a prayer altered our paths is one of our most cherished testimonies. It's a celebration of the Holy Spirit's orchestration in our lives, leading us to become champions for special needs and advocates for inclusion. The episode serves as a moving reminder of the impact we can have on families navigating the challenges of raising children with special needs, and the beauty of spiritual guidance in uncovering one's purpose.

    Walking with Christina through her experiences, we uncover the blessings that children with autism bring into our lives and the community. The discussion sheds light on the expanding embrace of the autistic community within American society and the importance of welcoming all families to the fold. We close with heartfelt advice for parents seeking solace and support, ensuring them that they are never alone. Join us in this soul-stirring episode, where faith meets purpose and where every story shared is a beacon of hope for embracing the gifts of every child.

    Support the show

    Be sure to FOLLOW, SHARE, RATE and SUBSCRIBE!
    Video Content: https://youtube.com/@notanislandpodcast
    Support our podcast: https://www.patreon.com/NotAnIslandPodcast
    Contact us at notanislandpodcast@gmail.com


    Show more Show less
    48 mins

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