Voices Beyond the Spectrum

”Voices Beyond the Spectrum” is a biweekly podcast hosted by Karla Chinen. It’s a welcoming space for parents and caregivers of autistic or neurodivergent children to share their experiences. Each episode explores different topics related to raising neurodivergent kids, offering insights, support, and a sense of community. The podcast aims to create an open, supportive environment for discussing the unique challenges and joys of neurodivergent parenting. Feel free to ask if you’d like more specific details!

Voices Beyond the Spectrum is a society podcast hosted by Karla Chinen, with 32 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

Karla Chinen hosts Voices Beyond the Spectrum, a society show with 32 episodes published.

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  Episode #31

  Inland Regional Center Series: Building Connections Through Community Engagement

  Sep 19, 202633 min

  Welcome to a special Inland Regional Center series of Voices Beyond the Spectrum: Resource Hub Edition. In this episode, host Karla Chinen welcomes Monica Munguía, Program Manager of Inland Regional Center’s Community Engagement Team. Since 2013, Monica has served clients and families within the Regional Center and Special Education systems while promoting community empowerment, collaboration, equity, and transparency. Monica discusses the importance of creating meaningful dialogue among clients, families, Inland Regional Center representatives, legislators, and community partners. She shares how strong relationships can amplify the community’s voice, encourage collaboration, and help strengthen the services and resources available to individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. Listeners will also learn more about the Community Engagement Team, inclusive events, multilingual resources, community partnerships, and ways families can stay informed and connected. At the heart of Monica’s work is a powerful belief: we find purpose through service. To learn more about Inland Regional Center, explore available services and resources, or view upcoming events, please visit the links below: Inland Regional Center Website: https://www.inlandrc.org/ Community Calendar: https://www.inlandrc.org/calendar/ Follow Inland Regional Center on Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/inlandregionalcenter InlandRegional Community Engagement Email: community@inlandrc.org Listen to Voices Beyond the Spectrum on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podbean, and YouTube. This episode is brought to you by Empathy for Autism California, Inc.

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  Episode #30

  Part 1 of 3: IEPs & ESY: Beyond the Acronyms with Donald Christ CAS Evaluations

  Aug 28, 20261h 3mS2

  Welcome to Part 1 of our special three part series of Voices Beyond the Spectrum: Resource Hub Edition. In this episode, host Karla Chinen sits down with Donald Ghrist, LEP, Licensed Educational Psychologist, to take a deeper look at Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and Extended School Year (ESY) services. For many families, receiving an IEP can feel overwhelming. Present levels, goals, services, accommodations, placement, progress monitoring, and all of the terminology can be a lot to understand. In this conversation, we break it down into practical, everyday language. We discuss the different sections of an IEP, how assessments and identified needs connect to goals and services, the importance of parent participation, accommodations and supports, progress monitoring, placement, and what families should pay attention to when reviewing their child's educational program. We also discuss Extended School Year (ESY), what it is, how it differs from traditional summer school, and what families should understand when ESY is being considered for their child. The goal of this conversation is to help families move beyond simply receiving an IEP and instead better understand what is inside of it, why each section matters, and how they can participate more confidently in educational decision making. And this is only Part 1. In Part 2, we dive into Assessments, Reports, and Understanding Data, including scores, percentiles, strengths, areas of need, and what evaluation results actually mean. In Part 3, we discuss Independent Educational Evaluations (IEEs), including what they are, when families may request one, selecting an evaluator, and what families should understand about the process. ️ Voices Beyond the Spectrum: Resource Hub Edition is brought to you by Empathy for Autism California, Inc. Listen on Podbean, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube. Listen. Learn. Ask questions. Use your voice. For more information of Donald Ghrist or CAS Evaluations: Website: https://casevals.com https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61580467331579&sfnsn=mo&mibextid=RUbZ

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  Episode #29

  Who Will Take Care of My Child? Special Needs Trusts and Proxy Parenting Explained: Proxy Parent Foundation

  Aug 24, 202637 minS2

  In this Resource Hub Edition of Voices Beyond the Spectrum, host Karla Chinen speaks with Carol Larkin, Director of Client Relations, and Carmen Bowen, Executive Director of Proxy Parent Foundation. Together, they discuss special needs trusts, personal support services, public benefits, and practical steps families can take to prepare for their loved one’s future. The conversation also addresses eligibility, common misconceptions, how to begin planning, crisis-support examples, and how thoughtful preparation can provide families with greater stability and peace of mind. Learn more about Proxy Parent Foundation at www.proxyparentfoundation.org . Voices Beyond the Spectrum is brought to you by Empathy for Autism California, Inc. Listen, follow, and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and Podbean.

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  Episode #28

  Leading with Love: A Father's Perspective Beyond the Diagnosis

  Jul 18, 20261h 9mS3

  What does fatherhood look like when every family's journey is different? In this special episode of Voices Beyond the Spectrum, four fathers come together to share their honest experiences of raising children with disabilities, navigating diagnoses, advocating for their families, and redefining what it means to lead with love. From the emotions that come with receiving a diagnosis to celebrating milestones, overcoming challenges, and finding strength in community, this conversation offers a powerful look at fatherhood through the lens of resilience, compassion, and unwavering commitment. Whether you're a parent, caregiver, professional, or someone who wants to better understand the disability community, these stories remind us that every family's path is unique, but no one has to walk it alone. Join host Karla Chinen as she sits down with William Argueta, Anthony Chinen, KJ Johnson, and Michael Mason for an authentic conversation about love, advocacy, vulnerability, and the many ways fathers show up for their children beyond the diagnosis. Because every diagnosis tells a story, but love is what defines the journey.

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  Episode #2

  Finding Community: Autism Society Inland Empire

  Jun 26, 202634 minS2

  In this episode of Voices Beyond the Spectrum Resource Hub Edition, host Karla Chinen speaks with Melissa Cardona and Dr. Fanny Cisneros from Autism Society Inland Empire about the organization’s mission, programs, and practical resources for autistic and neurodivergent children, teens, and adults. They share personal experiences, upcoming events, and tips for finding community and support. Encouraging listeners to give themselves grace, hold onto hope, and connect via ieautism.org or the organization’s newsletter. https://ieautism.org/ Sign Up for our Newsletter Calendar of Events Community Resources HCBS Training; The Latest On Regional Center Services Starting Strong ages 0-5

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