In this episode, our friend, Gretta Berghammer, makes a second appearance on the podcast. Noah and Chris talk to her about her new upcoming play called To Touch The Moon, which debuts in April at the University of Northern Iowa. The production, which combines drama and science, is focused on an experience where the audience is part of the production. The play is geared towards younger people with autism. This production has also included many different groups across the university to make this show happen. 

Come along with us as we learn about To Touch The Moon and how it came to be. You might also learn a little bit about space and the Apollo missions as well.

Learn more about this play in this Space.com article.

For tickets or more information on To Touch the Moon, contact Gretta Berghammer at: gretta.berghammer@uni.edu.

In this episode, Chris and Noah interview Anushka Paris-Carter and Andy Paris, writers and directors of the play, Uncommon Sense. This play, which premiered in January, 2017 at the Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center in Cedar Falls, Iowa, showcases how individuals and families are affected by autism. In the interview we discuss some of the ups and downs of the play making process, how the play impacted Andy and Anushka, and how the play impacted those who were part of the play.

​You can learn more about Uncommon Sense here.

​In this episode Chris and Noah interview Joe, who is an uncle to Noah and Isaac. In his day job, Joe is an optometrist, specializing in vision therapy. Joe works with patients with all types of different abilities, including autism, to assess and help improve their vision.

Joe shares some insights from his experiences in working with patients on the autism spectrum and offers his perspective on being an uncle to Isaac and Noah.

Learn more about vision therapy at www.covd.org
Learn more about Joe's practice at www.visiontherapy4kids.com

"Don't refer to a person as their diagnosis, refer to them as a person first."

In this episode Chris and Noah interview Scott, who has a lot of experience with autism and people with disabilities. In his day job, Scott helps individuals with disabilities find meaningful employment by providing support and training for both employers and individuals. Scott is also an uncle to Noah, Isaac, and one other nephew with a disability. Scott offers some great insights, real-life stories, and asks Chris and Noah a few questions as well.

Learn more about Optimae LifeServices at www.optimaelifeservices.com.

In this episode Chris and Noah interview researchers Taylor Kalmus and Natalie Pottschmidt from the SPARK for Autism program at the University of Iowa. Taylor and Natalie provide some background on SPARK and how they got involved in the program (Hint - one of them has a sibling with autism). They also provide some insights into the potential outcomes of the research and offer some advice to other researchers in similar projects. We enjoyed the conversation and think you will, too.
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Here are some helpful resources related to this episode:

• SPARK for Autism - overview
• SPARK for Autism - how to participate in the research
• Spectrum Autism 101

"We all have something to teach each other and we all have something to learn."

In this episode Chris and Noah interview psychologist, Dr. Paul Conditt. Dr. Paul works with autistic people and their families to help them navigate the challenges and embrace the blessings of autism. In this episode, Dr. Paul shares some of his experiences working with kids and families with autism, offers some insights into his world as a psychologist, and shares some advice for parents and individuals with autism.

"Be open to adapting your playbook to help people on the struggle bus."

In this episode Chris and Noah interview Angela Wittmer, junior high school counselor. Angela shares some of her experiences working with kids and families with autism (and special needs), offers some insights into her world as a school counselor, and shares some great advice for parents and teachers.
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"Connect with your kid. Build a relationship. Join in with what they like to do."
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In this episode Chris and Noah interview Carrie, mother of two children with special needs. Carrie shares some of her experiences raising two kids with different abilities, offers some insights into her world, and shares some advice for parents and teachers.

In this episode, Chris and Noah interview Dr. Kevin Droe, Associate Professor of Music in Music Education at the University of Northern Iowa (UNI). Our family met Kevin through his wife, Shelley, who was Noah's music teacher in elementary school. In the interview we discuss the origins of Spectrum Project, how it has evolved over the past several years, insights from Kevin, and advice to educators, parents, and students regarding this type of project. 
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In this episode Chris and Noah interview Kelli, who has a lot of experience with autism. She is a sibling to a younger brother, Ben, who was diagnosed with autism when she was 13. She was also a caregiver to our guys for two summers. In addition to all of that, she worked with autistic kids as a behavioral specialist. Kelli offers some great insights, fun stories, and tips that could apply to everyone.

As a bonus, we got some video of feeding applesauce to Isaac. As you can see, he thinks it is hilarious.