Autism Atmosphere

08/26/2026

This guy loves to fly and it shows! Delta Air Lines

08/12/2026

08/03/2026

Reflecting on this weekend with a heart full of gratitude. ❤️ Seeing Owen get to be so free and surrounded by his people brings us so much joy.

This year marked my first time attending the conference as a S2C practitioner! The training day was packed, and I learned a ton while connecting with so many wonderful practitioners. The energy was amazing with 118 practitioners from all over states, Canada and even from South Africa.

This year 160ish non-speakers attended, and over 600 people were there in total. It was pretty spectacular!

My biggest takeaway from listening to the non-speakers was about the intense stigma they face daily. Society constantly misjudges them and their apraxic bodies, assuming they lack intelligence or thoughts before they even walk into a room. In reality, every non-speaker I’ve met is profoundly intelligent, thoughtful, forgiving, and kind. They teach me so much.

Today, I challenge all of us to check our first assumptions, no matter who we are meeting. Let’s strip away the automatic stigmas we place on others and commit to truly getting to know people for who they are. It’s a beautiful thing ❤️

Pictured in the first two photos with Owen are the amazing S2C practitioners who helped him express his inner thoughts for the first time. The third photo is Elizabeth Vosseller who founded S2C and who introduced Owen to S2C back in 2020.

07/02/2026

Consistency is key!

06/01/2026

Last week Owen attended Surf Camp, hosted by The Peyton Project at IndoJax Surf School, and we are overflowing with gratitude.

There is nothing quite like watching your child be entirely themselves, completely free of judgment. Owen’s instructor was incredible. He presumed competence from day one, pushing Owen a little more during each session. Owen even came incredibly close to standing up on his board! At one point Carl offered to pitch in, and the instructor politely declined—he and Owen had formed a special bond and were fully in their element together. It was beautiful to watch.

The joy wasn't just out on the water. It was also being around other families who just “get it” - If you know you know. To top it off, Owen got to spend rare quality time with a couple of friends from his guys' group. Because we live more than an hour away from each other, these moments don't happen often, making this week all the more special.

Please take some time to learn about The Peyton Project and donate if you can so they came help more families like ours.

Also, visit Indo Jax Surf Charities
To see all the wonderful things they do and to show them some love for supporting our community!

05/26/2026

Owen and his friends are determined to change how the world sees nonspeakers!

The Guys Group met with Mayor Glenn Jacobs on Friday to share their perspectives, experiences, and ideas for building a more inclusive community for nonspeakers!

We are so proud of these men for their leadership, advocacy, and willingness to share their experiences.

Thank you to Mayor Jacobs and his team for taking the time to listen.

05/01/2026

04/25/2026

Celebrating his 23rd birthday on a Carnival Cruise Line! Happy 23rd Birthday Owen! 

04/02/2026

Owen’s favorite place to eat ❤️

Celebrating the kick off of World Autism Acceptance Month with our grandson, Owen.

03/18/2026

Last week we went on a little hike with Chattanooga Therapeutic Recreation Services
Owen had a great time and enjoys being with this group.
He says, they really get it. I have to agree, they are kind, supportive and truly understand the meaning of presuming competence.