On this week’s episode, we learn all about my friend Jamie Lewis Smith’s experience, raising her autistic son. We talk about the challenges and the victories. We also talk about what blending families with her partner Brett has been like. Next week, I talk with Brett and learn what this journey has been like for him, from his perspective. About Jamie Lewis Smith: Jamie Lewis Smith, Ph.D. is a licensed Clinical Psychologist and the founder and CEO of Pixel Leadership Group, a leadership and organization development firm based out of Youngstown Ohio. She is a contributing member of the Forbes Coaches Council, a published author, and an international speaker on the topics of leadership, assessment, and change. Most importantly, Jamie is the mom of an awesome geography-loving autistic 8-year-old, Beckett, who can tell you what every country’s railroad crossing sounds like (yes, they are different). With a strong desire to support the autism community, she became a Board Member of Milestones Autism Resources, an Ohio-based nonprofit that improves the lives of autistic individuals and their families through education and evidence-based strategies for school, home, community, and at work. About Rob Gorski and The Autism Dad podcast: Rob Gorski is a single Dad to three amazing autistic boys and Found and CEO of The Autism Dad, LLC. Multiple award-winning blogger, podcaster, content creator, social media influencer, and respected public figure for well over a decade. Connect with Rob Gorski: https://listen.theautismdad.com. Mentioned in this episode: The Autism Society of Greater Akron: The Autism Society of Greater Akron is once again holding two Step Into Autism walks and resource fairs to support individuals and families living with Autism in northeast Ohio. This event attracts some 1,000 people and raises important dollars for ASGA’s programs like providing a free HelpLine for information and referral to local services, scholarships for every family in their water safety program and bike camp, social clubs for individuals with Autism, and many other ongoing education and community-based programs..  This next part is really important. All money raised here stays here!  The ASGA provides many important programs and services that support, educate, and advocate for people living with developmental disabilities and their families in Summit, Stark, Portage, Wayne, and Medina counties.  The Summit County walk is Saturday, June 10, at Lock 3, in Akron, and the Stark County walk is Saturday, August 12, at the McKinley Museum, Canton. To learn more, register a team, donate, or become a sponsor, please visit The Autism Society of Greater Akron. Goally: Goally is a comprehensive app, serving as a digital scheduler, AAC speaker, and token board system. Designed for unique thinkers like autistic and ADHD kids, it helps them master daily routines and therapy without parental reminders, reducing nagging and promoting self-management. Goally can be used on your child's device or an affordable, dedicated device, which we've found more effective in our home. For more information, you can visit getgoally.com and use the code “theautismdad” to save 10% off your order.